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Kiwanis Holds President’s Party

By Tyler Maheu
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
CLAREMONT — The Kiwanis Club of Claremont, New Hampshire recently held their 2023 President’s Party at the Old Courthouse Restaurant in Newport.

The event, which Kiwanis President Suzanne Boyington began a “long,long time ago” was held as a celebration of the club’s hard work and determination in the past year, as well as a kickstart to the next. “The club has hard, hard workers who do a lot of fundraising and give us a lot,” she said. “The party is a fun time. A time of fun and fellowship.” The 2023 edition of the event was set-up as a court scene, where members were put on trial for their good deeds.

At the party, a collection of awards were given out, including the Kiwanian of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Hixson Fellowship Award. The 2023 Kiwanian of the Year which, according to Boyington, is given to the member who really stands out, was awarded to Jeffrey Coburn. Boyington stated that Coburn is the co-chair of the bell ringing committee, and has a special attention to detail. “He has always had eagle eyes,” she said. “He has a go-to attitude, and cares about all of us really deeply.”

This year’s recipient of the Rookie of the Year was Michael Fischetto. Fischetto, who Boyington says isn’t exactly a rookie but is fairly new to the group, won in part due to his willingness to go above and beyond. “He is a behind the scenes kind of guy. He loves being around the kids and the community,” she stated. “Back in the summer, we were giving out popsicles. It wasn’t good enough to have a cooler, so he brought a freezer in the back of his truck.”

Ann Dewey was the winner of the Hixson Fellowship Award, which according to Dewey is named after the first president of Kiwanis International, George F. Hixson. “This award is given to recognize club members for their help and commitment,” she said over email. “I am very involved in Kiwanis, serving on the Board of Directors as well as the Brewfest and Cares committees. I have also been the Treasurer and President in the past. I am very humbled to have received the award.” The 10-year member of Kiwanis stated that she is very proud of what the club does in the local communities and that, “I don’t see it as what I do, but rather what we do as a group.”

In addition to the award, which was established in 1983, a $1,000 donation was made in Dewey’s name to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund.

Both Boyington and Dewey took time to speak to what makes being members of Kiwanis so special to them. “This is a special group of people. Their heart and their passion is for kids,” said the current President. “It is not just a regular club where we meet, go home and do our thing. Everyone stays connected.”

“I love kids and have always wanted to be involved in something that has a positive impact on children. Kiwanis gives me the opportunity to do just that,” stated Dewey. “Our club raises money to support kids in the greater Claremont area.”

Looking ahead, 2023 is primed to be another busy year for the local club. According to Boyington, the club’s next project will be done in conjunction with TLC of Claremont, and is a Family Night. She said that Kiwanis will also be presenting a check to the Claremont Parks and Recreation Department at an upcoming city council meeting.

Dewey also spoke to some upcoming events. “We have some members who are participating in the Mac-n-Cheese contest at the Newport Winter Carnival this year,” said the 2023 award winner. “We also have three major fundraisers; the auction in April, the Brewfest & 5K in September, and Bell Ringing in December. During the summer we participate in a variety of different events.”

For more news and updates on the Kiwanis Club of Claremont, Dewey said to stay tuned to their Facebook page.

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