The Grapevine

Family & Community Resource Center

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Family Friendly Hikes

Every spring our Grapevine parents talk about local hikes that are close to home and child friendly. Here is what Carol Lunan, our Family Support Director, has to offer on the subject:

There is a hike in Greenfield that I have done many times over the years with my children, North Pack Monadnock, which is part of the Wapack Trail.

The summit is a 1.5-mile hike and is fairly easy, especially at the beginning. About a half hour into the hike, halfway to the summit, there are some boulders to climb over and then some flat ledges and a wonderful open view. There were days when we would stop there, eat lunch, and sometimes pick and eat blueberries later in the season. The trip from there is a bit more challenging but if your family is up for it, it is an amazing view at the top.

Another wonderful hike to do with small children that offers great views is The Gregg Trail and Dutton Brook Trail combo, also in Greenfield and near Crotched Mountain Rehab Center. The entire 1.9-mile loop is handicapped-accessible, which means you can take strollers for tired toddlers!

There is a great book by Joe Adamowicz called “The New Hiking the Monadnock Region: 44 Nature Walk and Day-Hikes in the Heart of New England.” It is a great resource for families. We have also hiked Shieling Forest, Skatutakee Mountain, Pitcher Mountain, and several others. The kids love exploring these trails and finding wilderness surprises along the way!

Kinship Navigator Program

Nationwide, 7.8 million children are being raised by grandparents or other relative caregivers. Here is what our resident Kinship Navigator, Rosemary Nugent, has to say about the program:

Although I wear many hats, “blogger” isn’t one of them, so bear with me! My name is Rosemary Nugent and the most important hat, which I wear with pride, is that of “Mimi” to our 13-year-old grandson. My husband and I have been raising him since birth and we are what is known as a “grandfamily” or kinship caregivers. A kinship caregiver can be a grandparent, an aunt, uncle, or really any family relative caring for a child.

I work at the Grapevine as the Kinship Navigator, assisting other kinship families. My role has become very important in this day and age. Unless you are a part of it you would have no idea how prevalent it has become. As Kinship Navigator, I help other kinship families work through all of the unknowns – medical insurance, financial assistance, paperwork for resources, court filings, respite care, and child care.

I think the most important resource I can give is moral support from one who has been on the path from the beginning. I make weekly check-in calls to see how the families are doing and have formed close relationships. Through the program, we were able to get full scholarships for five children to attend camp this summer and assist with food, gas, clothing, and other essentials.


If you know anyone who might benefit from this program, please call the Grapevine or contact us.

All Day Adventures: a family survival guide for days out and about with the family

Art Time

Days out with the family can be fun, rewarding adventures that build lasting memories for parents and children alike. They can also be stressful and leave everyone in tears! We have put together a list of things to keep in mind for a full day out and about. Whether you’re on vacation, staycation or even long car rides, we think these ideas will help you tip the balance in favor of fun and happy memories . . .

  1. No one leaves hungry! Making sure everyone’s bellies are full is key to starting out any adventure on the right foot.
  2. It seems obvious, but we have all been there. We leave the house and then it happens 10 minutes later- “I have to use the bathroom.” No one leaves home without using the bathroom.
  3. Pack snacks for the road. A snack is your friend. Any questions?
  4. Think about what activities you have planned. Are they outdoors, indoors, do they require good hiking shoes or rain coats? Make sure everyone is dressed for the activities of choice! You may want to pack some back up clothes just in case!
  5. Know where to go along your travels if someone needs a rest stop, a movement break or even quiet time. Some activities can be overwhelming and we just need a little break from the business of what’s going on.
  6. Plan your activities in family friendly environments (especially those of you with young kids).
  7. Check out the atmosphere in local restaurants.
  8. Know the environment and type of event you plan on attending.
  9. Locate where the public restrooms are- or even bring a mini potty! (It’s a tried and true tool used by families for many years!)
  10. Bring a small first aid kit. Cuts and scrapes are not uncommon on family adventures. From skinned knees in parking lots to bee stings while blueberry picking, a first aid kit with bandaids, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads and a sting swabs can be very helpful!

Are you looking for a test run for your family? Come out to the Black Fly Art Show at The Grapevine this Saturday at 10AM! Follow that up with more art right down the road in Peterborough for the annual Children in the Arts event!

