GSA Spring Recap

By: Emily McMaster, GSA Communications Director

Granite State Ambassadors have had a busy first half of 2022, with lots of events and educational opportunities. Learn more about where our Granite State Ambassadors (GSAs) are volunteering and what topics they are learning more about to better refer our guests around the state!

April 2022

Volunteer Hours Summary:

167 Volunteers served around 1,807.5 hours at 7 welcome centers, 2 events, 2 meetings, 2 tours, 1 virtual opportunities, and 1 Certification program (assisting 4321 guests) for a total value of $51,586.26 *(*independent sector).

57 volunteers assisted with the Made in NH Expo at the Center of NH Expo in Manchester, for a total of 279 hours.  The event took place on April 8th, 9th, and 10th.

3 volunteers helped out with Strawbery Banke’s Baby Animals Heritage Breeds event, for a total of 18 hours.  The event took place from April 23rd through May 1st at Strawbery Banke.

Educational:

Living Shores Aquarium at Storyland hosted 20 volunteers for a tour of the aquarium.  GSAs enjoyed hands-on interactive activities, a variety of exhibits, and a delicious sampling of food at the bistro.  Read more about the tour here.

The State House Visitor Center hosted a tour of the Historic State House grounds on April 18th.  15 volunteers participated in and enjoyed the tour given by Virginia Drew, GSA Center Manager and Director of the State House Visitor Center. 

21 volunteers participated in a virtual program called Lake Hosts – Our Lakes First Line of Defense, presented by NH LAKES.  Kat Kelleher, NH Lakes Program Assistant, gave us an overview of the Lake Host program.

 

Our Conversations with Emily interview series continued through an interview with Clark’s Bears.

Meetings:

GSA staff hosted a quarterly MHT Roundtable, where 30 volunteers shared thoughts regarding the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport’s (MHT) NH Information Booth.  MHT staff provided an update on airport operations to 26 volunteers and staff.

GSA Certification Training Program:

47 incoming GSAs participated in our hybrid certification training program throughout the month, for a total of 337 training hours.

Social Committee:

The Social Committee met on April 4th to discuss social committee events for the spring and summer.  On April 28th, a group of GSAs convened to enjoy bowling together at the Merrimack Ten Pin Center.

 

 

 

 

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May 2022

Volunteer Hours Summary:

128 Volunteers served 1,363 hours at 11 welcome centers, 1 event, 1 tours, 1 virtual opportunity, and 1 Certification program (assisting 3693 guests) for a total value of $35,110.88 * (*independent sector).

3 volunteers assisted with the Manchester Chamber Taco Tour in Downtown Manchester, for a total of 6 hours.  The event took place on May 5th.

Educational:

Several GSAs participated in the MS Mt Washington Shakedown Cruise during their 150th anniversary.  GSAs and other tourism industry members enjoyed presentations and a ride out on the boat.  Mt Washington could be seen in the distance, still snow-capped!

 

 

23 volunteers participated in a virtual program called Introduction to the City of Concord Trails, presented by the City of Concord.  Beth Fenstermacher, Assistant City Planner for the City of Concord, gave us an overview of the Concord trail system.

Moffatt-Ladd House & Gardens hosted 19 volunteers for a tour and information session on May 19th.  Our tour of this beautiful property served a dual purpose – not only were we learning more about the history of the family and exploring the house, but we were also learning about what it meant to volunteer there.  The Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden has joined the organization as a GSA center for this summer.  Read more about the tour here.

Our Conversations with Emily series continued with 2 presentations used for our certification training: Arts Alive and the NH Bed & Breakfast Association.

GSA Certification Training Program:

44 incoming GSAs participated in our hybrid certification training program throughout the month, for a total of 265 training hours.

11 GSAs assisted with the in-person trainings in Concord, Hampton, and Manchester as mentors, for a total of 34 hours.

10 GSAs were certified at the Concord Area Chamber of Commerce on May 18th.

11 GSAs were certified at the Hampton Beach Seashell on May 19th.

10 GSAs were certified at the Manchester Millyard Museum on May 20th.

Meetings:

3 new GSAs participated in a virtual orientation regarding policies and procedures for volunteering at MHT.

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June 2022

Volunteer Hours Summary:

120 Volunteers served 2,141.75 hours at 13 welcome centers, 5 events, 3 tours, 1 meeting, and 1 Certification program (assisting 4388 guests) for a total value of $55,171.75 * (*independent sector).

Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden started as a new GSA center in June.  Throughout the month, 5 volunteers served 44 hours at this new center.

18 volunteers assisted with the Bacon and Beer Festival at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Merrimack, for a total of 89 hours.  The event took place on June 4th.

38 volunteers helped out at the Great American Concerts event at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Merrimack, for a total of 248 hours.  The event took place on June 17th and 18th.

Volunteers also helped out at two Hampton Beach events.  3 volunteers assisted with the Hampton Beach & Brew Event on June 25th, for a total of 11 hours, while 2 volunteers assisted with the Hampton Beach Senior Day Event on June 22nd, for a total of 5 hours.

Educational:

The Lakes Region Tourism Association put together a full-day tour of the Lakes Region on June 23rd.  20 volunteers participated in the tour, which focused on Weirs Beach, Meredith, and Holderness.  Our GSAs learned more about what the region has to offer through stops at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse, Squam Lakes Science Center, ice cream at Kellerhaus, Winnipesaukee Pier and Marketplace, a ride and buffet on the Mt Washington, Church Landing, and a tour and tasting of Hermit Woods Winery.  Read more about the tour here.

The White Mountains Attractions 4-Day FAM Tour returned this year, and 15 GSAs had the opportunity to participate. They explored the 17 White Mountains Attractions, stayed overnight in some wonderful White Mountains hotels, and learned more about the area!

 

The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport hosted 4 GSAs for an informative tour around the airport.  We explored the Secure Side and learned about how many processes and procedures work on both sides.

 

 

Founders Day:

NHGSA celebrated our second Founders Day to honor our 26 years as an organization.  94 GSAs and friends and 2 of our 3 founders participated in a cruise with Sunapee Cruises on the Lake Queen.  Read more about our trip here.

GSA Certification Training Program:

9 GSAs were certified through our virtual concluding session on June 2nd.

Meetings:

7 volunteers participated in an informational roundtable to learn more about volunteering at the Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce.

Social Committee:

9 GSAs gathered for a visit to the Museum of the White Mountains in Plymouth, followed by a visit to the Common Man in Ashland.  Read more about our fun day here.

Other:

NHGSA participated in the NH Gives fundraiser, a statewide fundraiser for NH nonprofits.  We were able to raise over $6,000, thanks to generous donations from GSA volunteers and friends.

The NH LAKES organization has joined GSA as a center through their lake host program.  GSAs can earn credit for volunteering as a lake host at any of the participating boat ramps.  GSAs will start earning credit for their hours in July.

Stay tuned for all of our events and volunteer opportunities later this summer and in the fall!