Southern New Hampshire Services

Energy upgrades aid low-income families

By AARON SANBORN
asanborn@seacoastonline.com
May 15, 2012

EXETER — The town is currently home to a massive weatherization effort targeting manufactured homes.

Southern New Hampshire Services is attempting to weatherize about 100 homes in the town’s four manufactured-housing parks: Exeter River, Icy Hill, Exeter-Hampton and Powder House.

Crews from Southern New Hampshire Services were at the Exeter River Landing last week weatherizing several homes.

According to Rick Minard of the nonprofit New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, weatherization is an option usually offered from the state’s five community action programs to those who apply for fuel assistance each winter. Fuel assistance is awarded based on income levels.

The effort was expanded this year. The Community Loan Fund is working through the community action programs to weatherize manufactured homes in co-ops statewide with a $2 million grant from the N.H. Public Utilities Commission using money from its Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Fund, according to Minard.

Minard said the U.S. Department of Energy has contributed a $600,000 grant to the project. Statewide, the grants should weatherize about 425 manufactured homes in 20 resident-owned communities by the end of the year. The home energy audits and weatherization services are free.

Minard said the average per-home weatherization cost is $6,500, adding that the weatherization work reduces a household’s energy consumption by about 25 percent. “That would be a huge impact on home energy costs in Exeter,” he said.

Exeter River co-op resident Grant Clough took advantage of the opportunity.

“This place is nice, but you wouldn’t want to wear a hat in here because it would blow off,” he joked about the drafts in his home.

Clough said he typically spends about $1,400 a winter on heat, and he is optimistic the weatherization will help bring the cost down. “This should be a big help,” he said.

Clough said he is conscientious about his energy usage and often unplugs appliances when he’s not using them.

Ken Cantara, the energy auditor that worked on Clough’s home, said prior to the weatherization services, he measured 1140 CFMs in Clough’s home. CFM is short for cubic feet per minute, a measurement of the velocity at which air flows into or out of a space.

After insulation was added and some duct work was done, the CFM measurement in Clough’s home was cut to 700 CFMs, according to Cantara. “He’ll save about 100 gallons of fuel a year, based on my past experience,” Cantara said.

Cantara said Clough should also save in the summer on air conditioning costs.

In addition to the weatherization efforts, energy auditors also conduct carbon monoxide readings on homes and check for other safety issues, such as gas leaks. “We don’t want to go through with the weatherization process and make a problem worse,” Cantara said.

Crews fixed a gas leak in Clough’s heating system prior to doing the work on his home and installed a new carbon monoxide detector, Cantara said. He said it usually takes three to five days to complete weatherization efforts in a home.

Minard said weatherization is cost-effective. “You make this type of an investment in a home and it will last a long time,” he said.

This may also be the last time the services are offered on such a large scale, according to Minard. He said the state Legislature is looking to cut the Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Fund. “I don’t think they understand how important it is for the community,” he said. “If we lose that funding, it will be a shame because the feds won’t be there to pick up the tab.”

Homeowners must qualify for fuel assistance to be eligible for the program. Anyone who is interested in weatherization but who does not already receive fuel assistance is asked to call Southern New Hampshire Services at 895-2303 or Rockingham Community Action at 431-2911.

Reprinted with permission.

Energy upgrades aid low-income families

EXETER – The town is currently home to a massive weatherization effort targeting manufactured homes. Southern New Hampshire Services is attempting to weatherize about 100 homes in the town’s four manufactured-housing parks: Exeter River, Icy Hill, Exeter-Hampton and Powder House. Story by Aaron Sanborn. Reprinted with permission from Seacoast OnLine.  Read more.

SNHS supports “Help Me Out, Vet” survey efforts

If you are one of the 135,000 veterans living in New Hampshire, you can help NH’s veterans receive the care they need.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) are the signature injuries of war. Vets from all branches of the military and all conflicts are asked to SHARE (Survey Helping to Advance Recovery Efforts) their experiences in an effort to benefit today’s Veterans dealing with post-combat injuries as well as veterans for years to come.

