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2023
Local News & Media

the Upper Room

  ~ Feeding our Community, and caring for our neighbors ~

Derry, NH, September 26, 2023


The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry has been operating a food pantry for almost two decades. What started out as a tiny closet with a few bags of pasta and cereal for a family in need, has evolved into a full-service program. On Monday mornings, customers of the pantry are greeted with smiling faces of volunteers, and food. Sometimes they are able to pick up household items, or soaps, or other necessary items like toilet paper. This pantry is 100% volunteer run and funded through donations or grants specific to food insecurity.

 

Almost every week the pantry hosts a guest whether it be one of our Medicaid Providers, WellSense, AmeriCaritas, or Healthy Families, or someone from SNAP or another vendor our customers have access to the necessary information they need to receive food and access the other services they may be in search of. The program is committed to 30 families weekly and has over the last few years seen an almost 100% increase in use weekly. Serving 50 – 60 families in a week is not uncommon, and with that the need to keep our cupboards full is also needed. Food pantry volunteers access the NH Foodbank, USDA, and Freihofer bakery as a source of food as well as Hannaford and other local farms that donate fresh produce. 

 

Currently the food pantry is in need of the following items: Cereal, canned vegetables, nice soups, pasta, coffee and tea, juice, and canned pasta sauce. Anyone wishing to donate can call Andrea Younie directly at 603-437-8477 x 123, to discuss doing a food drive, or donating. “We appreciate anyone in the community who is able to assist in helping us feed our neighbors and make a difference in the lives of so many families”. Shares Andrea Younie Pantry Co-Manager. Younie along with Gale Stanley, a long-time board member and Food Pantry volunteer are joined by several volunteers who work tirelessly to bring joy and kindness to the great customers who visit us Monday mornings at our pantry.

 

Visit www.URTeachers.org to learn more about the services offered.

 

About The Upper Room

Founded in 1986, The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening individuals and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives. Our center is a warm, welcoming place where families receive information and support not only in times of crisis but on a day-to-day basis. We place no boundaries on service, and help all who come to our center seeking support.  For more information, call (603) 437-8477, or visit our website at URteachers.org

 

For other press-related inquiries, please contact

Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director

603-437-8477 or  bguggisberg@urteachers.org

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  ~ Are you Co-Parenting?  Join conversation and class at The Upper Room ~

Derry, NH, September 26, 2023


The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry will be hosting Crossroads Co-Parenting course , for parents and caregivers who are raising children together October 14, 2023 from 9 AM to 2 PM, at 36 Tsienneto Road Derry, 03038.   The course takes attendees on a journey to look at how to help kids be able to love parents/caregivers, how to keep kids out of the middle of conflict, how to navigate through ones own struggle, and how to build communication and systems that are respectful and help children thrive.   “Adults have a chance to understand how a separation or divorce or two-home living situation can impact a child, and through this class can see the ideas and importance of protecting children from adult things”. states Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director.   “We know there are many influences on a child, and as a prevention agency, believe that helping children thrive is part of parenting.  This program is aimed to give insight to adults so they can understand their impact, and make changes to shield their child from complex adult matters”. 

 

The Upper Room is a family resource center looking to support the well-being of children, youth and families.  Through 18 unique programs, the focus on Education, Family Wellness and Adolescent Wellness take a priority in the greater Derry region. 

 

 

Visit www.URTeachers.org to register for classes and receive links to discussions and upcoming courses. Many classes are free of charge and scholarships are available for every class.  For more information about our parenting programs, support groups, and classes or if you have any questions about raising your children, call 603-437-8477 x 110 to register.

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  ~ The Upper Room Celebrates summer, families and fun at its Annual Ice Cream Social~

Derry, NH, August 24, 2023


The back yard, The Upper Room, A Family Resource Center in Derry, NH was bustling, with laughter, children and families for their Annual Ice Cream Social August 16, 2023, which has become a regular event that happening every August in celebration of families and summer. Families arrived, to music, a bounce house, ice cream and face painting. The mood was festive and the weather holding out until just before 6 pm. The event provides families a simple afternoon filled with easy childhood fun activities. Children could, play in the newly renovated play area, eat ice cream, bounce, have their face painted or join in on a craft activity sponsored by Brownell Insurance. This annual event is FREE to all invited. Sponsors: Moos Ice Cream, Funbounce, and Brownell Insurance offered the Greater Derry Community a safe and fun event, creating memories and fun for the families who live here.

