Council on Aging (COA) Corner by Yvonne La-Garde
Celebration Garden: By now you will have heard of the Legacy Garden, renamed Memorial Garden, being built on the grounds of the Hobbs Community Center. Guess what? It has been renamed again! After a lot of discussion, it was realized that it was not just for memorials, which would also be celebrations of life, but also for celebrations of family, special events such as marriages, births, graduations, and for pets. So the new (and final!) name for the garden is Celebration Garden.
People have been purchasing trees and shrubs and we look forward to planting them in the fall – the best time for planting. There are still trees and shrubs available, so if there is something or someone you would like to celebrate, let Yvonne La-Garde know and a member of the Celebration Garden Committee will meet with you to explain how everything works and show you the binder with pictures and descriptions of available items. We can’t wait to see how our beautiful garden will grow, and we thank everyone who is becoming a part of it.
Can you give money to charity using your IRA? For people 70 ½ and older – the answer is yes! The COA is a 501©3 organization which is eligible for a RMD ( Required Minimum Distribution). Talk to your accountant on how you can donate your RMD using a qualified charitable contribution.
Discover Hidden Treasures at Pelham Community Thrift Store! Are you ready to embark on a shopping adventure? Look no further than Pelham Community Thrift Store, the ultimate destination for bargain hunters and treasure seekers!
Uncover Unique Finds: Step inside and prepare to be amazed by our vast selection of quality merchandise. From vintage clothing to antique furniture, kitchenware and everything in between, we’ve got it all! Our dedicated team of volunteers meticulously curates each item, ensuring only the finest pieces make it to our shelves.
Shop with Purpose: At Pelham Community Thrift Store, your shopping spree is more than just a guilt-free indulgence. With every purchase, you’re making a positive impact on our community. 100% of all proceeds generated support programs for older adults through the Council on Aging, making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Embrace Sustainability: Join the movement towards a greener future by shopping secondhand. By giving pre-loved items a new home, you’re reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Our thrift store is a treasure trove of gently used goods that are ready to embark on their next adventure with you.
Unbeatable Prices: Who says you need to break the bank to score amazing finds? At Pelham Community Thrift Store, affordability is out middle name. Our prices are incredibly wallet-friendly; allowing you to shop to your heart’s content without worrying about your budget. With frequent sales and promotions, you’ll always find a great deal!
Donate and make a Difference! Have items gathering dust in your closet? Given them a second chance at Pelham Community Thrift Store! We happily accept donations of gently used clothing, household items, furniture and more. Your contribution helps us continue to support our community while giving your belongings a new lease on life.
Pelham Community Thrift Store Special Promotions:
- August 5th: Everything that is summer will be on sale!
- September 16th: Old Home Day jewelry sale!
- October 7th: Shredding Event at the Community Center with special items on sale!
- October 16th: All proceeds support Veterans!
- November 4th: Chowder Festival and Christmas Specials!
- December 7th: A visit from Santa and gifts for children!
Visit Us Today: Located at Hobbs Community Center on 8 Nahua Road, our thrift store is conveniently accessible to all. Open five days a week from 9 am to 2:30 pm except Friday when doors close at 12 noon. Also open one Saturday per month. Please call Sue for donations at 603-508-7157.Come and experience the joy of thrift shopping while supporting a worthy cause. Your shopping journey awaits!
COA Awards Curtis Letendre PHS Scholarship: Consistent with its yearly policy of awarding a $1,000 Scholarship to a deserving graduating high school senior who demonstrates, by their attitude and daily actions, an awareness and appreciation of our senior community, the Pelham Council on Aging was honored to present this year’s Scholarship to Curtis Letendre. Curtis, a senior at Pelham High school with a 4.2 grade point average, plans to pursue continuing education at Nashua Community College where he has been accepted to study Aviation Technology.
In applying for this scholarship Curtis was required to submit an essay detailing how he is able to help older adults in his community through volunteering. Upon review by the COA Scholarship Committee, Curtis was determined to have met the application requirements and formally awarded the Scholarship at the Pelham High School Awards Ceremony held on Monday 5 June 2023 at the High School Gymnasium by Scholarship Committee members Ed Gleason and Gail DeMarco. The Pelham Council on Aging congratulates Curtis on this significant achievement and wishes him continuing success as he pursues his future educational goals.
Become a Council on Aging Member: As a dedicated member and advocate for older adults in our community, I invite you to become a member of the Pelham NH COA. I am proud to be a part of an organization that actively works towards improving the quality of life for older adults. The accomplishments that the Council on Aging has achieved, such as building a Pavilion and Pickle Ball Courts, demonstrate the dedication and commitment to providing spaces for recreation, socialization, and physical activity. In other areas, many of you enjoy our Chili Hot Dog Day, Corn Hole, Dinner-Dances and other events sponsored by the COA. One aspect that I deeply appreciate about the COA is the recognition of the power of numbers in advocacy. By uniting as a strong and vibrant community, we can effectively voice our concerns, address the needs of older adults, and influence positive change. Together, we can ensure that the voices of older adults are heard in Pelham and beyond, and that their interests are protected and prioritized. In light of these achievements and the continued efforts of the COA, I am asking our readers to become members of the COA. The nominal fee of $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents goes a long way in supporting the programs, services, and initiatives that benefit older adults in our community. Checks may be made payable to Pelham COA, 8 Nashua Road, Pelham, NH 030786.
Submitted by Yvonne La-Garde, pelhamnhcoa.org • 603-635-3168 ylg52@comcast.net.