(Dover, NH – January 22, 2024) – The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (CMNH) is pleased to announce that Service Credit Union is once again sponsoring year-round admission discounts for military families in 2024.

During the school year, military personnel, including veterans, and their families receive a 50% discount on admission. In the summer months, Armed Forces Day through Labor Day, current and retired military personnel and their immediate family members receive free admission to the Museum, thanks to Service Credit Union as exclusive sponsor of the Blue Star Museum program.

“We are proud to once again partner with the Children’s Museum to sponsor discounts for military families,” said Jaime Yates, Service Credit Union Community Relations Manager. “At Service Credit Union, we have a longstanding history of supporting our military members, veterans and their families, and this program is one of the ways we can give back to those who have given so much to us.”

These discounts are frequently used by families to access the Museum. In 2023, CMNH admitted 633 military visitors to the Museum at the 50% off rate, and the Blue Star Museum/free admission program admitted 1,430 military visitors.  “Utilization of both our military discount programs last year increased more than 20% from the prior year,” said Jane Bard, Museum president.  “This adds up to over $22,000 in savings for military families, and we are grateful to Service Credit Union’s continued support that enables us to continue to offer these programs.”

In addition to being open six days a week for play, CMNH is introducing “Play Late” evening hours on the first Friday of every month (through May 2024) from 4-7pm. CMNH hopes that these extended hours once a month will allow working families, including military families, with more flexibility of times that they are able to access the Museum. Military and all other discounts can be used to access these special play sessions.

These military discounts are available to active duty and retired U.S. military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps - and their families.

About Service Credit Union:

Service Credit Union is dedicated to providing a banking experience that improves our members’ lives and the communities in which they live. Established in 1957 to provide affordable credit to the Pease Air Force Base community, and now the largest credit union in New Hampshire, with over $5 billion in assets and 50 branch locations in the New England Region and Germany, we continue to provide a better future to our members all over the world. To learn more about Service Credit Union, please visit www.servicecu.org. 

About the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire:

The 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is located at 6 Washington Street in Dover and offers two levels of hands-on, interactive exhibits for children from newborn to middle school. Children can explore a wide range of subjects, from dinosaurs, music and aeronautics to world cultures, art, natural history, and S.T.E.A.M.. Open year-round, the Silver LEED-certified museum specializes in creating memorable family learning experiences and works closely with schools, social service agencies, and educators. A central part of the museum’s mission is ensuring accessibility, and the “Reach All Initiative” works towards this goal by welcoming over 20% of yearly visitors for free or reduced admission. The museum also hosts a variety of live performances, workshops, classes and special events for families. For more information, please visit www.childrens-museum.org.

Friday, January 19, 7-9pm

Snowdate: Thursday, January 25, 7-9pm

Grown-ups, you’re invited to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire for a special night to Sip & Sketch, with live animals! Not only will you get to explore the Children’s Museum of NH’s exhibits like a kid, but you’ll be inspired by live animal models from Pope Memorial Humane Society. An educator from the shelter will give a short presentation about the animals and guests can meet some of the furry friends. Then join local author and illustrator Sean Bixby as he instructs you to draw caricatures of some of the animals. When you are finished, add a little watercolor to make your artwork pop! No artistic experience necessary. Try more animal crafts and games as you explore the museum’s many hands-on exhibits, open for a special 21+ grown-up night for kids-at-heart! A cash bar from DeeLuxe Bartending will also be available, along with non-alcoholic beverages. Advance online tickets are $18, or $20 at the door, while tickets are available. Grown-ups only please (21+) and ID is required. Visit https://childrens-museum.org/things-to-do/events/grownup-play-dateshttps://childrens-museum.org/things-to-do/events/grownup-play-dates to reserve your spots or learn more.

Dover, NH –COAST will be resuming their full Saturday service schedule on Routes 1, 33, 40, and 43 in Berwick, Dover, Newington, Portsmouth, and Somersworth starting January 13, 2024. The service reinstatement brings COAST’s fixed route service back to the fully planned service schedule.

