The White Birch Center for Active Living coordinates the Dial-A-Ride program which provides transportation to medical appointments for seniors living in Henniker. We need volunteer drivers! If you would like more information about becoming a volunteer driver, please call 428-3077. Thank you!
On January 12, ten participants started their night with pizza and wine followed by a group painting session. Artist and teacher, Elaine Emerson, brought all the necessary supplies and patience to lead a step-by-step class using acrylics on canvas. Participants left with a beautiful winter scene they created. This special activity is sure to return by popular demand!
Volunteers from the Active Living Program at White Birch Center have been busy this holiday season. The program’s knitting group, The KnitWits, recently donated their time and talent to support some local and statewide causes by trimming their annual Giving Tree with over 200 hand-knit items.
Numerous charities, including Friends of Forgotten Children, Henniker Lions Club, Hope on Haven Hill, and several emergency shelters, will receive these special blankets, sweaters, hats, mittens, slippers, and stuffed animals. This is the fifth year the White Birch volunteers have participated in this labor of love.
This volunteer initiative is just one of many year-round community service efforts done through White Birch Center. Program members from Henniker and surrounding towns volunteer to drive, facilitate exercise groups, assist with senior meals, teach hobby classes, and support fundraising initiatives. Last year alone, this dedicated group provided over 1,250 hours of volunteer services valued at nearly $30,000.
White Birch Center and Banner Tours & Travel are happy to announce that we have planned the following trips for 2018. Please note that there are a limited number of seats for each trip and payment is required with registration. For more information, call 428-3077 or stop by White Birch to pick up a registration form.
White Birch Center Presents:
Washington, DC Tour & Cherry Blossom Parade
April 12 – 17, 2018
Daffodil Days at Blithewold Mansion – Bristol, RI
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Norman Rockwell Museum – Stockbridge, MA
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Boston Duck Tour & Old North Church
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Rhode Island Lighthouse Cruise
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Jeannine Aucoin, a program participant of the White Birch Center for Active Living, was recently recognized at the Spirit of New Hampshire Awards for her volunteer efforts in her community. The annual event of Volunteer NH, the state commission for the Corporation for National and Community Service, filled the Capital Center for the Arts in Concord with honorees and community supporters.
Aucoin received a Service Award for her efforts as a volunteer driver for Dial-A-Ride and as an exercise facilitator for a Bone Builders program. Dial-A-Ride is a unique service where volunteer drivers provide transportation to medical appointments for older adults. Bone Builders is a nationally-recognized program which emphasizes increasing muscular strength, balance and bone density to protect against fractures caused by osteoporosis. Both services are sponsored by The Friends RSVP program of Concord and then offered free of charge through hosting organizations such as White Birch.
As a senior who embraces wellness and community involvement, Aucoin enjoys maintaining her health and independence while helping others do the same. When asked to explain why she volunteers, Aucoin shares “I do what I do since I simply ask God each morning to help me do with a joyful heart anything and all He asks me to do that day. I simply try to be open to where I need to be”. Additional programs offered by the White Birch Center for Active Living include educational workshops, cultural programs, dining experiences, leisure activities, games, outings, crafts, community service opportunities, and intergenerational activities.
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. For more information on these programs and White Birch Center, please visit www.whitebirchcc.org.
Jeannine Aucoin, participant of the White Birch Center for Active Living, was recognized at the Spirit of New Hampshire Awards in Concord for her volunteer efforts in her community. Pictured left to right: Marc McMurphy, Executive Director for White Birch Center; Bernadette Douzanis, Director of Development & Community Relations for White Birch Center, Jeannine Aucoin, Volunteer Award recipient, and Louise Cyr, White Birch Center Board President.
Cindy Yanski, Friends RSVP Program Coordinator and volunteer nominator; and Jeannine Aucoin, Senior Volunteer Award recipient from White Birch Center.