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Newsletter | June/July 2025

President’s Message

Fellow Kiwanians,

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the slower pace of summer with friends and family.

June was a vibrant month for our Club, highlighted by a successful “Meat and Greet” event, thoughtfully organized by our Membership Coordinator and President-Elect, Carrie Hyde, alongside Bob Willey. We were thrilled to welcome nine potential new members, providing a great opportunity to introduce them to the mission and impact of our Kiwanis family. We’re excited to announce that one new member has officially joined following the event! Let’s keep that momentum going—remember, every member plays a role in recruitment. The strength and longevity of our Club depend on all of us.

A huge thank you in advance to everyone who has agreed to help make our upcoming 29th Annual Golf Tournament at Stonebridge Country Club on July 18th a success. If you’re able to volunteer, please reach out—we still need a few more hands! And for those participating, hit ’em straight and have fun!

Save the date: The Hooksett Police National Night Out is coming up on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. We’d love to see strong Kiwanian representation as we engage with the community and raise awareness about our Club.

Finally, don’t forget our upcoming Charitable Gaming Week at Revo Casino in Manchester, running from July 20–29, 2025. Come out, have some fun, and support Kiwanis while doing it!

Thank you for all you do in service and spirit!

Warm regards,

Amy Merrow, President


Club Committee Opportunities

We invite members to get involved! Here are just a few of the committees you can join:

  • 5K Race: Annual race from Trailhead to Library.
  • Audit: Reviews club financial activities.
  • Budget: Develops annual budgets for club and foundation.
  • Builders Club (Cawley & Hillside): Service leadership at local middle schools.
  • Club Administration: Manages meeting logistics.
  • Community Service: Oversees and evaluates service projects.
  • Finance & Fundraising: Coordinates fundraising events and sponsor outreach.
  • Food Pantry: Operates the community pantry at Town Offices.
  • Historical: Documents club history and ongoing projects.
  • Kids’ Kloset: Provides gently used clothing for children.
  • Membership Development: Engages members and leads membership drives.
  • Newsletter/PR: Prepares and distributes our monthly newsletter.
  • Trails: Administers the Walking and Biking Trails Project.
  • Winter Carnival: Plans the annual winter event.

Contact a committee chair to get involved! Learn more here.


Annual Meeting Highlights – May 6, 2025

  • Board Elections:
    • President: Carrie Hyde
    • President-Elect: Open
    • Immediate Past President: Amy Merrow
    • Directors (Oct 2025–Sept 2027): Sue Kunkel, Donna Pelletier, Tom Young
    • Keara Bartlett appointed to fill a vacant director seat (term ends Sept 2026)
  • By-Law Updates:
    • Dues Increase (Effective October 2025):
      • Annual dues: $145
      • New member enrollment fee: $25
      • Family member dues (post 10/1/2016): $115
      • Grandfathered family member dues (pre 9/30/2016): $80
    • Proposed corporate dues category ($250) was not approved.

Celebrating Tomorrow’s Leaders Today – Service Leadership

We honored over 50 students, families, and advisors at our year-end Service Leadership Programs (SLP) celebration at the Oscar Barn. From our energetic K-Kids to compassionate Key Clubbers, these young leaders exemplify service and heart. Congratulations to our newly installed Board Members, and thank you to all who make these programs shine!

A group of people standing in front of a table with a flag

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 To view more photos of the event, visit this link.


Kiwanis Safety Day – May 31, 2025

Despite rainy weather, we distributed 18 helmets, conducted car seat inspections, and provided bike safety tips. Special thanks to our partners: Hooksett Police, Handz Bicycle Shop, Treat Trolley, Boy Scouts, Extra Care Auto Repair, Above and Beyond Childcare, and our dedicated Kiwanis team.

A group of women under a tent

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A child riding a bike

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“Meat” & Greet Open House – June 10, 2025

The Hooksett Kiwanis held a special event at the Oscar Barn in Hooksett, inviting local residents to a “Meat” and Greet Event. This was an opportunity for 10 prospective members to meet Kiwanis members, learn about their community service projects, and meet a high school senior scholarship winner, Mikaela Torrey. During the meeting (2) $100 Gift Cards to Tuckaway Tavern were awarded, and one lucky winner walked away with 2 Red Sox tickets.

