Puddledock Press February 2011

8/7/2019 Puddledock Press February 2011

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VOL. 32 NO.2 FARMINGTON, NH FEBRUARY 2011

FROM THE ARCHIVES:FEB. 1971 40 YEARS AGO

Mrs. Kathleen H. Dolliver, librarian at the Goodwin Public Library in Farmington, accepted a 16X 20 photograph of the late Henry Wilson from "News" co publisher Fred Noyes.Mrs. Dolliver said that the likeness of Farmington's most distinguished citizen will be framed and

displayed within the library. The presentation on Tuesday, February 16, was to commemorate the15Stb anniversary of Wilson's birth. There were no photographs of Wilson within the library otherthan in books.The presentation was a copy of an engraving Noyes had photographed from the flyleaf of a

biography of Wilson's life. The photo was credited to Black's of Boston.Books and photographs of Wilson are scarce according to Mrs. Dolliver. She has knowledge of ai single biography of Wilson's life and another volume containing speeches which were delivered byB the farm boy from Farmington who became Vice-President of the United States. The Goodwin

! j_ Library has a copy of each, she said.Noyes said a study of Wilson's life shows him to have been an extremely dedicated man. He wasdevoted to two great ideas; releasing slaves from the evil of involuntary servitude and helping manescape the curse of the drug ethyl alcohol. He worked with President Lincoln for emancipation."Truly," Noyes said, "Farmington has every reason to take great pride in Henry Wilson. He wast burn on the Cocheco !~o~ his time." c; 4 = - II! t ..,.' Idim? - J '" . . . 77 '''_" ._."''''~


2/18

PlaDuing and CodeEnforcementDirec tor of P lann ing , C om m unity

Deve lopmen tKa thy MenicjBuildingInspector/ CodeOfficer

Dennis RoseberryAddress:356 Main Street

Farmington, NH 03835Hours:

M - F 8:00am- 5:00pmTelephone:

603-755-2774Zoning Board of AdjusnH:;uts

The zoning board meets the1st Thursday of every month(@ the municipal office)

As of8/11/10E1me r '"Butch" BatTon-Chair

JobnAlardJ o e Pitre

Joanne ShompePaul Parker

LOCAL TOWN COMMITTEESJ'J:lanning Boar(i

The planning board meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesdayofevery month(@ the municipal office)As of8/11/10Paul Parker-Chairman

David Kestner-Vice ChairmanCharles Doke-Secretary

Charlie King-Selectman RepCindy SnowdonTracey MajorGlen Demers

Jim Horan- Alternate

The Budget Committee meets the 4t hWednesday of every month(@the municipal office)

As of8/11/10- Brian St. Onge-Chalr,

Arthur Capelo - Vice Chair,Gail Ellis- Selectmen's Rep,

Kenneth Dickie- School Board Rep,Christopher Somma, CindySnowdon, Sam Cataldo,Michael Morin, Ann Titus, JimHorgan, &Christopher Biron

