Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
HRCU Donates $15,000 to YMCA of Strafford County
Holy Rosary Credit Union (HRCU) recently donated $15,000 to the YMCA of Strafford County, providing funding for the newly opened facility’s capital campaign.
“We are so proud and honored to support the YMCA’s dream of building a location in Rochester,” said Brian Hughes, President and CEO of HRCU. “The YMCA is such a valuable asset in the community and to be part of its funding from the start is truly a privilege.”
The $2 million, 27,500-square-foot facility at 35 Industrial Way in Rochester opened its doors in January and since then has been offering comprehensive programs for the entire family to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
The state-of-the-art facility includes a preschool child care center, youth and teen center, and a large multipurpose room for children's programs, called Kidz Gym. It also has a teaching kitchen to promote healthy nutrition. Additionally, it offers more than 13,000-square-feet of health and fitness venues, including yoga, cycling and group exercise studios, as well as free weights, cardio machines, strength building equipment, locker rooms, and lounge areas.
For more information, contact Anthony DeAngelis at (603) 332-6840 x2227.
5 Green Tips from Green Lotus Yoga Studio and Green Alliance
This week’s tips come from Lona Kovacs of Green Lotus Yoga Studio in Dover:
1. There are a ton of things you can do with your old yoga mat! Cut it up and use pieces to line drawers and cupboards, to protect your knees in the garden, as pads for table or chair legs, or to make little mouse pads or jar openers!
2. Or, why not donate your mat! Nursing homes can use them to help make it easier for residents to get in and out of bed, and animal shelters are always looking for soft, durable surfaces to line their crates and make the critters more comfortable!
3. Why not repair your old clothes? At home, I've enjoyed taking my old garments and getting them repaired at a tailor, instead of getting rid of them.
4. Don't just compost food scraps! At our studio, we've started composting tissues and other paper products along with any food. As long as they're unbleached, their safe enough to be turned into garden-ready soil!
5. Look for gently used furniture, instead of buying new! Like the book case we just put into the studio! By seeking out perfectly good used furniture -- vintage pieces made from re-claimed railroad ties, barn-board, old pallets, etc -- you'll not only help keep it out of the landfill, you'll be saving money that can then be spent at local businesses!
Additional Dover 2023 Workshop Scheduled for May 1st
Christopher Parker, the City’s Director of Planning and Community Development, feels strongly that “developing a vision for our City is the key first step to building the community that we want to become.” This longer term perspective is particularly appropriate since Dover will be celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2023, and serves as the cornerstone to City’s master planning efforts.
A series of neighborhood meetings were held in March to get the community’s ideas about what Dover should be like in the year 2023. A second series of neighborhood workshops are being held in April in order to refine and prioritize the long term vision for the City. Kirt Schuman, Planning Board member and Chair of the Master Plan Steering Committee, remarked on the importance of the community’s role in developing the vision: “The Planning Board recognizes that the City’s vision must, at its core, reflect the community’s values and concerns, not just those of the Planning Board and staff.”
Recognizing that the March and April workshops were held in the evening, an additional Dover 2023 workshop has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 1, 2012 from 8AM to 10 AM in the Lecture Hall at the Dover Public Library. “We want to ensure that as many residents, business owners and property owners are able to participate,” says Tim Corwin, the Assistant City Planner. “Having a weekday morning session is a great way to provide an opportunity for those people who want to participate but who are not available in the evenings.”
The May 1st workshop will provide those who have not yet had an opportunity to participate in Dover 2023 with a chance to hear about the City’s long term vision and to provide their insights and perspective on where Dover should be headed in the next ten years.
The Dover 2023 visioning process will wrap up with a final community-wide event to be held on Saturday, May 5th at 9AM at the Dover Middle School cafeteria. “Everyone is encouraged to attend,” says Corwin. “Even if you weren’t able to make to any of the previous meetings, the May 5th meeting is the perfect opportunity for you to participate in the process and tell us what you want Dover to be.”
For more information please go to the project web site at: www.dover2023.com.
Children’s Museum Free Family Night on May 4
Free Family Nights are held on the first Friday night of each month during the school year. The next Free Family Night will be held on June 1 and that will be the last free night until the fall.
The not-for-profit Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is located at 6 Washington Street in Dover and offers two levels of hands-on, custom-created exhibits for children ages 1-12. Children can explore a widerange of subjects, from dinosaurs, music and aeronautics to world cultures, art and natural history. Open year-round, the museum specializes in creating family learning experiences and works closely with schools, social service agencies and educators. The museum also hosts a variety of live performances, workshops, classes and special events for families. For more information, please call the museum at (603) 742-2002 or visit www.childrens-museum.org.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Service Credit Union donates to the Rochester Child Care Center
For more than a decade, Service Credit Union has contributed to the Rochester Child Care Center, this year the credit union donated $1,000.
Service Credit Union Chief Financial Officer Scott Wensley recently presented the check to Rochester Child Care Center Executive Director Christiane Casserly. Approximately 300 children, from six months to school age, attend the Rochester non-profit facility.
“We are thrilled to have received this donation from Service Credit Union,” Casserly said. “These funds will help us provide better services to the children here in the center.”
“Service Credit Union and the Rochester Child Care Center share a common goal of supporting the children in our community,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union. “We are proud to help the families in this city where we have two branches and a 24/7 Contact Center.”
Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members. With 38 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full online banking services, Service Credit Union serves anyone who lives or works in New Hampshire (excluding Coos County), 4 towns in Cape Cod, MA., and all branches of the U.S. Military and Department of Defense employees and their families. With over $2 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.
Raiche & Company CPAs, P.A. Newsletter
If you have a child who works, consider encouraging the child to use some of the earnings for Roth IRA contributions. All that is required to make a Roth IRA contribution is having some earned income for the year. Age is irrelevant. Specifically, for 2012 your child can contribute the lesser of: (1) earned income or (2) $5,000.
Even though a child can withdraw Roth IRA contributions without any adverse federal income tax consequences, the best strategy is to leave as much of the account balance as possible untouched until retirement age in order to accumulate a larger federal-income-tax-free sum.
