MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) is excited to announce the addition of Deborah Miller to the MVSB residential lending team as Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS #2425328. In this role, she will support new and existing clients in the Seacoast communities of New Hampshire with their mortgage lending needs.

“We are really excited to welcome Deborah to the team and have her help serve the needs of the Seacoast Region,” said Charlie Dowd, MVSB Vice President, Residential Mortgage Sales at NMLS #737415. “We know the community and our customers will benefit from her 30 years of experience in mortgage lending and dedicated involvement locally.”

“MVSB is a community bank that cares about the communities they serve, and I am proud to continue my career in mortgage lending here,” said Deborah. “Customer service is my top priority and I am excited to share all the great home financing solutions MVSB has to offer. Everyone on the mortgage lending team has been so welcoming and I am excited to hit the ground running.”

Deborah’s career in home lending includes experience in nearly all aspects of the home financing process – from processing and underwriting to origination. This experience has provided her a wealth of knowledge to support her clients each step of the way.

In the community, Miller has previously served on the Exeter DARE Board and helps fundraise for breast cancer awareness. She has lived in the Seacoast Region for more than 25 years and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

Go to www.mvsb.com/originator/deborah-miller for more information.

Unlike a stock bank, MVSB is a mutual savings bank that operates for the benefit of its depositors, borrowers and surrounding communities. As a result, MVSB has remained steadfast in fostering the economic health and well-being of the community since it was founded in 1869. For over 150 years, Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB), has been serving the people, businesses, nonprofits and municipalities of New Hampshire. MVSB and its employees are guided by the values of accountability, mutuality, excellence, respect, integrity, teamwork and stewardship. To learn more, visit any of the local branch offices located in Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Melvin Village, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth or Wolfeboro, call 800.922.6872 or visit mvsb.com.

Caption: Deborah Miller, Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS #2425328

MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) is collecting donations of new mittens, hats, gloves and scarves for their annual Mitten Tree drive, now through New Year’s Eve. All items will be distributed to local school and nonprofits. MVSB will also match each item donation with $2 to local childcare programs.

Mitten Tree donations can be dropped off at any MVSB branch location. A complete list of offices and hours are available at mvsb.com/locations.

“The annual Mitten Tree drive has been a beloved tradition at MVSB since 1979,” said Stacy Trites, Senior Vice President, Senior Retail Banking Officer. “We are truly grateful to our local community members for stepping up each year to warm hands and hearts with their donations – and to the MVSB employees at each MVSB office who ensure the items end up where they are needed most in their communities.”

The Bank’s matching donations will benefit the following local child and after school care programs:

• ·        Community Church of Alton After School Program
• ·        Ashland Parks & Recreation After School Program
• ·        The Sandwich Child Care Center
• ·        Gilford Youth Center
• ·        The Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region
• ·        Kidsworks Learning Center
• ·        Moultonborough Recreation Department Beyond the Bell After School Program
• ·        Pemi Youth Center
• ·        YMCA of the Seacoast
• ·        Rochester Child Care Center
• ·        Kingswood Youth Center

Unlike a stock bank, MVSB is a mutual savings bank that operates for the benefit of its depositors, borrowers and surrounding communities. As a result, MVSB has remained steadfast in fostering the economic health and well-being of the community since it was founded in 1869. For over 150 years, Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB), has been serving the people, businesses, nonprofits and municipalities of New Hampshire. MVSB and its employees are guided by the values of accountability, mutuality, excellence, respect, integrity, teamwork and stewardship. To learn more, visit any of the local branch offices located in Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Melvin Village, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Rochester or Wolfeboro, call 800.922.6872 or visit mvsb.com.

Caption: MVSB is collecting new mittens, hats, gloves and scarves through New Year’s Eve at any MVSB Branch location. Courtesy Photo

DOVER, N.H. – Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has been awarded an “A” grade for safety by the Leapfrog Group, an independent, national not-for-profit watchdog organization. The announcement was made on Wednesday.

“Nothing is more important at Wentworth-Douglass than patient safety and this is a testament to our staff’s steadfast commitment to that,” said Jeff Hughes, President & CEO of Wentworth-Douglass. “I’m proud that our culture of safety is reflected not just in this award, but in everything we do.”

The Leapfrog Group has a 10-year history of assigning letter grades to general hospitals throughout the United States, based on a hospital’s ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and free to the public.

