The Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce honored Heavy Haulers CDL Academy, the Jaffrey Historical Society and Kathleen LaRue as its Business, Nonprofit and Citizen of the Year during its annual gala Thursday evening at the Park Theatre.
Business of the Year
Heavy Haulers CDL Academy was named Business of the Year. Co-founder Brett Kruger accepted the award on behalf of himself and fellow founders Keith Dupuis and Jonathan Hampson.
Kruger said he was honored to receive the recognition so soon after launching the business last year. He said the school was created to meet a local need for commercial driver’s license training that is closer to home and offers flexible scheduling.
“We’re trying to fill some slots with qualified and highly skilled drivers. I think that’s what the nation needs to keep the goods moving in and out,” Kruger said.
Heavy Haulers also certifies drivers working in nearby fire and highway departments. Kruger said the school’s flexible schedule allows students to keep full-time jobs while earning their licenses.
“We decided to do something different from the other schools. We operated nights, weekends, we showed up on holidays, because that’s when the student was available,” Kruger said.
Kruger said the school serves about 10 students a month and demand remains high, with appointments booked through June.
Nonprofit of the Year
The Jaffrey Historical Society received Nonprofit of the Year. Society President Peter Lambert accepted the award on its behalf.
“When I think of all the wonderful nonprofits here in Jaffrey that do such magnificent work for the community, I’m honored that the Historical Society can join the ranks,” Lambert said.
Lambert said this is an exciting time for the society because it’s preparing to move into a new home in part of the former town offices on Goodnow Street. The society is currently in the basement of the Jaffrey Civic Center.
“We are proud to become a larger, even more visible presence downtown, and look forward to offering the people of Jaffrey a better look at its unique and treasured heritage,” Lambert said. “Maybe it will inspire future generations to help make Jaffrey the great town that it is, and as our 8,000 artifacts and documents prove, always has been.”
Citizen of the Year
Presenter Larry Alvarez said LaRue, a 25-year Jaffrey resident, has long dedicated herself to volunteer service in the community.
“Always working behind the scenes and eschewing credit, Kathleen emphasizes love of the community by always doing for others, and never seeking credit. She is an integral part of Jaffrey and we are fortunate to have her in our town,” Alvarez said.
When accepting the award, LaRue said she is a person that likes to work “behind the scenes.”
“When I received the call last week that I had received this award, I was, frankly, shocked,” LaRue said. “It just goes to show what a wonderful community we have.”
Among the accomplishments highlighted were LaRue’s dedication to feeding people, particularly those in need, through multiple different avenues. She heads the Jaffrey Food Pantry, partnered with the Jaffrey Public Library to create a pop-up pantry with shelf-stable items, volunteers with Meals on Wheels, and the weekly Friendly Meal provided by Home Healthcare and Hospice, and community suppers.
Alvarez also pointed to LaRue’s green thumb and her work as a member of the Jaffrey Woman’s Club to decorate the club’s hall with planters, flowers and wreaths, as well as volunteering to coordinate and maintain planters around the downtown.
“Perhaps a small thing, but it speaks to her love for Jaffrey and desire to see the town looking its best,” Alvarez said.
LaRue said that the plantings are one of her favorite ways to volunteer, in part because many times, as she is working, passing drivers will wave or honk, and call out a “thank you.”
LaRue has also been a volunteer with TEAM Jaffrey, helping to coordinate downtown events such as the farmers’ market, downtown trick-or-treat, Riverfest, and Scarecrows on the Common.