Thank you, everyone, for your continued support! Winners are posted below!
On July 30th the Tapply-Thompson Community Center (TTCC) received a two-year, $30,000 grant from the Couch Family Foundation to be used for program and operating support. This award will help to support the 75 different programs the center now runs and will be an essential part of their work and mission moving forward. The continued support of the Couch Family Foundation has been a crucial part of TTCC’s success as they have been a major community partner for the last several years.
This award will help support programming and operations for the next two years that include important safety-net offerings such as the Every Child is Ours – Weekend Food Supplement Program and the Operation Warm – Winter Clothing Drive. The award will also focus on supporting early childhood programs such as the Lil’ Movers series and has been an instrumental piece in providing opportunities for our youngest population.
“The Couch Family Foundation’s continued support of our mission has made it possible for us to provide a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we serve. This funding is essential in supporting what we offer, especially to our youngest age group, as we are so thankful for this award and their partnership,” said Leslie Dion, TTCC Director.
The grant was provided as part of the Couch Family Foundation’s Cherished Communities Priority, which enhances the well-being of children, families, and communities in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont, and in Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.
“The Tapply-Thompson Community Center has long been a hub for Bristol and surrounding communities,” said Sara Vecchiotti, Executive Director of the Couch Family Foundation. “We are thrilled to continue to support the Center’s work to expand access to youth programming to serve children and families in the region.”
About the Couch Family Foundation
The Couch Family Foundation’s mission is to be a catalyst for change in the lives of children and their families by creating quality and equitable opportunities to help them learn, thrive, and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The Foundation achieves this mission through two strategic priorities: Statewide Early Care and Education system-building and Cherished Communities of the NH/VT Upper Valley and Martha’s Vineyard.
Help Shape the Future of Bristol
Join your neighbors for a community-wide conversation about Bristol’s future. Together, we’ll explore big ideas, identify shared priorities, and discuss opportunities to strengthen our community.
Ideas generated during this conversation may be brought to life through community-led projects supported by grant funding later this year.
Event Details
Saturday, September 12, 2026
1:00–3:00 p.m.
At the Tapply-Thompson Community Center
Who Should Attend?
All Bristol community members and local organizations are encouraged to participate. We welcome a diverse range of voices, experiences, and perspectives.
Childcare and refreshments will be available.
Reserve Your Place
Please RSVP by September 7, 2026.
Email: info@ttccrec.org
Phone: 603-744-2713
Facilitated By
This Community Conversation is facilitated by the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority and New Hampshire Humanities.
Tapply-Thompson Community Center Announces
Retirement of Director Les Dion
After Nearly Three Decades of Leadership
BRISTOL, NH – The Tapply-Thompson Community Center (TTCC) has announced the upcoming retirement of Director Les Dion at the end of 2026, marking the conclusion of nearly three decades of dedicated leadership and service to the community. Dion has served as Director since 1997, making her the longest-serving director in the history of the organization.
During her tenure, TTCC has experienced significant growth and transformation. Under Dion’s leadership, the organization expanded programming, completed major facility renovations, acquired additional property, and strengthened its role as a cornerstone of the community.
Numerous programs and initiatives flourished during her time as Director, including Every Child is Ours, Operation Warm, the Westward Bound Teen Expedition, and the One Stop Christmas Shop for Kids, among many others that have positively impacted local families for years.
In addition to her work at TTCC, Dion has long been involved in a wide range of community organizations and initiatives, including the Rotary Club, School Board, Selectboard, NH Marathon, Slim Baker Foundation, and many more. Her commitment to public service and community engagement has helped shape the greater Newfound Region for generations.
“Les has been a steady and positive force within the Tapply-Thompson Community Center for many years,” said Rick Alpers, Chair of the TTCC Board of Directors.
“Generations of individuals and families have been positively impacted by her empathy, compassion, and unwavering dedication to serving others. Her passion for the community, combined with her commitment to helping people of all ages, has made a meaningful difference that will be felt for generations to come.”
Following Dion’s retirement, Assistant Director Dan MacLean will transition into the role of TTCC Director. MacLean has worked alongside Dion for many years and has played an integral role in the organization’s daily operations, programming, and continued growth.
“We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Dan MacLean as the next Director of the Tapply-Thompson Community Center,” said Alpers. “Dan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our mission and to the communities we serve. His leadership, vision, and passion for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment make him the ideal person to guide the Community Center into its next chapter. We are confident that under Dan’s direction, the Tapply-Thompson Community Center will continue to grow as a vital resource and gathering place for residents of all ages.”
“Working alongside Les for so many years has been an incredible experience and privilege,” said MacLean. “Her leadership, compassion, and dedication to this community have shaped not only the Tapply-Thompson Community Center, but also the lives of countless people who have come through our doors. It’s impossible to think about TTCC without thinking about Les and the impact she has had on this organization and community. We are grateful for everything she has built over the years, and as we look ahead, we hope to continue building on the strong foundation she created and make her proud as we carry TTCC forward into the future.”
TTCC plans to celebrate Dion’s contributions and legacy throughout the coming year while preparing for this important transition and the organization’s next chapter.
The picture below is from the TTCC’s 2024 Westward Bound Teen Expedition trip to the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Les (on the far left) along with a few other adult counselors, brought 12 local teens on a weeklong adventure – this was her 15th year coordinating this amazing program!
From Rec1 Support:
We have transitioned to using Public Single Sign-On (SSO) as the primary method for managing user authentication and passwords.
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