E~~ 'S ' ~ I < ~ ' (Auto and lruck Repair-~ ~ H r . T O W I N G

~~~,~. 755-Z59021 t Biulkar It., larai.,I.ft, HH 83835

THE PUDDLEDOCK PRESSPublished monthly by the Puddledock Staff. To have an item of local interest. considered for publication, submit it to: The Puddledock Press 370 Main Street

. I Farmington, NH 03835. Letters are welcome and will be printed at the discretion, of the Editor, space permitting. Letters published are not necessarily the opinion Iof the staff. For advertising, call 755-3064. ;Editor: .JoAnn Doke Advisor: Roger BelangerStaff Writers: Barbara Rollins and Jnanita Elliott

MARJORIE B & JOHNBARRON'S

SINGLE TREE FARM"EVERYTHING IN IT'S SEASON"HAY-VEGETABLES-PLANTS859-2551

CERAMIC STUDIO-COTTAGE CRAFTSAIKEN ROAD FARMINGTON

2


3/18

Ch ild ren .s H ea lthTeensAt Risk For Pertussis: High School Students

May BeMissing An Important Immunization(NAPS)-Many older teens

may be at risk for pertussis, orwhooping cough, a highly conta-gious disease that can cause diffi-culty breathing and sleeping, andlengthy absence from schcol.Whooping cough has been on therise among adolescents in the pastfew decades, and numerous out-breaks have been reported acrossthe country this year.Infants are routinely vacci-

nated against pertussis, butimmunity wanes over five to tenyears, leaving adolescents vulner-able to the disease. To help protectadolescents, the Centers for Dis-ease Control and Prevention(CDC) has been recommending atetanus, diphtheria and acellularpertussis vaccine, often called aTdap booster, for 11-12 year oldssince 2006. That means today'solder adolescents (those 15-18years of age) may not havereceived the vaccine when theywere preteens because it wasn'tavailable yet. "Many older teenshave fallen through the cracks,"says Dr. Joseph Domachowske,professor of pediatrics andimmunology specialist at SUNYUpstate Medical University inSyracuse, N.Y. "In fact, a CDCsurvey found that only 19 percentof 17 year olds have been immu-nized against the disease."About PertussisPertussis is highly contagious.

In fact, 50 to 80 percent of unvac-cinated children who are in schoolwith someone who has pertussiswill also catch the disease. Onaverage, students can miss up tofive and a half days of school. The

Hours of OperationMondaythrough Friday7:00am - 3:30pmContact Information:755-4883pubwks@metroeast .net

Because immunity wanes overtime, the CDC recommends thatall adolescents and adults 1164years of age receive a Tdapbooster to help protect againstpertussis. For more information,visit www.cdc.gov.disease is easily mistaken for acommon cold or bronchitis amongadolescents and adults during itsearly stages.What Parents Can DoFortunately, parents can help

protect their teens with the Tdapbooster. "Many schools haverecently mandated the Tdap vac-cine for sixth or seventh gradersand we are seeing higher immu-nization rates among theseyounger adolescents than we areamong high schoolers," says Dr.Domachowske. "The bottom line iswhether or not your schoolrequires the pertussis booster, ifyour 11-18 year old hasn't had it,he or she is at risk for the disease.You should talk to your health-care provider to ensure that yourteens are up-to-date on thisimmunization."

Public Works and HighwayHours of OperationMonday through Friday7:00am- 3:30pmLandfill a nd Recycling

Hours of OperationTuesday, Wednesday, Friday andSaturday8:00am - 4:00pmContact Information:

755-4884

fri~:.0>\\ } )'}o (>"?-/

IyURS~

You have a choice inHome Care!Rochester District Visiting Nurse AssociationServing Strafford &No. Rockingham CountiesInsurances accepted: Medicare, Medicaid & Private.

rSaJllT?Scoillu reS 1FAMll Y HAIR CARE-'''" Medical Social \Vorkers

Newborn Horne Visits .. Adult Health Clinics Telehealrh Monitoring WAU(-INS WELCOMEDS\!PPO[[ Services Program include-: Personal Care Service Providers ,

Homemakers and In Home Providers 755~24fl2 'i1A piEACANT ~T il_~~~~~_:_ . __.~_~' o J _ ' '_ JFor more information call (603) 332-1133Or visit our website at: www.you_,.vna.org 3
http://www.cdc.gov./http://www.you_%2C.vna.org/http://www.you_%2C.vna.org/http://www.cdc.gov./


4/18

