Kiwanis Manchester Centennial Program — 2021

Commemorative Centennial Program
Photo credit: © Tom Kallechey
Dedicated to Improving the World One Child and One Community at a Time
Manchester Millyard Museum • September 24, 2021
Improving the lives of children in Manchester and the world since 1921.
kiwanismanchesternh.org
Published Monthly by the Kiwanis Club of Manchester, NH • PO Box 987, Manchester, NH 03105

Dear Friends, Supporters and Members,
In 1920 a group of dedicated and energetic Manchester citizens had
the vision to dedicate themselves to helping the needy and serving the
Manchester community. That vision was realized on February 14, 1921,
with the charter of the Kiwanis Club of Manchester. The membership was
comprised of business leaders, government leaders, doctors, lawyers,
bankers, educators, and clergy. Today, the membership continues
to represent a broad range of Manchester citizens and their diverse
occupations.
Although many changes have taken place over the past 100 years, one
thing has remained constant: the members’ commitment to improving
the Manchester community and the desire to help those less fortunate.
In the spirit of Kiwanis: we dedicate ourselves to improve the City of
Manchester by serving the children in our community.
As you read through this book, you will find that themes begin to repeat
themselves: “caring,” “dedicated,” “inspiring,” “opportunity,” “laughter,”
“fun”; but above all, you will find that Kiwanians are dedicated to a cause
greater than themselves.
Kiwanians work hard, and they have fun. While service projects and
fundraising activities support our mission, we have fun doing it. Out of
the Club’s camaraderie, many life-long friendships have been made.
Manchester Millyard Museum • September 24, 2021
3

THE HISTORY
Kiwanis Club of Manchester | 1921-2021
There always has been a need for good fellowship and service. Since the beginning of time,
there was a need for camaraderie and the desire to support communities. The history of
Kiwanis and how it began is, in large part, the story of how fellowship and service developed
within an organization.
It is the particular kind of service Kiwanis offers, which today crosses many national, cultural,
and personal lines. Today, as in the early 1900s, Kiwanians demonstrate in many ways how
they join together, understand, and help to solve the pressing problems their communities
face.
Two natives of Detroit, Michigan, Allen S. Browne, a professional organizer, and Joseph C.
Prance, a tailor, had an idea one day in August of 1914. Instead, it was a concept to develop
an organization that provides fellowship and insurance features. They wanted to create a
group that was like no other organization. They first constructed this group as a strictly
fraternal club that only young professional business men could join. They also wanted to
provide an opportunity for other men to experience new ideals in human relationships.
Together, these two men began recruiting new members. Browne, as a professional, would
receive the $5 membership fee from each man. Prance was the first member to sign up. But
he was not yet the first Kiwanian, for the name that Browne had chosen for the group was
indeed in the spirit of the times: The Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order Brothers. Kiwanis,
it was not. The growing membership soon fixed that. They quickly grew tired of belonging
to an organization known as “BOB.” With a helping hand from Detroit’s official historian, an
Indian phrase— “NunKeewan-is”—was adapted as a name.
Then Came Manchester
Driven by this desire to understand and help solve the pressing
problems their communitiy faced, local community and
business leaders led by George French determined that the
Kiwanis mission was well-suited for the City of Manchester.
Chartered on February 14, 1921, Kiwanis came to be comprised
of French’s many business connections and Order of Mason’s
members. Over time, Kiwanis membership grew to include
business leaders, government officials, doctors, lawyers,
bankers, educators, and clergy. Traditionally, membership had
been limited to men. However, in 1987, Kiwanis International
voted to amend its by-laws to include women, a significant step
forward for the Club. Barbara Lennon, an executive with New
England Telephone, became the first female member of the
Manchester Club. Other women would soon follow Barbara,
and in 1996, Kristy Glynn was elected as the first female Club
president. Today, the membership continues to represent a
broad range of professions and Manchester citizens.
In its early beginnings, Kiwanis focused its efforts on helping the
City’s needy and sponsoring the local Boy Scouts. It was a time
of significant change in the City. The end of World War 1 and
the ensuing recession placed a great strain upon the world’s
once largest industrial manufacturing center, Amoskeag Mills.
