UPCOMING CLASSES
| Relevant to Local Community Service & Learning Opportunities |
| UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS and ITS IMPACTS on CHILDREN & FAMILIES Wed, Feb 27 6:30-8:30pm SAU#9 / Conway School District Professional Development Center @ Kennett Middle School 176 Main Street, Conway, NH 03818 Registration Link. Participants in this session will: Understand the general state of homelessness in NH. Understand how to identify a homeless child and/or family. Understand the relationship between homelessness and trauma in children. Understand the physical and emotional impacts of homelessness, particularly on children. Understand the reactions and symptoms of trauma and homelessness in children. Understand best practices in serving children who experience homelessness. Training Methods: Training will incorporate a variety of teaching techniques including didactic presentation, small group discussions / brainstorms, videos, and opportunity for questions, dialogue and discussion. NH LISTENS Advanced Facilitator Training Fri, Mar 15 10am-4pm Conway Library, Conway, NH Registration Link. $50 fee. Fee waived for students and those with financial need. Many of us are trained to remain “neutral” as facilitators. However, that doesn’t mean we are passive. This workshop enhances confidence to remain neutral, productively address issues, encourage and move conversation in a constructive manner. RELIGION, CONFLICT & PEACE Harvard Online EdX course. Starts Mon, Mar 4, Self-Paced Continues 8 weeks • Expect: 4-8 hours of study per week Registration Link to register for the Harvard Online EdX course. Rev Gail Doktor, who studied under Prof Diane Moore at Harvard Divinity School, will participate in this course and we will offer a study & discussion group at Jackson Community Library for anyone else who registers and participates in the EdX class. Professional Development credit available. Taught by Professor Diane Moore, Senior Lecturer and the Director of the Religious Literacy Project Harvard University Course Description: In this course, we will explore a series of contemporary conflicts in different regions of the world with a special focus on identifying and analyzing the diverse and complex roles that religions play in both promoting and mitigating violence in each context. Students will learn a method for recognizing and analyzing how religious ideologies are embedded in all arenas of human agency and not isolated from political, economic, and cultural life as is often assumed. In addition to examining the conflicts themselves, we will also explore the religious dimensions of the impacts those conflicts have on civic life in areas such as public health, education, and commerce by addressing a series of questions. * What roles do religions play in fostering violence and what roles do they play in promoting peace? * How do religious institutions and ideologies function to support and/or thwart public health initiatives? * What are the ideological justifications for functional economic policies and how do they reflect and/or challenge diverse religious values? * What roles do religions play in advancing or suppressing educational opportunities and for whom? * Are media representations of the religious dimensions of conflict accurate? * Possible countries of focus include Brazil, Egypt, France, Israel/Palestine, Myanmar, Nigeria, Qatar, the Philippines, Somalia, Syria, Turkey, and the United States. Final projects will be individually shaped based on interest and (where relevant) professional focus. * The course is open to all and especially relevant for aspiring or professional educators, journalists, public health workers, foreign service officers and government officials who wish to better understand how religions function in contemporary world affairs. What you’ll learn Tools for how to interpret the roles religions play in contemporary conflicts; How religions are internally diverse; How religions evolve and change; How religions are embedded in all human cultures |
Goodbye to Lorraine ‘Rocky’ Stone
With the family’s permission, we share the sad news that Lorraine ‘Rocky’ Stone — aged 80 years — who lived in both Jackson, NH and Cordova, AK, died peacefully this morning at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care on the campus of Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. She was in the loving company of family, friends, and compassionate staff throughout her experience.
Her family will make plans for Rocky’s Celebration of Life at a later time, and we will share those plans when they come to fruition. Meanwhile, on behalf of Rocky’s loved ones, we extend gratitude for the many friends and community members who enriched her life. She was present in the local Buddhist sangha and participated in the spiritual life of Jackson Community Church, as well as joining the gatherings and activities of other local faith communities. A formal biography will be available later.