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  ~ The Upper Room Filling Backpacks for Children~

Derry, NH July 26, 2023


The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry, NH is actively planning to fill backpacks for the dozens of families who have requested assistance for their children to go back to school. Families who are currently enrolled in programs through the Upper Room can register to receive backpacks in late August to prepare their children to return to school prepared for the school year. To prepare for this the organization is receiving items that will fill a child’s backpack for the year. They are seeking backpacks , 2 pocket folders, spiral notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, highlighters. In addition any items that are on school lists are acceptable (index cards, loose leaf paper etc) Each year The Upper Room hosts a back pack distribution day where families are able to pick up the backpack they need for their child. It is anticipated that between 75 – 100 children will benefit from this.


Backpack donations, and supplies can be dropped off through August 21 to the front desk of The Upper Room at 36 Tsienneto Road, Derry, NH. “As we gear up for a new school year, we want to help each child have the necessary resources to have the best school experience, and having the supplies they need, promotes a positive start to the school year, and reduces family stress as the summer winds down and school year kicks in to gear” Shares Brenda Guggisberg.

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  ~ The Upper Room receives grants from Alexander Eastman Foundation~

Derry, NH July 13, 2023

 

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry, NH was recently awarded 2 program grants equaling $80,000.00 in support of two of its programs.  The first grant a second year award, supporting Preventive Counseling Services in an effort to establish and help this program offering mental health counseling, to be fully sustainable through billing by the grants end, while offering much needed mental health services for those who may need counseling and are not able to pay out of pocket.   The second award is supporting Family Wellness Programs, offers in home support, parent education, parenting groups and more.  The Upper Room continues to provide critical services to individuals, families and teens in need of preventive, intervention services, and works with dozens of other organizations to build strong systems for families.  These partners include the schools, police departments, JPPOS, welfare offices, public health, medical, mental health, and other social service agencies, to provide direct support for those requesting assistance. 

 

“The Upper Room thanks Alexander Eastman Foundation for it’s support which will provide much needed mental health services, and home based counseling and support for those seeking ideas and strategies to improve their, or their families wellness.” States Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director “we are happy to be part of a larger system of support and care within our community and look forward to the collaborative and innovative ways agencies and social serving entities are addressing the community health issues”. 

 

Preventive Counseling offers short term mental health counseling for children and adults.  It reduces access barriers by offering low-no cost services for those in need.   The Family Wellness program is a comprehensive program, offering families in home support, parenting and resources, along with community based education, classes and support groups.  Family Wellness is also a short term program which builds on the assets and skills families already have, encourages the things that are going well, and works with families to problem solve for the areas that are causing concern.   For more information about Family Wellness or Preventive Counseling call 603-437-8477. 

 

The Upper Room is proud to continue to support this community in partnership with Alexander Eastman Foundation, to provide wellness in the larger community 

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  ~ Anna Willis Memorial Scholarship Awarded to Emerson Carrecedo, Windham High School Senior~

Derry, NH, July 11, 2023

 

The Upper Room Board of Directors is pleased to present it’s sixth annual Anna Willis Memorial Scholarship to a Windham High school School senior, Emerson Carrecedo.  This scholarship was created after the passing of one of the late founders, Anna Willis in December of 2017.   In honor of her work and her tireless commitment to making the world a better place, the board of directors continues her legacy through the Anna Willis Memorial Scholarship.    Applicants are those who have shown commitment to their community through service, and who have a plan for a future to improve their world. Anna’s family felt that character was important when selecting it’s candidates, and volunteerism and leadership were important factors in determining this.     Carracedo, a Windham resident applied for the scholarship, among a large pool of applicants from Salem, Windham, Pinkerton, and Londonderry High Schools. 

 

Emerson will leave high school to pursue her passion for music. “I want to write and sing music that has emotional significance to people and connects with them in a way that can carry them through life’s joys and life’s sorrows. I would also like to continue to use musical performance to make a difference in my community. Especially through my involvement with Pizzastock, I have seen how, we, as teen performers, are fostering a community where discussing mental health does not have a stigma, and how we can make an impact in others’ lives. I am dedicated to continuing to enhance the lives of others through music.”  Shares Emerson Carrecedo in her essay for the award.   Emersons desire to continue her commitment to both music and service to her community will continue when she enters college this fall.. “We love the energy and ideas that this years candidates brought to the committee, it was a hard decision to make, but Emerson’s stood out to all”, shares Brenda Guggisberg Executive Director.     

