Doug Morrissette helps lead Lakes Region Children’s Fund into its next chapter

MEREDITH — The Lakes Region Tourism Association recently held its annual meeting and celebration at Hart’s Turkey Farm in Meredith, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Lakes Region tourism and students pursuing careers in hospitality.

Mildred Beach Scholarship

The Mildred Beach Scholarship was awarded to Grace Mairano, a graduating senior in the culinary arts program at Lakes Region Community College. Mairano began as a part-time student while working at The Taylor Home and developed her culinary skills through a summer co-op at Trillium in downtown Laconia. A two-year member and current president of the LRCC Hospitality Club, she has represented the school at events including Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s Experience NH in Washington, D.C. She hopes to someday own her own business.

Named in honor of Mildred Beach, longtime LRTA director, the scholarship celebrates dedication and leadership in hospitality.

Mel Borrin Scholarship

The Mel Borrin Scholarship was presented to William Hayman, an LRCC culinary arts student who is pursuing his associate degree while working full-time as a line cook at the Wolfeboro Inn. With 16 years of industry experience, Hayman brings practical knowledge and professionalism to the LRCC kitchens. He is a two-year member and current treasurer of the Hospitality Club and has represented the school at events including at Experience NH. He hopes to become a kitchen manager at a Lakes Region restaurant.

Named in honor of Mel Borrin, former owner of Preferred Vacation Rentals and longtime LRTA board member and past president, the scholarship recognizes excellence and service in the tourism industry.

Annual Tourism Award

The Annual Tourism Award was presented to Jared Maraio, general manager of the M/S Mount Washington Cruises, for his leadership in creating the inaugural Lakes Region Lantern Festival in partnership with LRTA. The event, held as a fundraiser for the association, brought more than 3,000 people to Center Harbor.

Maraio devoted countless hours to developing the event, including building its website, researching lake-safe lantern materials,

securing approvals from the NH Department of Environmental Services, NH Marine Patrol, and the Town of Center Harbor, and creating promotional materials and individualized QR codes. His team prepared 2,500 lantern kits and managed sales online, aboard the ship, and in the gift shop.

On event day, Maraio coordinated logistics, safety barriers, launch areas, and the retrieval of lanterns from the lake. The M/S Mount Washington was dockside with three floors of entertainment, food, and beverages. Despite the many moving parts, the inaugural festival exceeded expectations, with 1,200 lanterns sold and thousands gathering along the shore. His dedication and attention to detail helped make the event a tremendous success.

Lifetime Tourism Achievement Award

The Lifetime Tourism Achievement Award was presented to Peter Ames of Ames Farm Inn for his dedication to preserving a historic Lakes Region family business and ensuring its future. The Inn has been in the Ames family since 1777 and has welcomed guests to Lake Winnipesaukee since 1890.

Ames began working at the farm as a young man, caring for the grounds and maintaining equipment and buildings. Even while pursuing a career in IT, he spent weekends helping his parents. When the business faced a generational transition, Peter stepped away from his career to take on operations and guide the transfer of ownership. Over the past two decades, he has helped make family ownership buyouts possible, formalize the business structure, and establish a succession plan.

Known for his humility, kindness, and genuine care for guests, employees, and neighbors, Ames has also shared the property with organizations serving the region, including 603 United, Camp Resilience, NH Fish and Game, and the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance. He has welcomed marine patrol and state police for water rescue training. At a time when many historic family resorts have disappeared, his commitment has helped preserve an important piece of Lakes Region tourism history and the traditions that make the region special.

For more information, visit lakesregion.org.