January, for the NHCTF staff and for the trustees, saw much change, new faces, spaces and places.  The office moved, the board welcomed new trustees and officers, and the new board chair and family journeyed to India to welcome a new daughter and sister.
 
It's been almost a month, since staff and terrific movers left cramped quarters, in a snow storm to move 89 boxes, tons of furniture to The Concord Center, 10 Ferry St., Suite 315, Concord, telephone and email are the same, but the fax is different.  The sorting and sifting and pitching out will take a few more weeks.  There's a conference room, library, and each staff member has her own space, except for Julie Day who shares her space with UNH Intern, Sabrina Harris, a master's degree candidate in family policy and advocacy.
 
On January 26th, the Trustees held their Annual Meeting in the new office conference room, welcoming new trustees and acknowledging the commitment and hard work of retiring trustees. The newly elected chair, Dr. Peirce Hunter, has a complete understanding and familiarity with the needs of NH's children and families. Peirce, who is a resident of Bow, is a pediatrician with Dartmouth Hitchcock.

 

In January, the Hunters, Peirce, wife Jill, and seven year old daughter Elisabeth, journeyed to Delhi, India, where they all welcomed a new family member, six year old Sonia.  Peirce's story about the plight of orphans who know no parents or family is very moving, and their decision to adopt very inspirational, opening their hearts and home to a new daughter and sister.  As he said, 'immediately the house was full of laughter with the two girls playing.'

 

As board chair, Peirce shares our common understanding and responsibility that we are all responsible for all children, whether in New Hampshire or far away, and that we all need to do what we can to help.  "Thou art my child, my parent, and my elder, I love thee best; But could not love thee half as much, Loved I not all the rest." --the Advocate's Credo (shared by Jack Levine)