This summer, The Caleb Group had the opportunity to team up with the Northern New Hampshire Youth Services Group from Bethlehem. These young adults offered to help Caleb care receivers as a part of their community service.  The enthusiastic group were welcomed every place they volunteered. The group and staff from Bethlehem volunteered three times for The Caleb Group. Their first volunteer opportunity at a care receiver’s home, where they weeded flowerbeds, and replanted flowers. The care receiver called our office to report that some of the group was dirty from head to toe by the time they were finished!  The kids worked very hard, in very hot weather.  She was so grateful for their help, and was delighted to have a cheerful group of young people at her home for the afternoon. The group also washed windows for another care receiver.  This care receiver had four new kittens that received a lot of attention that day too!  The group also held a car wash for the residents of Highland House. The residents commented that their cars had never been so clean, and they hope the group will come back next year. It was great working with these young adults, and we appreciate all that they did to help our area senior citizens.

 Caleb Director, Bobbie Gaudes, and I had the honor of escorting Eleanor Brauns to the State House in Concord, on August 28, to receive her Joseph D. Vaughn Award from Governor Shaheen. Only one winner from each of the ten counties is chosen each year, and Caleb Volunteers have been chosen for two years in a row! Ernie Angelicola of Jefferson, was the recipient of the Vaughn Award in 2001.

 The Caleb Group Volunteer Recognition Luncheon was held on September 18 at the Inn at Whitefield. Caleb Volunteers, along with their families and friends enjoyed a delicious hot lunch prepared by Joann Jacaruso and her staff.  Barb Todd, of Whitefield, provided delightful flute and guitar music during the luncheon. Special guests in attendance were Warren and Joan Sawyer, the founders of The Caleb Foundation, from Swampscott, MA and Kathy McKenna, the director of the Coos County RSVP. The volunteers each received a certificate of appreciation, a volunteer pin, and a Volunteer Survival Kit. The kit included items such as, a mint to thank them for their commit “mint,” a marker pen to note the lasting impression they make, a sugar packet to remind them of how sweet they are, and a tea bag for being so “tea—rrific.” Volunteer Zelda Gonyer gave each volunteer a jar of her Spiced Pumpkin Butter. The two grand prize winners were Maynard L’heureux and Lucy Weeks, both of Whitefield. Each volunteer had his or her name drawn for other prizes that were donated by Wal-Mart, Price Mart, and Bobbie Gaudes. Thank you to all who helped to make this day very special for the volunteers.

 We welcome Patricia Dexter, of Dalton, as a new Caleb Volunteer.

 The Generation to Generation 1.5 mile Walk-a-thon will be held this Saturday, September 28, starting and ending at the Whitefield Common. The grand prize for a youth who brings in the most pledges is a mountain bike from Littleton Bike Shop. The grand price for an adult who brings in the most pledges is a choice of two tickets for the Cog Railroad, or dinner for two at the Cabot Motor Inn. The pledge sheets are available at local libraries, or by calling the Caleb Office at 837-9179.