School Starts Soon!

Now is the time to think about enrolling your child in preschool! The Center School in Northwood is accepting registrations for the 2008-2009 school year. The Center School, a parent cooperative preschool located next to the town hall in Northwood, provides a developmental program for three, four, and five year-olds. We have only a few openings left in our two-day (T/Th) program and three-day (M/W/F) morning programs. Act now before they are filled! To get information please call Lucy Levitow at 942-8118.
 

Nicole Rockwell of Northwood has been named the recipient of MDA’s 2008 Robert Ross Personal Achievement Award for New Hampshire.

Rockwell, 20, was selected for the honor for her personal and academic achievements in the face of considerable challenges, and for serving as an inspiration and role model for others.

Initiated in 1992, the national awards program recognizes the accomplishments and community service of people with disabilities caused by any of the more than 40 diseases in MDA’s program.

The awards were renamed in honor of Robert Ross, MDA’s longtime chief executive, who died in June 2006. For more than four decades, Ross coordinated MDA activities related to fundraising, publicity, medical and humanitarian services, disability policies and research. Ross created the Personal Achievement Award program to educate the public that disability is no obstacle to accomplishment.

Rockwell was chosen in 2006 for the prestigious New Hampshire All-State Art Festival Program, and graduated high school that same year with high honors. Determined to pursue a career in art, she enrolled at Hesser College in Manchester, N.H., where she served as vice president for the freshman class of 2011 and took an active role in the Student Government Association (SGA). A graphic design major, Rockwell lives independently and intends to become a graphic artist, possibly in California or New York.

“I’m proud to announce Nicole Rockwell as New Hampshire’s Robert Ross MDA Personal Achievement Award recipient for 2008,” MDA President & CEO Gerald C. Weinberg said. “Nicole is a great example of the contributions people with disabilities consistently make to their communities.”

Rockwell credits MDA with playing a key role in her life. She has served as a local MDA goodwill ambassador, attended MDA summer camp and clinic, led MDA Stride & Ride events, attended the MDA summer picnic and holiday parties, and appeared on the local broadcast of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon.

As a child, Rockwell received a diagnosis of intermediate spinal muscular atrophy (SMA2), a genetic disease that causes weakness in the muscles closest to the center of the body, such as those of the shoulders, hips, thighs and upper back. Respiratory muscles also can be affected and spinal curvature is common. Rockwell uses a power wheelchair for mobility and has a tracheotomy for ventilation.

One state award recipient will be selected to receive MDA’s 2009 Robert Ross Personal Achievement Award. The national honoree will be announced on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept. 1.

MDA’s 2008 national award recipient is Michael Neufeldt of New Berlin, Wis. Neufeldt, who has Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, works in interactive communications for the Harley-Davidson Motor Co. in Milwaukee.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 forms of muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.

MDA maintains a clinic at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H.
The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.

“Introduction To Video Production” Workshop To Be Held At Chesley Memorial Library

Have you ever wondered how to edit a home video or add a clip to a movie?
Now you can learn how! “Introduction to Video Production” will be held at the Chesley Memorial Library on Saturday, August 16, from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

There is no charge for the workshop and all ages are welcome. Registration is required; call Kathy Boudreau (Recreation Director) at 942-5586 x209 to register. If you have a strong interest in the class but are not able to attend that afternoon, please call so we can schedule an additional class.

Sponsored by the Northwood Recreation Department and the Chesley Memorial Library.

Letter

Dear People of Northwood,
It has come to my attention that there has been some date given as to when this mural being painted on the bookshelves at the library will be completed. I wish to let everyone know that both myself and my fellow artist, Shawn are doing our best to complete this job in a timely manner.

We do not have a date for when that will be. Though I know that it is hoped that it will be completed soon by all involved. I must state here for everyone to know, that the September date that has been mentioned is wrong. I’m working on this project when I have spare time and as that it is a volunteer project, I cannot turn paying jobs away. I can’t afford to do that. Shawn is working a full time job and is using his only day off to work on this. Any date given by anyone other than myself, will be nothing but speculation.

Sincerely,
David Burton

The Friends Of The Chesley  Memorial Library

The Friends of the Chesley Memorial Library wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous response to the recent book launch event held at the Northwood Town Hall on July 11. Over 100 guests gathered to hear Becky Rule read from her new book, Live Free and Eat Pie, and to enjoy the homemade pies donated by many community members.

Over 24 pies were eaten, and sidesplitting laughter rang the rafters, as Becky delighted the crowd with many stories of “northern humor.” Several guests got in on the act by telling their own stories. The evening ended with an auction of the remaining pies, sending another 15 or more pies home to be enjoyed later.

If this is your kind of fun, be sure to mark your calendar for the “Humor and Harmony” encore, when Becky will tell more stories and the local band,  Cordwood, will provide some rousing music. This will be held at the  Northwood Masonic Hall on Saturday, November 8, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

All funds raised by the Friends of the Chesley Memorial Library will be used  for purchases that benefit the Library. Recent purchases by the Friends include a book cart, replacement chairs, and a digital camera.

Else  Cilley Chapter D.A.R.
 

The Else Cilley Chapter D.A.R. met on Wednesday, July 23rd at noon for their Annual Luncheon at the Historical Nottingham Square Schoolhouse. The only guest was the nine-month old granddaughter of one of the members. Hopefully a future member of the Children of the American Revolution.

The Hostesses were Deanna Rush, Norma Perkins, and Peg Franz, who served watermelon, Boston cream pie and punch.

The regular meeting followed the luncheon, at which time there was a moment of silence, and then a prayer was said by Chaplain Rebecca Shoup for Elvia Hetu, who had been Secretary for the Chapter as well as Chairman of the American History Essay contest for many years. She will be sadly missed for her wonderful minutes of the meetings and for all her work on the essay contests.

The meeting continued with the reading of the President General’s message  and the National Defense Message from the March/April 2008 edition “Pledging Allegiance” by Paula Spencer, which discussed the lack of it in schools.

Rebecca Shoup gave an interesting program, with pictures of her trip to the Galapagos Islands, titled “A Model For Conservation.” She and her friends were able to walk close to many of the animals and tortoises on the Islands. She said it was a physically demanding tour. At one point she climbed 365 steps, but the view was worth it.
The next regular meeting will be on Wednesday, August 20th, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. at the Schoolhouse. The program will be on Mary Baker Eddy, presented by Virginia Gerseney.

Prospective members and guests are always welcome.