Laconia Putnam Fund

Laconia Putnam Fund Board of Trustees Meeting February 7, 2020 This meeting was called to order on Friday, February 7, 2020 held at the Taylor Community at Woodside Commons with the following in attendance: Charles Bradley, Linda Peary, Jim Rogato and Betty Ballantyne. Guests attending: Warren Huse, Treasurer of the Laconia Historical and Museum Society and Tara Shore, Program & Operations Manager of the Belknap Mill. Rich Landry did have an excused absence. January minutes were reviewed and accepted as presented with no adjustments. PROPOSED PROGRAMS: Warren Huse requested funding for two programs: 1. A power point lecture on the “Lakeside House and Winnipesaukee Pier at the Weirs Beach” presented by Robert Ames. To be held at the Laconia Library on December 14, 2020. A $300 fee. 2. A power point lecture on “Slavery and the Underground Railroad in New Hampshire” with emphasis on the Laconia-Gilford and Meredith area, by Michelle Arnosky Sherburne, author of Slavery and the Underground Railroad in New Hampshire. The date is not yet set and likely to be presented at the Belknap Mill. The fee is $200. The total monies in need is $500. Betty made a motion and Linda seconded with all in favor was unanimously approved. Tara Shore requested on behalf of the Belknap Mill their summer program “Arts in the Park” inclusive of 9 concerts beginning May 22nd through September 11th. The concert series will be held outdoors at the Rotary Riverside Park at no costs to the public. The request was $9000. Linda made a motion for the $9000, Betty seconded it. After our open discussion and questions, Charles amended $10,600 to cover the entire expense for the Mill. At the $10,600 Linda made the first motion to the amended vote and Betty seconded it with all in favor was unanimously approved. Laconia Middle School Principal and Steve Tucker, Superintendent made a proposal to have the author “Hey Kiddo” present to the students. The author is Jarrett J. Krosocza. He will spend the entire day at the school. Jarrett’s will share his journey with the students. Charles read Hey Kiddo. He was deeply touched by this young man’s life difficulties and how literature, art, hard work and perseverance brought him to success. The fee is $5,000. Charles made the 1st motion and Betty seconded it with all in favor was unanimously approved. The program is set for May 5, 2020. The New Horizons Band directed by Debbie Gibson. Not enough detail for a vote. PROGRAM RECAP: Alex Kershaw – Author – April 15, 2020 to be held at the Taylor Community. Jay & The Americans – Music Band – April 24, 2020 to be held at the LHS Auditorium. Dr. Jay C. Buckley – Astronaut & Doctor – May 4, 2020 presenting at Pleasant Street School 9:00 – 11:30 Jarret J. Krosocza – Author – May 5, 2020 at Laconia Middle School – All day event. David S Brody – Author – May 20, 2020 to be held at the Taylor Community. **Rat Pack – Music Show – September 18, 2020 to be held at LHS Auditorium. **Heart Keen – Magician – October 16, 2020 to be held at LHS Auditorium. **Ronnie Earl & Albert Cummings – Blues Show – November 20, 2020 to be held at LHS Auditorium. ** Pending confirmation with LHS Administration Fall Sports Schedule and due process with to hold the dates. OVERNIGHT ACCOMODATIONS: Charles came to the Board after researching pricing for hotel accommodation for our performers. The Marriott – average nightly prices $109.00 plus a $10 local fee. Best Western – Locally Owned average nightly pricing $99.00 plus a $10 local fee. Jim made a first motion to decide with Best Western and Betty seconded it. It was a unanimous vote with Linda abstaining. MISCELLANEOUS: Warren Huse, Guest. He shared with us a piece of Laconia Putnam History. We have agreed to share our findings we have at hand. Perhaps a consolidation of findings could be used to educate our residents. Jim submitted a Laconia Putnam Fund Contact Information & Procedures document. We ran out of time and it was not discussed. It will be tabled for March 6, 2020 meeting. With no further discussions to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 1:12 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Betty Ballantyne Board Member