“Reinstating our full fixed route services on Saturdays represents an important milestone for COAST, our customers, and the businesses and organizations we support,” said Rad Nichols, COAST Executive Director. “After experiencing significant post-pandemic staffing shortages, we focused additional resources on recruiting and retention. We are now at full staffing levels and once again able to serve those weekend riders who need to get to work, do their weekly shopping, or connect with friends in another community.” 

COAST connects people and communities in two primary ways: with fixed route buses that serve eight communities in the Greater Seacoast area; and by providing demand paratransit services to 13 communities in New Hampshire and Maine.  

On Tuesday, January 23 COAST will also be offering free rides on any of their regular routes and ADA paratransit services during polling hours to adults on their way to, or returning from, voting in the NH Primary election. 

According to the nonprofit’s most recent Annual Impact Report demand and ridership across both their fixed route and demand response services increased in FY23.  

“As housing prices on the Seacoast have continued to climb, the distance between economic opportunity and the communities where people can afford to live is increasing. COAST’s fixed route services play a critical role in connecting our Seacoast workforce and the businesses that employ them,” said Nichols. 

Over the last fiscal year (October 2022 to September 2023) COAST reported 268,048 customer trips on their fixed route services to and from work, classes, medical services, shopping, and social activities (+10.6% over FY22), avoiding an estimated 1.8 million miles of car travel, and saving 755 tons (1.5 million lbs.) of greenhouse gases from being emitted into the atmosphere. These trips also represent an estimated savings of $467,000 in avoided gasoline and maintenance expenses for riders.  

COAST’s demand response services saw similar gains in FY23. Older adults and individuals living with disabilities took 23,006 trips to work, classes, medical services, shopping, and social activities (+18.4% over FY22). These riders travelled an average of 7.1 miles, totaling 163,500 miles. 

“Operating in the second oldest state in the U.S., COAST helps seniors to maintain their independence. By providing transportation options beyond driving, COAST keeps people connected to their communities and the services they rely on for support as they grow older,” noted Nichols.  

COAST also operates TripLink, a regional transportation call center that takes trip requests on behalf of COAST, Community Action Partnership of Strafford County, Community Rides, Ready Rides, and Rockingham Nutrition & Meals on Wheels.  

TripLink new client registrations were up 26% in FY23, and the number of trips facilitated by the regional call center increased 25.7% to 38,520. Forty-nine percent of the TripLink-facilitated rides traverse multiple communities.  

“COAST is an essential service provider and an important partner for social services agencies across the Seacoast,” said Jeff Donald, COAST Regional Mobility Manager. “By providing the transportation link between health, social and other support services, COAST ensures that everyone can access the opportunities they need to succeed.” 

The impact of COAST’s transportation services, as measured by the direct, indirect, and induced effects on spending, as well as the economic impact of access provided by their services, is estimated to have been over $26.4 million in FY23. 

COAST is in the planning stages for a new maintenance and administrative facility at their current location in Dover. The project will be funded through a combination of funding from federal, state (including NH CDFA tax credits that are available to businesses who wish to support COAST in exchange for receiving a tax credit), local, and private sources. The City of Dover recently issued a site plan approval and conditional use permit for the project following a review by the Planning Board.  

“We are proud of the accomplishments of 2023. However, COAST faces a challenging financial future as we seek to raise the remaining funds needed to construct our new facility while also replacing several federal grants that are coming to an end and affecting our operating budget,” said Nichols. “In the coming year, we are optimistic that the communities COAST serves will recognize the important services we offer their residents by strengthening their financial support of our operations. We are also looking forward to growing our base of support among the business community.” 

More information about COAST, its routes and schedules can be found at www.coastbus.org.  

 About COAST 

The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, more commonly known as COAST, is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization and an innovative leader in providing a broad range of public transportation services, connecting and coordinating a robust network of options for everyone. 

COAST’s mission is to champion and provide customer-focused public transportation with a commitment to excellence in safety and service. 

COAST’s annual operating budget ranges between $7.5 and $8.0M. As a nonprofit, our budget is funded through a blend of sources including federal, state, and local sources. Federal funding is generally required to be matched with state or local funds, most of which COAST secures through the municipalities we provide service within, charitable contributions from businesses, individuals, and foundations, as well as through specific service agreements, and advertising on the buses and in the bus shelters. To learn more visit www.coastbus.org. 