Annual Review 2020/21

The year 2021 has ushered in a sense of hope and slow, but steady, return to normalcy. While we navigate our lives with some lingering uncertainty, we move forward with the hope that things will get better and take comfort in the support of our family, friends, neighbors and community. 

Despite the improvements, many people continue to face very challenging and uncertain circumstances. In the face of these stresses, The Grapevine remains a steady ship, continuing to provide high quality programming and services for our families and community. We are incredibly grateful and proud of our ability to have remained open and accessible throughout the past year, with little change to our programs and services. In fact, our reach has increased as a result of COVID, with more programs offered in both online and in-person formats.  During the 20/21 program year, we offered over 500 hours of online programming between our child, family, and Avenue A teen programs, in addition to the in-person programs we run!

We remain committed to our goal of bringing forth resources, education and training focused on Mental Health and Suicide Response and Prevention. In March, we partnered with the Tuttle Library to host a program on childhood depression and welcomed local author Irene Buchine, who has personal experience with this issue. In June, we hosted nationally recognized author and therapist Lynn Lyons, who presented a program on dealing with childhood (and our own) anxieties amidst the pandemic. And, two of our staff are now trained to offer NAMI New Hampshire’s Connect Program in Suicide Prevention. This will allow us to continue building the network of gatekeepers in our community, who know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a person at risk of suicide. 

This past year, we served over 1,200 individuals, representing 14 towns in our region.  We stay true to our mission to promote the health and well-being of our community through support, education and the sharing of resources by providing core family and community support and programs while responding to changing needs. Your volunteer and financial support makes this work possible, including programs such as our Better Beginnings groups for parents and children, online support groups, Learning Vine Preschool, Avenue A Teen Center, Home Visiting, Kinship Support for Relative Caregivers and so much more.  Your donation also supports services such as our Community Wood Bank, Information and Referral Services, and Community Tool Lending Shed, which make a true difference for people in times of need. Whatever you can give, we are truly grateful.  Below please find our 2020-21 Year in Review, including personal testimonials.

Best wishes for a healthy and peaceful holiday season,

Melissa Gallagher                                                                     Rosemary Novotny

Executive Director                                                                   Chair, Board of Directors   

Kate Carnaroli & Family

Kate and her family came to the Grapevine in 2018, after hearing about the Better Beginnings program from a friend. She was looking for a place to go where her boys, Parker (now 5), and Kaleb (now 3), could socialize and meet other children. Kate shares that the boys have grown very comfortable at the Grapevine, “They love it and always ask if it’s Tuesday,” she laughs, “I say the group is for them but really, it’s for me!” Kate says she didn’t realize how beneficial being a part of a parent group would be. “I love having the time to talk, vent and learn from other parents and to know that everything I say is confidential and isn’t going to be shared outside of the group. Having this program helps us reset and creates a better flow to our day.”

And now that her son Parker is 5, he has graduated to the Grapevine’s Learning Vine preschool. Kate loves that it is an outdoor based program. “I think he learns better that way, actually. In addition, both of the boys are still in a playgroup together, and I see them working together and how good it is for them.” And as a volunteer parent, Kate has helped with several Grapevine events and is looking forward to getting more involved. She is also excited about the opportunities at Avenue A Teen Center for her stepdaughter, who is 12. Kate sums it up by sharing, “The Grapevine seems to have checked all the boxes for the things our family needs right now!”

Stephanie & Mikala Mackesy

Mikala Mackesy’s first introduction to the Grapevine was at the age of four in our Learning Vine Preschool. She remembers the “wonderful Miss Carol ‘’ and hours of fun outdoor play, circle time, and her favorite—sing time with parents. It’s not often that teenagers talk of preschool with such enthusiasm. For Mikala, Learning Vine Preschool was a formative experience, or as she puts it “such a happy place.” Her mother, Stephanie, was part of the parent cooperative preschool, and says that working with Carol Lunan was “incredible.”