The recession coupled with new energy sources, including
electricity and petroleum, and the fact that cotton could be
manufactured where it was grown put incredible strain on the
mills. With the mills in decline, many residents were forced to
seek employment elsewhere, be placed on relief, or in some
instances displaced. Devasted workers struck in 1933 and
again in 1934 forcing the Amoskeag Mills into bankruptcy.
Throughout all of this turmoil, however, the Manchester
Kiwanis Club continued its mission.
We hope that this book will underscore
the fact Kiwanians can and do make
a difference for this great City.
During a club meeting in the first week of January 1915, Kiwanis was approved as the new
name for this club, translated as “We trade.” Later, a more thorough check revealed a more
authentic meaning is, “We have a good time - we make noise.” The club attracted nearly 200
members in only six months. The corporate charter was returned by the state of Michigan,
dated January 21, 1915. This date has been the birthday of Kiwanis ever since.
In 1920, something important crystallized for Kiwanis, which inspired Roe Fulkerson, the
gifted editor of the Kiwanis magazine, to propose two simple words — “We Build” — as
the Kiwanis motto. After five years of painful and exhilarating growth, the coining of the
Motto put Kiwanis into its stride. Then in 2005, during the 90th anniversary year of Kiwanis,
delegates to the International Convention voted to adopt a new motto, “Serving the
Children of the World,” to emphasize the primary focus of Kiwanis service over those nine
decades and make a commitment for the years to come.
In 1915, NunKeewan-is “We Build”
Since 2005, Kiwanis “Serving the Children of the World”
4 Manchester Kiwanis Centennial Celebration

Kiwanis Supports Kids Healthcare As Priority One!
Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute
A child is not a little adult. Their reactions
to drugs are different; their reactions to
small amounts of blood loss are different;
their mending and growing bones are
different. Trauma, or accidental injury,
kills more children than all diseases
combined. In New England and an
average of 2 children die every day from
trauma. Nationally, 15,000 children die
each year from and another 50,000 are permanently disabled
from accidental injury.
Kiwanians in New England recognized these problems and, in
1981, founded the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute. Originally
opened at the New England Medical Center’s Floating Hospital
for Infants and Children, KPTI is now associated with Tufts
Medical Center.
We Joined Forces
with the VNA
Kiwanians Know That There Is Nothing More Powerful Than A
Happy Kid! In 1992, the Kiwanis Club joined the efforts of the
Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) as they saved the low-income
childcare center in the City of Manchester. Kiwanis pledged and
built the new playground in support of he childcare center, a
community-wide project to serve the disadvantaged.
The project was funded by a pledge of $20,000 and lots sweatequity
to construct the kids’ new play area. Kiwanians dug
dirt, swung sledge hammers, operated power equipment
and assembled playground equipment with an end result of a
beautiful playground and some very happy kids.
The Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute and the Division of
Trauma Surgery at Tufts Children’s Hospital are dedicated to
pediatric trauma patients’ specialized care and the health and
safety of all children. Traumatic injuries are the leading cause
of death and disability to children. More children are killed and
disabled by injuries than all other diseases combined.
KPTI is the first pediatric trauma center in the world to provide
medical care for injured children, medical research on pediatric
trauma, and injury prevention programs for children and
families. Our Community Safety Programs reach more than
33,000 children and their families each year in New England
alone.
Kiwanis Kids
Smiles Are Priceless
With donations totaling $125,000 in 1999 and again in 2007,
Manchester Kiwanis made possible the purchase and update of
a Dental Van serving Manchester school children. Today, services
are provided at all elementary and middle schools.
The long history and experience in dental public health crafted
the foundation for the current full-service Manchester School
Dental Program, a partnership between the MHD, Easter Seals
NH, and Catholic Medical Center (CMC) Poisson Dental Facility.
The program now provides dental exams, diagnoses, preventive
services including sealants, and limited restorative care. Children
Child and Family Services
After an extensive evaluation of community needs, Kiwanis
recognized child health services as a significant priority in the
Manchester community. In the mid-1990s, Kiwanis pledged
$50,000 to support the new clinical area of Child and Family
Services’ new located building at 1245 Elm Street. The Clinical
Area is the organization’s heart and is designed to give kids the
best in healthcare. Opened in 1980 by pioneering physician
are linked to ongoing dental homes at the Easter Seals Dental
Center or the Poisson Dental Facility. Over the years, more than
15,000 children have benefited from screenings, preventive
services, and treatment provided within the school setting.