The survey has been developed by the NH Legislative Commission on PTSD and TBI. The brief survey is completely confidential and can be completed on-line by visiting www.nh-veteran.com.

A downloadable version of the survey is available. When completed, the survey should be mailed to:

Commission on PTSD & TBI

109 North State St., Ste. 2

Concord, NH 03301

NH Veterans SHARE Flyer

NH Veterans SHARE Survey

SNHS supports “Help Me Out, Vet” survey efforts

If you are one of the 135,000 veterans living in New Hampshire, you can help NH’s veterans receive the care they need. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) are the signature injuries of war. Vets from all branches of the military and all conflicts are asked to SHARE (Survey Helping to Advance Recovery Efforts) their experiences in an effort to benefit today’s Veterans dealing with post-combat injuries as well as veterans for years to come. Read more.

Seniors Count-Nashua workshop offers ideas for summer fun

NASHUA –Looking to have some fun this summer…close to home? Tom Dwane, recreation program manager for the City of Nashua’s Parks and Recreation Department and Carol Eyman, the Outreach Director and Community Service Coordinator for the Nashua Public Library will share information about upcoming summer events and programs at a workshop scheduled for Monday, June 11.

Rebecca Dixon, executive director of Great American Downtown, will be joining them.

The program will be held at the Nashua Senior Activity Center, 70 Temple St. It begins at 1:00pm and is open to the public. Please call Beth Todgham, Seniors Count-Nashua facilitator at (603) 889-3440 x 629 for more information.

Workshop participants are invited to come early and enjoy lunch offered by St. Joseph Community Services (Meals on Wheels) in the cafeteria at the Nashua Senior Activity Center. A $2 donation is requested for diners age 60 and over; the price is slightly higher for those under 60. Pre-registration for lunch is required. Call Steve, SJCS site manager, at 882-2106 to reserve your lunch. Lunch is served from 11:45am to 12:45pm.

The workshop is one of a series of free programs offered the second Monday of each month at the Senior Activity Center. The workshops are designed to provide area residents with information on resources available in the community as they age. Additional partners include Southern New Hampshire Services, ServiceLink Resource Center, the Nashua Public Library, and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services: Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services.

Seniors Count-Nashua offers ideas for Summer Fun!

Looking to have some fun this summer…close to home? Tom Dwane, recreation program manager for the City of Nashua’s Parks and Recreation Department and Carol Eyman, the Outreach Director and Community Service Coordinator for the Nashua Public Library will share information about upcoming summer events and programs at a workshop scheduled for Monday, June 11. Rebecca Dixon, executive director of Great American Downtown, will be joining them. Read more

RSVP Fixit Corps receives grant to help local seniors

Manchester, NH —Southern New Hampshire Services’ Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Fixit Corps will help seniors 60 years of age or older and persons living with disabilities remain independent in their own homes by addressing the minor maintenance and repair projects that they are unable to do through a grant received from the Home Instead Foundation. The grant funds the program in Hillsborough County.

The RSVP Fixit Corps volunteers will be available to respond effectively to requests such as repairing leaky faucets, installing a grab-bar, repair switches, outlets or sockets and other minor requests for home maintenance assistance. All labor is provided free of charge by volunteers; clients are asked only to cover the cost of materials.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is a 39-year-old nationwide organization that provides an organizational framework through which community needs and senior volunteer resources come together to benefit the entire community.

The RSVP Fixit Corps was developed to increase the reach and efficiency of the volunteer home maintenance program by harnessing the volunteer resources available through the RSVP program. The move combines the strengths of two successful and highly regarded programs.

“This funding will allow the Program Coordinator to focus on the recruitment and training of volunteers and with repair requests received from clients. Support provided by the Home Instead Foundation will also allow for the purchase of supplies in those cases when the client is indigent and unable to cover the costs,” said Dee Martin, volunteer services director. SNHS’ RSVP Fixit Corps is one of 13 organizations awarded grant funding from The Home Instead Senior Care Foundation in 2012. The grant from the Home Instead Foundation allows the RSVP Fixit Corps to continue its support of seniors in Hillsborough County communities.

