The Grapevine

Family & Community Resource Center

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Mikayla Essex

Mikayla Essex

Mikayla Essex

Home Visitor

Hi, I am Mikayla and I first met The Grapevine in 2018 while looking for a baby group to join with my infant son. Very happily we found Better Beginnings for Babies and eagerly came each week to meet with other parents and children. Later on we participated in Better Beginnings and enjoyed the sense of community we received from the program and treasured the many wonderful experiences we had there. 

In 2023, I happily joined The Grapevine staff as the home visitor providing one-to-one support to individuals and families connected here. I have always enjoyed meeting people and hearing their stories since I was a child so I kind of feel like I am living a dream to get to do so professionally! I feel fortunate that I get to meet and talk with so many people each day in this wonderful community that I also call home. 

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and our son doing whatever it is we find ourselves doing! I enjoy baking, amateur gardening, learning about foraging, hearing my son tell me jokes, playing with our pets, and trailwalking when I can.  

Get in touch with Mikayla

Karen Pellicano

Karen Pellicano

Community Health Case Coordinator

Hi, I’m Karen.  I started at the Grapevine in 2023 as the Community Health Case Coordinator.   

I attended child and parent programs with my kids when they were younger, and have always loved the sense of community at the Grapevine. I returned to school in 2023 to earn my degree in Public Health, and knew I wanted to work in the community to help families find their strengths and necessary resources.

Before coming to the Grapevine, I worked in a non-profit organization that secured funding for family resource centers around the state. I’ve advocated for policy change and increased funding, but I was missing the connection of working in a close community to help families. The Grapevine has been exactly what I was hoping to find.  I enjoy speaking with people about the challenges they face, and problem solving solutions together.

Get in touch with Karen

The Middle Years: Your Child From 5-10 Years Old

Offered on Wednesdays from 7-8:30pm via Zoom for four sessions: October 25, November 1, November 8, and November 15.

This program is for parents and caregivers of elementary-aged children, discussing parenting-driven topic ideas. We will start with: “Getting Out the Door in the Morning.” Gather with others by Zoom to talk through the joys and challenges of this special time in a child’s life. Contact us to register or call 603 588-2620.

Dads’ Campfire Nights

Dads’ Campfire Nights meets on the first Tuesday of the month at The Grapevine from 7-8:30pm (subject to change). 

Led by local dad, Rick Edmunds, this is a monthly event for dads to relax around the campfire and share about all aspects of parenting. Pizza is served.  Please dress for the weather and bring a beverage of choice along with a folding chair. Contact us for more information or give us a call. Here’s what one dad recently shared about Dads Group: 

“I found the dads group to be a great resource while my children were still very young and we were figuring things out at home. It was nice to talk to other dads in the same position and hear the various ways each family was dealing with the joys and hardships of having young ones and staying sane. I highly recommend this group to any dad.”

Mark G., Hancock

SAIL! (Stay Active and Independent for Life) Exercise Group

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 11am-12pm at the Antrim Town Hall (wheelchair accessible)

In partnership with Antrim Recreation, SAIL! Senior Exercise Group participants will improve overall strength, balance and coordination in a fun and relaxed setting. This program is offered at NO COST and is geared toward Seniors but open to all. Contact us or give us a call to register or learn more.

Building a Bug Hotel!

Spring is finally here and in our Learning Vine nature based preschool we continue to observe the nature that is around us.  If you are looking for some free fun, take your child outside and go searching for bugs, worms and other creatures.  Children have a fascination about the natural world around them and love to explore.  You can foster this curiosity by making your very own BUG HOTEL!

All you need is a shoe box.  Cut some holes in the side of the box for air flow. If you have a scrap piece of mesh or screen you can tape that to the inside of the box to cover the holes while still allowing for air flow.  If you want to prevent the bottom of your bug hotel from getting wet and soggy, place a piece of foil or other type of plastic material down on the bottom of the box. Then head outside and as you find creatures you can place them in the Bug Hotel, and observe them for a while and then let them go. Children love to collect dirt, leaves and other items to keep their creature happy while visiting the Bug Hotel.

So far the preschool children have found worms, salamanders, centipedes and beetles! If bugs aren’t your thing, try searching for budding trees and flowers.

Encourage your child to draw a picture of the creatures and plants they find.  This can be the start of their very own nature journal.  These simple activities strengthen your child’s fine motor skills as well as their creative thinking and observation skills.

You can also ask your child questions about the bugs and plants they find.  For some additional fun, have your child name the creatures they find. Being outdoors with your child and exploring can be great fun!