Dr. Selma Deitch, MD, Child and Family Services included
medical care, nutrition, social services, and transportation
to appointments. Over the years, behavioral and mental
health services were added. Additional services now have an
Adolescent Care and Teen Clinic.
6 Manchester Kiwanis Centennial Celebration Manchester Millyard Museum • September 24, 2021
7

Kiwanis Fosters Young Mentors in Our Community
Key Clubs
Through its support of Key Clubs, Kiwanis
Mentors Young People with the opportunity to
serve, build character and develop leadership.
Manchester Memorial Key Club 2021 Manchester West Key Club 2021
The Manchester Kiwanis Club in partnership
with Manchester area high schools, sponsors Key Clubs. Key Club members are
learning how to lead and serve through volunteerism. Through a variety of activities,
students learn the value of making a positive impact as they serve others in their
schools and communities. Today, Manchester Kiwanis supports three high school
clubs: Manchester Memorial, Manchester West and Bedford.
Breakthrough Manchester
at the Derryfield School and Southern NH University
Throughout Breakthrough Manchester’s 30-year history,
the Manchester Kiwanis Club has been a loyal supporter
of our dual mission of launching highly motivated
Manchester middle school students on their path to
college while inspiring high school and college students to
pursue careers in education. In addition to annual support
from Kiwanis, the Club has sponsored a scholar each year
with a gift from the Earl “Bud” Smith Scholarship Fund.
Breakthrough would not be possible without the support
of Kiwanis and our many other loyal champions.
Each year the Bud Smith Scholarship funds 1 of our
nearly 100 students from traditionally underserved
communities in Manchester public schools by removing
barriers to learning and empowering them to change the
trajectory of their lives. We believe every child regardless of
circumstance or zip code (many first generation), deserves
the chance to reach their full potential. We believe college is
a critical step on this pathway to prosperity. Our graduates
Bedford Key Club 2021
We are delighted to have the Kiwanis Club of Manchester as a partner and truly appreciate
your support of Breakthrough and other youth initiatives in the Manchester community over
the past 100 years!
defy the statistics in their communities as we set them on
a seamless life-changing path toward college beginning in
grade six and culminating in college matriculation. Armed
with a college degree and the academic, advocacy, and
leadership skills learned at Breakthrough, our alumni can
break their cycle of socio economic hardships, manual
labor jobs, and language barriers and make change in their
world.
COPS AND KIDS
THROUGH THE
MPAL PROGRAM
Kiwanis provided a $75,000 Major Emphasis Grant to support
the Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL) after school
organization that connects cops and kids. MPAL is a 501(c)3
non-profit that is run by a Manchester Police Officer assigned full
time to the organization. MPAL offers athletic and enrichment
programs including aikido, arm wrestling, boxing, cooking,
cross-training, homework help, jiu-jitsu, judo, life skills, and
wrestling. The goal of the organization is to provide youth with
a safe, positive environment where police officers serve as
coaches and mentors.
Connecting Cops & Kids: MPAL is dedicated to connecting
police officers with community youth to foster positive
relationships and community connectedness.
Building Champions: MPAL strives to provide positive role
models, expert coaching and a safe environment to build
champions “in and out of the gym.”
Bringing the Community Together: MPAL works in
conjunction with local businesses, nonprofits, and academic
institutions to broaden our reach and strengthen our network
of support.
Developing Youth: MPAL helps participants become
contributing members of the community by teaching the values
of respect, responsibility, accountability, and the importance of
giving back.
8 Manchester Kiwanis Centennial Celebration Manchester Millyard Museum • September 24, 2021
9

Some of Our Favorite Local Organizations
Boys and Girls Club
In 2014, the Boys & Girls Club was selected for a Kiwanis Major
Emphasis grant providing $30,000 towards purchasing a mini
bus to complete the fleet of buses that transport members to
and from school each day. In 2021, this bus continues to provide
safe, reliable transportation for Club members.
