Many people have served on the board of the Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter in Peterborough since its inception in 1991. From time to time, we like to highlight some of them. While all board members give a great deal of their time and talents to our hard working board, the people listed below are relatively new to the organization:

Lee Ann Clark joined the MATS board in the spring of 2016 because of her desire to help others and of her commitment to our community. In 2012, she began her career in the philanthropy and community relations department at Monadnock Community Hospital, and she was voted “Trendsetter” by Monadnock Business Magazine in 2015. Lee Ann wears many hats at MCH, including coordination of the two Healing Arts galleries and all special events at the hospital. She created the Behavioral Health Task Force called “Be the Change.” She currently is vice president of the Peterborough Women’s Club, and is involved with the Monadnock Rotary Club’s Wellness Festival. A graduate of Keene State College, where she majored in sociology and minored in women’s studies, she currently lives in Wilton with Sean Moore and their cat, Maya.

Melissa French joined the MATS board earlier this year because she wanted to make a difference.

She was impressed with the organization’s approach in how they help families who experience homelessness. Melissa has a blog, which advocates for people who are less fortunate. You can see her creative site at MoreWithLessMom.com. Melissa’s professional skills are clearly in online design services: web design, marketing and social media management as well as creative writing. Melissa is on the Education and Advocacy Committee at MATS. She lives in Peterborough with her family of six.

For many years, Beverly Bacon knew of the work that MATS does to help those in our community who had fallen on hard times. When a friend, current board member Mary Loftis, joined the board, Bev began to more fully understand the scope of what MATS does and the depth of the need. She realized that many are just a “broken car, lost job or an illness away from being homeless.” Bev is honored to be a part of the organization which is like a lifeline to those who need help. Bev sits on the Board Organization, Oversight and Housekeeping committees. She also has served for seven years on the ConVal School Board. Bev is a long-time resident of Peterborough, and lives here with her husband and their three sons.

Save the date:

On Nov. 11 at The Shattuck in Jaffrey at 5:30 p.m., current and past MATS board members, community leaders and citizen supporters and event sponsors will gather to celebrate 25 years of service to the Monadnock region community. To sponsor a table in recognition of its 25 years of service by MATS, or to attend this recognition event, appropriately named “Light the Way Home,” please contact MATS via email at MATS.Peterborough@gmail.com or call 924-5033 to reserve seats. The evening will feature a silent auction, cash bar and a recognition dinner. Everyone who has graciously supported MATS in any way through the years is cordially invited to attend.

Wish List: reliable car; washer and dryer in very good condition; Shaw’s Super Saver stamps; gift cards from local businesses for our guests to use. Please mail to P.O. Box 3053 in Peterborough, or call the MATS office at 924-5033 for pick-up. Thank you very much!

Hope Pettegrew is a volunteer at the Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter in Peterborough