Human Relations Committee
Regular MeetingLaconia, NH · October 31, 2022
Minutes
Laconia Human Relations Committee
October 31, 2022 - Meeting Minutes
I. CALL TO ORDER
David Stamps welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Laconia Human Relations Committee.
Committee member roll call was taken, a quorum was established, and the meeting was called to
order at 1:35pm.
II. ATTENDANCE
Present – Chair David Stamps, David Osman, Matt Soza, Trish Weatherbee, Janet Simmons, Rev. Judith
Wright, Pat Wood, Elaine Morrison & Dick Smith (Guests) and Carrie Chandler
Present via Phone – Carol Pierce
Excused – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Kate Bruchacova, Kay Anderson, Seifu Ragassa
III. NEW BUSINESS
Martin Luther King Jr. Art Proposal
Elaine Morrison presented a proposal for an Art Exhibit in January in Celebration of Martin Luther King
Jr. This event will be held at the Belknap Mill (who has already agreed to waive the fee). The Mill,
Elaine and the Human Relations Committee will work together to present a display of artwork (art and
photography) with the theme of: The life and/or work of Martin Luther King Jr. Each artist will provide
a statement about how their piece reflects some aspect or inspiration of the life and/or work of Dr.
King. All works must be originals and suitable for framing or hanging (financial support to frame
artwork will be provided on an as needed basis). A statement of intent and short artist bio must be
received by December 1st including medium proposed as well as overall size. Each proposal will be
reviewed and acted upon as soon as received. Decision to display artwork is at the sole discretion of
the exhibitors. All works must be received by December 26th. The show will run from January 2nd
through January 30th in the Riverside Room at the Mill. The Art Exhibit is open to artists of the Lakes
Region and students who attend Laconia schools. At the MLK Jr. Celebration on January 15th, some of
the artists will be asked to talk about their pieces to encourage dialogue with the audience. Perhaps
gospel music would enhance the event. Pat Wood made a motion, seconded by Matt Soza, to accept
the proposal and creation of a sub-committee to discuss the Art Exhibit details and frame a budget;
with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
Anti-Hate Response
In response to and support of Miriam Kovacs (a Franklin businesswoman who addressed the Human
Relations Committee at a prior meeting), the committee voted to purchase stickers that can be posted
at local businesses with a message of inclusion. Now that we have the stickers in hand, a letter will be
crafted to explain the project and a list of businesses will be developed in the hopes of littering the city
with this welcoming message of safety and acceptance.
1
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was no one present for public comment.
V. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 2:40p by Chair David Stamps.
Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 14th, 2022, 3:30p, City Hall Room 200A and via
zoom invite.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carrie Chandler,
Recording Secretary
2
Agenda
Laconia Human Relations
Special Meeting
October 3 1, 2022 - Monday
1:30PM – 2:30
City Hall Rm 200A also via Zoom
Agenda
Welcome and Roll Call
New Business
Discuss MLK Art Proposal
Discuss MLK Budget Proposal
Next Regular Meeting Room 200A, Monday November 14, 2022, at 3:30pm also via Zoom
Public Comment –
The public is invited to offer their opinions. Initially, they will be limited to four minutes until all have
had an opportunity to speak. Each person is constrained to their time period or to ask questions of the
committee. Everyone is expected to speak respectfully.
If on Zoom, the public will be visible but muted until unmuted by the chair. Members of the public
wishing to speak will use the “raise hand” option.
------------------------------------------------------
Note: The meeting will also be held online through Zoom and will begin at 3:30pm although people are encouraged check in early.
Contact David Stamps, 387-4382 if you are having trouble connecting.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Topic: Human Relations Commission
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Oct 31, 2022 01:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Laconia Human Relations Commission
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86113778031?pwd=Nk5BMHBSRVpMeGxOMmIyTVEyUzQ5Zz09
Passcode: 987040
Or One tap mobile :
US: +16469313860,,86113778031#,,,,*987040# or +13017158592,,86113778031#,,,,*987040#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 646 931 3860 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 309 205 3325 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or
+1 346 248 7799 or +1 360 209 5623 or +1 386 347 5053 or +1 564 217 2000 or +1 669 444 9171 or +1 669
900 9128 or +1 719 359 4580 or +1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 861 1377 8031
Passcode: 987040
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kOPQorzP
Art Exhibit in Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.
January 2023
Every year the Laconia Human Relations Committee (LHRC) holds a celebration of Dr. King on the day
before his annual birthday celebration. His life is a rich tapestry that still overlays our society including
non-violent protests and eloquent speeches (“I have a dream”, etc.). His was an iconic life of struggle
with desegregation, unionization, housing, antiwar and poverty in America.
This year the Human Relations Committee, with the help of the Belknap Mill and Elaine Morrison, are
planning a special celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. which will be expressed through display of
art. There will be a month-long exhibit in the Mill’s Riverside Gallery. In addition, there will be an
afternoon on Sunday, January 15th when selected artists will have an opportunity to talk about their
pieces.
● Theme: The life and/or work of Martin Luther King Jr.
● Required: Artist statement about how their piece reflects some aspect or inspiration of the life
and/or work of Dr. King.
● Originality: Your submission must be your original work. The work must be suitable for
hanging.. framed preferably. However, if the cost of preparation for the show is an issue we will
find a way to help you defray the cost.
● A statement of intent and short artist bio must be received by December 1st including medium
proposed as well as overall size. Each proposal will be reviewed and acted upon as soon as they
are received so don’t wait.
● Inclusion of the work is not guaranteed and is at the sole discretion of the exhibitors.
● If you receive the go-ahead based on your statement of intent, your work must be received by
December 26th.
● The show will run from January 2nd through January 30th in the Riverside Room.
● The Art Exhibit is open to artists of all ages who reside or work in Laconia including students.
Get email alerts for Laconia
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.