Seacoast Chamber Alliance Mental Health Summit scheduled for Dec. 8
DOVER – The Second Annual Mental Health, Wellness & Recovery in the Workplace Summit, underwritten by Kennebunk Savings and sponsored by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Granite United Way, will take place Thursday, Dec. 8 at the McConnell Center Cafeteria in Dover from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The summit is presented by the Seacoast Chamber Alliance, the Dover Mental Health Alliance, and the Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative. Registration is $10 for chamber members and $15 for nonmembers. To register, visit dovernh.org/wellnesssummit.
The Mental Health, Wellness & Recovery in the Workplace Summit is designed to help employers learn about the steps they can take to reduce the stigma around mental health in the workplace. Topics include the state of mental health and substance abuse in the workplace, how to recognize potential mental health or substance abuse issues, providing a safe environment to seek help, and resources available for employers.
The keynote speaker is Charla Stevens, owner of Charla Stevens Consulting. Stevens is currently the chair of the Granite United Way Board of Directors, trustee of Solution Health, a commissioner of the New Hampshire Lawyers’ Assistance Program, and serves on the American Bar Association’s Task Force on Mental Health and Wellness. She will be joined by several panelists: Brad Paige, Kennebunk Savings president and CEO; Kate Skouteris, vice president of N.H. Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare; Peter Fifield, manager of Integrated Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Services at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital; Kaitlyn Jones, social worker with the City of Dover Police Department; and Katie Soule, associate director of Childcare and Day Camp Services, Granite YMCA.
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cutting for Amber Dawn Interiors
ROCHESTER — The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Amber Dawn Interiors to celebrate their Grand Opening in Rochester.
Amber Dawn Interiors is changing the way we look at our homes. With immense passion for the performing arts as well as interior design, Amber tends to see the world in terms of movie scenes and think in terms of song lyrics. This outlook on life allows her to see your home as the stage on which your life plays out and create designs that uplift you every day. Combining her passions, Amber has created a unique client experience that she is thrilled to roll out in 2023. This new design process will meld theater, music, photography, and cinema in a fun and interactive experience that yields deeply personalized designs. Her guarantee is that your home will be a “Picture Perfect” backdrop for a highlight reel of memories to unfold throughout your life!
Amber Dawn Interiors recently set up shop at 18 North Main St., Suite 1 in Rochester. She is excited to be a part of the local business community, as she is a Rochester native, graduating from Spaulding High School in 2003. Though she currently resides in Barrington with her husband and two young boys, she still feels a strong connection to Rochester. She is proud to be among the people investing in the city and is optimistic about its future. Though Amber’s Main Street office serves as a place for her to do her design work and hold client meetings, she encourages people to stop in for a visit if they are curious about what she does. “There is an open door policy here. I’m committed to getting to know my neighbors, fellow business owners, and members of my community.”
Amber Dawn Interiors serves the NH Seacoast area, Lakes Region, Southern Maine, Boston Area, and beyond! You can find her on Instagram at @amber.dawn.interiors, her website, www.amberdawninteriorsNE.com, and reach her at [email protected].
Merrimack County Savings Bank Foundation awards Step Up Parents $2,575
PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth based Step Up Parents announced its recent grant from the Merrimack County Savings Bank Foundation. The $2,575 grant will assist deserving kinship families in the Merrimack County area.
“Merrimack County Savings Bank (The Merrimack) is proud to support the vital services Step Up Parents provides to family and friends who graciously take on the role as caregiver for New Hampshire children,” said Linda Lorden, President of The Merrimack. Our Foundation is another resource that is available to support these critical needs.”
Denyse Richter, Executive Director of Step Up Parents, noted that this grant comes at a critical time, as we get into the colder months and so many selfless caregivers and their families are struggling to make ends meet with the soaring costs of everyday goods and services. “We are truly appreciative for the continued support of the Merrimack and their valued partnership,” Denyse said.
If you or someone you know is a relative caregiver raising children of a loved one struggling with substance misuse, please visit www.stepupparents.org, call 603-319-4739, or email [email protected].
To donate, please visit www.stepupparents.org/donate or mail to P.O. Box 1603, Portsmouth, NH, 03801.
Bank of New Hampshire’s Feeding NH Food Drive raises over $30,000
LACONIA — From Oct. 17 through Nov. 12, each Bank of New Hampshire location participated in their annual Banking on Kindness Funds for Food Drive, which in total raised $30,658.84 for 19 food pantries across the state of New Hampshire.
Thanks to generous Bank of New Hampshire customers, the bank collected $15,329.42 in monetary donations. Additionally, Bank of New Hampshire committed to match donations dollar-for-dollar resulting in a total donation of $30,658.84.
Each Bank of New Hampshire office was able to support a local food pantry in their community by delivering the funds raised in their office, along with the Bank’s match, to that local food pantry during the Thanksgiving week. These monetary donations enable local food pantries to purchase food to stock their shelves during a time when many people are struggling with food insecurity.
“Once again, our customers have outdone themselves with their generous donations to our Funds for Food Drive and we were able to make record-breaking donations to our local food pantries,” said Chris Logan, President and CEO for Bank of New Hampshire. “I am confident that those contributions are directly impacting the lives of people across our state who are struggling with food insecurity this holiday season.”
Bank of New Hampshire is proud of the impact of our Funds for Food Drive as we aspire to remain an independent mutual financial institution, delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service, while assisting our employees, customers and communities to build brighter futures.
Two Seacoast nonprofits receive large donations from Lonza
PORTSMOUTH — Two local nonprofits, Seacoast Village Project and On Belay, each recently received a $37,486.93 donation from Lonza Biologics Inc. The funds were raised as part of Lonza Biologics Inc’s annual Harvest Open charity golf tournament.
The Lonza Harvest Open, which draws 250 golfers primarily from the Greater Seacoast area, celebrated its 20th year in 2022. Over the last two decades, the event has generated more than $1.2 million to support local nonprofits.
“Each year, we are so thrilled to be able to make substantial donations to the nonprofit organizations who work tirelessly each day to make the Seacoast a stronger community to live and work in,” said Tony Mulcahy, Site Head. “We’re so grateful to all of the vendors and business partners who participated in this year’s Harvest Open and gave so generously in support of this year’s recipients.”
The Seacoast Village Project is a network of older adults working together to get connected, get smart and help each other out as they grow older in their homes and communities. Founded in 2018 and based on a national Village Movement model of neighbor-helping-neighbor, the Seacoast Village Project is dedicated to making “aging in place” a reality by supporting the social, educational, and practical needs of older adults living independently.
“Everyone at Seacoast Village Project is grateful to Lonza, the golfers who attended this year’s Harvest Golf Open, and the individuals and businesses who donated items for the silent auction for their generosity,” said Kathy Donovan, Seacoast Village Project Treasurer. “Their donation will allow the Village to continue to strengthen our network of support for local seniors.”
On Belay builds connection and community among youth impacted by a loved one’s cancer. Founded in 2004 and based in Newmarket, On Belay offers free year-round adventure activities like ropes courses, rock climbing, and backpacking to provide kids an opportunity for support, fun, and personal growth. The organization serves families from across New England and programs are offered at no cost.
“All the of the youth and families affected by cancer who participate in On Belay’s free adventure programs are so grateful to Lonza for selecting us to be one of this year’s charitable recipients,” said Madeline Brooks, Executive Director of On Belay. “We can’t thank Lonza and the local business who contributed to the success of this event enough. Their support and donations will allow us to expand our reach and support more children who are being affected by cancer.”