By making Roth IRA contributions for just a few years now, your child can potentially accumulate quite a bit of money by retirement age. Realistically, however, most kids will not be willing to contribute the $5,000 annual maximum even when they have enough earnings to do so. Be satisfied if you can convince your child to contribute at least a meaningful amount each year. Remember, if you are so inclined, you can make the Roth IRA contribution for your child.
Here's what can happen. If your 15-year-old contributes $1,000 to a Roth IRA each year for four years starting now, in 45 years when your child is 60 years old, the Roth IRA would be worth about $33,000 if it earns a 5% annual return or $114,000 if it earns an 8% return. If your child contributes $1,500 for each of the four years, after 45 years the Roth IRA would be worth about $50,000 if it earns 5% or about $171,000 if it earns 8%. If the child contributes $2,500 for each of the four years, after 45 years the Roth IRA would be worth about $84,000 if it earns 5% or a whopping $285,000 if it earns 8%. You get the idea. With relatively modest annual contributions for just a few years, Roth IRAs can be worth eye-popping amounts by the time your child approaches retirement age.
Here's what can happen. If your 15-year-old contributes $1,000 to a Roth IRA each year for four years starting now, in 45 years when your child is 60 years old, the Roth IRA would be worth about $33,000 if it earns a 5% annual return or $114,000 if it earns an 8% return. If your child contributes $1,500 for each of the four years, after 45 years the Roth IRA would be worth about $50,000 if it earns 5% or about $171,000 if it earns 8%. If the child contributes $2,500 for each of the four years, after 45 years the Roth IRA would be worth about $84,000 if it earns 5% or a whopping $285,000 if it earns 8%. You get the idea. With relatively modest annual contributions for just a few years, Roth IRAs can be worth eye-popping amounts by the time your child approaches retirement age.
For a child, contributing to a Roth IRA is usually a much better idea than contributing to a traditional IRA for several reasons. The child can withdraw all or part of the annual Roth contributions-without any federal income tax or penalty-to pay for college or for any other reason. (However, Roth earnings generally cannot be withdrawn tax-free before age 59 1/2.) In contrast, if your child makes deductible contributions to a traditional IRA, any subsequent withdrawals must be reported as income on his or her tax returns.
Even though a child can withdraw Roth IRA contributions without any adverse federal income tax consequences, the best strategy is to leave as much of the account balance as possible untouched until retirement age in order to accumulate a larger federal-income-tax-free sum.
What about tax deductions for traditional IRA contributions? Isn't that an advantage compared to Roth IRAs? Good questions. There are no write-offs for Roth IRA contributions, but your child probably will not get any meaningful write-offs from contributing to a traditional IRA either. That is because an unmarried dependent child's standard deduction will automatically shelter up to $5,950 of earned income (for 2012) from federal income tax. Any additional income will probably be taxed at very low rates. Unless your child has enough taxable income to owe a significant amount of tax (not very likely), the advantage of being able to deduct traditional IRA contributions is mostly or entirely worthless. Since that is the only advantage a traditional IRA has over a Roth IRA, the Roth option almost always comes out on top for kids.
By encouraging kids with earned income to make Roth IRA contributions, you're introducing the ideas of saving money and investing for the future. Plus, there are tax advantages. It's never too soon for children to learn about taxes and how to legally minimize or avoid them. Finally, if you can hire your child as an employee of your business, some additional tax advantages may be available.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Washington Street Mills Spring Gala
Event: 2012 WSM Spring Gala
Dates/Times: Saturday, June 9th, from 10-6pm
Location: Washington Street Mills
Business & Cultural Center
One Washington Street
Dover, NH
Fee: $ 5.00 for WSM Tenant/$10.00 for Outside Vendors
Booth: Inside – Room for a 6ft table and 2 chairs/spaces located on 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors
(Elevators available)
Outside – 10x10 space must have tent
(Reserved for Farmers Market & Food Vendors. Limited spaces
available for other vendors upon request)
Check if you need electricity (Available but not guaranteed)
Application Deadline: Friday, May 18th, 2012
Portsmouth Christian Academy presents “Fiddler on the Roof”
The memorable story of Tevye, played by Timothy Lagoy of Pembroke, NH, and his family comes to vibrant life under the direction of Grace Thorsen, with musical direction by John Macleod and choreography by Lissa Silk. The cast also includes Byrnese Knapp of Somersworth, NH, as Tevye’s wife Golde, Brianna Stine (South Berwick, ME) as their eldest daughter Tzietel and Jack Harju of Nottingham as Tzeitel’s hopeful suitor.
Performances will be held at the gymnasium stage at Portsmouth Christian Academy at Dover, 20 Seaborne Drive, Dover, NH. Directions to the school can be found on its website, www.pcaschool.org. Doors open half an hour before showtimes and tickets will be available at the door for $11 (general admission) and $9 (seniors and PCA staff and students with ID). For more information, please call 603.742.3617.
For further information, please contact:
Contact: Susanna Futato, Development Associate
Mobile: 603.781.2459
sfutato@pcaschool.org
City of Dover News
FY2013 budget resources available online
City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr., presented the fiscal year 2013 proposed budget to the City Council on Wednesday, April 11, 2012.
Over the next two months, until June 15, the City Council will discuss and deliberate the proposed budget with the City Manager, department heads, school officials and the School Board.
Public hearings on the City and School portions of the budget will be held in advance of budget adoption by the City Council.
By June 15, the City Council is required to adopt a budget resolution by a majority vote for the next fiscal year.
For a complete guide to the FY2013 budget, visit http://www.dover.nh.gov/budgetrevealed_2013.htm.
This guide includes a schedule of upcoming budget meetings, a copy of the proposed budget, and additional budget materials. The page will be updated with budget information as it is made available.
The complete proposed FY2013 budget, as presented to the City Council, can be viewed here: http://www.dover.nh.gov/forms/FY13%20Proposed%20Budget_1334666997500.pdf
The proposed budget is also available to view at the City Clerk's office at City Hall and the Dover Public Library.
