Community Partners open house, Dover adult learning donation: Community news update

Dover Adult Learning Center receives $22,000 grant from Walmart

DOVER — The three greatest barriers to participation in adult education are lack of safe reliable childcare, housing insecurity and transportation challenges. Adult learners can end up in a cycle of struggle when they can't get to school to study for their high school equivalency test, or to gain the level of English language proficiency they need to be successful in their education, career or community.

A $22,000 grant from the Walmart Strategic Initiatives fund will go a long way to help remove those barriers and help students be successful in their pursuit of basic education and career opportunities, interrupting a spiral of obstructions.

Walmart employees, including Chad Gray, market manager; Melissa Herold, market coordinator; Angela Yankauskas, market asset protection manager; Cory Huston, market digital operations manager; Karen Kelsey, optician; and Monica McGovern, executive assistant enjoyed a tour, met some of the students, and posed for a photo. 

The Walmart Strategic Initiatives grant funds will be used to support services like childcare and transportation for adult learners for the next 18 months.

Community Partners of Strafford County offers open house

SOMERSWORTH — Community Partners’ Spectrum Connection program relocated from Rochester to 353 High Street in Somersworth. Spectrum Connection provides intensive Applied Behavior Analysis services for children ages 2-8 with autism spectrum disorder, behavioral challenges, or other developmental needs.

Currently, Spectrum Connection serves about 20 children weekly. These children work with a board-certified behavior analyst and a registered behavior technician. Children in the program generally have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Staff work intensively with the children on developing skills for daily living such as independence at mealtime, dressing, functional communication, cooperative play, and following routines. The families also learn techniques to support their child.

Community Partners acquired the former High Street Appledore Primary Care building in Somersworth. Doors opened on March 20 after renovations were completed to make it suitable for an Applied Behavioral Services clinic. Spectrum Connection serves families with Medicaid and private insurance.

The community is invited to the Spectrum Connection Open House on Thursday April 11, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. at 353 High St., in Somersworth. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for 5 p.m.

First Church Congregational of Rochester names transitional pastor

ROCHESTER — The Church Council of First Church Congregational (FCC), United Church of Christ, Rochester announced the hiring of the Rev. Donna Lee Muise as its half-time transitional pastor, effective Monday, June 3, 2024. The announcement was made by moderator Geoff Day during worship service on Sunday, March 17.

Muise graduated with honors from Andover Newton Theological School and has been an ordained pastor for 29 years. She has served in many pastor roles in Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire. Currently finishing her role at First Congregational Church in Wolfeboro.

Muise will have office hours at church. Call the church office at 603-332-1121 for details.

Mark Guilmett installed as new Elks Leader at Rochester Lodge #1393

ROCHESTER — Rochester Elks #1393 conducted its annual Installation of Officers on Saturday, March 30. Exalted Ruler Mark Guilmett and his suite of Officers for the Lodge year 2024-2025 were Installed by Officer of the Day Matthew Sanborn, PER / DD Designate and his suite of Officers. The Installation took place at 3 p.m. in the Lodge Hall with approximately 60 people in attendance.

Outgoing Exalted Ruler Peter Ducharme provided the audience with his thoughts and comments about his year as Exalted Ruler and thanked everyone for their support. He also spoke about the loss of his father Thomas Ducharme during his Lodge year. Tom was a Past Exalted Ruler of the Lodge and Peter noted that his father was responsible for getting him involved. Peter was presented with his father’s PER Jewels and Medallion by PER, PDD Jerry Skidds. Incoming Exalted Ruler Mark Guilmett also presented Peter with a plaque for his year of service to the Lodge as Exalted Ruler. Peter also presented flowers to his wife Tisha Ducharme. 

Newly installed Exalted Ruler Guilmett spoke on his goals and objectives for the new year. He commented that he had a great group of Officers and members on his committees and he is looking forward to a great year for the Lodge. He will be introducing some new events for kids and first responders. Guilmett will also represent the Rochester Lodge as the Official Representative at the NH State Elks Convention in May and at the National Convention in Austin, Texas in late June and early July. Mark also presented flowers to his wife Debbie during the ceremony.

Installing Officers were Matthew Sanborn, Don Chesnel, Jim Clark, Jerry Skidds, Scott Welsh and Bonnie Skidds, all Past Exalted Rulers of the Rochester Elks.