Years later, Mikala came back to The Grapevine as a 6th grader, as a member of our Avenue A Club afterschool program. She remembers making crafts with Arlene and feeling like it was a great place to unwind after the school day. At an Avenue A summer cooking program, Mikala’s world expanded. “I met my best friend at Avenue A! It’s hard to top that!” Throughout the years Stephanie has remained connected with The Grapevine through programs such as Guiding Good Choices for parents of pre-teens. Stephanie says she gathered ideas and information that she’s applied to parenting a teenager. “When Mikala became involved with Avenue A, it opened up so much for my daughter. She loves it there.” Over the years, Mikala has participated in Avenue A’s Creative Writing Club, art group, and other teen programs. Mikala describes Avenue A as “A place for everybody. Everybody has a place there. Everyone belongs.” Stephanie adds, “The Grapevine and Avenue A are safe places for children to be. That’s very important to us.”

Focus on Mental Health

The Grapevine recognizes the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our community and families. Social Isolation, financial hardship, and changes in family and home circumstances have affected our mental health and well being. This past year we continued to shine a light on mental health awareness and bring information and resources to our community.

In March, in partnership with James A. Tuttle Library, we welcomed local author Irene Buchine to a Zoom presentation and discussion on Childhood Depression. Irene related this to her book, Celia and the Boy, a poignant story of a boy hiding under a staircase and the girl who tries to reach him. In June, we welcomed renowned Childhood Anxiety expert and therapist Lynn Lyons who presented on childhood anxiety and the impact of the pandemic on children and parents. Over 60 people attended this session and were given time to ask questions of Lynn on managing challenging behaviors and stressful situations at home.

We have also heard from parents and teens that finding a mental health counselor or therapist can be challenging and frustrating. People seeking this support in our region will often encounter barriers such as waitlists and lack of insurance coverage. With financial support from the NH Charitable Foundation, The Grapevine initiated a pilot effort this year in partnership with The River Center to bring mental health providers together to share information and resources. We have begun to identify gaps in services, as well as connect providers to one another so that people might access services more quickly.

This year two Grapevine staff members were qualified as trainers in the NAMI Connect Program Suicide Prevention training. We now have the ability to offer this “gatekeeper” training to anyone in our region who wishes to understand the signs and symptoms of a person at risk of suicide and what they can do to prevent it. As an organization, we are committed to promoting mental health and suicide prevention awareness across our region.

In Honor and Memory 

We wish to thank the following families for requesting donations to the Grapevine in

memory of the loss of recent loved ones: 

Lisa Swarbrick & Family of Francestown in memory of James Swarbrick 

Carol Lunan & Family of Francestown in memory of John Lunan 

The Hennessy Family of Antrim in memory of Anne Hennessy 

The Beauchamp Family of Antrim in memory of Mike Beauchamp 

We are also grateful for the generosity of the Elders of the recently closed Francestown Community Church, who selected the Grapevine as a benefactor of their remaining church funds. 

There are many ways to give to your community and the Grapevine! Consider donations of time, goods, and services like these incredible local businesses and groups: Antrim Bennington Lions Club – Antrim 

Recreation Department – Antrim Elementary School – James A. Tuttle Library – Edmunds Ace Hardware – Eversource – Larry Schwartz with PHC Financial – Great Brook Middle School – Lemire & Sons – Monadnock Paper Mill – MoonRivers Technology Group, LLC – Ragdoll Animations – AND THE MANY VOLUNTEERS involved with our Community Wood Bank, Community Tool Shed and Avenue A Teen + Community Center! 

Thank you to our Board of Directors: Tom Badgely, Dottie Bauer, Rick Edmunds, Rosemary Novotny, Kim Fletcher, Diane Yeo and Kathleen Robbins. 

Thank you to our staff: Sarah Beaumont, Paula Coombs, Amy Doyle, Melissa Gallagher, Michelle Heath, Andrea Jurewich, Carol Lunan, Nancy Macalaster, Rosemary Nugent, Jacqueline Roland, Erica Snyder, Lisa Swarbrick & Arlene Soule; and a special thanks to our marketing consultants Tonya Dreher & Liz Swan 

Farewell and thank you to our Community Resource Coordinator, Mackenzie Nichols. She is replaced by Erica Snyder. We also welcome our new staff member Andrea Jurewich. 

For a full listing of Grapevine supports and services, please visit our website at grapevinenh.org 

Creating a Space for Dads to Gather

Monthly Dad’s Group

Virtual dads group & campfire nights for dads

Having a place where dads can gather and talk about the challenges of parenting is important!

We have worked to bring a few unique opportunities to our communities that are geared to dads of all ages. No matter whether you have just started a family or whether your kids are older, you are welcome here.

