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The U Review
February 2015

Mark Your Calendar:

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Mental Health First Aid Certification Training
Mental Health First Aid is the help offered to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis resolves. Philip Wyzik MA, Instructor.
Dates: Saturday, February 7 and Saturday, February 14, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Place: Cheshire Medical Center, North Conference Room, 580 Court Street, Keene, NH
Cost: $25.00
For more information, call 357-4400.
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It’s Your Money... Be Savvy
Presented by Keene Senior Center and The Community Kitchen. A series of workshops to assist those over 50 to become smarter about managing their money.
Date(s): Mondays, February 9 & 23, and March 9 & 23, 2015
Time: 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. (March workshops 6:00-7:30 p.m.)
Place: Keene Senior Center, 70 Court St., Keene, NH
Cost: Free, but attendance is limited to 20 people who have low- to moderate-income (less than $34,450 for individual, $45,050 for 2-person family), and who are over 50.
For more information, contact the Keene Senior Center at 603-352-5037.
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4th Annual Masquerade Ball
Benefitting Hundred Nights. Masks and costumes are encouraged, but not required.
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2015
Time: Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Place: Keene Country Club, 55 West Hill Road, Keene, NH
Cost: $50.00 per person
For more information, call Mindy at 352-5197.


In This Issue:

On the AirFebruary on WKBK…

The guest on “The Dan Mitchell Morning Show” at 8:10 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2015 will be Monadnock Area Peer Support Agency.

WKBK regularly features a Monadnock United Way agency on the third Wednesday of each month.

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Mental Health First Aid Certification Training

Mental health challenges—such as depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance use—are shockingly common in the United States. In fact, more than one in five American adults will have a mental health problem in any given year.

The National Council for Behavioral Health certifies individuals throughout the nation, including Monadnock Family Services, to provide Mental Health First Aid courses to prepare their communities with the knowledge and skills to help individuals who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Identified on SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, the training helps the public better identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses. For more information on Mental Health First Aid, visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org.

Monadnock Family Services is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

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Monadnock United Way Welcomes Two Interns

Monadnock United Way welcomes Heather Fagan and Sean Ballard. Heather and Sean will intern with Monadnock United Way for the spring semester and will be working closely with Kelly Steiner, Collective Impact Director on several projects.

Heather is a senior at Keene State College (KSC) majoring in Health Science with a specialization in Community Health and minoring in Management. Heather is from Emerson, New Jersey. For the past three years, she has been the treasure for CRU Club, a Christian based club on campus, and also participates in intramural volleyball. In her spare time she enjoys experimenting with her artistic abilities by drawing in charcoal pencil.

Heather is looking forward to her intern experience and opportunities that this position holds. Her goals for the future include finding a career that enables her to grow as an individual, while improving the well-being of communities and individuals.

SeanSean, also a senior at KSC, is studying Health Promotion and Wellness/Community Health. Sean is from Hubbardston, Massachusetts. He is the youngest of 4—two brothers and a sister. He is also the proud Uncle of two beautiful nieces, Joslyn and Taylor. Sean is the Student Coordinator for the Community Service Coalition at KSC and is also the Vice President of the Social Activities Council, the Secretary for the Class of 2015 Student Government, the Secretary for Advocates for Healthy Communities, and is leading an Alternative Break Trip this coming Spring to Kilmarnock, VA to volunteer at a Free Health Clinic.

Sean is excited to work for Monadnock United Way this semester and learn more about the economic experience within the Monadnock Region. He plans on continuing to work for a non-profit when he graduates in May and looks forward to moving into the next chapter of his life with the knowledge provided to him by Monadnock United Way.

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Schedule Your Tax Preparation Meeting at The River Center

You could be eligible for Tax Credits designed to help people with moderate and low incomes! Allow one of the IRS certified Tax Preparers at The River Center to help you!

Schedule your tax preparation meeting at The River Center, 46 Concord Street, in Peterborough, NH, or call 603-924-6800.

Money Matters is made possible by support from: The River Center, IRS, The Cash Coalition of New Hampshire, NH Charitable Foundation and individual volunteers from our communities. The River Center is an IRS sponsored VITA Site.

The River Center is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

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Mini-Grants Available to Organizations with Programs to Prepare Children to Start School Ready to Learn

The Success by Six Committee of the Keene and Elm City Rotary Clubs has mini-grants available to organizations that have programs working with young children to help them start school ready to learn.

This program is limited to the service area of the Keene and Elm City Rotary Clubs, which includes Keene and the towns listed in the Family Resource Guide. The Family Resource Guide is available on the web at www.keenerotary.org or www.clubrunner.ca/keeneelmcity.

If your organization is interested in applying for a mini-grant, please send a letter with the details of your request for a specific project or need to:

Rotary Club of Keene
Attn: Success By Six
PO Box 126
Keene, NH 03431

or e-mail [email protected]

Requests must be postmarked or received by March 3, 2015 to be considered.

