VILLAGE MEMBER STORIES

Kathy Rockwood (New Castle)

How long have you lived on the Seacoast?

My husband and I moved here 10 years ago from Connecticut. The moment we moved in I said, “I home!”

What did you do before retiring?

Education is my background. I seem to thrive on change and start-up ventures. Consequently, I have had multiple professional chapters: special education teacher, principal in a day treatment program, director of a statewide leadership center in CT, and then I went onto higher education. I worked at Central CT University and after completing my doctorate, I went onto Manhattanville College, where I was chair of the Educational Leadership program and associate professor for 10 years.

How do you spend your time now?

I love being outdoors and interacting with nature. Every season there are things I enjoy doing outside: rowing, kayaking, SUB, biking, swimming, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and hiking. Photography is my hobby. I love to travel and experience different cultures.

When I moved to NH, my goal was to get involved in the community and give back—something that I was unable to do when I worked full time. Soon after we came here, I became a UNH Marine Docent. That opened doors for me and expanded my knowledge about our wonderful Great Bay estuary and marine life. I volunteer as a deckhand on Gundalow, serve on the ISHRA (Isles of Shoals Research Association) Board, do history tours at Star Island and Appledore, and co-chair the AMC Over 55 hiking group.

What's been your involvement with the Seacoast Village?

Nancy Euchner and I co-founded Seacoast Village Project. I did not know what I was getting into at the time! However, it has been a gratifying journey. As a Board member, we wear different hats. I am now planning programs and events, as well fundraising and community outreach efforts. I have enjoyed getting to know our wonderful members and tackling the challenges of navigating our growth as a developing non-profit.

With a growing aging population, who have so much talent and wisdom to contribute to communities, the formation of a Village to serve our NH seacoast area makes total sense. Not only can we all stay actively engaged in our communities, but we can help each other out. We are a volunteer organization that hinges on individuals contributing what they can and expanding their circle of friends by getting to know each other.

What do you tell people who are considering becoming a Village member?

Many of our members do not need any services or support right now, but that can change in a day. I suggest that individuals come to some of our events and get to know our members. Now that we are coming into a time when we can meet in person that will be easier. I view Seacoast Village as a supportive, safety net. It is well worth the low membership fee. Why hesitate?

We are trying to respond to our members’ diverse interests through the program offerings. My hope is that more members will participate and get involved to support those programs. We need ongoing feedback from members to make sure we are being responsive in addressing their interests and needs. 

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