The River Center - Blog

Feeling seen and being present

10/7/2022

A few weeks ago, I gathered in Maine with my relatives for a memorial service for my aunt who passed away last winter at the age of 97.

As I think about Aunt Evelyn, I remember that she made me feel that I was important to her. As the youngest of the cousins, visits could easily be the older cousins hanging out together, the adults chatting, and me sitting observing everything. But Aunt Evelyn would notice me and talk to me directly. She wanted to know how I was doing, asked me questions, and sincerely wanted to know about me. She would tell me funny stories about her life, her friends, whatever. She was fun to be with and I looked forward to her visits. She made me feel seen.

top 5 summer tips for parents or caregivers of babies

8/5/2022

Mackenzie Nichols, our family support specialist who leads groups such as Mini and Summer Explorers and Baby & Me has compiled a Top 5 list of summer tips for parents/caregivers of babies. Read on!

Top 5 Summertime Activities

7/29/2022

We asked Nicole, our children's teacher, what her top 5 summertime activities for kids. What's even better is that these activities can be done with supplies that are free or you already have on hand!

The Effects of Rising Costs in the Community

7/28/2022

COVID has been rough on everyone. Whether or not you’ve had it, we have all experienced the fall-out from the loss of work, employee shortages, product shortages, and supply chain issues all having some effect on the cost of living. In June of 2020, the early days of the pandemic, average gas prices hovered at $2.17. A year later, it had risen 45% to $3.15 and in June 2022, we saw another substantial increase to more than $5/gallon. From the grocery store to heating oil to diapers and formula, prices have been rising at an alarming rate. The inflation rate, basically the increase in the cost of goods and services, had been holding steady for years at under 2%, but in June 2022, it reached all-time high of 9.1% from the previous year. All the individuals and families we serve at The River Center are feeling the effects, and none more so than those with low to moderate incomes.

Friday top 5 hiking trails for young kids

7/22/2022

The Summer Explorers group has been exploring trails all around this part of the Monadnock region. Ever wonder which trails to hike with young children? Mackenzie, Family Support Specialist, breaks down her Top 5 Hiking Trails for Young Kids.

From our board chair, Mandy Sliver

7/19/2022

You may be used to seeing Margaret Nelson’s picture with this column and I assure you that she will be back next month! As the soon-to-be-retired Chair of The River Center’s Board of Trustees, I was invited to write the column this month.

Friday 5 - budgeting tips

7/8/2022

We asked our money coaches what their top tips were for creating a budget. Read on to find out what they are!

June 21 - It's time to celebrate!

6/22/2022

This month I am attending the 50th anniversary party for my brother and his wife. What??!! Granted, he is my big brother, but still. How can I possibly have a brother who has been married for 50 years?? Well, that is another thought to ponder on another day.

Bonnie Harris Honored With Room Dedication

5/19/2022

On May 5, 2022, the conference room in The River Center was dedicated as the Bonnie Harris Parent Room to acknowledge the outstanding service and contributions to River Center programming and parent education in the Monadnock area and beyond. Staff members and board members were in attendance to celebrate her and her accomplishments.

Connections Are Important

5/17/2022

Our River Center families know that connection is at the heart of all of our programs: parents connecting with other parents, children playing with other children, and parents building stronger connections with their own children. Our group facilitators plan age-appropriate activities that allow for children to explore their environments and provide parents with the opportunity to meet and discuss topics important to them and their families.