Monica Collise, Garden Division Manager at Chippers, Inc., has grown up working in gardens. Her family runs a floral business in southern New Hampshire, near Concord, and Monica started helping as early as she could – even running her own small vegetable stand in the summer!

As she grew older, she began to help out more with the flower gar – dens, too. It was of little surprise to anyone around her when she chose to go to college and study an earth sci – ence; although she did stray a bit from the family’s “earth” focus and studied geology instead.… Read More

Growing up in Cleveland, both Susan Miller and her husband Jim had never heard of The Fresh Air Fund’s Volunteer Host Family Program. It wasn’t until they moved to Quechee, and spoke to some of their neighbors that they were introduced to the program. It was initially Jim’s idea to become a host. It had been a lifetime goal of his to help inner-city children. Susan and Jim, along with their two daughters Caroline and Christine, first signed up to host in 2010 for two weeks and since then, they have welcomed Erykah, of the Bronx, back every summer.

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income neighborhoods since 1877.… Read More

Quechee is home to some of the most dynamic people you will ever meet. Some are retired after impressive careers with business, government or non-profits. Some have poured their energies into raising children. Many now donate their time and considerable talents to local organizations in need of assistance. Having experienced executives joining local Boards means the world to small (or even major) non-profits, and many Quechee residents engage in on their feet volunteering as well. The most consistent comment they make on their involvement is something along the lines of “I get so much out of it.”

John Ferney learned about volunteering from watching his mother.… Read More

Upper Valley golfers had better watch out, there is a new superstar on the green and he’s ready to put you to the challenge! Quechee resident, 11-year-old Matty Du Plessis, is entertaining fans across the world with his incredible golf skills and his YouTube videos.

Despite a late start walking, Du Plessis began golfing at the age of two, using a plastic golf set to keep his balance. His parents, both avid golfers, introduced him to the sport and made it a family event. For a short while he also swam on the Quechee Swim Team, but decided on golf. Being homeschooled allows him time to focus on his golf, his entertainment skills and his academics—all while he travels around the world.… Read More