Two student teachers come home to Weare
The Goffstown News
September 29, 2017
White Birch Center Teacher Lends Expertise to Roundtable Discussion on Early Learning and Affordable Childcare
Ashley Murphy, Teacher at White Birch Center in Henniker, participates in a Roundtable discussion hosted by The Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy. Kristin Smith, Family Demographer from the Carsey School of Public Policy (l) and Patricia Martin, Candidate for Representative (r) listen as Ms. Murphy speaks about the needs NH families have for quality, affordable childcare.
White Birch Center teacher, Ashley Murphy, recently participated in a public roundtable discussion on the importance of quality, affordable child care for working families here in New Hampshire. Held in Antrim, NH on October 27, the panel presentation was hosted by the non-profit organization The Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy. A variety of speakers participated and numerous local Representatives were also in attendance.
Ms. Murphy shared her expertise as a teacher, emphasizing the importance of quality early learning experiences for children during their most formative years of growth. “Brain development is at a critical point of growth for children from birth through five years of age. We have this window of opportunity, paired with a significant responsibility to children and families, to support this growth and development in the most positive and encompassing ways possible”, explained Murphy. As the parent of a preschooler, Ms. Murphy also spoke to the significant challenges parents and caregivers face regarding access to quality, affordable childcare.
Other panelists in the round table discussion group spoke on family demographics, early learning initiatives at the state level, family outreach & resources, and community action goals. The group was facilitated by Jackie Cowell, Executive Director of Early Learning NH, and was one of several The Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy is holding throughout the state. Further roundtable information can be found at www.familyfriendlyeconomy.org.
Annual Appeal
Dear Community Friend,
For over four decades, White Birch Center has been touching the lives of generations of Henniker residents. When we reach out to you with this Annual Appeal, we are asking you to consider the question “What will my donation mean to my community?” Here are a few examples of the impact contributions can have:
“We put our trust in White Birch to keep our children safe and to assist in their education while we work to support our family. WBC is a huge part of our local community.”
“The White Birch Active Living program is the place to be. Friends, new and old, trips near and far, sharing interests, activities, food, stories, and support – a community of wonderful people.”
“As a primary care physician, I love hearing from my senior patients that are a part of White Birch – and about how they haven’t fallen since they started participating in chair exercise classes, or how much they enjoy going on day trips with their friends.”
If you are not directly impacted by our Early Learning, Extended Education, Active Living, or community outreach programs, contributing to White Birch is a way to be involved and make a difference.
Do you believe in the critical, lifelong impact of early learning, education, and life skills?
Do you want to support essential services and opportunities that help older adults to stay well and remain connected to their community?
Do you want to keep your charitable support local knowing that White Birch contributes significantly to the financial well-being of the community as an employer, consumer, service provider, and neighbor?
For whatever reason, and with any amount you give, your support of the White Birch Annual Appeal invests in our town and our shared community. We invite you to be part of our mission to be a community leader in providing exceptional programs and services that support learning and active living for children, adults, and families. Let’s make a difference together.
Sincerely,
Mark McMurphy
Executive Director
White Birch Center
marcm@whitebirchcc.org
P.S. As you consider giving a gift to the White Birch Center Annual Appeal, feel free to contact us to arrange for a tour, we’d love to see you!
Delivering Kindness
Preschoolers from White Birch Center paid a very special visit to the Henniker Fire Department this week. In celebration of “Kindness Week”, the 3-year-olds and their teachers baked dozens of cookies and designed hand-made Thank You cards to present to local Firefighters. The class took a walk over to the station to meet Captain Mick Costello and Firefighter & Medic, Steve Meade.
The sentiments and appreciation were well-received and the children enjoyed talking with the firefighters and getting up close to the fire engines. Visiting the fire station was one part of the children’s experience in exploring kindness and community. Other activities for the week included bringing flowers and artwork to the White Birch Active Living program, crafting a blanket donated to a local hospital, and filling each other’s class folders with kind messages from classmates and staff. Lead Teacher, Emily Peters, explained “We planned our curriculum this week around the Kindness theme because social development is an important part of early learning and life skills; we’ve all enjoyed it so much”.
The mission of White Birch Center is to be a community leader in providing exceptional programs and services that support learning and active living for children, adults, and families. To learn more about these programs and services call 603-428-7860.
Preschoolers from White Birch Center visit Henniker Fire Department to deliver cookies & Thank You cards in celebration of Kindness Week
Preschool Teacher, Emily Peters, looks on as classmates give home-made cookies to Captain Mick Costello of the Henniker Fire Department
Commitment to Community: TD Bank of Henniker presents Affinity Program donation to White Birch Center
Left to right: Elin Korsgren-Leonard, Manager of TD Bank, Marc McMurphy, Executive Director of White Birch Center, WBC Active Living program members Chris Burritt, Pam Burby, Ginny Doherty, and Bernadette Douzanis, Director of Development for White Birch Center
Elin Korsgren-Leonard, Manager of TD Bank of Henniker, recently made a neighborly visit to White Birch Center to deliver a welcome surprise: a check from the TD Bank Affinity Program for $2,278.81. The Affinity Program works by TD Bank making an annual contribution to a member-designated organization based on the activity of participating TD Bank members’ accounts. TD Bank makes the actual contribution, while their members choose the organization they wish to be the recipient.
Whether through financial contributions such as this, participating in the Center’s annual Literacy Night, or speaking with White Birch Active Living program participants, TD Bank gets involved in a variety of ways. “TD Bank is a wonderful part of our community; their steadfast support of our organization and those we serve really helps makes a difference in the lives of others”, notes Marc McMurphy, Executive Director of White Birch Center.
The mission of White Birch Center is to be a community leader in providing exceptional programs and services that support learning and active living for children, adults, and families. To learn more about these programs and services, please visit www.whitebirchcc.org or call 603-428-7860. For more information about the TD Bank Affinity Program, visit any branch location or call 603-428-3235.