Vern Violette honored as Citizen of the Year

To the Editor:

Last month, over 140 people attended the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting, where several awards were presented. Amongst the honorees was a special one to the Summercrest family – the Newport Distinguished Citizen of the Year which was presented to Vern Violette.

Vern’s family moved around a lot when he was younger, but Newport always had a special place in his heart because Bobbi, his childhood sweetheart was here. After a few years in the Navy, Vern returned to Newport and married Bobbi. After seven years, he bought Woodhulls Market, and they ran that store for seven more years, before out-growing the small neighborhood location.

They then re-opened the old IGA on South Main Street and it became Violette’s Red and White. Only one year later, Vern moved into the even larger store on Main Street and Violette’s Supermarket was born.

Vern has always been an active member of the community. He has been a trustee, chairman, and president of several organization boards in New Hampshire including the Newport Lions Club, Valley Regional Hospital, the New Hampshire Retail Grocers Association, and many more. Vern has also served as founder and board member of Summercrest Senior Living, his proudest accomplishment outside of his marriage to Bobbi, and his family, Jill, Dana, and Gina, and, of course, their families.

His contributions to Newport go far beyond any position he held in any organization. From starting a golf tournament that funds college scholarships in New Hampshire every year, to helping raise funds for the Newport High School track team and starting the Christmas Dinner Baskets for local families, Vern is always finding ways to make life better for others.

Vern has been a role model for so many people here in Newport, and taught us to have the strength to never give up, to stand your ground for what you believe in, to always help others, to work really hard, and to play even harder. Vern continues to pass on his legacy through his family, friends, and all those who his accomplishments have touched.

We at the Summercrest Senior Living Community are proud to have our very own Vern Violette named as the 2020 Newport Distinguished Citizen of the Year!

Summercrest Senior Living Community

Newport