JANUARY 2024 Programs at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire

Dover, NH – More fun at 41! The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire said farewell to its 40th anniversary year in 2023, and welcomes 2024 with a start of a new exhibit expansion project which will add 1,000 square feet and 2 exhibit spaces to its second floor by late 2025! Learn more about that ongoing project here: https://childrens-museum.org/exhibits/exhibits/2025-exhibit-expansion 

Field Trips to CMNH, now available for up to 65 students, can be Self-Guided, or include a STEAM Workshop for extra learning! Title 1 Schools can visit for FREE, but must visit before the end of March 2024. Reserve your Field Trip date and time online today www.childrensmuseum.org.

Museum Members Get More! Children’s Museum of NH Members are invited to play during special Member Only Monday play sessions! It happens once a month, is exclusive to CMNH Members, and is totally free but spots must be reserved in advance.  Learn more about these and other CMNH Membership perks online at www.childrens-museum.org. 

Museum Hours: Closed most Mondays. Open Wednesdays - Saturdays, 9am-Noon or 1-4pm; Tuesdays & Sundays 9am-Noon. HOLIDAY HOURS: The Museum will be open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 15, from 9am-Noon and 1-4pm. Before visiting, the Museum is asking guests to reserve and pre-pay online to help stick to their capacity limit, which is currently at 50% of its actual capacity, or 250 individuals. Learn more at www.childrens-museum.org.

FEATURED JANUARY PROGRAM 

Grown-up Playdate: Sip & Sketch with Live Animals

Friday, January 19, 7-9pm

Snowdate: Thursday, January 25, 7-9pm

Grown-ups, you’re invited to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire for a special night to Sip & Sketch, with live animals! Not only will you get to explore the Children’s Museum of NH’s exhibits like a kid, but you’ll be inspired by live animal models from Pope Memorial Humane Society. An educator from the shelter will give a short presentation about the animals and guests can meet some of the furry friends. Then join local author and illustrator Sean Bixby as he instructs you to draw caricatures of some of the animals. When you are finished, add a little watercolor to make your artwork pop! No artistic experience necessary. Try more animal crafts and games as you explore the museum’s many hands-on exhibits, open for a special 21+ grown-up night for kids-at-heart! A cash bar from DeeLuxe Bartending will also be available, along with non-alcoholic beverages. Advance online tickets are $18, or $20 at the door, while tickets are available. Grown-ups only please (21+) and ID is required. Visit www.childrens-museum.org to reserve your spots or learn more.

Gallery 6 Art Exhibition: 40 Years of Play

On view through Thursday, February 29, 2024

This exhibition takes a nostalgic look back at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s 40 years! Items on display range throughout the museum’s history and include artwork, photos, puppets, exhibit items and more! Gallery 6 is sponsored by The Fuller Foundation, TD Charitable Foundation, Abbie F. Moseley Charitable Trust, and the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. Visit www.childrens-museum.org to learn more. 

First Friday Play Late

Friday, January 5, 4:15-7pm

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire will be open to “Play Late” on the first Friday of every month through May of 2024. Regular Museum admission and discounts apply (free for Members) and online reservations are required for anyone wishing to join in the “Play Late” play sessions. Visit www.childrens-museum.org to learn more and to reserve your spots.

Junior Science: Let It Snow

Tuesdays, January 9-30(4 weeks) from 1:30-2:15pm

Join us for Junior Science at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire. We are excited to invite junior scientists (ages 3.5-5 years old) to our January session! This 45 minute class includes a story or felt board activity, followed by a fun experiment, and a related art project to take home. Families with siblings may opt to play on the second floor during the class time from 1:30-2:15 pm - please note that the museum is closed to the public on Tuesday afternoons. Grown ups are welcome to stay in the building during class time. Cost is Members $48/child; Non-Members $60/child. Pre-registration is required. Visitwww.childrens-museum.org to learn more. 

Author Visit: That’s Not A Hat! 

