Living United in the Lakes Region

Join hosts Judi Taggart and Alan Robichaud as they explore the social world, and the good news within, here in the Lakes Region. LIVING UNITED IN THE LAKES REGION is a Lakes Region United Way show, designed to highlight the residents of the Lakes Region and how we work together to make it a better place for all to live. For more information, contact Judi Taggart at 524-6864 ext 104 or email here.

LIVING UNITED IN THE LAKES REGION is broadcast on LRPA-TV Channel 25 on these days and times:
Monday - 7:30 pm
Tuesday - 3:30 am
Wednesday - 4:30 pm; 7 pm; 11:30 pm
Thursday - 8:30 am
Friday - 4:30 am; 4:30 pm

Starting Wednesday, 1/25/12

VITA and CA$H Coalition
Host Alan Robichaud speaks with Kathy Kay-Pfenning, Lakes Region VITA site Coordinator, and Karen Wilson, CRA Officer of Laconia Savings Bank and Lead Volunteer for VITA, about this year's VITA site schedule and the work of the emerging CA$H Coalition, an effort to assist families in building assets, restoring credit and establishing a financially stable future.

VITA – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, is a program of the Lakes Region United Way that offers free tax return filing for qualifying residents. Over the years Lakes Region residents have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in returns. Learn more about this, the Earned Income Tax Credit and other programs that can start you on the path to financial stability. Make an appointment by calling 524-6864, ext. 102.

The CA$H Coalition of the Lakes Region provides opportunities for people earning low to moderate incomes to strength their financial well-Being by Creating Assets, building Savings and Hope. Many new savings programs will be developed over this next year that will assist individuals and families to build a more stable financial future. Stay tuned for more results!

Host Judi Taggart and Auctioneer P.K. Zyla share information about the 10th Annual Sweetheart Auction on February 7th. The show includes a preview of early donated items. Thanks to donors and volunteers who are busy working behind the scenes, community supporters will gather for an entertaining evening at Patrick's Pub in Gilford, benefitted local community programs. Cheryl Avery, the new Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region, shared information about her background, goals for the Club's future and programs available to area youth. Viewers were reminded that the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is again offering free tax preparation services by IRS certified volunteers. Appointments can be arranged by calling 524-6864 x102 after January 17.

LRUW Campaign Co-Chairs Marti Ilg of LR Child Care Services and Laura DiFonzo of Melcher & Prescott discussed their role in this year's community fundraising efforts, with recognition for all team members. They highlighted some of the local services made possible by donor support and discussed the Cru Con cruise incentive for donors. Maddy Kirker, a 4th grader at Pleasant Street School, shared efforts involving students, teachers, friends and community members to raise funds to help elderly and sick people purchase medications. "Maddy's Meds" is a grassroots effort selling baked goods and an angel ornament at local craft fairs and other locations. Tune in to learn more.

Join fellow Lakes Region members as they share accomplishments of the past year, tell stories of what's happening in our community and describe their aspirations for the future! Better Together, a Year of Reflection and Celebration (10/27/11) invites you to share your own dreams of what our community can become and how to make it…EXTRAORDINARY! Join us each month. E-mail: info@BetterTogetherLakesRegion.org

Host Judi Taggart reminded everyone that fall is not only return to school season but campaign kickoff for United Way, offering the community a way to support local services. This year, United Way donors have the opportunity to win one of five cruises donated by CruCon Cruise Outlet. The Ready for Kindergarten! program was introduced by Shannon Robinson-Beland, Community Support Coordinator, available through the Family Resource Center of Central NH, of LR Community Services. This research based series focuses on preparing parents as the first teachers of children from birth to age 5. Shannon also discussed many parent education opportunities. Contact Shannon at 524-1741 x15 to sign up for these valuable learning opportunities.