Guests were able to:

  • Meet and interact with several Kiwanis members
  • Hear about the various community service projects Kiwanis supports in Hooksett
  • Meet Mikela Torrey, a high school senior and Kiwanis scholarship winner. Mikaela will be attending SNHU this Fall. Congrats to her as well as to Brady Merrow who won the second $1500 scholarship. Brady will be attending the Marist University.
Untitled photo
Mikela Torrey with Sue Kunkel

Welcome to Pamela Gaudet for being our newest member of the Club. She found out about our Club from the Kiosk at the Heads Pond Trail. She attended the “Meat” and Greet on 6-10-25 and with Sue Willey as her sponsor. She will be helping us with the National Night Out. If you see her at the NNO event, please give her a warm welcome, and congratulate Sue for being her sponsor. If you would like more information about membership, please contact our Membership Chair Carrie Hyde at [email protected]


Upcoming Events

  • July & August: No regular club meetings scheduled.
  • July 18, 2025: 29th Annual Golf Tournament
    • “Tee it Up” to support Hooksett community service.
    • Visit this page for more info
  • National Night out: August 5th, starting at 5:30pm.
  • Hooksett Old Home Day: September 20th.

Heads Pond Trail Collaboration

The Hooksett Kiwanis is teaming up with the Hooksett Conservation Commission to enhance the Heads Pond Trail. This joint effort aims to make the trail more enjoyable for visitors. A sneak peek at the project’s progress can be seen in the picture below, featuring a beautifully crafted bench, a collaborative effort between Bob Barker and Al Stein, both members of the Conservation Commission and Kiwanis.

A wooden bench on a wood floor

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Member Milestones

Birthdays

June:

  • Doris Scarpetti (6/4)
  • Amy Merrow (6/18)
  • Mark Glisson (6/22)

July:

  • Claudette Laroche (7/2)
  • Sean Braunstein (7/14)
  • Rick Ross (7/17)
  • Donna Pelletier (7/22)
  • Debbie Charest (7/24)
  • Tim Howe (7/31)

Anniversaries

June:

  • Sandee Guide (3 years)
  • Matt Hanson (3 years)
  • Shannon Ketcham (4 years)
  • Caryl Pawlusiak (5 years)
  • Val Vanasse (5 years)
  • Barry Cogan (11 years)
  • Todd Lizotte (11 years)
  • Sue Willey (15 years)

July:

  • Mark Glisson (8 years)
  • Fred Bishop (50 years – Golden Anniversary!)

Congratulations to all, and a special shout-out to Sue Willey and Fred Bishop for their milestone years!


District & Division News

  • Key Club International 100th Anniversary:
    • July 2–6, 2025 at Disney World. Celebrate a century of youth leadership and service!
  • District Convention (DCON):
    • August 14–17, 2025, Sheraton at Bradley Airport, Windsor Locks, CT.
    • Proposed dues increase: $25 to $30 per member (effective October 2025).
    • Governor-Elect candidates: Leleath Bailey (Hamilton, Bermuda) and Karl Uzcategui (eKiwanis Club of New England & Bermuda).
  • Governor Kristin’s Visit:
    • Recently visited Bermuda and will join Division #4 for a Fisher Cats Game on August 10, 2025.
  • Member Recognition:
    • Congratulations to Sue Willey, recognized by Division 4 Lt. Governor Laura Nesmith for outstanding service!

Club Apparel

Show your Kiwanis pride! Order T-shirts, hoodies, vests, and more through our Beeze Tees website. Choose your colors, logo placement, and delivery options. You can also choose to have the items shipped to you or to pick up at the store-front location located at 36 Hanover St, Manchester, NH 03101. Questions? Contact Sandra Guide or Shannon Ketcham.


Stay Connected

Thank you for your continued commitment to service and community. Here’s to a fantastic summer ahead!

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