Saturday January 13, 10 am and 11 am

Join the Children’s Museum of NH for a special guest visit with local author Marti Fuerst! Marti will read her story That’s Not a Hat at 10am and 11am during the museum’s morning play session (9am-Noon) and visitors can design their own hat craft to take home. This program is included with museum admission and free for members. Be sure to book for the morning play session from 9-12 on Saturday January 13, online at www.childrens-museum.org. This special visit is part of CMNH’s Performance Series, sponsored by The Fuller Foundation, TD Charitable Foundation, Abbie F. Moseley Charitable Trust, and the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts.  

Toddler Tinker Time

Every Tuesday in January from 10:30-11:30am

Join us for a weekly program and informal playgroup that emphasizes the importance of tinkering! Tinkering helps little ones develop fine motor skills, increases problem solving abilities, and is an open invitation to foster peer relationships! What is tinkering?! Tinkering can range from taking something apart and putting it back together to making an open-ended sculpture, to playing with “loose parts” and special science tools. We will have different activities every week and some old favorites will pop up again and again. STEAM programs at the museum like Toddler Tinker Time are sponsored by Breezeline, Eversource Energy, and Sprague. Want to join in? Simply reserve spots in the museum’s morning play session that correspond to the date of the Toddler Tinker Time you want to join - it’s included with museum admission, and as always, free for Members! Reserve online at www.childrens-museum.org. 

Wacky Art Wednesdays

Every Wednesday in January

10:30am during Morning Play Session (9am-noon)

2:30pm during Afternoon Play Session (1-4pm)

Join us at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire at either 10:30am or 2:30 pm every Wednesday to do a wacky and wonderful art project. Want to join in? Simply reserve spots in the museum’s morning or afternoon play session that correspond to the date of the Wacky Art Wednesday you want to join - it’s included with museum admission, and as always, free for Members! Reserve online at www.childrens-museum.org.

Baby Storytime

Wednesdays, January (No class on the 3rd) 10, 17, 24 & 31
Babies (ages 6 months-2 years) and their caregivers are welcome to join Baby Storytime! This weekly program features songs, rhymes, movement ideas, and books for babies and their caregivers and introduces important pre-literacy skills along the way! This drop-in program and informal playgroup is a great way to socialize with other babies and caregivers. Want to join in? Simply reserve spots in the museum’s morning play session that correspond to the date of the Baby Storytime you want to join - it’s included with museum admission, and as always, free for Members! Reserve online at www.childrens-museum.org.

Cultural Crafts: Chinese New Year

Every Thursday in January

10:30am during Morning Play Session (9am-noon)

2:30pm during Afternoon Play Session (1-4pm)

Join us at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire during our Thursday play sessions at either 10:30am or 2:30pm to do a fun craft, play a game, or make some art celebrating a culture from around the world! Each month we will choose one culture or festival to focus on. For January, we will be learning about Chinese New Year. Want to join in? Simply reserve spots in the museum’s morning or afternoon play session that correspond to the date of the Cultural Crafts Thursday you want to join - it’s included with museum admission, and as always, free for Members! Reserve online at www.childrens-museum.org.

Science Fridays

Every Friday in January

10:30am during Morning Play Session (9am-Noon)

2:30pm during Afternoon Play Session (1-4pm)

Join us for Science Fridays! New each week and included with regular Museum admission, Science Friday drop-in programs engage children in experiments and activities that focus on fun, and act as a jumping-off point for learning about science concepts. Sponsored by the State of NH on behalf of the UNIQUE College Investing Plan. Want to join in? Simply reserve spots in the museum’s morning or afternoon play session that correspond to the date of the Science Friday you want to join - it’s included with museum admission, and as always, free for Members! Reserve online at www.childrens-museum.org.

Wee Ones Wednesdays

Wednesdays, January (No class on the 3rd) 10, 17 & 31

Wednesdays, February 7 & 14 (No class on 21 & 28)

9:15-10am

Join Miss Xanthi at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire for this interactive weekly program for children ages 2-4. Designed as a PRE pre-school program for children and a parent or caregiver, we will enjoy art, music, movement and conceptual learning together! This program is limited to 10 children, and caregivers or adults are welcome to sign up multiple children within their family. Pre-reservation/payment is required and does not include museum admission. Reservations to stay and play in museum exhibits must be made separately. Prices: Child $13 ($10 for Members), Additional Children (if participating in crafts & is a sibling) $9 ($7 for Members). Visitwww.childrens-museum.org for more info and to reserve your spot.