“Patient safety is at the center of everything we do, so I’m grateful that this award is reflective of our culture,” said Dr. Gregg Meyer, President of Mass General Brigham’s Community Division. “It’s a testament to the outstanding staff at Wentworth-Douglass and their consistent, unwavering commitment to patient safety – no matter the challenges.”

Safety Grade results are based on more than 30 national performance measures and are updated each fall and spring.

“I applaud the hospital leadership and workforce for their strong commitment to safety and transparency,” said Leah Binder, President and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “An ‘A’ Safety Grade is a sign that hospitals are continuously evaluating their performance, so that they can best protect patients. Your hospital team should be extremely proud of their dedication and achievement.”

The full grade details for hospitals are available online at HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

DOVER, NH – The Boston Celtics honored Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Security Officer Andy Clark during their game against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.

On September 12^th, Clark rushed to a vehicle, parked just outside the hospital’s Garrison Wing entrance, after a patient gave birth to a baby in her car. Clark assisted the child by unwrapping the umbilical cord that was around its neck.

The encounter was covered by numerous media outlets:

https://www.fosters.com/story/news/local/2022/09/16/dover-moms-miracle-baby-saved-wentworth-douglass-hospital-guard/10389249002/

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/security-guard-helps-save-baby-born-in-new-hampshire-hospital-parking-lot/

https://www.wmur.com/article/security-guard-mother-baby-hospital-parking-lot/41253197

Clark and his family received VIP treatment from the team, and he was given a standing ovation by a sold out crowd at the TD Garden.

Portsmouth NH and Somersworth NH – The Northeast Delta Dental Foundation recently awarded $10,000 to support dental services at Families First Health & Support Center in Portsmouth and Goodwin Community Health in Somersworth. The grant continues the Foundation’s record of almost two decades of support for access to dental care for low-income patients at these practices.

Both dental centers provide preventive, restorative and emergency dental care within a community health center setting, where patients also have access to medical and behavioral health care and family services. Patients who don’t have dental insurance may apply for a sliding-fee discount. In 2021, the dental centers at Families First and Goodwin served 3,774 people. In addition, hygienists from Goodwin and Families First visit schools, providing oral health education, screenings and cleanings.

“There is currently a high demand for charitable dental care as well as a national shortage of dental staff that is affecting access to care,” said Janet Laatsch, CEO of Greater Seacoast Community Health, which operates both dental centers. “We are grateful for the Foundation’s support as it makes a big difference in our goals for both patient access and staff recruitment.”

“Our Foundation’s mission it to increase access to oral health care and elevate awareness of the strong connection between oral health and overall health and wellness,” explained Jennifer McGrath, Manager of Foundation & Marketing Initiatives at Northeast Delta Dental. “We are grateful to Greater Seacoast Community Health for helping us to carry out this mission.”

Greater Seacoast Community Health is a network of community health centers providing primary care, pediatrics, dental care, prenatal care, behavioral health counseling, substance use disorder treatment, mobile health services, WIC, social work services, a pharmacy, parenting classes, playgroups and home visiting. The network also includes the Strafford County Public Health Network and SOS Recovery Community Organization. Services are open to everyone and aim to be respectful, recovery-friendly, LGBTQ-affirming and trauma-informed. For more information, visit GetCommunityHealth.org. 

Since 1995, the philanthropic arm of Northeast Delta Dental, the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation, has supported organizations and initiatives in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont that provide oral health education and dental care to uninsured and underserved people. The mission of the Foundation is to advance the importance of good oral health and its role in overall wellness, underscoring the belief that everyone deserves a healthy smile. In 2021, the Foundation donated more than $470,000 for oral health programs throughout the tri-state area.

DOVER, NH –Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has awarded a $25,000 community benefit grant to Waypoint to assist in the creation of a Drop-In Center in Rochester, which will allow the nonprofit organization to reach more homeless youth in the Seacoast region.

Homelessness is a growing problem in the communities that Wentworth-Douglass serves and can have a wide-range of negative health outcomes.

“We believe these important programs will have a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of vulnerable youth and young adults experiencing homelessness within our community, and that the development of these services are well aligned with needs identified in our most recent Community Health Needs Assessment,” said Michelle Hanson, RN, director of strategic planning and community benefit at Wentworth-Douglass.