Girl's Nare standing at 11-0. Theyrecently won over Somersworth 38-37with Haley Brennan getting the winningpoint with seconds to spare. Pictured isKara Shannon passing to HaleyBrennan.

Photos courtesy JillHoward

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5/18

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.OUTDOOR FUN

KAPPYfACESItECRlA TroN Af'TERSCKOOb PROGRAM

ARTS &CRAFTS

FUTURE DIVAS

'FUTURE BUILDERS 5

BICYCLE SAFETYFARMINGTON POLICE


6/18

HAPPY BIRTHDAYMARCH 9GAIL VARNEY CAT ALFO

HAPPY ANNIVERSARYWENDELL &BECKY

FEB 14

CONGRATULATIONS

~ - - . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ - - ~ - - ~ . - - .- - - - - - ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -6

Arvard Worster recently recognized44 years on the job Portsmouth NavalShipyard

CONGRATULATIONSAPRIL BEAUREGARD

HAPPY BIRTHDAYFEB. 21

JUANIT A ELLIOTT

The Cambridge Society recently namedValley View Community School teacher astheir recipient of their "OutstandingTeacher of the Year". This award is givento less than 1% of the society's 400,000members.

This honor was based on her more than20 years experience, her volunteer workand the fact that she is a three-timerecipient of the Teacher of the Year honorfrom Elite American Educators.Farmington is proud to have such adedicated, hard-working teacher in ourschool system.

These congratulations, anniversaries,birthdays, etc. are free. Call 755-3064to include yours in our next issue.


7/18

8ints,i~8omeownersFireplace Safety Tips

(NAPS)-During cool weat her,111


8/18


9/18

1J~eet! ' t WaJt & , l ~ & . I V VC lean .. Brigh t .. E xtra parking

Larg e capacity laundry equipmentS C U f t - 1 0 f - u M , 7 ~

Self serv ice ca r w ash baysTouchless Autowash

vacuumsez V en dor cen ter

9

Aizik Portique helped Ray Wood, the anchor, ringthe bell at Farmington's First CongregationalChurch recently. He found the experience to be"uplifting".

'photo and caption courtesy Dottie Bean


10/18

THE GOODWIN LIBRARYNEWSLETTER February 2011

422 Main St., Farmington, NH 03835/603 755-2944Operating Hours:

12-8/ Tues. 2-5/ Weds. 12-8/ Thurs. 2-5/ Fri. 12-5/ Sat. 9-21Sun: CLOSED

Teen ReadersAre you looking for something different to read? Wehave some great new titles that should keep youinterested:Please Ignore Vera Dieitz by A.S. King Vera liveswith her dad, has a dead best friend who seems to be

Attent ion Patro.ns!As of January 151 , 2011 our fines for overdue materialswent up to 10 cents per day. Another good reason toget your items back on time!

Notice for Out of Town PatronsPlease be aware that on January 1s1 the cost of out oftown cards went up to $30.00 per year. haunting her, and wants her to clear his name regarding

a terrible crime and it is making her crazy. This is aterrific book and one you won't soon forget

Monday, Feb. 28 at6:00 PMMonday, Mar. 28 at 6:00 PM The Space Between Trees by Katie Williams is a greatcompanion read to Vera Dietz. Evie has a Sunday

paper route and a crush on a boy who works in thewoods. When the boy finds a body in the woods, Evieunexpectedly finds herself involved in the repercussionsof the murder.I

Now that the holidays are over, beat the winter bluesand join us as we create cartoon Valentines just in timeto send to your BFF. In Marctl we will be makingcartoon buttons. All you need is your imagination I Wesupply paper, pens, and pencils. Call 7552944 ext 2 toreserve a space or for more information.

FREE TAX ASSISTANCE at the LibraryThursday Feb. 17 or Tuesday, March 1

from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PMGet your Refund Faster' IRS certified tax preparers willprepare and submit your taxes online for a faster refund.You must-call to make an appointment Signups are ona first-come, fi rst-served basis.Call 755 2944 ext. 2 for more information and to reserveyour space.

Adult Poets and Writers GroupMonday, Mar. 7 at 6:00 PM

