January 15, 2010
 
Reflections
By DAVE FRENCH

In September I announced my retirement as Director of Parks & Recreation. As I began the task of packing up 32 years of memories, I wanted to say thank you to the people of Goffstown. It has been an honor to serve the community. It would be impossible to name all the people who have helped in whatever success we have had. I would not want to leave anyone out.

Former Director of Parks & Recreation Dave French

There are so many great memories. Friday Night Movies at the Rec. Center, those wonderful nicknames in the newspaper; Anne “Stretch” Romein and Jennifer ‘Magic” Longval{thought I would embarrass you one more time}, Dirty Sneaker Awards, Mystery Trips, Girls and Boys Basketball, Awards Nights, Girls Softball, Jr. Soccer, Foul shooting Milk shakes, Senior Citizen Dinners, Great Pumpkin Hunts, Goffstown Gallop and Glen Lake Classics, Christmas in August and Easter Egg Hunts{who was that in those costumes?} and so many other programs. Barnard and Roy Park improvements, Recreation Center Expansion, Skateboard Park, Sarette Recreation Complex.

Watching youngsters grow up and then return with their own children{yes, and then grand children } to participate in programs that they had been involved in. I got to watch my own children; Steve and Heather participate in activities and come back to coach, referee, start the Gallop and then run in it later as an adult. Memories of turning on the furnace at 6 a.m. at the Upper Elementary School before Saturday morning basketball games. Watching a first time runner crossing the finish line at the Gallop. It has been a great time.

I want to take the opportunity to thank the Parks & Recreation Commission; both past and present. They are a dedicated group of volunteers whose only mission is to help the department and community in Recreation. I especially would like to recognize former Chairman’s Bruce Rand, Paul Smith, as well as present Chairman Robert Draper. I would also like to recognize Susan Tucker. Susan has served faithfully on the Commission for 30 years. Many of those years as Chairman. The Board of Selectmen; both past and present, for their efforts on our behalf and the community they serve so well. Town Administrators{ Been here for all of them} as well as the many Town Hall staffs.

Sue Desruisseaux does a great job and the town hall “unsung heroes” {you know who you are!}. These folks serve the community as well as put up with me. Department Heads and School Department officials who have always made room at the table for Parks & Recreation and supported it. Full time employees starting with Ken Perkins; the first person that I ever hired to work in Goffstown to present day staff; Anastasia Hurley and Mike Guerette. The hundreds of seasonal staff that have worked for the department. The many hundreds of great volunteer coaches in our programs who give to the community every day and in every season for the youth in this community. To my baseball friends in GJB, GBR, and Legion. The opportunity to be a Board member, President{ a couple of times}, as well to coach and manage and be a part of so many great moments representing Goffstown. I have cherished those moments with you and the players that I was fortunate to coach.
I could never have been able to serve the community without the love and understanding of my wife Barbara and my children Heather and Steven. 

The Goffstown Community is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. It is home. I have been fortunate and proud to be a small part of the community. 

Thank you. Sincerely, Dave French

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