Page 9 - DEC2023

December 2023
NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM
Page 9
Community
runners were available from local businesses, while a special Nerf Ball was awaiting the first dog to cross the finish line.
While participants from sev- eral nearby communities were all deemed winners that day, it was Canine Topo and his owner, An- drew Histelere, who were the first to cross the line for the adult and dog divisions. Jillian Dudek was the first female adult to complete the 5K. Wade Zumbach, followed by his brother Brooks, came in first for the boys in the children’s division, while Victoria Quartelli finished first for the girls.
As the Creakin’ Jones Band of Campton entertained the crowd throughout the day, boys and girls were also able to take part in an Obstacle Course Challenge where the top seven finishers received medals for their skills.
As donations continue to come into White Mountain Karate’s website, totals after the event have already reached $2,500 for Op- eration Delta Dog, making this year’s 5K their most successful fundraiser yet.
Those who would like to learn more about this non-profit organi- zation or make an online donation to further their cause for veterans can visit www.operationdeltadog. org or call them at 603-921-5253 for more information on how to help.
By Donna RhoDes
For the fifth year in a row, Jennifer and Christian Maine, owners of White Mountain Ka- rate in Holderness, held their 5K Run/Walk for Veterans at Pattee Conservation Park on Blair Road in Campton, and as always, all money raised by the event are des- ignated for veterans’ causes. The past benefactor has been Bridge House in Plymouth, which serves local veterans in need of shelter, but this year, they let it all “go to the dogs” with their donation ear- marked for Operation Delta Dog out of Hollis, N.H.
Operation Delta Dog drew their attention because of its dual purpose- rehoming rescue dogs who, in turn, support veterans.
“I’m an animal lover, and after talking with them, I realized this was just a wonderful organiza- tion,” she said.
The non-profit group seeks dogs in kill shelters that can be trained to become service dogs for veterans suffering from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or Military Sexual Trauma.
“Local veterans can then par- ticipate in training without leav- ing their jobs or families and find relief from the debilitating symp- toms of TBI, PTSD, MST, and other challenges,” the group ex- plains on its website.
Veterans Day Fundraising Race
PHOTO BY DONNA RHODES
Nine-year-old Karl Libby of Bristol brought along his flag as he, his fellow students at White Mountain Karate, and others came together for their annual 5K run/walk at Pattee Conservation Park in Campton, benefiting veterans through Operation Delta Dog and their service dog program.
on hand for the Pledge of Alle- giance, and Margaret Sweeney of Campton got everyone further into a patriotic mood with her singing of “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Among those participating in the day was 9-year-old Karl Libby. Karl was waving a large Ameri- can flag that he intended to carry along the route, as he has done on other national holidays in his hometown of Bristol.
“I’m here today because I go to White Mountain Karate, and I love America,” he proudly stated as he stood in line to register for the run/walk.
Others said they were there to support both veterans and Opera- tion Delta Dog.
“I think it’s a great cause,” said one man who also brought his dog along for the run.
Jennifer Maine said there were several prizes for participants available this year due to gener- ous donations from local busi- nesses. Her own business, Jenny’s Perfectly Imperfections, provided beautiful wooden trophies for first- place finishers in the children’s division, while gift cards for the kids were also donated by M&M Scoops in Plymouth. A framed wooden art piece of a runner (cre- ated by Jenny Maines), gift cards, a Yeti water bottle, and other great prizes and gift cards for top
Their numbers show that 350,000 dogs are euthanized each year, while 22 veterans take their lives each day in the United States. Bringing an affectionate dog in to look after the mental health of a veteran is, therefore, a win-win sit- uation for them both.
By 9 a.m. on Veteran’s Day, 91 people of all ages had registered for the 5K, some even bringing along their own dog to join them as they headed out on the course.
Before they did so, however, there was a fitting opening cere- mony for all who were present.
After greetings and thanks from the Maine family, 10-year-old Ava Swanson of Ashland, a student
at White Mountain Karate, read the poem “The Best on Earth: A Veterans Day Tribute,” written by Joanna Fuchs.
“If someone has done mili- tary service, They earn the title ‘Veteran’ and more; They earn our deep respect and admiration; That they are special no one can ignore,” the poem began, ending with the final stanza, “We owe our veterans support and friendship, Let no one ever question what they’re worth. These men and women served us and our coun- try, our veterans- the very best on earth.”
Scouts from Troop and Cub Scout Pack 58 in Campton were
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