8-Year-Old Mexican Girl Scores Nuclear Science Prize
March 4, 2018
By TeleSUR
March is International Month of the Francophonie
International Month of the Francophonie – 2018
Each year, the Month of the Francophonie is celebrated in March. A series of cultural and educational events, organized with partner institutions which aim to promote francophone cultures, will be held throughout the month in New Hampshire! There will be plenty of events suitable for all ages and audiences! Remember: Live free et Parlez français!
Here are the highlights of this great celebration:
Visit the Franco-American Centre website for more info and updates.
Events FREE and Open to the Public unless noted. Donations accepted.
The Nashua Public Library is located at 2 Court St, Nashua, NH
Throughout March
Francophonie exhibition at the Nashua Public Library from Castle in the Clouds from March 3rd to 30th.
Concours Vidéo – Euclide Gilbert French Language Foundation. Click on FACNH.com for more information. Submissions accepted from March 1st to March 31st 11:59 pm.
Monday, March 5th
Raising Francophonie Flag at Nashua City Hall at 11:30 am
Reception at the Nashua City Hall Auditorium, from 12 to 2 pm.
With participation of Jim Donchess Mayor of Nashua and from Boston the Quebec Délégation, The French Consulate, The Consul from Haiti Garry Merveille and Vice Consul Lourdy Bidonne, and from New Hampshire, Adèle Boufford Baker, Honorary Consul of France/Consul Honoraire de France, OneGreaterNashua, Nashua Cultural Connection Committee, FAC, Club Richelieu, Coterie, Nashua Public Library, Dominique Boutaud… and public
Tuesday, March 6th
FAC Prêt-à-Parler, French Discussion Group. Saint Anselm College, Joseph Hall, room 001, 5:30 to 7 pm. All levels of French are welcome!
Wednesday, March 7th
- Celebration of Economic, Cultural and Historical Connections between NH and the Francophone World. NH State Capitol: Senate Chamber 9:30 am then Executive Council Chamber 10 am.
This event is Free and Open to the public, but please pre-register :
- FAC Prêt-à-Parler, French Discussion Group. Nashua Public Library 4 to 6 pm. All levels of French are welcome!
Sunday, March 11th
Un Rêve Américain (An American Dream) – Film by Franco-Ontarian musician Damien Robitaille introduces us to the extraordinary history of the people in the United States of French Canadian Heritage. Nashua Public Library 2 to 4 pm.
Click the title to see a trailer of the film : Un Rêve Américain
Tuesday, March 13th
La Coterie French conversation group. Nashua Public Library, 9 to 11 am. All levels of French are welcome!
“French Mass” Abbey Church, Saint Anselm College 6:00 p.m.
Monday, March 19th
Francophonie Movie – Le Choix the Théo. Nashua Public Library, 6:30 to 9 pm.
Click the title to see a trailer of the film : Le Choix de Théo.
Tuesday, March 20th
Guest Speaker Katharine Harrington, PhD on Francophone Populations in New England – Past and Present. St Anselm College starting at 4pm. Room TBD. Presented in English
Wednesday, March 21st
Les Années Folles: French Music in the 20s and 30s. St Anselm College starting at 12:30pm. Room TBD.
Friday, March 23rd
The film “Cassures” by Cassandra Thrasybule, a documentary about Haitian families and shown at the United Nations will be presented immediately followed by a presentation and Q&A by the filmmaker. Nashua Public Library 2 to 5 pm.
Click the title to watch the trailer: Cassures: Nos familles entre Haiti et ailleurs
Tuesday, March 27th
La Coterie French conversation group. Nashua Public Library, 9 to 11 am. All levels of French are welcome!
Tour of American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library. ACGS is located at 4 South Elm Street, 2nd Floor, Manchester. Tour is from 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Thursday, March 29th
Presentation from immigrant various francophone countries – Algeria, Congo, France, Haiti, Morocco, Quebec, Rwanda, Tongo, Tunisia, Vietnam, …) speaking about their cultures. Nashua Public Library from 2 to 9 pm).
- Josée Vachon: Singer (Quebec)
- Roger LHeureux: Music
- Franco American Center (FAC) videos in French done by University Students
- Marcel from Congo and his friends will sing childhood songs in French and Swahili
- Women from Congo will demonstrate how to carry a basket on the head and a baby in the back
- Roger Lacerte; presentation of history of the migration from people from Quebec to USA
- Susan Mead, french teacher, her students will explain why they want to study the French language at school
- Pascal DAmboise originaly from Quebec will tell french jokes.
- Glenn Davison Francophile American will do a demonstration of his handmade kites
- A Brazilian teenager Francophile will explain how to kick a “ballon de soccer” and will talk about soccer.
