Exploring Easterseals Bernadine Herron Center

Image via militaryveteranscampusnh.org

Panelists:

Ana McKenna, chief military & veterans service officer, Easterseals NH & VT

Sheryl Proulx, retreat center general manager, Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus, MilitaryVeteransCampusNH.org.

McKenna and Proulx illustrate why Easterseals NH’s new Bernadine Herron Center is unlike many other seasonal venues in the region. The two also describe how wellness and recreation can promote meaningful connections during an outing there, and say renting space at the campus can support its long-term sustainability.

Q: What makes the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus a distinctive destination for meetings and events?

Sheryl: Located in Franklin near New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, the Bernadine Herron Center, on the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus, offers a unique combination of natural beauty, historic character, and modern amenities. Unlike many seasonal venues in the region, our retreat center is open year-round, making it an ideal destination for everything from winter retreats and holiday parties to summer gatherings.

Our historic setting offers a peaceful escape from the traditional office environment, while providing the meeting spaces, overnight accommodations, and recreational opportunities organizations need to bring people together. And every event hosted here contributes to a mission that extends well beyond the meeting room.

Q: What types of events can organizations host here?

Sheryl: We welcome everything from small leadership meetings and corporate retreats to conferences, staff trainings, holiday celebrations, and multi-day gatherings.

The Bernadine Herron Center features approximately 1,500 square feet of conference space holding up to 75 people, additional meeting rooms, a lounge, café, and 22 guest rooms. Groups can host a presentation, break into smaller discussions, enjoy a meal together, and stay overnight without leaving the property.

We can accommodate a variety of event formats, whether an organization needs a few hours for a planning session or wants to create a multi-day experience.

Q: What should planners consider when coordinating an event at the Campus?

Sheryl: One of the biggest advantages of hosting an event here is the ability to customize the experience. We encourage planners to think beyond the meeting itself and consider how they can take advantage of the entire property.

For example, a company could begin with a morning strategy session, enjoy lunch in our café, and spend the afternoon building teamwork on our outdoor Werner Mazda Challenge Course. Groups planning overnight retreats can incorporate outdoor recreation, including access to the nearby rail trail for seasonal activities.

Our team helps coordinate meeting room configurations, audiovisual needs, lodging, and meals. We offer breakfast and lunch in-house and can help coordinate catering for dinner. Each group works with an event coordinator who helps bring the details together, making planning easier from start to finish.

Q: Who benefits from the campus, and why was it created?

Ana: What makes our rental opportunities particularly meaningful is that they directly support the long-term sustainability of the campus. When a business, nonprofit, or community organization chooses to host an event here, they’re helping us continue to provide programs and services for those who have served. The campus was created to provide military members, veterans, first responders, and their families with a place to access resources, build connections, and find community.

It’s an opportunity for organizations to accomplish their own goals while supporting a larger mission.

Q: How do wellness and recreation contribute to the experience?

Ana: We believe some of the most meaningful connections happen outside a traditional meeting room. Our campus offers opportunities for groups to step outdoors, challenge themselves, and strengthen relationships in a different environment.

Recently, we welcomed local business leaders to experience our outdoor Werner Mazda Challenge Course. It was a great opportunity for participants to work together, practice communication, and experience firsthand how shared challenges can strengthen a team.

With direct access to the rail trail and opportunities for seasonal outdoor recreation, organizations can incorporate activities that encourage connection and wellness. As we continue to expand the campus, these experiences will become an even greater part of what we offer.

Explore rental opportunities at MilitaryVeteransCampusNH.org.