Waypoint seeks to limit the amount of time that youth remain homeless by providing intervention and prevention. The Rochester Drop-In Center will provide a safe, judgment free place for youth to access basic needs while building trusting relationships with staff. Youth at the center will have access to food, clothing, technology, educational resources, and connections to multiple supportive services.

“With increasing homelessness among youth in our community, more services are needed. We are so thankful to Wentworth-Douglass for joining us in this effort to open a new Drop-in Center in Rochester that will mean more youth are able to access the support they need to find a path out of homelessness,” said Mandy Lancaster, senior program manager of youth services at Waypoint.

The Rochester Drop-In Center is located at 3 Wallace Street and Waypoint expects an average of 125 youth to access the center each year.

In addition to the Drop-in Center, Waypoint provides street outreach in areas youth are known to congregate and provides crisis response. Services are designed to assist youth in leaving the streets, making healthy choices, and building trusting relationships.

Waypoint provides street-based outreach in Rochester, Dover, Portsmouth, Exeter, and Hampton - the five most populated communities in the service area and areas which are known to have larger numbers of youth experiencing homelessness. In the remaining greater Seacoast area, Waypoint provide services via a Street Outreach Van, in areas youth are known to congregate, such as train stations and parks, allowing for outreach in the less-populated communities.

The funds donated are approved by the Wentworth-Douglass Community Benefit Funding Disbursement Committee and are not raised through any public or private donations.

Left: Mandy Lancaster, senior program manager of youth services at Waypoint

Right: Michelle Hanson, Director of Strategic Planning & Community Benefits at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital

About Wentworth-Douglass Hospital

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (wdhospital.org) is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit charitable health care organization located in Dover, New Hampshire with a 116-year history of compassionate care and innovation. A member of Mass General Brigham, Wentworth-Douglass is conveniently located in the heart of the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and Southern Maine, which it has served since 1906. The organization is a family of more than 3,500 employees, including more than 400 physicians and advanced practice providers dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of the region’s residents and visitors. Wentworth-Douglass includes a 178-bed hospital, more than 30 primary and specialty provider practices and clinic sites, multiple express and prompt care facilities, an ambulatory surgery center, several medical office buildings, The Works Family Health and Fitness Center, and the Wentworth-Douglass Charitable Foundation.

Rochester, NH- Cornerstone VNA is pleased to announce that their monthly Caregiver Cafés have returned to meeting in-person once again. The Caregiver Cafés are a collaborative effort between Cornerstone VNA and four local libraries in Farmington, Newington, Dover, and Strafford. Family caregivers and their loved ones are invited to attend for an hour of support, conversation, and education.

In the Spring of 2020, the Caregiver Cafés transitioned to a virtual format, keeping local family caregivers connected and supported throughout the pandemic.  The monthly virtual Caregiver Café provided a sense of camaraderie particularly during a time of tremendous isolation to an already extremely isolated sector of the community. In the words of a virtual caregiver attendee, “I always feel less alone after one of our café sessions.”

Janice Howard, Cornerstone VNA Life Care-Private Duty Director states, “it is so important for caregivers to meet socially to share and validate their experience in their journey caring for a loved one or a friend. We are so happy to announce a return to face-to-face Caregiver Cafés to better support the caregivers of our communities.”

The Goodwin Library in Farmington was the first Caregiver Café that launched in 2017 and now meets the third Friday of each month at 1:00pm. However, due to Veteran’s Day, the next meeting will be held on November 18 at 1:00pm. The Langdon Library in Newington was the second Caregiver Café location established prior to COVID-19 and has now resumed meeting in-person on the third Thursday of each month. The next meeting is on November 17 at 10:30am.

The newest additions to the Caregiver Cafés are the Dover Public Library in Dover, which will be meeting each third Wednesday of the month. The next meeting is on November 16 at 10:30am. Joining Dover with a new café is Hill Library in Strafford. Their café meets on the second Wednesday of each month, with the next meeting being held on December 14 at 10:30am.

Complete details and any changes due to holidays or weather can be found at www.cornerstonevna.org/calendar . Cornerstone VNA, in collaboration with these generous local libraries, is honored to provide a gathering spot for support and comradery for caregivers. If you are caring for a loved one or know someone who is, please attend. All family caregivers are welcome, and no RSVP is required.

