Heritage chair wins Community Service Award

TAMWORTH — Cristina Ashjian, chair of the Moultonborough Heritage Commission, received a Community Service Award at the Lakes Region Planning Commission’s annual meeting and awards presentation on June 24.

The annual award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional and sustained contributions to their community and/or to the economy of the Lakes Region.

Wayne Crowley, executive board chair of the Lakes Region Planning Commission, with Vice-Chair John Ayer and Executive Director Jeff Hayes, presented the annual awards at the event. In his comments, Ayer said Ashjian “has been working tirelessly to explore options and new opportunities for the town-owned Taylor House which made it to the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance’s ‘Seven to Save’ statewide endangered list in 2017…. She has worked to identify an appropriate new use for the Taylor House consistent with village revitalization and other planning goals through outreach efforts, such as the information session ‘New Lives for Old Buildings’ and a recently issued request for proposals. Although impressive, her work does not stop in Moultonborough, as she has supported many town boards of neighboring communities with historic preservation issues. Cristina Ashjian’s dedication is inspiring to us all as she teaches us it is well worth taking the time to ensure the survival and re-use of historic buildings in our communities.”

This is the first Lakes Region Planning Commission award to recognize the important role of an area heritage commission with regard to economic development and community planning.