1. As a result of their 2021 Annual Mitten Tree Drive, Meredith Village Savings Bank gathered donated mittens, hats, gloves and scarves to distribute to local organizations that support families in need. For each donation, the Bank contributed $2 to local nonprofits. This year’s matching contribution, totaling $3,000, was split evenly among Interlakes Community Caregivers, GOT LUNCH! Laconia, and GOT LUNCH! Ashland and Holderness. Pictured from left to right: members Pam King, Julie Osgood, Janet Schurko and Elaine Rider.
2. The Common Man family’s Chief People Officer Cindy Bates was recognized for her decades of commitment to hospitality in New Hampshire with the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award from the NH Lodging and Restaurant Association. Bates began her career with The Common Man family as a server at Tilt’n Diner in Tilton in 1992 and held a few other positions before becoming the CPO in 2020. Bates leads training initiatives, advises on human resources policies and procedures, and leads recruitment of new talent.
3. Last month marked the 10th year of the Tower of Toys initiative, where collected children’s toys, sports equipment, art supplies, cosmetics, movie certificates and gift cards are donated to children and families in need. A toy-filled tower decorated the atrium of the Beacon Building at 814 Elm Street in Manchester for a community open house and then distributed to families. Gifts were also delivered to Spaulding Academy & Family Services and Families in Transition-New Horizons. This year, the Tower of Toys delivered gifts to over 1,500 New Hampshire children and more than $25,200 in donations (used to purchase additional gifts).
4. All Brite Cleaning & Restoration recently donated $5,000 to the Laconia Salvation Army as part of their annual All Brite Food Drive and fundraiser to support programs throughout the Lakes Region that support local neighbors in need. Pictured here, left to right: Robert Stewart of All Brite Cleaning & Restoration and Major Mike Davis of the Laconia Salvation Army.
5. The Granite YMCA held its 167th annual meeting, where volunteers, community supporters, donors and employees gathered to celebrate the Granite YMCA’s many accomplishments over the past year. Meeting highlights included: nominations of incoming board members and officers, recognition of retiring board members and key community donors, and announcements of the Volunteer of the Year Award, the Chairman’s Award winners, Community Service Award winners, and the recognition of the first ever Mark R. Stebbins Youth of the Year Award, which was presented to Kai Wall by members of Stebbins’ family and friends.
6. Richie McFarland Center and Waypoint, two providers of early intervention services for Seacoast area children with developmental concerns, have merged. The combined staff are now based in the RMC building at 11 Sandy Point Road in Stratham, which is evolving to encompass the many other home-based programs Waypoint offers in the region, including an array of family support and preservation services, and to serve as a family resource center.
