By KATLYN PROCTOR
Eagle Times Associate Editor
CLAREMONT, NH — Claremont’s city councilors have been busy — and not just with the day-to-day operations of running the city. Two of them, At-Large Councilor Nicholas Koloski and outgoing Ward II Councilor James Contois, have made a point to spread holiday cheer this season.
Koloski’s influence is rooted in his upbringing.
“I was raised by a single mom who consistently steered my friends toward the path of right and wrong,” said Nick Koloski. “She juggled multiple jobs to ensure that I never went without. During times when my friends’ parents faced financial challenges, I distinctly recall my mom providing Christmas gifts and Easter baskets.”
Each year at Christmas, Koloski shops at Walmart and Big Lots, purchasing shopping cart after shopping cart of toys for children. With the help of local nurses and volunteers, his toys are delivered to area hospitals.
Sen. Sue Prentiss delivers toys to Alice Day Peck Memorial Hospital in Lebanon, Claremont resident Rebecca Richards to New London Hospital and Claremont resident Christina Bates delivers to Springfield Hospital. Mount Ascutney Hospital and Valley Regional Hospital also receive gifts.
“Team effort, and they offer each year to do the same,” he said.
This year’s giving-back has even more meaning. Family matriarch Mary Koloski passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Oct. 6.
“Our commitment to assisting families continued in a more discreet manner. I was raised to give back, be respectful and offer a hand up when someone stumbles,” Koloski said. “The seeds of generosity were sown in our previous restaurant, where she initiated a tradition of opening the doors to offer a free hot meal to anyone alone or in need during Christmas and Thanksgiving. This family tradition endured for over a decade at Time-Out Americana Grill, eventually pausing around the time of COVID.”
His giving continues. CHaD gets Koloski’s annual Claremont Fire Department stipend which goes directly toward their Child Life program.
“On behalf of the families we serve who benefit greatly from such acts of generosity from our community like the toys delivered to Mt. Ascutney Hospital this week, we are thankful and pleased to be able to assist Mr. Koloski in spreading some holiday cheer, at a time and place when families need it most,” said Interim Chief Executive Officer, Win Brown, at Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center where the toys help children ages 12 months to 11 years old.
“With these gifts we were able to help several families have a happy holiday. These are all hard-working families, with various current challenges, that are relieved by this generosity and deeply appreciative of the support so that they may experience the joy of gift giving at Christmas with their young children,” said Courtney McKaig, family wellness Coach in Mt. Ascutney’s pediatrics department. “In addition, we were able to supply the Emergency Department with gifts for families who may need to seek urgent care over the holiday.”
Contois gives back to his community all year long.
“I cannot speak for the council but “giving” is not just a holiday tradition,” said James Contois. “Giving in Claremont is a year-round endeavor, and I am proud to call all these volunteers who give year-round of their resources and time my friends and neighbors.”
Beyond volunteering his time on the council and on various committees, Contois is a train host, runs the lift at Arrowhead Recreation Area, and volunteers with A Better Claremont and Working on Waste.
“I am humbled to know many people in the city who give countless hours for various causes, from Green Up days, to support organizations, to our religious community, feeding and caring for the vulnerable and all the myriad of organizations that support our children. I would like to especially recognize Oasis, the Soup Kitchen and Baby Steps.”
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