Upcoming Events

Exploring Our Way: Sensory Friendly Playtime

Tuesday, February 6, 1-3pm

Sunday, March 3, 1-3pm

For some children with autism spectrum or sensory processing disorders, a visit to museums like the Children’s Museum of NH is challenging or over-stimulating. Exploring Our Way are FREE low-sensory events designed for children with autism spectrum or sensory processing disorders, and allows them to explore the Museum along with their families without the noise, crowds, and stimulation of a typical open day. We limit the number of families who can attend, turn down sounds and lights, provide a quiet zone with sensory activities away from the exhibit floor and have noise canceling headphones to borrow. A medical diagnosis is not required. This program is free, but online pre-registration is required. Visit www.childrens-museum.org to learn more.

Valentine’s Day Party: Wild About You!

Sunday, February 11, 1-3pm

Calling all wild kids! Come celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire with special guests from The Center for Wildlife. Come play in the museum exhibits, make special Valentine’s day and animal themed crafts, learn about animals that can be found in New England, and take home a fun treat at the end of the event!

Tickets must be reserved in advance, and regular discounts do not apply for this special event. Space is limited and we can not guarantee that tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the event. Ticket prices are: $10 for Members and $16 for non-members. Member pre-sale starts Tuesday, January 2, and tickets go on sale to the public Monday, January 8.

About the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire

 

The 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is located at 6 Washington Street in Dover and offers two levels of hands-on, interactive exhibits for children from newborn to middle school. Children can explore a wide range of subjects, from dinosaurs, music and aeronautics to world cultures, art, natural history, and S.T.E.A.M.. Open year-round, the Silver LEED-certified museum specializes in creating memorable family learning experiences and works closely with schools, social service agencies, and educators. A central part of the museum’s mission is ensuring accessibility, and the “Reach All Initiative” works towards this goal by welcoming nearly 20% of yearly visitors for free or reduced admission. The museum also hosts a variety of live performances, workshops, classes and special events for families. For more information, please call the museum at (603) 742-2002 or visit www.childrens-museum.org

Step back in time at Rollinsford’s historic Colonel Paul Wentworth House on Saturday and Sunday, January 13 and 14, and meet Captain John Harmon’s Snowshoe Company of Rangers, a group of historical reenactors who portray the soldiers who patrolled the New England frontier during the 1740s and 1750s.

Snowshoe companies were formed to patrol the colonial frontier during the long winters and protect the northern settlements from attack by the French and their Native American allies. Members of Harmon’s Company will be in residence at the Wentworth House and will demonstrate winter camp craft, the use of flintlock muskets and traditional snowshoes, and the clothing, equipment and tactics used by the frontier militia.

Visitors may also tour the Wentworth House; warm up by the hearth and watch food being prepared in 18th century fashion; and experience other aspects of winter life in colonial New England.

Event hours are Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. Admission is $5 for adults; the event is free for children and ARCH members.

The circa 1701 Wentworth House is located on Water Street in Rollinsford and is maintained by the Association for Rollinsford Culture and History (ARCH). For more information about this and other events at the Wentworth House, consult the ARCH website at paulwentworthhouse.org or Facebook at The Colonel Paul Wentworth House.

From left, MVSB Fund Committee members Beth San Soucie, Marcus Weeks, Cara Burzynski, Charley Hanson, Michael O’Leary, and Carmen Lorentz stand outside of the MVSB Main Office in Meredith. Courtesy photo

The MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) Fund at New Hampshire Charitable Foundation has awarded $75,000 to 40 local nonprofit organizations. This includes $58,000 donated to 23 local agencies and $17,000 to 17 local food pantries to help address food insufficiency in the Bank’s communities. The grants are in addition to MVSB’s contributions throughout the year in the form of donations, sponsorships, scholarships and volunteer efforts by employees.

Since 1997, the MVSB Fund has awarded annual grant-based contributions to nonprofit organizations that enrich and improve the quality of lives of residents in the Bank’s service areas. In that time, the program has awarded over 500 grants totaling over $2 million dollars to a wide range of environmental, social, educational and historic projects throughout the Greater Lakes Region, Plymouth and Seacoast regions.

