As we turn the corner into fall, our club is energized by the spirit of service and the season of giving. September and October promise to be full of meaningful community engagement, celebration, and exciting transitions for our club.
I want to begin by recognizing two of our outstanding members who were honored at the District Convention in August. Congratulations to Judy Barrett, named Outstanding District Secretary, and to Bob Willey, who was recognized as a Distinguished Chair. Their dedication, leadership, and love for service truly reflect the heart of Kiwanis. We are so proud of you both!
In August, we also made a major impact in our community with a $15,000 donation to the Children’s Room at the Hooksett Library. This project will provide a welcoming, enriching space for young readers and families in our town—thank you to all who helped make this possible.
Our busy fall calendar continues with several opportunities to connect and serve:
On Monday, September 15, we’ll be serving a Hooksett Community Meal at the Hooksett Congregational Church. A big thank you to all the volunteers who signed up to help—we couldn’t do this without your generosity.
The next day, Tuesday, September 16, we’ll gather for our monthly dinner meeting at Oscar Barn. I encourage everyone to attend—these meetings are a great way to catch up, share ideas, and build camaraderie.
Our annual 5K Race is coming up on Saturday, September 20. Whether you’re running, walking, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation helps us raise funds for vital community programs.
Looking ahead, October brings a very special milestone: the 25th Anniversary of our Kiwanis Club! This celebration is for all of us—members, partners, and the community we love.
Here’s what to look forward to:
25th Anniversary Calendar – Sales will begin mid-September. A heartfelt thanks to Mark Glisson for his incredible work pulling this together.
Celebration Night & Officer Installation – Save the date for October 22, 2025, at Derryfield Country Club. We’ll be honoring our club’s legacy and installing our new officers during this special event. We’re excited to welcome town dignitaries and key Kiwanis leaders from across the District.
Legacy Project at Petersbrook Park – We’re collaborating with the Town of Hooksett to enhance Petersbrook Park with a new pavilion, a lasting gift to the community that reflects our club’s commitment to service and improvement.
As we prepare to welcome our new Board of Officers, I want to express how confident I am in the future of this club. Carrie Hyde, your incoming President, brings energy, vision, and a deep dedication to our community. She’s going to do amazing things, and I look forward to supporting her leadership in every way I can.
Thank you all for a wonderful year so far—let’s continue building momentum as we serve our community, celebrate our legacy, and welcome a new chapter for the Kiwanis Club of Hooksett.In service and gratitude,
Amy Merrow President, Kiwanis Club of Hooksett
National Night Out:
Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, brought a beautiful night, not just in terms of weather, but also for the Hooksett community as the Hooksett Police celebrated National Night Out! Following tradition, the Hooksett Kiwanis played a vital role in the festivities, marking their fifth year of involvement. They generously provided a delicious spread of food and drinks, including grilling all the burgers and hot dogs for everyone. Nearly 20 dedicated volunteers from the Hooksett Kiwanis worked tirelessly to make the evening a special one for the entire community.
September 15: Serve at Hooksett Community Meal, Hooksett Congregational Church.
September 16: Dinner meeting at Oscar Barn. Speaker: Joe Mabe, Hyperbaric Fitness.
October 8, November 5, December 17: K Kids, Builders, and Key Club student group presentations at Hooksett Memorial School.
October 22: 25th Anniversary Dinner & Officer Installation at Derryfield Country Club.
November 12: Social Gathering at The Vault, Tap House.
December 10: Christmas Function & Auction at Derryfield Restaurant.Aug-Sept-2025.docx.pdf
Annual Fundraisers
September 20: 13th Annual Trail Race & Kids Fun Run. Volunteers needed for race day. If interested, please contact Sue Willey [email protected].
Hooksett Old Home Day: We’re excited for this year’s Old Home Day, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet! For the very first time, we’ll be hosting Author’s Alley, where you can meet and chat with local writers. Our Heritage Trolley Tour will return, offering a wonderful ride through Hooksett’s history and stories. Plus, families can enjoy free amusement and entertainment throughout the day. Thanks to the gracious support of Hooksett Kiwanis and our many community partners, this year’s event is sure to be loads of fun for all ages. Stay tuned for updates at hooksettoldhomeday.org/2025-schedule
Mid-September Launch: 25th Anniversary Calendar sales. Buy for $25 and enter for a chance to win $250 or $500! Available for sale at Osborne’s Farm and Garden, Merrimack County Savings Bank, New England Tap House, Barrett Insurance, and the Hooksett Library.
25th Anniversary Highlights
Celebrate our club’s quarter century of community impact with a (1) special anniversary calendar, (2) celebration dinner event, and (3) legacy park project!
25th Anniversary Celebration: October 22, Derryfield Country Club. Installation of new officers. Stay tuned for the official invite!
Legacy Project: New pavilion donation at Petersbrook Park, to be completed by Spring 2026.
25th Anniversary Calendar: A blend of town history and present-day highlights. Sales benefit club projects.
