The Citizen of the Year award, presented by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, is one of the Chamber’s most prestigious awards. This award, sponsored by Eastern Propane & Oil, is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the community and has made significant contributions to the vibrancy and strength of the Greater Rochester area. At the Chamber’s Annual Awards Celebration held on Wednesday evening, June 1, 2022, at The Oaks, the Chamber announced the 2022 Citizen of the Year is Kathleen Sessler.
Kathy Sessler, LPN, is a resident of Strafford. She is employed at Cornerstone VNA in Rochester as a Provider Liaison.
Kathy has volunteered her time to many worthy causes and organizations for nearly 20 years. She is very active in Rochester and the surrounding communities, giving her time and talents to organizations including the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, the Rochester Rotary Club, Monarch School of New England, End 68 Hours of Hunger, Cornerstone VNA, Hope on Haven Hill, as well as community events.
Kathy has served on Golf Committees to help plan and provide those participating with an enjoyable day of golf, assisting with fundraising efforts and obtaining raffle prizes for the event. She was involved with the Community Expo and assisted the Chamber with the planning and promotion of this event that showcased businesses in a trade show format. She regularly attends Chamber activities and is always willing to help.
Kathy is a very involved member of the Rochester Rotary Club, providing assistance with several of the organization’s events including charitable gaming, Howie’s Field of Dreams, Wings and Wheels, and Lottery Nights. She also served on the club’s board of directors for several years. Through the Rotary Club, Kathy volunteers at the Homeless Center for Strafford County, she has organized Feast Boxes for the elderly and rings the bell for the Salvation Army on rotary designated days.
According to Jackie Fitzpatrick, current president of the Rochester Rotary Club, “Kathy exudes the motto of Rotary which is ‘Service Above Self’. She has been a member of Rochester Rotary for 12 years and has made exemplary contributions to the success of so many activities.”
According to Kerry Norton, RN from Hope on Haven Hill, “Kathy inspired me to become a nurse and then to become a Rochester Rotarian. Kathy’s love for her community is contagious and she inspires many to do good for the City.”
Kathy volunteers for the Monarch School of New England by assisting with their fundraisers, including their golf tournament where she serves hot dogs, secures raffle prizes, and sells tickets.
According to Diane Bessey at the Monarch School of New England, “Kathy has an affinity for volunteering and is not afraid to ask others to commit their time and resources. She is an excellent example of citizenship and philanthropy.”
Kathy’s involvement and leadership is known throughout Strafford County.
She has also served on the board of directors for The Falls Chamber of Commerce in Somersworth, providing leadership to the organization and assisting with their activities.
According to Ann Vennard at Cornerstone VNA where Kathy is employed, “Kathy Sessler is the epitome of an engaged and supportive citizen. She volunteers for so many organizations and events. She is extremely supportive of fundraisers in the community that she hears about and rallies a group to participate.”
Kathy resides in Strafford with her husband, Rick. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, many of which were on hand to celebrate with her as she received the award.
The Chamber is proud to name Kathy Sessler as the 2022 Citizen of the Year and thanks her for the time and devotion she provides to the many organizations, activities, and causes in and around Rochester.
Last year’s Citizen of the Year recipient, Jeanne Grover, was on hand to present the award to Kathy Sessler.