Adventures, real or imagined, are what inspire us, whether it is travelling a short distance down the road, taking a 2,000-mile road trip, or hopping on a plane to a place you have never been before. And adventures imagined and experienced through the eyes of an artist can be equally compelling.
When I joined WREN in January 2020 it had just come out of a challenging period, closing its doors in December of 2018 and shortly after going into hibernation to rethink, reimagine and emerge recharged in June of 2019. In March of 2020, the pandemic hit, our lives dramatically changed, and the world literally stopped. Domestic travel was limited, and international travel was banned, with some countries not reopening until the late fall of 2021.
During this period WREN pivoted quickly to offer many online classes, member meetups and support. Together we were laying the foundation for a stronger WREN Community. We used this time to refresh the store, build an online presence and create a robust technical assistance program. Our member artists and makers scheduled safe drop-offs and the store and gallery slowly came to life, filling up with all kinds of amazing work.
Bethlehem and the surrounding communities experienced a population surge. Many second homeowners moved here, some temporarily and others permanently, to find peace and serenity in the beautiful mountains of northern New Hampshire.
Under strict COVID guidelines, we were able to re-open the store and gallery in June of 2020. We saw the return of many familiar faces and met new people, too. We often heard how the work we represented took them to places they were unable to visit. They shared their stories of a place they had been or a place they were hoping to visit.
I remember being at the register when a customer showed me the framed photo of a mother bear with her cubs that he intended to purchase. He told me how his young family had come from a major city to wait out the pandemic, and for the first time had seen bears in their natural environment. He went on to tell me how their experience in the North Country, although short-lived, would most likely have a permanent positive impact on his family.
Thankfully the pandemic has ended, but the wonderful stories and adventures continue. Most importantly, WREN continues to thrive because of our awesome community of artists, makers, board, staff, volunteers and enthusiastic supporters.
I want to thank all of you for the best job I have ever had.
PAINTING INSPIRES HOPE & NEW ADVENTURES
On a personal note, just after I started at WREN my husband Lee was diagnosed with dementia. We owned a lovely casita in northern New Mexico, and I honestly thought I would never get there again.
Linda Gray, one of WREN’s long-time members, was on a southwestern road trip with her husband when their vintage VW van broke down near our casita. They stayed there waiting while it was repaired. As a gift, she painted a picture of a sunset overlooking our land with my favorite statue in the foreground. I hung that painting at the foot of my bed. It was the last thing I saw when I went to bed at night and the first thing I saw in the morning, and it inspired me during the hardest time of my life.
My husband passed away in September 2023 and the day after his death I woke up, looked at the painting and knew what I needed to do. I packed up my two dogs, jumped in my truck and headed west for one of the best adventures of my life.
P.S. In September I will pack up my truck and head west for many new adventures.
Pam Sullivan
WREN: THE WOMEN’S RURAL ENTREPRENEURIAL NETWORK
WREN was founded in 1994, powered by rural women committed to the mission of supporting better lives and livelihoods through education, economic development and community engagement in the North Country.
Through the years, WREN’s work has impacted thousands of people across New Hampshire’s North Country. We provide technical assistance, training and market access for local entrepreneurs, artists and makers, and organize educational, cultural and social events for the entire community. The Store and Gallery at WREN support the livelihoods of local artists while contributing to the vitality of the North Country.
WREN was founded 30 years ago as a 9-month training and support program to help 12 very lowincome rural women achieve their dreams of business ownership. Today, WREN is a women-led organization inclusive to all, with more than 250 members.
We have served over 3,000 aspiring small business owners with grants, workshops and training, and market access opportunities including our Main Street store and gallery in Bethlehem. We provide a cultural outlet where the public can gather to enjoy and learn about art. And we nurture the upcoming generation’s creative and entrepreneurial instincts with youth programming for those who will help shape the future of our community.
For 30 years, New Hampshire’s North Country has turned to WREN for learning, earning, and cultural opportunities. Many connections have been made, creative opportunities explored, and lifelong friendships forged.
Having WREN in our community has fostered valuable connections among small business owners and artists, created market opportunities, and provided access to funding. Now at the 30-year mark, we look forward to many more years of supporting North Country entrepreneurs and providing unique creative, educational, and cultural opportunities for the community.
Founders
Colleen Foley
Veronica Francis
Mollie White
2024 Board of Directors
Julie A. Weisman, Board Chair
Sharon Washwick-Francis, Treasurer
Darlene Jones, Secretary
Amanda Arcone
Rebecca Fullerton
Christa Hollingsworth
Robin J. Ross
Staff
Pamela Sullivan, Outgoing Executive Director
Julia Butterfield, Incoming Executive Director as of Sept. 1, 2024
Katie Burgess, Operations Manager
Gillian Scrima, Marketing Coordinator
Kristine Lingle, Retail Associate
Wynnie Goldstone, Retail Associate
Zoë Ghanooni, Retail Associate
WREN’s Past Executive Directors
Natalie Woodroofe
Marilinne Cooper
Teri Bordenave
Elizabeth Penney
Alison Chisolm
2019-2020 Board Transition Team
Mary Secor
Ayla Queiroga
Kate Foley
Former Board Members and Staff
Grateful appreciation to WREN’s former board members who gave so much time and energy guiding the organization throughout the years, and to WREN staff past and present for their dedication and daily commitment to fulfilling WREN’s mission.
Contributors to the 30th Anniversary WRENzine
Eileen Alexander, Editor
Sullivan Creative, Design
WREN Staff
Chris Whiton, Photographer, Cover Photo
Natalie Woodroofe
Speedy Printing/Evans Publishing
WREN: Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Dear Friends,
What an honor it is to be part of WREN 30 years on. I’ve had the privilege to watch it grow and change pretty much since its inception — my mom was a member of the second group of WRENs back in 1995, and I was one of the first WINGS girls. It goes without saying that these were formative experiences for me, and I’m so grateful for the community connections we made through WREN. I felt nurtured and inspired by the WREN Community from day one, and I’m proud to be a part of it today.
WREN has been through changes and challenges in its 30-year history; through it all, WREN’s strength is in community. I look forward to strengthening our community partnerships as we continue to offer entrepreneurial support, market access, world class gallery exhibitions, along with a full slate of workshops and events for community members of all ages. As I prepare to step into my role as WREN’s next Executive Director, I am proud to be the next in a lineage of incredible women. Here’s to all the Executive Directors who have brought WREN safely to where we are today. I can’t wait to see what the future brings for WREN.
Warmly,
Julia Butterfield
Julia Butterfield and Pam Sullivan
Julia with a Wings workshop group, summer 2023
Julia (center) at a WINGS workshop circa 1995
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
“WREN is the bridge between creative individuals and making a viable living as an entrepreneur. WREN helps individuals become self-sustaining and to thrive in their creative endeavors by providing the education, resources and support to reach those goals.”
“I am a WREN vendor and volunteer. I value the support and encouragement I receive for my work and enjoy the networking opportunities and friendships I have made. I continue to be inspired! Thank you, WREN!”
