News

Beatle Juice

On Friday, May 21, the New Hampshire Association for the Blind welcomed “Beatle Juice and Friends” to the Palace Theatre in Manchester for a special benefit concert. For more than 2 ½ hours, these talented artists belted out masterpieces such as Golden Slumbers, Strawberry Fields and I Am The Walrus and many more number one hits! A great time was had by all! Thank you once again to all our wonderful Sponsors.

7th Annual Blind Awareness Walk-A-Thon

What a day for NHAB's 7th Annual Blind Awareness Walk-A-Thon on Saturday, June 5, 2010! The rain came in fiercely but quickly diminished and soon the sun was shining on hundreds of walkers, volunteers, staff and board members who showed up and did their part to help advance the independence of those who are blind and visually impaired! Frank Haley once again, raised the most money in the Individual Walker category, bringing in more than $5,000 alone! To date we're at more than $42,000 and counting! Thank you to all who participated!

Bill Sirak Recognized for Outstanding Volunteer Service

The New Hampshire Association for the Blind presented the Doug and Stella Scamman Award to Bill Sirak at a Palace Theatre benefit concert featuring Beatle Juice on Friday, May 21st. The award was established in 2008 to annually honor one or more individuals who best exemplify exceptional and extended volunteer service to the Association and those we serve. Mr. Sirak’s involvement with the association dates back to 1989. In that time, he has chaired not only the Associations Board of Directors, but also a very successful capital campaign. George Theriault, President and CEO of the Association stated; “Bill’s leadership was transformational – always insisting the Association reach for the next level. Bill has been one of our most vocal ambassadors in our nearly 100 year history!”

New Hampshire Association for the Blind Continues to Build its Board of Directors

Michelle Arruda, Chair of the NH Association for the Blind’s Board of Directors recently announced the nomination of Sen. Bette Lasky of Nashua and Kathleen Hayes of Portsmouth to its Board of Directors. Sen. Lasky has served five terms as a state rep and was elected to the state Senate in 2008. She is a long-time resident of Nashua where she resides with her husband. Ms. Hayes is a commercial real estate finance manager with Ocean Bank in Portsmouth, NH. Most recently, Ms. Hayes joined the Association’s Seacoast Advisory Committee. These additions will strengthen the Association in their public awareness initiatives in order to strengthen its mission to advance the independence of persons who are blind and visually impaired.

The NH Association for the Blind’s newly formed Seacoast Advisory Committee participates in Market Square Day

On Saturday, June 12th the New Hampshire Association for the Blind will participate in Market Square Day. This is an event in the streets put on by Pro Portsmouth and will run from 9:00 AM -4:00 PM. Taking place in the center of downtown Portsmouth, there is everything from food, entertainment and shopping. The recently formed Seacoast Advisory Committee has taken the initiative to join in on this event, by having a table. There will be devices and information to demonstrate how to make one's life a little easier with vision loss. Also available will be brochures on NHAB services, dog guide demonstrations and how to become involved as a volunteer. To entertain the children will be balloons and a 50/50 raffle for the adults. Market Square Day is a fun time for all, reaching thousands from the Greater Seacoast and beyond. What an exciting way to build awareness!"

Persis Gow and Bob Werner named to the Association’s Board of Directors

Michelle Arruda, Board Chairperson, announced the election of the Bob Werner and Persis Gow to the Association’s Board of Directors. Mr. Werner is President of Werner Auto in Manchester, NH. Werner is very active in his community. Ms. Gow, a Concord resident, is a long-time volunteer of the Association and a member of the McGreal Society.

Jo Adcock Service Award

Jo Adcock served as an active member of the Board of Directors of the New Hampshire Association for the Blind from 1996 to 2007. Jo demonstrated outstanding volunteer leadership in assisting the Association in developing state of the art services and programs for the blind. Prior to moving to New Hampshire in 1995 she was appointed by the governor of Idaho to serve as chair of the Idaho State Commission for the Blind. In recognition of her dedication and contributions in the field of blindness, the Jo Adcock Service Award was established in 2007 by the New Hampshire Association for the Blind.

This award will honor an individual who has shown outstanding service in the blindness field and will be presented annually. Nominees to receive the award must meet the following criteria:

• Proven leadership skills
• Outstanding service and commitment to the field of blindness
• Is or has been a professional or volunteer in the field of blindness
• Provided at least 5 years of service in the state of New Hampshire

Nomination Instructions

• Download nomination form or contact NHAB at 603-224-4039 to obtain form
• Complete nomination form as directed
• Complete letter of nomination that describes the nominee’s contributions and why you feel they are outstanding
• Include 2 – 3 letters of support from others in the community who are familiar with the nominee’s contributions and who can add further support for the nomination
• Nomination form and all letters of support must be received by June 30 of each year. Please submit the nomination as one packet including:
  • Nomination Form
  • Letter of Nomination
  • Letters of Support
• Send packet to:
  Chair, Jo Adcock Service Award
  NH Association for the Blind
  25 Walker Street
  Concord, NH 03301

Concord Lions is Event Sponsor of the 7th Annual Blind Awareness Walk-A-Thon

CONCORD, January 4th - The Concord Lion’s Club was recently named the Event Sponsor for the New Hampshire Association for the Blind’s 7th Annual Blind Awareness Walk-A-Thon to be held on June 5th. Concord Lions have provided significant financial support to the Association for many years including sponsorship of monthly eye clinics at the McGreal Sight Center, the production and distribution of this years 2010 large print calendar and most recently a generous donation of $5,000 to support the Blind Awareness Walk-A-Thon. The Concord Lions Club was organized over 40 years ago and is now 27 members strong. The Concord Club as well as Lions Clubs world wide is recognized for their service to people who are blind and visually impaired. For more information about the programs and services available for people who are blind or visually impaired contact the New Hampshire Association for the Blind at 224-4039. Contact Mary Chase at mchase@sightcenter.org for more information about the Blind Awareness Walk-A-Thon or register online .

Frank Haley to be honored at 7th Annual Blind Awareness Walk-A-Thon

At the age of 65 Frank started Haley Lumber in Andover, NH. He owned and operated the business for 14 years. For the past 5 years Frank has been the top individual fundraiser for the Walk. Join us on Saturday, June 5th – Rain or Shine – as we walk throughout Concord’s historic district to the State House.

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