The Goffstown Edge

2nd Annual Benefit for Liberty House Veterans Shelter

YELLOW DAWG STRIPING Launches Veteran Franchise Giveaway

If you are an United States veteran who is looking for a new career, Jack Child would like to hear from you.  Child, owner of Yellow Dawg Striping, and his associates are donating a free Yellow Dawg franchise to an unemployed vet who is looking for an opportunity to start their own business.  The facebook promotion will run through the end of May, and information can be found on Facebook at Yellow Dawg Striping.

Child, a veteran of both the Army and the Air Force, became concerned when he learned that unemployment among veterans is higher than the national average.  “I was trying to find a way to draw attention to their unemployment rate, and we realized we can put people back to work by helping them establish their own business.  Yellow Dawg would be a nice fit.  It’s the easiest business to start because of the low overhead, and it has a simple business model.”

Applicants should be honorably discharged Iraq or Afghanistan veterans who are willing to work hard and learn a new skill.  Prior business experience is not mandatory, but professionalism and enthusiasm are a must.  “We are looking for who we can help the most and in turn have it work for them,” says Childs.  Applicants should live in an area with market potential, although Child’s points out, “There is no dominant national brand,” for pavement striping, so any vet willing to work hard will have a good potential for success.  Applicants should post a 250-word text, video or photo on the Facebook fan page, explaining why they want to become a small business owner.  Each contestant is encouraged to share his or her video with friends and family to obtain as many ‘Like’ votes by May 20, 2011, Armed Forces Day. The top 10 videos with the most ‘Like’ votes will be reviewed and considered by a panel of seven judges, and the winner will be announced on Memorial Day, May 30, 2011.

In addition to waiving the $7,500 franchise fee, YELLOW DAWG STRIPING will provide a customized enclosed equipment trailer worth $5,500, hands-on training, business support systems and miscellaneous tools and uniforms.  Several select vendors have also donated to the giveaway. GRACO has donated a LineLazer IV 3900, state-of-the-art line striping machine worth $8,640.  The Sherwin-Williams Company has donated premium traffic paint valued at $2,100.  Dan Zurcher, a pavement marking industry expert and author, has provided a stencil starter kit valued at $1,500. And, Cygnus Business Media is granting two exposition packages to the 2012 National Pavement Expo in Memphis, Tennessee, worth $1,250.  The total retail value of the giveaway exceeds $28,000 in value.

“Our vendors have been highly supportive of our franchise giveaway campaign and we couldn’t thank them more for their kind contributions,” added Child. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to give away the YELLOW DAWG STRIPING franchise opportunity.”

Blue Star Museums Program in NH

The Blue Star Museums program is back… Help keep NH #1!
 
In 2010, New Hampshire had the most museums and historical sites, per capita, participating in the Blue Star Museums program.
 
Participating venues offer free admission to active duty military personnel and their families between Memorial Day and Labor Day, 2011.
 
Military families praised Blue Star Museums as a welcome respite from their daily cares and a welcome gesture of appreciation.
 
Learn more about the Blue Star Museums Program
 
Read the 2010 NH Press Release
 
Art Starts remain archived on the NH State Council for the Arts’ website, in our 2011 Media Room.
 
Thank you for supporting the Arts in New Hampshire!

Operation Gratitude

Sending Care Packages to the US Military

Our Mission

Tens of thousands of American Service Members are deployed in hostile and remote regions of the world, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, and on ships throughout international waters. The physical conditions they must endure are difficult and they may be separated from loved ones for long periods of time.

Operation Gratitude seeks to lift morale and put smiles on faces by sending care packages addressed to individual Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed in harm's way.** Operation Gratitude care packages contain food, hygiene products, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love and support.

Through Collection Drives, Letter Writing Campaigns and Donations of funds for shipping expenses, Operation Gratitude provides civilians anywhere in America a way to express their respect and appreciation to the men and women of the U.S. Military in an active, hands-on manner.

Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-based corporation, funded entirely by private donations. For safety and security, the assembling of all packages occurs at the Army National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, California.

**Care Package for Wounded Program: We work with representatives at Military hospitals (Landstuhl, Walter Reed and Bethesda) to provide care packages to Wounded Warriors/Veterans undergoing long-term  rehabilitation.  Recognizing that Warriors when first injured are most concerned with the well-being of their comrades still on the frontlines, we also offer a service whereby we send care packages to the wounded's buddies.  Not only does this let the troops know their wounded comrade is thinking about them, but most importantly, it helps the wounded feel they are still contributing to the mission and have not abandoned their comrades. 

A Special Thank-You

To all who participated in “Send a Valentine to the Troops”,

On behalf of the Marines and Sailors of Marine Forces Europe, Thank You! While it is difficult to spend those special holidays away from loved ones, it is deeply satisfying to know that we are in the thoughts of so many at home. Thanks again for all your support! Semper Fidelis.

For more information about how you can become involved in sending cards to the troops overseas, please visit Holiday Mail For Heroes

News From the Hill

Hillsborough County Nursing Home Connects with Veterans
 
  Valentine’s Day reminds and encourages all of us to remember those near and far that are cherished and admired. There are approximately 65 residents at Hillsborough County Nursing Home that are veterans.   The “Hill”, is fortunate to have among its employees Sue Clement, president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Department of New Hampshire.  Sue has led efforts at the nursing home to Adopt A Serviceman and send valentines, letters, holiday cards, and  crafts,  to those serving our country. At the nursing home some of the  residents also  knit hats for active servicemen to wear under their helmets on frigid desert nights

 Through Sue’s leadership a presentation is made at this and other nursing homes and organizations for service holidays such as Flag Day and Veterans’ Day. The auxiliary honors all of New Hampshire’s veterans as well as those actively serving.  There are a total of 33 auxiliary groups throughout  NH that coordinate a myriad of functions and activities. 

One of the NH auxiliary’s major projects is the Victory Farm which is located in Fitzwilliam and reminiscent of the Victory Gardens of World War II.

Does Scipio Have A Flag?

In honor of Thanksgiving, GoffstownToday.com is proud to present our first history narrative, written by Dunbarton resident Fred Mullen. Mr. Mullen is a member of Dunbarton's American Legion Post 116.  He also serves as Dunbarton Town Moderator, Volunteer Firefighter, Deputy Fire Warden, and Town Forest Committee Member  You may reach him at fredandleemullen@tds.net

Mr. Mullen has graciously allowed us to reprint his story here, and we hope you enjoy.

“DOES SCIPIO HAVE A FLAG”?