The remaining budget schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, April 25, workshop, 6 p.m.: Revenue;
Wednesday, April 25, regular meeting, 7 p.m.: School budget public hearing;
Wednesday, May 2, workshop, 7 p.m.: Police and Fire;
Wednesday, May 16, workshop, 7 p.m.: General government, Recreation, Library, Welfare and Other;
Wednesday, May 23, regular meeting, 7 p.m.: City budget public hearing;
Wednesday, May 30, workshop, 7 p.m.: Budget discussion;
Wednesday, June 6, workshop and special meeting, 7 p.m.: Budget discussion and adoption;
Wednesday, June 13, regular meeting, 7 p.m.: Fallback date for budget adoption.
Budget meetings and workshops will be held at the McConnell Center, Room 306, until further notice.
Volunteers needed to plant trees at Berry Brook
Volunteers are being sought to help plant trees at the Berry Brook restoration site on Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Volunteers will meet at Lowell Avenue and follow signs to the former water works facility. Volunteers are asked to bring water to drink, a packed lunch, gardening or work gloves, sunscreen, bug spray, a spade or shovel and buckets. Volunteers should wear work clothes and boots.
For more information or to let organizers know you are attending, call Melinda Bubier at 603-862-2818, or e-mail mindy.bubier@unh.edu.
The Berry Brook restoration project is part of Urban Watershed Renewal being implemented through water quality and stream restoration improvements that began in 2011. The Berry Brook Watershed represents a unique opportunity to work within a vibrant supportive community at a neighborhood scale, and measure watershed and ecosystem response in relation to impervious cover reductions. Impervious cover refers to surfaces such as parking lots, roadways and rooftops from which water runs off, instead of infiltrating into the soil. Impervious cover reductions are achieved by directing this run-off to treatment systems which allow for some infiltration and/or treatment of the stormwater run-off prior to discharging to Berry Brook.
The restoration project is a partnership between the City of Dover, the University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center, the Cocheco River Watershed Coalition, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, American Rivers, and funding by New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
Through a series of grants and matching funding from the City of Dover, the project will implement some of the major recommendations from the 2008 Watershed Management Plan for Berry Brook.
For more information on the Berry Brook restoration project, visit http://www.unh.edu/unhsc/berrybrook.
Dover Pride Clean Up Day 2012
Dover Main Street will host the 13th annual Dover Pride Clean Up Day on Saturday, April 28, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The day will begin at 8 a.m. in the Cocheco Mills Courtyard in downtown Dover with a pancake breakfast served by the Dover Kiwanis Club. A registration table will be set up in the courtyard. Volunteers, armed with rakes, shovels, gloves and muscle, can register any time after 8:30 a.m. Wheelbarrows are always needed and volunteers asked to bring one, if possible.
Volunteers will be assigned a site somewhere in the downtown area. Event organizers will attempt best to match volunteer skills or special needs with specific sites. Each site has a captain who will be easily identified by their red bandana. Some sites require more physical strength, some are better for youngsters.
Whatever your talents, they will put them to work. Volunteers will weed, rake, plant, spread mulch, pick up debris and help make the downtown beautiful and colorful for the spring and summer. Volunteers will also be fortified by a roving refreshment stand offering coffee, soft drinks and water courtesy of Rebel Chef Cafe and Seacoast Coca Cola.
At the completion of the morning, everyone will be treated to pizza in the Courtyard, provided by Kendall Pond Pizza. The presentation of the Golden Pitchfork Award for the most enthusiastic group will take place as well.
For more information, e-mail director@dovermainstreet.org
To volunteer, visit http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F49ADAF2CA57-dover.
Dover Pride Clean Up Day is rain or shine. The event is sponsored by Centrix Bank.
Friday, April 20, 2012
A Round to Remember Alzheimer’s Golf Tournament Set for June 11th
“A Round to Remember Alzheimer’s,” a golf tournament hosted by The Homemakers Health Services, will be held June 11th at The Oaks Golf Links in Somersworth.
Sponsored by Eastern Propane and Oil, all proceeds of the tournament will go toward providing home health, home support, education and respite care for families that are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.
“Today, it seems that nearly everyone is touched in some way by Alzheimer’s disease. Either you know someone who is suffering from this devastating disease itself or you know their caregiver or loved ones,” says René Philpott, community relations director at The Homemakers. So many families are overwhelmed by this devastating disease and they need our support. There’s several ways you can help - you can register to play in the tournament, become a sponsor or make a gift of a raffle prize.”
Registration is $125 for golfers, which includes 18 holes with a cart, breakfast and lunch and the opportunity to win plenty of prizes including a large screen TV donated by WOKQ. If you golf or know someone who would like to play, donate a raffle prize or sponsor the tournament contact René Philpott at 335-1770, ext. 103 or rphilpott@thehomemakers.org. More information about the tournament can also be found at www.TheHomemakers.org
Rivermill at Dover Landing extends special rates to couples impacted by the closure of Blue Sky in York
Rivermill at Dover Landing sits in the heart of Dover’s emerging waterfront district and is the newest event venue on the Seacoast. With lofty ceilings, 1800s brick-and-beam architecture and tall, arched windows offering views of the Cochecho River, Henry Law Park and Dover’s historic City Hall clock tower, Rivermill is a distinctive location for weddings, special events and corporate functions. Rivermill is intimate enough for gatherings of 75 but large enough for a 350 guest wedding.
Rivermill at Dover Landing is located at Two Washington Street in the Picker Building of the Washington Street Mill complex in Dover. Blue Sky clients must provide proof of contract with Blue Sky and use one of several Rivermill preferred caterers for their event. Offer valid only on 2012 and 2013 events, subject to availability. For more information, please visit www.rivermillnh.com, www.facebook.com/rivermillnh, email info@rivermillnh.com or call 603-343-2192.
Laconia Savings Bank is now Bank of New Hampshire!
Laconia Savings Bank began as Meredith Bridge Savings Bank and changed its name to Laconia Savings Bank in 1869. In 1999, Laconia Savings Bank purchased nine Fleet branches, primarily north and west of Laconia. Since that time, Laconia Savings Bank has opened two new offices in Concord and offices in Bedford, Dover, Rochester and Manchester. The bank also acquired two Ocean Bank branches in Antrim and Hillsboro in 2008. “It is important for our customers and our communities to understand that we are not changing our corporate structure. We are still a mutual bank and we will not be sold. We are only changing our name.” K. Mark Primeau stated.
