Golf Tournament Recap

It was a beautiful July day at Stonebridge Country Club in Goffstown. Some golfers enjoyed great scores, others enjoyed meeting fellow players, some savored the great food, and still others were simply glad to be out enjoying the day.

Thank you to everyone who participated and volunteered. You all helped make it a great success!

We couldn’t do it without our sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to another successful tournament. We look forward to seeing you all back on the course next year!

Interested in joining the Golf Committee? Contact Committee Chair Tom Young at [email protected].

Rafting for Wishes

Hooksett Kiwanis was one of 12 Kiwanis clubs to take part in Make-A-Wish’s Rafting for Wishes on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith this July. The day began beautifully, and although rain moved in by mid-afternoon, it didn’t dampen the Kiwanis spirit of helping children, especially the Make-A-Wish children of New Hampshire.

Hooksett Kiwanis members Judy and Matt Barrett were joined by Burt Stevens, Past Governor of the New England and Bermuda District, in spending the entire night on the raft.

“What a great time participating in the Make-A-Wish Rafting for Wishes event on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith Bay. We actually spent 24 hours on the raft!”

— Judy Barrett, Hooksett Kiwanis

There was live music, games on the raft, food delivered to everyone aboard, and an awesome fireworks show. Our Kiwanis group raised approximately $12,000.

National Night Out Recap

It was another great night helping the Hooksett Police Department with its National Night Out (NNO). We cooked and served more than 300 hamburgers and cheeseburgers and more than 200 hot dogs in support of the department. Nearly 20 Kiwanis members volunteered, and three non-Kiwanians pitched in to help as well.

One of our guest volunteers, Mark Lynch, shared these thoughts after the event:

“Tonight I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Hooksett Kiwanis Club at National Night Out, helping serve hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and drinks to so many members of our community.

It was great to see families, neighbors, first responders, and local organizations all coming together for an evening of fun and connection. Events like this are a great reminder that strong communities are built by people who are willing to show up and lend a hand.

A big thank you to everyone who organized the event, the Hooksett Police Department, fellow Kiwanis volunteers, and everyone who came out to make it such a great night. Looking forward to doing it again next year!”

— Mark Lynch, guest volunteer

15th Annual Kiwanis 5K Trail Race & Kids Fun Run

The weather was perfect on Saturday, September 19, for the 15th Annual Hooksett Kiwanis 5K Trail Race and Kids Fun Run.

Almost 90 runners took part this year, nearly 20 more than last year and the most we’ve had in five years. It’s wonderful to see so many runners return year after year; one of our regulars travels all the way from North Carolina!

We did face a small challenge this year, and it was one of our own making. The entrance to Heads Pond Trail was recently changed to provide access for all, an upgrade Hooksett Kiwanis helped fund through its $25,000 gift to the Conservation Commission. While the change makes the trail easier for everyone to use, it made the start of our race a bit more challenging. Our volunteers handled it well and made sure all of our runners stayed safe.

A big thank you to all of our volunteers, in particular the many Key Club and Builders Club members who lent a hand.

Raffle prizes included a 50/50 raffle, two canvas prints of photographs taken by Steve Andrews, and an Elite Membership to Planet Fitness.

Altogether, we raised more than $9,000 for the Hooksett Kiwanis Foundation.

Hooksett Chamber of Commerce Gala 2026

Hooksett Kiwanis was pleased to sponsor the Hooksett Chamber of Commerce Gala, held October 1, 2026, at the Puritan Backroom. More than 60 people attended. Representing Hooksett Kiwanis were Bob and Sue Willey, Matt and Judy Barrett, Carrie Hyde, Barry Cogan, Stephanie Andruss, Keara Halley (formerly Bartlett), and, of course, Stephanie Whitney, who serves as Chamber President as well as being a Kiwanis member.

The Chamber has been a great partner to Hooksett Kiwanis, and we encourage our members to support our local businesses.

Member Honors

Hooksett Citizens of the Year: Sue and Bob Willey

Bob and Sue are very honored to add their names to the list of Citizen of the Year recipients. The award was started by the Hooksett Men’s Club in 1959, and its first recipient was Fred Underhill, for whom Underhill School is named. In 2003, the Hooksett Lions Club took over the award after the Men’s Club dissolved.

Bob and Sue would like to thank the many Kiwanis members who attended the event. They were delighted to see them, along with family, friends, and business associates.