- Henri Vaillancourt (originally from Quebec) will exhibit his handmade canoes
- Some flags from different Francophones countries will decorate the Library
- Some foods will be offered during the show by the Nashua Club Richelieu.
Manchester – Free Citizenship Center Sessions Start in March
The Manchester Citizenship Center is a FREE program where immigrants who are ready to begin the citizenship process can get legal help from Catholic Charities NH’s qualified legal advocates and attorneys. The free clinics are also offered to those who want more information on naturalization.
PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE by calling Catholic Charities NH at 603-624-4717 ext. 0277.
Participants will be offered English reading and writing screenings at the start of their appointment.
Location: International Institute of New England, 470 Pine St., Manchester, NH
Sessions will be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the following Saturdays:
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Saturday, September 15, 2018
*Dates may be subject to change due to weather.
Concord Civics Academy 2018 to Begin Soon
CONCORD CIVICS ACADEMY
SIX PART SERIES
MARCH 6,13, 20, 27, APRIL 3 AND 10
Light supper at 6 pm
Program runs to 9 pm
Location: City Council Chambers,
37 Green Street, Concord
Learn about your local government and community resources, and how you can get involved.
All are welcome! 18 Years of Age or Older (or accompanied by a parent)
Free to all. Pre-registration/application is required.
Deadline to register is February 27th.
SIGN UP TODAY!
For more information and to register:
Ayi D’Almeida
adalmeida@afsc.org
(603)460-4486
Sponsors: City of Concord, American Friends Service Committee, Welcoming Concord Initiative, and Change for Concord
Prize for those who complete all six sessions!
Link to facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/168431033689554/
Free Tax Help is Available in NH!
Topic: Free Tax Help (VITA/TCE/AARP/IRS Free File)
Who it affects: Individual Taxpayers
Key point – Free Tax Help is Available. To learn more visit https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-you-by-volunteers.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites provide assistance to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
- The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
- Before going to a VITA or TCE site constituents should see Publication 3676-B for services provided and check out the What to Bring page to ensure they have all the required documents and information our volunteers will need to help them.
- AARP also offers tax assistance.
- A list of sites across New Hampshire is available here. Note that the list is in alpha order by county so you can easily find sites in your congressional district. The list is a snapshot in time – volunteer sites open and close throughout the filing season.
- A VITA/TCE locator tool by zip code constituents can use is available here
- An AARP Tax-Aide locator tool by zip code is available here
IRS Free File allows those with income below $66,000 to prepare and file their own federal individual income tax return for free using commercial tax preparation and filing software.
U.S. Employers’ Guide to Hiring Refugees
The Tent Foundation and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) recently launched the U.S. Employers’ Guide to Hiring Refugees.
“Companies can show leadership and send an important message by committing to hire refugees. This guidebook, developed in partnership with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, outlines essential information on the logistics, benefits, challenges and solutions related to refugee recruitment and employment retention in the United States.”
The U.S. Employers’ Guide to Hiring Refugees is a manual to assist businesses that are interested in hiring refugees and have questions about the logistics and practicality of hiring refugees in the United States. This Guide contains essential information on a variety of topics related to refugee recruitment and employment, including:
• An explanation of who refugees are and how they arrive in the United States
• The benefits of hiring refugees
• The logistics of finding and hiring refugees
• Common barriers – and solutions – to refugees entering and maintaining employment
Access this toolkit and other resources by visiting: www.tent.org.resources.
Concord, NH – Second Start Receives Lincoln Financial Foundation Grant
Second Start, in conjunction with Ascentria Community Services, has received a $15,000 grant from the Lincoln Financial Foundation to provide employment and employability services for refugees resettled in the greater Concord area. The services will focus on job readiness skill development. Obtaining employment can be difficult for new refugees if they have no U.S. work history, limited English skills, missing or non-transferable credentials, or limited transportation and childcare options. The goal is to place 45 participants in employment.
Lincoln Financial Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Lincoln Financial Group, believes in empowering people to live greater lives, which advances culture and empowers greater positive change. Its grant is part of Lincoln Financial’s annual $10 million investment in its local communities’ youth education, economic and workforce development, human well-being and arts programs.
About Second Start
Second Start is a private nonprofit organization committed to improving the economic and educational well-being of New Hampshire residents. Our goal is to help people become more productive workers, family members and community citizens. We provide supportive, affordable and effective educational programs including but not limited to: Adult Education, Job Training and Career Counseling for at-risk youth and Child Care Services.
