Friends and family gathered Sunday to celebrate Chet and Sue Bowles in the Sharon meeting house the couple helped build.
The couple contributed to the town of Sharon for about 38 years before recently stepping down and moving to Jaffrey.
While Sue said they feel disappointed to leave Sharon, they are excited to retire.
‘Deeply, deeply appreciated’
More than 30 residents attended to share their gratitude for the Bowles.
Rich Dufresne, a Selectboard member, and Karen Dufresne, tax collector, organized the event with the help of Jonathan and Serena Shomody and Bill and PJ Joyner.
“One of the things about Sue is that she is always there, willing to volunteer, willing to commit, but she’s almost always under the radar,” Rich Dufresne said.
Sue served as chair of the supervisors of the checklist, organized elections each year and served as town treasurer.
Chet served on the Zoning Board, Select Board, school board and as town administrator, town moderator and assistant to the Select Board.
“He’s provided valuable information and perspectives. With all his experience, he knows many state RSAs and common ordinances so well that he can recite them from memory, similar to how a fifth-grader can tell you all the states and capitals,” Rich Dufresne said.
The couple also served on the building committee for the meeting house built in 2007 and donated a weather vane, flagpoles, a microwave and cushions, as well as money. Sue planted rhododendrons near the building from her own garden.
“I know I speak for many people, those who are here, those who can’t be here, that you’re deeply, deeply appreciated for all you two have done,” Rich Dufresne said.
After his remarks, attendees shared their own thanks and stories about the Bowles.
Gina Goff, a Sharon author, said that when large companies tried to come to Sharon and change the landscape, Chet stood his ground and protected the town.
“I can recall many times, Chet, at the front of the room, as a selectman, staring these people down, whether they were lawyers or contractors or whatnot, and I really, really appreciate that,” she said. “We did not roll over, and it’s because of you.”
A toast to Sharon
In 2014, the town of Sharon lifted its ban on hard liquor sales, due in part to Chet’s efforts. To mark the occasion, Rich Dufresne poured each of the Bowles a gin and tonic to toast the couple’s next chapter.
“It was a great job to have, and I loved it. It was a lot of fun,” Sue told the crowd.
As for Sharon’s future, Karen Dufresne said residents are stepping up.
“People are doing what needs to be done, which is great,” she said.
The town has found a new treasurer, Becky Levine, and Rich Dufresne has taken over Chet’s seat on the Select Board.
“People are doing what needs to be done, which is great,” she said.
They have found a new town treasurer, Becky Levine, and Rich Dufresne has taken over for Chet as a selectboard member.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include all organizers of the event.