Hooksett is a community consisting of more than 600 businesses, 100 municipal employees, 125 educators and numerous volunteers. All help to make our town a better place in which to live and work. Many work tirelessly throughout the year with little or no recognition. To recognize these organizations and people, and to raise funds for the community work of Kiwanis, the Hooksett Kiwanis Foundation ponsored a major recognition event.
Community Leaders Recognition Event
Over 120 people attended the first annual Community Leaders Recognition event at Southern NH University on April 10. This event was organized and sponsored by Hooksett Kiwanis to make the Hooksett Community aware of those leaders who make our community a better place in which to live, work, and do business. WZID Radio Personality Mike Morin served as emcee for the event. The following awards were presented:
President Frank Kotowski presented the Youth Volunteer of the Year Award to John Paul “JP” Brennan for his Eagle Scout project work in planning, organizing, and completing the move of the Hooksett Community Food Pantry to the Hooksett Town offices.
Board member Lorrie Baines presented the Hooksett Educator of the Year Award to Hooksett educator and band director Andrew Lalos. He was recognized for his exceptional commitment as both a music teacher and band director. Lalos’ enthusiasm in carrying out his responsibilities has earned the respect of his students, peers, parents and the educational community. He has made a significant difference in the lives of his students.
Board member Todd Rainier presented the Hooksett Municipal Employee of the Year award to Fire Chief Mike Williams. Rainier cited the work by Williams during the ice storm of 2009. He also shared the work that Williams has done in organizing the many records within the fire department, as well as, his commitment to the Department’s employees. Williams was also recognized for his coaching youth sports.
Board member Denise Petrin presented the Hooksett Small Business of the Year Award to Tom Osborne of Osborne’s Agway. Petrin summarized a brief history of this family business and its generosity to the Hooksett Community. In accepting the award, Tom Osborne talked about the family business and farm in Loudon and how much he enjoys meeting and talking with the store’s customers. He also surprised those in attendance when he revealed that he had a past connection with Kiwanis in Concord. Many years ago Concord Kiwanis awarded him his own calf to raise.
Board member James Walter presented the Hooksett Large Business of the Year award to Southern NH University. Walter provided a brief history of SNHU from its early days above the Palace Fruit store in Manchester to its ever expanding presence in Hooksett and elsewhere. The University now employs over 600 at its Hooksett location. Walter also shared that over 300 SNHU volunteers worked over 10,000 hours in 2009 helping over 30 nonprofits, including several in Hooksett.
Kiwanis Secretary Fred Bishop presented the Hooksett Business Leader of the Year award to William Sirak from Citizens Bank. Bishop complimented Sirak for his outstanding leadership in chairing the new Hooksett Economic Development Committee. Bill Sirak has brought resources from many organizations to the table in Hooksett which have added much value to the Community’s effort to expand its commercial and industrial tax and employment base. He was also cited for his unique ability to motivate others.
Each of the award winners received an engraved glass pedestal award, as well as citations from the New Hampshire House and Senate
In closing the event, President Frank Kotowski thanked all for their help in making this inaugural event a huge success. He especially thanked the recipients for their commitment to their professions and especially to the Town of Hooksett. As the Recognition event closed there was an upbeat buzz in the crowd, with several remarking to each other that this was the classiest, most meaningful and well-done event that they had ever attended in Hooksett.
