For more than 20 years, Griffin Manning, MSN, APRN, has been providing care to the communities we serve at New London Hospital (NLH). Now clinical director of NLH Express Care, Griffin continues to care for patients of all ages who require more urgent attention. His passion and smile are a fixture at NLH, but many may not know that his expertise extends beyond—into the cold and darker days of winter.
Since 2011, Griffin has devoted his time to building and maintaining the community ice rink at Bagley Field in the town of Warner, NH. His commitment to this icy haven has become more than just a responsibility; it has transformed into a dedicated passion.
Through the years, Griffin has added essential elements to the rink: a sturdy shed, a welcoming warming hut, and the glow of lights that turn the frozen expanse into a magical winter wonderland. Truly, he has become an aficionado in understanding the nuances of ice conditions, intricately tied to the various winter weather patterns.
“These past couple winters have been quite challenging with the extreme fluctuations in temperatures and various precipitation, but I’m always preparing for the next cold snap around the corner,” he shares.
Despite having unwavering labor support from his family, particularly his wife, Stacey, Griffin finds solace and joy in the solitary moments spent caring for the rink.
Since the rink’s inception, Griffin witnessed remarkable growth and overwhelming support from the community as well.
“It truly is a labor of love, especially when I see the families out there or the regular Friday night pick-up hockey game in action,” he says.
Griffin might just be considered the guardian of both health and ice—beating to the rhythm of blades on ice and bringing the community closer with every frozen step.