We have a diverse and talented group of w riters If y ouare a writer, memoirist, poet, or songwriter, come join usand share your work. Also. the 91h Annual PoetryCompetition is just around the corner. We have copiesof the rules and entry forms available for you Thedeadline will be Friday, April 8 by 5:00 p.rn. There are 3categories for entries: Children (aged 6-12); Teens(aged 13-18); and Adults (19 and up).Call 755 2944 ext. 2 for more information. 1------,I ~ ~ : . = - RidgewoodI PrintingCompany

Gardener's Roundtab!e THE SEYMOUR FAMILY PR .INTFRSWednesday, Mal'. 2 at 5:00PM

We are delighted to have Bambi Miller of the Strafford5 R id ge wo od L an e, R RI , B ox 1 02F a rm in gt on , N H 0 38 35 -9 71 0

603-859-3491

C OM PLE TE P RIN TIN G SE RV IC ESA d l .a yo ut > B us in es s C a rd s' B ro ch ur esS ta ti on ar v - L a be ls > F ly e rs N ew sl et te rsBustness Forms - NCR and Continuous

Wedding InvirationsTypeset ting Col lating B indiQg

County Conservation Dist.irt as 0' ir gu,.~st speaker onWednesday, March 2 at 5!!, PI'Vl.Bambi heads up the big Co" ,'~-,;1fionDistrict plant sale

in the 3'). ';'0 IL P rimers of the P uddledock P ress


11/18

the WordMinistr;w ofby Pastor Richard J. RizziMy Grandpa's Coat

The other day, as I went out to move some of what ourI NewEngland winter gave us, I was thinking aboutsomething that most people would not find any value in.I have, in an old armoire, a coat that was once mygrandpa's.Its made of wool and it has kept mewarm whenever Ihaveworn it out in the cold to shovel snow.Now most people would look at that old coat and simplysee an "old man's coat", but I see something different.To me it represents tradition. No, not a tradition ofwearing the coat, but it represents old fashioned values.I have quite a few coats and some of them weresomewhat expensive and are in nearly new condition.But the coat given to me by my grandpa is "broken in".It is tried and true and has endured the test of time.You know, it makes me think of all of the "new things"people want to try instead of trusting in what the Lordhas given in the Bible. (Yeah, that old Book)The Bibl.etells us: As for God, His way is perfect; The wordof the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.(2 Samuel 22.31)What the Lord has, for every person, is better thansomething like a coat that has been handed down fromone generation to the next.Heoffers, to each individual, a personal relationshipwith Him and the result is eternal life.If you have questions concerning this relationship, Iwould be glad to discuss this with you.Come for a visit this Sunday.Dr Rizzi is the pastor at Farmington First Baptist Church

http://www.firstbaptistfarmingtonnh.com

SAVE THE DATEMARCH 12

BACKSTREET COUNTRYPICKERS CONCERTMARCH 17

SR. TRIP-INDIAN HEADRESORTMARCH 26

DANCING WITH THEFARMINGTON STARS

UPCOMING NEWSDADDY-DAUGHTER DANCEMOTHER-SON ACTIVITYHISTORICAL SOCIETY

8. MORE

FOR SALEWood king size headboard $50DVD's all types $3 eachLift recliner chair $150

755-9951Reminder: these ads are FREEcan 755-3064 for info It
http://www.firstbaptistfarmingtonnh.com/http://www.firstbaptistfarmingtonnh.com/


12/18

NEW S OF EDUC ATIONSCHOOLS FACE NEW SET OF GLOBAL CHALLENGES

By Dr. Frank MellaciSuperintendent SAU #61

The world we live in and that our students will inherit is now forcing massive challengesand revolutionary changes. Technological developments accelerate at dizzying rates. Theone-word description of this revolution is "globalization."Globalization means that our economic crisis in the United States or Europe has

worldwide implications. It also redefines the world of work in terms of workforcecompetitiveness, while opening opportunities for innovation and cross-cultural connection.All of this has enormous implications for Pre K-12 education in the United States and moreimportantly for the students attending the Farmington/Middleton School District Schools.Our schools need to prepare all students to live and prosper in an increasingly complex

and interdependent world. As such, all students must graduate from high school with theknowledge and skills necessary to succeed in both postsecondary education and the world ofwork."College Begins in Kindergarten" is a slogan coined by the. Education Trust. I share that

