The evening was made possible by year-round sponsorships from BAE Systems, Cityside Management, Etchstone Properties, and Nashua Community College, plus an event sponsorship from Public Service of New Hampshire, and in-kind donations from Jack’s Kickin’ Salsa of Merrimack, LaBelle Winery of Amherst, and That! Event Company of Concord.

Among those who received special recognition during the awards presentation were:

• Tulley Automotive Group, recipient of the GIVE Award for outstanding achievement in the United Way fundraising campaign;
• Etchstone Properties, winner of the ADVOCATE Award for its key role in addressing Greater Nashua’s need for safe, affordable housing;
• Susan McHugh of UPS, recipient of the VOLUNTEER Award for her outstanding dedication and commitment; and
• St. Joseph Hospital, winner of LIVE UNITED Award, which recognizes one company for its outstanding efforts to support Greater Nashua by giving, advocating, and volunteering.

Photos from the event (courtesy of MindMarx Photography and Tanya Tisdale):

Welcome aboard/registration area .

Guests came aboard the "ship" via this plank.

Jeanne and Peter Chaloner of Cityside Management Corp., a year-round UWGN sponsor.

United Way President Paul Hebert, with Andrea and Joe Hebert.

United Way Board Member Heather Tebbetts of PSNH, an event sponsor.

Kevin Slattery, president of Etchstone Properties, and member of United Way's board of directors, received the ADVOCATE Award.

Guests enjoy networking during their "Cruise Around the World" in the Nashua Country Club ballroom.

United Way Board Member Maryellen Tansey of BAE Systems, a UWGN year-round sponsor.

Derek Pollitt, publisher of Coffee News - Nashua, was recognized for helping United Way's campaign as a Loaned Executive.

Guest speaker Scott Lemere, a Nashua single parent of two daughters, thanked attendees for supporting critical services like subsidized childcare through United Way, and spoke about the importance of volunteering.

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Letter carriers will collect non-perishable food left by mailboxes and in post offices on May 11^th and distribute the donations to area food pantries on May 12^th. The “Stamp Out Hunger” event is the nation’s largest one-day food drive, and has yielded more than 1.2 billion pounds of food donations over the past 20 years.

“Sixteen percent of all Americans are at risk of hunger—uncertain where their next meal may be coming from. That includes one in five children under the age of 18, plus four million seniors who are forced every day to choose between paying a utility bill and buying food,” said Bud Gorman, the Nashua coordinator of the food drive. “When you are out shopping, how about picking up an extra can or two of food? Save it and put it by your mailbox on Saturday May 11^th. Your letter carrier will pick it up and make sure it gets to a local food bank,” he added.

The food drive is held in late spring as food pantries run out of donations received during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday periods.  In 2012, the drive collected more than 70 million pounds of food nationally. The 20,000 pounds of food collected by Nashua letter carriers went to eight local food pantries: Corpus Christi; Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter; Salvation Army; Tolles Street Mission; Upper Room Ministries; Christian Bible Church; Grace Lutheran Church; and Main St. Methodist Church.

Hudson and Litchfield carriers last year collected 12,000 pounds of food, which was distributed among three food pantries: St. Vincent de Paul and the First Baptist Church in Hudson; and the Litchfield Community Church. “We hope that people will keep in mind that there are still many people unemployed and depending on generous donations to help them through the summer months,” said Frank Maglio, food drive coordinator for the Hudson-Litchfield-Pelham area. “These months are most important to children who depend on the school lunch program through the school year, but could be with out a meal during the summer,” Maglio added.

To donate, all Nashua, Hudson, and Litchfield residents need to do is place a box or can of non-perishable food next to their mailbox before the letter carrier delivers mail on Saturday, May 11^th. The carrier delivers the food to the post office, where it is sorted by volunteers and then available for pick-up by local food pantries the next day. Anyone wishing to volunteer for food sorting should come to the Nashua Post Office, at 38 Spring Street, between 11 AM and noon on May 11^th.

The “Stamp Out Hunger” National Food Drive is conducted in conjunction with United Way, the United States Postal Service, the AFL-CIO, and Feeding America, and with support from Val-Pak and Campbell Soup Company. For additional information and links, visit http://www.helpstampouthunger.com.

AMPLIFY YOUR IMPACT:  Support local programs that fight food insecurity by donating to United Way’s Community Impact Fund and selecting the “Safety Net” Impact Area. 

Nashua Community College students showed what it means to LIVE UNITED by volunteering at the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter during their spring break.

As a Rotarian and a Rotaractor, it is my mission to strive for lasting peace in the world and to put service above self. As Rotaract Club President, it is my responsibility to inspire others to help in the service of those in need.

