Family Support New Hampshire is pleased to announce the launch of FSNH.org, a comprehensive website designed to connect parents, caregivers, and families with the community resources and supports they need to be resilient. Establish in 1999, FSNH is New Hampshire’s coalition of non-profit Family Resource Centers and family support programs that are designed to meet the needs of communities throughout the Granite State. Each year FRCs and FSPs strengthen thousands of families by promoting health, wellbeing, self-sufficiency, and positive parenting through direct support, education, and referral. “We’re serving grandparents caring for grandchildren, first-time moms, blended families welcoming second and third children, single fathers,” says Margaret Nelson, President of FSNH. “Our role is not to define the family; our role is to serve the family.” Key to Family Resource Center success is their embrace of the “strengths-based” approach, which starts with identifying strengths unique to the family. From there, FRCs and families form a partnership to build on those strengths so to nurture protective factors that improve individual and family resilience. Programs and services provided by FRCs are free, voluntary, and completely confidential. While programs and services may vary, Family Resource Centers are guided by the principle that children always benefit when their adult caregivers are supported. For more information about programs and services available in your community, please visit FSNH.org.
The Sutton Historical Society worked on creating a virtual Old Home Day celebration, in part to recognize a New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program grant to restore the Sutton Meeting House. The video includes a sermon by the Rev. Dick Dutton delivered via Zoom, a small group of the choir and soloist Kim Lowe in costume singing “New Hampshire Sunday Morn,” select board chairman Bob Wright reading the Govenor’s Proclamation in 19th century attire, and archival video and photos of past Old Home Days curated by historian Jack Noon. It was produced by Peter Block. The video will premier on Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. on suttonnhhistoricalsociety.org and be available thereafter.
When several hundred-motorcycle riders gathered 13 years ago to honor the life of Peter Makris, patriarch of The NASWA Resort and community leader, it began a snowball roll of benefits for the Laconia community. While the initial run benefited the Laconia Fire Department Lifesaving Fund, a non-profit that encompasses all the fire department does to man and equip a water rescue unit — boat, training, and supplies — that Makris helped to start years ago, the Peter Makris Memorial Fund grew, expanded its beneficiaries and became the official Kickoff of Laconia Motorcycle Week. It will again be held Aug. 22 with registraiton and sign in at 8:30 a.m. at NASWA Resort, 1086 Weirs Boulevard, Laconia. Registration is $50 in advance (before Aug. 20) online at naswa.com/PMMR or $75 VIP to ride in the front of the pack. Registration also available that day. The first 150 to register will receive commemorative pin, beer chip, lunch bag and entry to the NAZBar & Grill. Opening ceremony and blessing of the bikes will be at 10 a.m. After, State Police will escort “feet up” scenic run to include laps around The New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s track and road course, thanks to NHMS GM Dave McGrath, who offers Memorial Run riders this breathtaking experience. With afterparty starting at 12:30 p.m. back at the NAZBar.
The New Hampshire Art Association is accepting online submissions for the 21st annual Joan L. Dunfey Exhibition open juried exhibition through Sept. 14. The theme of this year’s show, one of NHAA’s most prestigious exhibits, is “Intrinsic Moments.” The exhibit is open to all regional artists (NHAA members and non-members). Works chosen will be on display at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery and online at nhartartassociation.org from Wednesday, Nov. 4, through Sunday, Nov. 29. One to two pieces of work may be submitted per artist. Please check back for updated information at nhartassociation.org. Ranked prizes will be awarded. Honorable mentions will also be selected. Joan L. Dunfey, a mother of four, raised her children in the Seacoast area and was a steadfast patron of the arts. Upon her death in 1998 at 73 years old, her estate provided funding for the “Joan L. Dunfey Fund for the Arts” through the New Hampshire Charitable Fund, which supports this annual exhibit. Visit nhartassociation.org for more information and an online entry form. Fee for entries is $20 to $25 for NHAA members; $40 to $45 for non-members.