About Ascentria Care Alliance
Ascentria Community Services is a subsidiary Ascentria Care Alliance. As one of the largest human service organizations in New England, Ascentria Care Alliance empowers people of all backgrounds to rise together and reach beyond life’s challenges. We are creating an innovative human-centered care model to help individuals and families move forward and thrive – physically, intellectually, socially, spiritually and economically. With many locations throughout the region, Ascentria serves children, youth and families; persons with developmental disabilities and mental illness; refugees, including unaccompanied refugee minors; and older adults. Through productive collaborations and partnerships, we create measurable, positive impact that enriches our communities. Inspired by our faith-based heritage and guided by compassion, courage and integrity, we envision a world in which everyone can realize their fullest potential and share with others in need. To learn more, please visit us at ascentria.org and follow Ascentria on Facebook and Twitter: @ascentria
About Lincoln Financial Foundation
The Lincoln Financial Foundation, established in 1962, is a nonprofit organization formed and supported by Lincoln Financial Group. Under the Foundation guidelines, grants are made in the areas of arts, education, human services and economic/workforce development.
Welcoming Cities Concord, Laconia, Manchester, Nashua featured in Sillerman Center Newsletter
Read an excerpt from The Sillerman Center’s latest newsletter featuring the immigrant integration work happening in New Hampshire, and watch for the full brief being published soon!
“The Sillerman Center regularly publishes Social Justice Funder Spotlight briefs (see here) and we are excited to feature New Hampshire’s immigrant integration initiative in our next brief, to be published in early 2018. This brief will demonstrate how several individual foundations came together in collaborative grantmaking to support ethnic community organizations and events across the state, and how the collaboration has benefited New Hampshire. We hope that the great work being done by these foundations will serve as an example to other philanthropic organizations who may not necessarily self-identify as immigrant funders but who are interested in taking a greater role in creating more welcoming, inclusive, and equitable communities.”
Shared from The Sillerman Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy, Brandeis University
Migration Fuels Largest New Hampshire Population Gain in a Decade
Data Snapshot: Migration Fuels Largest New Hampshire Population Gain in a Decade
By: Kenneth M. Johnson
SUMMARY
The population of New Hampshire grew by 7,800 between July of 2016 and July of 2017 to 1,343,000 according to new Census Bureau estimates. This is the largest population gain for the state since 2005 and 60 percent greater than last year, though it remains modest compared to gains in the 1980s and 1990s. Migration accounted for nearly all of the growth. New Hampshire had a net domestic migration gain of nearly 4,700 residents in migration exchanges with other states last year, compared to just 1,800 in the previous year.
This is a striking change from earlier in the decade when more people left New Hampshire for other U.S. destinations than moved to the state. New Hampshire also received 2,200 immigrants from other nations last year. Births in New Hampshire only minimally exceeded deaths and thus contributed little to the population gain. The gain from natural change was only 900 because the 12,500 births last year were largely offset by 11,600 deaths. Births have been diminishing in New Hampshire because fertility rates are low and there are relatively few women of child-bearing age. Deaths are increasing because of higher mortality among the aging population and a substantial rise in drug-related deaths to young adults.
This article has been shared from the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire. Access the article here.
What’s the Difference Between a Welcoming City and a Sanctuary City?
A Welcoming City or County is one that joins the Welcoming America network and works across multiple sectors, such as government, business, and non-profit, to create inclusive policies and practices such as making it easier for entrepreneurs to start a business or having government documents available in multiple languages. Welcoming Cities are guided by the principles of inclusion and creating communities that prosper because everyone feels welcome, including immigrants and refugees.
There is no legal definition for a “Sanctuary city”. Nevertheless, a commonality among cities that have adopted sanctuary-type policies is a desire to resist changes in the law that would require local criminal law enforcement agencies to do the federal government’s job of enforcing immigration laws. Many do this by preventing local officials from asking people about their immigration status. Other cities refuse to use local resources to detain immigrants. The main purpose for these types of policies is to comply with constitutional requirements and to protect public safety by maintaining positive relationships between local law enforcement and immigrant communities.
Studies have shown that immigrants are less likely to report crimes, or cooperate in criminal investigations, if they fear potential deportation as the result of routine interaction with local law enforcement agents. Even if politically contentious, these are policies are legally sound and are seen by many localities as good public safety policy.
While the term is not associated with our programming, some cities in the Welcoming America network have chosen to adopt what could be considered sanctuary-type policies to guide the actions of their law enforcement personnel, others have not. We stand in support of those cities. It is truly up to the city to determine if they should do so. Though they may share similar principles, self-identified “Sanctuary cities” are not necessarily Welcoming Cities and vice versa.
Welcoming America’s ultimate goal is to build more inclusive, prosperous communities. Communities create and implement what works best and is needed to achieve this goal; we support their efforts and the policies they choose to enact.
Written and published by Welcoming America.