A brand equity study was conducted to measure the Bank’s brand awareness in different regions of the state and also the perception of the name Laconia Savings Bank outside of the Lakes Region. The results indicated that the name Laconia Savings Bank can imply that the bank is a “small bank on the lake” and the word “savings” suggests a small retail savings bank. In some cases, the name prevented consideration with businesses or individuals interested in wealth management products and services. Laconia Savings Bank, now Bank of New Hampshire, offers full service personal banking, business banking and wealth management products and services.
Bank of New Hampshire customers will not need to take any action as their existing checks and debit cards will continue to work as they always have. In the coming weeks, customers will see a new, yet similar logo. The Bank has retained the existing logo mark, the color and the tagline, New Hampshire’s Local Bank. Customers will see the same friendly faces, in the same convenient locations with the same products and services. The only thing that is changing is the name. The Bank will not relocate its headquarters outside of Laconia, which is centrally located within the Bank’s 21 offices.
Bank of Hampshire is the oldest and largest independent bank in New Hampshire. The bank has $1.1 billion dollars in assets yet maintains a community bank culture. Laconia Savings Bank was named Business of the Year in May 2011 by Business NH Magazine and has been named one of top 20 Best Companies to Work for three times, also by Business NH Magazine. “We believe that our customers are proud to be a part of New Hampshire. There is a long list of reasons to live here and we are proud to have chosen a name that reflects who we are, The Bank of New Hampshire. We intend to be here for another 181 years or more!” explains K. Mark Primeau.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Human Resource Partners Expands Staff: Firm with offices in Dover + Concord welcomes Angela Closson
Human Resource Partners (HRP) is happy to announce Angela Closson has joined their team as a Human Resources Specialist. Angela has more than 13 years of experience in Human Resources, primarily in the fields of healthcare, assisted living, and hospital settings.
In her experience serving companies in Vice President and Director roles, Angela established herself as a true business partner while working with highly diverse employee groups and stakeholders including Boards of Directors, volunteers, and customers. A keen ability to understand the importance of supporting the business' growth enabled her to effectively develop and evolve HR functions in a manner that supported achievement of overall strategic business goals.
With an MS in Health Administration from the University of New Hampshire, Angela stays connected to the university by serving on the Advisory Board of the UNH Partnership. She is also active in the Healthcare Human Resources Association of New Hampshire, and is a member of both the Society for Human Resource Management and the American Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administration.
At HRP, Angela will assist clients with employee relations, organizational development, employee development, and the creation of strategic performance management systems. She will also work on talent/staffing management, strategic planning, workplace investigations, and HR infrastructure development and implementation.
On the addition of Angela Closson to HRP’s team, President Delise West remarked: “We consider ourselves extremely fortunate that Angela made the decision to join HRP as she was ready to embark on the next chapter of her career. In the short time she has been with us she has already made a significant contribution to a number of our clients and earned their trust and respect. "
Human Resource Partners, with offices in Concord and Dover, removes the questions and doubts about HR compliance and improves employee productivity for small business and startups.
The Monarch School of New England is Participating in Red's Race!
The Monarch School of New England ~ Unlimited Possibilities for Students with Special NeedsThe Monarch School of New England (MSNE) is a day school for children with significant disabilities, including autism - our students are from the ages of 5 to 21. Our school operates two sites: our Rochester campus works with students in elementary school; our Gonic campus works with students in high school. The Gonic site also hosts a vocational center which helps transition our students into volunteer and work placements.
MSNE is excited to be part of the Reds Race for a Better Community on Sunday, April 22 beginning in downtown Dover.
We are excited to participate in this event as we are a school that believes in "unlimited possibilities." Although we work with students that have significant disabilities, our focus is on a student's abilities as opposed to their disabilities. All our students have a great capacity to learn and to grow.
Like the challenge that the Reds Race provides many of its participants, so too, do our students face challenges in this world in which we live. The Monarch School of New England offers our kiddos the very best opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills they need to fully participate in their lives - whether it be at home or in the community.
Dover Taking Back Unwanted Prescription Drugs
On Saturday April 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Dover Police Department, Dover Coalition for Youth and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Medications can be brought for disposal to the Dover Police Department at 46 Locust Street. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
“Over half of teens report that prescription drugs are easy or very easy to get” according to Dover Coalition for Youth coordinator, Vicki Hebert. “70% of teens who abuse prescription drugs obtained the medications from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. We are holding this event to allow community members to dispose of their medications and remove the source of temptation from their home.”
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Surveys show that one in five New Hampshire high school students have used a prescription drug that was not prescribed to them.
This is the fourth national take back imitative that Dover has participated in. The last three events have resulted in over 220 pounds of drugs being collected. “The turnout from previous events clearly demonstrates that people are looking for a safe way to dispose of their medications.” said Chief Anthony Colarusso of the Dover Police Department.
Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards. The DEA states that unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold. Unused drugs that are flushed contaminate the water supply.
If you are unable to attend a collection event during the national take back day visit the Food and Drug Administration website at www.FDA.gov to learn about other recommended disposal methods.
For more information about the take back event visit the DEA website at www.DEA.gov. If you want to learn more about the local problem and how you can get involved contact the Dover Coalition for Youth at 603.516.3279 or online at www.DoverYouth.com.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Labor Ready is Hiring
Labor Ready is hiring for full and part time positions throughout Southern NH and ME. Positions include construction labor, traffic control, landscaping, warehousing, housekeeping, and food service.
Call the office to set up an application time: 603-740-0891. Resumes can be submitted to 2803-br@laborready.com
Celebrate Earth Day–Apply for the Lean & Green Competition
What is your business doing to better the environment and your bottom line? We want to know.
Business NH Magazine is seeking applications for its fifth annual Lean & Green Awards, honoring businesses whose practices are good for the environment and the bottom line.
Awards will be given in three categories:
- Sustainability Champion: Highlights businesses with sound environmental practices (small, medium and large categories);
- Product Award: Highlights a product or service that helps other businesses become more environmentally friendly;
- Green Building Award: For a new building built in the last two years with environmental sustainability in mind.
Winners will be featured in the 2012 Green Guide, appearing in the August issue. A celebration of the winners will also take place in September. Winners from the past three years are ineligible.
Applications are due Friday, April 20 and will be accepted by email only. To download the application, visit www.businessNHmagazine.com and click on the Competitions button.
