Concord News : fund raiser

Contoocook wood bank makes winter wamer

Bow Editor — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:42:00 GMT

The Contoocook Carry may end when the last triathlete crosses the finish line, but for the town’s residents, ways to lend a hand are just heating up.

Sunday, Sept. 21, will mark the annual triathlon benefit in Hopkinton, and a wood bank has also been set up at the transfer station to help residents in need of winter fuel assistance.

While 75 percent of the proceeds from the Contoocook Carry go toward fuel assistance, all wood donations collected at the Sean Powers Wood Bank will be given to Hopkinton residents in need.

“Along the way, it becomes really apparent that there are people who are afraid, people on fixed income, that just can’t afford it,” said Mary Congoran, the wood bank’s organizer.

Congoran said in addition to dropping off wood at the transfer station, residents can help in other ways.

“They might only need help stacking, or a path shoveled to the wood during the winter time,” she said. “The basic thing we’re starting to ask people to do is just go out in the neighborhood and knock on doors and ask who may need help. If nothing more comes out of it than neighbors chatting with neighbors, that’s a great thing, too.”

The effort to raise wood is being called Wood for Warmth, and one of the main aspects will come on Saturday, Oct. 18, during volunteer day.

“Volunteers will be there splitting, cutting and preparing the wood and getting it into the shape so it can be used during the winter,” said Congoran.

Residents are asked to bring 16-inch pieces of wood to the wood bank. Many members of the community have already stepped up and donated large amounts of wood, as well as their services.

Chuck and Joyce Rose have volunteered the use of all their trucks and drivers from their own wood company to collect donations.

“My heart is totally filled up,” Congoran said. “Even if you reach one person like that, it totally fills you up.”

Residents who need to use the donated wood must obtain a voucher from the town’s Human Services Department.

Those interested in donating wood, or finding out more information, can e-mail Mary Congoran at woodforwarmth@hotmail. com or call her at 568-2783.

“The big picture is the community. The only way I could have done anything this is with their help,” said Congoran. “I have the greatest confidence in this community.”

The Contoocook Carry will kick off at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21. Runners set off from Hopkinton High School to the Contoocook River along Route 127, where they launch kayaks for 5 miles, then pick up their bicycles for a 14-mile return trip to the high school.

Those interested in taking part in the Contocook Carry triathlon may register the day of the event at the high school, from noon to 1:15 p.m.

Contoocook Carry triathlon heats up

Bow Editor — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:06:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Residents running, paddling and pedaling in September’s Contoocook Carry will use as much energy as they can to get to the finish line.

This year, their physical energy will turn to heating energy, as 75 percent of the proceeds from this year’s race will be given to Hopkinton Human Services to help those in need of fuel assistance due to the skyrocketing cost of oil.

“For the last few years, we’ve tried to give most of the proceeds to human services for all needs,” said Mary Congoran, one of the race’s organizers. “Last winter, I was looking out my window seeing us getting hit so hard with snow and cold weather, and it was just getting to me. I knew there were people needing fuel assistance.”

The sixth annual triathlon takes place Sunday, Sept. 21, featuring a 2-mile run, 5-mile paddle and 14-mile bicycle ride. Racers can sign up as individuals or teams, with a prize table at the end of the race set up to give each racer a reward for completing the course.

While 75 percent of the proceeds will go to fuel assistance, the remaining 25 percent will be donated to Hopkinton High School’s Interact Club, a group of students dedicated to community service.

“I usually try wherever possible to have the youth be able in some way to give back,” said Congoran. “(The Interact Club) helps with the race and offers prizes like babysitting, car washing, lawn mowing and things like that to give to participants.”

Congoran said each year she sees the triathlon bring out the best in residents, and not just financially.

In response to the sponsorship letter Congoran sent out, one resident agreed to donate dry, split wood for the prize table.

“That letter isn’t meant to always draw money out of the pockets of everyone,” said Congoran. “It lets your neighbors know that you care and you’re trying to help in a crisis situation. It isn’t always money.”

The race isn’t designed to be highly competitive, as it is meant to be a fun way to raise money for a cause in town.

“It’s great because we have some super athletes that come also. I like to believe everyone is coming this year for fuel assistance, to help their community,” Congoran said. “We have had people from Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts. They understand, too. It’s never going to be a big-time fancy race, but it’s meant to be down home and to do a lot for the community.”

Last year, the race raised about $2,000, and while Congoran said she hasn’t set monetary goals in the past, she hopes to raise a large amount this year to help residents in need.

“We definitely are really trying to raise a good bit more this year,” she said. “So many good things happen that I haven’t always focused on the funds. This year, whether people can put together a team or not, if they can find a way to help their neighbors, that’s what we’re after.”

Junior Service League to present ‘The Glass Slipper’

Bow Editor — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 01:24:00 GMT

The Junior Service League of Concord will present “The Glass Slipper,” by Vera Morris, at St. Paul’s School Memorial Hall in Concord on Friday, March 16, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, March 17, at 11 a.m.

This is an opportunity for families to attend live theater and raise money for Concord-area nonprofit organizations. The Junior Service League of Concord has again teamed with director Karen Braz to bring this children’s classic to life and is sure to entertain children of all ages and adults.

Sponsors include Merrimack County Savings Bank, Plodzik and Sanderson, Case Handyman Remodeling, Venture Construction, Gift Baskets by Your Design.com and Sylvania.

The Junior Service League continues its 75-year tradition of supporting social service agencies in the Concord area, by distributing the money raised to organizations helping children.

Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at Caring Gifts, Cobblestone Design, French’s Toy Shop and You’re Fired. Tickets will also be available at the door.