Co-Chairs Pam Paquette of PSNH and Cindy Hemeon-Plessner of MVSB discussed Day of Caring in Belknap, Carroll and Grafton Counties, involving over 200 volunteers helping to complete almost 80 projects for nonprofits in Central NH. After enjoying breakfast served and sponsored by Hannafords, Judi Taggart visited work project sites to see volunteers in action. Interviews included Duane Ordway of Belknap Landscape Company at Laconia Area Community Land Trust's Millview Property, Kim Huckaby of AFL Noyes Test & Inspection at Belknap Mill with Todd Frazier, Alana Persson of the Laconia High School team helping at Lakes Region Child Care Services and Laconia High Principal Steve Beals with Linda Lamontagne at Cornerbridge.

Host Judi Taggart was joined by Leadership Lakes Region (LLR) Board Chair Don Morrissey, Program Coordinator Marian Gill and LLR 2011 Graduates Kristen Welch of Genesis Behavioral Health and Joel Arsenault of Edward Jones Investments. LLR program participants become more knowledgeable about the Lakes Region and gain a network of new contacts. The monthly schedule offers one day workshops with first hand information from a variety of speakers, and increases understanding of the History and Culture, Social, Educational, Political, Economic, Health, and Environmental issues in the Lakes Region. Go to www.leadershiplakesregion.org, contact Marian Gill at info@leadershiplakesregion.org or call her at 524-6791 for information about the 2011-12 class starting in October. An update on the Got Lunch! summer lunch program shared that close to 6,000 lunches have been provided to 284 children, with over $25,000 raised to support this program from more than 100 donors. Better Together volunteer John Walker and Rev. Paula Gile, Associate Pastor of the Congregational Church of Laconia, with team of over 25 volunteers, made this all possible. To volunteer, donate or sign up for the Got Lunch! program, call 524-0668.

This month's show highlights the services and public events that are held at Taylor Community in Laconia. Director of Marketing Paul Charlton discussed the variety of programs sponsored there by local organizations. He encouraged viewers to contact him or Deb Carbone to reserve meeting rooms at Taylor Community. Host Judi Taggart announced that the 16th Annual Day of Caring will be held on Friday, September 9th in Belknap, Carroll and Grafton Counties. DOC Co-Chair Pam Paquette expressed the value of this community service day to volunteers who learn about the organization they are helping, and to the nonprofits that benefit from this event. Travis Cole, a DOC volunteer for many years and Lakes Region Rotary President, announced that Rotary members are offering technical assistance to help nonprofits plan the materials and volunteers needed for their projects.

Started Sunday, May 15, 2011
NH Easy Program and the Whole Village Family Resource Center

Join Host Judi Taggart as she discusses the NH Easy Program with Mel Braley, the Administrator of the Division of Family Assistance, DHHS. This program is a new way for NH families to apply for online for programs such as cash, medical, food stamps or child care assistance. Go to www.nheasy.nh.gov to learn more. Joyce Palmer is welcomed to LRUW as the Grafton County Regional Director. Joyce talks about services available at their Plymouth facility to strengthen families and build community. Go to www.wholevillage.net to connect with Joyce and her staff. Judi announced that this year's campaign kickoff and Day of Caring will be held on September 9th, offering volunteers the opportunity to help nonprofits complete much needed work projects. This year, nonprofit organizations can request help to plan their projects with assistance from Lakes Region Rotary members and community volunteers.

Starting Wednesday 4/13/11
Parenting, Better Together & Carroll County United
This month's show recognizes April as "Strengthening Families and Communities" month and highlights opportunities for parenting education and support planned into June. Shannon Robinson-Beland, Community Support Coordinator at the Family Resource Center of Central NH, also provides an update on Better Together grassroots action groups. To learn more about parenting opportunities, call 524-1741 or email frc@lrcs.org. See more information about Better Together here. Cyndi Paulin, LRUW's Regional Director for Carroll County, shares background about Carroll County United and how five action teams of volunteers address community needs. For more information about CCU, click here.