 

The Upper Room Board and Staff wish her the very best of luck to Emerson in her endeavors.   

 

The seventh annual Anna Willis Memorial Scholarship Award will be announced in early 2024 for eligible applicants.   

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  ~ The Upper Room and Pinkerton Academy Celebrate 2023 Graduation of HiSET Students~

Derry, NH, June 6, 2023

 

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center, in partnership with Pinkerton Academy, proudly announces the successful graduation of its students from the HiSET Program. A ceremony was held on Friday, June 2 to honor the remarkable achievements of the HiSET graduates.

 

41 students completed the requirements this year. Elaina Wheaton, HiSET Program Coordinator, stated “Each student deserves to be celebrated today, and we are excited to see them move to their next stage in life.” Pinkerton’s P.A.C.E. Director, Lynne Lonergan, who has helped many students over the years, was the commencement speaker. Lynne will soon be retiring from her position at Pinkerton Academy and applauded the graduates for their hard work and dedication.

 

In addition to Program Coordinator Elaina Wheaton, other members of the HiSET team this year were Instructor Jennifer Caracoglia, Teaching Assistant Linda Polewarczyk, Youth Support Specialist & Agency Navigator Madison Puglisi, HiSET Volunteer Jack Cartland, and Director of the Derry Center for Adult Studies/HiSET Examiner Barrie-Jane Corey.

   

The Upper Room’s HiSET program, short for High School Equivalency Test, is a comprehensive assessment alternative to a traditional high school diploma for students ages 16-22 who have not completed their secondary education. It offers the opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills equivalent to those of a high school graduate.

 

The Upper Room provides a supportive environment for students seeking to improve their educational qualifications. They receive classroom instruction, tutoring and post high school planning which empowers participants to reach their full potential.  

 

To learn more about The Upper Room, please visit URteachers.org.

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  ~ Donation made by former board member Mike Royce~

Pictured above, L to R   Upper Room Staff, Susan Norton,   Assistant Store Manager Ali Sekou, and former Board Member Mike Royce.  


 

Derry, NH, May 31, 2023


The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry was contacted by former board member Mike Royce last week to share that he was retiring from his career at Hannaford, and in lieu of a retirement party he wanted to donate  to the Upper Room.   When Brenda Guggisberg received this call, it was a reminder of the deep connections that some people make with the organization.   “I thought to myself, of course, Mike would do this, he was a dedicated board member and gave so much energy and time to this agency, yes, this is so Mike.” states Guggisberg after the call.  


 

On May 31, 2023, the Hannaford on Hanover Street in Manchester said its final farewells to Mike Royce, and in so doing Mike was able to donate 1,200.00 to The Upper Room.    The organization states it’s thanks and is grateful for the act of kindness.  Mike has served as a board member and been a longtime supporter of The Upper Room.   



About The Upper Room


Founded in 1986, The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening individuals and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives. Our center is a warm, welcoming place where families receive information and support not only in times of crisis but on a day-to-day basis. We place no boundaries on service, and help all who come to our center seeking support.  For more information, call (603) 437-8477, or visit our website at URteachers.org
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  ~ The Upper Room Announces Co-Parenting Classes ~

Contact:

Brenda Guggisberg

Executive Director, The Upper Room

(603) 437-8477

bguggisberg@urteachers.org
 
 

Derry, NH, May 17, 2023

 

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center, is excited to announce it will be offering co-parenting classes. Crossroads of Parenting & Divorce will take place on Saturday, June 10 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm in person at The Upper Room located at 36 Tsienneto Road in Derry, NH.

 

This class is designed to help parents who are going through a divorce or separation learn the skills needed to co-parent effectively. Divorce is a challenging time for parents, and it can be difficult to navigate co-parenting when emotions are running high. This course will provide tools and strategies to help parents communicate effectively, manage conflict, and create a positive co-parenting relationship for the benefit of their children.  

 

The class will be taught by an experienced instructor trained in the Active Parenting: Crossroads curriculum and will cover a range of topics including:

 

·       Understanding the effects of divorce on children.

·       Effective communication strategies.

·       Managing conflict and reducing stress.

·       Developing a co-parenting plan that works for your family.

 

“We understand that co-parenting can be difficult, but it’s essential for the well-being of children whose parents have separated.” said The Upper Room’s Executive Director, Brenda Guggisberg. The Upper Room is committed to providing support and resources to families in our community and we are proud to offer this class as a resource.

