Margaret Nelson honored for leadership and innovative initiatives
Peterborough, NH April 21, 2022
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The NH Center for Nonprofits presented five important awards at its Nonprofit Impact Celebration. Margaret Nelson, Executive Director of The River Center, received the New Hampshire Impact Award which honors nonprofit employees for significant contributions to their organizations, the nonprofit sector, and the state.

​The New Hampshire Children’s Trust (nhchildrenstrust.org) is helping us celebrate prevention month. Here is what they say about it: “Prevention, at its core, means helping families identify and build on their strengths, like effective communication, a strong support network, and having the ability to bounce back from tough situations.

It is the way we connect and support each other in order to build environments that strengthen families and create success for individuals and throughout society.

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!

​​I have just spent two weeks with my daughters and their families, including six grandchildren ranging in age from 7 years to 8 months. It was wonderful to be surrounded by family and I may even have learned something.
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The seven-year-olds reveled in having a cousin the same age. They built fairy houses, swam, created art projects, and slept together at night. The grown-ups didn’t need to do much except feed them and offer gentle guidance when needed. 

​Here we are – almost at the longest day of the year. Two months ago we were looking out the window at a foot of spring snow. Now we are sitting outdoors enjoying the sun, the green grass and the vibrant colors of the flowers. 

Some of you have been planting your gardens and are already reaping a harvest from early producers. I see the care and attention given by passionate gardeners. Their gardens are weeded, watered, and watched carefully. They have the right amount of sun. They are protected from cute little animals.

​You may have picked up on the fact that our daughters don’t live next door to us as adults. At one point all three of our daughters lived on the west coast. We rejoiced when they all gradually migrated to the same city in North Carolina and we were in the same time zone. Then the oldest moved to Rwanda and lived there for six years- with three of our grandchildren. Sigh.