Page 46 - Newsletter_Winter_2020

who, even though it was his job, assisted Patty making sure Patty also speaks often and very highly of Paul Porter ’51.
the mailing paperwork was completed and the HHSAA had Patty admired Paul because “he made you think” about
the best rate possible for the mailing(s). There are a lot of things differently. His knowledge was far reaching, and he
small details you must be aware of to complete this process was generous with both his time & talents. Patty admired
which keeps changing. Paul’s woodturning talent and to this day, seeks out the
woodturning group Paul started to purchase pieces of their
In 2000, after some coaxing from Lauren Peabody Fitzpatrick craft. Patty recalls assisting Paul on the 2010 Gala with Karen
‘86, Patty joined the board. Patty admits her reluctance Eleiott Donato ’69. Paul extended a dinner invitation to
was that she thought of a “board member” as a professional Patty & Karen at his home as a ‘thank you’. Patty recalls this
“important” person which she felt she was not. Patty came is probably why she stepped up, in 2015, to chair the Gala
on as the secretary, which she was extremely comfortable after Paul’s passing.
with, replacing Nancy Ketch ’82 who moved into the VP
role. Nancy may have started the address database, but When asked about her vision for HHSAA, Patty continues
Patty continued to maintain the address and even updated to say that they are always looking for new people and ideas.
the database at least one time over the years. Of course, She also believes there are great possibilities for the future of
Patty works closely with others to keep the database up and HHSAA, but again states that “new and younger blood” are
running correctly; one of which is Jerry York ’70. When Patty needed. When asked what words of advice she might give
has issues with the website order process, she turns to the someone thinking about being a board member, Patty let
webmaster, Fred Grant ’88, for assistance. Patty could not do it slip that there are several exciting things happening with
her job without the support of many people and this includes HHSAA, one of which is setting up a grant fund for past
all the alum as well. alumni who wish to pursue a course in the trades. I am sure
more information will be forth coming from HHSAA in the
Patty continues to comment on future about this grant program. Thanks for the insight, Patty.
the need for new people to get I asked her directly about her original thoughts about a
board member “needing to be a professional”, and Patty
involved... conceded that each board member brings different skills
and talents which have helped to evolve the organization.
Patty has helped on many different activities, but top of her Patty continued to talk about different board members and
list is the multi-year reunions. In 2015, Patty stepped up to examples of their knowledge which has helped the board.
take over chairing the Gala committee after Paul Porter ‘51 Started with Paul Porter ’51 who had knowledge from
died in January 2015. Patty also sits on the Fundraising & schools outside Houlton, particularly the private school he
Newsletter committees. As Board secretary, Patty oversees the worked so many years at. Gary Bossie ‘57 who not only
Post Office box, returned mail, updating addresses and/or taught at HHS, but also brought knowledge of Ricker
looking address up on the white pages site, keeping track of College’s scholarship program. Janice (Cowperthwaite) Kelly
the incoming checks, the storage unit, and many other tasks. ‘72 brought knowledge of the Houlton Community Club
Many times, she is taking calls from alum at any time of day and their organization. Peter Fitzpatrick ‘59 who has a broad
as well as answering emails and writing “thank you” notes knowledge base, but he works best when given a task which
to donors. Given all of this, Patty still says she has enjoyed he will complete in a timely manner. Nancy Ketch ’82 has
working with all the alumni and finds “great joy” in talking a talent for creating communications and putting thoughts
with and meeting members. into concise sentences. Each member of the board brings
different talents which makes the board more diverse and
When asked about her favorite HHSAA event she worked able to be a “living” board to change with the time. Patty
on, Patty stopped to think about the question. Then she continues to comment on the need for new people to get
stated her favorite event would be the Phone-a-thon each involved, as some current board members are getting burnt
year. Again, she admits to enjoying making connections out and tired. But there are other ways to get involved if
with alum both in person and over the phone. Patty has being a board member does not appeal to you. HHSAA
enjoyed many conversations with alum and the stories they always needs writers for the newsletter, fundraising assistance
shared with her from their days at HHS and growing up (might be calling members, coming up with new activities
in Houlton. I recall hearing Patty talk about speaking with for alum to gather, or seeking out grants), volunteers to help
Henry White when he was alive; Henry and the White at activities, maybe you like to write ‘thank you’ notes. There
Family have a special place in HHSAA history as one of are so many tasks which are done behind the scenes. If you
the first endowments to be set up for scholarships and staff have a skill you would like to share with HHSAA let them
development. know.

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