Caryn Clark, store vendor and WREN member for about 20 years
— Jeanette Fournier, watercolor artist and WREN member for 19 years
“I have been a member of WREN for 20 years. Is that possible?! Right from the start, I felt akin to WREN‘s vision and have consistently enjoyed the women I have worked with. And besides all that WREN has helped make me feel successful as an artist. Thank you, WREN!”
Amy Shinerock, potter and store vendor
“WREN has been an outlet for my glass work, and has connected me to those wanting commission work, or needing repairs. Without WREN, Bethlehem would be much poorer as a community.”
Melanie Hamilton, glass artist and longtime WREN member
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS BY EILEEN ALEXANDER
For more than 15 years, dozens of emerging and established WREN business owners have received support in starting or growing their enterprises thanks to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars. Participants in the CDBG program receive free assistance from WREN including a free WREN membership, plus free one-on-one training, workshops, and classes. WREN also has direct grant funds available to CDBG participants to use for business expenses.
NANCY PHILLIPS, HEARTSONG FARM
For almost 40 years, the Phillips family of Heartsong Farm in Lost Nation has been farming their land organically, growing veggies and medicinal herbs, developing market gardens, and caring for the organic apple orchard for which the farm is known.
Heartsong Farm also holds classes and retreats for individuals who want to participate in wellness and personal development activities to nurture themselves and learn new skills. Workshops include how to grow food organically, how to incorporate herbs in teas and salves, cooking, yoga, developing their organic apple growing skills and much more.
Nancy was awarded a CDBG grant that provides technical assistance to develop a comprehensive marketing plan that she and her daughter Gracie are using to connect to people who might be interested in attending their workshops, seminars and retreats.
The technical assistance includes content creation, social media, and marketing strategies to assist them in developing a bigger, broader audience, so more people can participate in their programs.
“There really is a lot of complexity in marketing,” says Gracie, “including the kinds of social media recommended, taking videos versus photos, and learning other ways to develop a wider awareness of the Heartsong Farm courses. We want to be known to the local community, and also expand through the New England area.”
Learn more about Heartsong Farm’s offerings at www.heartsongfarmwellness.com.
Gracie, left, and Nancy Phillips of Heartsong Farm gathering nettles at the farm.
ANDREW MORAN, DIGITAL MEDIA & CONTENT CREATION
To jump-start his new business, Andrew Moran’s CDBG grant of $4,933 has been used to purchase a fast laptop with plenty of storage; an industry quality microphone for voice overs; a lapel mic; a new camera; and other equipment that will help with filming/editing.
Andrew grew up in a foreign service family and has lived in locations around the world. His business goals include expanding his digital channels into long-form documentary films and videos to explore history and current events of geopolitical issues throughout the world, with a focus on African and Middle Eastern politics.
“I want to be able to travel to film on location internationally,” he says. “The new equipment opens up so many possibilities that will help me carry out my plans for the future.”
Andrew can be reached at atmoran15@gmail.com.
CASEY BONILLA, BONILLA BREAD
The taste of freshly baked goods made from quality ingredients is indescribable, as those fortunate enough to purchase any of Bonilla Bread’s products will attest. The home-grown business continues to grow by leaps and bounds and this fall Bonilla Bread is available in four retail locations, as well as from the little Bread Barn shed in the front yard outside Casey and José Bonilla’s home at 40 Lewis Hill Road in Bethlehem.
Casey Bonilla, owner and head baker of High Points Bakery, dba Bonilla Bread, was awarded a direct grant of $5,000 to purchase equipment needed to increase the family’s baked goods output. When earlier plans to open a store on Bethlehem’s Main Street didn’t work out, the Bonilla family pivoted and purchased a three-tier stone oven that has quadrupuled their production. Their baked goods inventory includes favorites like quick breads, artisan specialty breads, scones, muffins, gluten free items, and many others.
“This grant is a kickstart to our dream,” says Casey, who is turning out a variety of baked goods from her home with the assistance of her husband José and their son Elias until a suitable space for a bakery opens up on Bethlehem’s Main Street.
Learn more about Bonilla Bread at www.bonillabread.com.
Casey and José Bonilla with their son Elias.
Videographer and documentarian Andrew Moran.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS (CONT.)
EMILIE LANGFORD, EMILIE’S CHRISTMAS BOWS
Emilie Langford worked on her family’s Beloin Tree Farm in Colebrook, where she and her small staff made thousands of Christmas wreaths that the Beloin family sold at their farm in Colebrook and at select Christmas tree lots in southern New Hampshire.
Eventually, Emilie decided to stop making wreaths and opened Emilie’s Christmas Bows, which offers a wide variety of decorative bows for all occasions, but primarily Christmas bows, for both wholesale and retail, including custom work.
As her business grew, Emilie knew that she needed additional equipment and more technological knowhow to market her business to a wider audience. Connecting with WREN, Emilie applied for a CDBG equipment and technology grant to purchase packaging equipment that allows her to ship her bows safely without getting squashed, along with a new printer.
“The CDBG grant and the classes that are available,” says Emilie, “were the kick in the pants that sent me forward and now I can see what I can do. I had the funds for the basics, but the grant has given me the time and confidence to pursue big customers with a goal of marketing to garden centers at large conventions.”
Learn more about Emilie’s business at www.emilieschristmasbows.com.
Also see a WMUR NH Chronicle program segment from December 2023 featuring Emilie and the Beloin Tree Farm at www.wmur.com/article/nh-chronicle-beloin-christmas-tree-farm-in-colebrook/46066157
Emilie Langford peeks through some of the Christmas bows her company produces.
THE STORE AND GALLERY AT WREN
BY EILEEN ALEXANDER
The Store and Gallery at WREN have exceeded the vision of WREN’s earliest caretakers: to provide market access to local entrepreneurs and artists.
Twenty-five years after the store and gallery opened on Bethlehem’s Main Street in 1999, WREN continues to provide essential market access opportunities and technical support to its local small business members, along with an outstanding experience for visitors. Gallery goers discover amazing pieces of art through rotating exhibitions in the gallery, and visitors to the store have the opportunity to purchase high quality, handmade artisanal products. And both the store and gallery sales provide needed income to WREN’s 120+ small regional producers.
A LITTLE HISTORY
WREN’s retail store and gallery on Bethlehem’s Main Street opened in 1999 to fill a need, says Katy Curnyn, its longtime Director of Market Access, now retired.
“It was pretty evident early on that people who created goods of any kind needed to test them to see if they were viable products,” she recalls. “There wasn’t a really clear way to do this. There were no farmers markets here then, and the pop-up markets we held at places like Bretton Woods to see what customers thought of our artists’ and makers’ products had limited reach.”
WREN purchased its storefront in 1998 and made extensive renovations to realize its vision of “a store, space for a gallery, and a tech lab and classroom,” says Katy. “I was hired for one year and was still here 20 years later.”