Started Monday 3/14/11
Got Lunch? Summer Program & Annette P. Schmitt Unsung Hero Award
Better Together volunteer John Walker and Rev. Paula Gile, Associate Pastor of the Congregational Church of Laconia, discussed a new summer lunch program in Laconia. A Better Together team of over 25 volunteers is busy coordinating the collection of monetary donations and distribution of healthy food items during the 11 week program. To volunteer, donate or sign up for the "Got Lunch?" program, call 524-0668. Host Judi Taggart invited Kathy Calvin to discuss the history behind the Annette P. Schmitt Unsung Hero Award and how to nominate someone who works "behind the scenes" on behalf of children and families to receive this public recognition. In addition to receiving this community award, the recepient will designate a charity to receive a monetary award. Go to www.lruw.org, contact Kathy Calvin at kgc@mlolaw.com or call her at 527-9182 for nomination information. Nominations are due by March 31st.

Started Wednesday 2/23/11
200 X 2020 Workforce Development Initiative
Alan Robichaud chats with panel members about a Lakes Region United Way and Chamber of Commerce Education and Workforce Development initiative called 200 X 2020; a notion that by 2020, a minimum of 200 local businesses will become engaged in the full array of supports to School-to-Career initiatives with area elementary, middle, high school and college level students. Joining Alan and Karmen Gifford, Executive Director of the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, is Deb Laliberte, Career Counselor at Gilford High School and Lauren Streifer, Academic Coordinator for Laconia High School both who provide a range of internships, community service, and extended learning opportunities for local students. The learn more about how your business or school can become involved in the 200 X 2020 initiative, call Alan at 524-6864, ext. 100.

Starting Wednesday 1/26/11
Sweetheart Auction and Cabin Fever Festival
Host Judi Taggart and Auctioneer P.K. Zyla share information about the 9th Annual Sweetheart Auction on February 8th. The show includes a preview and list of donated items received by mid-January. Thanks to donors and volunteers who are busy working behind the scenes, community supporters will gather for an entertaining evening at Patrick's Pub in Gilford. Plans for a new community event were shared by Tammy Levesque, Community Health Educator, LR Partnership for Public Health, and John Moriarty, Executive Director of the Historic Belknap Mill. Cabin Fever Festival is planned on Friday, February 18th, offering families a historic walking tour and progressive dinner at downtown Laconia restaurants, followed by a "Sock Hop" with dancing to the music of Annie and the Orphans at the Belknap Mill. Buttons for admission are available at the Belknap Mill...only $5 for children and $10 for adults, limited to 300. Viewers were reminded that the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is again offering free tax preparation services and e-filing by IRS certified volunteers.

Starting Thursday, Dec 23, 2010
Community Supporters Live United
Employees from three local businesses shared how they help raise awareness of community services and assist with employee campaigns for Lakes Region United Way. Representing Laconia Savings Bank's team of employee campaign coordinators, Cindy Bodah shared how they planned fun activities, like a trivia game and silent auction, and set many goals for employee participation. They raised over $100,000, including LSB's match of employee donations, an increase of over 22%. George Rose of AFL-Noyes Test & Inspection in Belmont was proud of employees who didn't just "wear the Live United shirt", but actively participated in the fall Day of Caring, and further supported United Way through payroll deductions. Laura DiFonzo of Melcher & Prescott and a United Way campaign volunteer, talked about her desire to learn more about where her annual donations have been invested. Laura discussed the tour of the Family Resource Center in Laconia as one example. Also very supportive of our community, Melcher & Prescott's employee campaign, directed by Holly Marston, increased by 11%. Host Judi Taggart thanked these guests who represent their employers and so many other businesses in our community that open their doors to employee presentations and increase awareness of local needs and services. The show ends with the announcement of the 9th Annual Sweetheart Auction at Patrick's Pub on Tuesday, February 8th.

