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Dick Ober Speaks to Volunteers at a
Recent Campaign Report Meeting in Peterborough

Dick Ober leads the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the largest private provider of nonprofit grants and student aid in northern New England. The Foundation manages $600 million in charitable funds donated by hundreds of families and individuals, and awards some 5,000 grants and scholarships exceeding $30 million annually.

Dick has 30 years of experience in nonprofit management and civic affairs. Before coming to the Foundation he held senior staff positions at the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and the Monadnock Conservancy. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards and public commissions, including several Gubernatorial appointments.

Dick has written and lectured widely on community philanthropy, civic life, and the connections between people and the places they live. His work has been published in books, book chapters, magazines, and journals. He has been recognized with awards from the Environmental Protection Agency, the State of New Hampshire, and Plymouth State University, and has repeatedly been named as one of the state‘s most influential people by Business New Hampshire magazine.

Dick lives with his wife and daughter in Dublin, New Hampshire.

Highlights from Dick’s Talk:

• Dick is a “Monadnock guy”—his family has lived in the Monadnock Region since the 1780s!
• Dick is the 6th President/CEO in the 52 year history of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation (NHCF)
• NHCF is a 501(c)(3), founded by New Hampshire people for New Hampshire people
• There are over 85,000 foundations in America, most of which are private foundations
• NHCF is one of about 800 community foundations; 85% of the US population is served by a community foundation
• NHCF manages around 1,600 funds for every imaginable purpose, and ranging in size from $10,000 to $70 million
• Each fund has been set up by people who live in, work in, and love New Hampshire
• Every year NHCF opens 50-60 new funds
• Every family in the Monadnock Region is served by a nonprofit every day whether they know it or not
• New Hampshire ranks better than the US average for community engagement, and the Monadnock Region is one of the best regions in the State
• Challenge for nonprofits: Nonprofits will have to share a greater portion of the common burden for the foreseeable future… trends show that there will be less public money available
• To meet this challenge, nonprofits will have to rely more on innovation, nimbleness, passion, and rolling up their sleeves to be willing to do more
• In New Hampshire, the network of nonprofits makes up about 15% of the State’s gross domestic product; this is a significant part of the economy and it is nothing without the power of volunteers!

You can listen to what Dick had to say here: http://youtu.be/xwxLQxg0c0k.

SCS Energy Services

SCS Energy Services continues to take applications for the Fuel Assistance and Electric Assistance Programs. We are also taking Neighbor Helping Neighbor applications for those who do not qualify for Fuel Assistance but have a disconnect notice from their utility. Please feel free to call one of our main offices in order to schedule an appointment. The Keene office number is 352-7512 and the Claremont office number is 542-9528. If someone is homebound or otherwise unable to come to their appointment, they can write a statement that another individual (family member, caseworker, etc.) can complete their appointment on their behalf.

We are wishing everyone a warm and happy winter season!

Thank you,
SCS Energy Services

SCS is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

Donate Your Car to the Keene Senior Center

It’s so easy. Making a donation takes only 5 minutes. Call 352-5037, or go to www.thekeeneseniorcenter.org. Click on ways to give. Leon’s Auto Center/J&L Auto Body will tow, appraise, and sell your vehicle for the best possible price to assure the highest tax deduction for you. The Senior Center takes your car running or not and does all the paper work including the IRS documentation for your tax deduction. Your donation will make it possible for more people to enjoy the Senior Center.

The Keene Senior Center is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

YogaWeekend 2015 to Benefit Hospice at HCS

All residents of the Monadnock region are invited to attend YogaWeekend, set for Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25.

YogaWeekend is an opportunity for those new to yoga, as well as the more experienced student, to try a variety of yoga styles first-hand with classes led by several local instructors.

Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. each day. Classes will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the last class will start at 3:00 p.m.

Massage and Reiki will be available throughout each day. Continental breakfast and a light lunch are provided. There will be a raffle for a stay at the famed Kripalu in Stockbridge, MA and a silent auction with many items donated from area businesses and individuals.