Over the years, Katy devoted an enormous amount of time and energy working with store vendors to figure out pricing, help them develop their bios, and get their products store ready. “These were small entrepreneurs who were trying to piece together a living, subsidizing what they were doing,” she says. “Although people today value handmade items, when we opened the store a lot of discount products or products from China were flooding the market.”
Market access at WREN continues to give small entrepreneurs a way to test whether their idea or concept is viable. “How else can they know if their product is worthwhile in the marketplace unless they test it, and WREN provides a way to do that,” says Katy.
WREN’s retail store then.
WREN’s retail store now.
In 2013, WREN accepted an invitation from the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods to open a Local Works store in the hotel’s lobby. The store highlighted WREN and its locally produced products to a new and bigger market.
As Katy concentrated on the store and its vendors, artists Beth Simon and Alison Dodd spearheaded the drive to open the gallery, attracting a variety of artists working in different media, and mounting monthly exhibitions that included gallery receptions so that the public could meet the artists whose work was on display.
“From the beginning we hung the gallery shows for at least 10 years,” Beth remembers. “We were so serious about it. We believed you had to showcase the art properly.” Following Beth and Alison’s tenure, a gallery committee was formed to select and hang the shows, and later Katherine Ferrier was hired as the gallery director. Currently, a group of devoted volunteers is involved in hanging the exhibits.
TODAY
The WREN store’s original roster of 35 artisans has grown to 120+ regional makers of a variety of products, providing the critical market access component essential to small entrepreneurs’ success.
The store is noted for its colorful displays and a rotating selection of a wide variety of items: outstanding photography, jewelry in many styles, decorative and functional pottery, fiber art, mixed media pieces, wood crafted items, a vibrant collection of wall art (oils, watercolors, acrylics, prints and more), and a selection of wines, New Hampshire-made chocolates, and locally produced maple syrup and pancake mix. An online store is open 24 hours a day for shoppers who aren’t able to make it into the store, and WREN is happy to ship.
The Gallery at WREN presents a new exhibit every two months featuring local and regional artists, and continues its tradition of opening each show with a free Gallery reception, giving the public an opportunity to meet the artists. WREN also partners with the Adair Country Inn & Restaurant in the Arts at Adair series, where select pieces from the current exhibit are also displayed at the Inn.
The Store and Gallery at WREN are open 7 days a week: Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday.
2011 Main Street in Bethlehem; www.wrenworks.org; (603) 869-9736.
Rachel O’Meara with her work at the ‘Women in Print’ gallery show.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 30 YEARS OF WREN
SPRING 1994
Veronica Francis, Colleen Foley and Mollie White meet with students at Springfield College as participants in the New Hampshire Job Council. They envision the creation of the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network as part of their degree work. Fast forward 2 decades and they help celebrate WREN’s 20th anniversary in 2014.
(Right) Mollie White, Colleen Foley and Veronica Francis at WREN’s 20th anniversary celebration.
AUGUST 1994
They hire Natalie Woodroofe to get the program up and running, recruit participants, hire instructors and seek funding.
SEPTEMBER 1994
WREN is launched with 12 women eager to start or grow their own businesses. Classes are offered in developing a business plan, financial management, marketing, and integrating technology, as few had ever used a computer. Carol Herzig, a social worker, is hired to provide support and build the beginnings of what became the WREN Community.
(Right) First group of WREN graduates.
FALL 1994
AHEAD provides office space for Woodroofe and Linda Novack, program participant and part time office assistant. WREN operates under AHEAD’s nonprofit status as Woodroofe prepares and submits WREN’s own nonprofit status.
SPRING 1995
WREN moves its operations into the Brick House on Littleton’s Main Street. The two-story house has room for administrative offices and a gathering space for WREN.
(Right) An early group of WRENs at our first house, the Brick House in Littleton. Front: Veronica Francis, Beth Simon, Laura Giveen, Mollie White. Back: Colleen Foley, Pat Crawford, Natalie Woodroofe, Nora Clark, Karen Keazirian, and Frada Kaplan.
FALL 1996
A second cohort of WRENS is added to the growing WREN Community.
1997
The WINGS program (Women Invested in Nurturing Girls’ Success) launches. WINGS organizes workshops and trips for North Country girls intended to build their confidence, provide a safe space for self-expression, and introduce the girls to the world outside the North Country.
1998
Andy Dibner, owner of a Main Street Bethlehem retail store building, encourages Woodroofe to explore options for moving WREN to Bethlehem and forming a condominium ownership of the building. Current occupants Jo Miller and Eleana Sussman of 3 of Cups Antiques and Marianne Vaughan, owner of a hair salon, agree to purchase their storefronts. Colleen and Jack Foley and David and Susan Brown purchase one unit and launch Cold Mountain Café. WREN secures grant funds to buy two units for its program operations and the development of a technology center and retail store. Katy Curnyn is hired to launch WRENOvation!, which will provide a marketplace for WREN members to sell their products and artwork.
1999
WREN leaves the Brick House in Littleton and relocates to 2011 Main Street in Bethlehem.
2000
WREN is one of 5 organizations across the country to receive a $100,000 2-year grant from The Aspen Institute’s Microenterprise Fund for Innovation, Effectiveness, Learning and Dissemination (FIELD) to determine the “best practices” in developing and delivering support and technical assistance to established businesses. WREN uses the funding to offer its GROW (Graduate Resources of WREN) program. Funding connects WREN staff with similar programs across the country.
After extensive renovations, WREN holds a Grand Opening Celebration on July 13 of its new location on Main Street, Bethlehem: the WRENOvation! Retail Store and Technical Center.
WREN develops and launches www.shopthewrens.com, an online store.
WREN hosts guests from the All China Women’s Federation (ACWF) and their American tour hosts from the Women for International Peace and Arbitration (WIPA). The delegation represents the top leadership of half a billion women in China. The November 2000 WRENzine notes that we found “common ground around issues of self-worth, gender equality, economic survival, and community development.”
2001
WREN’s first GROW program launches. GROW (Graduate Resources of WREN) provided a structured program to map out goals and identify resources and support for the established entrepreneur.
2002
Affinity groups are launched to connect members and assist them in increasing their market opportunities through collaboration/networking and access to grants. Affinity Groups include Product Affinity, Technology Group, White Mountain Celebration Alliance, Northeast Home Inspirations, StarNorth Financial Network, and the Instructors Group.
The GROW program assists 42 participants between 2000 and 2002. The 2-year pilot program funded by the Aspen Institute is nationally recognized as an “innovative and effective approach to supporting established business owners.”
2002
WREN’s fundraising calendar features WREN women and their passions, from technology to swimming, drumming to vintage clothing. (Right) WREN calendar.
2003
WREN takes a leadership role in Bethlehem’s Main Street revitalization, supporting the emerging Friends of The Colonial Theatre, and convening two sessions of Bethlehem residents, civic leaders and business owners who help the group identify a number of short- and long-term goals. WREN’s staff begins to organize efforts to create street banners for the commercial district of town to both physically define the town center and create opportunity for local artists.
WREN begins a partnership with the North Country Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to bring emerging and established business owners free consulting, technical assistance workshops and more.