“New Hampshire is so fortunate to have network of exceptional nonprofits working to address challenges and improve our communities and to provide needed services to local individuals and families,” said Marcus Weeks, MVSB President. “We are very proud to be able to award grants that will help organizations to make meaningful updates, add programming and simply keep up with the growing demand.”

This year’s MVSB Fund grant recipients include:

603 United, Laconia

Awarded $2,500 to help support 603 United’s relocation to a larger space to support their growing membership and programs. 603 United is dedicated to creating a community that fosters healthy relationships, healthy lifestyles, and inclusion within the Lakes Region.

Belknap House, Laconia

Awarded $2,500 to help pilot the Family Mentoring and Resilience Program, which focuses on building resilience for parents and children as a family unit reinforcing familial support and breaking the cycle of generational trauma. The Belknap House is the only family-centered shelter serving Belknap County providing homeless families safe shelter and case management.

Circle Program, Plymouth

Awarded $2,500 to help support planning, materials and supplies during the week-long Eastward Bound trip. The Circle Program provides a unique combination of residential summer camp and year-round one-on-one mentoring to empower, transform and enrich young girls’ lives.

Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties Inc., Concord

Awarded $2,500 to help fund a commercial kitchen for the Laconia Senior Center that will enhance meals for older adults in need of quality nutrition and socialization. The mission of the organization is to work with low-income families and older people to assist them in their efforts to become or remain both financially and socially independent in their communities.

Got Literacy Laconia

Awarded $3,000 to provide books to low- to moderate-household income children enrolled in the Got Lunch! Laconia program. Got Literacy Laconia supports summer reading engagement and improving literacy by distributing literacy materials to children in need of support.

Homeless Center for Strafford County, Rochester

Awarded $2,500 in operating funds to help offset the cost of increased staffing needed to transition to a year-round shelter. The Homeless Center for Strafford County provides community members and families with shelter, case management, and educational programs that lead to self-sufficiency and permanent housing.

Hospice Help Foundation, Portsmouth

Awarded $2,500 to help the organization provide financial support to hospice patients in need of essentials including food, shelter and transportation so that they may have the best possible end-of life experience. Hospice Help Foundation’s mission is to improve the comfort and quality of life for hospice patients and their families by providing urgent financial relief.

Kevin Peare Memorial Skate Park, Conway

Awarded $2,500 toward building a skate park in North Conway. The Kevin Peare Memorial Skate Park is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate the community about how skateboarding can benefit youth’s mental and physical well-being while raising funds to build a state-of-the-art skate park.

Lakes Region Mental Health Center (LRMHC), Laconia

Awarded $2,500 to help fund add-ons to their new electronic health record system to improve efficiencies. LRMHC provides comprehensive, integrated mental health treatment for people living with – and recovering from – mental illness and/or emotional distress.

Mandy's Angels Diabetic Service Dogs Inc., Meredith

Awarded $2,500 to help the organization provide a diabetic service dog to a local child. The organization helps to improve the lives of diabetic children and their families by providing service dogs with specialized training to detect early signs of high or low blood sugars and alert their companions.

The Mayhew Program, Bristol

Awarded $2,500 to support tuition for at-risk boys for the program’s year-round camp and mentoring program. The Mayhew Program challenges and helps at-risk New Hampshire boys to believe in themselves, work well with others, and find their best.

Merrimack Valley YMCA - Camp Lawrence, Lake Winnipesaukee

Awarded $2,000 to help provide scholarships for Meredith-area boys to attend summer camp. Established in 1907, Camp Lawrence is located on Bear Island on Lake Winnipesaukee and offers opportunities for boys ages 8-16 to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

Newfound Regional High School FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team #7913, Bristol

Awarded $2,500 to help the Newfound Regional High School FRC Team #7913 build a robot and support outreach efforts. The robotics team is tasked with building a robot from the ground up to meet that year’s competition challenge within eight weeks’ time.

New Hampshire Jobs for America's Graduates, Concord

Awarded $2,500 to support bringing programming to Gilford High School and Hopkinton Middle High School. The mission of New Hampshire Jobs for America’s Graduates is to cultivate youth success through academic, leadership, and workforce opportunities in collaboration with business and community partnerships.

