In times of war, combat units requiring time for rest and recovery were removed from the battlefields to a secure environment to receive care, warm meals and enjoy camaraderie. Stand Down, a community intervention program, now affords the same opportunities to homeless veterans, helping them to combat life on the streets. Harbor Homes in Nashua and the Manchester VA reaches to the Mailbag to promote the upcoming event and need for donations including new backpacks.

12th annual Stand Down in Nashua to help homeless veterans

Harbor Homes, Inc., a not-for-profit organization established in 1980, provides support services to low-income individuals, families and established Veterans FIRST, a program which provides veteran-specific housing and services to servicemen and women in New Hampshire. “Harbor Homes is seeking community and business support, as well as commitments from volunteers, for the annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down event scheduled for Sept. 20, 2018 in Nashua,” says Andrea Reed, supportive employment program manager for Harbor Homes’ Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (LTR 3,363). “For some veterans a Stand Down may be the first time they are introduced to the VA Medical Center, the Nashua Public Health Department, Harbor Homes’ Behavioral Health, employment programs and other services and benefits they have earned and deserve. When veterans are housed in the shelters, they have to take all their stuff with them daily or worry it will be stolen, so donations of new backpacks are a major need. Other items on our Wish List for homeless veterans and their families include blankets, sheet sets, raincoats, jackets for men and women, towels and washcloths (HUGH need), air mattresses, tents and tarps. Other much appreciated items include non-perishable foods, bus passes, gas cards/phone cards, toiletry bags, waterproof bags and folding tables for vendors and goods at the event.” For more information about the Stand Down for Homeless Veterans event, call 882-3616 and ask for Andrea Reed, or email: a.reed@nhpartnership.org. NOTE: The Mailbag will also notify readers of any upcoming change in contact information.

Is a NordicTrac Elliptical Elite trainer ‘fit for you?’

“I have a NordicTrac Elliptical Elite 14.7 (Model NTEL 21412.0) with all the bells and whistles including I-Fit, wi-fi enabled, etc,” writes Mike C. of Merrimack (LTR 3,373). “Have only used it a dozen times since I purchased new in 2013 for $1,500. Excellent condition, but it did not fit well against my dropped ceiling in our basement and it was professionally assembled there. Someone can have it for free but will need to be handy enough to at least partially disassemble it and haul it away.” An elliptical trainer allows a user to achieve a full-body workout with one machine that is completely low-impact, with smooth and controlled motions which decrease the likelihood of injury during exercise (assuming, of course, one uses the machine for its intended purpose and not as a jungle gym for kid’s climbing, or stepping stool to reach high-shelved objects). Mike’s email included picture attachments which interested parties might want to ask him to send. He can be reached at 424-2977 or via email at: Bookmike@comcast.net.

Has flat screen TV, knitting machine

“I have a 19-inch Westinghouse flat screen TV for anyone that can use it,” says Paul L. of Hudson (LTR 1,123). “Also have a knitting machine with yarn, free to anyone that can use that as well.” While lots of products carry the Westinghouse name (no record of knitting machines), founder George Westinghouse Jr. (1846-1914) was actually first credited with the invention of the railway air brake (attributed to producing a lot of ‘train stops’). Folks interested in the TV and/or the knitting machine can contact Paul via email at: paulm03051@gmail.com.

Updates

– Sandy B. of Nashua, enriched resident service coordinator at Salmon Brook Senior Housing (LTR 3,269) writes: “I just wanted to send your way a special thank you for helping once more with the wish list, and a Thank You note to share with the wonderful communities. On behalf of the residents and from the bottom of my heart, I am grateful for the amazing people I met from Nashua, Merrimack and Litchfield. Your donations and your gesture of kindness is greatly appreciated.” Sandy adds: “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention” – Oscar Wilde.

– The National Geographic magazines from 1995 to 1996, all in excellent condition, offered by Bert the Picker, of Nashua (LTR 1,775), were delivered to Tricia, of Nashua. Enjoy!

n Jean L. has shelving for Lucy W. of Nashua (LTR 2,810), but has been unable to reach her. Chris’ Mailbag will try to help put these folks in touch with each other.

Back to School

Back-to-school supplies are being collected for the 13th annual Nashua Back to School celebration, set for 5 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Nashua Public Library. The free event will take place at the library’s outdoor plaza. Needed items include, thumb drives, backpacks, highlighters of any color and 1-inch three-ring binders. Items may be dropped off at The Telegraph, 110 Main St., Suite 1 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce at 603-881-8333, or look for upcoming articles in The Telegraph. The Nashua Goes Back to School program is for all students in the district, and is sponsored by the city of Nashua, the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce and The Telegraph.

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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