WREN produces a CD, Bethlehem: Star of the White Mountains, a visual and sound portrait focusing on the signature qualities of Bethlehem: its history, architecture, natural beauty, and people, through the voices of 8 Bethlehem residents. (Right) Top photo.
The Stars Come Out in Bethlehem Banner Project is launched. It will create original art banners to grace Main Street.
WREN’s Executive Director Natalie Woodroofe and Market Access Director Katy Curnyn attend The Ms. Foundation Institute conference in Austin in October 2003.
2004
WREN encourages participation in the Handmade in the Northern Forest guidebook. Market Access Director Katy Curnyn is instrumental in developing the project with others from around the state.
(Right) Handmade in the Northern Forest guidebook.
WREN celebrates its 10th birthday with a party on October 13! (Right) 2004 WRENzine cover.
Joan Reed, then a Bethlehem resident and WREN Street Banner project volunteer, states Why WREN Matters: “My first thoughts are of the impact WREN has had on the town of Bethlehem. It is a presence which, I feel, has turned the town around and sparked a renewed energy.”
(Right) Joan Reed and Louise Sims with Joan’s sunflower banner.
WREN’s membership has grown to 550 members in 13 states.
2005
WRENOvation! marks its 5th anniversary providing market access, technical assistance, resources and opportunity for rural artisans. The original 35 store artisans now number over 140. Total sales of nearly a half a million dollars has put over $300,000 in the hands of craftspeople and artists, while helping WREN earn income to support its work.
WREN receives a “technology solution” package from Hewlett Packard worth more than $150,000.
WREN is selected as the Local Partner for the Women and Company Microenterprise Boost Program, one of only 8 partners across the country, and is able to give a $1,000 cash award to 9 women microentrepreneurs.
WREN celebrates the early years of the Gallery at WREN, whose exhibits are curated and hung by volunteers Beth Simon and Alison Dodd.
(Right) Celebrating 6 years of the Gallery at WREN.
2006
After 12 years, WREN says goodbye to Natalie! Marilinne Cooper is selected as WREN’s new Executive Director. (Right) Marilinne Cooper.
2007
WREN purchases the building across the back parking lot. June 27 marks the Grand Opening of WREN Central (financial and administrative offices) on Park Street and the store and gallery expansion on Main Street.
WREN holds its first Garden Tour on July 8.
Eight WREN members and two WREN staff attend the Stonyfield Farm Entrepreneurship Institute at Southern New Hampshire University, with full scholarships provided by the Women’s Fund of NH, including free tuition, hotel and food.
Susan Brown and Judy Day of the Center for Balanced Health receive a Fairy Godmother microequity grant from the Ms. Foundation’s Collaborative Fund for Women’s Economic Development, one of only four awarded nationwide. The grant is used to purchase equipment and tools to produce Pure Essence, a line of natural skincare products.
2008
The store name changes from WRENOvation! to Local Works Marketplace at WREN, rebranded to reflect that first-time customers can “buy local” at WREN.
WREN is chosen as the 2008 Champion in Action in the area of workforce and economic development by Citizens Bank and WMUR-TV.
Melissa Sheehan of The Maia Papaya uses her Women & Company Microenterprise Boost Program award to put down a floor in the new kitchen of her café and to build an outdoor patio. Jeanette Fournier receives a follow-up equity award to purchase a computer to store digital files and software for processing wildlife photos and creating giclee reproductions. The equipment will save her from outsourcing.
(Right) Maia Papaya’s Melissa Sheehan.
An accomplished group of women from several Eastern European countries visit WREN as part of a three-week tour sponsored by the Quebec Labrador Foundation. Part of the program featured cultural heritage and rural economic development. (Right) Quebec Labrador Foundation.
2009
The First WREN BETA (Business and Entrepreneurial Technical Assistance) graduating class includes Claudia Roderick, Maryanne Rennell, Belinda Phillips, Kristine Lingle, Nora Clark, Katy Curnyn, Lois Hamel, Jill Brewer, Patti Slavtcheff, Claudette St. Laurent, Elaine Gabriel, Amy Holmes, Chris Clark, Dave Pelletier, Lorna Greer, Heidi Herzberger, Nina Garfield, and Jeanne Boisseau.
WREN’s 15th birthday party is held on June 26
“From our modest beginnings as a small pilot program for 12 women entrepreneurs, we have grown into a vibrant multifaceted organization, over 800 strong,” says WREN’s Executive Director Marilinne Cooper on the 15th anniversary. The store, gallery, farmers market, entrepreneurial trainings and other classes, technology center, incubator office spaces, and WINGS program are all “pieces of WREN [that] reflect who we are.”
WREN opens a satellite office in a church in Berlin, NH on June 1, managed by Laura Jamison.
The first Local Works Farmers Market opens in Bethlehem. During the first year it is held twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
2009 recipients of the Women & Company Microenterprise Boost program are Danette McArthur of Delectables by Danette, Jen Kovach of Garden Dreams and Nancy Roberts of Momma Nookie’s Homemade Cookies.
2010
Over 500 people have become WREN members since January 2009.
Plymouth State University students conduct a WREN Market Impact Study, looking at both the overall economic effect on the village as well as the individual personal effect WREN has had on members of the community.
The Berlin Farmers Market debuts. (Right) July 2, ribbon cutting for new Berlin Farmers Market.
2010
The 2010 BETA class includes Scott Calaio, Catherine Delage, Deb Moodie, Perrianne Knapton, Jan Morse, Patti Mann, Karen Pearson, Leo Breault, Dan Robinson, Theresa Tupaj-Wood, Dottie Champagne, Mary Etter, David Gabriel, and Jeanne Boisseau.
2011
The Small Business Administration of NH recognizes WREN’s Executive Director Marilinne Cooper and Market Access Director Katy Curnyn as Women in Business Champions of the Year for the work they have done with WREN.
WREN welcomes 15 international entrepreneurs for a day in June as part of a summer study program at UNH. They hail from a variety of countries including Zambia, Egypt, Uganda and the Philippines.
Since September 2007, more than 200 people have learned how to BYOB (Be Your Own Boss) with BETA. The 8-week course integrates the nationally known, award-winning Core Four training curriculum with WREN’s own brand of business coaching and networking, covering successful strategies for businesses that include marketing, financial management and operations planning.
2012
Local gardens are admired during the 6th annual WREN Garden Tour.
Led by the intrepid Kay Kerr, the newly formed WRENegades gets underway with summer networking events for WREN’s lively group of seniors. (Right) WRENegades hike.
A laundry line strung with bras, some decorated, flutter in the breeze around the outdoor market area, all part of WREN’s Raise a Cup for the Cure fundraiser to support breast cancer programs at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center in Lebanon. (Right) Raise a Cup for the Cure.
International Entrepreneur Practitioners, participants in a UNH program on Sustainable Microenterprise and Development Program, visit WREN in Bethlehem and Berlin.
A $145,000 CDBG grant will provide technical assistance for low to moderate income members.