Kiwanis offers direct impact to our members with the annual
Walk With a Child event, which matches Kiwanians with Club
members to shop for and purchase warm clothing for children
lacking basic necessities such as warm coats and boots,
sweaters, hats and mittens, etc. In recent years, this effort
expanded to include our often-forgotten teen members not only
from the Boys & Girls Club but from the Webster House. In 2020,
Kiwanians didn’t let a pandemic stop this critical support of our
kids. Both organizations shopped online and had the warm
clothing items shipped to and distributed by the organizations.
More than monetary support when volunteers are needed,
Kiwanians always step up for various events, even building a
playground at our Union Street Clubhouse. Kiwanians rolled up
their sleeves and lend a helping hand.
The Webster House
1974 A NEW BEGINNING
The Manchester Children’s Home as it was known in 1974 was a
nearly 100-year-old home built by various church groups on land
granted by Amoskeag Industries. It was a well-used building with
stories to tell but in need of much attention and repair.
The cities health and fire services pointed out a long list of needs
that were required if the home was to continue. Bank loans
for non-profits were, at this time, hard to come by. Enter the
Manchester Kiwanis Club.
A long history of service cannot be told without including the
nearly 45 years of service by Kiwanis and Kiwanians to the
Webster House, a children’s home in Manchester.
In 1977, then President Jon Ross presented the Club membership
with a suggested pledge for $50,000 to rebuild the Webster
House. The membership enthusiastically supported this project
and Kiwanis co-signed a loan for major renovations and rebuilding
of the main structure to the home, in effect, saving it.
This was the first of what was and continues to be the Major
Emphasis program for the club.
Kiwanians helped raise funds, served on the board, raised
community awareness and gave the home a new vibrancy and
presence. The annual auction became a fixture for Kiwanis, the
Webster House, and the larger community.
The efforts of Kiwanian’s helped the board of director’s and staff
provide much needed care for many children and families. It was
not just funding but, picnics, BBQs, camping trips, community
acceptance, thanksgiving turkeys, and holiday shopping
rounded out a deep commitment by otherwise also very busy
Kiwanians.
But there is more. Kiwanians served on the board—bringing
financial as well as business skills, contacts, and advice
that enabled the home to rebuild, strengthen its financial
sustainability, build a modest endowment, and above all, care
for children.
As the years went on, Kiwanis and Webster House became an
example of what community means. The Kiwanis Auction, once
the mortgage was met, raised funds that were given to other
non-profits in the community.
The major emphasis program continues to this day as Kiwanis
continues providing significant funding over three-year granting
periods for non-profits undertaking major projects.
10 Manchester Kiwanis Centennial Celebration Manchester Millyard Museum • September 24, 2021
11

Kiwanis Funds Major Community Pojects Over the Years
2018 MAJOR EMPHASIS
Park Renovations
In 2020, the club wrapped up it’s latest Major Emphasis
project. A $75,000 donation to the city to help renovate
dilapidated courts throughout the city. The fact is hundreds
of young residents use these facilities daily. The club
worked alongside the Manchester Parks and Recreation
(Photo l to r) Marilyn Charbonneau [President Kiwanis of Manchester], Mayor of Manchester
NH – Joyce Craig, Michelle [Chretien Major Emphasis Chair], Don Pinard [Director of Parks,
Recreation and Cemeteries], and Laura Nesmith [President-Elect, Kiwanis of Manchester].
to rebuild the ball courts at Rock Rimmon, Sweeney, and
Pulaski Park. Mayor Craig was effusive in her praise of
our Club. Additionally, the Club received a great deal of
positive media in the Union Leader and in Manchester Ink
Link. Plus, the digital articles have been shared to many
other forums.
2017 MAJOR EMPHASIS
Camp Foster
Renovations
The Camp Foster facility is operated by our
longtime partner the Boys and Girls Club of
Manchester. Following the conclusion of the
2018 season, essentially the entire camp,
except for the pool, was demolished. A
3-million dollar construction project followed.
New buildings went up and extensive drainage and
irrigation systems installed to correct severe erosion issues.
The spectacular new facility opened in July 2019.
Camp Foster’s overhaul was long overdue, as it had fallen
into disrepair with no major building renovations in the
last 60 years. Post camp improvements feature a new
pool house, amphitheater, basketball courts, a softball
field, and a “beach” volleyball court. The Camp serves
kids from the Greater Manchester area ages 5 to 18 with
financial aid available for low-income families. Before
renovations the camp served 410 kids each week, and
now has a new goal of eventually serving 470 kids weekly.
