SUNAPEE — Suzanne “Sue” Gottling, of Sunapee, will be honored for her volunteer efforts by New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte during a ceremony at the Statehouse next week.
Gottling is one 10 New Hampshire residents — one from each county — who will receive an Older Adult Volunteer award, which are given out each year by the New Hampshire Commission on Aging to residents who are 60 or older, according to a news release from the commission. Thornton resident Nathaniel Scrimshaw is being honored for Grafton County.
“We selected Sue to be honored for Sullivan County because her contributions reflect the countless older adults who give their time and energy to their communities,” the commission’s executive director Lily Wellington wrote in an email.
“…As we redefine what longer lifespans mean today, it’s important to consider how we remain engaged, connected, and involved in our communities, and how our wisdom and collective experience can continue to make a difference,” Wellington wrote.
Gottling was nominated by fellow Sunapee resident Beverly Bjorklund, who currently serves as chair of the Abbot Library’s board of trustees.
In her nomination form, Bjorklund cited the 15 years Gottling served on the Sunapee Selectboard. Gottling also represented Sullivan County District 2 in the New Hampshire House of Representatives as a Democrat for multiple terms before leaving office in 2022.
In addition, Gottling served on the Lake Sunapee Protective Association board and has been involved with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Dartmouth.
“Sue has been a consistent presence in our community, always willing to help where needed,” Bjorklund wrote.
