Welcome to the
Active Retirement Association
ARA - Expanding Your World
Currently Serving the Greater Seacoast Regions of NH and Maine
Notices
Congratulations to Bob & Gayle Hylen 2023 recipients of UNH Age of Champions Excellence in Volunteerism Award

Congratulations to Bob & Gayle Hylen 2023 recipients of the UNH Age of Champions Excellence in Volunteerism Award
Bob and Gayle Hylen, now in their mid-seventies, grew up in Holbrook, Mass.
In the 1970s, Gayle began volunteer activities that continue to this day. She was the campaign coordinator for State Representative Andrew Card (who later became the White House Chief of Staff), chaired the Whitman Town Recreation Committee and the Whitman-Hanson H.S. Music Association, managed the South Shore Chapter of Camp Fire and American Heart Association, while also participating in local theater and choral groups. Following retirement and moving to Durham, Gayle has sung in a number of choral groups and volunteers at the Durham Community Church’s thrift shop (ECHO). As a member of the Active Retirement Associations, she served on the Board of Directors for 13 years as the Cultural Tours Director, Hospitality Director while also organizing an art exhibit and food drives during the pandemic.
Bob served as the first President of the Cottages at Spruce Wood Condominium Association here in Durham and has been the President or Vice President of Jordan’s Camps, Inc. in Fryeburg, Maine for 41 years. In ARA, Bob served on the Cultural Tours Committee, was the hike’s coordinator, and was the longest-serving President in ARA’s history.
Bob and Gayle have been married for 55 years and have two children, five grandchildren, and an 18-year-old cat. They love living in Durham and greatly appreciate being honored to receive this award as the 2023 Age of Champions Excellence in Volunteerism Award.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and How ARA Continues to Adjust
We plan to continue our Spring programs and other activities in person, and the use of Zoom for optional remote access will still be a tool in our toolbox.
However, we continue to be guided by the prevailing CDC Guidelines and will monitor the COVID situation for any impact on the Spring schedule. Any further changes will be communicated to you via email
Upcoming Events
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Apr3
Great Discussions
10:00am - 11:30am -
Apr5
Natural Landscaping for a Better Backyard
10:00am - 11:30am -
Apr5
A Visit to the New Castle Historical Society
1:30pm - 3:00pm -
Apr6
A Hero in Russia's Far East/An "Unknown" in Her Native New England
10:00am - 11:30am