Starting 11/16/10
WLNH Children's Auction (Dec 7-11) & Patrick's Pub Mania (Dec 9-10)

Molly King, 98.3 LNH Program Director, joined host Judi Taggart to promote the 29th Annual WLNH Children's Auction coming to the Conference Center at Lake Opechee Inn and Spa, and broadcast on 98.3 WLNH and MetroCast Cable Channel 25, LRPA-TV. The 2nd Annual Patrick's Pub Mania on December 9-10 will feature 28 teams of 24 members each, participating in the 24 hour event to boost the auction total. The public is invited to enjoy lunch or dinner with 20% of the gross proceeds supporting the auction. Representing beneficiaries of auction proceeds, Officer Doug Wall from the Gilford Police Relief Association and Officer John Howe from the Laconia Police Relief Fund, shared how the funds are used to support year-round needs of children. At the end of the show, this year's auction theme song, "Santa Can You Hear Me?" written and produced by Rick Page of Laconia is broadcast. Everyone is encouraged to donate auction items EARLY, with drop off locations at the WLNH studio in Gilford and MetroCast office in Belmont. For details, go to WLNH.com or call 527-5700 to donate.

This month's show highlights Day of Caring activities when 24 businesses fostered the spirit of volunteerism by allowing employees the day off to help with dozens of community work projects. DOC Co-Chairs Pam Paquette of PSNH and Cindy Hemeon-Plessner of MVSB joined Host Judi Taggart to share the importance of this day to the nine communities that benefitted from the efforts of over 170 volunteers. View pictures from Day of Caring here.

Shannon Robinson-Beland, Community Support Coordinator at the Family Resource Center of Central NH, discusses opportunities for parenting education and support and provides an update on Better Together grassroots action groups. See more information on Better Together here.

Tune in to Living United on LRPA-TV Channel 25 to hear Joyce Selig, Alana Persson and Lisa Morris speak about their involvement in Better Together Lakes Region. Lakes Region United Way and Better Together host Alan Robichaud interviews panel members on their roles and views on participating in Better Together and why it's important to our community. Log on to www.BetterTogetherLakesRegion.org for more information.

Starting 8/18/10
Boys & Girls Club Tour and Multicultural Market Day
This month's LR Public Access show traveled to the new home for the Boys & Girls Club of the LR in Lakeport. Join Host Judi Taggart as we tour their new location with Executive Director Dave Parker and Program Director Tori O'Hara. Go to www.bgclronline.org to learn more about their services. Carol Pierce shared plans for Laconia's Multicultural Market Day on Saturday, September 11th...a day-long festival to celebrate our growing diversity in the Lakes Region with arts, crafts, food from around the world and more! Check out more on their website www.laconiamulticulturalmarketday.org. Watch the video below!

Starting 7/21/10
Little Pesaukees Playgroup and LRGH Parenting Services
This month's LR Public Access show traveled to the Alton Bay Community Center to discover the services offered by the Little Pesaukees Playgroup. Resource Developer Pam Mott shared how the playgroup began and its vision for the children and families in the area. Program Director Laura MacStravic provided further insight, while some parents and their children are shown inside the playgroup facility. Go to www.littlepesaukees.org to learn more. Host Judi Taggart interviewed Ruth O'Hara, Director of Obstetrical Services at LRGHealthcare. Ruth provided an overview of educational and support services, focusing on prenatal education and parenting support. Ruth can be contacted at 527-2941 to schedule community presentations at schools, community and professional groups tailored to each group. Visit www.LRGH.org for more info. Watch the video below!

