Volunteer Picnic 2003
Thank you for Helping to Make Dreams Come True!
The Board of Directors of Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity had a volunteer recognition picnic on Saturday, June 7. The event to recognize the contributions of our many volunteers was held at Fields Grove Park, just three blocks from our latest house on Fowell Avenue. Dori Duschene, our newest Habitat homeowner, gave tours of the completed house to volunteers and their guests.
As volunteers arrived, they were given a certificate of appreciation, a Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity lapel pin, and a shirt or cap of their choice. Everyone had a chance to meet and socialize while partaking in a buffet lunch, as well as the house tours.
After lunch, Jerry Harrow, Vice President of the Board of Directors, led a recognition ceremony. Jerry recapped our accomplishments over the last few years and stressed how important the contribution of volunteers has been in these endeavors. He thanked everyone for the difference they have made.
Klaas Nijhuis, Deputy Manager Urban Programs for the City of Nashua, was the guest speaker for the event. He noted the importance of the community in our lives and how we make the choice to participate in and contribute to the community. Our contribution benefits ourselves, as well as those we help directly. He thanked the volunteers of our organization and the other organizations that we partner with for their dedication, commitment, and making a difference. It is particularly important in these economic times where need is increasing and available support is decreasing.
Patrick Verhoff, a board member for ten years, was presented a caricature for his many contributions. Patrick nurtured the organization from its early days through becoming an affiliate in 1994 and then its formative years. Patrick dedicated much of his non-work life to Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity, and he served as an officer and headed many committees during his tenure. He seemed to take on everything that no one else was handling. His current break in service has left many gaps to be filled.
Lisette van Leuven, a volunteer from R.S.V.P. (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), was recognized as one of the persons that has helped fill some of the gaps left when Patrick decided to take a break. Lisette joined us in February to help maintain our office, where she is present two mornings per week. She sees that we now know about phone calls and mail on a more timely basis, and she is working diligently to organize our office. She also took on preparing the last newsletter for mailing, and she handled the food preparation at the Home Sweat Fair in March, where we had significantly higher quality of food than is typical at these events.
Special recognition was given to volunteers who have donated more than 200 hours of time – equivalent to five work weeks – over the past year and a half. Jan Schmidt was the first to be recognized for her many efforts to bring our website up to the current state of the art. As a result, the site has received much praise.
Next, a group called the “regulars” were recognized for their ongoing participation in our building projects – both the house and many smaller projects. This group includes many who do the building and others who support them with scheduling activities and arranging meals. This group is active nearly every Saturday of the year; their efforts are unrelenting. The “regulars” include the following: Ray Doucette, Eric Moore, Mike Tereshko, Gowri Sankar, George Martin, Carol Malson, Kenneth McLaughlin, Jerry Gutekunst, Dick Gilman, Roger Hall, Mike & Helen Moorehead, Walt Lisien, David Blood-Deschamps, Brenda Baron, Mardy Marshall, Stu Chapman, and Brian Boyer. The photo at right pictures most of this group, as well as a few others.
Bill Patterson, a member of the Board, acknowledged the efforts of all of the members of the Board of Directors, who are also volunteers. This group takes responsibilities that allow the organization to exist and keep it vibrant. Many of the directors put in far more than 200 hours per year out of their dedication to the efforts of Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity.
The ceremonies ended with a cake that said “Thank you for making dreams come true.” Dori (our new homeowner) cut the first piece of cake. Elizabeth Mena, one of our original homeowners, cut a piece of cake for Dori and congratulated her on becoming a Habitat homeowner.
Learn more about becoming a volunteer.
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