Maggie Monroe-Cassel
Executive director, TLC Family Resource Center
A colorful, love-filled day
To the editor,
I would like to thank all who showed up on a beautiful Saturday to celebrate Rural Pride 2019. I am proud that the event organizer Matt Mooshian, Rural Outright, and TLC Family Resource Center could expand the work from our first event last year. It was a colorful, love-filled day where we celebrated the value of every human being. Stevens students painted pictures on children’s faces, a former TLC Family Resource Center board member read inclusive children’s stories, families were sitting on the grass enjoying lunch from the food truck and the background music, 50 local vendors and organizations were sharing their crafts and stories. This was a drug and alcohol-free event that was loads of fun for all.
Special thanks to our sponsors of the day including the Hypertherm HOPE Foundation, Valley Regional Hospital, Claremont Savings Bank, Mascoma Bank, Lucky’s Coffee Garage, Sugar River Bank, The Taverne on the Square, and PFLAG New Hampshire.
We had a different twist this year with five presidential candidates wanting to have booths and one of them showing up in person. It was only one small aspect of the event but is what The Eagle Times chose to focus on. However, there was so much more to the event and there will be more to the event next year including a 5K Pride Race and March. We will soon be posting information on the dates for next year and hope to include more businesses and vendors. TLC Family Resource Center continues to expand our wide range of services to all children, youth, and families in our region. We look forward to more opportunities to provide family-friendly activities for all.
Thank you again for all who helped make it a success: Mach One, Boisvert Curbside Kitchen, State Rep. Lisa Bunker, State Rep. Andrew O’Hearne, Irena McQuarrie, NIMMA, storyteller Susan Elliot, SAU#6 Art Club for doing face painting, Oscar Fredette, the rock ‘n’ roll band Snail Queen, LaLoopna Hoops, Matt Mooshian, Mayor Lovett, Mark Brislin and the City of Claremont, the many volunteers, and all the vendors. Hope to see you all next year!
Intermittent gusts of wind grabbed at some of the tents throughout the afternoon. Perhaps those winds were reminding us that there is a fresh breeze that is blowing in justice and kindness and understanding.
Maggie Monroe-Cassel
Executive director,
TLC Family Resource Center
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