value. While I do not believe that all students need or should go to college, it is clear that allstudents will' need to graduate from high school with the same skills once reserved forcollege-bound students only;We have moved from an industrial age into a global/knowledge/information age requiringgreater skills. While it is true that more is required of students today in order to meet thechallenges of the 21st century, it is also true that our students are capable of meeting thosechallenges. Parents, teachers, administrators, and communities working together caneducate all students to high levels of academic achievement.The SAU is a dynamic PreK-12 school .system with highly talented and committed

educators who are actively engaged in continuous professional improvement working toensure academic excellence as the standard for all students."This new year promises to be an exciting one as we continue' to work to create a newfuture. I am excited about working with you during the remainder of the 2011 school year.We have a shared interest in the success of our school system; so let"s work together in aspirit of unity and trust for the good of all students.

HOLY ROSARY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLEApplications are now available to HRCU's 16th Annual College Scholarshi~ Program. ~his

year, five $1000 scholarships will be awarded to members who are enrolled m an accreditedcollege. .'Eligibility requires applicants to be a member in good standmg of HRCU for a period ofnot less than six months, and cannot be receiving tuition reimbursement as an employee ofHRCU. Applicants must also be accepted to, or attending an accredited college or universityas a full-time undergraduate student.Award selection will be based on students' past academic success, GPA and rank in class,

as well as financial need. Applications are available at HRCl! branches in Dover,Farmington, Rochester and Spaulding HS or online under "About Us" at www.hrcu.org.The application deadline is April 15, 2011. For more info, contact Danielle at 332-6840. 12

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http://www.hrcu.org./http://www.hrcu.org./


13/18

I ! t . - > .J#', .. __ .... _ ... --- ... -------- ... - - ' I I i - - - -St. Peter Is in the News -MISSION 2011

What is a "Mission"?Three evenings to learn more about our faith, a time for building or renewing our relationship with God, anopportunity for confession, a spiritual family time with our parish family to become closer to God and our fellowparishioners. In this day and age-we all need support-Join us as we build our parishes and strengthen oneanother.

Enter the Journey. Followthe Vision. Carry the Cross.The journey begins

Sunday, March 6, 7pm, St. Mary's. Our speaker, Fr.Robert Rivers, a Paulist priest, will talk to us aboutrevitalizing our faith, opening our eyes and our hearts to God's accompanying love in our lives.Schedule- March 5-6 Saturday/Sunday All MassesMarch 6 (Sunday Evening) St. Mary's, Rochester, 7pm (followed by social)March7 (Monday Evening)St Mary's, Rochester, 7pm (followed bysocial) March 8 (Noon Brown BagLunch) St. Mary's, Rochester

*Presentation on St. Paul's letters*(Tues. Evening) St. Peter's, Farmington 6:30pmMarch 9 - Ash Wednesday- (Noon Brown BagLunch), St. Peter's

Farmington*Presentation on St. Paul's letters*6: 30pm Mass and Distribution of Ashes

We are family. Welcome home.

First Baptist ChurchChUTCh Street - 755-2266Fa ra ing ton Con gre ga ti ona l C hu rc hSouth MaIn Street - 755-~816Far.lngton Pentecost~l ChurchElm Street - 473-2892Advent ChristIan ChurchOrange Street - 7 5 5 - 2 2 34St. Peter's Catholic ChUTChC e n t ra l S t re e t - 7 5 5 - 2 2 8 0

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14/18

FORMER FARMINGTON MANWELCOMED AS EXECUTIVE CHEFLake Placid Lodge, located in the heart of the

Adirondacks in New York, is pleased toannounce the appointment of Nathan Rich asExecutive Chef. Chef Rich will lead theculinary teams for Artisans, the Lodge'sintimate, fire-lit restaurant; and Maggie's Pub,the Lodge's classic pub."We are pleased to have Chef Rich join our

