Chichester
Grange Awards Night
Front Row – Ashley Reagan, Postal Worker; Darlene
Stewart, Educator; Robin Panneton, Chichester Store. Back Row –
Jodi Mattice-Collins, Outstanding Youth; Michael Crowley, EMT;
Ron Panneton, Chichester Store
Chichester Grange held its Annual
Awards Night on May 6 with over forty people in attendance.
The Chichester Country Store was recognized as the Business of
the Year for its historic significance as well as the
contributions its current owners are making to the community.
Beginning as a tavern and trading post in the late 1700’s, the
Chichester Country Store has been in existence for over 225
years, changing owners and modifying its purpose as the needs of
society have evolved. Since buying the property in 2009
Ronald and Robin Panneton have kept the business going by
transforming the store into a café with fresh food made on the
premises. They have also developed a relationship with the
community by making food for Old Home Day, supplying their
famous donuts for meetings and events, and participating in
Historical Society Programs. Ron has researched the history of
the property and is committed to its preservation.
The Outstanding Youth Award was given to Jodi Mattice-Collins, a
senior at Pembroke Academy. Jodi runs cross country, and
participates in both winter and spring track. This year he was
captain of the Cross Country Team. He is a quiet young man with
a sense of purpose who intends to serve in the Marines after
graduation.
Ashley Reagan, a Rural Carrier for the
Epsom Post Office, received the Postal Worker Award. Ashley
approaches her job with dedication and enthusiasm. She has a
college degree in Criminal Justice and hopes one day to be a
Postal Inspector. She also rides a Harley Davidson.
This year it was the turn of
Pittsfield Elementary School to nominate someone for the
Educator of the Year Award. Darlene Stewart is currently
teaching Special Education, working with students in five
classrooms over two grade levels to facilitate their educational
progress. In addition she represents the special education team
on the Pittsfield School Leadership Team.
Michael Crowley, an EMT with the
Chichester Fire Rescue Department, was recognized for his 32
years of service in emergency medicine. He has been with
Chichester since 1999 where he is a welcome presence on
ambulance calls. He also works full-time at the Emergency
Department at Concord Hospital, so most of his life is devoted
to responding to medical emergencies. Fortunately, he has a very
close and supportive family many of whom came to see him receive
his award.
The recipients for the Community
Citizen Award, Robert and Faye McAnney, were unable to be
present on a rainy evening. Lucille Noel read their citation and
will present their plaque to them at home. Their picture and
write-up will be shared after the presentation takes place.
The evening ended with refreshments, including donuts from the
Chichester Country Store thoughtfully supplied by the Pannetons.
