Debbie Frawley Drake, David Stamps honored with first Bob Hamel Community Service Awards at Motorcycle Week kickoff

LACONIA — The inaugural Bob Hamel Community Service Awards were presented to two longtime city volunteers Thursday morning, during an event to kick off the 102nd Laconia Motorcycle Week.

The press conference, held at the Colonial Theatre downtown, included speakers covering everything from safety to the week's calendar of events, in addition to three other awards. 

The Bob Hamel Community Service Award is named after a longtime city councilor who served Ward 5, and died in 2023. The honor, created by City Councilor Mark Haynes, a friend of Hamel’s, and Mayor Andrew Hosmer, is bestowed to those who have shown consistent and generous devotion to improving the community.

The first recipient was Debbie Frawley Drake. Hosmer listed a number of her involvements, including the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, Laconia Historical & Museum Society, Granite United Way, Laconia Area Community Land Trust (now Lakes Region Community Developers), Hands Across the Table, and the Economic Development Council, among others.

“She is always willing to lend a hand, and has made a real and lasting difference in our community, whether helping neighbors, supporting local events or simply showing up in need, she has been a steady and positive presence in our community,” Hosmer said.

The second award was given to David Stamps. He has been in various election roles in Ward 3, including as moderator, and supervisor of the checklist for over 25 years. He has been involved with Laconia Multicultural Festival, the Laconia Planning Board, the Lakes Region Community Emergency Response Team and the Human Relations Committee.

“David has spent years building our community,” Hosmer said. “His quiet leadership has made a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to work alongside him.”

Councilor Bruce Cheney (Ward 1) was the recipient of the City of Laconia Leadership and Appreciation Award for a lifetime to public service. According to Hosmer, Cheney was chief of police from 1977 to 1990, director of the New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of Emergency Services and Communications, and also acted as the homeland security adviser to the governor's office. He has served on the council since 2018.

“His decades of service across multiple roles exemplify the highest ideals of civic duty, public trust and commitment to the well-being of Laconia residents,” Hosmer said.

The Fritzie Baer Award is given to a community member who assists with Motorcycle Week and often goes unnamed, or under-appreciated. Tom Crompton of the United States Classic Racing Association & New England Motorsports Museum earned the honor this year. Crompton and his associated organizations host a number of events for the rally, as well as offer discounted museum admission during the event.

Notably absent from the podium Thursday was Cynthia Makris, president of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association as well as The NASWA Resort. Deputy Director Jennifer Anderson took over the press event in her stead. Makris' mother, Hope Makris, died May 29. Hope's portrait featured prominently on the stage, leaning against an Indian motorcycle. Anderson led all those present in the theater in a moment of silence to honor Hope's memory.

Statehouse Speaker Sherman Packard (R-Londonderry) was present to read a proclamation from Gov. Kelly Ayotte.

“Whereas this event plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and the regional economy, generating millions in economic activity each year, and reaffirming that New Hampshire is one of the best states in the country to live, work and ride,” Packard read.

No members of New Hampshire's federal delegation attended, as they are currently in session. Rep. Maggie Goodlander (NH-2), sent her uncle, Nick Tamposi, on her behalf. She wrote that as a member of the House Committee on Small Business, she believes Laconia Motorcycle Week is a great opportunity to support the local economy.

“I encourage everyone visiting to take some time to enjoy our incredible restaurants, stop at the shops and experience the hospitality that makes New Hampshire so special.”

Other speakers emphasized public safety. Attorney General John Formella spoke for the first time, about the role of law enforcement during this grand event.

“If you see a law enforcement officer, if you see a first responder, say 'Hi,'” he said. “They are not there to cram your style. They're not there to get you in trouble and make arrests. Our goal is to keep everyone safe.”

Speakers encouraged everyone to abstain from hazardous driving and drinking while driving, and to use ride share apps when possible. Laconia Police Chief Matt Canfield reminded everyone that alcohol-related crashes claim the lives of several visitors each year. Laconia Fire Chief Tim Joubert also emphasized law enforcement’s responsibility to keep everyone safe, a responsibility which grows significantly with the increased number of people in the city.

“We ask our residents and visitors three things to help us out: Please be cautious, please be courteous, and last but not least, please be responsible,” Joubert said.

Shannon Stephens from the New Hampshire Motor Speedway highlighted various races at the race, including the kick-off NorthEast Motorcycle Road Racing event, and the 102nd Loudon Classic, which has a $400,000 purse, on Saturday, June 14. They will also be holding skills clinics for new riders.

Gunstock Mountain Resort General Manager Robert Drake previewed the Gunstock Hill Climb.

The NASWA Resort will host the 102nd anniversary celebration on Wednesday evening, June 18, with a cake cutting at 5 p.m. Organizers will share updates throughout the week, at scheduled conferences at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, Thursday, June 19, and Friday, June 20.

For more details, visit laconiamcweek.com.