Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Relations Committee January 9, 2023 - 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 3:33 pm. II. ATTENDANCE Present – Chair David Stamps, Carol Pierce, Matt Soza, Trish Weatherbee, Janet Simmon, Rev. Judith Wright, Pat Wood, Seifu Ragassa, Kate Bruchacova, Linda Thanas, Heather Stanley, Dick Smith and Elaine Morrison (Guests) and Carrie Chandler Zoom – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, David Osman Excused – Kay Anderson III. OLD BUSINESS Minutes Approval – A motion was made by Pat Wood, seconded by Rev. Judith Wright, to accept the minutes of the December 12, 2022 Laconia Human Relations Committee; with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Sub-Committee Work: Martin Luther King Jr Celebration – Rev. Judith reported that the committee worked to prepare a program comprised of Dr. King’s speech, quotes, music and art expression. Another press release will go out – including the addition of Kimayo playing guitar and singing civil rights songs from this period. Elaine Morrison developed a poster for advertising the event (thank you!). Partnership for Public Health donated $150 for catered desserts (thank you!). Committee members were asked to bring other food items to share. A motion was made by Matt Soza, seconded by Pat Wood, to authorize spending up to $500 for the MLK event; with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Multi-Cultural Day – Carol Pierce and Trish Weatherbee co-chair this work group - current members include David Stamps, Rev. Judith Wright, Carol Pierce, Trish Weatherbee, Janet Simmon and Carrie Chandler. There is a Board Meeting scheduled January 13th. Clarification is still needed around Board vs Committee responsibilities. The board is planning to meet on Friday, January 13th. Following this meeting, David Stamps will call a meeting of the sub-committee to review and focus on next steps. Business Sticker Campaign – Pat Wood, Matt Soza and Carrie Chandler met to strategize the sticker project. The business letter has been finalized and signed by David Stamps. Committee members were asked to assist with approaching the businesses with the letter and free sticker. If a business is 1  not interested – please take notes if they share any insight as to why and report back to the full committee. When all 100 of the stickers have been dispersed – the group will determine if we should purchase additional stickers. IV. NEW BUSINESS New Committee Members – David Stamps introduced Heather Stanley and Linda Thanas to the committee. Heather works for Partnership for Public Health and Linda is a retired school teacher. Welcome! Genocide Awareness – David Osman spoke of an online lecture series in April offered by the Cohen Center, prompted by the 40th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide. A program idea – could show this at the Belknap Mill. Saturday, January 14th at 7pm – the Jewish Synagogue is offering Judaism and MLK’s message via zoom. Saturday, March 4th at noon – there will be a “Restore Hope” luncheon and concert at the Jewish Synagogue in support of our LGBTQIA Community. Next Meeting – we will review the committee’s mission and vision statements. Motion was made by Matt Soza, seconded by Pat Wood, to end of the meeting; with no objection the meeting was adjourned at 4:47pm. 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, February 13, 2023, 3:30p, City Hall Room 200A and via zoom invite. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Recording Secretary 2