Roger and Ann Sweet

Enthusiastic Hikers & Learners

Roger and Ann Sweet of Sullivan, NH got involved with the Harris Center shortly after Roger retired as a physician. It was the early 1990s and the couple had just moved into the Sullivan home that had belonged to Roger’s parents since 1934.

“We learned so much about so many things at the Harris Center,” Roger said. “It’s a real gift to be given an understanding of the natural world.”

Roger and Ann reminisced about the first Harris Center hike they went on, clad in snowshoes, with Bob Boynton as their leader.

 “He force marched us until my bindings rotted,” said Roger. “I was exhausted!”

But they came back for more . . . and more. The Sweets hiked about once a week for years and have great stories of their many adventures with hike leaders Ben Ellison, Meade Cadot, Bob Boynton, and John Kulish, to name just a few. Roger eventually became a hike leader himself; he still has carefully detailed maps for all of those hikes.

Board Service

Perhaps it was inevitable that the Board would come knocking, but as Roger put it,“I got conned into it!”

Roger served as a Board member during the important time periods when the Harris Center building was being renovated and when the Executive Director position was transitioned from Meade Cadot to Laurie Bryan. Roger credits Meade with having the “extraordinary gift” of being able to step aside and take on a different role with the organization.

Friendship Through the Years

Ann and Roger have fostered deep friendships with other Harris Center members over the years.

“I relished all the programs and hikes and annual meetings,” Ann said.

The Channing Trail, Jack’s Pond, Mount Thumb, and Skatutakee Mountain were favorite Harris Center hikes that they particularly enjoyed sharing with family and friends.

“The nice thing to know is that, as an institution, the Harris Center is here to stay!” said Roger.

The Harris Center can’t thank the Sweets enough for their support and engagement over the decades. They have truly made life “sweeter” for all of us!