We are heading into what is sometimes referred to as the Season of Giving. Which is preceded by the Season of Thanksgiving.
Personally, it makes me kind of sad when I see the jump from Halloween directly to the December holidays, skipping Thanksgiving altogether. It seems that pausing to reflect on thankfulness is important to our perspective. Could it be that a thankful heart leads to a generous heart?
When I pause to consider what I am thankful for, I start thinking about what I have, not what I don’t have; a position of bounty, not lack. And then I want to share and be generous. 

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.  
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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. 

This week marks the change of seasons. We officially say good-bye to summer and hello to fall. The nights are cooler, the hours of sunlight are decreasing. We are getting used to carrying a sweater or jacket with us when we are out and about. This year we officially declare that it is fall on September 22 at 9:04PM. Some will say hurrah, others will mourn the passing of summer.

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.

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.

It may be cold outside, but things are cooking here at The River Center. We have things to do and places to go for families of all shapes and sizes. And, of course, I want to remind you about our free tax program!