The Hollis bench dedication on Saturday, October 17, 2026, will honor Tom Dufresne and his work in local conservation. The Hollis Conservation Commission invites the community to gather from 11 a.m. to noon at Stefanowicz Farm. For residents who value the town’s open spaces, the event offers a chance to learn about one of the people behind them.
Hollis bench dedication: where and when to meet
Meet at the farm entrance on Nartoff Road, opposite Elnathans Way. The town says the gathering will take place rain or shine. Its official dedication notice includes an RSVP link and directs questions to Connie at 603-465-2209, extension 105.
First, save the entrance description with your calendar reminder. A farm name alone may be less useful than the road and nearby landmark when coordinating with friends. Then check the notice again before heading out. If parking, access or other arrangements matter for your visit, ask the organizer ahead of time.
Remembering three decades of service
Dufresne chaired the commission from 1993 through 2023. On its memorial and commission page, the town credits him with helping acquire large conservation and town parcels that people enjoy today. That page describes a granite bench at Stefanowicz Farm, with a garden planned for the future.
The commission’s broader purpose is to protect Hollis’s natural resources and rural character. Its stated priorities include farms, forests, waterways and views. Together, those details give the gathering a local setting and a clear reason for remembrance. The landscape around a town reflects years of choices and sustained work.
A chance to get to know Hollis more closely
If you are new to Hollis, a small community gathering can be a thoughtful way to listen and learn. You do not need a long list of questions. Start with the place itself and the history people choose to share. Also, allow time to arrive without rushing, and choose clothing for an outdoor October visit.
Finally, keep the focus on the purpose of the day: recognizing local service. The Hollis bench dedication is one specific opportunity to connect a familiar landscape with its history. For a separate, hands-on community program this month, our Hollis perennial workshop article covers the library’s October 7 garden session.