Kiwanis of Manchester contributed to the project by
funding several trees that are key to mitigating erosion.
2016 MAJOR EMPHASIS
GIRLS INC.
12 Manchester Kiwanis Centennial Celebration Manchester Millyard Museum • September 24, 2021
Helping Girls Become Women
and Help Change the World.
Through the Major Emphasis program
and a five-year donation toataling
$75,000, Girls Inc at their Varney Street location was able to renovate and upgrade
their kitchen and dining facility. Surrounded by love and supported with good
nutrition, Kiwanis helped to fuel their fire so that these young ladies might someday
change the world!
13

Annual Events to Directly Impact the Children
”Celebrate with a Child“
Our annual holiday service project, “Celebrate With
a Child,” is held mid-December at Manchester’s Boys
and Girls Club. Key Club members from the local
High schools volunteer to spend one-on-one time
throughout the event with the children participating in
all of the festivities. The children enjoyed face painting,
craft making, lunch, interactive story-time, sing-alongs,
and a surprise visit from Santa! Every child
always leaves with a few presents.
The Kiwanis Club’s annual holiday party is always a
success. What makes it unique are all of the people
who are involved. Special thanks to club members
who generously make personal donations, and most
years, cover the entire cost of the event.
”Fish with a Child“
“Fish with a Child” was initiated during the presidency of Gregg Flegal. An avid
fisherman himself, Gregg started the program to engage inner-city kids with the great
outdoors, and what better way than fishing. About 20 children from the Boys and Girls
Club would be transported, rain or shine, to the Londonderry Fish and Game Club’s
trout pond. To ensure success, the pond was stocked the day before with about 200
hungry fish waiting to be lured to the kids’ fish hooks by a frantically squirming worm.
Keep in mind most of these kids had never seen a live fish, fish pole, or worm. The day
was complete with caught fish ably filleted by Kiwanians, a meal of burger and hot
dogs. At the end of the day, each child left with a Kiwanis sweatshirt, their own fishing
pole, great memories, and happy faces.
Emile Beaulieu, former Manchester Mayor and
longtime Kiwania was a fixture at “Fish with a
Child” often accompanied by his son Lenny.
“Walk with a Child/Teen”
There is no better way to measure a ‘Happy Holiday’
than on the smiles of the faces of children everywhere;
Kiwanis’ Annual “Walk With A Child” event does just
that. Manchester Kiwanians and their guests take
youngsters and teens shopping for warm clothes,
coats, boots (and more). It is a great time to provide
the clothing the children and teens need while at the
same time bringing the cheer of holiday giving into
the lives of the kids of our community. Members look
forward to volunteering for this event year after year;
after all, it touches the very soul and heart of why we
are Kiwanians in the first place: to enrich the lives of the
youth in our community. If the smiles and excitement
on their faces are any indications, we have indeed
served our purpose.
14 Manchester Kiwanis Centennial Celebration Manchester Millyard Museum • September 24, 2021
15

Kiwanis — Our History of Fundraisers
Annual Auction
For 53 years, Manchester Kiwanis held an Annual Auction
that drew large crowds and was an anticipated event. Over
the years, the interest has waned, so we look towards new
and exciting current revenue streams. But what a great
time it was for over 50 Years!
The success of our auction was critical to the children
and youth programs we support each year, including
Manchester Little League baseball, summer camperships,
enrichment, and education programs, and more.
(ABOVE) In 2016, Curt and his
wife Shonda Schillings graced
the Auction floor with an
emotional tribute to the
Webster House and helped
auction items off.
(LEFT) Lippy & Betty from the
archives. (Center) In 2018,
Frank Eaton of Variety Auctions
and Mike Morin (Right) sharing
the task of presenting all the
goods as the Auctioneers
(BELOW) In 2019, who would
have guessed it would be the
last Auction (for a while at
least). Covid-19 struck in the
spring of 2020, and all festivities
were on hold.
Annual 10K
We are all used to the words, “It’s That Time of the Year
Again, Stay in the Cage and Win 10K! Our largest attended
fundraiser consistently garnered the attention of local
attendees and some traveling for miles to attend. The
brainchild of the Tetu’s, for year’s it was always a thrill to
get your numbers and hope the MC never called yours.