If you have any questions, please call Associate Editor Erika Cohen at 626-6354 Ext. 211 or by e-mail at ecohen@businessnhmagazine.com.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Service Credit Union announces two AVPs for Member Services
Service Credit Union President/CEO Gordon Simmons is pleased to announce the recent appointments of Matt Beaulieu and Richard Martell as Assistant Vice Presidents of Member Services.
Martell, a retired colonel, comes to Service Credit Union after having a distinguished career in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard. He most recently served as Chief of the Joint Staff for the New Hampshire National Guard.
His experience includes being the former Wing Commander of the Pease Air National Guard base in Portsmouth where he was responsible for budgeting, human resources, training and strategic planning. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a Mathematics specialty from the University of Maine.
Beaulieu brings 11 years credit union industry experience to Service Credit Union. He most recently served as Director of Operations and Facilities at Holy Rosary Credit Union in Rochester, N.H.
He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and is a graduate of CUNA Management School, Madison, Wisconsin. He is currently attending Southern New Hampshire University working on his Master’s Degree.
Both Martell and Beaulieu will be responsible for branch administration for Service Credit Union stateside branches. They will report directly to the Vice President of Member Services Dan Clarke.
Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members. With 38 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full online banking services, Service Credit Union serves anyone who lives or works in New Hampshire (excluding Coos County), 4 towns in Cape Cod, MA., and all branches of the U.S. Military and Department of Defense employees and their families. With over $2 billion in assets, Service Credit Union has 21 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.
The Caregiver Conversation Series: 504 Educational Planning
Zebra Crossings is pleased to be partnering with CHaD at Wentworth Douglass Hospital to bring this unique workshop series to Dover. Join us on Thursday, May 10 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the McConnell Community Center in Dover for a 504 Educational Workshop featuring Mary Grillo from the Parent Information Center in Concord. This workshop will provide an overview of Section 504 and how it relates to children with special medical needs. We will discuss when special education, in particular the “Other Health Impaired” category, might be more appropriate instead of a 504 plan. Learn ways to effectively advocate for your child’s needs.
To register for this free workshop, please email Tammy Bond at tammy@zebra-crossings.org.
Laconia Savings Bank Offers Area Students a Unique Financial Education Experience
Di Martin-Greenwood, Student Program Coordinator for Laconia Savings Bank is teaching Holy Trinity’s Pre-Kindergarten class about the different types of coins, their worth and the importance of saving.Laconia Savings Bank strongly believes that an early understanding of personal finance can help children develop positive money habits that will carry with them through adulthood. Laconia Savings Bank is offering area students a unique financial education experience through the Teach Children to Save program. These out-of-the-box lessons make learning about money fun for students and allow bankers to bring reality and learning together to help students understand the basic principles of using money wisely.
Teach Children to Save is a national campaign of volunteer bankers who help young people to develop lifelong saving habits. The campaign includes an annual awareness day in April, Teach Children to Save Day; a video contest for teens, Lights, Camera, Save!; and the Teach Children to Save website; www.teachchildrentosave.com.
Since the program began in 1997, bankers have helped millions of students across the nation learn to manage their money more effectively. This year, many will return to the classroom to help fill the money-knowledge gap. For more information on the program, visit www.abaef.com and click on Teach Children to Save.
5 Green Tips from MetalWave and Green Alliance
This week’s tips come from MetalWave:
1. Buy quality products. If you get something likely to run down or wear out over time, such as an electronic component, give preference to the model that can be easily upgraded or scrapped for parts, so that you don't have to junk the whole thing if one part breaks.
2. Buy local -- it cuts down on transporation fuel, reduces our carbon footprint, and helps support local community by keeping money circulating!
3. Always recycle your cans! A used aluminum can be recycled and back on the grocery shelf in as little as 60 days. That's closed loop recycling at its finest!
4. Save water and time when recycling cans -- you no longer need to rinse them out or remove their labels.
5. Recycle worn-out rechargeable batteries like those used in cell phones, computers, or power tools. You can even drop them off at MetalWave!
Recycle your spent CFL bulbs, batteries, and cell phones for FREE with MetalWave at the GA's Party for the Planet, to be held April 20th from 6-10pm at Earthtec in Portsmouth!
Breaking the Chain of Underage Drinking
Town Hall Meeting Hosted by the Dover Coalition for Youth
Alcohol use among our nation’s youth is a significant public health and economic problem. In New Hampshire, underage alcohol use is the number one youth drug problem and is six times more likely to kill young people than all illegal drugs combined.
Alcohol use among our nation’s youth is a significant public health and economic problem. In New Hampshire, underage alcohol use is the number one youth drug problem and is six times more likely to kill young people than all illegal drugs combined.
In an effort to curb underage alcohol problems, communities across the country are organizing a nationwide series of town hall-style meetings. Fifteen of these sessions will be held in New Hampshire. Locally, the Dover Coalition for Youth is holding one in Dover.
The meeting is intended to increase understanding of the prevalence and risks associated with underage drinking. Participants will hear from two speakers.
Christopher Sullivan was a defensive lineman with the New England Patriots for 5 years. Chris shares his story of how alcohol and drug use affected his career in the NFL.
Kathi Meyer will also share her story of how her 17-year-old daughter, Taylor, died after a night of drinking. Kathi shares details of that night and how elements of the community could have intervened and broken the chain of events.
The presentation will spark conversations about the role that each member of the Dover community has in addressing the problem of underage drinking.
- WHO: Dover Community Members
- WHAT: A Town Hall Meeting to Address Underage Drinking
- WHERE: McConnell Center Café, Dover, NH
- WHEN: Thursday April 19th from 6:00 - 7:30pm
The Dover Coalition for Youth is a part of the Dover Police Department’s Community Outreach Bureau. The Coalition is tasked with improving the quality of life in Dover for youth and families by preventing the harm caused by substance abuse. The Coalition is the means by which we hope to bring all of the elements of the community together to take on underage drinking, marijuana and prescription drug abuse.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is sponsoring this national initiative, with the goal that these meetings will generate energy and leverage action leading into the month of April, which is National Alcohol Awareness Month.