The peacemaking project I chose to undertake was leading an initiative called Alternative Spring Break: 2013 (ASB). ASB occurred during the week of March 11-15, 2013. This year, instead of traveling to faraway places, we chose to stay closer to home and provide much-needed assistance to the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter. We wanted to undertake a volunteer project that would have a positive effect on the local community. Every day during that week, a group of Nashua Community College students from the Rotaract Club volunteered at the soup kitchen. We cooked and served food, cleaned the facility, and helped those who are less fortunate.

All of the students came away from their experience at the Nashua Soup Kitchen with a feeling of pride and accomplishment in assisting others. We had memorable encounters with people whose stories inspired us, including Norma, a volunteer who has spent many years serving at the soup kitchen. Alternative Spring Break reminded us of the value of serving others and putting service above self.

Helping those who are less fortunate is an important issue to me because of the vast socioeconomic disparities that exist all across modern society. I believe alleviating differences can be achieved through understanding others and realizing their needs. By embracing our common humanity and focusing less on superficial contrasts, we can achieve the shared goals of a unified society.

Note: Brandon Byrd is a Nashua Community College student and President of the school’s Rotaract Club. He also is a member of the Souhegan Valley “Happy Hour” Rotary Club, which is directing proceeds from its Kentucky Derby Party to United Way of Greater Nashua.

Want to LIVE UNITED and help our community by volunteering? Check out the volunteer page and register for updates.

Fortunately, there is a BETTER option! Why you ask? Because if you continue reading, you’ll find out that not only can you attend the greatest Kentucky Derby party of the year – but that the funds raised from this event will go towards an incredible cause – United Way of Greater Nashua’s Community Impact Fund.

On Saturday, May 4^th, join the Souhegan Valley ‘Happy Hour’ Rotary Club as we celebrate our 3^rd Annual Kentucky Derby Party at the Nashua Country Club.  This year’s party is extra special because in addition to our customary mint julep and cigar bar, red carpet entrance, 16-foot projection screen and MANY auction/raffle items, we will be offering casino-style gaming to keep you entertained all evening!

For just $10, you’ll gain admittance to the party along with an excellent assortment of passed hors d’oeuvres starting at 4 PM.  Upon having your professional photo taken on our red carpet, you’ll have the opportunity to place bets on your favorite horse(s) with betting and raffle tickets available up until the start of the race. REMEMBER, a portion of this year’s proceeds will go towards providing after-school mentoring to at-risk youth, helping families secure temporary safe-housing, improving our community’s health, and supporting many other local programs through United Way’s Community Impact Fund.

So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets in advance  and make sure to let us (and all your friends) know you’re coming by joining our Facebook event.

We look forward to seeing you there – oh and one more thing – the ‘best-dressed’ attendee will be immortalized on our Kentucky Derby Party Trophy!

Note: Tim McMahon is a charter member of the Souhegan Valley “Happy Hour” Rotary Club and leads the club’s marketing efforts.

The cost per dozen is $18 and checks must be made payable to United Way. Orders are limited to the Greater Nashua area and are due by Friday, April 19. Orders paid in full by Wednesday, May 1, will be eligible for the “Five Lucky Dozens” drawing.

Everyone who buys roses and pays on time will be entered into the drawing once for each dozen purchased. Five “Lucky Dozens” winners each will win $100!

Your flowers will arrive on Friday morning, May 10^th.

To place an order in the Nashua area, please email Susan McHugh at susanmchugh@ups.com. See flyer, below, and share it with others who would like to show Mom and the Greater Nashua community that they care.

Members of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance team at Triangle Credit Union in Nashua have helped lower income households claim more than half a million dollars in refunds and credits during the current tax season. (Photo courtesy of Triangle Credit Union)

by Dick Lavoie, VITA Site-Coordinator, Triangle Credit Union

Triangle Credit Union has been part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program since tax year 2004. In the beginning, we had two preparers with laptop computers provided by the Internal Revenue Service. We served over 60 clients in four weeks. During the current tax preparation season, Triangle supported six certified tax preparers, two site coordinators, and two greeters who helped over 330 under-served individuals from Greater Nashua and Manchester communities.

“We are all volunteers,” states Rhonda Morris, co-site coordinator. “My greatest joy is to hear our clients say ‘Thank You.’”

Many of the individuals we serve fall into the low-income bracket; their household incomes are far below $50,000, and they often have two or three children. Many are reluctant, at first, to provide us with their personal information. That’s where our translator comes in as she makes them feel at home. Nearly 50 percent of the individuals we serve are of Hispanic heritage. Sara Reyes-Pinzon, one of our greeters, makes them feel comfortable by communicating with them in their native language. Sara’s motivation is: “I just want to give back; someone looked after me and I want to return the favor.”

