Because of his active participation and hard work, Charlie Smith was recognized as Kiwanian of the Year in 1982 and again in 1988. Charlie was renowned and respected as an agriculturist and specialist in soils, grasses and hays. While still a student at UNH, he opened Smith’s Apple Orchard in Belmont, which later became one of the area’s first “pick your own” orchards. (The orchard was sold to Rob and Wende Richter in 1985.)

As a Laconia City Councilman during the 1980’s, Charlie was a major proponent for upgrading the outdated cinder track at Opechee Park. The new track was named Smith Track for Charlie Smith and Erwin Smith (former Laconia High School track coach) “in honor of their years of service and dedication to youth.”

Periodically, the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association prints a special T-shirt which includes a collage of Bike Week memories including pictures of notable residents who have recently passed. Included on the 2025 shirt, was former Kiwanian, Paul Cotton, who passed away on December 2, 2024.

Paul, who retired from the Laconia Kiwanis Club in 2012, had been an outstanding member for many years. Paul served as Club President for two separate terms: 1991-1992 and 2004-2005. He was voted Kiwanian of the Year in 1990.

See if you can spot Paul’s picture on this year’s shirt.