Nearly $2,300 Raised for Bedford Historical Society

BEDFORD, NH - The Bedford community came out in force to bring jars of change to raise more than $2,293 for the Bedford Historical Society as part of the Route 101 TD Bank’s local Bring Change campaign, according to a press statement.

TD Bank’s Penny Arcade served as a designated hub for a community coin counting event and fundraiser. TD matched up to $2,000 in coins counted.

“Members of the community generously donated money to support the Bedford Historical Society in their mission to transform the Stevens-Buswell School into the Stevens-Buswell Community Center,” said JoAnn Collupy, store manager, TD Bank.

The dedicated members of the Bedford Historical Society had a fascinating display set up inside the bank that included a desk from the Stevens-Buswell School, along with an informative collage. The collage effectively summarized the historical importance of the former school, while highlighting the importance of maintaining the building for the citizens of Bedford.

The Bedford Historical Society is in the process of transforming the former Stevens-Buswell School into the Stevens-Buswell Community Center, which will bring a much needed meeting space to the historic Bedford Town Center. Once completed, the space will provide a gathering space for seniors, veterans, teens, moms and tots, community events, exercise classes, meeting spaces, recreation programs, concerts, social functions, and other learning opportunities. After serving as the Town Offices, Police Station, and Marconi Museum, the building was threatened with demolition. The Bedford Historical Society leased the building in order to rehabilitate it for use as a community center that will benefit all residents.

With 500 events planned through February 2016, this program promises to raise more than $1 million in support of local organizations.

Caption: JoAnn Collupy (far right), store manager, TD Bank presents a check for $2,293.19 to representatives of the Bedford Historical Society (L-R) Kim Hutcheons, Jane Blais, Victoria Wisner, Patricia Shattuck, Margaret Wiggin, Susan Tufts-Moore, Gwen Broder and Melinde Lutz Byrne.