Holiday Hours 2019
Osram Sylvania Supports STEM Project at White Birch Center
White Birch Center will be expanding Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities at their summer camp this year thanks to a generous donation of $1,550 from Osram, parent of Sylvania Automotive located in Hillsboro. The Extended Education Program at White Birch offers day camps over school breaks, providing quality care, recreational, and enrichment opportunities for nearly 75 children during summer vacation. This year, the summer camp is now able to offer a STEM initiative to campers.
“With this incredible gift from our friends at Osram, we get to immerse ourselves in 12 different fun and educational hands-on STEM activities throughout the summer”, explains Alison Palmer, Site Director for the Extended Education Program. In addition to the STEM activity kits, guides, and materials the donation affords, Osram employee volunteers are also participating during some of the lessons, sharing their experience and passion for science, engineering, and community service. Ms. Palmer is quick to point out the other significant benefits of STEM learning, including fostering teamwork, developing problem-solving skills, and understanding conflict resolution.
Sasha Grimes, a Planning Analyst with Osram, is president of Osram’s Community Engagement Committee, the team who approved this donation and service project. “Our committee is formed by employee volunteers who are passionate about giving back to their local communities and increasing the culture of volunteerism, and we are so pleased to be an integral part of this STEM Camp project with White Birch,” notes Grimes.
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.
The mission of Osram’s Community Engagement Committee is to provide assistance in the community to better the lives of those who live in the area, and to express the concern of all Osram associates and the company for the welfare of others. Osram strives to be a valued corporate neighbor, improve the quality of life in the community, and increase the pride and enthusiasm of its Hillsboro associates.
(l-r: Robin Sweet and Sasha Grimes of the Osram Sylvania Community Engagement Committee present a check for $1,550 to Alison Palmer of White Birch Center, in support of the nonprofit’s summer camp STEM project)
Kentucky Derby Party Combines Fun and Fundraising!
On May 5, guests enjoyed some Louisville excitement at the White Birch Center Kentucky Derby Party held at Pats Peak. Derby-goers dressed in style enjoyed classic cocktails, southern inspired food, and dancing on the deck to live music from Nick’s Other Band. Exquisite raffle items, a fun hat contest, and themed games were enjoyed by a crowd of more than 150 attendees. Gathering for a rendition of My Old Kentucky Home, followed by watching the Run for the Roses on the big screen, added to the tradition of this sold-out event. The Derby Party raised over $10,000 in proceeds towards the mission of White Birch Center – to be a community leader in providing exceptional programs and services that support learning and active living for children, adults, and families. Thank you to everyone who helped make this fundraiser such a wonderful success!
Amy McKean and John Prieto ready for the Derby
Top photo: Derby-goers dressed in style, l-r: Brenda Connor, Pat Chandonnet, Bob Chandonnet, Roseann Heitz, Ginny Doherty
Photos credits: Beth Ann Paul
Check out our 2018 Kentucky Derby Party Gallery!
White Birch Center Educators Recognized at Credentialing Ceremony
(From bottom left: Denelle Rittersback, Evelyn Hannemann, Tasha Davis, and Leanna Lorden. Top Left: Kaitlyn Smith, Kayla Irving, and Megan Keim. Not Pictured: Judy Watkins and Jessica Jensen)
An annual statewide credentialing celebration of Early Childhood Professionals was held on April 10, 2018 at Grace Capital Church Auditorium in Pembroke. Educational leaders and State Representatives spoke passionately about the role educators have in teaching, nurturing, and enriching the lives of children and families. White Birch Center, and its education staff, was recognized in multiple categories at the event, hosted by the NH Child Development Bureau in accordance with the Early Learning Alliance of NH and Child Care Aware of NH.
Nine staff members from the White Birch Centers for Early Learning and Extended Education were recognized at the ceremony and awarded education credentials in various levels of specialized training and professional development. Credentialing recipients included: Denelle Rittersback, Evelyn Hannemann, Tasha Davis, Leanna Lorden, Kaitlyn Smith, Kayla Irving, Megan Keim, Judy Watkins and Jessica Jensen. White Birch was also recognized as a Licensed-Plus Child Care Center and a Strengthening Families program participant.
The NH Early Childhood Professional Development System recognizes professional development while providing a process for attaining professional credentials. Professional development in core competencies and specialized content areas helps improve the knowledge, skills, behaviors, attitudes, and values of the early childhood workforce. This is a critical component of high-quality early childhood programs. Leanna Lorden, Director of Children’s Programs at White Birch, explains “White Birch places significant emphasis on ongoing professional development, quality early learning, formal child assessment practices, and early behavioral supports”. White Birch is an annual participant in this credentialing event.
