“White Birch Senior Center is the place to be.  Friends, new and old, trips near and far, sharing food and sharing stories.  We may enter tentatively but quickly discover a community of wonderful people.”

“There is always a welcoming atmosphere created by the staff and the other participants at White Birch’s Center for Active Living.  We play, laugh, engage in serious conversations and learn so much from each other’s life experiences.  I feel very blessed and privileged to be part of this vibrant White Birch community.”

“As a primary care physician–I love hearing from my senior patients who use the White Birch Center about how they haven’t fallen since then started participating in chair exercise classes, or how much they enjoy going on day trips with their friends. As a health care provider I like knowing there are places like this I can suggest to my local seniors.”

“My daughter has attended WBCC since the age of 12 months and is fortunate to have grown up with the support of such a wonderful environment and excellent staff. She now attends the After School Program a couple of days a week as a second grader. We are so thankful to have such a convenient, comfortable, safe, enriching, and fun place for her to go. The days she is a “White Bircher” are her favorite days of the week.”

“Attending the many programs offered at White Birch keeps me physically and mentally active. I enjoy yoga, movies, knitwits, senior lunches, trivia, and many day trips.”

Both of my daughters have been attending WBCC since they were 12 months old (now they are 2 and 5), and WBCC has been wonderful for my girls!  My youngest has grown into an inquisitive, happy, talking toddler, who always has a new story to tell such as “going on a bear hunt”, or a new song to sing such as “Mr. Golden Sun”!

My older daughter has developed a wonderful skill set with her alphabet, counting, creative play, and basic writing.  She is excited to go to school and is frequently telling me how her classroom is changing with new play areas to keep them stimulated.

For both of my daughters, I receive compliments on how well-developed their speech is, their manners are, and how they are able to communicate their needs to others. In addition to what we do at home, I credit the WBCC teachers efforts, and the wonderful attention and care they give to the children.

I feel I have constant contact with their teachers and that communication with parents is a priority.  Parent teacher conferences and family nights at daycare make it easy to connect with the teachers.  On a more personal note, it makes me feel better as a mom when those mornings come when one of my daughters is having a bad day and I have leave her happily snuggled with a teacher, or being engaged in an activity. Knowing that they go the extra mile to see to my child’s emotion well-being is something that helps get ME through those tough mornings! We’re expecting baby number 3 this fall, and I already know that they will love WBCC as much as their sisters do!

“The White Birch School Age Program allows my family to be a dual income family.  I have confidence that my daughter is taken care after school with qualified and loving teachers – not babysitters … TEACHERS. Individuals who have earned their credentials.  Her homework gets done while with the School Age Program which equates to a very peaceful time at home in the evening hours.  Now who doesn’t want that!  The whole White Birch family holds a special place in my heart. They help me be a better mom.”

“White Birch means many things to me. The support you always give me keeps me going. Besides that I simply will say-

White Birch to me is
Happiness
Enjoyment
Activities
Learning
Trips
Hope
Young”

“I appreciate you and everyone in your program. You are true lifesavers and the unsung heroes of this pandemic.”

“WBC lets my child PLAY! My child is part of the After School Program and gets to play while she learns how to interact with her peers; make decisions with her peers; have discussions with her peers; and has fun with her peers.  Energy is exerted.  I have an exhausted child when we pick her up – good exhausted.  Also, the WBC teachers help her with her homework!  This is a complete win!”

“White Birch is an integral part of my senior life.  It encourages me to keep active, helps me share meals with others, learn (or relearn) new  games, (Mah Jongg anyone? ) laugh and receive hugs.  The staff and volunteers are smiling all the time.  It just brightens your day and those personal touches mean so much.  You can’t get any luckier than that!  Come,  join our fun.”

“I was introduced to the White Birch Senior Center when I went to a luncheon and on a couple of trips. It was fun and everyone was very friendly. I joined the KnitWits (knitting group) and met many wonderful people who all became my friends – not just people you see once a week, but people of all ages that you know you can count on for help. We go on many trips that include shopping–my favorite thing to do. These trips are fun and always end with lunch, and of course, ice cream. I also volunteer at the senior monthly luncheons and enjoy every minute of it.”