The last five numbers would be brought up on stage to
battle out for the prize of $10,000. Some years we would
have a big winner, others it would be shared by several
people whoever felt lucky enough to hold out until the
last number called often we the chosen one. Another
Kiwanis Cheers
Kiwanis Cheers was a major fundraising event for 25
years. The Cheerleading event grew over the years from
7 high schools to eventually representing schools from 30
schools of the four major school classes: Class L, I, M, and S.
Moving from the Central High School auditorium to the
gymnasium at Southern New Hampshire gynasium and
attended by nearly 2000 friends, family, and fans.
(L to R) In 2016, Dennis Sweeney, Emile and Sue Tetu, Dr. Bill Kirmes and Mike Arrison
(standing-in for Dave Acquaviva)
casualty of Covid, the memories are still in the hearts and
minds of our members.
53rd Annual
Behind the scenes, nearly 100 Kiwanians in various roles
supported this full-day event. At its peak, this event raised
about $30,000 in support of the Club’s service account.
16 Manchester Kiwanis Centennial Celebration Manchester Millyard Museum • September 24, 2021
Saturday, June 1ST
| 10AM–2pm | 135 Webster St, Manchester
17

Thank You to Our
Centennial
Supporters
as of September 30, 2021
PRESIDENTS
LEVEL
$4,999 - $2,500
Arthur Sullivan
Emile & Sue Tetu
AMBASSADORS
LEVEL
$2,499 - $1,000
Frank Catano
NBT BANK
Marilyn Charbonneau
Fred Savage / Dennis Sweeney
CENTENNIAL
LEVEL
$999 - $500
Tracey Adams
ARS, LLC
Tim & Rachel Sweeney
Dave Bernard
COLLIERS
Bob Giordano
INTERIM HEALTHCARE
Rick Petersen
ST MARY’S BANK
Steve Scheiner
WIECZOREK INSURANCE
Rob Wieczorek
FRIENDS OF
KIWANIANS
$499 - $100
DEMERS GARDEN CENTER
Jo Gaffney
EDWARD JONES
Gregg Flegal
Bill Kirmes
Laura Nesmith
Sandee & Steve Nichols
Shannon Sullivan
The West High School Key Cub
Alex & Corey Wilson
Past Presidents – Manchester Kiwanis
1921 George A. French
1922 Fred M. Caswell
1923 Frank N. Jordan
1924 Vaughn D. Griffin
1925 Rev. Stoddard Lane
1926 Frank C. Livingston
1927 Arthur McLane
1928 John Gault
1929 Hiram B. Haskell
1930 William Y. Morrison
1931 Dr. Howard A. Streeter
1932 Elmer J. Brown
1933 Samuel P. Hunt
1934 Leon M. Fitch
1935 Winthrop Wadleigh
1936 Walter B. McGregor
1937 William H. Zeller
1938 Harold C. MacAllister
1939 Carl P. James
1940 Lester S. Harvey
1941 Dr. Clarence E. Dunbar
1942 Dr. Joseph N. Friborg •
1943 Harry M. Bickford Rev.
1944 Thomas L. Crosby
1945 Wallace Webb
1946 M. Chandler Howard •
1947 W. Northbridge
1948 Harry W. Bergquist
1949 John F. Eastham
1950 Gordon E. Wheeler
1951 Francis B. Hill •
1952 Stuart H. Keay
1953 Ward E. Thompson
1954 Percy H. Bennett
1955 Michael J. Shyne
1956 Irwin W. Davis
1957 Walter Y. Chatfield
1958 Leon H. Rice
1959 Alder T. Hatch
1960 Kurt H. Wolf
1961 Jarl. A. Elmgren
1962 Arthur J. Dobles
1963 Milton Machinist
1964 Clayton F. McGary
1965 Richard G. Hoyle
1966 Sumner C. Weeks •
1967 Eero H. Heinonen
1968 Harold A. Tillson
1969 Richard M. Dunbar
1970 Dr. Roger M. Bergeron
1971 Carl B. Noyes
1972 David Llewellyn
1973 William B. Meserve •
1974 Lloyd Gamans •
1975 Robert C. Can
1976 Burleigh H. Cooper •
1977 L. Jonathon Ross
1978 Leon H. Rice, Jr.
1979 Harold A. Sanderson, Jr.
1980 Philip J. Boulanger
1981 Earl F. Smith