White Birch Center Receives Nonprofit Impact Award
Honorees recognized at Nonprofit Impact Celebration on April 9, 2018
The NH Center for Nonprofits’ recipients of its 2018 Nonprofit Impact Awards were recognized at a celebration on April 9th. The awards are presented each year to honor remarkable people and nonprofit organizations that have made outstanding contributions to their communities.
“The Nonprofit Impact Awards celebrate the vision, strategy and innovation that we see throughout the nonprofit sector,” said Kathleen Reardon, CEO of the NH Center for Nonprofits. “Each of the honorees has made an extraordinary impact on our state by leading and serving with passion and purpose.”
The Nonprofit Impact Award was presented to White Birch Center to recognize exceptional programs and services that support learning and active living for children, adults, and families in Henniker and surrounding communities. The White Birch Center’s leadership sets a high standard of quality, responsiveness and organizational transparency.
The April 9th event celebrated the Center’s nonprofit members and its many partners who are committed to the common good of New Hampshire communities. The evening was made possible through the generous support of platinum sponsors Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Eastern Bank and gold sponsors E&S Insurance Services, Meredith Village Savings Bank, Merrimack County Savings Bank, and Rock 101.
Congratulations 2018 Nonprofit Impact Award Recipients!
(Left-right) Marc McMurphy of White Birch Center, Kathleen Reardon of NH Center for Nonprofits, Helen B. Taft, Courtney Tanner of Hope on Haven Hill, and Mary Susan Leahy at the Nonprofit Impact Celebration. (Photo credit: NH Center for Nonprofits)
White Birch Center honored with Statewide Nonprofit Impact Award
Nonprofit Impact Award Winners Announced
Honorees to be recognized at Nonprofit Impact Celebration April 9th
CONCORD: The NH Center for Nonprofits announces the recipients of its 2018 Nonprofit Impact Awards to be recognized at a celebration on April 9th. The awards are presented each year to honor remarkable people and nonprofit organizations that have made outstanding contributions to their communities.
“The Nonprofit Impact Awards celebrate the vision, strategy and innovation that we see throughout the nonprofit sector,” said Kathleen Reardon, CEO of the NH Center for Nonprofits. “Each of the honorees has made an extraordinary impact on our state by leading and serving with passion and purpose.”
The New Hampshire Impact Award will be presented to Helen Taft, former Executive Director of Families First Health & Support Center to honor her leadership advancing integrated health services that respond to evolving community needs. Throughout her career, Taft consistently pursued better outcomes for patients and families.
The Board Impact Award will be presented to Mary Susan Leahy, attorney at McLane Middleton, recognizing exemplary board leadership with several New Hampshire nonprofit organizations. A pioneer in the area of civics education in the state, Leahy founded and is the board chair of the NH Institute for Civics Education.
The Nonprofit Impact Award will be presented to White Birch Center to recognize exceptional programs and services that support learning and active living for children, adults, and families in Henniker and surrounding communities. The White Birch Center’s leadership sets a high standard of quality, responsiveness and organizational transparency.
The Healthy Community Impact Award, presented by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, will be awarded to Hope on Haven Hill for addressing a critical gap in services for pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders. By providing comprehensive treatment in a safe and nurturing environment, Hope on Haven Hill has ensured healthy births and supported recovery from addiction.
“We are proud to partner with NH Center for Nonprofits and honor Hope on Haven Hill for developing a solution to one of our state’s most pressing public health issues,” said William Brewster, M.D., Vice President, NH Regional Market for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. “Harvard Pilgrim is committed to providing support to individuals and families across New Hampshire in treatment and recovery for opioid addiction. We want to acknowledge all nonprofit organizations who are working to ensure healthy, vibrant communities across the state.”
This event will celebrate the Center’s nonprofit members and its many partners who are committed to the common good of New Hampshire communities. Reserve your spot at the event by visiting www.nhnonprofits.org/impact.
The evening is made possible through the generous support of platinum sponsors Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Eastern Bank and gold sponsors E&S Insurance Services, Meredith Village Savings Bank, Merrimack County Savings Bank, and Rock 101.
The NH Center for Nonprofits is a statewide nonprofit association dedicated to advancing the impact and visibility of the nonprofit sector and supporting the growth of nonprofits to reach their mission. Its services include leadership development programs, organizational consultation and assessment, online resource sharing and advocacy.