2013
WREN opens a new Local Works store in the lobby at the Omni Mt. Washington Resort.
(Right) July 29, WREN LocalWorks opens at Omni. Attendees include the Omni’s Judy Ratzel, along with Donna Dorey Wiley, Katrine Barclay, and Dawn Berg.
WREN hosts a World Affairs Council tour of visitors from China. In Chinese “REN” means people and the “W” stands for female, so in Chinese, WREN means “female people.”
WREN purchases a building at 921 Main Street in Berlin and moves northern operations from the church to the new site.
2014
WREN celebrates its 20th anniversary with a party on June 20, and its Executive Director Marilinne Cooper reflects that creating is “making, doing, taking action…At WREN we create many things: excitement, community connections.” (Right) April 7, 2014 20-20 Vision gallery show.
WREN commissions sculpture artist Matt Bassett to build a time capsule, to be opened on WREN’s 40th anniversary in 2034, and WREN board vicepresident Moocho Salomon pens a poem (right) referencing that far-off date to go with it.
A Celebration of Success Luncheon is held at the Littleton Opera House on September 17. (Second photo from bottom) From left are Starcy Branch, Linda Bradshaw, Cheryl Kerr, Kay Kerr and Mary Lou Krambeer.
Bethlehem’s first Community Mural Project, spearheaded by Gallery manager Katherine Ferrier, is on display. Artists of all ages paint the 200 panels spelling out Welcome to Bethlehem. (Bottom photo)
WREN’s first Eureka Night is held. Participants Linny Kenney, Meg Brown, Dawn Lambert and Mary Moritz present their businesses to a 4-person panel that helps them problem solve aspects of their businesses.
2015
WREN Works Maker Studio opens at the 921 Main Street location in Berlin on June 11. The studio is intended to evolve and grow with a combination of coworking, incubator space, and maker studios that help people connect, create and inspire.
2016
Marilinne Cooper, who began working for WREN in 2006, writes her final Director’s Note, off to “Live the life I’ve imagined.” Teri Bordenave is named interim director.
The Berlin Community Mural Project is unveiled in August.
Elizabeth Penney is named Executive Director.
2016
Members of both the Women’s Fund of NH and Granite State Ambassadors visit WREN.
2017
A group of Pakistani rural entrepreneurs visit WREN as part of the NH World Affairs Council Tour. The tour and discussion center around diversifying rural economies.
2017
Alison Chisholm is named Acting Executive Director and Natalie Woodroofe steps down from the board to take on the position of Grants Manager.
The LEAP (Launching Emerging Artists Program) initiative is launched under the direction of Gallery director Katherine Ferrier. The program includes an in-depth, year-long series of workshops, critiques, peer-to-peer support, studio visits and networking events designed to give artists the tools they need to tackle common obstacles and achieve success in the marketplace.
2018
WREN goes into hibernation, although the CDBG program remains active. Operations in Berlin cease. The Local Works store at the Omni Mt. Washington Resort is closed. All store inventory is returned to the vendors.
2019
The WREN board and others offer fresh ideas as the WREN Community is reimagined. The board agrees to sell the Park Street and Berlin buildings and use the resources to hire appropriate staffing.
Mary Secor, Ayla Queiroga and Kate Foley assume leadership roles overseeing operations. CDBG classes continue and the store and gallery reopen in June.
2020
Following a search for an Executive Director, Pam Sullivan is hired in January.
When the pandemic hits in March, WREN shuts its doors and quickly pivots to classes via Zoom
WREN’s Executive Director Pam Sullivan notes that “The pandemic moved WREN forward. We redid and refreshed WREN and reopened in June. Former board president Mary Secor was instrumental and helped guide WREN through this difficult time. We developed classes and expanded the CDBG program to provide direct cash grants, and had a good summer in the store. People who moved up here during COVID and visitors from afar really understood how important it was to support local businesses.”
The Adair Country Inn and Restaurant becomes the year-round sponsor of the Gallery at WREN and the Arts at Adair initiative is launched, displaying select artwork from gallery exhibitions at the Inn.
2021
The basement is renovated and converted into rentable office space.
WREN works on making our exterior Pocket Park beautiful with a new mural by Zach Johnsen, sponsored by The Adair Country Inn and Restaurant, and the renovation of the garden by Carl Bretton.
(Right) Pam Sullivan, left, introduces artist Zach Johnsen (in cap) and mural sponsors Joel and Cathy Bedor of The Adair Country Inn and Restaurant.
WREN launches an online store and marketplace to enhance sales opportunities for store vendors. Programming and technical assistance continue via Zoom.
WREN is recognized for work well done and receives the NH Business Review Advocate for Women’s Empowerment (AWE) Award. (Right) WREN receives the Women’s Empowerment Award.
2022
With the pandemic behind us and WREN on solid footing, we turn to focus on building community.
WREN receives a Silver Lining Resilience Award from the NH State Council on the Arts.
The World Affairs Council of NH and the WREN Community co-host a group of economic leaders from Spain and Andorra.
The Women’s Work Initiative is created and led by Mollie White, co-founder of WREN.
WREN participates in Christmas in Bethlehem and creates the Holiday Fair at the Adair Country Inn and Restaurant.
2023
The Women’s Work Initiative leads to the reintroduction of the WINGS program and a partnership with the US Small Business Administration New Hampshire District Office on the first Women’s Empowerment Summit.
Day-long in-person business development workshops and oneon-one technical assistance sessions are created.
WREN hosts a meet and greet for Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington and other state officials. (Right) Cinde Warmington at WREN.
WREN hosts 6 Gallery shows.
WREN facilitates its second Holiday Fair at the Adair Country Inn and Restaurant as part of its Christmas in Bethlehem activities.
2024
WREN forms a partnership with The White Mountain School to collaborate on programming. WMS hosts the winter Wings workshop series, and the Gallery at WREN hosts WMS students for their gallery show. (Right) WMS students have a show at WREN.
In addition to hosting the WMS gallery show, WREN mounts 6 gallery shows to date, plus a pop-up “show-within-a-show” for Valentine’s Day, with a portion of proceeds going to support Above the Notch Humane Society.
After 5 years at the helm, Executive Director Pam Sullivan leaves in September and Julia Butterfield is named WREN’s new Executive Director
THE WINGS PROGRAM BY
JULIA BUTTERFIELD
As an original WINGS girl in the late ‘90s, I am thrilled to be relaunching WREN’s Wings program.
WINGS initially stood for Women Invested in Nurturing Girls’ Success. The program provided numerous enrichment opportunities for WREN girls, with all kinds of creative hands-on workshops and field trips. These events were great for helping the daughters of the WREN Community engage with the arts, explore artistic mediums, and make community connections.
Three generations of WRENs during the zine making workshop in February 2023: WREN’s incoming Executive Director Julia Butterfield was an original WINGS girl; her mom, Laura Giveen, was in the second group of graduates from WREN’s original business development program; and Julia’s daughter Zoë Ghanooni is a current Wings participant.