Prospect Mountain High School Team 319 Boosters, Alton

Awarded $2,500 to help purchase a road case for the 319 Big Bad Bob FIRST Robotics team. Each year, the team gives students the opportunity to experience hands-on learning and travel around the country to compete against other robotics teams.

Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (Forest Society), Concord

Awarded $2,500 to help repair a severely eroded portion of the main trail at Mount Major in Alton. The Forest Society is a land conservation organization dedicated to protecting New Hampshire’s most important landscapes and promoting the careful use of its renewable natural resources.

Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity, Portsmouth

Awarded $2,500 to help rebuild a multi-family home in Rochester that was lost due to fire. Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity builds simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with hard-working local families in Strafford and Rockingham counties.

Tapply-Thompson Community Center (TTCC), Bristol

Awarded $2,000 to help support food programs for students and families in the Newfound Region. TTCC offers a diversified program of youth activities that include summer day camps, youth sports, after-school programs, teen programming and special events.

Transport Central, Plymouth

Awarded $2,500 to help the organization continue operations and support their efforts to acquire a 15-passenger bus and develop a fixed route bus service. Transport Central provides “demand response,” door-to-door volunteer transportation to a 19-town service area.

Voices Against Violence, Plymouth

Awarded $5,000 to help replace and increase fencing surrounding the location’s yard to improve safety and privacy for individuals and families staying at the confidential shelter. Voices Against Violence provides information and support to victims and survivors, their family and friends, community members, and professionals around domestic violence, children who witness domestic violence, sexual violence and harassment, stalking, human trafficking and bullying.

Way Station, North Conway

Awarded $2,500 to help provide continuous services to those experiencing homelessness. Way Station provides safe, welcoming, non-judgmental space and supportive services for homeless & housing insecure residents of Mount Washington Valley.

Wentworth Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO), Wolfeboro

Awarded $2,500 to assist in upgrading the organization’s loan application processes to provide more efficient and accessible service to those who seek or qualify for services. WEDCO was founded in 1993 for the sole purpose of promoting economic growth in the eastern Lakes Region.

Wolfeboro Senior Center & Meals, Wolfeboro

Awarded $1,000 to help support the online senior exercise program. The Wolfeboro Senior Center & Meals’ mission is to enrich the lives of seniors at an exclusive place that offers education programs and informational events, recreational and well-being activities, and wholesome noontime meals.

MVSB has been serving the essential banking needs of people, businesses, nonprofits and municipalities for over 150 years. As a mutual savings bank, MVSB has no stock-holders but rather operates for the benefit of its customers, employees and community. Since our founding, one thing has always remained true: caring is at the heart of everything we do. By building and nurturing relationships, we believe that we can cultivate a community where we all thrive. It all starts with caring about our customers and neighbors. To learn more, visit any of the local branch offices located in New Hampshire in Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Melvin Village, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Rochester or Wolfeboro, call 800.922.6872 or visit mvsb.com.

Atkinson, NH- Palmer Gas & Oil has partnered with the Salem Area Women’s Club to give the gift of warmth to a few households this holiday season. Palmer Gas & Oil received a donation which they are able to put towards the fuel accounts of customers in need.

The generous donation from the Salem Area Women's Club will directly assist Palmer Gas & Oil in extending relief to households within the community struggling with their heating bill. This initiative seeks to ensure that families experiencing financial difficulties can stay warm and comfortable in their homes throughout the winter season. 

Deb Whitten, Credit & Collections Manager at Palmer Gas & Oil says, “This time of year is really difficult for a lot of families so this kind of donation can make a huge difference in somebody’s life.” Adds Deb Slein of the Salem Area Women’s Club, "We understand the challenges faced by families during these colder months and making this donation is just one way to lend a helping hand.”

Award-winning Palmer Gas & Oil provides propane and oil, as well as related equipment and services to customers in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. The Salem Area Women's Club, known for its dedication to community service and empowerment, recognizes the importance of ensuring that every family has access to warmth and comfort.