1982 Charles Dennison
1983 Frank P. Touhy
1984 James M. Dawson
1985 James C. Theos
1986 Frederick W. Bishop • •
1987 Bernard W. Pockell
1988 Robert J. Normandeau
1989 Raymond J. Chalifour
1990 Paul J. Leyden
1991 Frederick G. Briggs, Jr.
1992 Francis N. Catano
1993 Dennis J. Sweeney
1994 Barton L. Bainbridge
1995 Charles (Mike) Arrison
1996 Kristy Glynn
1997 Chester C. Raymond •
1998 George DerKoorkanian
1999 Gregg Flegal
2000 Dr. Bill Hickman
2001 Cathy Burnham
2002 Darlene Simard
2003 Paul Weathers
2004 Bill Weidacher
2005 Frank Catano
2006 Rob Batchelder
2007 Monika Bryant •
2008 Dottie Gove
2009 Ed Bellemare
2010 Debbie Landwehr •
2011 Debbie Landwehr •
2012 Rob Dionne
2013 Gregg Flegal
2014 Dr. Bill Kirmes •
2015 Michelle Chretien
2016 Scott Minichiello
2017 Angelica Ladd
2018 Marilyn Charbonneau
2019 Laura Nesmith
2020 Debbie Landwehr •
2021 Rob Dionne
2022 Dr. Bill Kirmes •
2023 Marilyn Charbonneau
•
DISTINGUISHED N.E. DISTRICT
GOVERNOR
Manchester Kiwanis 2021 Roster
Dave Acquaviva
Member Since 1990
Tracey Adams
Member Since 2007
Anne Arrison
Member Since 2011
Mike Arrison
• Member Since 1984
Jane Bates
Member Since 2005
Bianka Beaudoin
Member Since 2017
George Bentas
Member Since 1999
Dave Bernard
Member Since 1984
Flo Bernard
Member Since 2006
Aimee Berry
Member Since 2008
Fred Briggs
Member Since 1977
Monika Bryant
• • Member Since 1999
Frank Catano
• Member Since 1978
Lou Catano
Member Since 2000
Marilyn
Charbonneau
• Member Since 2010
Jim
Rob Dionne
• Member Since 2008
Edmonson
Member Since 2017
Gregg Flegal
• Member Since 1994
Jo Gaffney
Member Since 2014
Pete Garrell
Member Since 1973
Bob Giordano
Member Since 1966
Chris Grant
Member Since 2014
Anne-Marie
Hafeman
Member Since 2015
Cindy Harrington
Member Since 2005
Haley Harrington
Member Since 2020
Ryann Healy
Member Since 2015
Amy Hollingworth
Member Since 2013
Tom Kallechey
Member Since 1989
Sharyn Kelley
Member Since 2001
Dr. Bill Kirmes
• • Member Since 201
Michelle Lambert
Member Since 2015
Dick
Debbie Landwehr
Member Since 2006
• •
Letendre
Member Since 1977
Deb McLoud
Member Since 2018
Ashley Nesmith
Member Since 2013
Laura Nesmith
• • Member Since 2013
Sandee Nichols
Member Since 2020
Steve Nichols
Member Since 2020
Rick Petersen
Member Since 1980
Scott Rienert
Member Since 2013
Fred Savage
Member Since 1996
Steve Scheiner
Member Since 2009
Blair Stairs
Member Since 2021
Arthur Sullivan
Member Since 1981
Shannon Sullivan
Member Since 2006
Dennis Sweeney
• Member Since 1988
Tim Sweeney
Member Since 1990
Becky Tetrault
Member Since 1994
Emile Tetu
Member Since 1983
Sue Tetu
Member Since 2006
Paul Weathers
• Member Since 1996
Bill Weidacher
• Member Since 1992
Bruce Willey
Member Since 1966
Corri Wilson
Member Since 1991
Bryan Wright
Member Since 2016
PAST PRESIDENT
•
PAST LT. GOVERNORS
• PAST LT. GOVERNORS 19
18 Manchester Kiwanis Centennial Celebration
Manchester Millyard Museum • September 24, 2021

20 Manchester Kiwanis Centennial Celebration Manchester Millyard Museum • September 24, 2021
21

THE WEBSTER HOUSE… A PERSONAL GLIMPSE
First, you should know that the Webster House is an institution
that is as steeped in Manchester history as it gets, rooted, in part,
in the benevolence of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company.