Starting 7/2/10
LRUW Annual Celebration and Awards
This month's LR Public Access show was broadcast from O Steaks & Seafood in Lakeport. Host Judi Taggart, along with President Jack Terrill, Board Chair John Malm and Campaign Team Member Marti Ilg, recognized community members for their support and community impact. Awards presented were the Sara Allen Award for program community impact to the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region; the Nighswander-Chertok Award for campaign design excellence to Meredith Village Savings Bank; the Ralph Bristol Award to Volunteer of the Year Maryann McCormack, with special recognition and thanks to all award nominees. 2010 Annette Schmitt Unsung Hero Award Winner Doug Whittum shared the importance of giving back to the community, and was joined by his two adorable and proud grandsons, Boden and Connor Gagne. Award winners and nominees are listed at the end of the show. Don't miss this special presentation of Living United in the Lakes Region! Click here for the full news story. Watch the video below!

Starting 6/7/10
Better Together... Community Forum
The Lakes Region Children and Family Coalition encourages the public to view the introductory session of Better Together, a community wide forum held on May 21st to look at ways of Taking Our Community from Ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY! Welcomed by Gilford Community Church Pastor Michael Graham and introduced by Youth of the Year, Matt Carignan of the Boys and Girls Club of the Lakes Region, keynote speaker Lew Feldstein, President and CEO of NH Charitable Foundation presents a dialogue on social capital and how civic engagement adds not only to the quality of ones life but also to the length of it! Tune in starting Monday, June 7th at 7:30 PM on Channel 25.
Contact Alan Robichaud (524-6864), ext. 100 or Karen Welford (524-7146) to find out more about how we are Better Together! Click below to watch the video.

Starting 5/1/10
Better Together.. Taking our Community from Ordinary to Extraordinary
Join Host Alan Robichaud as he discusses the community forum "BETTER TOGETHER ... Taking our community from ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY" with members of The Lakes Region Children and Family Coalition. Marti Ilg, LR Child Care Services, Dave Parker, Boys & Girls Club of the LR, and Shannon Robinson-Beland, LR Community Services encourages all community members to attend the event on Friday, May 21st at the Gilford Community Center. Lewis M. Feldstein, President of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and co-author of Better Together will join us for a day long, community-wide conversation on raising aspirations for children, families, and community. Please contact Shannon Robinson-Beland at shannonr@lrcs.org or 524-1741 x 15 with any questions. Watch the video below!

Starting 3/31/10
The new Caring for Women facility, and The UpStreamer e-newsletter
This month's LR Public Access show was on the road in Laconia, starting with a tour of the new Caring for Women facility on 734 North Main Street in Laconia. Laconia Clinic Executive Director Andy Patterson, at left with host Judi Taggart, proudly shared how LRGHealthcare and the Laconia Clinic combined women's health and OB/GYN services into a single, collaborative practice.

Dr. Michael Tovell and Provider Lucy Wilson discussed how patients now receive comprehensive services at one of four Caring for Women facilties in Laconia, Franklin and Moultonboro. Host Judi Taggart next visited the Lakes Region United Way's office to talk with Kevin Conway, Operations Manager, about their communications efforts, including the weekly e-newsletter The UpStreamer, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Go to www.lruw.org to view The UpStreamer or sign up to be added to the distribution list. President Jack Terrill then shared a personal community message at the end of the show.

Starting 2/7/10
2010 Census & Annette P. Schmitt Unsung Hero Award
Chris Cairns of the Portsmouth Census Office discussed the importance of the 2010 Census and how completion of your 10 minute survey, with only 10 questions, can affect local community resources. Host Judi Taggart invited Special Judge Bud Martin to discuss the history behind the Annette P. Schmitt Unsung Hero Award and how to nominate someone who works "behind the scenes" to receive this public recognition before the March 31st deadline. Laconia resident Deb Williams talked about how she was completely surprised when she received this award in 2003, and also shared information about other recipients over the years. Go to www.lruw.org or contact Kathy Calvin at kgc@mlolaw.com or call her at 527-9182 for nomination information.

