Laconia Putnam Fund

Laconia Putnam Meeting Tuesday, April 9, 2024 This meeting was called to order at 9:10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, held at Laconia City Hall, 25 Beacon Street E #1, Laconia, NH with the following in attendance: Jim Rogato, Linda Peary, Joanie Mercer, and Betty Ballantyne. MINUTES: The March 2024 minutes were amended. The guest who appeared last month was Angelo Van Engelen, Treasurer of the Horizon’s Band, not Angelo Gentile. The minutes were approved after the amendment by Linda Peary and seconded by Joan Mercer with all in favor. TREASURER ’S REPORT: The report is to be reviewed at the May 14, 2024, meeting. PUTNAM SHOW S: Update of the Rockin Daddio’s performance (April 5, 2024). We estimated 450 people attended. We were pleased overall to know many people in the area were still without power after the snowstorm dated April 4, 2024. The performances of both bands were well done and liked by the audience. The production of the show charged by Laconia Colonial was $2,155, a much lower fee than with other performances in the past and more in line with our expectations, rather than a $5,000 charge. Pemi Choral: The performance will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Laconia Colonial Theater. It is general admission; tickets are to be released the evening of the show. They will be celebrating their 50th anniversary. 106 singers will be performing along with many soloists along with an 11-piece orchestra. TRUSTEES UPDATE: Linda Peary had her interview with the Council Committee along with Janet Brough. We are now waiting for the Council’s vote for approval. PROGRAM DISCUSSIONS: A collaboration with the Laconia Daily Sun. Betty did reach out to Adam. Adam forwarded this link: https://jonathanhaidt.com and https://www.anxiousgeneration.com. His new book is about how technology has “rewired” childhood and caused an epidemic of mental illness in our youth. Adam will be reaching out to Jonathan to investigate if Jonathan does lecture. The Laconia Colonial Theater -November 15, 2024, we discussed a blues band, The Love Dogs and a comedian Tim Sample from Maine and Rebecca Rule as a comedy act. Linda was to investigate Tim Sample. We discussed Country genre, college and or alumni acapella, Afternotes and Stonehenge. Joanie will research acapella, and Betty will manage country talent. Betty contacted Emma Teto, the House Manager of the Opera House. These are the fees disclosed to us. $2,000 for the use of the Opera House; $250 for cleaning, $1,000 lights, and sound. She stated they had many dates available to us for this coming Fall. Jim, suggest we inquire if the Opera House fees for a nonprofit rate is lower than the $2,000. Veronica Lewis of NH is a consideration for the Opera House with other NE talent. Brenda Keen, Taylor Home recommended Mark Small of American Roots Music. Betty stated he will be performing at the Taylor Home this summer on July 8th. MISCELLEANOUS: When we are fully a five-member board, we will be discussing roles each member will be taking on for the current workload that has been shared with four members for the last several months. A few years ago, we did present all the job description duties of the board. We will revisit the duties once all five members are fully voted and sworn in. NEXT MEETING : Tuesday, May 14, 2024, to be held at City Hall at 10:00 a.m. With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:13 am. Respectfully submitted, Betty Ballantyne Laconia Putnam Trustee 603- 630-5531