In September 2022, WREN launched the Women’s Work Initiative, which was tasked with identifying systemic barriers to higher earning power for North Country women and piloting solutions to those barriers. In its initial research phase, the initiative identified a need for empowerment programs for North Country adolescents. In response, WREN relaunched the WINGS program. Because we believe that engaging with all identities is imperative to breaking systemic barriers for the next generation, we rebranded the program as Wings 2.0 and opened it to all local adolescents, regardless of gender.
This next-generation Wings program kicked off with a free 3-day zine-making workshop in February of 2023. Since then, WREN has hosted Wings workshops at our Main Street location and has partnered with The White Mountain School to host workshops at their arts department. Our most recent series, held in February of 2024, was instructed by WREN members, White Mountain School staff, and Lori Silva from the Littleton Studio School. We are actively seeking to expand this program, and hope to partner with more community organizations in the future. Please reach out to juliab@wrenworks.org with suggestions!
The Wings program provides a safe space for creative expression, and encourages peer respect and community collaboration. It builds equity for the next generation by providing access to the arts. The Wings program is a valuable part of WREN’s mission-driven work!
Zoë Ghanooni, Julia Butterfield, and Laura Giveen.
WHY I LOVE WINGS
My grandma, who works at WREN, told me about the WINGS program when I was 6 and I couldn’t wait to be 8 so I could go. Last summer I turned 8 and so when WINGS began last fall, I was there. We made fairy houses out of recycled stuff. I made a button table and a flower slide and I even made a mailbox out of duct tape.
The second time I went we did self-portraits. There were boys there, too. Kayla Mardin is the person who shows us how to do the crafts. She showed us some portraits that were done by famous artists so we could do our portraits in the style of one of them. I decided to just make mine like I think I look. We all got our pictures in the newspaper holding up our drawings. In February we will be making Valentine treats. I hope we can eat some.
Kayla Mardin is the person who thinks of things to do at WINGS and her friend, Alli MacDonald, helps us kids with our projects. They also serve healthy snacks like veggies and fruit and popcorn. I’m glad that I am only 8 because I can go to WINGS for a long time. Maybe someday I can teach a craft or be a WINGS leader like Kayla.
Mackenzie Craig Third grader at Bethlehem Elementary School (Granddaughter of Sharon Mountain, a longtime sales associate in WREN’s retail store.)
In the fall of 2012, the WINGS girls made fairy houses.
THE WOMEN’S RURAL ENTREPRENEURIAL NETWORK AND THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
BY NATALIE WOODROOFE, WREN’S FIRST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In 1994, as Colleen Foley, Veronica Francis and Mollie White were mapping out a business development program for low-income women in northern New Hampshire, a national movement in micro (very small) business development was taking hold across the globe. These programs offered business development skills and support to tens of thousands of people, lifting them out of poverty and predominately increasing business ownership among women.
In September of that year, we convened the first 12 WREN participants for a nine-month business development program. What set WREN apart from many other such programs was our focus on connecting our participants with one another as well as those who mentored them. It was quickly apparent that the N (network) in WREN was the most enduring tool we could give them. The support of other members of the group and their instructors was as critical to their success as writing a business or marketing plan. We began to identify ourselves as the WREN Community.
Their greatest needs as retail or service-based entrepreneurs, hospitality providers, product makers, artists, artisans, independent contractors or consultants weren’t very different from those engaged with WREN now. Thirty years ago, the challenge was embracing and integrating emerging technology. Today, many entrepreneurs struggle with the challenges of online marketing and social media management.
WREN has always been about skill building and market access, but for the first 12 WRENs,
the support of their other group members and instructors was as critical to their success as writing a business plan, budgeting, or embracing emerging technology. When we asked them to identify their challenges, markets for their products and services topped the list. They needed training in using computers and software. Also access to technology tools like high quality printers they couldn’t afford to buy. Issues of packaging, messaging, and marketing strategies were addressed individually and through Affinity groups (i.e. artists, food product entrepreneurs, hospitality businesses, etc.) that brought them together with other WREN members. Another layer of community support. Small grants were offered to grow their enterprises.
Uplifting the community and connecting people became part of our daily organizational work. In 1997, we became a membership organization, giving both businesses and individuals the opportunity to support our work and mission of “Better Lives and Livelihoods.” We launched the WINGS (Women Invested in Nurturing Girls’ Success) Program, with WREN members serving as mentors, offering
WREN’s ‘A Midsummer Night’ fundraiser in July 2023. From left are Katy Curnyn, Natalie Woodroofe, Colleen Foley, Pam Sullivan, Veronica Francis, Beth Simon and Mollie White.
teen girls hands-on art projects and field trips to Boston museums and the local dump for items that could be transformed into artwork.
Two years later, we had outgrown our Littleton Brick House. We needed more space for learning, our own technology center that members and local folks could use, and most importantly, our own store! We moved our operations to Bethlehem’s Main Street. We hired Katy Curnyn, who had extensive retail experience, to launch and manage our store. Bethlehem needed WREN, too. Its Main Street was ragged. The Colonial Theatre had been shuttered for several years. Working with other businesses occupying what was known as the Dibner Block, we formed a condominium association and collectively purchased our storefronts. These included Marianne Vaughan’s hair salon, and Eleana Sussman and Jo Miller’s 3 of Cups Antiques. Jack and Colleen Foley and David and Susan Brown purchased one of the units and opened Cold Mountain Café (still operated and owned today by Kate Foley, their daughter and a longago WINGS program participant). WREN secured grant funds to buy two units for a retail store, gallery space, a public technology center and staff offices. We acquired funds to transform an unsightly hotel cellar hole in an adjacent lot into a small park, brightening the Main Street and providing a venue for farmers and other types of outdoor markets.
Our work to help revitalize the Town of Bethlehem and foster community within and beyond the organization began to draw national attention and major funders, as well as earnings for our members. Over the years, the Ms. Foundation, Aspen Institute, Kellogg Foundation, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and many other smaller foundations invested in our mission and work. Since 2000, WREN’s store and gallery have generated millions of dollars in sales for artists and product-based entrepreneurs.
Thirty years is the span of time between one generation and the next. Thirty years on, WREN’s leadership torch is being passed in September to Julia Butterfield, our new Executive Director. She is the daughter of Laura Giveen, one of the second group of WREN entrepreneurs in 1995. Julia is no stranger to the WREN Community; she was part of our WINGS program as a teenager and has been on staff since August 2022. And now, a third generation is involved. Julia’s daughter Zoë is a Wings 2.0 participant.
WREN’s circle of opportunity and community continues. Many thanks to all who have contributed to WREN’s work and impact over the last 30 years. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Natalie Woodroofe in her Littleton garden.
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER FEATURED IN Layered Together EXHIBITION
WREN is proud to present Layere d Together, the intertwined artistic journeys of mother and daughter Beth Simon and Ana Koehler.
This collection encompasses a lifetime of artistic exploration and features Beth’s distinctive crafted jewelry alongside Ana’s evocative paintings of the female form. The opening reception is Friday, August 30, and the exhibition will be on display in The Gallery at WREN from August 30 through October 27.
