Greetings!
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| June 2013 | |||
Mark Your Calendar: |
In This Issue:
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The guest on “The Dan Mitchell Morning Show” at 8:10 am Wednesday, June 19th will be the The River Center. WKBK regularly features a Monadnock United Way agency on the third Wednesday of each month. |
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Community After Hours Wednesday, June 12, 2013 A networking event bringing together the business and nonprofit communities.
For more information, call 603-352-5063. To register, click here. Also celebrating a Gallery Opening for current in-house local artist Robert D'Arcy, kicking off his three month summer show.
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2nd Annual UPS “Touch-a-Truck” Join UPS for their second annual Touch-a-Truck event benefiting Southwestern Community Services and the Keene Community Kitchen. This year's event will be held at the Market Basket in Swanzey on June 29th from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Admission is $3.00 for kids 16 and under, adults are FREE!
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Monadnock United Way (MUW) Hosting Four Community Well-Being Forums
WE VALUE YOUR INPUT! MUW will be hosting four community forum sessions throughout the region to discuss and create a shared vision for Community Well-Being in the Monadnock Region. These sessions are FREE and open to the public. Space is limited, so reservations are required. Economic Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Child Welfare What are the opportunities to address these issues? Who is needed? Where do we start? How do we collectively align our region’s resources? Hear the data that tells us our region’s needs, help set a vision for the future, provide input into a potential starting place, be part of the solution! Session Locations and Times: Wednesday, June 19th Wednesday, June 19th Thursday, June 20th Thursday, June 20th For more information or to reserve a seat at one of the sessions, email [email protected], SPACE IS LIMITED, SO RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED! Partial funding for this project was provided by the A. Erland and Hazel N. Goyette Memorial Fund and the Monadnock Challenge Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation – Monadnock Region. |
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Vision 2020 Third Annual Healthiest Community Summit “Ready by 21: Ensuring all youth are prepared for school, work, and life”
Karen Pittman is one of our country’s top leaders on youth issues and has served as Director of the President’s Crime Prevention Council during the Clinton Administration and helped to create the America’s Promise initiative with General Colin Powell. She is the author of three books and dozens of articles on youth issues and has been honored with national awards as well as recognized in the NonProfit Times’ Power and Influence Top 50. Additional topics discussed at the Summit will focus on the progress our community has made on Vision 2020 goals, a celebration of the accomplishments of Vision 2020 partners, and an opportunity to learn how local schools, work sites and organizations can become more involved with the Organizational Champions program. For more information and to RSVP, please call Kelsey Plifka, Community Health Coordinator, at |
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An AFP Northern New England NetEd Event Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Keene State College Capacity building has a wide variety of meanings. Come hear from funders and grant recipients about messaging, evaluation and outcomes. Panelists: Byron Champlin, CLU is the Program officer for the Lincoln Financial Foundation with over two decades of experience with Foundation work, not for profit management, chambers of commerce, and public relations. Irene Herold, PhD is currently the Dean of Mason Library at Keene State College. Irene has an extensive background in funding proposal writing and private giving and was instrumental in the successful application to the Davis Foundation for a grant to revamp the core curriculum at Keene State College. Melinda Mosier is a Senior Program Officer at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation with over decade of experience in all aspects of non-profit organizations. In her current role, she provides leadership and management for the Monadnock region’s programs, grantmaking, and donor services activities. Margaret Nelson is the Executive Director of The River Center: A Family and Community Resource Center which delivers family support and economic opportunity programs and services to families and individuals of all abilities in the 14 towns of the Eastern Monadnock region. Margaret worked closely with Melinda Mosier after receiving a grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation in March of 2010 to merge two organizations that became The River Center. AFP NNE Members: $20, Non-members: $30 (This program qualifies for 1.5 CEUs). Click here to register. |
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What Donors Want: A Prompt Thank You By Katie Gardella When’s the last time you thought about your acknowledgement process? How quickly you thank your donors, the content of your acknowledgement letter, and the degree to which you personalize your letters? According to Penelope Burk in her book “Donor Centered Fundraising”, one of the top things donors want from a charity they support is a prompt, personalized acknowledgement. And not just major donors — ALL donors. Are you currently sending out a “Dear Friend” thank you letter on a post card because it saves you money?�Perhaps the money you save here is losing you money in the long run by discouraging donors to give again.�Do you wait more than 10 days to thank a donor because you don’t have time or staff to churn out thank you letters more often?�This may be best for you, but it’s not good for the donor and may discourage them from giving again. Take a look at your current thank you letter.�It is inspiring? Does it truly reflect the great work your organization does and the sincere thanks you feel at the depth to which the community supports it?�If not, re-write your letter using the following tips:
Katie Gardella is Founder and President of Prosper Fundraising Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in major gifts, board and staff development, and development planning. Please visit www.prosperfundraising.com for more information and free resources. |
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Are You Prepared for Severe Weather?