St. Thomas Aquinas High School presents Cinderella
Princess Tea
Saturday, April 21 from 2-3:30pm
Calling all princesses! Come to St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover, NH on Saturday, April 21 and meet your favorite princess! In conjunction with STA Drama's production of Cinderella, the school will be hosting a "Princess Tea" on Saturday afternoon from 2 - 3:30pm in the school gym/auditorium. A variety of princesses will be on hand, including Belle from Beauty and the Beast and, of course, Cinderella. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. Dress up is encouraged! And don't forget your camera!
Cinderella
April 19, 20 and 21 at 7:30pm
When Rodgers and Hammerstein created their version of Cinderella in 1957 for a young Julie Andrews, they wrote some of the most beautiful music of their time -- and it has proven timeless. St. Thomas Aquinas High School is pleased to present three magical nights of Cinderella with all the trimmings -- mean stepmother, handsome prince and four mice who transform into horses pulling a pumpkin coach. Musical selections include "Do I Love You," In My Own Little Corner" and "Ten Minutes Ago." Admission is $5.00 per person, $20.00 for a family and children 5 and under free. Tickets are available at the box office on the night of the show. There are no reserved seats.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Dover Public Library April School Vacation Activities
Join us at the Dover Public Library during April school vacation for a host of fun-filled and free activities. On Tuesday, April 24 @ 2:00pm in the Library Lecture Hall the Center for Wildlife will be presenting Raptors & Reptiles. We will learn from live raptors and reptiles about how they use special "tools" for survival. The Center for Wildlife is a rehabilitation facility in Cape Neddick, Maine, and its staff and volunteers provide medical care, safe sanctuary and humane treatment for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife until they can be released back into the wild.
Drop-in Story Time:
On Wednesday, April 25, at 9:30 a.m. in the Library Lecture Hall enjoy a special reptile story time with Miss Amy. Children of all ages are encouraged to join the fun.
Make-it-Take-it Craft Table:
Children of all ages are invited to make “Tommy Turtle ” (a paper plate turtle with a moveable head) anytime during the week of April 23 through April 28.
Data Coordinator Hired at BerryDunn
BerryDunn is pleased to announce that Nicole Barnes has been hired as a Data Coordinator with the firm’s Marketing Group.
Prior to joining the firm, Nicole worked for DMM in Scarborough, ME. She is a graduate of Unity College, and specializes in data management. Nicole resides in Gray, ME.
BerryDunn is a firm of CPAs and consultants providing financial and business expertise to organizations in New England and across the country.
5th Annual Dover Children's Home Golf Tournament
Golfers and Sponsors Needed for Dover Children's Home Golf Tournament
Register now for the 5th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Dover Children's Home, a 501(c) 3 public charity. The event will be held on Monday, July 23, 2012 at The Links at Outlook in South Berwick, with an 8am shotgun start. 100% of the event proceeds will be applied directly to the Home's most critical operating costs. For more information, please see the registration form and the list of sponsorship opportunities. The event will also feature a continental breakfast and delicious lunch; fabulous hole-in-one prizes; a putting contest; a casino hole; men's and women's longest drive competitions; and numerous silent auction and raffle items.
Registration Form: http://doverchildrenshome.org/images/2012%20DCH%20Golf%20Tournament%20Registration%20Form.pdf
Sponsorship Form: http://doverchildrenshome.org/images/2012%20DCH%20Golf%20Tournament%20Sponsor%20Form.pdf
Sail on the new gundalow Piscatagua!
Sail with us on the Piscataqua! Public Day Sails, School Groups and Private Charters welcome aboard the new gundalow
The new gundalow Piscataqua constructed last year at Puddle Dock and launched from Peirce Island December 10th 2011 is now taking reservations for public day sails, private charters, school and camp groups. Public Day Sails are available from the dock at the end of Water Street (off Marcy Street) Prescott Park, Portsmouth, NH during the sailing season from May through October starting Memorial Day weekend. The 2-hour Public Day Sails are a great way to explore the Piscataqua Maritime Region and learn about the unique waterways while sailing aboard a traditional gundalow. The wind and tidal currents will determine the journey along local rivers, bay and harbor. Aboard the Piscataqua, passengers can raise the sail, take the helm and enjoy environmental and heritage programs taught by the crew. There isn’t a better way to see the gorgeous inland rivers and bays of the seacoast.
The Morning Sail is from 10am to 12pm, in time to visit local museums, shop and grab a bite to eat at many of the local restaurants. The Afternoon Sail leaves early afternoon, returning to the dock in time to visit one of the many popular outdoor decks for a refreshing drink, some evening shopping, or a great meal at one of the many restaurants in the area. The Sunset Sail is a wonderful way to see the lights and sounds of the riverways and harbor at dusk. Specialty Sails on Thursday evenings give an authentic New England experience like no other. (Sail times vary by month.) Entertainment by local musicians and special maritime and environmental expert guests will be aboard to educate and entertain you.
2012 Public Sail Rates are $35 Adult, $15 Youth (5-12). School and camp groups can take a 2.5 hour sail that includes a variety of hands-on activities including water sampling, and navigation, and combines history, science and social studies. For a private charters, contact us directly - these charters help underwrite our environmental education programs.
Tickets and additional program descriptions are available online at www.gundalow.org, or 603-433-9505.
About the Gundalow Company: Since 2002, the non-profit Gundalow Company has used the Captain Edward H. Adams – a replica modeled after the last gundalow to carry cargo on the bay – to provide “dockside” programs to more than 100,000 visitors. Recognizing the need to get students of all ages to genuinely connect with their rivers and bay, the Gundalow Company has built a new sailing gundalow Piscataqua, which meets the USCG requirements for carrying passengers.
For centuries, gundalows connected up-river seacoast communities with Portsmouth, the region’s seaport and primary market town. Harnessing the wind and riding the tide, gundalows moved bricks, hay, firewood, and goods crucial to the economy and everyday life. The Piscataqua carries an educational message that will create the next generation of river and bay stewards. The Gundalow Company takes its inspiration from the vital role of those historic gundalows, vessels unique to the Piscataqua Maritime Region. The educational purpose of the new gundalow is as important for the future as its predecessors were for the past. For more information: www.gundalow.org, info@gundalow.org or 603-433-9505.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Seacoast SCORE announces June 12th small business workshop
SCORE, volunteer counselors to America’s small business and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, will conduct an in-depth workshop on how to start or grow a small business.
