White Birch Center Senior Volunteer Recognized at Spirit of New Hampshire Awards

by | Nov 13, 2017 | active living, Uncategorized

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.

Active Living, Active Giving

by | Dec 9, 2016 | active living

Beth Ann Paul, Director of Active Living at White Birch Center assembles food and toiletries WBC volunteers collected for Haiti Relief efforts

Volunteers from the Active Living Program at White Birch Center have been extra busy helping others this holiday season. The group recently donated their time and talent to support an important international effort and some local causes dear to their heart.

For Operation Drum Drop, White Birch Center volunteers collected dry goods and toiletry items to help fill a 55-gallon drum. The items were donated to the Haitian Community Center of New Hampshire for delivery to families in Haiti still struggling with the aftermaths of hurricane devastation.

A group of volunteers at White Birch who refer to themselves as the “Knit-Wits”, recently trimmed a Giving Tree with hundreds of hand-knit items for local charities including: Friends of Forgotten Children, Henniker Lions Club, and two emergency shelters. This is the fourth year WBC Active Living volunteers have participated in this labor of love.

White Birch Center Active Living Program volunteers display their Giving Tree trimmed with hundreds of hand-knit items for local charities. (Standing l-r: Marie Jones and Sandi Lowman, seated l-r: Mabel Vaughn, Fran Lusardi & Roberta Castonguay)

WBC Active Living Giving Tree

These volunteer initiatives are just two 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, provide luncheons, teach hobby classes, organize donation projects, and support fundraising initiatives. Last year alone, this dedicated group provided over 1,250 hours of volunteer services valued at nearly $30,000.

The mission of White Birch Center is to be a community leader in providing exceptional services that support learning and active living for children, adults, and families. To learn more about the Center for Active Living and other White Birch programs please call 603.428.7860 or visit our Active Living section of the website.