1. Capt. Doug Miner of the NH Forest Protection Bureau (pictured here, at center) has received a 2021 Smokey Bear Award for outstanding achievement in wildfire prevention service. In 2019, Miner raised awareness about wildfire prevention with more than 61 events across New Hampshire, highlighting Smokey Bear’s 75th anniversary. Sen. Maggie Hassan (right) spoke at an event celebrating Miner’s accomplishments, along with members of the U.S. Forest Service, NH Forest Protection Bureau rangers and patrolmen, New Hampshire’s firefighting community and leadership from the NH Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources.
2. Linda Lorden, right, president of Merrimack Savings Bank, received the 2021 Community Banker of the Year award last month at the NH and Vermont Banker Annual Conference in honor of her commitment to community service in New Hampshire.
Pictured with her is Kristy Merrill, president of New Hampshire Bankers Association.
3. Friends of Aine, a nonprofit organization providing bereavement support services to grieving children, teens and families, recently launched its free Backpack Program with distribution to the Manchester School District. Funded by the Bean Foundation, the backpacks include grief support tools students can use individually or together with school community members including teachers, guidance counselors, social workers, coaches and support staff. Friends of Aine staff pictured here, left to right: Christine Phillips, co-founder; Linda Dinndorf, training and education coordinator; and Dylan Brothers, development assistant.
4. Novocure, a global oncology company with its U.S. operations center in Portsmouth, has pledged $250,000 toward the capital campaign for a new home for Families First Health and Support Center. The donation will help turn a former gym on Greenleaf Woods Drive in Portsmouth into a community health center providing medical, dental and behavioral health care; parent and family programs; an in-house pharmacy; and an SOS Recovery Center. Pictured here: Novocure Executive Chairman Bill Doyle and Janet Laatsch, CEO of Greater Seacoast Community Health.
5. The Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce presented the 2021 William A. Brown Businessperson of the Year award to Bill Ermer, at right, president and CEO of Palmer Gas & Oil. This program is the Chamber’s most distinguished award and recognizes an individual’s excellence in their industry and contributions to their community. Board Member Chris Nicoli, brand manager for Canobie Lake Park and last year’s recipient, is seen at left, presenting the award to Ermer.
6. Back in August, the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce celebrated the winners of their annual 2021 Hidden Jewel Awards, which were developed to honor, recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the women who work behind the scenes to make our communities “sparkle” through their initiative, dedication and involvement. The Chamber honored five women who have contributed their time and talent toward improving their communities: (back row, from left) Erin Daley, of Salem; Laurie Warnock, of Hampstead; Kay Galloway, of Atkinson; (front row, from left) Kathy Scalia, of Pelham; Patti Drelick, of Salem; and Kristine Giarrusso, of Windham.