“Ever since my son has started at White Birch I have seen immense growth from him, physically and mentally. Having him come home after school and tell me the ABC’s and counting his numbers makes me so happy, knowing he’s constantly learning new things at school. One of my favorite things about the program is the faith I have in his teachers, they’re amazing. I’ve always been that hesitant parent that was nervous to put their child in a childcare program scared of the “what if’s” but I can say with honesty and confidence that I completely trust my son being in the hands of the teachers in my sons classroom. The fact that he talks about his teachers while we’re at home, or on the weekends shows me that he also feels trust in them, and there’s honestly no better feeling. White Birch has set my son up to succeed and I’m excited for all that’s to come.”

“The hardest thing about having our daughters in the afterschool program is that when I get a chance to pick them up early, they don’t want to leave their friends or activities yet and ask to stay longer!”

“We would highly recommend White Birch to any parent seeking a fun and creative learning environment for their children. The teachers are personable and informative, and we know our child is safe with them and will be having an enriching experience each day. Our child loves music, and it is refreshing to know that his daycare provider motivates him to cultivate that passion, stressing physical and social growth through art, sensory bins and dance.”

“We’ve been utilizing the White Birch after school and summer programs for a few years. One of their best assets is their summer program. They offer fun and original field trips, a ropes course every week and swimming!  We really enjoy the program and its flexibility.”

“This place has been great for Gwen. She is able to complete her school work and there are other teachers there if she needs help. She also has the opportunity to engage in other activities as well that utilize her creative side. They are always willing to work with my schedule and keep me well informed of what is going on there. The ability to have open dialogue is huge. I am so glad we found you guys and were able to have her in your program! I strongly recommend it for any parent who has school aged kids, especially during all of this craziness.”

“I honestly can say there are no other programs like what WBC offers to our children.  WBC team is here for our children when we cannot be. WBC is a huge part of our community.”

“I enjoy attending White Birch Community Center each week to keep in touch with wonderful friends whom I did not know before. There is always something going on whether it be educational, health issues, making puzzles, or delicious senior meals. And I can’t forget the knitting group the “Knit Wits” who always share patterns and laughter. Beth Ann Paul who is the Senior Program Director is just top notch in putting the program’s together and Marc McMurphy is a great Executive Director!”

“My children needed different care than they’d been receiving- at a private in-home location. I was VERY concerned about my children’s ability to transition, and my eldest, in particular, as an introvert was my main concern. Not only did our eldest son transition smoothly- he thrived there. He really blossomed and has been far happier than we ever could have imagined- I attribute that to the caring hearts of the teachers with whom he’s been fortunate enough to work. White Birch teachers are really wonderful people who care a great deal about our children- as though they were their own – they’re very personable- we’ve practically adopted them as additional members of our family, we love them so.”

Senior Citizens need a place like White Birch where they can take part in many different activities and to spend times with others. Many of those that attend live alone and look forward to this. It’s a warm and caring place. It’s like our second home. In the hot summer days we are always welcome to come in where it’s cool. In the winter a warm place if there if a heating problem at their home.

“I love that we get to see on Facebook what our children are up to during the day- because it’s really hard to have to leave your small children to work full time. I’d be home with them if I could, my husband would be home with them if he could, this is the next best thing to that. Our children are loved, are treated really well, and we are kept in the loop 100% of the time.”

“There are many things I like about the Center for Active Living at White Birch including the sense of connection that I feel with the staff and participants, the varied programs and activities offered, and the attention given to reach out to a wide range of folks…retired as well as the boomers.”

“We absolutely love White Birch. Our kids have been in the program since 2013. We’ve used both the early learning and the afterschool/summer program. Whenever I drop my kids off at White Birch I know they’re going to have a good day. I trust the teachers to build educational fun into the games they play. They get lots of time to run around outside, and I love that they walk through the NEC campus.