Starting 1/20/10
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & SWEETHEART AUCTION
LR United Way welcomed Alan Robichaud, Community Development Director, to its staff in January. Alan discusses his new role to continue his community collaboration work focusing on healthy communities. Host Judi Taggart and Auctioneer P.K. Zyla share information about the 8th Annual Sweetheart Auction on February 9th at Patrick's Pub in Gilford. The show includes a preview of donated items, and recognizes those volunteers who are busy working behind the scenes on this very special event. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is also highlighted, offering free tax preparation services and e-filing by IRS certified volunteers.

Starting 12/2/09
WLNH Children's Auction & Patrick's Pub Mania
WLNH Children's Auction (Dec 8-12) and Patrick's Pub Mania (Dec 10-11) Guests are Molly King, Pat Kelly, Ed Darling and Allan Beetle.

Starting 10/20/09
Community Partners Campaign
Four community volunteers shared how they help raise awareness of community services and assist with

employee campaigns for Lakes Region United Way. Laconia resident and retired Middle School Principal Caesar Meledandri and Annette Belanger, Guidance Counselor at Belmont Elementary School, discussed their roles to connect with school administrators and staff, and shared some success stories. Belmont Elementary recorded an 18% increase in employee donations, and Wendy Olson at Laconia's Pleasant Street School raised over $2,500, a 21% increase. Cindy Bodah, one of Laconia Savings Bank's team of employee campaign coordinators, shared that employee participation has already exceeded last year and that employees look forward to their jeans "dress down" and Live United tshirt Fridays. Karon Thibault, Laconia Savings Bank, talked about how much more she's learned about United Way after volunteering as a campaign team member and touring some funded programs. Host Judi Taggart and the guests shared that the key is not how much an individual can donate, but how many participate... it all adds up to community social investment. The show ends with a list of organizations that offer a payroll deduction option of giving to their employees.

Tune in and encourage others to watch LIVING UNITED IN THE LAKES REGION. It is broadcast on LRPA-TV Channel 25 on these days and times:
Monday - 7:30 pm, Tuesday - 3:30 am, Wednesday - 4:30 pm; 7 pm; 11:30 pm, Thursday - 8:30 am & Friday - 4:30 am; 4:30 pm

Started 6/10/09

EARLY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Host Judi Taggart discussed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle during a mother's pregnancy, and programs to assist children at birth and during preschool years. Through the use of three infant manikins, Ruth O'Hara, (left) Director of Obstetrics at LRGHealthcare, demonstrated how to help caregivers and parents understand more about the effect of alcohol and drugs on a developing baby and about Shaken Baby Syndrome. Eva Thurston (center), Home Visitor at Laconia's Early Head Start, shared information about services for children and their parents provided at both their child care facility and during home visits.

Tune in and encourage others to watch LIVING UNITED IN THE LAKES REGION. It is broadcast on LRPA-TV Channel 25 on these days and times:
Monday - 7:30 pm, Tuesday - 3:30 am, Wednesday - 4:30 pm; 7 pm; 11:30 pm, Thursday - 8:30 am & Friday - 4:30 am; 4:30 pm

Started 5/20/09
Lakes Region United Way Annual Meeting
The new show was taped at our May 6th Annual Celebration and Awards at Church Landing in Meredith. Lakes Region United Way celebrated another year of social investment in the local community with the businesses and individuals who worked so hard to advance the common good. LRUW Community Champion Mike Seymour of Franklin Savings Bank shared how many people Live United and recognized the campaign team members who
assisted with special events and played a key role in generating anticipated revenues in excess of $950,000 to support community needs.

Host Judi Taggart interviewed the major award winners: Randy Eifert of Meredith, who received the Captain Ralph B. Bristol Award for outstanding volunteer of the year; Liz Fitzgerald and Marilyn Bell of 211 NH, recognized with the Sara Allen Award for their efforts to enhance their impact in the Lakes Region; and Sandy Marshall and Darcy Peary of LRGHealthcare as recipient of the Nighswander-Chertok Award for campaign design excellence.