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4th Annual Masquerade Ball Benefitting Hundred Nights

Hundred Nights, Inc. is pleased to announce that the 4th Annual Masquerade Ball is taking place on March 28, 2015! If you have never been, the Ball is a fabulous event that features local band Murphy’s Blues. Put on your dancing shoes and join in the fun!

The event will be held this year at the Keene Country Club, located at 55 West Hill Road, in Keene. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. An array of delectable hors d’oeuvres, savory and sweet, will be provided and a cash bar will be available. Masks and costumes are encouraged, but not required! Tickets are $50 per person, and are available at the door that evening or ahead of time at Prime Roast Coffee on Main Street, Toadstool Bookstore at the Colony Mill, or Brewbaker’s Café on Main Street, all in Keene.

All proceeds will benefit the Cold Weather Shelter, Open Doors Resource Center and the Be Well Free Medical Clinic of Hundred Nights Inc., which is dedicated to providing a warm and safe space to anyone in need, during the day and overnight. The Shelter opened this year on December 1st, as this winter has been a particularly cold one. People experiencing homelessness have a much higher risk than the general population of developing exposure related conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite, due to many factors including inadequate clothing, malnutrition and underlying infection, lack of fitness and fatigue. To help keep people well, medical professionals from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center volunteer their time at the Be Well Clinic on Monday evenings—check in is between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., appointments are between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. to anyone who is uninsured or homeless.

Join Hundred Nights on March 28, 2015 for the 4th Annual Masquerade Ball. Please help keep their doors open! For more information please call Mindy Cambiar at 352-5197.

Hundred Nights, Inc. is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

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The NH Pro Bono Program’s Low-Income Taxpayer Project

The Pro Bono Referral Program’s Low-Income Taxpayer Project opened 89 new cases in 2014, up from 49 in 2013. Qualified individuals facing federal income tax controversies may receive free advice and representation from the Low-Income Taxpayer Project’s staff attorney or from one of the project’s volunteer tax professionals.

One of the latest success stories involved a couple with a $21,000 federal income tax liability leftover from 2002, when they tried to run their own business. A car accident left the husband disabled in 2011; since then, the family of five has been living off of the wife’s bartending income. A revenue officer contacted them in mid-2013 about the old debt, as well as the couple’s failure to file some recent tax returns. He suggested that they contact the Low-Income Taxpayer Project, and they did so. The clinic director persuaded the IRS to cease collection activity, based on documentation of the family’s dire financial situation, and then a volunteer accountant prepared the couple’s missing returns. Thanks to the Earned Income Tax Credit, the couple found that they could pay off all the old debt and have $2,200 left over as a refund.

NH Pro Bono is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

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SCS Energy Services

The Energy Services Department at Southwestern Community Services continues to take applications for Fuel Assistance, Electric Assistance, and Neighbor Helping Neighbor. Staff has taken over 4,000 applications for Fuel Assistance as of mid-January and will continue taking appointments through the month of April 2015.

Please feel free to check out our website for information on these and other programs available through Southwestern Community Services: www.scshelps.org

Thank you,
SCS Energy Services

SCS is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

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The Winchester Learning Center Awarded a Grant from the
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation

The Winchester Learning Center, a preschool, childcare, and family resource center, recently received a grant of $5000.00 for the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Monadnock Community Fund. This grant will be used to enhance the Family Resource Program that the Winchester Learning Center offers by adding a part time family advocate to the staff. Autumn Nall, who has a BA in Sociology and an MS in Human Services, began her position of family advocate on January 1, 2015. This position will allow the Winchester Learning Center to offer parent education, and continue offering assistance for families locating and securing resources for food, fuel, housing, and employment.

The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation serves communities throughout New Hampshire, southeastern Maine and eastern Vermont. The Foundation manages a growing collection of charitable funds created by individuals, families and corporations. Outside the government, the Foundation is the largest grantmaker in the state, making more than 3000 grants to nonprofits and nearly 1600 student aid awards totaling approximately $30 million annually. The Foundation is nonpartisan, frequently playing the role of convener and catalyst on a broad spectrum of issues. Based in Concord, the Foundation roots itself in the communities through regional advisory boards. Funding for the Winchester Learning Center was provided by the Monadnock Region Community Loan fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

More information is available at www.nhcf.org or by calling 603-225-6641.

The Winchester Learning Center is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

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Keene Senior Center Profile: Alice Nelson

Alice, where were you born and tell me about your life growing up?
I was born in LaSalle, IL in I933. My family moved to Keene in 1935, and in 1951 I graduated Keene High School.

What was life like after you graduated high school?
Immediately after graduation I was planning my wedding, which was simple but quite lovely. We had three biological daughters and later adopted two sons. Adoption was a big factor in my life as my mother and my husband’s mother were adopted. I think it’s remarkable to be able to improve someone else’s life through adoption. Our first son, adopted at 5-1/2 years, was from Korea. Soon after that we adopted our second son when he was just one from Pittsburgh, PA. My family was, and is still very important to me.

