Rochester Chamber Names Kathleen Sessler Citizen of the Year

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce named Potter’s House Bakery & Café as its 2022 Business of the Year, Homeless Center for Strafford County as the 2022 Nonprofit of the Year, and Kathleen H. Sessler as 2022 Citizen of the Year.

Tim and Sue Willson opened Potter’s House Bakery & Café at 10 Chestnut Hill Road in Rochester in 2018. Through a partnership with Camp CARD, they established a training site for young adults on the autism spectrum. Everything Tim and his staff produce is made on-site and from scratch.

Potter's established a Pay it Forward program that provides free beverages, pastries, soups, and sandwiches to those who experience food insecurity. In 2021, Potter’s House Bakery and Cafe was certified as a Recovery Friendly Workplace Designation that is able to support those who may be effected by addiction.

Sessler, an LPN, and Provider Liaison at Cornerstone VNA in Rochester, has volunteered her time to many worthy causes and organizations for nearly 20 years including the Chamber, 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.

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.”

Kerry Norton, RN from Hope on Haven Hill adds, “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.”

Diane Bessey at the Monarch School of New England agrees, “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.”

Ann Vennard at Cornerstone VNA underscores, “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.”