All classes, massage, Reiki, and breakfast and lunch are by donation, with proceeds benefiting Hospice at HCS, the local nonprofit hospice providing end of life care to people at home, in assisted living facilities and in long term care facilities in southwestern New Hampshire.

YogaWeekend 2015 will be held at Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services, 312 Marlboro Street in Keene. For more information call HCS at 352-2253 or visit HCSservices.org.

HCS is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

It’s Your Money… Be Savvy

Keene Senior Center and The Community Kitchen are presenting a series of workshops to assist folks over 50 to become even smarter about managing money. This effort is learn tips to be savvier about the dollar. We know that most people over 50 know how to manage their money, but often there is just enough for extras. These workshops are about making sure that we are as savvy, as we can be, about our money.

All workshops will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (or 7:30) at the Keene Senior Center, a light supper will be served, and for perfect attendance at all 6 workshops participants will be awarded a $25 Gift Certificate to Hannaford’s. The workshops are limited to 20 people, to who have low to moderate income, (less than $34,450 for an individual, $45,050 for 2 person family size), and for people who are over 50.

January 12, 2015, Budgeting—What is Need and What is Want. Taught by City of Keene, Human Services, Natalie Darcy, Case Worker, City of Keene. 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

January 26, 2015, Credit Reports—How to build good credit, How to get a credit report (on-line, mail), Why it is important, and What to do about bad credit. Taught by Savings Bank of Walpole, Martha Curtis, Vice President, Retail Administration. 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

February 9, 2015, Plastics—Debit Cards, Credit Cards, BYOL (Be Your Own Lender). Taught by Chrystal Pearson AVP, Business Banking Officer; and Amy Driscoll, Senior Personal Banker—both of Citizens Bank. 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

February 23, 2015, Consumer Credit Counseling—Taught by Clete Thomas, Certified Credit Counselor, Community Outreach Coordinator, American Consumer Credit Counseling, free service. Mr. Thomas will talk about the process of cleaning off Credit Card debt. 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

March 9, 2015, What to Do When the House or Apartment is Just Too Much!—This workshop is focused on the housing decision, and it is a panel discussion. Presenters: Mascoma Savings Bank, Annie Bilodeau, Loan Officer; Southwestern Community Services, Keith Thibault, Chief Development Officer; Nancy Thompson, a Real Estate professional and Senior Center Vice President board member; and Carol Sorterup, who recently moved from her home to private apartment. 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

March 23, 2015, When There is Just Not Enough Money—This workshop is focusing on services available seniors that help you add money to your pocket. Panel Discussion: Presenters: Service Link-SNAP Program, Jessica Seher, Director; and The Community Kitchen, Phoebe Bray, Executive Director; Employment Agency, speaker TBA. 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

This program is possible with a grant from the Monadnock United Way. To satisfy the grant requirements, we will do a short pre- and post- quiz on general fiscal information.

Keene Senior Center and The Community Kitchen are Monadnock United Way Agencies.

Monadnock Humane Society Appoints New Volunteer Coordinator

Monadnock Humane Society (MHS) announced the appointment of Amee Abel as their new Volunteer Coordinator. She replaces Margaret Atkinson who moved on to a position as Executive Director for a nonprofit agency in Vermont. Abel reports to Stephanie Frommer, Senior Director of Shelter Operations and Field Services.

Abel brings experience in journalism, animal training, instructing, and social media to her new role. She has served as an MHS volunteer and works part-time as an MHS dog training instructor. In this role, Abel will support MHS’s existing volunteers and develop new volunteers.

Abel says, “I’m excited to be given the chance to support our good friends, and to expand the volunteer programs at MHS. Volunteers play a vital role in allowing MHS to fulfill its mission to foster a compassionate community by promoting and providing for the well-being of animals.”