Both women have had a long association with WREN. Beth Simon was in the first group of WRENs when the organization was founded in 1994, and her daughter Ana Koehler was a participant in the original WINGS program.
Ana Koehler. Photo by Charlotte Dworshak
Beth Simon. Photo by Saige McGovern, Wild & Rooted Photography
ANA KOEHLER
Ana Koehler (b.1982 Franconia, NH) is a Burlington-based artist who challenges societal expectations and dismantles the notion of the female form as a mere aesthetic object. Through a dynamic exploration of the human body and existence, Koehler delves into themes of transformation, self-discovery, and the constant push and pull between internal desires and external pressures. Her figures transcend mere representation. They become a battleground: intimate, layered forms that are both monstrous and beautiful, existing in a state of perpetual flux.
Koehler utilizes paper as her primary canvas, a malleable surface perfectly suited to her act of deconstruction and reconstruction. She employs a variety of techniques — drawing, painting, collage — to dissect and reimagine figures, unearthing the complexities within.
“Art reflects human history, culture, and emotions. By surrounding myself with art, looking at art, making art, ultimately being immersed in art, I am better understanding humans, relationships, and most importantly myself. Also not to mention, the process and pure act of putting paint or pen to paper, is like a direct energy bolt to my core.”
Find Ana Koehler on Instagram @ana_koehler
BETH SIMON
Reflecting on my creative journey, I trace its roots back to my youth when I first learned to sew and began crafting simple garments. While I later explored various art forms, patterns and textures have consistently resurfaced in my work.
Now in my 70s, after two decades dedicated to promoting the art and craft of New Hampshire artists, I feel a renewed energy drawing me back to my studio. My creative process typically starts with sketches and basic shapes in my notebook. However, it's at my workbench where true inspiration strikes. There, I experiment with different shaped metals, letting the materials guide me.
My jewelry pieces have a distinct organic quality, almost as if they've been unearthed from another time and place. Techniques like kuembo, where I fuse thin sheets of gold onto fine silver, allow me to achieve a rich color that adds depth to my work. Water casting silver, which creates organic forms resembling natural elements such as flowers or shells, further enhances the uniqueness of each piece. These elements are then integrated into my signature style through soldering and layering, creating jewelry that feels both ancient and contemporary.
Layered Together is not just a showcase of my creative journey but a celebration of both old and new works. It also features a special collaboration with my daughter, Ana Koehler, whose drawings are transformed into custom decals adorning new enameled jewelry. This collaboration not only highlights our shared creative vision but also underscores the evolving nature of my artistic expression.
Find Beth Simon on Instagram @bethsimon_jewelry
CELEBRATING WREN MEMBERS
LIFETIME
Heidi Boedecker
Carl Bretton
Marilinne Cooper
Jere Eames
Karen Eitel
Colleen Foley
Kay Kerr
Harriet Lewis
Kathleen Lovett
Kyla Miller
Irene Mosedale
Ken Mosedale
Tami Nason
Rhoda Sakowitz
Christine Sheley
Lon Weston
Adele Woods
SUPER WRENS
Fred Apple
Jan Apple
Marianne Borowski
Amanda Burrows
Jennifer Cao
Philip R. Chase, Jr.
Angela Connelly
Minnie Cushing
Elise Drake
Deborah Fairchild
Jody Flescher
Marguerite Fletcher
Mary Fowler
Linda Gaitskill
Alicia Groom
Carol Johnson-Haywood
Karen Keazirian
Douglas Masury
Linda McDermott
Celeste Pitts
Susan Retz
Robin J. Ross
Mary Secor
Barb Shuchman
Annie Stuart
Katie Van Cura
BUSINESS MEMBERS
Aman da Arcone
Janie Arquitt
Michelle Beaudin
Teri Bordenave
David Brewer
Karen Bronson
Nanci Carney
Maria Chamberlain
Ilja Chapman
Victoria Cole
Kathie Cote
Jeanette Fournier
Veronica Francis
Andrea Gendron
Kate Goldsborough
Housewright Construction, Inc.
Brenda Johnson
Jacki Katzman
Mary Lou Krambeer
Emilie Langford
Jessica Lipman
Karen Matthews
Breanna Nicely
Monica Plante
Julie Robinson
Beth Simon
Deborah J. Warner
COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Eileen Alexander
Susan Argetsinger
Joel and Cathy Bedor
Tina Betley
Katie A. Burgess
Julia Butterfield
Samanda Christensen
Greg and Margo Connors
Katy Curnyn
Jennifer Downing
Elaine D. Easton
Dianne Eno
Elizabeth Fraser
Margaret Gale
Laura Giveen
James Gleason
Paul Greenlaw
Janet Hill
Priscilla Hindley
Christa Hollingsworth
Sarah Jackson
Darlene Jones
Kitty Kerner
Sally Labbay
Kathleen Lewis
Jane and Scott McGrath
Scarlett Moberly
Marilyn Monsein
Moira North
Gregory Odell
Beth Perlo
Mike Platt
Eileen Regen
Ronnie Sandler
Gillian Scrima
Debra Simon
Moocho Salomon
Maggie Starr
Ann Steuernagle
Loretta Stride
Sharon Washwick-Francis
Bernadette Waystack
Julie A. Weisman
Karen Thorson
Jason Tors
John Vail
Kate Vaughan
Carol Wharton
Jean White
Paula Wolcott
Meggen Wright
CDBG BUSINESS
Jamie Allore
Casey Bonilla
Angela Cleveland
Melissa Gareau-St. Laurent
Gail Gorrow
Wendy Hills
Margaret Hobbs
Alli Mason
Lisa McCoy
Andrew Moran
Nancy Phillips
Robin Ramback
Rhianna Zadravec
CDBG VENDOR
Jackie Cantin
Richard Hindersinn
Jade King
Megan Littlehale
Beau Madden
Genevieve Moberly
Kyle Newton
Kristina Olsen
Madison Packard
Nadia Pagnotti
Juliana Twomey
Valentina Tyrina
VENDORS
Deborah Aldrich
Liz Apple
Amy Bahr
Janice Balog
Deborah Basset
Brian Bresnahan
Jill Brewer
Deborah Brown
Beth Buvarsky
Bruce Caplain
Marjorie Carlisle
Robert Chapla
Caryn Clark
Elizabeth O. Cleveland
Miya Cline
Lorna Colquhoun
Jeffrey Cooper
Sally Cornwell
Fiona Davis
Mary Catherine DeRosa
Scott Dickison
Elaine Farmer
Ellen Fisch
Jessica Fligg
Lydia Forster
Linda Frank
Helen Friedman
Rebecca Fullerton
Doug Garfield
Miranda Gatewood
Lawrence Golden
Lucy Golden
Linda Gray