Put together an emergency preparedness kit:
NH Red Cross is a Monadnock United Way Agency. |
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The River Center’s 8th Annual Spelling Bee a Success!
The River Center provides parenting education, home visiting for pregnant young women and their babies, employment readiness skills, free tax preparation, and community resource assistance. Go to www.rivercenter.us for more information or call 924-6800. Photo courtesy of Steve Lipofsky. The River Center is a Monadnock United Way Agency. |
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Upcoming June Golf Tournaments Benefiting Monadnock United Way Agencies
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Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Year Recognized At its Annual Recognition Ceremony, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western New Hampshire (BBBS) recognized Big Sister Pamela White and her Little Sister Tynesha Vizcaino and Big Brother Paul Dubois and his Little Brother Ryan Johnson as the “Bigs of the Year”. Their stories are remarkable and demonstrate how BBBS mentoring programs change the lives of children, for the better, forever Pamela White and Tynesha Vizcaino
Pam has helped Tynesha apply for college and is excited she will be attending the NH Technical Institute this Fall. Pam plans on encouraging her to succeed and flourish in her education. Tynesha’s Mom can’t say enough nice things about Pam and is very grateful that Pam motivated Tynesha to pursue a college education. Paul Dubois and Ryan Johnson
Paul taught Ryan to drive, helped him quit smoking and motivated him to become more responsible and try harder in school. Paul has encouraged Ryan to pursue a military career after he graduates in June. Ryan is part of the JRROTC Program and is performing well. Ryan’s Mom describes Paul as “fantastic, caring and responsible.” Phil Hueber, BBBS Executive Director recognized Pamela and Paul for meeting the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters by saying, “you have changed the lives of Tynesha and Ryan for the better, forever.” Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western New Hampshire is a Monadnock United Way Agency. |
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The warmer months are here! Although our Fuel Assistance Program is closed for the summer months, please know that we have other energy programs that run year-round: Electric Assistance and Neighbor Helping Neighbor. The Electric Assistance Program provides eligible households with a discount on their utility bill. The Neighbor Helping Neighbor Program provides eligible households (facing a hardship but ineligible for Fuel Assistance) with one-time help to avoid an electric disconnection. Households can contact Energy Services to schedule an appointment: 352-7512. SCS Energy Services has absorbed the energy conservation programs as well, including Weatherization. Now all energy programs through SCS are part of the Energy Services Department. Please contact Beth Daniels for more information: [email protected]. Feel free to check out our agency website with information regarding Energy Services, Homeless Services, Head Start, WIC, Housing, and Commodity Foods, among others: www.scshelps.org. SCS is located at 63 Community Way (off Water Street in Keene). There has been much road construction around this area over the past few months but please know that we are here, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM. Thank you and enjoy the sunshine! SCS Enegy Services Team SCS is a Monadnock United Way Agency. |
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Mayhew Alums Share Their Experiences with MUW Allocations Committee
Mayhew is a Monadnock United Way Agency. |
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Monadnock RSVP Volunteer Center Announces New Staff Monadnock RSVP Volunteer Center is pleased to announce Peter Moore as the new Program Coordinator for the Peterborough office and our independent living program, Neighbors-In-Deed in which he will be developing our new initiative to focus on veterans and military family members. Peter’s professional background is multi-faceted and broad. He spent over two decades as a Product Manager, Planner, and Corporate Sales Manager at EMS in Peterborough and in the natural products industry as a buyer and store manager. He worked for the Society for the Protection of NH Forests for three years in their Concord Conservation Center in Outreach & Education and Business Membership Development. He also was employed as a Land-use Planner for the Town of Antrim in which he resides. Peter has extensive volunteer experience and has served on many municipal boards in Antrim, including a term as selectman, community event committees, and as a fire fighter and EMT for 20 years. He also served as a RSVP Volunteer. Stop in to meet Peter when he is in Peterborough on Monday and Thursday at 9 Vose Farm Road or Tuesday and Wednesday at 64 Main Street in Keene from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Monadnock RSVP Volunteer Center is a Monadnock United Way Agency. |
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Summer Events at Plowshare Farm ELECTRIC EARTH CONCERTS returns to share two high-quality musical performances in June. Then come out in July for the Plowshare Farm Annual Summer Party! Friday, June 14th, 7:00 PM Friday, June 21st, 7:00 PM Sat., July 20th 3-7:00 PM For more information, visit Plowsharefarm.org or call 603-547-2547. Plowshare Farm is a Monadnock United Way Affiliate Agency |