Abel founded Monadnock Therapy Pets, the MHS program that supports Monadnock area residents interested in volunteering with their dogs. Since its inception in 2011, Monadnock Therapy Pets has grown to include over 25 registered and insured therapy dog teams who volunteer in over 15 facilities in the Monadnock region including Keene State College, Summerhill Assisted Living, and Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene. A journalist with over 20 years of experience, Abel has written for a variety of magazines and newspapers on subjects ranging from computers and technology to keeping your pet safe during the holidays. She is a certified professional dog trainer and has earned national recognition with her dogs for their performances in a variety of dog sports.

To find out about volunteer opportunities at MHS, visit our website at www.monadnockhumanesociety.org or contact Amee at ameea@humanecommunity, 603.352.9011, ext. 147.

Monadnock Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization that serves the Monadnock region, covering 44 towns and their approximately 90,000 residents. MHS cares for approximately 2,200 animals each year with a staff of 28 and the help of over 300 volunteers. Its mission is to foster a compassionate community by promoting and providing for the well-being of animals.

Monadnock United Way On Cheshire TV

Watch Cheshire TV Channel 8 (Time Warner Cable) every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. and see how our partner agencies, donors, volunteers, and corporate partners LIVE UNITED!

Can’t watch it on Wednesdays, or you are not a Time Warner subscriber, episodes are posted on the Monadnock United Way YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/monadnockunitedway).

How do you LIVE UNITED? Email LiveUnited@muw.org and tell us. If your story is read on the TV show you’ll win a LIVE UNITED t-shirt!

All schedules are subject to change without notice.

Wish List

The deadline for Wish List items in the next U Review (February 2015) is Monday, January 19, 2015. Please send your updates and additions to gary@muw.org. Wish List items that have not been confirmed or updated risk being removed, so please remember to keep your items current.

Hundred Nights
Winter boots, gloves and hats; warm socks, hand and foot warmers; personal care items like razors, shaving cream, mouthwash; coffee, creamer, sugar, tea, juices; heat and eat stews, soups, butter, peanut butter and jelly — 352-5197

Keene Senior Center
Movie DVDs that Seniors would like; decaf & regular coffee; office chair in good condition; antique items (larger items OK); Windows 7 or newer computers (working or not); laminate paper or roll; sharp knives and butchers’ steel for kitchen; cotton quilting fabric — 352-5037

MCVP Crisis and Prevention Center
Plastic bins; diapers; wipes; shampoo & conditioner; deodorant; liquid body soap; pillows (new); HD laundry soap; poster board — 352-3844 ext. 204

Monadnock Area Peer Support Agency (MPS)
Nightstand; Bedside lamp; Toaster; Zentangle How-To Art Books; Ultra-Thin Markers (for Zentangle); Crochet Hooks; also for the Marla Stefflre Shelf, the following items are needed: Toilet paper; Paper towels; Tissues; Trash bags; Ziploc bags; Disposable latex and vinyl gloves; Dishwashing gloves; Toiletries such as hand lotion, shampoo and conditioner, hand sanitizer, body wash, hand soap, shaving cream; Tampons, sanitary napkins and depends; Disposable razors (female and male); Cleaning supplies; Diapers and wipes for babies — 352-5093

Monadnock Humane Society
For dogs: Kongs (a chew toy); dry & wet dog food; pill pockets; brain toys
For cats: Cat beds; dry & wet cat food; cat toys; pill pockets
General: Gift cards from local stores like Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Petco, One Stop Country Pet Supply, Horse & Buggy Feeds (to purchase pet items) — 352-9011

Southwestern Community Services: Housing Stabilization Services
New bed pillows; new or gently used bath towels, hand towels, wash cloths; new or gently used single-size sheet sets; new or gently used single-size blankets and/or comforters; pre-paid gas cards; warm socks; hats, mittens, gloves; diapers; feminine hygiene products — Laurie 791-4209

Winchester Learning Center
Area rugs; tops for our toddlers; wooden table with pull out leaves for our meeting area — 239-7347