For more information, please visit: PalmerGas.comand SalemAreaWomensClub.org

Palmer Gas & Oil (PGO) is a family-owned and operated propane and oil delivery and service company based in Atkinson, New Hampshire with over 90 years serving New Hampshire, Northern Massachusetts, and Southern Maine. PGO's automatic delivery, easy payment, and scheduled maintenance plans make it simple for its customers to keep their tanks full and their equipment serviced. A full sales, service, and equipment installation business, PGO is unique to the industry in that it is truly a one-stop shop. PGO is a Business NH Magazine Business of the Decade winner in the Retail/Wholesale category, a multi-award winner of the Best of Business (BOB) awards for best fuel provider as well as a multi-award winner in the Union Leader Readers’ Choice award for oil and propane delivery, a Business Excellence Award winner in consumer services for large organizations from NH Business Review and has an accredited A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Palmer Gas & Oil

Linn Kurkjian, Marketing & Communications Manager

lkurkjian@palmergas.com

603-898-7986

First Annual Holiday Factory Sale—Popzup Popcorn starts a new popcorn tradition by selling direct to customers for one day only, Friday December 1^st, at their new Somersworth, NH Popcorn Factory, located at: 22 Canal Street, Suite 358.

There will be seconds at 50% off (seconds have imperfect packaging but perfect popcorn & seasoning inside the packaging) and 25% off everything else that includes Popzup Ready-to-Eat Popcorn, Popcorn Seasonings, Popzup Poppers Microwave Popcorn, and Popzup Movie Time Popcorn Kits.

To show our gratitude, customers will receive a Secret Popzup Gift and have a special opportunity to sample our newest popcorn flavor, Truffle Butter. Our new Truffle Butter Popcorn will not be available for sale until January 2024 so we are excited to share it with everyone who stops by. “Our customers mean the world to us but we seldom get a chance to meet in person. So we want to make this a special day for everyone who can pop on by.” Says Julie Lapham, Popzup founder and CEO.

Shop early because there is a limited supply of 50% off popcorn and seasoning that will sell out fast. No credit for recycling can be used during this sale. Credit card payments will add 3% to cover processing fees.

Contact Person: Julie Lapham julie@popzup.com

Friday, November 17 & Saturday, November 18, 10-10:30 am or 2-2:30pm

Member-Only Meet & Greet: Saturday, November 18, 8:30-9am

Join the Pout Pout Fish at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire as we celebrate Literacy Month, sponsored by the State of New Hampshire on behalf of the UNIQUE College Investing Plan! Join Pout Pout on a fun and colorful rhyming journey as he discovers spreading “dreary wearies'' isn't his destiny! This Books Alive program seeks to make reading a regular family experience. A friendly costumed Pout Pout Fish will be available for hugs, high-fives, and photos following story time at 10 am during the morning play sessions (9am-Noon) and after the 2 pm story time during the afternoon play sessions (1-4pm).  There will also be a variety of Pout Pout Fish-inspired literacy, math, and creative activities for all guests. Free with museum admission. Books Alive is sponsored by Newburyport Bank, Eastern Bank Community Foundation, Piscataqua Savings Bank, Shaheen & Gordon P.A., and Frisbie Memorial Hospital. Want to meet the Pout Pout Fish? Simply reserve spots in the museum’s morning or afternoon play session that correspond to the date of the Books Alive program you want to join - it’s included with museum admission, and as always, free for Members! Reserve online at www.childrens-museum.org.  

The Visiting Mexican Artists Program: The Dancing Chickens of Ventura Fabian

Friday, November 10, 10:30 am

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is excited to welcome Oaxacan wood carver Norberto Fabian, son of the late master carver Ventura Fabian! Norberto will share his artwork with museum guests, do a demonstration, and answer questions. This special guest visit celebrates Mexican folk art and culture, and Norberto’s beautiful finished carvings will be on display. Visitors can take inspiration from Norberto’s style and design their own wood ornament craft in the museum’s Muse Studio. This program will start at 10:30am (during the museum’s morning play session from 9am-Noon) in the STEAM Lab on Friday November 10, is included with museum admission, and as always free for Museum Members. This special visit is part of CMNH’s Performance Series, sponsored by The Fuller Foundation, TD Charitable Foundation, Abbie F. Moseley Charitable Trust, and the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. Reserve your spots online at www.childrens-museum.org.  Learn more about Norberto and his art online at www.thedancingchickens.com.