Board of Directors
The Newport Senior Center is led by a dedicated Board of Directors made up of talented individuals from throughout our community who are deeply committed to our mission and cause.
Larry K. Eaton
PresidentLarry K. Eaton
President
Seeking Positive Change – Board Chair Larry Eaton Embraces Challenges
When it comes to serving the community, Newport Senior Center Board Chair says that challenges can become opportunities with hard work. A member of the board for over 15 years, Eaton has been part of the Center’s evolution as a service provider. “As an organization, I think we are always learning and trying to keep up to meet the needs of those we serve. I am also particularly proud of how we adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were some intense times and we never missed a beat.” He went on to say that the collaboration between the board, staff and community is an unbreakable bond. “The community has a long history of supporting the Center. And for many programs and fund raisers, the board and staff work hand in hand.” Eaton added “I’m always an optimist and view the glass as half-full” he said. “Yes, some older adults need help and face obstacles. But the Center is up to the challenge to help those in need. That is why we’re here.”
When it comes to serving the community, Newport Senior Center Board Chair says that challenges can become opportunities with hard work. A member of the board for over 15 years, Eaton has been part of the Center’s evolution as a service provider. “As an organization, I think we are always learning and trying to keep up to meet the needs of those we serve. I am also particularly proud of how we adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were some intense times and we never missed a beat.” He went on to say that the collaboration between the board, staff and community is an unbreakable bond. “The community has a long history of supporting the Center. And for many programs and fund raisers, the board and staff work hand in hand.” Eaton added “I’m always an optimist and view the glass as half-full” he said. “Yes, some older adults need help and face obstacles. But the Center is up to the challenge to help those in need. That is why we’re here.”
Debra Hammett
TreasurerDebra Hammett
Treasurer
Deb was raised in New England, educated in the South. Deb graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Industrial Management. She spent her 35-year career in Retail which took her from Atlanta, to Boston, to Detroit, and to Charlotte where she retired (almost 20 years ago).
Deb returned to New England and briefly was a realtor. Throughout her professional career, Deb worked in finance, operations, and systems. Deb is no stranger to volunteer work. Deb volunteered as the Treasurer for the Wilkesboro NC Lake Org, Secretary for the Grantham Energy Committee, Realtors of Grantham, and Realtor of Wilkesboro, NC. She likes to read, garden, cook, play cards, games, and keep busy.
Deb returned to New England and briefly was a realtor. Throughout her professional career, Deb worked in finance, operations, and systems. Deb is no stranger to volunteer work. Deb volunteered as the Treasurer for the Wilkesboro NC Lake Org, Secretary for the Grantham Energy Committee, Realtors of Grantham, and Realtor of Wilkesboro, NC. She likes to read, garden, cook, play cards, games, and keep busy.
David Stitt
SecretaryDavid Stitt
Secretary
I Knew I wanted to Get Involved
A retired biochemist, David Stitt moved to the area several years ago from Maryland and first found out about the Newport Senior Center when he dropped in for a flu shot. “I had no idea about the breadth and depth of what the Center offers,” he said. “As I learned more, and recognized the role it plays in the community, I knew I wanted to get involved.”
Coming from a field where research, data management, and process improvement is key, Dave is looking forward to applying his skills to his board role at the Center and learning new things. “I think the two go hand in hand. I can’t wait to learn more about the Center and to use some of my past experiences to help us move forward in support of our clients.”
A retired biochemist, David Stitt moved to the area several years ago from Maryland and first found out about the Newport Senior Center when he dropped in for a flu shot. “I had no idea about the breadth and depth of what the Center offers,” he said. “As I learned more, and recognized the role it plays in the community, I knew I wanted to get involved.”
Coming from a field where research, data management, and process improvement is key, Dave is looking forward to applying his skills to his board role at the Center and learning new things. “I think the two go hand in hand. I can’t wait to learn more about the Center and to use some of my past experiences to help us move forward in support of our clients.”
