Elizabeth "Betsy" Whitman
Elizabeth “Betsy” Whitman, a native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, attended Bethlehem High School and pursued nursing studies in Allentown during the 1950s. In 1965, she relocated to New Boston, New Hampshire, to raise her family, which included her three children, Elissa, Gregg, and Adam. Betsy dedicated a decade to caring for her father, who lived with her family during this time, while also raising her children. She put her nursing degree to good use by working as both a visiting nurse and a school nurse as well as Director of the Manchester Family Planning Center and on the Board of Directors for the Monadnock visiting nurse association.
In 1984, Betsy stepped into public service as a state representative, a role she held until 1994, contributing to the Judiciary Committee at the State House and advocating for legislative initiatives.
Since settling in New Boston in the 1960s, Betsy has immersed herself in community life. A devoted member of the New Boston Community Church, she has served as a church elder, accompanied services on piano, sung in the choir, and actively raised funds to support both the church and local residents. Her community engagement extends to the historical society, conservation committee, gardening club, and library trusteeship. A talented singer, Betsy has also graced the stage in numerous local theater productions over the years, was a part of the circle singers and previously was the choir director. For many years Betsy volunteered to lead Sing-alongs for the residents at the State Hospital and Country Nursing home.
Betsy and her husband Bob shared a love for golf and canoeing as well as creating cherished friendships. Betsy’s strong social connections continue to thrive, with many of her friendships spanning nearly 60 years. Whether at her weekly bridge game, swimming, playing mahjong, or hiking, Betsy nurtures a supportive network of friends who rally together to help one another with rides, encouragement, or companionship—an enduring testament to her understanding of the value of staying socially active.
Betsy’s 86 years have been filled with a strong sense of community, cherished friendships, dedicated service to others, and abundant laughter shared with friends and family.
Yvonne La-Garde
Yvonne La-Garde is a dedicated leader, passionate advocate, and lifelong volunteer committed to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, seniors, and the broader community. With a Master’s degree in Special Education & Behavioral Psychology (1979) and a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education (1975), she spent 35 years driving meaningful change in education, healthcare, and nonprofit leadership.
For 28 years, Yvonne served as CEO of LifeLinks, Inc., a nonprofit agency supporting individuals with developmental disabilities across the Merrimack Valley in Massachusetts. Under her leadership, LifeLinks grew from an annual operating budget of $250,000 to $15 million, expanding its workforce to over 250 professionals and delivering innovative vocational, educational, and community-based programs to more than 600 individuals. Her strategic vision and collaborative leadership transformed LifeLinks into a model of excellence in disability services.
In 2007, after being diagnosed with high blood pressure and hypothyroidism, Yvonne embraced a healthier lifestyle, losing weight, prioritizing exercise, and earning certifications as a Personal Trainer and Nutritional Consultant. This personal transformation fueled her passion for wellness, leading her to volunteer with the NH Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, where she taught Bone Builders exercise classes and nutritional seminars.
Following her retirement in 2008, Yvonne expanded her impact in healthcare quality improvement. As New Hampshire’s representative on the Patient & Family Advisory Council for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Quality Improvement Organization, she led webinars on Chronic Care Management, reviewed medical education materials for clarity, and championed patient-centered care initiatives. She also became a certified Diabetes Self-Management Training Leader, reinforcing her commitment to empowering individuals through education and advocacy.
Her dedication to senior well-being was further demonstrated through her leadership as Chairperson of the Pelham NH Council on Aging (COA). During her tenure, nearly $300,000 was raised. Our first project was to construct an outdoor Shade Pavilion during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a safe and welcoming space for exercise, crafts, bingo, and social connection. She also helped implement an interest-free loan program for seniors in financial distress, mobilized volunteers to assist with grocery and prescription deliveries, and introduced fitness programs such as Bone Builders and stretching classes, which continue to serve the community today.
Beyond aging and wellness, Yvonne has played a pivotal role in enhancing recreational and conservation spaces in Pelham. She assembled and led the volunteer team that built the town’s first four pickleball courts and spearheaded the creation of a Memorial Park. This park features memorial trees, shrubs, and perennial gardens surrounding the pickleball courts and adjacent to the Shade Pavilion—each project thoughtfully designed to enrich the Pelham Community Center grounds. All of these initiatives were funded entirely through fundraising efforts, without the use of tax dollars.
Currently, Yvonne is leading the All-Persons Trail initiative at Pelham’s Merriam Fram Conservation Area. This project aims to make nature accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities and families with strollers, ensuring that outdoor spaces can be enjoyed by all.
Committed to education and advocacy, Yvonne writes monthly articles for The Pelham Evergreen (a local newspaper), providing seniors with valuable health, wellness, and resource information. Through AmeriCorps, she serves as a primary trainer for the Healthy Habits program, teaching nutrition, diabetes self-management, and dementia care across Southern New Hampshire. She also volunteers with Community In-Roads (MA), offering grant writing, strategic planning, and consultation services to emerging nonprofits.
In 2024, Yvonne founded Pelham Pathways, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating inclusive outdoor spaces and promoting health and wellness through nature-based activities. As Chairperson, she oversees three key teams within the organization: the Pickleball Community, the Memorial Park, and the Community Trail Coalition (CTC).
Under Yvonne’s leadership, the CTC has built and supported volunteer teams to develop trail brochures, organize guided hikes, and host community events like the Fall Festival—fostering conservation awareness and environmental stewardship throughout Pelham.
Her lifelong commitment to service has earned her numerous accolades, including the Spirit of New Hampshire Volunteer Service Award in 2018. She continues to give back as a volunteer driver for Salem Caregivers, offering transportation and companionship to isolated seniors She recently earned certification from the Alzheimer’s Association and co-founded Pelham’s first Caregivers Support Group, which she continues to co-facilitate.
Outside of her community work, Yvonne enjoys hiking, pickleball, camping, canoeing, weightlifting, gardening, and cooking—pursuits that reflect her dedication to a vibrant, active lifestyle. Through strategic leadership, hands-on volunteerism, and mentorship, she continues to inspire and make lasting contributions to the well-being of those around her.
