Girls At Work

girls at chop saw The barn is filled with the sounds of tools at work, grinding and hammering. On the walls hang posters; one is a copy of the famous World War II poster, “We Can Do It.” Rosie the Riveter, her bicep bulging with hard muscle, watches as her twenty-first century descendants experience a day in a woodworker’s trade. Other items adorn the walls: photos of previous classes, along with samples of handiwork, including tables, cabinets, and bird houses. Overall, it is pretty clean for a workshop, but amidst the noise and sawdust, there is much focus and concentration.

Welcome to the woodshop of Girls at Work, Incorporated, a nonprofit organization located in New Hampshire that empowers girls and women by teaching the art of woodworking, and founded by Elaine Hamel. There are 10 girls from the Exeter Teen Outlook Center in today’s class, some wearing jeans, other in capris; all are focused on today’s project: building shelves. In fully equipped workstations, each girl is carefully taking measurements-twice-before cutting. While keeping a watchful eye on everyone, Elaine still gives her full attention to each girl.

Monte Belmonte & Camping Out For Cancer

monte-belmonte I caught up with Monte Belmonte during Monte's Campout for Cancer Connection at the old, historic courthouse in downtown Northampton, Massachusetts. Lucky for him, it was an unusually warm, beautiful, and sunny St Patrick's Day. He sat on the courthouse steps looking Daughtry with his faded blue jeans, dark sunglasses, and shiny head. I spent some time getting to know Monte as we talked about his career in radio and involvement with Cancer Connection in Florence, Massachusetts.

Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Christopher Belmote, better known as Monte Belmonte, is the morning radio host and Program Director for WRSI 93.9, The River in Northampton, Massachusetts, and a good one at that. He has a dry and often sappy sense of humor that can't help but make one smile. In addition to great song selection, Monte never fails to offer up intriguing interviews about local residences and businesses. Monte considers himself to be a true New Englander! He loves the Boston Red Soxs. He loves the New England Patriots and he loves the changing seasons and artiness that living in New England brings.

Giving Back in the Holiday Spirit: Toys For Tots

Believe it or not Christmas is fast approaching and the annual Marine Toys for Tot program is well under way. Help the less fortunate children in your New England communities experience the magic and warmth of giving and recieving through your particpation and donations.

Fighting Hunger for Seniors: Meals on Wheels

As the cost of living rises, sadly, many seniors are forced to make unfair choices between many of life's neccesities such as food, shelter, or proper medications. New England needs your helping in reaching out to the seniors in your communities to see that they do not go without and are being provided with the proper nutrition they deserve. Meals on Wheels helps make this possible. Read on to see how you can volunteer, donate, and help.

Red Cross Continuing to Push Aid to Haiti

Amid Difficult Conditions

Friday, January 15, 2010

The aftermath of Tuesday’s earthquake has posed logistical challenges for all humanitarian organizations, including Red Cross responders, who are working around the clock to meet the challenges and ensure aid reaches the survivors. The difficulties include damaged transportation and power systems; an unreliable airport tower, which had led to many flights being diverted; and damaged cranes at the capital city’s port, which is not expected to reopen until January 18. Some roads are also covered with debris, making travel within the capital city difficult. Despite these challenges, the American Red Cross has dozens of disaster specialists in Haiti, assessing the damage, addressing urgent needs and establishing the foundation for a long-term recovery operation. These individuals joined the 15-person staff who were already in country, and 12 Red Cross teams from other countries who arrived on Thursday. Among these teams are engineers, surgeons and family linking specialists. These teams will establish field hospitals, restore water and sanitation systems, distribute supplies and restore family links facilities. Two planes carrying Red Cross humanitarian assistance are due to land Friday afternoon in Port-au-Prince. The first carries a field hospital, and the second carries tarps, blankets, hygiene items, buckets, shelter supplies and kitchen sets. The American Red Cross is also working today with airport authorities to transport additional items from its warehouse in Panama into Port-au-Prince.

More Articles...