(1) A 15 Month Calendar (Oct 2025 – December 2026): The calendar will feature a “Then & Now” theme with photos, highlighting historical landmarks in Hooksett and special Kiwanis initiatives. These Anniversary Calendars will be for sale for $25/each. They can be purchased online here or at the following locations:
Osborne’s Farm and Garden
Merrimack County Savings Bank
New England TapHouse
Barrett Insurance
Hooksett Library
Buy a calendar to become eligible for a chance to win $250 or $500!
(2) Hooksett Kiwanis Celebration of 25 Year Anniversary: This will coincide with our 2025-2026 Installation of Officers. We will also be recognizing several of our members who have been members for 25 years or more. We expect to have several local dignitaries attending, as well as several New England and Bermuda District Members. Please watch your email as the official invite should be out by 9-15-25.
(3) Hooksett Kiwanis is collaborating with the Town of Hooksett for a Pavillion: We our donating to the Town a Pavillion at Petersbrook Park, to commemorate our 25th Anniversary. Construction will begin this Fall with a projected completion date sometime in April-May 2026. Stay tuned for more details.
Community Impact
Supporting Literacy & Families
$15,000 donation to the Children’s Room at the Hooksett Library.
Ongoing book donations and “Super Readers” book nooks at preschools and gyms.
Back-to-school supply drives and clothing through the Kids’ Kloset.
Participation in National Night Out, Old Home Day, and Summer YMCA children’s programs.
Your Community Service Committee has been busy promoting children’s literacy throughout our community!
In late spring and early summer, we donated funds to support the three Hooksett School Libraries. We also joined in National Night Out and partnered with the Summer YMCA Program, where hundreds of books were distributed to local children.
It’s rewarding to witness the kids’ gratitude and excitement firsthand—especially when we hear the words: “Is this my book to keep?” Those smiles remind us that Hooksett Kiwanis truly makes a difference in kids’ lives.
Our literacy efforts continued with the delivery and set-up of Kiwanis “Kids Are Super Readers” book nooks at Tic Tac Tots, Places You’ll Grow, and—coming soon—the children’s room at the Zoo Gym complex. We also donated books and school supplies to the Kids’ Kloset.
Want to get more involved? We always welcome extra hands to help with book distributions, literacy events, and setting up new reading nooks. If you have ideas, time, or gently used children’s books to contribute, please connect with the Community Service Committee. Together, we can continue to put books—and big smiles—into the hands of local kids and serve our Hooksett community.
Special Projects & Partnerships
Collaboration with the Hooksett Conservation Commission for Heads Pond Trail improvements.
Organizing Heritage Trolley Tour and Author’s Alley for Old Home Day.
Annual Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Food Pantry operations, Safety Day, Winter Carnival, and more.
Committee Opportunities
Help lead our club! Many committee chair positions are open for the next year starting in October. Key areas include:
Community Service
Fundraising and Audit
Special Events (5K, Winter Carnival, Golf Tournament)
Contact President-Elect Carrie Hyde: [email protected] if interested in chairing or joining a committee.
Member Spotlights
August–September Birthdays
August Birthdays: Steve Labbe (8/1), Doris Labbe (8/3), Stephanie Andruss (8/3), Scott Evans (8/10), Chris Merrow (8/11), Judy Barrett (8/12), Linda Bonney, Carrie Hyde (8/26)
September Birthdays: Anne Fichera (9/1), Oliver Mack (9/9), Erica Searles (9/13), Ray Banks (9/14), Georgette Peltak (9/17), Sandie Baines (9/22), Rebecca Murtagh (9/22), Dave Scarpetti (9/29)
Anniversaries
Matt Barrett – 32 years
Georgette Peltak – 34 years
Charter Members Joan MacDonald, Todd Rainer & Tom Young – 25 years
Congratulations to all on these incredible milestones!
Club Updates
Dues for 2025–2026: Due by September 30. Pay online, by mail, or at the September meeting. Dues help cover administrative expenses.
District Dues Increase: Effective October 1, 2025, district dues will rise to $30.
Apparel Shop: Show your Kiwanis pride with shirts, hoodies, vests, and more. Order via the club’s Beeze Tees website.
New Members: Invite prospective members to the September meeting or 5K. Join us in making a difference!Aug-Sept-2025.docx.pdf
Message from the District Governor
District Governor Kristin celebrates a year of growth, gratitude, and renewed connection across the New England & Bermuda District. Effective October 1, district dues rise to $30. Clubs may absorb or adjust as needed. Thank you for your commitment to service, growth, and community impact!
Kiwanis Apparel Collection: Visit BeezeTees online or in Manchester.
For questions or to get involved, connect with a committee chair or President-Elect Carrie Hyde. Thank you for making Hooksett a better place for children and families!
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Last Updated: September 14, 2025 by mglisson
Newsletter | August/September 2025
President’s Message
As we turn the corner into fall, our club is energized by the spirit of service and the season of giving. September and October promise to be full of meaningful community engagement, celebration, and exciting transitions for our club.