 

We will be offering this class again in the Fall of 2023 and Winter of 2024. To register, please call us at (603) 437-8477 x111. 

 


About The Upper Room

Founded in 1986, The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening individuals and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives. Our center is a warm, welcoming place where families receive information and support not only in times of crisis but on a day-to-day basis. We place no boundaries on service and help all who come to our center seeking support. For more information, call (603) 437-8477, or visit our website at URteachers.org. For other press-related inquiries, please contact Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director 603-437-8477 or  email bguggisberg@urteachers.org


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 ~ Upper Room to Host Early Childhood Educator Workshop April 26~

Contact:

Brenda Guggisberg

Executive Director, The Upper Room

(603) 437-8477

bguggisberg@urteachers.org
 
 

 

Derry, NH, April 12, 2023

 

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry is hosting “I See You! Embracing Diverse Family Structures,” an Early Childhood Educator workshop that explores family make-up and structure to offer educators tools to make small but significant changes that they can communicate to each child and caregiver whose lives they touch – that their family matters. Any Early Childhood Educator in the Southern NH Region is welcome to register and attend. 

 

“NH Children’s Trust is among one of our strongest partners, and we are excited to work with them to bring this child and family-oriented workshop to educators in our region,” stated Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director at The Upper Room.

 

This FREE workshop is sponsored by NH Children’s Trust and is facilitated by Maria Doyle, MSS, Family Support Programs Manager at NH Children’s Trust.

 

Join us April 26 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM at The Upper Room, 38 Tsienneto Road, Derry, NH. 

To register visit http://bit.ly/TUREducatorSignUp

 

Learn more about NHCT at http://nhchildrenstrust.org

 

 


About The Upper Room

Founded in 1986, The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening individuals and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives. Our center is a warm, welcoming place where families receive information and support not only in times of crisis but on a day-to-day basis. We place no boundaries on service, and help all who come to our center seeking support.  For more information, call (603) 437-8477, or visit our website at URteachers.org


For other press-related inquiries, please contact

Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director

603-437-8477 or  bguggisberg@urteachers.org


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~ The Upper Room offers parents of teens an online café with new topics~

Contact:

Brenda Guggisberg

Executive Director, The Upper Room

(603) 437-8477

bguggisberg@urteachers.org
 
 

 

Derry, NH, March 6, 2023

 

The Upper Room, A Family Resource Center in Derry, NH is offering parents and caregivers an online support group to discuss important topics related to raising teens. This facilitator and parent driven group offers topics, conversations, and support to help families raising teens.


Parent and Caregiver Café (PaCC) meets online Wednesday evenings from 6 – 7 PM. A new topic will be introduced for two group sessions before moving to the next topic. The new schedule of topics is as follows: March 8 and 15: Anxiety and Depression; March 22 and 29: Substance Misuse; and April 5 and 12:  Navigating School.

 

“These new topics reflect the issues and concerns that many teens are currently facing.” states Kelsey Mayland, Program Coordinator. “Helping parents navigate these difficult conversations will strengthen the relationships parents have with their teens, allowing them to positively influence their children.” states Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director.

 

PaCC is a supportive space, free of charge that is available to parents of those raising teens. It is a confidential space to discuss the challenges of raising teens and offer solutions to the concerns brought to the group. The program is completely FREE. To register call 603-437-8477 x 114 or email kmayland@urteachers.org

 

 


About The Upper Room

Founded in 1986, The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening individuals and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives. Our center is a warm, welcoming place where families receive information and support not only in times of crisis but on a day-to-day basis. We place no boundaries on service, and help all who come to our center seeking support.  For more information, call (603) 437-8477, or visit our website at URteachers.org



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~ Spring Drivers Ed. classes starting April 21! ~

Contact:

Brenda Guggisberg

Executive Director, The Upper Room

(603) 437-8477

bguggisberg@urteachers.org
 
 

 

Derry, NH, February 20, 2023

 

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center, 36 Tsienneto Road in Derry is happy to announce that Granite State Driving School will be offering driver education classes on site again, starting April 21.  Students who will be 16 by July 21, 2023 can register for the classes. Pinkerton students can walk over after school to take the class which runs from 3 – 5 PM, or there is an evening class 6 – 8 PM.  The classes run Monday and Friday April 21 through June 16th with April school break off.   

 

To register for class go to : https://www.granitestatedrivingschool.com/SignUP.htm 

 

There will also-be a summer class Tues-Wed-Thursdays from 3 – 5 PM starting June 20th through July 27th with July 4th week off.   