Ann Marie Fowler
Board MemberAnn Marie Fowler
Board Member
Working To Make Connections For Older Adults
Having moved from Claremont to Newport eleven years ago, Ann Marie Fowler found joining the board of the Newport Senior Center a fortunate connection. “As we were new in town, this was a great way to get to know the area and do good at the same time,” she recalled. As a newcomer, she and her husband signed up to come to congregate meals at the Center. After a short time, she was asked to join the board and didn’t look back.
In terms of board service, she enjoys the many aspects of volunteerism from promoting programs to fundraising. She ran her own business as a hairdresser in Claremont for 40 years and brings her business expertise to the board. Ann Marie has a great appreciation for the variety of opportunities the Center offers older adults. “The meals are great and there are so many activities,” she said. “I’ve referred several friends and neighbors to the Center and am always sharing the monthly calendar of meals and events.” She went on to say that in addition to the many activities and programs offered, the Center offers “opportunities for companionship.” Sometimes people are cut off. This is one way they can stay connected and active,” she says.
Having moved from Claremont to Newport eleven years ago, Ann Marie Fowler found joining the board of the Newport Senior Center a fortunate connection. “As we were new in town, this was a great way to get to know the area and do good at the same time,” she recalled. As a newcomer, she and her husband signed up to come to congregate meals at the Center. After a short time, she was asked to join the board and didn’t look back.
In terms of board service, she enjoys the many aspects of volunteerism from promoting programs to fundraising. She ran her own business as a hairdresser in Claremont for 40 years and brings her business expertise to the board. Ann Marie has a great appreciation for the variety of opportunities the Center offers older adults. “The meals are great and there are so many activities,” she said. “I’ve referred several friends and neighbors to the Center and am always sharing the monthly calendar of meals and events.” She went on to say that in addition to the many activities and programs offered, the Center offers “opportunities for companionship.” Sometimes people are cut off. This is one way they can stay connected and active,” she says.
Robin Bellinger
Board MemberRobin Bellinger
Board Member
Proud to be Part of an Organization that is “Relentless” to Serve Older Adults
For Newport native Robin Bellinger, joining the board of the Newport Senior Center was the easiest of decisions. “I knew about the organization as they had helped my father, and I had brought my mother to the center to play Bingo,” she said. “I saw how much those interactions meant to my parents and how the staff go out of their way to help older adults. It really is an organization I wanted to be part of.” Robin, a retired veteran, moved back to her hometown following a career in the military. In addition to serving on the board of the Senior Center, Robin helps take care of her mother, now 97, and runs her own pet sitting business called Critter Sitter. While her job and volunteer pursuits keep her busy, she also enjoys hiking with her two dogs and advocating for a local pet rescue program.
In addition to the broad range of services available at the Senior Center, Robin has seen first-hand the valuable connections the Center helps older adults, and their families, make. “This area will always be home to me and a special place where the community comes together to help those in need...the Senior Center is a critical part of that.” “The staff is relentless in their mission to serve older adults and help them remain independent as long as possible.”
For Newport native Robin Bellinger, joining the board of the Newport Senior Center was the easiest of decisions. “I knew about the organization as they had helped my father, and I had brought my mother to the center to play Bingo,” she said. “I saw how much those interactions meant to my parents and how the staff go out of their way to help older adults. It really is an organization I wanted to be part of.” Robin, a retired veteran, moved back to her hometown following a career in the military. In addition to serving on the board of the Senior Center, Robin helps take care of her mother, now 97, and runs her own pet sitting business called Critter Sitter. While her job and volunteer pursuits keep her busy, she also enjoys hiking with her two dogs and advocating for a local pet rescue program.
In addition to the broad range of services available at the Senior Center, Robin has seen first-hand the valuable connections the Center helps older adults, and their families, make. “This area will always be home to me and a special place where the community comes together to help those in need...the Senior Center is a critical part of that.” “The staff is relentless in their mission to serve older adults and help them remain independent as long as possible.”