" team. His cooking savvy and philosophy, as. well as his unwavering dedication to our guestdining experience make him a perfect additionto our Lake Placid Lodge family," commentsJohn Graham, general manager.Rich is a native of Farmington, NH and his

: previous posts include positions held in Florida,Taj Boston and the Balsams Grand Resort inNH.

FARMINGTON PTA NEWS2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR

STAY WARM, STAY HEALTHY &KEEP WATCHING FOR "PTA FREEMOVIE NIGHT" & "PTA ANNUALSPRING FLING"PTA-EVERY CHILD-ONE VOICE

A P A A U T O ARTSRT 11 FARMINGTON

CONSTRUCTION TRUCKERS. LOGGERS ,.FARM MARINE PERFORMANCE.OFF ROAD OPERATORSWELCOMES TRADiTIONAL MARKETSa s ', ve il

755-2264~ N A P . A ~

HOS~CEVOLUNTEERSNEEDEDFOR NEW HOSPICE PROGRAMRochester District VNA is adding a

Hospice program to their specialties andthey are currently recruiting newvolunteers for the program. Hospice is aholistic approach t~_ caring for patientswho have a terminal illness. The hospicevolunteers ate an important part of thehospice team providing care and support topatients and their families.Volunteers can offer a wide range of

support to patients throughcompanionship, reading, sharing hobbies,documenting stories, and running errands,just to name a few. They can also supportoffice staff by filing or answering phones.If you have ever thought aboutvolunteering and supporting a not-for-profit agency in your community, this is agreat opportunity to make a difference inthe lives of many.We will also be offering a comprehensive

training program soon. Rochester DistrictVNA serves patients in Strafford, No.Rockingham, Southern Belknap andSouthern Carroll Counties. For more infocall Ellie Atherton at 332-1133 X 104.

Wil.!l.M UP YOUR HOME WiF:.. K-l l. :-'to \\OBitE BlfNi)OILS HOME HEATING 011 ..~'"'I A '; HEATING SYSTEMS INSTALLED\ q ~ ~ D . ICCARDINAL AN01' \ ' 1 ) ) ~ ~ ! ; ~ \ :: ~ j : ~ l ~ } I fill D ' Q ~ , M _ __ P \ h_ c o _ . ~ ~..tr, .J . - DELIVERI(S IN_ , " ' . " _ , " . ; : ) R t . _ fARMINGI0N" UNION" MIDOLE10N" MILTON S,.\NllORNVilLf ...o ;qo :.--, - ,__ MIlTON MILLS. NEW DURHAM' ROCHES rE R ALTON

:}.f HOI I),. 'IJUJ..'NLi>: ~11\\'1,--f 1~)1\ ,1U,,' (u:l,_IAllf?S ON! 1CWOWlH 51., fARM1NGIOh.l 3562M Al_ CO M G LI DD EN P RE S ID EN r C Hi1 IS rO PH LI I G LID DE N v ie t P HE S ID EN T 75 5-R!CHARO CHRISTO F OR E T RE A SU RE R \


15/18

r-------------,I 0~LLlt=L/l!.Ll L ~ l~l!.LLll= II t i / (~L/t!_l=Ll.0l=Ll i:l=L/ II . II Yo.... loeal ha..dwa..esfo ..eahd tno..e II Qualify ha~d II wood pellets II \)t SO lS DE PRiMi te . bythe bag0" I~~~\.\c" . , ' 'eflb/ll : < ,'l! .. . Cco=, ";,.. bythe to" :I II Pellet stoves II ih sfoek II II 0LC=CL~(l ~cLLl!.Ll it/c~ll lc~~ II ~ L C : . t L ~ lL l : : " _ l / ' - = ~ l ! . t L / l = c L i . . :U L ' itlt.= II L :r;_l'LlLtLlL! i'~Ll L t : _ l l c L i . : t L L I-I II f'~If 5.., 4 ,

!!IiIiI _IS


16/18

The Farmington Womans Clubrecentiy welcomesSue Dooley as their newest member. She is picturedhere with club president Sylvia Arcouette at theclub's recent Christmas celebration.The FWC has been on break the last 2 months but

is gearing up for the last few months of their 200thseason. Club meetings will be upcoming andmembers are encouraged to attend to enjoy theprograms. Please call 755-3064 for more informationon the FWC.

LITTLE RED SHED486 NH ROUTE II

FARMINGTn\J, NH 03835603-755-9418littleredshed.net

Open Wed. thru Sun. Year RoundSpecializing in:

Toy Boxes & Deacon BenchesRocking Toys and much moreCustom Orders Welcome

1

***How lovely to think that no oneneed wait a moment. Wecan startnow, start slowly, changing theworld. How lovely that everyone,great and small, can make acontribution. -Anne Frank

Christine E . Peaslee-RadcliffeCarl E. Peaslee. Kevin M. RadcliffePEASLEE FUNERAL HOMEand Cremation Service

WNW. peasleefuneralhome.com24 Central Street, Farmington, NH 03835 (803) 755-353512 School StreetAlton, NH 03809(603) 875-3311

2079 Wakefield RoadSanbornville, NH 03872(603) 522-3322

CHARLIE DOKE

C.L. DO KE HE ATING S ERV ICE S , LLCF u i iy i n su r ed

370 Main StreetFarmington, NH 03835 (603) 755-3064Fax (603) 755-~


17/18

RECREATION DEPT. HOSTS TEA

