“By all these lovely tokens September days are here, with summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer”– Helen Hunt Jackson, American writer.

The beginning of this third season of the year marks a time of gathering the harvest as well as gatherings for people of all ages to enjoy country fairs, crafters exhibits, and other seasonal events. The staff at Nashua PAL is preparing for an upcoming Fall Festival and the Mailbag is happy to be part of making it happen.

Festival ‘fixtures’ needed

The Nashua Police Athletic League (PAL) Youth Safe Haven Community Center on Ash Street is a special place where supervising Nashua Police Officers, PAL staff, and volunteers are dedicated to helping guide young people with life skills and opportunities to give them a better chance at a successful life. Success in life also means taking time for fun activities such as a Fall Festival planned for early October. “Preparing for this event, we are hoping Mailbag readers may have pop-up tents and foldable tables to donate to help make the Fall Festival a ‘fun happening’ for participating kids and PAL staff” says Jenn B. of Nashua, Programming Assistant at the Nashua PAL Center (LTR 3,324). “There will be lots of activities for all to enjoy. Help with tents and tables would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.” Nashua PAL was founded in 1989 with the mission to create a positive attitude between the children of Nashua and the members of the Nashua Police Department through sponsored sports, activities, and enrichment programs, providing them at no cost. The programs give kids, especially those from high-risk neighborhoods opportunities they might not otherwise have, which works well for everyone in the community. Collection hours for donations at the Nashua PAL Center are Monday – Thursday, 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.; Friday, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Jenn can be reached at 603-594-3733 to make drop-off arrangements. Great people helping others, help if you can.

“Here kitty, kitty…”

“I am looking to provide a loving home for a kitten to join my little furry family of two other cats” says Jan C. of Nashua (LTR 2,849). “One of my cats recently passed away and I have room in my home and my heart for a kitten companion. I would love to hear from anyone looking to rehome a kitten.” Cats and kittens are said to be good for the heart, according to a University of Minnesota study which determined “owning a cat/kitten could reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease as provide emotional support since their purrs reportedly have healing powers”. Sounds like a ‘purrfectly good reason! Anyone with a kitten needing a home can reach Jan at 603-931-7311.

Non-profit needs upright freezer

“H.E.A.R.T.S. Peer Support and Crisis Respite Center is in need of an upright freezer” says Ken Lewis, Executive Director (LTR 2,663). “H.E.A.R.T.S. welcomes people challenged by the daily effects of living with and recovering from mental health issues, offering programs including cooking and nutrition classes with food provided by generous donations, much of which requires refrigeration. A donation of an upright freezer would be a welcome addition to H.E.A.R.T.S.’ kitchen.” The history of refrigeration is a ‘chilling story’! The ice trade, also known as the frozen water trade, was a prominent 19th century industry involving large-scale harvesting, transport, and sale of natural ice. While the industry has changed, one things has remained consistent in that perishable produce, minus refrigeration, equals spoilage. If you have an upright freezer that you would like to donate to H.E.A.R.T.S., Ken can be reached at 603-882-8400; or Assistant Executive Director, Tom Doucette, at 603-943-0547 (Cell).

Looking to borrow a transport chair

“My husband just had a right ankle fusion and won’t be weight bearing for another 3 – 4 months and I was wondering if anyone has a transport wheelchair we could borrow so I can bring him to doctor or rehab appointments” writes Ev of Nashua (LTR 2,424). “A transport wheelchair is a lot lighter than a regular wheelchair for me to be able to put in the trunk of our car as well as take it out. (I’m 78 years-old, slight frame). We can pick up. Thank you in advance, Chris, thank you for this wonderful service.” Transport wheelchairs are lightweight mobility chairs that combine the function of a wheelchair with the portability of a rollator. These chairs are meant to be pushed by a caregiver/family member as their small wheels mare it impossible for the user to propel him or herself. If you can help Ev and her husband, calls to 603-883-8741 or 603-533-7427 would be most welcome. Leave a message if no answer since unknown numbers are not answered.

Large dog crate or portable fencing

The Mailbag Lady is moving (not to worry, not too far) to a place with a yard so four miniature Doberman pinschers (MinPins) have room to run and play but still need containment from time-to-time since this active breed tends to be ‘overly friendly, with the best of intentions to be protective, etc. If anyone has a large metal crate that can be assembled out in a grassy yard, and/or fencing to make an enclosure for small dogs capable of ‘big leaps’, I can be reached at the email address at the end of this column. Reesie, Rexie, Baby girl, and ‘The nudge’ and myself would be most appreciative.

Updates

Bert the Picker of Nashua (LTR 1,775) received nine offers of television sets to replace the one ‘that died’. Bert admits he’s “not good at remembering names but never forgets a face” and now is back to seeing lots of faces and places, etc. on his ‘new’ 19 inch set… he’s “all set” and thanks everyone who responded. ‘back to Bonanza…’.

Contact Chris’ Mailbag by emailing christine.graham33@gmail.com or sending mail to Chris’ Mailbag c/o The Telegraph, 110 Main St., Suite 1, Nashua 03060. Include full name and complete address, along with telephone number or email address for publication, if applicable. Items eligible for publication are for donation, trade or barter only; requests of items for sale or purchase will not be included.

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