Northfield, NH – At Spaulding Youth Center’s 50th annual meeting, The Common Man Family of Restaurants and the Northfield Police Department received special recognition for their generous support and ongoing service to the children of Spaulding Youth Center.

The Common Man Family of Restaurants received the fifth annual You’ve Got a Friend Award for being a longtime supporter of Spaulding Youth Center.  The restaurant, and owners Alex Ray and Diane Downing, have supported the organization through grants, donations, gift certificates and more.  “The Common Man, and Alex and Diane, have been uncommon friends of Spaulding Youth Center over the years,” said Susan Calegari, CEO and President of Spaulding Youth Center.  “The children here at Spaulding have benefited in innumerable ways from their generosity.”

The Northfield Police Department was awarded the first annual Arthur H. Nighswander Community Partner Award for its exceptional and dedicated service to the Spaulding community. The award recognizes the Department’s many years of direct support and care to the children of Spaulding Youth Center.   “Former Northfield Police Chief and now County Sheriff Scott Hilliard was instrumental in solidifying this community relationship, and current Chief Steve Adams has followed suit in a long line of police chiefs who have always been here for the students and staff at Spaulding,” said Calegari.  The award was created in honor of Arthur Nighswander’s 100th birthday this year which coincided with Spaulding’s 50th anniversary. Nighswander is a valued and beloved Trustee Emeritus who was instrumental in the creation of Spaulding Youth Center 50 years ago.

Spaulding Youth Center is dedicated to improving and enriching the lives of emotionally and/or intellectually challenged children, youth and their families. Its history extends over 137 years with origins in the NH Orphans’ Home, Daniel Webster Home and Golden Rule Farm. In 1958, these entities merged to become Spaulding Youth Center at its present site in Northfield. Today, SYC offers therapeutic residential, educational and foster care services to youth with autism or neurological impairments, boys with emotional and behavioral challenges, and children of all ages in need of foster care.  Visit www.spauldingyouthcenter.org for more information.