I was worried about my son’s readiness for kindergarten next year since he’s not interested in academics. White Birch did a really nice job of waiting for him to be ready and offering him lots of opportunities to practice. He all of sudden came home recently and was counting to 20. He knows his letters and numbers and will definitely be ready for Kindergarten, even though he isn’t the type of kid who likes to sit down for traditional academic learning.

Thank you for taking care of my kids. It means a lot to me that I can drop my kids off with adults who care about them and make sure they grow socially, emotionally and academically.”

“I felt the need to write your center a quick note letting you know of the experience my family has had during our time here.  The staff always give such a warm greeting when we walk through the door each morning, making it easier for us to drop our little guy off.  We know he is loved and cared for while he is here at White Birch.  Our son has come home with stories about friends and teachers and describes scenarios with such excitement, and we attribute that to the kindness and knowledge of his teachers who work so hard to provide the children with quality learning experiences.

Our transition to a new town has been so much easier because of your staff here at White Birch Center.  We have felt welcomed from the start and we know that we made the right decision when we chose to send our child here.  We are so thankful that we don’t have to compromise any of our “must haves” when it comes to childcare.  By bringing our child to White Birch, we know we are providing him with a safe, loving, environment where he is learning to become a wonderful little being.  We couldn’t do it without your help.

Thank you all for your love and dedication, we truly appreciate you.”

“I have never had so many wonderful people to call friends at one time. What I thought would be a dull rest of my life has been turned into something great. I now look forward to every upcoming activity at White Birch’s Center for Active Living.”

“The White Birch seniors are going to miss all of our wonderful programs this Winter. I’m going to miss seeing everyone.”

“White Birch, Active Living Program has been a link to an outside community that I didn’t know I needed. We moved to this area 3 and 1/2 years ago. I kind of fell into finding White Birch, since I don’t live in Henniker. It has connected me to lovely people, activities and interests that I didn’t know I had. Now, I have a friend who answers my gardening questions, a group to exercise with twice a week and so many friends to laugh with and reminisce about the ” old days!” What more can you ask for? A special thanks to Beth Ann Paul who is our ” ring leader!’. She just “gets us!” In her gentle demeanor, she encourages us and joins in with us. What a friend!”

As a relative new comer to Henniker, it was important to me to reach out and begin to be part of a community of active like-minded adults…my clan so to speak.   I started to attend some of the varied activities, trips and programs being offered.  Besides becoming informed about subjects that benefit me at this stage of my life, I continue to enjoy meeting and getting to know the other participants in the program.

“A friendly Hello, a welcoming smile,
Come visit White Birch and stay for a while.
There is knitting and exercise, movies and more,
There are socials and trips and stories galore.
It’s bright and it’s beautiful, new carpet on the floor,
A place to see friends and make many more,
It’s Beth Ann and Marc with their own friendly way,
That makes us feel special and brightens our day.
So come check it out, you are missing a lot.
Thanks White Birch Senior Center for this friendly happy spot.

(You don’t stop having fun when you get old – You get old when you stop having fun. That’s not my quote but I believe it).”

“I don’t remember when I started coming to WB as a “senior”.  I was somewhat familiar with the program because of my 2 older sisters.  Once I was no longer involved in regular work, I got involved in volunteering with dial-a-ride, then saw a note about becoming a youth mentor. I have met so many new and interesting people that I am enjoying every minute of my volunteer work.  Now I’m involved in the bone builder program, go to most of the senior monthly luncheons, take in a free movie and popcorn, go to Ted Talks, play cards weekly, and even got my husband to join me in some of the activities. There’s no reason for any seniors from Henniker (and surrounding towns) to be bored!! Love this place, and especially the great staff.”

“I am somewhat new to the group, just 2 years, but feel these women have been my friends forever.The knitting group is central to my sense of well being.  On the few days when I can’t make it, I feel a sense of loss.  On the days I do make it (which is most of them), I am exhilarated and enlivened. I have made many friendships and have come to love the women in the group and care deeply about them.  It is good to share our stories, experiences, and our knitting.  My husband and I are snow birds and travel 5-6 months per year.  During our time away, I keep in touch with the group through weekly emails, texts, etc  When scheduling appointments I am often asked if I have a day/time preference.  My answer is always, “Not Wednesday morning”.  Enough said.”

