North Hampton, NH - When Centennial Hall was listed for sale in the spring of 1997, a group of concerned citizens gathered together to figure out how to save the town's former school and social center. By 1998, a newly formed nonprofit organization, now known as the Friends of Centennial Hall Inc., signed a purchase and sales agreement and began working with various arts organizations to preserve and restore the historic building as a community center for the arts.

The Friends of Centennial Hall are now celebrating 10 years of ownership with a tribute to local champions who have made significant contributions toward revitalizing the hall. At a recent celebration, awards and special announcements helped supporters to see just how far they have come. Thanks to a grant from New Hampshire's Land and Community Heritage Investment Program met dollar-for-dollar by matching funds from community members, the crowd cheered the burning of the mortgage — the all-volunteer, independent, nonprofit group now assumes debt-free ownership and is ready to launch into the next phase of the restoration.

The Friends of Centennial Hall are pleased to announce Josephine Lamprey as the first winner of the Centennial Club award, honoring a person who has shared their time, advice and resources to further the restoration of Centennial Hall. The first Louise Booker Goss award, named in memoriam after the alumnus whose vision first inspired the preservation project, was awarded to Goss' daughter, Carolyn Brooks, to acknowledge her tireless efforts carrying out yard sales, bake sales, Old Home Day luncheons, ice cream sales, historic tours, property improvement projects and more, to fulfill her mother's vision to save the hall for the community's enjoyment. Both award recipients are alumni of the town school once housed at Centennial Hall.

Ben King and Bruce Kirk received the "Golden Hammer" awards for their time and dedication in maintaining and improving the 1876 structure, as the board continues to raise restoration funds and oversee the building's tenants. Attorney Kate Miller of Donahue, Tucker and Ciandella was celebrated for her high caliber pro-bono legal assistance.

A new sign funded by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and a brick-and-granite rear walkway were two of the recent improvements highlighted on tours, which included a basement classroom — refurbished by Timberland volunteers — now available for lease. Those who would like to make a donation or learn more about how to help, contact Marcy McCann at 964-2021.

Fosters Daily Democrat
http://www.fosters.com/

Media Contact: Amanda Bacon - amandab@lampreybrothers.com 800-333-6703