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VILLAGE MEMBER STORIES

Each month, we share the story of one of our members. Past Member Stories can be found in the archive at the bottom of the page. 

Bill Burtis, Exeter

How long have you lived on the Seacoast, Bill?

I celebrated 50 years on the Seacoast this August. I moved here from Upstate New York in 1975.
 
Why did you join the Village and how does it fit into your long-term plans?

A friend in our apartment building, who I’ve known for pretty much all five decades, told me about the Village Project and it sounded like a good idea. My wife Nancy and I joined about three years ago.  We certainly hope to “age in place”, and while we have most of our needs met by maintenance staff, we knew the time was coming when we’d need more help.  Though I used to be a pretty handy handyman, those days are well behind me now.  Nancy is no longer able to drive because of macular degeneration, and I have more and more difficulty with arthritis, so it’s good to know we have backup if we need it.be

What aspect of Village membership are you finding the most enjoyable or valuable?

I like my role as a volunteer driver for the SW area. Through volunteer driving I have made a new friend, a member from North Hampton, with whom I enjoy spending time as often as a I can.  I look forward to making it to more events, as well.

What would you say to a friend interested in joining the Village?

I’d start by asking them what their interest is, suggest they check out the website, and I’d tell them about my experience, and urge them to get in touch with Village staff and ask questions!

Anything else you’d like to share? 

The population of the Seacoast has grown tremendously in the last 50 years and the cultures of its various communities have changed, too.  There is little “quaintness” left anymore, it seems, though it’s really there to discover by getting involved in community, and the Village Project is one great way to do that, particularly for people in our demographic who may be new to the area.

Read more member stories by clicking on the names below.

 

Jan Olmstead, Brad & Cathryn Greeley, and Janet Tucker

Judy Nerbonne

Denny Chasteen

Kathy Donovan

John & Linda Woodard 

Ralph Lincoln & Jane Chisholm

 

Angela Hiley

Michael & Cynthia Harvell

ML Hannay

Addie Tarbell

Valerie Gamache

Brenda Reynolds

Kathy Rockwood

Phyllis Stibler

Peter Cass

Sam Marwit

Village Paddlers

Susan Getman

Susan MacLennon

Katharine "KK" Brown

Alan Bennett

Cathy & Rich DiPentima

Patricia Yosha

Dan and Karen Waintroob

Chris & Mimi Brett 

Alan Cohen

Nancy Euchner

April Weeks 

Bob Andelman

Bonnie Keast

Deb Masse

 Emily LePage

Jane Page

Joan Cohen

Jim & Midge Kelley

Mary Elizabeth McCue

Mary Proskow

Georgeann Murphy

Jann Foster