“THANK YOU Allison, Emma and Ryder. You are an amazing team and have done a fantastic job this week with the Remote Learning Program. It was a huge undertaking and you guys have rocked it. I know it wasn’t easy, but I can assure you that the families and staff at HCS are so very grateful for all of your hard work to make this such a success!”

“The school age program at White Birch gives my son a fun, safe learning environment after school, on school vacation days and during the summer which enables me to maintain a demanding work schedule. He has always enjoyed the activities and field trips that he participates in and has made many lasting friendships while involved in the school age program. The teachers are fun, caring, positive role models for all the children in their programs!”

“I feel so blessed to be a part of the White Birch Knit Wits (knitting group). This is such a wonderful group of ladies that get together once a week to work their little hands making such wonderful and beautiful items to donate to many great causes throughout our state. I Love spending time with all of them – sharing our skills and laughs. It gives me great pleasure to do my part to help in any way that I can. I also Love the social time!”

“White Birch makes the February & April vacation weeks fun for our children while we work. The kids get to do cool things and we hear all about it.”

“Amazing job to the staff! You all have been a massive help in this uncertain time. Thank you all so much!”

“We love the out-of-the-box classroom activities and field trips our children get to participate in – things that get them outside and experiencing life while we work to support our family.”

“As a full time working family, our oldest daughter has been in a daycare setting since 8 weeks old. Last year was a hard change, as we switched from the center we had been at for 4 years. White birch was so welcoming and supportive. In the pre-k class, My daughters independence sky rocketed through her first summer there. She adapted so well to her new surroundings and made instant friends.  The class is staffed well where children get a great balance of attention and the ability to explore.

As for our younger daughter, I can’t say enough about the staff in the 1 year old room. They are so attentive to the children especially if they are not feeling well. The communication is excellent. Our family relies on support of both children’s teachers, we consider them family to our kids because they have such an important role. All the staff at WB welcomed us with open arms, we feel like we’ve been there for years.”

“When I pick my three-year-old up from preschool at White Birch, she is always smiling.  Everyday she reports, “I had an awesome day!”  Her older sister, who attends the Extended Education Program, loves to show off art projects and tell us about the fun time she had playing with her friends each afternoon.  After months at home during the pandemic, it is wonderful to see the joy my girls have spending time with their peers and teachers.  I am amazed by how much they have learned and grown over the past few months.  I am grateful to the teachers and staff at White Birch for creating such a loving, safe and supportive place for early education and childcare.”

“White Birch Center’s Remote Learning Program is vital to the community and surrounding towns. During the summer, schools released their back to school plans. The hybrid model created a safe learning environment for students but also presented a challenge for working parents. I was overwhelmed by the stress of finding safe and reliable care for my children on their remote learning days. When I reached out to the White Birch Center, they were supportive and committed to helping my family. The remote learning program has exceeded my expectations. The staff has supported my children’s remote learning schedules and provided additional academic support as needed. The staff has gone above and beyond to provide fun outdoor experiences and engaging art activities to motivate my children. Living through a pandemic is stressful for parents and children. I am thankful for the White Birch Center and the positive and reliable care they provide.”

“We love the early learning program at White Birch! The teachers are caring, engaged and knowledgeable. They provide a structured environment that incorporates learning into fun games and activities. My boys adore their teachers and can’t wait to tell us about the fun stuff they did all day and everything that they learned. As a parent, I love seeing that they are not only having fun but learning.”

“White Birch Center allows the children to explore things themselves.  What I mean by this – WBC lets them make decisions.  Whether or not it’s a good or bad decision, we wait, we see the outcome, and we discuss.  The teachers/camp counselors assist and guide the children to make the smart and right decisions and discuss the “why” for certain decisions that … well, weren’t good decisions. Overall, WBC gives my husband and I comfort, trust and the ability to be a two income family.  Our daughter has been with WBC since she was around 2 years old, because of WBC, she has bloomed into the 8 year-old she is now.”