Portsmouth Couple Recieve Pioneer Circle Award

The Joan G. Lovering Health Center recently held its 6th Annual Pioneer Circle Awards Celebration at the Wentworth by the Sea Country Club in Rye.

The Pioneer Circle Award was given to Robert Thoresen and Susan Werner Thoresen for their contributions to the Health Center, including their leadership in developing a capital campaign as well as facilitating the construction of a new addition, capital improvements and renovation of the Greenland facility, which was accomplished in a total of only 15 months. Over $450,000 was raised for the project.

Bob noted, “We are honored to be the recipients of this award. Many people contributed to the success of this project, especially Vince Lombardi who chaired the Board, and Don Cook who directed the construction. The staff worked under challenging conditions and Executive Director Linda Griebsch did an execellent job managing the entire process.”

“We are especially pleased to see the staff and patients have a significantly upgraded, accessible facility which will meet their needs for many years to come. About 30 years ago I had the Health Center staff on the cable TV program I hosted, and today and for the foreseeable future the need still exists for their services,” Sue said.

Bob Thoresen served as Portsmouth’s Planning Director from 1971-77 and is widely known for his expertise in historic preservation and revitalization of the city. Bob and Sue were the principals of The Thoresen Group, a planning consulting firm which worked with cities, towns, the state and non-profit organizations. Bob then became a developer and development consultant and has served on many non-profit boards including Seacoast Rep and the Piscataqua Region of the NH Charitable Foundation. Sue retired in May after almost 24 year at Morgan Stanley where she was a VP and financial adviser. She was one of the founders of the NH Women’s Fund and served as its Treasurer for 9 years. Her children’s book, “The Yoyo and the Piggy Bank” is being published in April 2015.

The Joan G. Lovering Health Center provides sexual health services to men and women of the Greater Seacoast. The Center offers a wide range of services including pregnancy counseling and testing, contraception and abortion services, STD testing, annual check ups and sexual health education. The Center is named after Joan G. Lovering, a champion for health with a passion for educating and empowering individuals in the Seacoast community. “With our new wing, we are pleased we now have the space to provide education and workshops on site, updated computer and medical equipment, and better space for our patients and staff,” noted Director Griebsch.

Submitted text. Courtesy photo.