← Back to 60th Page

The Northern New England Chapter celebrated NKBA’s 60th with a traditional Lobster Bake, complete with bibs and fun headgear.

Having fun is second nature to the Northern New England Chapter, and they didn’t disappoint when they put on a traditional Lobster Bake to celebrate NKBA’s 60th Anniversary, which was sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite. Lobster, mussels, clams and corn on the cob were a hit at the fun-filled event, which drew about 100 attendees and included several members from two sister Chapters – Maine and Southern New England – who drove several hours to lend their support. 

The Lobster Bake was the brainchild of NNE Chapter president, Rick Lopes, who persuaded his then company European Granite & Marble to hold the event in its warehouse in Norwood, MA. Lopes worked with his fellow Chapter Officers to create a fun, lively event that gave everyone a chance to relax and kick back – New England Style. “It’s so great to see you all. Thank you all for coming to celebrate 60 years of NKBA,” said Lopes, who kicked off the event with a tongue-in-cheek video of him searching for lobsters to have at the event.

“It’s so great to see you all. Thank you all for coming to celebrate 60 years of NKBA.”  —Rick Lopes, Northern New England Chapter President

A big thanks for all the hard work that went into producing the event goes to Lopes, now VP Sales with Superior Marble and Granite, and the following NNE Chapter Officers: Debra Bishop, CMKBD, Programs Chair, and with Dwell on It; Merry Leclerc, Communications Chair, and with Emerstone Quartz; Heather Guerriero Dans, Membership Chair and with The Galley; and Nance Marshall, Secretary/Treasurer, and with Caesarstone New England. 

The 60th Anniversary event was also a chance for current and former Chapter presidents and officers to come together, mingle and share memories. 

“Of course we came to support the Chapter… and we’re having a great time,” said Rick Spencer, President of NKBA Maine Chapter and Founding Partner of Prime Kitchen & Bath Group, who joined other Maine officers at the event. Spencer also won the KBIS 2024 special prize pack. 

Also having a great time was Donille Perrone, Senior Marketing Manager at Signature Kitchen Suite, who drove up from New Jersey to attend the event, give away several SKS prizes and don a lobster bib to join in the food fest. Before that, however, she needed to fulfill an important task. “Alright, I need everyone to get in this picture so I can share with our social media,” said Donille, who held up her phone to take a selfie of herself and the group. 

The 60th event culminated in a special birthday cake and, of course, a group photo op with all attendees lining up with their lobster bibs, headgear and balloons. 

Photos by Hannah Rose Photography LLC