The Queen City Rotary Club extended its heartfelt thanks and gratitude to outgoing President Natalie Jutras and welcomed the new president, Heather Francoeur, during a special ceremony held recently at the Puritan Back Room in Manchester.
“Natalie was an inspirational and energetic leader during the past year and helped our club flourish in all ways,” noted Francoeur. “We truly appreciate her service and strong commitment to our mission of helping kids in need.”
Over the past year, the Club completed numerous community service projects across the city, hosted its annual “Night at the North pole” celebration for inner city children, provided scholarships to outstanding students, held recognition events for public safety officers and area champions, held a polio prevention fund drive, launched a monthly TV program on Manchester Public TV, and held two signature fund-raising events – the Reverse Raffle and Comedy Bowl. In May, the club held its annual charitable grants program, and distributed $50,000 in donations to 45 youth-centered non-profits in Greater Manchester.
Additionally, the Club revamped its member outreach program and added several new members over the course of the year.
“What an amazing year it has been,” said Jutras. “I am so grateful to all the club members for their friendship, camaraderie, and unwavering commitment to our mission. I am excited that we will continue this momentum as I pass on the gavel to Heather.”
The club also recognized members Dan Bednarski, Monica Labonville, Linda Seabury, Tom Stewart, Hal Sullivan, and Pete Winslow with special awards for their extraordinary volunteer service and commitment to area youth.
The 2025-2026 slate of officers is: Heather Francoeur-President, Alisha Cahall -President-Elect, Sheamus Standish-Vice President, Cindy Gaffney-Secretary, Dan Bednarski-Treasurer, Monica Labonville-Past President, Karen Metz-Director, Meg Timbas-Director, Anne-Marie Hafeman-Director, and Rick Lundborn-Director