The work there has been varied, interesting and challenging on occasions, but has been made possible through the years by the unwavering support of the Glen Manor House Authority, who have steadfastly been on our side and helped us through the years to develop the house.”

Don Wilkinson

PORTSMOUTH — After 30 years and nearly 2,800 weddings, Don and Katie Wilkinson are turning over their keys to the town-owned Glen Manor House.

The Town Council honored the Wilkinsons with a proclamation of appreciation Monday night, thanking them for their years of dedicated service in managing the historic home, which can accommodate functions with up to 200 guests.

In September, the council voted to approve an exclusive catering and management agreement with Russell Morin Catering & Events starting Jan. 1, 2023. The five-year contract includes an option to extend the agreement for another five years, along with the ability to negotiate the annual terms.

Don Wilkinson thanked the council for the proclamation, saying it “brings home to me the 30 years we’ve put in for the Glen Manor House and all those people involved with it.”

He credited his wife, Katie, for shouldering “the heavy load” at the Manor House.

“The work there has been varied, interesting and challenging on occasions, but has been made possible through the years by the unwavering support of the Glen Manor House Authority, who have steadfastly been on our side and helped us through the years to develop the house,” Wilkinson said. 

The Authority, which operated in an advisory capacity to the council regarding the operation of the Manor House, was dissolved as part of the council vote in September. The board will no longer be required, Town Administrator Richard Rainer Jr. said, because its duties and responsibilities as defined in its bylaws are addressed in detail in the contract between the town and Russell Morin.

Council member Charles Levesque said he was sitting on the council when it first hired the Wilkinsons three decades ago. “Hopefully, my selections in the future will work out as well,” he said.

Levesque, who left the council in 1992 to serve in the General Assembly, was back for his first full meeting following his election last month. Joining him was David Gleason, another former council member who won election.

Now gone from the council are Linda Ujifusa, its former vice president who was elected to serve District 11 in the Rhode Island Senate; and Andrew Kelly, who initially threw his hat in the ring for District 11 before withdrawing his candidacy.

In addition to Levesque and Gleason, the other council members are Kevin Aguiar, president; Len Katzman, vice president; and Daniela Abbott, Keith Hamilton, and J. Mark Ryan.

Future meetings

The council will meet on the following Mondays, all at 7 p.m.: Jan. 9, 2023, Jan. 23, Jan. 30 (ethics training), and Feb. 13.