 

 


About The Upper Room

Founded in 1986, The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening individuals and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives. Our center is a warm, welcoming place where families receive information and support not only in times of crisis but on a day-to-day basis. We place no boundaries on service, and help all who come to our center seeking support.  For more information, call (603) 437-8477, or visit our website at URteachers.org


For other press-related inquiries, please contact

Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director

603-437-8477 or  bguggisberg@urteachers.org

Click for PDF File

~ The Upper Room to Offer Creative After School Teen Series in March ~

Contact:

Brenda Guggisberg

Executive Director, The Upper Room

(603) 437-8477

bguggisberg@urteachers.org
 
 

 

Derry, NH, February 7, 2023

 

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is offering a new after school creative series for teens ages 14-18. Expressions! will meet Wednesdays March 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 3:00 -4:00 PM. Teens will explore painting, clay, gardening, poetry and more.

 

“My goal is to help teens find new constructive outlets to express themselves.” shared Camden Tillinghast, Facilitator and UNH Graduate-Level Occupational Therapy Intern. “We are happy to offer this creative alternative for teens, where they can connect to other teens in a safe environment, “states Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director. This group will equip participants with tools to express themselves with a goal of establishing new habits and leisure routines.

 

The program is completely FREE, and all supplies are included. The registration link can be found at http://bit.ly/TURExpressions or by emailing Camden at ctillinghast@urteachers.org.

 

 

 

About The Upper Room

Founded in 1986, The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening individuals and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives. Our center is a warm, welcoming place where families receive information and support not only in times of crisis but on a day-to-day basis. We place no boundaries on service, and help all who come to our center seeking support.  For more information, call (603) 437-8477, or visit our website at URteachers.org


For other press-related inquiries, please contact

Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director

603-437-8477 or  bguggisberg@urteachers.org

Click for PDF File

~ Red Flags in Child Development Workshop February 8 ~

Contact:

Brenda Guggisberg

Executive Director, The Upper Room

(603) 437-8477

bguggisberg@urteachers.org
 
 

 

Derry, NH, January 11, 2023

 

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry is offering “Red Flags in Child Development” a parenting workshop on child development and understanding children’s behavior. This class is facilitated by Pam Miller Sallet and Donna Cavalieri. Parents and caregivers can discuss typical development and when there may be a need for additional support or assessments.    This workshop is FREE and invites anyone caring for young children to participate.   

 

 

Join us February 8 from 6 – 8 PM via ZOOM.   To register call 603-437-8477 x 122. 

 

 

 

About The Upper Room

Founded in 1986, The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening individuals and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives. Our center is a warm, welcoming place where families receive information and support not only in times of crisis but on a day-to-day basis. We place no boundaries on service, and help all who come to our center seeking support.  For more information, call (603) 437-8477, or visit our website at URteachers.org


For other press-related inquiries, please contact

Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director

603-437-8477 or  bguggisberg@urteachers.org

Click for PDF File

~ Active Parenting 5 – 12  year olds class starting! ~

Contact:

Brenda Guggisberg

Executive Director, The Upper Room

(603) 437-8477

bguggisberg@urteachers.org
 
 

 

Derry, NH, January 5, 2023

 

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry will be hosting Active Parenting for 5 – 12  year olds, a 3 part series for parents and caregivers of children 5 - 12 years old, starting January 11, 2023  6 – 8 PM for 3 Wednesdays.   This program  offers discussion on how children behave, strategies that help parents and caregivers redirect and set boundaries for long term positive outcomes. Children can be our greatest joy and our greatest frustration and having some ideas about what is normal childhood behavior and how to manage the challenges helps parents and caregivers be responsive to what is going on at the moment.  To register call Michelle Moraros at 603-437-8477 x 122.   

 

 

 

Visit www.URTeachers.org to register for classes and receive links to discussions and upcoming courses. Many classes are free of charge and scholarships are available.  For more information about our parenting programs, support groups, and classes or if you have any questions about raising your children, call 603-437-8477 x 122.

 

 

 

About The Upper Room

Founded in 1986, The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening individuals and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives. Our center is a warm, welcoming place where families receive information and support not only in times of crisis but on a day-to-day basis. We place no boundaries on service, and help all who come to our center seeking support.  For more information, call (603) 437-8477, or visit our website at URteachers.org

For other press-related inquiries, please contact

Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director

603-437-8477 or  bguggisberg@urteachers.org

Click for PDF File
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