Hooksett Kiwanis celebrated the kick-off to their new year with their Installation of Officers while at the same time started the yearlong celebration of their 25th Year Anniversary. The event was held at the Derryfield Country Club in Manchester. At the event there were over 75 people attending, including club members, Kiwanis Members from six other clubs as well as Town and School officials.
25th Anniversary Committee Chair (Bob Willey) discussed the three major things they will be doing during this year.
15 Month Calendar
We collaborated with the Historical Society and the Library to produce this calendar which has received rave reviews and is available for sale in 6 businesses in Town. You can find out more information about the Calendar on the Hooksett Kiwanis Website https://k16021.site.kiwanis.org/25th-anniversary-calendars-for-2026/
25th Anniversary Celebration – On 10-22-25 we celebrated the official kick-off to our Anniversary Year. It was held at the Derryfield CC. Also, that night Kiwanis held the Installation of Officers for 2025-2026 Kiwanis Year.
Pavillion for Peters Brook Field – We have been working with the Town, HYAA to construct a Pavillion at Peters Brook Park to give the families attending Soccer there an opportunity to have some relief from the sun and also have a nice place to sit and enjoy food they may purchase from the Concession Stand or that they may bring on their own. We also have tentative plans to have a Barbecue when it is completed in Spring 2026.
Donation Summary for activities we will be part of during our 25th Anniversary:
Library Improvements for Children’s Room - $15,000
Conservation Commission – Access to All Program for Heads Pond $20,000
Town and HYAA – Pavillion for Peters Brook
The Town Council has accepted $30,000 as a donation for materials for the Pavillion. Additionally, Kiwanis has budgeted up to an additional $20,000 for labor costs and unanticipated costs due to potential design changes as deemed necessary. $50,000 is allotted for the schools with needs not being currently met.
Total $135,000
Club Organizer Fred Bishop spoke about the history of the club and how it was the largest start up club, in New England with over 60 members. He then introduced the Charter President Frank Kotowski who spoke about the first fund raiser which helped organize (Pidgeon Race) which raised $10,000.
Club Outgoing Amy Merrow and Tim Sullivan spoke about the many projects Kiwanis has either initiated or collaborated with other organizations in Town for betterment of the Community. Including such things as developing Heads Pond Trail, Food Pantry. Kids’ Kloset, Winter Carnival, Beautify Hooksett Day and National Night Out
The night was capped off with a message from New Hooksett Kiwanis President (Carrie Hyde) for 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
For those who couldn’t make it, we missed you. You can view our photo album of the event here: https://kiwanis1975.smugmug.com/His.../25th-Anniversary-Gala
Together, we’ll keep that spirit alive, helping children, supporting families, and strengthening our communities.
Curious about Hooksett Kiwanis or another Kiwanis club near you? We’d love to help you get connected! Send us a message, or visit our website. There’s always room for more hearts willing to serve—HooksettKiwanis.org.
