Thelma & John Bronk
Activities — Jack (John)
1942-1945 — served in the Pacific with the 38th Division during WWII as Chaplain's Assistant. Received bronze star.
Rockingham Press — 14 years, foreman last 4 years — Rockingham Press owned by the Manning Company from 1943-1963. (Located in the building across from the Miss Bellows Falls Diner.)
H. A. Manning Company — Vice president and production manager — 1964-1977
Played baseball (the Whirlwinds) and basketball on town teams. Played tennis and golf.
Member of Rotary Club. President of BF Ski Club. First chairman of Rockingham Recreation Department 1969-1972, remained on as a board member. First chairman of Rockingham Planning Commission and a member of Windham Regional Planning Commission. Red Cross Disaster chairman. Certified First Aid Instructor.
Boy Scouts — Active in scouting for 32 years, starting in his teens, but interrupted during WWII. 3 years assistant scoutmaster, scoutmaster of Troop 1 Boy Scouts from 1946-1954. In 1952 received the Silver Beaver Award (highest award to "scouters" or adults). Chairman of Boy Scout Council Leadership Training Committee for Calvin Coolidge Council. Member of the Executive Board of the Council, 1954.
Member of Pierce-Lawton Post 37, American Legion (over 50 years). Member and president of Pierce-Lawton Lancers Drum and Bugle Corps (1961- ) and served as music instructor for the corps. Member of Bellows Falls Community Band and Grafton Cornet Band.
Activities — Thelma
Brattleboro Reformer — 1948-1975. Bellows Falls representative and reporter. Remained as Bellows Falls correspondent after retirement (total of more than 40 years).
Assistant to Town and Village Manager - 1934-1946
Girl Scouts — Involved for 40 years. Helped form first troop in Bellows Falls in 1929 — Leader of troops of various ages. Assistant director of Camp Plymouth for Girl Scouts and director of the local Day Camp for its first three years and a staff member of Calvin Coolidge Council of Girl Scouts.
4-H — Leader of Bronco Busters (five years). Local Fresh Air chairman (1950- ). Local chairman of Experiment in International Living. Member of Legion Auxiliary and honorary member of Bellows Falls Women's Club.
Red Cross — Chapter secretary and public information chairman. Member of the Red Cross Nurse's Aide group at Rockingham Memorial Hospital and Red Cross Canteen Corps. Red Cross nurse's aide during WWII.
Secretary, vice president, and historian of Bellows Falls High School Alumni Association
Rockingham Bicentennial Week Co-chairman. - 1976
Organizer and Co-chairman of Rockingham Old Home Days. - 1978-1986
Volunteer Activities as a couple (Married March 15, 1940 — "We did everything together that we could. ")
Rockingham Swim Team - Jack: Organized the team (1959) and served as head coach for first 10 years. Thelma: Manager for first 10 years. Team was Twin State Champions two of the years.
Ski Tow - Jack: Involved in planning and clearing the land for the ski tow which opened January, 1953. Served on the Bellows Falls Ski/Safety Patrol for 25 years. Head patrolman for 24 years. As Certified First Aid instructor, conducted First Aid classes for Ski Patrol members. Member of National Ski Patrol (1948- ). Gave ski lessons to anyone requesting them. For 15 years, Thelma served as the tow operator, sold tickets and snacks, and kept a watchful eye on the lift line.
First Baptist Church of Bellows Falls - Jack: Deacon (1940- ), Sunday school teacher, organist and choir director, member of the choir, youth advisor, church moderator, church trustee (1961- ). Member of state Baptist Laymen. Thelma: Member since 1925. Deaconess (1942- ), clerk, collector, active in ladies' groups, Sunday school teacher, Sunday School superintendent, Cradle Roll chairman, Baptist Youth Fellowship advisor.
PTA - Both were members of the PTA. Thelma served as PTA's publicity chairman. Jack was on a PTA committee that studied the recreational needs of Bellows Falls. Together, they conducted record hops at Central Elementary School for the PTA.
Civil Defense — Jack was chief Civil Defense warden. Thelma active in various positions 3rd Class Civil Defense Radio Operators. Radio Amateurs Civil Emergency Service.
BFHS Class of 1931 — Thelma's graduating class. Jack made an honorary member of the class because of his involvement and assistance with class reunions.
Awards and Recognitions
Distinguished Service Award from the Governor's Committee on Children and Youth for outstanding service. Presented by Governor Phillip Hoff. 1967 — Jack and Thelma
Citizens of the Year, Great Falls Chamber of Commerce. 1992 — Jack and Thelma
Distinguished Citizens' Award from Rotary Club for work with youth. Engraved silver tray. Given to residents best exemplifying Rotary Creed, "Service Above Self." 1963 — Jack and Thelma
Presented on behalf of the Town. Engraved pewter tea set and lifelong privileges at the swimming pool, 1968 - Jack and Thelma
Rockingham Board of Recreation and Parks. Presented a Boston rocker with a plaque 1975 — Jack and Thelma
BFHS Alumni Parade Grand Marshals. 1974 — Jack and Thelma
In appreciation of their service to the Alumni Association, a special framed photo of the Arch Bridge was presented at the Association's annual meeting. 1995 — Jack and Thelma
Annual WNEA Layperson's Award to Thelma by Bellows Falls Union High School Recognized for her coverage of school events and student activities. Thelma
PTA for outstanding service to community for long and faithful membership. Made a cash contribution toward project at ski area. 1964 - Thelma
Rotary Outstanding Citizen's Award for work with youth. Presented with a special box bearing the Rotary Club's seal. 1957 Jack
Jaycees for informing public of children's activities. 1962 - Thelma
Award of Merit from DAR for work with Boy Scouts. 1955 - Jack