(L-R) Lisa Byrne, Owner, along with Pattie Hayes, Director of Community Relations, present the check for $15,000 to Dee Martin, Volunteer Services Director for the RSVP Fixit Corps.

“Our missions are very similar to the RSVP Fixit Corps, as we both help enhance the lives of aging adults and their families,” said Roger H. Baumgart, Executive Director of The Foundation. “We are pleased to provide grant funding to The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Fixit Corps for making a positive difference in the safety, well-being and independence of seniors,” Baumgart said.

In 1994, Lori and Paul Hogan founded Home Instead Senior Care, an international company of independently owned and operated franchises, to provide non-medical care for seniors. As a means to enhance the lives of older adults, going beyond the scope of this organization, The Home Instead Senior Care Foundation was established in 2003.

The Home Instead Senior Care Foundation has awarded more than 100 grants throughout the United States and Canada since 2004. To learn more about The Foundation, visit www.homeinsteadseniorcarefoundation.org.

RSVP Fixit Corps receives grant to help local seniors

MANCHESTER, NH —Southern New Hampshire Services’ Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Fixit Corps will help seniors 60 years of age or older and persons living with disabilities remain independent in their own homes by addressing the minor maintenance and repair projects that they are unable to do through a grant received from the Home Instead Foundation. The grant funds the program in Hillsborough County. Read More

Hillsborough County Community Gardens spots now available

Southern New Hampshire Services has announced the availability of plots at the Hillsborough County Community Garden in Goffstown. The garden is open to all residents of Hillsborough County who wish to have a garden space. A minimum of 75% of all gardening spaces are reserved for households meeting Federal low-income guidelines. For a donation of $20, the remaining land is made available to those households exceeding the guidelines, or who fail to file the requested financial information. Read More

‘What to ask your pharmacist’ Seniors Count workshop topic

NASHUA – Your pharmacist is an important part of your healthcare team. He or she can answer many of the questions you may have about the medications and supplements you take.

Knowing what questions to ask your pharmacist is critical to your continued good health. Area seniors interested in learning more about what questions to ask – and how to use the information gained – can learn more at the Seniors Count-Nashua workshop scheduled for Monday, May 14 at the Nashua Senior Activity Center.

Kerri Vallante, Pharm D is the workshop presenter. She is the Pharmacy Manager at the Walgreens located on Main Street in Nashua. In addition to sharing information on what you can learn from your pharmacist, Vallente will also offer information about how to safely dispose of medications you are no longer taking.

Those attending the workshop are invited to bring a “brown bag” containing the current medications and supplements they are taking to receive more individualized information and answers to their questions.

The workshop will begin at 1:00pm. The Senior Activity Center is located at 70 Temple St. in Nashua.

Advance registration for the workshop is requested. Please call Beth Todgham, Seniors Count-Nashua facilitator for Southern New Hampshire Services at (603) 889-3440 x 629 for more information.

Workshop participants can come early to enjoy lunch offered by St. Joseph Community Services (Meals on Wheels) in the cafeteria at the Nashua Senior Activity Center. A $2 donation is requested for diners age 60 and over; the price is slightly higher for those under 60. Pre-registration for lunch is required. Call Steve, SJCS site manager, at 882-2106 to reserve your lunch. Lunch is served from 11:45am to 12:45pm.

The workshop is one of a series of free programs offered monthly at the Senior Activity Center by Seniors Count-Nashua. The workshops provide area residents with information on resources available in the community as they age.

Past workshops have included topics on senior fraud and identity theft, senior driving issues, gizmos and gadgets to stay safe in your home, clutter control and understanding what a loved one with dementia is experiencing. All programs have been filmed by Nashua’ Education Channel 99. Programs are broadcast Mondays at 1:00pm and can be viewed on-line at http://nashua.ezstream.com.

Southern New Hampshire Services, ServiceLink Resource Center, the Nashua Public Library, and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services-Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services provide additional support for the workshops.

Click here for a copy of the workshop flyer