The Lakes Region Planning Commission (LRPC) hosted its Annual Meeting & Awards Night on June 23, 2025 at the Chase House at Mills Falls in Meredith. In attendance were municipal, regional, elected leaders and friends who joined the LRPC Commissioners, Executive Board, and staff for this yearly event. Guest speaker, Patricia Tarpey, President of Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance, addressed the attendees discussing the health of Lake Winnipesaukee, including critical challenges in maintaining the lake’s health, beauty, and economic significance—such as cyanobacteria blooms and nutrient pollution—while also highlighting solutions through local initiatives, state-level policies, and collaborative efforts.

 

The LRPC honored both the Abenaki Tower & Trail Association of Tuftonboro and Makers Mill of Wolfeboro with its Award of Excellence. This distinction celebrates organizations that have successfully brought to life innovative and impactful community projects over the past year. Recognizing its 100th anniversary, the Abenaki Tower & Trail Association was represented by Karen Burnett-Kurie and Susan Wingate, who accepted the award on its behalf. The Association was commended for its ongoing stewardship of the Abenaki Tower and surrounding trails, as well as for hosting a variety of educational talks and community events that highlight the Tower’s historical and cultural importance. Makers Mill is a nonprofit makerspace and vocation hub providing resources that directly impact the local economy by supporting artists and craftspeople, creating jobs, launching small businesses and reducing regional outmigration by offering opportunities for skill building, career mobility and a sense of community and belonging. This award was accepted by Josh Arnold and Susan Ferber as representatives of Makers Mill.

 

Several Community Service Awards were presented. This award is given to individuals who have made exceptional and sustained contributions to their community and/or to the economy of the Lakes Region. Edwina Boose of Ossipee was recognized for her exceptional contributions to Constitution Park, including clearing trails, installing a disc golf course, and organizing fundraising events through Friends of Constitution Park Ossipee. Anne Cunningham of Freedom was recognized for over 18 years of service on the Planning Board. She’s led efforts to update the Master Plan, improve zoning ordinances, and guide responsible town growth—all with diplomacy and deep commitment. She’s also volunteered on multiple committees and with local organizations. Mark Longley of Sandwich was recognized as a dedicated environmental and community volunteer. Since 2017, he has led Wood-Share, providing firewood to residents in need. He launched a Styrofoam recycling program, personally transporting materials to Gilford to reduce landfill waste and emissions. He received the High Watch Award for his groundwater protection efforts and has collected and reviewed well-water samples to help residents understand water quality and safety. Donna Ulitz & Brian Gillespie of Tamworth were recognized for tackling child food insecurity. They launched a weekend food bag program to support kids who might otherwise go hungry. Donna leads the packing and distribution of easy-to-prepare meals, while Brian manages a food donation station and spreads awareness. Together, they aim to continue the program through summer. The Bearcamp Center for Sustainable Community of Tamworth is a small nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity, elder care, and youth education in the community. It offers take-home meals, monthly dinners, a Share the Shelf grocery program, and a summer camp for K–8 students. The center promotes healthy eating and active living, providing a safe, supportive space and accessible nutrition for all. Ed Neister of Barnstead was recognized for his two decades of leadership in combating invasive variable milfoil in the Suncook Lakes and surrounding waters. As Chair of the Barnstead Milfoil Committee, he has coordinated with state agencies, managed herbicide treatments, organized diver training, and even engineered custom equipment to aid in plant removal. His tireless volunteer work, community engagement, and strategic leadership have been crucial in preserving the ecological and recreational value of Barnstead’s lakes and rivers.

 

The prestigious Ayers-Cotton Environmental Service Award was presented to Kevin Kelly of Moultonborough. This award is selectively given to an individual who strives to maintain and improve the environmental quality and health of the Lakes Region. Kevin has dedicated over 40 years to protecting Lake Kanasatka’s water quality through volunteer monitoring, leadership, and innovative solutions. As Chair of Moultonborough’s Cyanobacteria Committee, he collaborates with local and state partners, leads stormwater remediation efforts, and advocates for lake health. His tireless work has made a lasting impact on the Lakes Region’s environmental quality.

 

Also honored were two LRPC Commissioners, each of whom served more than 10 years. The LRPC is pleased to recognize Mardean Badger of Ashland who also served on the Executive Board as well as Joseph Jesseman of Tilton. Also recognized LRPC’s Transportation Technician Allen Constant for his 15 years of dedicated service.

 

Congratulations to all the winners, and a big thank you to Pat Tarpey for her insightful presentation as our guest speaker, as well as to all the attendees who made this a wonderful evening!

 

Finally, we would also like to acknowledge our generous sponsors for this event: Nobis Group, HEB Engineers, Taylor Community, Meredith Village Savings Bank, Koal Architecture, R.M. Piper General Contractors, Christopher P. Williams Architects, Irwin Automotive Group, and Norway Plains Associates. Your generosity and support are much appreciated.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (eda.gov), together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (rd.usda.gov) has prepared a Joint Planning Resource Guide designed to help eliminate barriers and encourage collaboration among stakeholders. The Guide covers the areas of Planning and Technical Assistance, Infrastructure and High-Speed Internet Expansion, Entrepreneurship and Business Assistance, and Workforce Development and Livability.