The Grapevine is offering a monthly virtual dad’s group on Zoom, as well as an opportunity to join other dads around a campfire in person.

This is an ongoing program that meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Our next campfire for dads will be on 3/15/22 at 7pm! Please dress for the weather. Pizza will be served. Bring a chair and stories to share!

Volunteer Appreciation Event at the Grapevine

The Grapevine Family and Community Resource Center has been serving families in the area since 1996. The non-profit works to provide support, education, and shared resources in a variety of ways for all members of the surrounding community.  The continual impact this center has on families, teens, children, and people of all ages would not be possible without The Grapevine’s many volunteers, who give hours of their time and energy to the many programs and initiatives offered.

On September 2nd, The Grapevine hosted a wonderful outdoor Volunteer Appreciation Event at their center in Antrim. They honored these volunteers and their families for giving so freely of their time and for the impact they have made on the people who are served by the community resource center.

Grapevine director, Melissa Gallagher, and Jacqueline Roland, coordinator of Avenue A Teen Center, welcomed and thanked the guests and assisted teens from Avenue A in handing out awards and gifts of appreciation. The atmosphere was full of good-will and laughter as stories and personal jokes were told about each volunteer. Melissa said, “Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Grapevine and our Teen Center. Without them we would not exist!”

One very special award was given to the family of Ben Pratt who was a long-time board member and one of the driving forces behind the creation of The Grapevine. Kristen (Vance) McCormick, former GV director, had this to say, “Ben Pratt! I truly don’t know what we would have done without him at The Grapevine—from the very beginning, at every phase, any job that needed doing.”

Ben was one of the original organizers of the Grapevine’s Community Wood Bank, which has served hundreds of families in our region during cold weather and difficult times. Sadly, Ben passed away recently, but The Grapevine wanted to recognize his years of devotion and commitment by dedicating the woodshed in his honor. His family was present to accept a wood-burned plaque that reads The Ben Pratt Community Wood Bank, which will proudly hang at the shed. Gallagher noted, “Ben embodied the spirit of giving selflessly.  He showed up in so many ways for our organization and the community and we are honored to dedicate our Community Wood Bank in his memory.”  (photo of Ben’s family w/ plaque)

Jacqueline Roland, who runs the Avenue A Teen Center, had many people to thank for their selfless assistance with the many programs offered to local teens. Some of the programs include, game night, bonfires, woodworking, writing club, art groups and theater.  It truly takes a village to run such a diverse number of programs and according to Jacqueline it would not be possible without the volunteers. “At Avenue A, over 70 volunteers help lead our programs for teens!  In addition to sharing their skills and talents, they are incredible mentors and local role models for our youth.”

The volunteers at The Grapevine support all aspects of the community resource center – from the Board of Directors and advisory groups who offer vision and guidance, to the teen center volunteers who take the time to get to know the local young people by playing a game, offering advice, and working through tough issues.

Director Melissa Gallagher recognized, “We are so grateful for their time, love and leadership and had so much fun honoring them at our Volunteer Celebration!”  Following are the names of all volunteers recognized at the Grapevine’s Volunteer Appreciation Event.

Larry Schwartz, Glenn Stan, Ted Brown, John and Sue Conklin, Rose Novotny, Dottie Bauer, Diane Yeo, Kim Fletcher, Kathleen Robbins, Ben Pratt, Tom Badgley, Rick Edmunds, Diane Feige, Mark Murdough, Jen Murdough, Jocelynn Drew, Rick Wood, Barbara Roland, Chris Wallenstein, Adam Arnone, Christopher Clauss, Rebecca Marks, Marcy Pope, Cynthia West, Shayna Hanley, Nancy Blair, Harriet DiCocco, Stephen DiCocco, Liz Moore, Sean Roberts, Cheyenne Heinslemen, Eve Pierce, Jamie Hamilton, Shelly Connolly, Thelma Nichols, Steve Schuch, Bernd Foecking, Dave DeWitt, Kara Penny, Carter Hammond, Rick Mellin, Laura and Ken Constantine, Aiden Anthony, Dave Fish, Lynn Griffith, Carol  Cleary, Linda Osienski,  David Jette, John Kerrick, Mark Hatch, Christine Robidoux, Bev Montgomery, Petra Longman,  and Aino Millikan.

Ben Pratt Family