We know we’re kind of a big deal around these parts.
But who knew we’d branch out so quickly? It was only a couple months ago that we took our talents to Bow and now we’re getting recognized at the state level.
That’s right Insider fans, your city-covering newspaper not named the Monitor was given the Special State Newspaper/Media Award at the New Hampshire State Grange’s 142nd annual session last month. Not too shabby, if you ask us, and we’re glad you did.
It came as quite a surprise, but we can’t argue with the recognition. After all, the Insider and former editor Keith Testa won the Media Award from the Concord Grange, so it’s only logical we move on to the state level.
And to prove it, we’ve got our shiny new plaque for your viewing pleasure. Now we couldn’t have done it without all of you – or our ability to create high quality content week after week.
Unfortunately we weren’t able to make the annual meeting due to a previously scheduled fan event, so we just got our plaque from Concord Grange Master and State Community Service Director Dick Patten. And, yeah we had to write a story about it.
But we weren’t the only ones from Concord who were honored by the N.H. State Grange. Actually, there were quite a few honorees from these parts. Looks like we’re not the only ones with some new hardware on the walls.
Brian Cregg, patrolman with the Concord Police Department, was honored as the Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Cregg’s name has been submitted for the Northeast Police Officer of the Year to be named in January and to the National Grange for The Dick Patten Police Officer of the Year, which will be announced in November at the annual session of the National Grange in Nebraska.
Concord’s Tom Cusano was named Grange Member of the Year and Dick Patten was honored as the State Public Service Award winner. Paul Mueller of NH 1 News was named State Media Person. Linda Wilcox, a non-member, won for her sewing entry submitted by Concord Grange.
Concord Grange 322 was honored with the First Place Award in the state for their community service projects. Rodney and Shelley Huntoon compiled a booklet detailing all of the community projects involving members of the Grange. The Concord Grange also received mention of a gain in membership this year, after receiving six new members in the last month with several more to be voted upon in the next meeting. The community service booklet will now go to National Grange for judging at the national level.
The State Grange Family Activity Director, Debbie Patten of Concord, announced a new program, called Project Night Night, at the state session.
There are shelters and domestic violence crisis centers that unfortunately have many children enter their doors. Most of these children arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs. This project will provide each child with a sack containing a blanket, stuffed toy and a book.
Just think how many children will be comforted by this small gesture. For more info, contact Patten at 228-1803.
Insider staff