Cornerstone VNA currently serves Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire and York County in Maine. The team at Cornerstone VNA provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care-Private Duty, and Community Care. For 109 years, Cornerstone VNA has been committed to bringing services to people of all ages so that families can stay together at home, even when facing the challenges of aging, surgical recovery, chronic or life-threatening illnesses or end-of-life care. To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 800-691-1133.

Concord, NH — On Nov. 2, the Executive Council unanimously approved $49.5 million in grants to 30 affordable housing projects across New Hampshire. Under Governor Sununu’s $100 million InvestNH Initiative, these projects, as part of the $60 million Capital Grant Program, will result in 963 new affordable units and 1470 total units.

“New Hampshire is moving fast to address our housing challenges,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “This initial $50 million investment will create 1,500 new rental units across the state, helping increase supply, drive down costs, and ensure New Hampshire is the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”

“The lack of available and affordable housing in New Hampshire has reached crisis proportions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Department of Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Taylor Caswell. “We know that to maintain the vibrancy of our economy, we must address this crisis head on. These grants represent one program of several under InvestNH, dedicated toward exactly this purpose.”

The Capital Grant Program is making investments in shovel-ready projects building units that are affordable to individuals or families making 80% or less of the area median income. Located in all 10 counties, these projects range in size from three units to 220 units, and all must be completed within 18 months.

Here is a brief overview of the projects approved by Council:

INH22-101-Macintosh Dover Apartments: Strafford County

New construction of 52 units is planned on the grounds of the former Macintosh College, selected by the Dover Rezoning Committee for affordable housing, and for which the City of Dover voted to change zoning. The city has a 30-year requirement for workforce housing, projected to inject over $37 million investment capital in hiring designers, engineers, site workers, framers, trades people, and finish workers. Between 2010 and 2020, Dover was one of the fastest growing communities in New Hampshire, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, with its population growing 9.2 percent, to 32,741, reflecting the opportunities and quality of life in the region.

INH22-102-Hillsborough Heights Apartments Newport, Sullivan County

The plan calls for 42 one-and-two-bedroom units; seven units will be accessible under Americans with Disabilities guidelines, which is more than is required for the development, and the design team seeks to incorporate universal design principles within the building. Newport is well-situated for outdoor enthusiasts in all seasons, located just west of Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee. The Sugar River rail trail follows the river 9 miles to Claremont.

INH22-103-The Village at Province Street Laconia, Belknap County

Project calls for development of 81 one- and two-bedroom affordable units, including five units accessible under Americans with Disabilities guidelines. In the heart of the Lakes Region, Laconia is both a tourism destination, annually drawing motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country for a century to Laconia Bike Week, and a hub for manufacturing, from aerospace components to medical devices.

INH22-104-Residence at Chestnut 80 Merrimack, Manchester, Hillsborough County

The completed project will consist of 21 studio, 15 two-bedroom, and eight one-bedroom apartments, including parking, in downtown Manchester, one block off Elm Street. The developer will add permanent maintenance and leasing jobs and will seek certified minority and women-owned businesses during the construction phase.

INH22-105-Gateway to Exeter, Exeter, Rockingham County

Located off Route 101 and near Interstate 95, the development calls for 56 one-and two-bedroom units, with utilities included, on six acres of land. It abuts hundreds of acres of conservation land, offering work/life balance to the residents. The project is located within a TIF district and Economic Revitalization Zone.

INH22-106-Sheep Davis Road, Concord, Merrimack County

The development will feature 36, one, two, and three-bedroom units, including accessible apartments, located in a busy retail area, and nearby large employers, including Concord Hospital and State of New Hampshire offices. Construction will include energy recovery and heat recovery ventilation to maintain healthy air exchange.

INH22-107-Stevens Mill, Franklin, Merrimack County

Revitalization of the city’s largest textile mill will include 31 units, which will add further vitality to the community. Located in the downtown, it will complement ongoing improvements, including development of the Mill City Park, the first whitewater park in New England, and Main Street, reinvigorated by new shops and businesses.

INH22-108-Ridgeline Community, North Conway, Carroll County

The Mount Washington Valley development will feature 15, one-bedroom detached units, which will include all utilities. Its location, within forested land open to the public for hiking and other recreation, reflects the draw of the region for those who want to live and work in an outdoor environment.