More than Amoskeag, however, it was the work of a Protestant
minister with an unintended assist from a compassionate judge
that set the wheels in motion for what was once known as the
Manchester Nursery Home. It was in September of 1884 that New
Hampshire Supreme Court Justice Clinton Warrington Stanley
was presiding over a nasty divorce trial here in Manchester
and, according to the Manchester Mirror, “In the opinion of the
eminent judge, the parents were incapable of taking care of their
offspring.”
Technically, the Manchester Nursery Home was only a noble
concept at the time, so in 1885, the Rev. William A. Loyne of
St. James Methodist Church took the two children into his own
home. Soon thereafter “sensing that other kids were in the same
dilemma” several prominent women from the city’s various
Protestant churches were able to lease a small, unpretentious
house on Penacook Street near Chestnut.
It was a short-term, two-year solution, then came a few more
years at the Varnum Home on Eddy Road provided rent-free by
Amoskeag, and it was in 1892 that the advisory committee from
the rechristened “Manchester Children’s Home” finally made a
public plea for support.
“Other institutions of charity have been liberally endowed for the
care of the sick, the wounded and the infirm of our city,” the Mirror
noted, “but until this association was formed, no organized effort
had been made ... to aid and protect those little wanderers who
have no parents or other relatives able or willing to care for them.”
The notice was accompanied by a glorious sketch of the home
the advisory committee wanted to build on a prime piece of
land between Webster and Walnut streets, land acquired from
Amoskeag for $2,000, and when the committee included the
names of Yankee doyennes such as Mrs. W.W. Brown, Mrs. Josiah
Carpenter, Mrs. Leonard French and Mrs. G. Byron Chandler, it
didn’t take long for the money to begin flowing.
The subsequent celebration surrounding the opening of the new
building consumed the entire front page of the Mirror on Sept. 5,
1893, but these days, the Webster House, as the Children’s Home
was renamed in 1976, operates with significantly less fanfare.
That 1893 Manchester Mirror story that celebrated the opening of
the children’s home included a list of the 28 children who were in
residence.
One of them was a 6-year-old named Thomas Henry Clayton.
He was my grandfather.
Before coming to Manchester, my great-grandfather, Edwin
Clayton, had been a miner in Manchester, England. Mining was
even more treacherous a profession then than it is today, and if
you didn’t die in the mines, you often died because of them.
My great-grandfather died at 37, and when my widowed greatgrandmother
was unable to work and care for her only son, she
placed him at the Children’s Home. Her weekend visits seemed
forever far off, but the place did then what the Webster House still
does for the 18 kids who live there today.
It took a kid whose life circumstances were less than ideal and
gave him a second chance at life. When my grandfather aged out
of the Children’s Home, Amoskeag provided him with a job as a
mill operative. Within 10 years, he was a Manchester cop and, by
the time he died in 1939 -- a father to six kids of his own -- his
death was front-page news here In The City.
When people ask me about my hometown, I tell them that those of
us who are succeeding here today are often able to do so because
we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.
My grandfather had broad shoulders, but if not for the Webster
House, we Claytons might never have enjoyed the view or the life
we do today.
(This story was related by John Clayton to a gathering celebrating the 125th
anniversary of the founding of the Webster House. John Clayton, a native of
Manchester, NH is a celebrated author, reporter, as well as, Emmy award winning
television personality in his role as host for New Hampshire Public Television’s “New
Hampshire Crossroads”. John currently serves as Executive Director, Manchester
Millyard Museum.)
22 Manchester Kiwanis Centennial Celebration Manchester Millyard Museum • September 24, 2021
23

Kiwanis Club of Manchester NH
June 29, 1914, workers at the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company in Manchester, N.H., pose in front of an American flag they produced
to promote the textile mill. The “Great Flag” as it was called ended up on display at a Chicago department store but hasn’t been seen in decades.
A replica was displayed at the former mill building on Wednesday, June 14, 2017. (See Cover photo © Tom Kallechey)