Doug Grella
Mason Grugnale
Vonne Grunza
Melanie Hamilton
Joan Hannah
Daryl Hawk
Rick Hunt
Michele Johnsen
Tim Jones
Matthew Keating
Patti King Slavtcheff
Jennifer Kovach
Deborah Lane
Kristine Lingle
Jim and Andrea Lorette
Kathryn Lownds-Reynolds
Hanna Lucy
Judy Lukasik
Valery Mahuchy
Jean Matray
Michelle McElroy
Annetta McGinnis
Gail McWilliam Jellie
Preeti Mehta
Danielle Mock
Robert Moore
Tami Mousseau
Alyssa Noone
Joanne Noren
Ann Nygard
Leslie OBrien
Kathleen ODell
Rachel O’Meara
Li Parsons
Marcia Passos
Diane Louise Paul
Kathy Perry
Stephanie Potter
Louis Pulzetti
Tara Quillinan
Kimberly Quinn-Jones
Ron Ramback
Kenzie Raulin
Christine Reilly
Elaine Rentz
Evelyn Richer
Randy Roos
Michael Scanlon
Nancy Schade
Laura Sheers
Amy Shinerock
Kathy Shuster
Kelly Slater
Barbara Smith McLaughlin
Pamela Smith
Sonya Smith
Donna J. Stalaboin
Lee Stebbins
Kim Stockwell
Jodie Stowe
Pamela Sullivan
Sally Syren
Pamela Tarbell
Dianne Taylor Moore
Gisele Thompson
Kristine Timm
Clayton Titus
Robin Van Diepenbos
Christina Van Pelt
Nancy Wallace
Jeanette Ware
Don Weisburger
Douglas Weisman
Ruth Weisman
Donna Welch
Wendy Wells
Christopher Whiton
Miriam Wiggin
Gina Williams
Gretchen Woodman
Natalie Woodroofe
Na’ama Yacoby
Anna Yakubovskaya
EILEEN ALEXANDER WRITER EDITOR
CELEBRATING OUR DONORS
Eileen Alexander
Jan Apple
Leslie Apple
Amanda Arcone
Badger Peabody & Smith Realty
Charise Baker
Bethlehem Country Club
Laurie Boswell
Gail Breslow
Deborah Brown
Julia Butterfield
Beth Buvarsky
Marjorie Carlisle
Timothy Carr
Susan Ide Caswell
Ellen Chandler
Ilja Chapman
Philip R. Chase Jr.
Nora Clark
Jane Cloran
Lorna Colquhoun
Margaret J. Connors
Gay Crowley
Carol Cunningham
Katy Curnyn
Minnie Cushing
Mary Catherine DeRosa
Leslie Dreier
Teresa Ekasala
Jane Erickson
Jody Flescher
Colleen Foley
Susan Ford
Linda Frank
Rebecca Fullerton
Laura Giveen
Lucy Golden
Linda Gray
Jess Griffiths
Melanie Hamilton
Katya Henderson
Priscilla Hindley
Walter Hinds
Christa Hollingsworth
Rita Holmes
Stephen and Elizabeth Horan
Housewright Construction, Inc.
Mary Lynne Johnson
Darlene Jones
Penny Keeler
Kathleen Lovett
Judy Lukasik
Ginnie Lupi
Douglas Masury
Karen Matthews
Juliedele K. McFarlane
Jane McGrath
Warren Miller
Marilyn Monsein
Linda Moore
Ken and Irene Mosedale
Mary Murray
Tami Nason
John Neeson
Beth Newhouse
Brenna Nicely
Kathleen ODell
Kristina Olsen
Rachel O’Meara
Omni Mount Washington
Pamela Parker and Simon
Hokayem, Rossi Import
Diane Louise Paul
Celeste Pitts
Mike Platt
John and Mary Polaski
Christine Popovich
James Price
Eric and Lori Raichle
Virginia Raichle
Ron Ramback
Lewis Redding
Joan Reed
Eileen Regen
Vanessa Robbins
Kathy Ross
Robin J. Ross
Michelle Sauque
Dr. and Mrs. John Sauter
Jennifer Schubert
Caitlin Sheehan
Barb Shuchman
Kathy Shuster
Lori Silva
Tom Simpson
Kelly Slater
Maggie Starr
Amy Sterndale
Jodie Stowe
Jeffrey and Joyce Sudikoff
Pamela Sullivan
Sullivan Creative
Linda Tase
Yusi Turell
Valentina Tyrina
John Vail
Robin Van Diepenbos
Sheila Vaughan
Voyage Blue Travel LLC
Nancy Wallace
Deborah J. Warner
Sharon Washwick-Francis
Barbra Weisman
Julie A. Weisman
Wendy Wells
Laura Wernick
Katie and BJ Williams
Charles Woodhouse
Natalie Woodroofe
SPONSORS
The Adair Country Inn & Restaurant Eversource
GRANTORS
Granite Unite d Way
The Madelaine G. von Weber Trust
Mountains to Sea Charitable Fund
NH CDFA
NH Charitable Foundation
NH Charitable Foundation’s Melinda Richmond Fund
NH Charitable Foun dation’s Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund
NH Charitable Foundation’s Westmeadow Fund
NH State Council on the Arts Public
Value Partnership
NH State Council on the Arts
Cultural Facilities Grant
Every effort has been made to include all our members and donors. If you notice any discrepancies or if your information should be updated, please let us know.
Donations through June 30, 2024
BECOME A MEMBER
Join WREN Today! When you become a WREN member, you support our mission: to support better lives and livelihoods through education, economic development and community engagement in the North Country. You also join our vibrant member community! WREN offers a variety of different levels of membership.
MEMBER LEVEL:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
PLEASE CHARGE MY CREDIT CARD:
BILLING ADDRESS:
SIGNATURE:
“My business is wood. I try to use as much locally sourced wood as possible. I’m a retired school principal. WREN has allowed me to make all the things I want, has supported me and has given me the license to be free and creative as I want.”
Don Weisburger, handmade woodworker and owner of Weezy Wood
MEMBERSHIPS INCLUDE:
Special invitations to WREN events; discounts on WREN classes, workshops, and one-on-one training; 10% off Store and Gallery purchases on the second Saturday of the month; and networking opportunities within the WREN community.
COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIPS:
If you are passionate about our mission and want to become a supporting member, we have three levels of community membership.
• Individual …………………$50
Membership benefits for one person
• Couple ……………………$75
Membership benefits for two people
• SuperWREN …………..$100
For those who wish to support WREN at a higher level: membership benefits for one, plus 20% off one Gallery purchase per year
VENDOR/BUSINESS MEMBERSHIPS:
Vendor and Business Memberships include Community membership benefits, plus inclusion in WREN’s robust marketing plan. Vendors receive market access via our Store and Gallery.
If you have any questions or want to learn more, give us a call at 603-869-9736 or email us at membership@wrenworks.org.
Thank you so much for your support!
“I had no idea where to get started or how to do anything to sell my candles. WREN took me in, I received a CDBG grant and I took classes when I could. Just having the support, the reassurance, learning how to do things and what to do next was huge. I owe it all to WREN.”
Amanda Burrows, soy candle maker and CDBG grant recipient