I want to begin by recognizing two of our outstanding members who were honored at the District Convention in August. Congratulations to Judy Barrett, named Outstanding District Secretary, and to Bob Willey, who was recognized as a Distinguished Chair. Their dedication, leadership, and love for service truly reflect the heart of Kiwanis. We are so proud of you both!
In August, we also made a major impact in our community with a $15,000 donation to the Children’s Room at the Hooksett Library. This project will provide a welcoming, enriching space for young readers and families in our town—thank you to all who helped make this possible.
Our busy fall calendar continues with several opportunities to connect and serve:
Looking ahead, October brings a very special milestone: the 25th Anniversary of our Kiwanis Club! This celebration is for all of us—members, partners, and the community we love.
Here’s what to look forward to:
As we prepare to welcome our new Board of Officers, I want to express how confident I am in the future of this club. Carrie Hyde, your incoming President, brings energy, vision, and a deep dedication to our community. She’s going to do amazing things, and I look forward to supporting her leadership in every way I can.
Thank you all for a wonderful year so far—let’s continue building momentum as we serve our community, celebrate our legacy, and welcome a new chapter for the Kiwanis Club of Hooksett.In service and gratitude,
Amy Merrow
President, Kiwanis Club of Hooksett
National Night Out:
Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, brought a beautiful night, not just in terms of weather, but also for the Hooksett community as the Hooksett Police celebrated National Night Out! Following tradition, the Hooksett Kiwanis played a vital role in the festivities, marking their fifth year of involvement. They generously provided a delicious spread of food and drinks, including grilling all the burgers and hot dogs for everyone. Nearly 20 dedicated volunteers from the Hooksett Kiwanis worked tirelessly to make the evening a special one for the entire community.
To review more pictures of this event or any of our Kiwanis Events, visit: https://kiwanis1975.smugmug.com
Looking Ahead…
Community Meals & Socials
Annual Fundraisers
25th Anniversary Highlights
(1) A 15 Month Calendar (Oct 2025 – December 2026): The calendar will feature a “Then & Now” theme with photos, highlighting historical landmarks in Hooksett and special Kiwanis initiatives. These Anniversary Calendars will be for sale for $25/each. They can be purchased online here or at the following locations:
Buy a calendar to become eligible for a chance to win $250 or $500!
(2) Hooksett Kiwanis Celebration of 25 Year Anniversary: This will coincide with our 2025-2026 Installation of Officers. We will also be recognizing several of our members who have been members for 25 years or more. We expect to have several local dignitaries attending, as well as several New England and Bermuda District Members. Please watch your email as the official invite should be out by 9-15-25.
(3) Hooksett Kiwanis is collaborating with the Town of Hooksett for a Pavillion: We our donating to the Town a Pavillion at Petersbrook Park, to commemorate our 25th Anniversary. Construction will begin this Fall with a projected completion date sometime in April-May 2026. Stay tuned for more details.
Community Impact
Supporting Literacy & Families
In late spring and early summer, we donated funds to support the three Hooksett School Libraries. We also joined in National Night Out and partnered with the Summer YMCA Program, where hundreds of books were distributed to local children.
It’s rewarding to witness the kids’ gratitude and excitement firsthand—especially when we hear the words: “Is this my book to keep?” Those smiles remind us that Hooksett Kiwanis truly makes a difference in kids’ lives.
Our literacy efforts continued with the delivery and set-up of Kiwanis “Kids Are Super Readers” book nooks at Tic Tac Tots, Places You’ll Grow, and—coming soon—the children’s room at the Zoo Gym complex. We also donated books and school supplies to the Kids’ Kloset.
Want to get more involved? We always welcome extra hands to help with book distributions, literacy events, and setting up new reading nooks. If you have ideas, time, or gently used children’s books to contribute, please connect with the Community Service Committee. Together, we can continue to put books—and big smiles—into the hands of local kids and serve our Hooksett community.
Special Projects & Partnerships
Committee Opportunities
Help lead our club! Many committee chair positions are open for the next year starting in October. Key areas include:
Contact President-Elect Carrie Hyde: [email protected] if interested in chairing or joining a committee.
Member Spotlights
August–September Birthdays
Anniversaries
Club Updates
Message from the District Governor
District Governor Kristin celebrates a year of growth, gratitude, and renewed connection across the New England & Bermuda District. Effective October 1, district dues rise to $30. Clubs may absorb or adjust as needed. Thank you for your commitment to service, growth, and community impact!
Stay Connected
For questions or to get involved, connect with a committee chair or President-Elect Carrie Hyde. Thank you for making Hooksett a better place for children and families!
Category: Newsletters Tags: 2025, 25th Anniversary Celebration, calendar, Community Service Hooksett, Hooksett Club Leadership, Hooksett Community Meal, Hooksett Events Aug-Sep 2025, Hooksett Fundraisers, Hooksett Library Donation, Literacy Programs, Membership Opportunities, National NIght Out, Petersbrook Park Project, Trail Race, Youth & Students Kiwanis
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