Date of Meeting: July 16, 2025

Venue: Laconia Historical & Museum Society

The Laconia Historical & Museum Society building is located on 65 Water Street in Laconia
Photo by W. Stephen Loughlin

Attendance: 13 in attendance: 10 members and 3 guests

MEMBERS AND GUESTS:

Kiwanis Members:
Betty Ballantyne
Phil Bonafide
Ray Chambers
Zach Dea
Bill Gile
John Intorcio
Shawn Intorcio
Steve Loughlin
Tara Shore
Bob Willey

Guests:
Debbie Cotton – wife of former Kiwanis President, Paul Cotton
Laura Nesmith – Lt. Governor Division 4
Michelle Payls – guest of Betty Ballantyne

Debbie Cotton		Laura Nesmith		Michelle Payls
Above photos by W. Stephen Loughlin

Betty Ballantyne welcomes long time Friend of Kiwanis, Debbie Cotton.

Photo by W. Stephen Loughlin

President Betty Ballantyne called the meeting to order at 6:04 pm.

Pledge, Invocation and Song:
Pledge of Allegiance: by All
Invocation: by Ray Chambers
My Country Tis of Thee: led by Betty Ballantyne

The Pledge
Photo by W. Stephen Loughlin
Invocation by Ray Chambers		Song by Betty Ballantyne
Photo by W. Stephen Loughlin		Photo by W. Stephen Loughlin

MUSEUM TOUR:
Tara Shore, President of the Laconia Historical & Museum Society (LH&MS) and a fellow Kiwanian, led a behind-the-scenes tour of the Society’s facility.
During the tour, attendees were guided through several rooms as Tara shared the various initiatives and projects currently underway including efforts to preserve local history, advancements in the museum's development, and enhancements to the collections space.
Tara Shore begins her tour of the museum.
Tara Shore concludes her tour.
Above photos by W. Stephen Loughlin

K.A.R.E.S. APPRECIATION:

During the meeting, President Betty was pleased to display a special poster designed by the 3rd graders at Woodland Heights Elementary School thanking the Kiwanis Club for the K.A.R.E.S program.

Photo by W. Stephen Loughlin

Our K.A.R.E.S. (Kids And Reading Equals Success) program wrapped up the 2024–2025 school year on June 3rd with third graders choosing books, enjoying stories, snacks, and crafts — all part of inspiring a lifelong love of reading.

From June 3, 2025:

Happy K.A.R.E.S. Kids with Kiwanians and Staff at Woodland Heights Elementary School

Above photo by Woodland Heights School employee

PINTS FOR A PURPOSE:

Kiwanian Bill Gile shared the details about an upcoming collaborative fund-raiser benefiting two youth organizations—the Circle Program and the Mayhew Program. Join us at Twin Barns Brewing Co. in Meredith for Pints for a Purpose, a family-friendly event featuring: • Live music by Tim Hazelton (with a second performer TBD—suggestions welcome!) • $1 per pint donated by Twin Barns for every beer sold during the event • A Putting Green Competition • 50/50 Raffle The day kicks off with Ride for a Purpose, a scenic motorcycle ride from Newfound Lake to Twin Barns. Riders can participate for just $20, with proceeds supporting the programs. About the beneficiaries: • The Circle Program serves at-risk girls through summer camp experiences and year-round mentoring. • The Mayhew Program supports at-risk boys with similar opportunities for growth, connection, and success. Both programs rely heavily on dedicated volunteers and ongoing community support. Volunteers Are Needed! Volunteers will be scheduled in two shifts. A Sign-Up Genius link will be sent out soon—please consider lending a hand to help make this event a success.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS (for fiscal year 10/1/25 thru 9/30/26:

President Betty Ballantyne presented the proposed slate of officers and board members to the membership for discussion and vote. Prior to the meeting, the slate had been shared with all members for review. Members were invited to express interest in any open officer or board positions not listed. No additional nominations or volunteers were brought forward during the meeting.

The following slate was presented and approved by club vote:
Officers:
President: Tara Shore
Past President: Betty Ballantyne
Treasurer: Zach Dea
Secretary: Betty Ballantyne

Board of Directors:
Bill Gile and Bob Willey

Thank you for all who volunteered! Net earnings $4,536 A big shout out and thank you to our lead volunteers, John Intorcio, Bill Gile, Honorary Kiwanian John Walker, along with the many volunteers being fellow Kiwanians and Friends of Kiwanis. A big shout to Bob Willey for setting a big $400 goal with Phil Bonafide on their morning shift together. The goal was met with great enthusiasm. They may have set a new tradition of a fun competition amongst ourselves for next year.

MISCELLANEOUS MEETING MOMENTS:

MEN IN BLUE

L to R: Bill Gile, Ray Chambers, Bob Willey, Zach Dea and John Intorcio

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

Ray Chambers		Bob Willey
Above photos by W. Stephen Loughlin

HAPPY DOLLARS: $20 was collected

FOOD PANTRY: $29 was collected.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:47 pm.

During the month of July we received a thank you note from Ava Whitton who received a scholarship from the Laconia Kiwanis Club this past June. To read Ava's thank you note, “click” on the picture below:

We also received a thank you note from Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation for our recent donation in awarding 13 scholarships to current and recent Lakes Region graduates. To read the thank you note, click on the picture below.

On July 7th, former Kiwanians Warren Mitchell and Russ Beane as well as Kiwanian Steve Loughlin were spotted at The Taylor Community paying their respects to Laconia Kiwanis Club Past President Paul Cotton at his memorial service. Paul, who retired from the Laconia Kiwanis Club in 2012, served as Club President for two separate terms: 1991-1992 and 2004-2005. He was named Kiwanian of the Year in 1990. Russ Beane joined the Laconia Kiwanis Club in 1982 and was named Kiwanian of the Year in 2004. Russ retired from the club in 2015. Warren Mitchell joined the Laconia Kiwanis Club in 1976 and was named Kiwanian of the Year in 1986, 1991, and 2006. Warren served as President of the Club during the 2003-2004 term. In 2013, Warren retired from the Club and became an Honorary Member.

L to R: Warren Mitchell, Russ Beane and Steve Loughlin

Also in attendance but not pictured, was Laconia Kiwanis Club President, Betty Ballantyne.

Above photo by Linda Fairbanks

THANK YOU:
Many thanks to Joe Adrignola, Betty Ballantyne, Phil Bonafide, and Tara Shore for their assistance with this bulletin.

Wednesday - August 6th: Venue: ZOOM MEETING
6:00 pm - Board of Directors Meeting

Wednesday - August 20th: Venue: To Be Announced
6:00 pm -

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