We provide assistance to the under-served for nine weeks during the tax season. Thus far, for tax year 2012, we prepared 310 returns, which resulted in over $561,000 in refunds and Earned Income Tax Credits. This year, we saw an influx in 1040X, amended returns for previous years’ taxes. We prepare amended returns when we discover an error from a previous year’s tax return. Consequently, these returns must be mailed to the Internal Revenue Service; they cannot be filed electronically. For amendment purposes, we are allowed to go back three years. For example, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks came in to do their 2012 taxes with us. They had been told that once their son turns 19 years of age he can no longer be claimed by the parents. This is true to some extent; however, if the individual continues his schooling, he can be claimed up to age 24. This situation prompted us to review the previous years’ taxes for the Brooks’ in the event they may have left any education credits unclaimed. Needless to say the family was very thankful.

Many times our clients are so appreciative, they would like to pay us for our service. We are bound by an IRS Code of Ethics that prevents any of us from receiving any financial pay-back from our clients. We cannot and will not accept any financial reward for our service. Just a simple thank you is sufficient. Paula, who has been having her taxes prepared by us for a few years, came in this year with a baker’s dozen of bagels for all of the volunteers. According to Paula, “You have to eat sometime…and I know I can’t pay you for your service.”

Maureen Lund is not only a certified tax preparer, but an employee of the credit union as well. When asked by the members, “Why do you do this?” Maureen answers, “It is very rewarding knowing that we are helping those struggling to make ends meet. These folks are hard workers and every little bit helps. To see the smile on their face when you tell them they have a refund coming- that is priceless.”

In closing, I would like to thank all of the volunteers who so generously gave their time to help the less fortunate with their taxes. I want to personally thank Triangle Credit Union for their continued support and cooperation.

Thank you.

Note: Triangle Credit Union is a member of the Greater Nashua Asset Building Coalition, which is coordinated by United Way and offers free tax preparation at several sites in the area. Triangle Credit Union reports that it intends to keep its tax preparation site open for last-minute returns until the April 15 filing deadline. For additional VITA sites in New Hampshire, call 2-1-1, United Way’s toll-free information and referral service.

Since 1995, when the first full week of April was declared National Public Health Week (NPHW), communities across the United States have observed NPHW as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation.

This year’s free kick-off event in Nashua will be held on Monday, April 1, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, and will feature raffles, prize giveaways, and a free Zumba and abs class.

Other Nashua NPHW events include:

Wednesday, April 3: Creating a Healthy Workplace
The City of Nashua’s Employee Assistance Program is offering a free workshop on well-being and relaxation skills for the workplace. All are welcome to this class, which will be held from noon to 1 PM in the City Hall Auditorium (3^rd Floor).

Thursday, April 4: Protecting You While You’re on the Move
The Nashua Police Department, in collaboration with St. Joseph Hospital and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, will be conducting car seat safety checks and a bike safety program for parents and children at the Boys & Girls Club from 4:00 to 5:30 PM.

Friday, April 5: Empowering a Healthy Community
Free screening of “Challenges,” an HBO Weight of the Nation documentary series segment that focuses on obesity, will be held at Rivier University’s Sylvia Trottier Hall. Refreshments and displays open at 4 PM; movie runs from 4:30 to 6 PM.

See the complete schedule of the week’s activities in Nashua.

United Way of Greater Nashua works to improve our community’s health by funding proven, effective programs that address identified needs, such as health and dental care for the uninsured/underinsured, and substance abuse prevention. Please help by donating to UWGN’s Community Impact Fund.

Simply present the United Way Days flyer to a participating Chili’s restaurant between 11 AM and 11 PM April 2-4, and 10 percent of your bill will support Super Storm Sandy relief.

In Nashua, visit Chili’s at 285 Daniel Webster Highway, or at 610 Amherst Street. Six Chili’s locations in northern Massachusetts also are participating in the promotion.

Remember, you must present the flyer for a portion of your purchase to be directed to United Way’s Super Storm Sandy relief.

Please share this notice to multiply your impact. Thank you.

We want to make the night one to remember for our donors and volunteers during this special appreciation event. In addition to fun food, activities, and atmosphere, guests will have the opportunity to win raffle prizes. Many thanks to BAE Systems for donating a Kindle Fire and to the Nashua Silver Knights baseball team for contributing a luxury suite to one of their games this coming season.

Can you help sweeten our raffle prize pot by donating (or acquiring) additional items? Gift certificates to restaurants, hair salons, and day spas are most welcome, as are items that fit the event’s cruise theme.

And since you cannot have a celebration without music, we are looking for a steel drum or tropical music group to play for the first hour of the event. If you know such a group that may be interested, please refer them to us.

Thank you in advance for helping us honor our individual and corporate donors, volunteers, and supporters whose contributions improve lives and strengthen our community. Please email us or comment below if you have raffle prize donations or require more information.

To stay up to date on all United Way of Greater Nashua events, volunteer opportunities, and work in the community, please sign up for our e-newsletter.