Title: How to Start or Grow a Small Business
Date: Tuesday, June 12th, 2012, from 6pm to 9pm.
Location: SCORE
215 Commerce Way, Suite 420, Portsmouth, NH
Sponsor: Citizens Bank
Subjects covered in this workshop will include:
- How to research your idea.
- Forms of business organization.
- How to prepare a business plan.
- Cash flow planning and financial reports.
- Ways to finance your business.
Discuss the details of how to start or grow your business with experienced executives and obtain valuable tools and reference materials to assist you. Thanks to generous sponsorship from Citizens Bank, we are able to offer this workshop free of charge for all registrants.
Double Shot of A Cappella at Garrison Players Art Center
Get set for a full night of a cappella at 8 pm on Saturday, April 28, at the Garrison Players Arts Center, Route 4 in Rollinsford, NH, as Seacoast-based Tuckermans at 9 welcomes special guest Talk To The Hand from Reading, Massachusetts.
“There is so much a cappella talent out there"! says Tuckermans at 9 baritone, founder, and Dover resident, Mark Miller. "We perform year-round in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, and we love to share the stage. Our 'help wanted' notice for a group to open our next show generated an overwhelming response. And we’re very excited to have Talk To The Hand join us here in New Hampshire.”
Talk To The Hand is a four-woman a cappella group that rocks out venues in and around Boston. Together, Emily, Liz, Sarah, and Laura offer music from a mind-boggling variety of pop, rock, and country artists. Both groups have been longtime audience favorites for years. "The voices make all the music," explains Miller. "Neither group uses instruments or pre-recorded instrumental tracks, ever. Everything you hear, including what sounds like brass, electric guitars, or drums, is totally vocal. And we hope to bring the two groups together at the end of the show for a joint finale."
Seven-voice Tuckermans at 9, aka T9, performs a cappella versions of well-known pop, rock, blues, and light jazz favorites, mostly from the 1960s to today. Recent additions to the group’s repertoire are “Desperado” by The Eagles, Christina Perri’s “Jar of Hearts”, and “Beat It” by Michael Jackson. Soprano Ashley Gove, altos Kam Damtoft and Frances Lipe, tenors Walt Porter and Daryl Robertson, and bass Bill Hersman round out the group’s roster. T9 sound tech Tony Berke will mix both groups.
"Two great groups for one price," says Miller. "This really is a show for all ages and a wide range of musical tastes. There's something for everyone." Tickets, at $18 for adults and $12 for students, are available online at www.garrisonplayers.org, by calling 603-750-4ART, or at the door.
"The Roosevelt Funeral Train" program at Dover Public Library
On Tuesday evening April 17 at 7pm, the Friends of the Dover Public Library will present an intriguing historical program by Carl E. Lindblade. “The Roosevelt Funeral Train”, carrying the body of the just deceased president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, took four days, in April 1945, to travel from FDR’s vacation spot in Warm Springs, Georgia to Hyde Park, New York where he was buried.
The journey of FDR’s funeral train was a thousand-mile odyssey, and tens of thousands of Americans waited by the side of the train tracks to pay their respects to Roosevelt (whose body lay in a flag-draped casket visible through the windows of the funeral train’s rear Pullman). The train carried pretty much the entire U.S. government aboard, including one dead president and one live one, both of their families, the Cabinet and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the diplomatic corps, leaders of both houses of Congress and the nine Justices of the Supreme Court.
Plus, the journey was fraught with heartbreak and scandal. As the train passed through the night, few of the grieving onlookers knew what was happening behind the Pullman shades, where women whispered and men tossed back highballs. Inside was a Soviet spy, a newly widowed Eleanor Roosevelt, who had just discovered that her husband’s mistress was in the room with him when he died, all the Supreme Court justices, and incoming president Harry S. Truman who was scrambling to learn atomic secrets FDR had never shared with him. These many deceptions and betrayals will all be explained and uncovered by our guest speaker, Carl Lindblade.
Carl began his career at the Balsams Resort in Dixville Notch and for the past 40+ years has operated 3 and 4 diamond hotels and resorts. He was a delegate to the 1995 White House Conference on Travel and Tourism, Interim Director of the NH Office of Travel and Tourism Development, Innkeeper of the Year, Travel Person of the Year, Past President of the NH Lodging and Restaurant Association and American Hotel and Lodging Association Volunteer of the Year. He is currently a lecturer in the hospitality management department at the University of New Hampshire. As a volunteer, Carl coached the Conway’s Kennett High School Lodging Class to a national championship in a competition sponsored by the American Hotel and Lodging Association. He enjoys history and presenting on interesting NH and US topics.
Friends of the Library programs are always free and open to all. Refreshments will be served following the lecture. For more information, please call the Dover Public Library: 516-6050.
Laconia Savings Bank Supports the Dover Adult Learning Center
Back: Debra Nichols, Volunteer Auction Coordinator for Dover Adult Learning Center; Deanna Strand, Executive Director for Dover Adult Learning Center; Joe Cicerelli, Board Member for Dover Adult Learning Center Front: Lori Hults, AVP – Dover Office Manager for Laconia Savings Bank; Don Nary, Board President for Dover Adult Learning Center.Laconia Savings Bank is proud to support the Dover Adult Learning Center with a $1,000 donation towards their 40th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser. The Celebration and Fundraiser will be held on Friday, May 11th at the Cocheco Falls Millworks in Dover, NH at 6 pm.
"Laconia Savings Bank's sponsorship of this event will help DALC continue Opening Doors to Opportunity,” stated Deanna Strand, Executive Director of the Dover Adult Learning Center. “By helping us with the cost of food and entertainment for our 40th anniversary celebration, more of the proceeds from the silent auction will go directly to providing literacy services to Strafford County adults.” Founded in 1972 with a vision to help adults learn to read and to complete high school, the Dover Adult Learning Center has been transforming lives in the Strafford County area through education for over 40 years.
