Lakes Region Planning Commissions honors volunteers at annual meeting

MEREDITH ― The Lakes Region Planning Commission held its Annual Meeting & Awards Night on June 22, in the Winnipesaukee Ballroom at Mill Falls at Church Landing in Meredith.

The event brought together municipal and regional leaders, elected officials, community partners, and friends, along with LRPC commissioners, executive board members, and staff. Guest speaker Tiffany Tononi McNamara, executive director of Plan NH, highlighted Plan NH's Community Design Charrette Program, showcasing how multidisciplinary teams collaborate with New Hampshire communities to develop creative, actionable solutions to local planning and revitalization challenges. Her presentation celebrated three decades of successful charrettes that have helped foster vibrant, healthy communities throughout the state.

Among the evening's highlights was the presentation of LRPC's esteemed Ayers-Cotton Environmental Service Award. This was presented to Stephen Scapicchio, of Tuftonboro, in recognition of his exceptional commitment to preserving the environmental health of the Lakes Region. His outstanding leadership and tireless advocacy for environmental conservation in New Hampshire, serving in key local, county, and state roles where he has strengthened conservation districts, supported agricultural communities, and advanced locally driven conservation solutions throughout the state is truly admirable.

Several Community Service Awards were presented to individuals whose outstanding and lasting contributions have made a long-term impact on Lakes Region communities.

• Jane Alden, of Tilton, was recognized for more than five decades of dedicated public and community service to the town of Tilton, including her leadership in local government, fiscal stewardship, regional planning, and tireless efforts to support residents through numerous civic and charitable organizations
• Maud Anderson, of Tamworth, was honored for outstanding leadership and volunteer service in advancing recycling and environmental sustainability in Tamworth, including her work with the Tamworth Recycling Project, household hazardous waste and Styrofoam collection programs, and efforts to improve local recycling operations and opportunities for residents
• Pat Consentino, of Tilton, was celebrated for a lifetime of exceptional public service and community leadership, highlighting her decades of dedication to the town of Tilton through municipal leadership, senior advocacy, innovative community programs, volunteerism, and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of residents
• Mark and Theo Denoncour, of New Hampton, were recognized for decades of dedicated service in New Hampton through their careers as educators and their extensive volunteer leadership in local government, historical preservation, education, civic organizations, community beautification, and public engagement
• William Farnum, of Tamworth, received recognition for outstanding leadership and long-standing commitment to the town of Tamworth, particularly his efforts to modernize and expand the community’s transfer station and recycling center through strategic planning, successful grant acquisition, and dedicated volunteer service that will benefit residents for years to come

The prestigious Award of Excellence was presented to two standout recipients: Franklin High School and Newfound Memorial Middle School of Bristol. This award recognizes innovative, community-driven initiatives that have made a meaningful impact over the past year.

FHS was previously recognized by New Hampshire Excellence in Education as the state’s top high school. Building on that distinction, LRPC selected FHS for its innovative, student-centered approach to education, which expands learning beyond the classroom through internships, college-credit opportunities, and real-world experiences. The school’s success in improving student outcomes, increasing college readiness, boosting attendance, and preparing students for life after graduation exemplifies the impact of this work. Accepting on behalf of FHS was Principal David Levesque.

NMMS was also recently named the 2026 New Hampshire Middle School of Excellence by New Hampshire Excellence in Education. LRPC recognized the school for its commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching, personalized learning, community engagement, and a supportive school culture. The honor reflects the collaborative efforts of students, staff, families, and the broader Newfound community to create an environment where students are empowered to learn, grow, and succeed. Teacher and Student Council Advisor Jay Peringer accepted on behalf of NMMS.

Finally, there were three long-serving retiring LRPC Commissioners recognized: Roger Murray, of Wolfeboro, who served a total of 28 years; John Ayer, of Gilford, who served 12 years and held roles as both commissioner and executive board chair; and Mark Hildebrand, of Center Harbor, who served for nine years. In addition, LRPC honored Planning Manager David Jeffers for 22 years of dedicated service as both a planner and mentor.

For more information, visit lakesrpc.nh.gov.