INH22-110-Spring Street, Newport, Sullivan County

The 42-units within the three-story, ADA compliant building, will serve Newport and surrounding areas, providing affordable housing necessary to build and sustain the Sullivan County economy.

INH22-111-115 West Main Street, Conway, Carroll County

Development of five units will provide affordable housing in the Mount Washington Valley, where businesses are challenged in their efforts to hire employees who want to work in the region but cannot find housing. The effects of the workforce shortage limit growth and sustainability in the tourism-based economy.

INH22-112-310 Marlboro, Keene, Cheshire County

The conversion of the former paintbrush factory for Pittsburgh Paints, built in 1947, will feature 15 affordable units just off Main Street. Plans call for construction of three additional floors over the original building, providing rooftop space for residents to garden, exercise, and other activities. The project is located along the 42-mile Cheshire Rail Trail, connecting Fitzwilliam to North Walpole, and minutes from Keene State College.

INH22-113-Hillwinds, Franconia, Grafton County

Adjacent to Interstate 93, Franconia Notch State Park, Cannon Mountain, and within walking distance to the community’s downtown, the development consists of four units in an area where a variety of jobs are available, but where the shortage of affordable housing is acute. The project transforms a former restaurant along the banks of the Gale River.

INH22-114-Residences at 351 Chestnut, Manchester, Hillsborough County

At the site of the former Manchester Police headquarters, the developer plans construction of 44 units, which will include utilities in the rent. Located just off Elm Street, the location puts services, transportation, entertainment, and shopping within walking distance. Monthly tenant enrichment activities and individualized services will assist families needing access to healthcare, support services, and education.

INH22-115-195 Pembroke Road Apartments, Concord, Merrimack County

Nearby the commercial and retail hubs, the development calls for 84 units on 11 wooded acres near the intersection of Loudon and Sheep Davis Roads.

INH22-116-Heater Landing Apartments, Lebanon, Grafton County

Within walking distance of the city’s elementary and high schools, as well as a health clinic, the development calls for construction of a three-story accessible building containing 44 units, parking spaces, playground and a local bus transportation stop.

INH22-117-Antrim Commons, Antrim, Hillsborough County

Development of the long-vacant Main Street mill will include 35 units, including 14 that will be a part of the historic preservation of a four-story brick building, once part of Goodell Manufacturing, along Great Brook. Walking paths will be incorporated into design and bike racks will be placed around the property to encourage outdoor recreation. A patio will feature outdoor seating and barbecue pits to encourage social gatherings.

INH22-118-Dexter Richards & Sons Woolen Mill, Newport, Sullivan County

The Dexter Richards & Sons Woolen Mill, also known as the old Ruger Mill, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Largely dormant for years, the brick building will be converted into 60 units, which will include the cost of utilities as part of the rent. Located on the edge of downtown Newport and overlooking the Sugar River, it is walkable, and provide housing for some of the region’s largest employers, including the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

INH22-119-Wallace Farms Phase 3, Londonderry, Rockingham County

This phase of new construction includes 12 units in a single-story garden style building, with the cost of utilities included in the rent.  Londonderry reaches a metro area of nearly 5 million people. 

INH22-120-Brown School, Berlin, Coos County

Closed in 2019 because of declining enrollment, the Brown Elementary School maintenance costs have been carried by the City of Berlin for the past three years. The project calls for development of 15 units, which will not only alleviate the demand for affordable housing but remove it from the city’s tax roll.

INH22-121-Mountain View Mill at Troy, Troy, Cheshire County

Once the economic engine of the Town of Troy, the mill once produced fabrics for automakers. The revitalization will include 29 units, which will include the cost of utilities in the rent, and will have an 11-year affordability requirement.

INH22-122-Clover Lane Phase 1, Whitefield, Coos County

The first phase of the project calls for the new construction of 20, two-bedroom units, with the cost of heat and hot water included in the rent. The units will be equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, granite counter tops, central air conditioning, landscaped common areas, and a playground for the children.

INH22-123-515 DW Highway Apartments, Merrimack, Merrimack County

New construction will include 43 units of new construction and a 30 years’ affordability requirement, set at 60 percent of median income. The development will provide some relief to the region’s demand for affordable housing, as current construction has been market rate apartments.