For more information on the Dover Adult Learning Center or to get tickets for the Celebration and Fundraiser, call (603)742-1030 or visit them online at www.dalc-online.org.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Service Credit Union announces loans, shares and assets at outstanding levels for 2011
Service Credit Union once again reported outstanding results for another year of exceptional growth during its 55th Annual Meeting Thursday, March 29th at the Frank Jones Center in Portsmouth.
The credit union’s exemplary 24/7 live person service, state-of-the-art technology delivery, philosophy of exceeding members’ service expectations, vision and sound management are among the top reasons for consistent record-breaking growth year after year despite an unsettled economy.
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch, the keynote speaker at the event, praised Service Credit Union for outstanding corporate citizenship and giving back to the state.
"I can't think of another company who has been more helpful to the state since I've been governor than Service Credit Union," Lynch said. “Service Credit Union is one of the biggest reasons why New Hampshire is so special.”
Lynch cited the leadership of Service Credit Union President/CEO Gordon Simmons for creating an organization which cares about its communities, members and employees. Whenever a natural disaster hits the state, the first phone call is from Service Credit Union, according to Lynch.
In addition, other speakers, Defense Credit Union Council President/CEO Roland A. "Arty" Arteaga, Portsmouth Mayor Eric Spear and New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts Credit Union Leagues President Dan Egan, New Hampshire Banking Commissioner Ronald Wilbur and 157th Air Refueling Wing Commander Colonel Paul Hutchinson spoke to close to 300 members attending the annual meeting. Also in attendance was Brig. Gen. and Air National Guard Commander Carolyn Protzmann.
“Service Credit Union is the best in financial service and financial education for military members,” said Hutchinson. “Service Credit Union is a great model for success and we appreciate their efforts. They provide substantial support for the New Hampshire National Guard.”
Wilbur commented that more than 100 banks have failed and about 25 credit unions, while Service Credit Union has grown membership, increase their loan portfolio and assets.
Arteaga and Egan also commended Service Credit Union for their philanthropic efforts and growth.
The credit union’s assets, loans and shares reached unprecedented levels, and Service Credit Union paid out $15.2 million in dividends to its members. The loans outstanding were at their highest level in history for the credit union. Service Credit Union’s loan portfolio was at a record-high $1.3 billion while assets reached an all-time high of $1.9 billion.
New Hampshire credit unions as a whole saved consumers $56 million through lower rates on loans, better rates on savings and lower fees on accounts. That amounts to $293 per member household or $154 per member and 38% of the citizens of New Hampshire belong to credit unions.
A simple example of the credit union savings can be seen when comparing new auto loan rates. The average auto rate at credit union rates were more than 2.5% lower among all credit unions and 2.75% lower on loans at Service Credit Union than the average rate at a bank.
The largest credit union in New Hampshire, Service Credit Union also saw its membership increase to more than 161,000 in 2011. The credit union expanded its market in New Hampshire with an in-store branch in Concord and two traditional branches in Exeter and Hampton. Service Credit Union introduced several new products in 2011 including mobile apps with remote check deposit for the iPhone and Android, FinanceWorks, SMS text messaging and expanded E-statement access.
“In 2011, we realized record growth once again which allowed us to deliver to our member what they want when they want it, as quickly and efficiently as possible with little effort expected of them,” says Simmons. “This growth gives us the important opportunity to invest in convenience services and additional access points for our members. We have expanded our 24/7 banking to mobile apps, text messaging and remote deposit from your iPhone or Android cell phone.”
Service Credit Union originated right here in Portsmouth in 1957 by members who pooled their resources to benefit each other. Members’ resources are still pooled together for lower loan rates. Service Credit Union will continue to better serve the local communities and members as well as members worldwide through its new facility.
Spear commented that Service Credit Union “leads by example with a LEED-certified building” and have an economic goal to create wealth locally.
St. Thomas Aquinas High School Students Build Cardboard City
At last count:
The student population of St. Thomas Aquinas is 635.
The population of Dover is 28,693.
The population of New Hampshire is 1,318,194.
The population of homeless teenagers in the United States is 1,682,900
Recently 37 St. Thomas Aquinas students gave up a Friday night to share, in a small way, the experience of those 1.6 million teens by becoming “homeless” themselves for a night. Sponsored by the school’s Campus Ministry Team, the students build “Cardboard City” in the STA parking lot, where they spent the night.
"Cardboard city was one of the hardest things I’ve done. Not because it was cold, or hard sleeping in a box for the night, but because it showed me how hard some people have it in life. Not knowing where you will eat your next meal, or even if you will have a next meal is very sad." - Hannah Schwoerer, senior
Before participating in this meaningful event, each student raised a minimum of $100. Together, this group of committed students raised over $5000. Of that amount, $1000 will be used to support the work of local homeless shelters, while the remainder goes to support St. Thomas’ work this summer with Young Neighbors in Action (YNIA).
In many ways, YNIA was one of two guiding forces behind the St. Thomas Aquinas efforts to gain a deeper understanding of the plight of the homeless. The other is the school’s efforts on behalf of Lazarus House Ministries, which also serves the homeless.
When engaged with both programs, students provide labor, tutoring skills and yard work; they serve food and work with children. STA students who have participated in these programs have called it a “life-changing experience.”
"As I lay in my cardboard box that night, I felt the cold, discomfort , and loneliness that many must suffer through every night. However, I had something that many homeless do not. Though I was physically hurting, the knowledge that I had a warm breakfast, loving family, and comfortable bed awaiting me in the morning warmed me. It was this hope that made me experience many times more bearable than the suffering that many homeless must endure." - Walter Hutcheson, junior
Because of those efforts, students realized that they needed to know more about the struggles and hardships of the lives led by the homeless. And so, when the idea of a Cardboard City was first proposed, there was an enthusiastic response.
Spearheading the project were senior Emily Keane and junior Meaghan Flynn. In addition, a dozen adult volunteers chaperoned through the night, and many student came in to cook and serve dinner and breakfast. For 37 committed, caring students, it was the perfect opportunity to learn, serve, and grow as a community.
"Cardboard City was a great experience because it gave me the opportunity to mentally connect with the homeless. Although I knew I would have food the next morning, the feeling of solidarity with sleeping in a cardboard box was profound. It was very worthwhile to join with others of the St. Thomas community to raise awareness for homelessness by joining with them for a night." - Abby Merrigan, junior
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