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The Monadnock International Film Festival (MonIFF) Thanks Savings Bank of Walpole and the Monadnock United Way
If you would like to participate in the 2014 Non-Profit Ticket Collaborative, please e-mail [email protected]. For more information about the festival please visit moniff.org. |
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The cat spay/neuter clinic is open to cat guardians who do not have a veterinarian of their own or can not otherwise afford to spay or neuter their cats. Cats brought to the clinic are given a basic exam, after which they are spayed (females) or neutered (males) and given distemper complex and rabies vaccines as appropriate. Cats will also have their ears cleaned, nails trimmed, and coats checked for fleas. The cost is $55 for male cats and $65 for female cats. Flea and ear mite treatments are available for an additional $5 per cat. Microchips are available for $10 per cat (clinic only). This clinic is open to all healthy cats, including:
A $25 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot in the clinic. You can register three ways:
Be sure to include your name, mailing address, phone number, your cat’s name and gender, and which clinic you would like to register for. 2013 Spay/Neuter Clinic Dates: For more information, visit www.monadpets.org and go to the resources page, or call 603-352-9011, ext. 123. |
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Coming in July: The Pawn Shop Presents 3-ON-3 Basketball Tournament
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Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Western New Hampshire The Community Kitchen Contoocook Valley Transportation Company (CVTC) Horse Power Therapeutic Riding at Touchstone Farm Keene Day Care Center Keene Senior Center MAPS Counseling Services Monadnock Adult Care Center Monadnock Area Peer Support Agency (MPS) Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention Monadnock Family Services Monadnock RSVP Volunteer Center Phoenix House Keene Center
The Samaritans, Inc. Southwestern Community Services Winchester Learning Center |
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| Monadnock United Way | 23 Center Street | Keene, New Hampshire 03431 | 603-352-4209 | |||
| © Monadnock United Way | |||
June on WKBK…
Vision 2020 will host the third annual Healthiest Community Summit featuring keynote speaker, Karen Pittman, CEO and President of the Washington, DC-based, Forum for Youth Investment. Karen will present “Ready by 21: Ensuring all youth are prepared for school, work and life.” This event is free and open to the public and will be held at Monadnock Covenant Church, Rte 9 in Keene, NH from 7:30 AM-3:00 PM on Thursday, June 6. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
As Summer heats up, it’s time to prepare your home and your family for potential Thunderstorms. A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least 1 inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Prepare for storms by learning about your community’s emergency warning system for severe thunderstorms. Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be away from windows, skylights and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail.
The River Center: A Family and Community Resource Center’s 8th Annual Community Spelling Bee was held on May 3 at the Peterborough Players. Eighteen teams, each comprised of 3 spellers, competed for the glory of being named the best spellers in the community. Many of the teams showed their creativity in their team names (like the Gospellers from Trinity Evangelical Church, or the I.V. League from Monadnock Community Hospital) and their costumes. In the end, it was the Mod Barbees who were victorious, correctly spelling “synoptophore” and taking home both the winning prize and the prize for the best costumes. Thank you to all participants and all attendees for bringing your team spirit and enthusiasm to make this a successful fundraiser for The River Center. 
Tynesha and Pam were first matched 8 years ago and a remarkable friendship began almost immediately. They have created plays, written stories, made arts and crafts and have enjoyed attending concerts, plays, ballet and poetry readings. They also have fun cooking and taking walks.
Paul and Ryan were matched five years ago and their relationship has grown to be much like real brothers. They’ve enjoyed movies, playing video games and playing Frisbee, baseball, basketball and soccer. They’ve had fun going out for pizza, boating and talking about Ryan’s future.
Mayhew alums, Josh and Jake, recently met with the Monadnock United Way’s Allocations Committee, sharing the meaning of their Mayhew experience. Josh, is a junior in Computer Science at Keene State College and Jake will be attending River Valley Community College in the fall.�For more information about Mayhew, visit their website, 
The Savings Bank of Walpole sponsored MonIFF’s Non-Profit Ticket Collaborative — making it possible for the film festival to be accessible to all who wished to attend by reserving tickets for the staff and clients of Monadnock United Way Agencies. Monadnock United Way was the clearing house for program, alerting local non-profits that tickets were available for clients and staff. Other donors included Ted Raviv and Cat Harris, Bob and Dita Englund, Jane Taylor, Keith Thibault and Family and Jay and Sue Pettapiece along with other supporters who wish to remain anonymous.
The River Center