The Farmington Parks &Rec Department hosted a tea party right here in Farmington at theTown Hall. The conference room was beautifully decorated and the food was delicious.The event was well attended and everyone had a great time.

Don't forget to sign up for upcoming Senior Trips. There's space available.'15 ;. SY7T71!ru ... .- .17


18/18

..------,","" . . . .---------------_._------- .V/iTERANS' NEWS by GALE GRACE

Cr~~tings and good day to you. Since our last column, the Woman's Relief Corp and our American,:"egion Auxiliary will have made their nominations of officers for the following year with installationto be held on March 1. Also on March 1s " will be installations for the American Legion and the Sonsof the American Legion. With all the officers being elected, this becomes a safe time for any membersto return to meetings without fear of being put into office because they showed up. So dust off yourmembership cards and come renew or make new friendships through our projects and service.Our Breakfast with Heroes was held recently. Thanks to all who participated in this event.Please keep our troops in your hearts and prayers as they also are thinking of their loved ones at

home. God bless you all and take care.

Incredible Opportunities For New Homes,Low Mortgage Rates(NAPS)-When military heroes

return home from the MiddleEast, they may find a completelychanged housing landscape-which could be g ood news forthem, In just the last two years,housing prices have plummeted,making homes more affordablethan at any time in the last fivedecades, Now, mortgage rateshave seen historic levels, bringingthe American dream of home own-ership to manyMaking matters better forreturning armed service members

is the benefit of the Department ofVeterans Affairs (VA) loan, a spe-cial mortgage program offeredexclusively to active and retiredmilitary service members as wellas to the widows of those whogave their lives in service,"VAloans are a very underused

benefit of being in the military,"said Jay Farner, president ofQuicken Loans, the nation's largestonline lender. "With housing pricesfalling so significantly over the lasttwo years, there is a great opportu-nity to purchase a home at incredi-bly affordable prices."VA loans are similar to a con-

ventional mortgage but have somevery important flexibility. Theprogram, which can be used topurchase as well as refinance ahome, requires no down payment,offers relaxed credit score guide-lines and allows loan fees to berolled into the mortgage. In addi-tion, VAloans do not require mort-

gage insurance, a potentiallycostly expense regularly paid byhomeowners with less than 20percent equity in their homes,The program has been a mod-

erate success, with the VeteransAffairs office guaranteeing morethan 14 million VAloans since theend of World War II. However,this represents only a fraction ofthose eligible to get the benefit."There are very few loan options

available as flexible as the VAloan,Every veteran should at leastinvestigate before buying or refi-nancing a home," Farner added.Several large lenders, includ-

ing Quicken Loans, offer VAloans,and the Veterans Affairs officealso offers information on the loanprogram.Many Americans consider anaffordable mortgage the least thegovernment can do to welcomehome the Soldiers, Sailors, Marinesand Airmen.

VA LAUNCHES CAREGIVERSUPPORT LINE

The Department of Veterans' Affairshas launched a toll-free nationalCaregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274. The Caregiver Support Line wascreated to recognize the significantcontributions made by caregivers inallowing veterans to remain at homesurrounded by family and friends.The line is available Monday through

Friday 8am-11om and on Saturdays fro10:30am to 6pm Eastern Time.Licensed clinical social workers will beavailable to answer questions, listen toconcerns and directly link callers to theCaregiver Support Coordinator at theirlocal VA medical center. Each VAmedical center has a Caregiver SupportCoordinator who can locate assistancetailored to the particular situation.

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Documents

Puddledock Press February 2011