From Our Editor, Nancy Allenby  

"DESPITE THE FORECAST, LIVE LIKE IT'S SPRING" - Lily Pulitzer We may have a few more snow flurries lurking out there, but we know in our hearts that spring waits just around the corner as a time for rebirth, growth, renewal, and LOTS of great opportunities in the Kearsarge Neighborhood. Our "Seedlings" mini-grant program is ready to bloom, vegetable seedlings are sprouting for Tray it Forward, Better Impact is in full swing, and our collaborations with community organizations continue to flourish. Many thanks to KNP's volunteers, donors and partners for helping us "grow" good things in the region!

Seedlings Grant Project

A GRANT FROM THE JEFFREY FOUNDATION will allow us to activate a three-year mini-grant program designed to encourage community-based projects proposed by individuals and organizations. Project ideas should improve connections within the Kearsarge region, make a significant impact in the community, and contribute to the material, relational and/or spiritual flourishing of people within KNP's ten towns.

Ideal projects will be replicable or have the potential to be scaled up if successful, so that their impact can multiply, fostering a "seedling" of an idea that can grow over time or in other places. They will also have a designated element of reciprocity, giving those helped by a project an opportunity to contribute back to the community. Please click here to see the application and read more about program parameters, and email if you have further questions.

"Better Impact" is Up and Running!

THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE SIGNED UP as members or volunteers through Better Impact (BI), KNP'S new communication system. We have officially switched over to BI. We are excited for the numerous ways it will allow us to stay in contact, and the simplicity of logging volunteer hours. The "News" section of your Better Impact page will continue to keep you updated and informed. If you have NOT signed up, you will no longer receive emails with volunteer opportunities, so please make sure your application is completed. If you need help filling out the membership information, please call volunteer coordinator Beth at 603-317-5900 or email.

KNP and KCA Team Up Again

AFTER THE SUCCESS OF WINDOWDRESSERS, KNP and Kearsarge Climate Action will collaborate on NEW HAMPSHIRE SAVES BUTTON UP free home energy workshops offered in several local communities to make home heating more affordable. The workshops will help homeowners understand how they can increase their comfort while saving money and energy. The first is Sunday, March 30 from 2-3:30 at the Wilmot Community Association Red Barn at 64 Village Rd. in Wilmot. Presented by Andy Duncan, Energy Trainer. Doors open at 1:30.

Learn about:

• Electricity saving • Utility incentives • Rebates on electric and gas appliances • Home Energy Performance program • Insulation and air sealing • Energy audit and weatherization programs

Reminder: AARP NH Tax-Aide Program

LOW TO MIDDLE INCOME HOUSEHOLDS can have their federal and state tax returns prepared for free through the AARP Tax-Aide program until APRIL 14. For more information, please call 802-359 7480 or email.

KNP 2024 Annual Report

IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN OUR ANNUAL REPORT we invite you to check it out here. Please see page 3 for this past year's impressive numbers!

'TRAY IT FORWARD' Coming May 30

THE SIXTH ANNUAL FREE VEGETABLE SEEDLING distribution program supports folks in our region who need a little help growing fresh, healthy food and experiencing the many benefits of gardening.

Make sure you're signed up with Better Impact so you get notices about all the fun opportunities to transplant seedlings, bag compost and lots of other "growing and planting" tasks at Spring Ledge Farm.

YOU can help inspire connectedness, wellbeing and resilience for residents in the greater Kearsarge/Lake Sunapee area by sponsoring a tray so that a neighbor can receive free vegetable seedlings. Each sponsored tray will be generously matched one-for-one by Spring Ledge Farm, which is already growing all those gorgeous plant seedlings in their greenhouses!

Another Car Transferred

KNP ADVOCATES TRANSFERRED A GIFTED VEHICLE to a Wilmot family in need of a car to allow them reach support services, transport children and to get to work. Many thanks to the generous donor of the car, which will enable this family to remain independent!

Reminder: Windsor County Mentors of Sullivan County ELEMENTARY STUDENTS NEED MENTORS Windsor County Mentors seeks adults to meet with Sullivan County students AT SCHOOL, one hour/week. WCM will train you and match you with a child. For more information, email: info@wcmentors.org, or call 802-674-5101.

Please Remember to Log Your Hours!

LOGGING YOUR HOURS after interacting with a neighbor or community partner, delivering wood, attending a KNP meeting, or participating in ANY other KNP activity allows us to track KNP's impact.

**If you have signed up for Better Impact, you can log your hours directly on your Better Impact page, either by computer or phone app. Simply click the "HOURS" tab and enter hours and/or minutes and a brief description of the activity.

**If you are not yet a member of Better Impact, please call volunteer coordinator Beth at 603-317-5900 or email and she will guide you through the process.

Follow us on KNP's Instagram Account: KNPNH2024