Concord Grange Master/President Dick Patten has for 44 years coordinated the annual awards honoring a variety of people in the capital city, with the latest event taking place last Monday night.
The following awards were presented by Dick Patten: State Police, Sgt. Ronald Taylor, Troop D; Police Officer of the Year, Brian Cregg, Concord Police Department; Christopher Doloff, Firefighter of the year, Concord Fire Department; Volunteer Citizens of the Year, Dennis and Carol Soucy; Professional Citizen of the Year, Paul Mueller, NH1TV; Media Personality, Paul Mueller, TV Anchor, NH1TV; Media Newpaper and Editor, Keith Testa, The Concord Insider; Lifetime Achievement Awards, Dr. Christine Rath and James Milliken; John H. West Memorial Educator of the Year, Larry Prince; Granger of the year, Thomas Cusano.
Youth Awards were presented to: Peter Houle, Concord Civil Air Patrol; Boy Scout Troop 88 Eagle Scouts Alex Rhodes, Reece Dow, Grant Kegal and Joseph Steinhauser; Celtic bagpiper Campbell Webster; and Girl Scout Troop 22386.
Other awards included: Public servant, Rev. Raymond Ball; Civic Award, State Senator Dan Feltes and Paul Brogan; Community Spirit, Kevin Tucker; Active Military Award, Henry Farrin.
Appreciation awards were given to Shawn McHenry (CCTV Volunteer), Dan Chase, Joshua Hardy and Christopher Gentry.
Awards that have yet to be presented due to the recipients’ absence include: Youth Award, Boy Scout Troop 90, Ethan Tessier; Agriculture Award, Dean & Meg Wilbur, owners of Mapletree Farm; Retired Veteran, Gerald Venne; Legislator of the Year, State Legislator, June Frazer, Concord.
State Grange Master conducted the Grange Obligation Ceremony on Joann Smith, her son Nathan Smith, and Robert Correllus. Nathan Smith sang the National Anthem and God Bless America during the meeting. Rev. Raymond Ball offered opening and closing prayers.
State Overseer Bob Trombi presented Yvonne Crocker with her 45-year membership honors and Agnes Ellis with a 40-year membership certificate. Those who were not present but will receive their membership honors are: Miss Debra Patten, 45-year membership honors; Betty Dudley of Woodsville, 85-year membership honor.
Refreshments were served prior to and following the meeting, which was held at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Hall, 48 Airport Road. Concord Grange holds its meetings here, with the next meeting scheduled for May 18 at 7 p.m. The members are asked to participate in the State Baking Contest. The Grange has 100 year cookbooks for purchase at $10 each.
It was announced the Concord Christmas Parade theme for this year will be Concord Colonial Christmas Parade, Celebrating 250 years. Dick Patten will be serving his 44th year as chairman, and James Cusano will be serving his sixth year as co-chairman. The 64th annual parade will be held Nov. 21 at 9:30 a.m.
