From conservation to education to social activism, AmeriCorps programs help fill need in NH

Tuesday, June 11, 2024Thursday, August 31, 2023

According to AmeriCorps, more than 2,200 people participated at New Hampshire’s 282 service locations in 2022. There is a broad range of local opportunities – helping those impacted by COVID-19 or the opioid epidemic, aiding communities after disasters, helping seniors and veterans, and being involved with conservation and climate change efforts.

1-in-44: With or without autism, daily life is a delicate wire to cross

Tuesday, June 11, 2024Tuesday, June 27, 2023

These are genuinely funny scenes (if cringe comedy is your thing). These also seem like situations autistic people might struggle with. In the first, the tour guide says the participant could swear, so really, what was he doing wrong? Robinson’s character didn’t get the memo that yes, it’s okay to swear, but at least keep f-bombs and dirty language reasonable.

The evolution of a logo – and how to represent the autism spectrum

Tuesday, June 11, 2024Thursday, May 4, 2023

When brainstorming a logo for this column, I thought of phrases like “Solving the puzzle” or “Missing pieces.” I immediately thought of the single, multicolored puzzle piece which has historically been an established symbol when talking about issues related to autism.

One in 44: Autism spectrum disorder and finding answers

Tuesday, June 11, 2024Monday, April 3, 2023

I remember the day I decided to speak up about my child. We had just come home after a birthday party at a trampoline park. She had had a meltdown at the party but we couldn’t figure out why. The tears didn’t seem to match what was happening. Why would she be THIS upset about not getting her turn / having to leave, the party / whatever the transition happened to be at the time.

Meet my daughter: Smart, funny, beautiful and among the 1 in 44

Tuesday, June 11, 2024Monday, March 20, 2023

I decided to write this column to help bring awareness about autism, to share stories and information, to hopefully dispel some common myths, and to be a mini support system for friends, family and caregivers of someone with ASD.

Local veteran organizing back-to-school back-pack drive and free hair cut session could use an assist

Sunday, June 16, 2024Thursday, August 25, 2022

Sara Tofanelli of Mission Unified Impact has organized a backpack drive from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at J & F Farms in Derry on Saturday Aug. 27 as part of the farm’s second annual Touch a Tractor event.

End-of-life doulas can help ease the most challenging of life’s transitions

Monday, June 10, 2024Sunday, July 17, 2022

End-of-life doulas and pregnancy and infant loss (PAIL) advocates can comfort the dying and support the grieving while adding meaning to the experience of loss.

Mission Unified Impact: One-woman outreach ‘a major bridge to the homeless population’

Tuesday, January 7, 2025Thursday, May 5, 2022

A recovering addict for the last 18 months, Tofanelli spends much of her time helping others who are in the same spot she once was. She founded Mission Unified Impact in 2020, a one-person organization that supports Manchester’s homeless community and those in surrounding cities.

Golden years 2.0: From computer and Zumba classes to lifestyle workshops, Cashin Center is calling all seniors

Thursday, June 5, 2025Monday, March 21, 2022

Cashin Center Volunteer Kathy Peterson acknowledges that a transition back into daily activities and new routines can be tough. It might take some time to get back to pre-pandemic levels of participation, but she says the payoff is worth it.