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Newsletter | April 2025

A Message from President Amy Merrow

Hello Fellow Kiwanians,

We all know that as Kiwanians, we come together in the work that we do to improve the world—one child and one community at a time. But being a Kiwanian is about more than attending monthly business meetings. It’s about building stronger communities by giving our time and energy, and by creating lasting relationships as we work side-by-side to fulfill our mission.

I’m deeply grateful for those relationships, and I want to take this opportunity to thank our Hooksett Kiwanis family for the kindness and support you’ve offered me and my family over the past month. I had to step away from my presidential responsibilities in March to undergo surgery for a health issue. During that time, it was my fellow Kiwanians who checked in with texts and emails, showed up with meals, and sent chocolates and flowers. Chris, Noah, Brady, and I are truly thankful for each and every one of you.

Kiwanis is a family—and we’re so blessed to be part of it. I’m doing well with my recovery and slowly catching up on everything I missed, just in time for all that April has in store!

With gratitude,
Amy Merrow


Get Involved: Volunteer for a Committee!

Hooksett Kiwanis relies on its members’ dedication. Please consider volunteering for one of our many committees, such as:

  • 5K Race
  • Community Service
  • Food Pantry
  • Hooksett Kiwanis Kids’ Kloset
  • Membership Development
  • Public Relations
  • And many more!

Learn more about these committees here. Your time and skills are invaluable to our mission!


Upcoming Events & Meetings

Mark your calendars for these upcoming Kiwanis events:

  • Pancake Breakfast: 
    • Saturday, April 26th, 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM at Hooksett Congregational Church (5 Veterans Drive). All you can eat! $7/person, $25/family of 4+. Kick off Beautify Hooksett Day with us! Contact Sue Willey for more info: [email protected].
  • Beautify Hooksett Day: 
    • Saturday, April 26th, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Join service organizations and neighbors to clean up Hooksett! Activities include roadside trash pick-up and planting flowers. Sign up as a team or individually – follow this link to learn more and to sign up. Contact Bob Willey at [email protected] to help with planning.
  • Hooksett Kiwanis Annual Meeting & Board Elections: 
    • Tuesday, May 6th, 6:30 PM at Oscar Barn.
  • Scholarship Application Deadline: 
    • Monday, May 5th, 2025.
  • SLP Year End Ceremony: 
    • Wednesday, May 21st. Venue and details are being finalized.
  • Meet and Greet Open House: 
    • Tuesday, June 10th. An event for prospective members. Contact Carrie Hyde at [email protected] for more info.
  • Key Club International Convention (100th Anniversary): 
    • July 2nd – 6th at Disney World.
  • 29th Annual Open Golf Tournament: 
    • Friday, July 18th at Stonebridge Country Club, Goffstown, NH. Registration $150/player. Sponsorship opportunities available. Contact Phil Denbow at 603-624-6175 or at [email protected] for questions. Learn more here.
  • Hooksett Old Home Day: 
    • Saturday, September 20th at Donati Park. Parade at 10:00 AM, Fair from 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM.

Membership Corner

  • Meet & Greet Open House (June 10th): 
    • We’re hosting an Open House for prospective members! Current members, please send names and contact details of potential new members to Membership Chair Carrie Hyde [email protected] by April 30th. Invites go out the week of May 5th. Full membership info can be found here.
  • Potential Dues Increase: 
    • Due to increased costs from Kiwanis International, the Board is proposing changes to the dues structure for the next fiscal year (starting Oct 1, 2025). This may include increasing corporate dues to $250 (with added benefits like website recognition and a chance to speak at a meeting) and potentially increasing individual memberships by $20. This requires a 2/3 member vote, anticipated at the Annual Meeting on May 6th. Fundraising efforts like the Christmas auction and the upcoming pancake breakfast help support the club account. Other ideas like cash or anniversary calendars are being discussed. Please reach out to any board member with questions. Learn more here.

Hooksett Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship 2025

The Foundation is offering two $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors who exemplify leadership and community service. Applicants must be planning to attend higher education (including trade schools)  and meet at least one criterion:

  • Current/active member of a Hooksett Kiwanis-supported Key Club.
  • Currently live in Hooksett.
  • Parent is a current/active Hooksett Kiwanis member.

Deadline: Submit the completed application and two letters of recommendation by May 5, 2025, via email (as one PDF) to Terry Crotty [email protected] or mail to the Scholarship Committee. Learn more here.


Key Club Celebrates 100 Years!

Congratulations to Key Club International on its 100th Anniversary!  We proudly celebrated with our sponsored clubs from Trinity High School and Central High School. The centennial celebration continues at the Key Club International Convention in Disney World, July 2-6, 2025. More details: Key Club Convention.

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Member Milestones

Happy April Birthday to:

Jo Carol Woodburn (4/1), Fred Bishop (4/2), Sue Willey (4/6), Tim Sweeney (4/17), Sid Baines (4/23), Caryl Pawlusiak (4/24), Kevin Lane (4/25), Barry Cogan (4/26).

Happy March Kiwanis Anniversary to:

Rachel Sweeney (5 yrs), Scott Evans (8 yrs), Randy Evans (8 yrs), Stephanie Andrews (8 yrs), Rick Ross (11 yrs), Kevin Lane (14 yrs), Dave Scarpetti (17 yrs), Doris Scarpetti (17 yrs), Sid Baines (33 yrs), Tim Sweeney (35 yrs).

Special congratulations to Sid Baines and Tim Sweeney for over 30 years of Kiwanis service! 


District & International News

  • Governor-Elect Nominee: 
    • Leleath Bailey from the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Bermuda, has been nominated for Governor-Elect of the New England and Bermuda District.
  • Mid-Year Conference Success: 
    • The NEBD Mid-Winter Conference in Portland, ME (March 21-23) was a great success, featuring a visit from International President Lee Kuan Yong.
  • New Club Opening: 
    • A new Kiwanis club build is underway in the Mid-Coast Maine area (Bath, Brunswick, Topsham). The first meeting signed up 7 members, with hopes to reach the required 15 soon. Contact Bob Willey at [email protected] to assist.
  • Lt. Governor’s Newsletter: 
    • Read Lt. Governor Laura’s full April Division 4 Newsletter below…

Show Your Kiwanis Pride!

Beeze TeesHooksett Kiwanis apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, vests, etc.) is available for purchase online! Choose your item, color, and logo placement (front only or front & back). Ship to home or pick up locally in Manchester.


Want to add something to the newsletter? Contact Bob Willey: [email protected]

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