Farewell to Nancy (Haggerty) Varnum
With great sadness, Jackson Community Church shares the following news about a Jackson, NH friend and neighbor. Nancy Lynn (Haggerty) Varnum, a long-time resident of North Andover and Jackson, NH, lost her valiant battle with breast cancer on December 28th, at home with her family by her side. Born July 28, 1950, at Clover Hill Hospital to the late Franklin and Bernice (Mundy) Haggerty, she grew up in the Ballardvale section of Andover, graduating from Andover High School in 1968. Nancy enjoyed performing in musicals during her high school years and later performed with a regional group in Reading. She was employed for many years in the financial industry in Boston. What Nancy enjoyed most of all was being outdoors; whether it was horseback riding, hiking, alpine skiing, cross country skiing or just “being” in the mountains with her husband, Tom. A talented multi-media artist, Nancy was a member of the Andover Art Association, the Rockport Art Association, the Methuen Art Institute Group (AIG) , the Concord Art Association and was selected to be an exhibitor in the Concord Art Show. She also exhibited her work at the Essex Art Center in Lawrence and at various local libraries. She enjoyed visits to many local galleries, as well as galleries in Europe, while traveling. Nancy also designed and presented art and spiritual programs for various clubs, church groups and support groups and was a member of the Andover, North Andover and Jackson, NH, historical societies. Nancy loved being with her friends, making friends easily and maintaining long lasting friendships. She is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Varnum; sisters Joan V. Haggerty of No. Andover and Jerilyn (Thomas) Marjerison of Andover; nieces and nephews, Valerie (Paul) Silva of Rehoboth, Michael (Leanne) Haggerty of East Sandwich, Thomas (Kirsten) Marjerison of Yarmouth, ME, Kyle Semenetz of Haverhill, and Jennifer Poole of No. Andover, as well as many grandnieces and grandnephews. She also leaves her sisters-in-law, Louisa Varnum of Lowell and Virginia Bell of Carlsbad, CA; step-children Thomas (Kathy) Varnum of Londonderry, NH, Lisa (John) Healey of FL; step-grandchildren Taylor Varnum, Tommy Varnum and Matthew Chatel. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Robert W. Haggerty, her nephew Robert W. Haggerty, Jr., and her step-grandson, Mark Chatel. A memorial service was held Sat, Jan 5th, at The North Parish of North Andover Unitarian Universalist Church, 190 Academy Road, North Andover, MA. If anyone wishes, donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA.
Farewell to CARL FULLER
With the permission of the Fuller family, we sadly pass along the news that Carl Fuller died at home on Thurs, Dec 6. His family is currently making arrangements, and will share more details as plans are finalized. Please save the date of Sat, Jan 5th for observances.
Update:
Carl Fuller, 86, passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side on Dec. 6, 2018. He was born Aug. 25, 1932, in Salem, MA, to John and E. Corinne (Carter) Fuller and was the middle of three sons.
Carl grew up in Arlington, MA, where he graduated from Arlington High School. He went on to study at Boston University and earn a degree in business administration. Following graduation, Carl was commissioned as a second lieutenant at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He was honorably discharged. Carl had a successful business career as the owner and proprietor of The Tennis & Squash Shop, with stores in Cambridge and Wenham, MA.
Carl developed a lifelong passion for sports and the outdoors at an early age. In college, he was the captain of both the golf and ski teams. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and shared his love of nature with friends and family throughout his life.
He was a kind soul, with a deep love and commitment to his family. In addition to Judy, his beloved wife of 57 years, he is survived by his daughter Terri and partner Kathy, his son Scott and wife Ursula, and grandchildren Calvin and Nico. Carl was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Gene and Bruce.
For those desiring, memorials may be made in Carl’s name to either the New England Ski Museum in North Conway or Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice in North Conway.
THIS WEEKEND at Jackson Community Church and Around Town FRI, Dec 28 – MON, Dec 31
- Community Event: CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG
5-6:30pm • Episcopal Church, North Conway. Join Ellen Schwindt and her students for Christmas carol sing-a-long! - Community Event: SNOW MOONLIGHT SIP n PAINT
6pm • Jackson Art Studio and Gallery. Led by Lori Stearns
Fun for the absolute beginner to the seasoned artist! Spend an evening of creativity as you twist open your favorite bottle of wine (BYOB for those 21 and over) and uncork your creativity. $45 all supplies included. Registration required.
SAT, Dec 29
- Community Event: SNOWSHOE YOGA
3pm • Jackson XC Ski Touring Headquarters
Come join us for an exhilarating combination of fresh air, beautiful views and healthy movement. No experience necessary. $20/pp. Reservations: 603-383-9355.(Info on more ski clinics, snowshoe tours and lessons at www.jacksonxc.org.)
SUN, Dec 30: Christmas 1
- INTERFAITH GATHERING @ OLD LIBRARY
8am • Old Library. Hot beverages available. Come for poetry, literature, conversation and prayer. - YOUTH & CHILDREN
9am • Church. Christmas craft projects. - WORSHIP
10:30am • Jackson Community Church.- Advent wreath-lighting by family.
- Accompanist: Alan Labrie
- Special Music: Roberts Family & Sue Titus Reid
- Community Event: SNOWSHOE YOGA
3pm • Jackson XC Ski Touring Headquarters
Come join us for an exhilarating combination of fresh air, beautiful views and healthy movement. No experience necessary. $20/pp. Reservations: 603-383-9355. (Info on more ski clinics, snowshoe tours and lessons at www.jacksonxc.org.)
MON, Dec 31: New Year’s Eve
- Community Event: SNOWSHOE YOGA
3pm • Jackson XC Ski Touring Headquarters
Come join us for an exhilarating combination of fresh air, beautiful views and healthy movement. No experience necessary. $20/pp. Reservations: 603-383-9355
(Info on more ski clinics, snowshoe tours and lessons at www.jacksonxc.org.) - FIREWORKS
9:30pm • Schouler Park, No Conway
Ring in the new year with fireworks in Schouler Park in downtown North Conway.