Human Relations Committee
Regular MeetingLaconia, NH · December 12, 2022
Minutes
Laconia Human Relations Committee
December 12, 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 3:30pm.
II. ATTENDANCE
Present – Chair David Stamps, Carol Pierce, David Osman, Matt Soza, Trish Weatherbee, Janet
Simmon, Rev. Judith Wright, Pat Wood, Kay Anderson and Carrie Chandler
Excused – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Kate Bruchacova, Seifu Ragassa
III. OLD BUSINESS
Minutes Approval – A motion was made by Carol Pierce, seconded by Matt Soza, to accept the
minutes of the November 14, 2022 Laconia Human Relations Committee with spelling correction;
with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
Treasurer’s Report – David Stamps reported a balance of $3,384.98.
Efficiency Plan – as the committee heads into the new year, there is a need to restructure things
differently. The following was discussed:
Chair would like additional help from committee members
Look at an attendance policy for committee members
Recruit new members who have the ability to help support the work of the committee
Establish work groups to focus on specific projects – with specific action steps and realistic
timelines. A motion was made by Pat Wood, seconded by Trish Weatherbee, to establish
two work groups (as standing agenda items) – Multi-Cultural Festival and Martin Luther King
Jr. Celebration (other work groups as needed). With no further discussion the motion
passed.
All committee members will sit on a minimum of one work group.
Work Groups:
Martin Luther King Jr Celebration – event plans will need to be altered due to time constraints
and lack of response from the art community. Rev. Judith Wright will chair this work group -
current members include Carol Pierce, Trish Weatherbee, Pat Wood and Matt Soza. The group
will meet and present a revised plan at January’s meeting.
1
Multi-Cultural Day – Carol Pierce and Trish Weatherbee will co-chair this work group - current
members include David Stamps, Janet Simmon and Carrie Chandler. There is a Board Meeting
scheduled January 13th. Clarification is needed around Board vs Committee responsibilities.
Business Sticker Campaign – a list of 100 Laconia businesses to target was developed. Pat
Wood, Matt Soza and Carrie Chandler will meet to review the list, finalize the letter, determine
distribution, discuss the idea of publicity and establish a timeline to complete the project or
determine if more stickers are needed.
Election of Officers - Two elections were held.
David Stamps asked for nominations for Secretary; Carrie Chandler was nominated to serve another
year, nominations closed – there was a unanimous vote in favor.
Carrie Chandler asked for nominations for Chairperson; David Stamps was nominated to serve
another year, nominations closed – there was a unanimous vote in favor.
V. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was no one present for public comment.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 4:53p by Chair David Stamps.
Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 9, 2022, 3:30p, City Hall Room 200A and via zoom
invite.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carrie Chandler,
Recording Secretary
2
Agenda
Laconia Human Relations Committee
Monthly Meeting
December 12, 2022 - Monday
3:30pm – 5:00pm
City Hall Rm 200A also via Zoom
Agenda
Welcome and Roll Call
Review and Acceptance of November 12, 2022 Meeting Minutes
Old Business
• Festival follow-up
• MLK Celebration – Jan. 15, 2023
• Letter re Broken Spoon
New Business
• Nominate and Elect New Officers - 2023
• Other business
• Next Meeting Room 200A, Monday January 9, 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
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81922296874?pwd=M0E4a1pES0VGV0Rsa1hmT0ZDU3Bmdz09
Passcode: 793636
Or One tap mobile :
US: +16465588656,,81922296874#,,,,*793636# or +13017158592,,81922296874#,,,,*793636#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or
+1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 819 2229 6874
Passcode: 793636
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k661pCha
31TU U31T
Human Relations Committee Announces “Welcome All” Sticker Campaign
The Laconia Human Relations Committee announced today that it is supporting a door
sticker campaign begun by businesswoman Miriam Kovacs, owner of the Broken Spoon
in Franklin. Ms. Kovacs became a target of hate groups when she publicly supported
efforts on the Seacoast to protest hate-based attacks on businesses and people.
The sticker says, “This Space Welcomes All!” at the top of a colorful multicultural image.
At the bottom, it says “Any Acts of Discrimination will not be tolerated by this
Establishment.” The 2 ½ in square sticker is meant to demonstrate support for a
community that believes hate is corrosive force.
The recent commemoration of Kristallnacht (Daily Sun, “Temple B’nai Israel marks anniversary of
'The Night of Broken Glass') sadly comes after recent discoveries of Nazi symbols in
Opechee Park(Daily Sun, “Police viewing video showing vandalism at library park; Human Relations
Committee plans vigil”). Less than a week later, a large group of people from around the
Lakes Region came together to combat hate.(“ Vigil to combat hate held at Opechee Park”).
In New Hampshire and elsewhere there has been a rise the activity of hate groups. At
the Kristallnacht commemoration, Edmund Burke was quoted as saying “The only thing
necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing …“.(Wikipedia). Many
attribute the passivity in face of antisemitic speech and actions in Europe during the
1930s, as fueling the growth of persecution of Jews and other minorities that ultimately
led to the Holocaust.
Members of the Human Relations Committee will be calling on local business offering
the stickers and asking them to be displayed. For more information, contact the
Committee Chair, David Stamps dbstamps@dbstamps.com
30TU U30T
The Laconia Human Relations Committee envisions a world where everyone is treated with dignity,
fairness, respect, and kindness.
Get email alerts for Laconia
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.