Vic Geary History

The Vic Geary Drop In Center of Plaistow NH, after almost 4 years of planning, fund raising and building, opened its doors October 22, 1979. It is a non profit organization incorporated and registered with the New Hampshire Charitable Trust. Thanks to town and individual donations, service organizations and businesses along with County, State and Federal financial assistance and guidance we now have a center which serves the seniors of eight towns. (Atkinson, Danville, East Kingston, Hampstead, Kingston, Newton, Plaistow and Sandown)

Albert Victor Geary donated the land at 18 Greenough Rd to Carl G Davis Post of the American Legion. Members agreed that the land be used to build a center for the use and enjoyment of our senior citizens. Ralph Stone was the driving force behind getting it built. Unfortunately Geary passed before the completion of the building. (1891-1975)

At the time of the grand opening, which drew two thousand people, the officers were: President: Chet Taylor, Secretary: Frank Waters, Vice President: Sal Paone and Treasurer: Ralph Stone.

Rockingham County Nutrition (now Rockingham Nutrition Meals on Wheels) was in need of a site for its meals program. It joined the center with a site manager and staff and cooked meals for the congregate and homebound for a donation. RNMOW is still a valued part of our center serving meals 5 days per week as well as offering information on elder services and a van for transportation to the site.

Many friendships were renewed while volunteers helped with the day to day activities. Social activities were dance class, walking club, cards, pool, games and beano. Talent and fashion shows were popular. Clinics and guest speakers were as important then as they are now. Dinner specials were held monthly by RCN.

Today the center is still run by a volunteer Board of Directors who sees to the day to day operating expenses as well as maintenance of the building. They represent the towns which donate funds. There is a fifty year renewable lease with the American Legion at $1.00 per year. Also an important financial part of the running of the Vic Geary is rentals of the building, donations and fundraising. We continue to expand the program offerings to now include quilting, crafts, exercise and look to the future of computer classes.