Alice, tell me a little about your career and your professional life.
My main priority was raising my family and instilling good values. I became a Licensed Practical Nurse when I was 51 years old. I worked in a nursing home in Connecticut, retiring when I was 62, eventually moving back to Keene.

So I hear you volunteer at the Senior Center, please tell me a little about it.
I became involved with the Center because my friends suggested I check it out. My initial experience was an exercise program. Pegg Monahan, the Executive Director, approached me about volunteering. At first, I thought it would be too much responsibility for me, but after giving it a try I realized volunteering was the right thing for me to do. The beauty of volunteering is that it is set to your schedule, and it is stress-free. I started by volunteering in the front office, but then discovered the Thrift Shop. I really enjoy the Thrift Shop because I get to mingle with people from all different walks of life.

The Keene Senior Center is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

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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 are held at the Keene Senior Center, a light supper will be served. 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.

Upcoming Workshops:

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.

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Students at The Orchard School Learn About the Montgomery Bus Boycott

Students in the early education program at The Orchard School learn about the Montgomery Bus Boycott in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday. Students reenact the experience and sing a song about Dr. King. At this young age, children already have a strong sense of fairness and our commitment to multicultural education and anti-bias curriculum frame our communal values.

The Orchard School and Community Center is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

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Monadnock Humane Society Announces Appointment of Joseph Olsen
As Transitional Leader

Monadnock Humane Society (MHS), a non-profit humane organization serving the Monadnock Region since 1875, announced the appointment of Joseph Olsen as its Transition Leader. The selection was made after a national search and selection process completed by a search committee comprised of MHS board members, staff, and volunteers.

The role of the Transition Leader, a newly created, one-year position, is to develop a strategy for a sustainable business model which will help insure that MHS continues to fulfill its mission. Working collaboratively with the board, staff, volunteers and community as a whole, the Transition Leader is expected to provide outstanding leadership, financial analysis, strategic planning and to oversee effective fundraising for the organization.

Valerie Starbuck, an active longtime member of MHS and volunteer (who served on the search committee) stated that “The search process was very thorough and well-orchestrated.” She said that the committee met frequently over the course of the past two and a half months, and began with a solid understanding of what MHS needed. The committee developed a rigorous plan to narrow down the initial list of over 30 candidates. “We were very impressed by the quality of candidates we interviewed, and when we met with Joe, we knew we had found who we were looking for,” said Starbuck. “He’s an excellent listener and has a clear understanding of the importance of relationships.”

“We are so pleased to announce this appointment,” said Kathy Reilly, DVM, Board Chair of MHS. “Joe brings a proven track record of success in the animal sheltering world as well as experience in program building, fundraising, and leadership. He‘s served many non-profit humane organizations in this capacity and we are delighted to welcome him to our community.”

Olsen’s resume includes over 12 years of executive planning, administration, fundraising, communication and marketing experience in humane organizations and other venues. Prior to his appointment at MHS, he was a consultant Executive Director for the Horry County Humane Society in Conway, SC. He also served as President/CEO at the Larimer Humane Society in Larimer County, CO, was Executive Director of the Maui Humane Society in the state of Hawaii and served as Executive Director of the Chemung County Humane Society and SPCA of Chemung County, NY.

Olsen holds a BS degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Divinity from Christ the King School of Theology in New York. He has a Certificate in Non-Profit Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University/HSUS University in Maryland and he holds a Certificate in Animal Shelter Design from Gates Hafen & Cochran Architects in Colorado.

“I am looking forward to building on the MHS mission,” said Olsen. “I have a deep respect for what MHS does, and have always admired the accomplishments of this organization. We play a critical role in providing a better quality of life in the Monadnock Region, and I’m fully and passionately committed to making sure the MHS mission continues well into the future.”

Olsen began as the Transition Leader for MHS on January 12th. He plans to reside in the Keene area with his two Schnauzers, Betty and Arlis and his cat, Joey.

Monadnock Humane Society is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit humane organization with a mission to foster a compassionate community by promoting and providing for the well-being of animals. MHS serves 44 towns and cities in the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire.

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Monadnock United Way On Cheshire TV

LIVE UNITED TVWatch 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 [email protected] 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.

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Wish List

The deadline for Wish List items in the next U Review (March 2015) is Monday, February 23, 2015. Please send your updates and additions to [email protected]. Wish List items that have not been confirmed or updated risk being removed, so please remember to keep your items current.

CCAN
Adjustable office chair and locked filing cabinet — email Denise at [email protected]

Community Kitchen
Non-perishable food items in particular: canned fruit; apple sauce; canned/boxed meals; baked beans; ALL ITEMS can be dropped off at The Community Kitchen at any time — 352-3200

Hundred Nights
Long underwear: men's medium and large, women's small and large; cases of bottled water; snacks such as cheese crackers, granola bars; creamer and sugar; hot chocolate mix; paper towels and napkins; hot cups, sturdy plastic ware and paper plates; cough drops; ear plugs; electric boot warmers — 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

WishingMonadnock 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 719-4290

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

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Monadnock United Way | 23 Center Street | Keene, New Hampshire 03431 | 603-352-4209