INH22-124-Penacook Landing Phase 2, Concord, Merrimack County

Nearly three acres of a larger six acres Brownfield property was previously owned by the City of Concord, which completed a $4.6 million cleanup of the site in 2014. The property will be developed to include 18 units of new construction; restrictions are in place for 60 years.

INH22-125-Manchester Street Revitalization, Manchester, Hillsborough County

The redevelopment of property that includes unfinished space in an existing building calls for 13 units, which will include the cost of utilities in the rent. The project offers key opportunities to improve and enhance this part of the city, increase available housing, offer more affordable housing units, and make it appealing to residents and outside investors.

INH22-126-Signature on Elm Street, Manchester, Hillsborough County

Development calls for 15 units within a 57,000-SF building in downtown Manchester, close to major employers including Elliot Hospital, Catholic Medical Center and Southern New Hampshire University.

INH22-127-Jackson Square, Nashua, Hillsborough County

New construction will include 24 units and parking, strategically located at one of the city’s gateways and within walking distance of major employers, include BAE Systems.

INH22-128-Visions Hanover, Hanover, Grafton County

New construction of 9 units, located near employment opportunities, retail outlets, services, and recreation.

INH22-129-Blueberry Place Housing, Laconia, Belknap County

Development calls for construction of 12, one-bedroom units constructed in a row house at the Laconia Housing Authority’s Perley Pond Townhouses’ complex.

INH22-130-Epping Meadows, Epping, Rockingham County

Plans call for development of 30 units near the intersection of Route 27 and 125 and abutting the Rockingham Recreational Trail. The location is close to the local school, town offices, medical facilities and along the transportation corridor accessing employment opportunities in the area.

INH22-131-Spicer's Littleton, Grafton County

A parcel of intown land will be developed into 12, two-bedroom units of new construction, providing needed affordable housing into a growing economic hub in northern New Hampshire. The lack of affordable housing has impeded growth across several sectors, including tourism and manufacturing.

About the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs

The Department of Business and Economic Affairs is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of the State of New Hampshire while promoting it as a destination for domestic and international visitors. For more information, visit www.nheconomy.com or www.choosenh.com

Digital Photography 101:
Learn to shoot like a pro with award-winning photographer Shawn Pierce

Award-winning commercial and portrait photographer Shawn Pierce will teach you how to get the most out of your camera every time. This glass, geared toward the novice photographer, will introduce you to exposure, composition, lighting, and camera settings. You'll learn to shoot in any situation, whether on location or in the studio. With ample light or in low light. Digital Photography 101 is perfect for those who have just purchased their first camera or for those who want to get the most out of their camera by getting out of auto mode and taking the first steps on their photography journey.

When asked why he was offering this class, Pierce said, "I've been a photographer for many years, and I realized there are some things we all need a little help with to figure out. So I decided to share my expertise with people who want to take their photography skills further."

Each class is split into two 2.5-hour sessions. The first session starts with a brief look back at the history of photography; then Pierce will take the class through how cameras work and how to use them. The second session is about creating images, and you'll learn how to compose better photos and read light and how to use light effectively. Both sessions conclude with hands-on instruction and demonstration.

"Photography is an art form. It's a way to capture what's important to you, whether the people or places in your life or the world around you." Pierce continued. "If you want to learn how to make your photos more creative and have more fun behind the camera, Digital Photography 101 will help you do it."

Digital Photography 101 classes are available in Januray and February 2023 with an introductory rate of $199.
Visit www.shawnpiercephoto.com to register and learn more. 

The State is in high gear rolling out New Hampshire’s new paid family and medical leave program. As reported, the state has partnered with MetLife to fully insure and fully administer this voluntary benefit. All employers and all workers will have the ability to choose or not to choose to obtain coverage. MetLife is conducting a 2^nd series of employer webinars on November 7^th, 9^th and 10^th to help employers understand this unique, first of its kind, voluntary benefit.

Information can be found by clicking on the website link below as well as visiting the NH Paid Leave social media profiles. All prior webinars can be viewed on the website and employers can sign up for the upcoming webinars.

The December 1^st employer enrollment date is fast approaching as is the January 1^st individual enrollment date when all workers who are not provided employer sponsored coverage will be able to purchase coverage on their own.

Visit us at www.paidfamilymedicalleave.nh.gov and follow us on social media.