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.
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Dianne Lavoie, Portsmouth Dianne Lavoie, Portsmouth Retired social worker and longtime area resident, Dianne Lavoie, brings a lot of spirit to her role as a Village member and volunteer. “I joined three or four years ago because I live on my own,” she says. “Several good friends in my social circle moved away, my daughter has her own health issues to deal with, and I needed to build a network.” Having served on the board of the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival and being a regular member of the knitting circle at her senior center, she knows the value of community participation and getting involved. The Seacoast Village Project (SVP) offers her that same opportunity. As a member, Dianne has particularly enjoyed going on trips such as the Gundalow sail to the beautifully restored Wood Island Life Saving Station off Kittery Point and attending theater performances—Shakespeare anyone?—with Village friends. She is also excited about getting a new Village venture called “Flying Solo” off the ground. In addition to monthly lunch get-togethers, the group is hoping to create a network of SVP members who are up for going on spur-of-the-moment outings to a movie, restaurant or other fun destination, but may not want to go alone. As a volunteer, Dianne has been assisting in the Carey Cottage office one day per week. Her main role is to support membership efforts by putting together new member packets, working on membership renewals, following up with those who have expressed interest in joining, and making other calls as needed. When asked whether she would recommend SVP to a friend, Dianne gives the organization high praise. She considers SVP as definitely worthwhile because it gives people more options for building community. She also likes the “helping others” aspect of the group with things like rides and health concerns. This May, Dianne is making a return trip to Edinburgh, Scotland. “I was there once before with a tour group,” she says, “but this time I plan to take my time and walk the city from one end to the other. I want to see every castle and historic building.” Bon voyage, Dianne! Read more member stories by clicking on the names below. |
