Longtime Wolfeboro municipal leader, State Representative John MacDonald receives Reverend Sidney Lovett Memorial Award

WOLFEBORO—NH LAKES recently named Representative John MacDonald as the recipient of the 2026 Reverend Sidney Lovett Memorial Award for Exemplary Lake Advocacy. During N.H. Lakes annual Lakes Congress conference on June 5 in Concord, Peter Lovett and Lisa Lovett, son and daughter of Sidney Lovett, joined NH LAKES President Andrea LaMoreaux, 2024 award recipient Representative Rosemarie Rung, and Wolfeboro resident and lake advocate Tonya Albee in presenting the award.

This award is given every two years by NH LAKES to recognize an individual who exhibits extraordinary and selfless service at the local, municipal, and/or state level, bringing people together to advocate for the restoration and protection of New Hampshire's lakes through public policy.

Representative MacDonald is serving his fourth term in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. A lifelong Wolfeboro resident, retired New Hampshire State Police detective, former Marine Patrol officer, and longtime municipal leader, MacDonald has dedicated much of his career to public service and protecting New Hampshire's natural resources. He was recognized for his longstanding commitment to protecting New Hampshire's lakes and waterways and for his leadership advancing policies that safeguard water quality, public health, recreation, and the state's outdoor heritage.

The life and work of the late Reverend Sidney Lovett (1928–2021) inspired NH LAKES to establish this award in 2022. A pastor, legislator, environmental advocate, and former chair of the NH LAKES Board of Directors, Lovett served five terms in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, where he championed the protection of New Hampshire's lakes, including his beloved Squam Lake.

"NH LAKES established this award to honor Sid's passion for public service, education, environmental stewardship, and his unique ability to bring people together," said LaMoreaux. "Representative MacDonald embodies those same qualities. Throughout his career, he has been a dedicated advocate for New Hampshire's waters and a collaborative leader who has helped advance practical solutions to protect our lakes and communities."

Established in 1992, NH LAKES is a statewide, publicly supported nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring and preserving the health of New Hampshire's lakes through education, advocacy, and action. For more information, visit nhlakes.org, email info@nhlakes.org, or call 603-226-0299.