Image - Spring 2024

Page 1

eSplendor of Spring

LEBANON OPERA HOUSE

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT 100 YEARS AVA GALLERY & ART CENTER

50 YEARS OF NURTURING THE CREATIVE SPIRIT

Spring 2024 vol. 19 no.1 $4.95
Photo Credit: Firefly Photography
800-999-4994 www.crown-point.com Available direct, nationwide Handcrafted in New Hampshire Work with one of our in-house design professionals Custom cabinetry for every room in your home •

CONTENTS

SPRING 2024

FEATURES

36 | 7 Ways to Survive Mud Season

You may even look forward to it!

44 | Lebanon Opera House at 100

A more welcoming space for the community to gather.

64 | AVA Celebrates 50 Years

Continuing to support and nurture the creative spirit.

72 | Stand in Four States at Once

A down-season vacation o the beaten path.

44 page

14 image • Spring 2024
Above: Gallery 3, Clifford B. West Gallery. Photo by Travis Paige courtesy of AVA. Right: Executive Director Joe Clifford at the newly renovated Lebanon Opera House. Photo by Lars Blackmore. Cover: Canada goose and goslings near the Connecticut River. Photo by Lisa Ballard.
64
16 image • Spring 2024 CONTENTS | DEPARTMENTS 19 Editor’s Note 20 Contributors 22 Online Exclusives & Business Directory 24 Monthly Tidbits Seasonal facts, fun, and ideas. 32 Season’s Best It’s time for a spring refresh. by Dana Johnson 56 Business Spotlight ree Tomatoes Trattoria. by Pamela Brown 84 Cooks’ Corner Welcome spring with a Moroccan feast. by Susan Nye 93 e Pick Calendar of local events. 103 Advertisers Index 104 Celebrate the Moment Readers share their photos. 56 84 Destination New London! Shop, Dine & Support Local! 52 special advertising sections 93 White River Junction, Vermont Eclectic Shopping, eater & Music, Diverse Services 82

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KEEP US POSTED: image magazine wants to hear from readers. Correspondence may be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, image 135 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755. Or email us at: dthompson@mountainviewpublishing.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by email to rcfrisch1@comcast.net. image is published quarterly by Mountain View Publishing, LLC ©2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited. image magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.

18 image • Spring 2024
culture • community • lifestyle Spring • 2024

Spring Celebration

Spring is spectacular, of course, as you can see on our cover photo by Lisa Ballard. Unfortunately, like so many things, the season does have its negative aspects. You know what I’m referring to—mud Season. Ugh! But don’t fret. Lisa is suggesting fun ways to get us through the muck. See her ideas starting on page 36.

We’re very proud and happy to be celebrating remarkable milestones for two amazing venues for the arts in our area: Lebanon Opera House is having its 100th anniversary of providing entertainment and bringing the community together (page 44), and AVA Gallery and Art Center is observing its 50th year of supporting art and artists (page 64). ese truly are inspirational stories of dedicated, visionary sta members and supporters who have worked tirelessly to make their dreams come true. How lucky are we to be able to experience the fruits of their labors? Lebanon Opera House has recently undergone extensive renovations, so visit soon to marvel at the improvements. Beautiful! And AVA has several events lined up for the year, so make plans to visit to join in the fun and congratulate them.

If you’re not hungry right now, you will be when you read the story and see the photos of ree Tomatoes Trattoria (page 56). Open since 1990, the restaurant is warm and welcoming with the feel of Italy. Watch hand-tossed pizzas and your favorite pasta dishes being made in the open kitchen while you enjoy local musicians on Friday and Saturday nights. Come in with your family or meet your friends there!

e sta and I wish you a delightful spring lled with your favorite things to do and places to go. While you’re out and about, keep in touch with local events at www.greateruppervalley.com. Enjoy!

www.facebook.com/greateruppervalley.com

EDITOR’S NOTE Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 19
PHOTOBYIANRAYMOND
LIKEUS

CONTRIBUTORS

Mark Aiken,WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER

Mark is an award-winning writer and photographer and the author of a Falcon Guide entitled Hiking Fire Lookouts New England. He lives in Richmond, Vermont, with his wife, two kids, dog, two cats, and ten chickens.

Susan B. Apel, WRITER

Susan shuttered a lifelong career as a law professor to continue an interest (since kindergarten) in writing. Her freelance business, The Next Word, includes literary and feature writing; her work has appeared in a variety of lit mags and other publications including Art New England, The Arts Fuse, and Persimmon Tree. She connects with her neighbors through Artful, her blog about arts and culture in the Upper Valley. She’s in love with the written word.

Lars Blackmore, PHOTOGRAPHER

Originally from Denmark, Lars has worked as a photojournalist since the early 1990s, covering everything from concerts to war zones for the Associated Press, Save the Children, and others. He now lives in Norwich, Vermont, with his wife and spends time between assignments on the trails across Northern New England.

Pamela Brown, WRITER

Pamela has been a journalist with Hearst Connecticut Media Group for 20 years, covering a wide spectrum of subjects, and has a monthly food column in Connecticut Magazine. When she steps away from the computer, Pamela enjoys vacationing in Woodstock, playing tennis, gardening, reading, and spending time with her beautiful daughter, Alexis, and adorable mini Goldendoodle, Rafa.

Mary Gow, WRITER

Mary holds the middle place in a family with three generations of women writers. Best known for her award-winning history of science books for middle school students, she is also a regular contributor to regional magazines. She lives in Warren, Vermont.

20 FIND HERE IN HANOVER AT WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM

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People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed.
& SCHMIDT PHYSICAL THERAPY ANNEMARIE SCHMIDT, LE CHRIS SCHMIDT, PT. FAAOMPT, CAFS Second location for Schmidt PT: 3 Dunning Street | Claremont, NH | 603-542-9200 | schmidtphysicaltherapy.com 70 South Main Street | Hanover, NH | 603-277-9075 | europeanfaceandbodystudio.com
PHYSICAL THERAPY

Test Your Knowledge at Tuesday Trivia at Lake Morey Resort

Every week from January to May, Lake Morey Resort invites the public to Tuesday Trivia.

From the traditional bagel and egg sandwiches to bowls and burritos, there’s something that is sure to thrill your tastebuds.

New Bagel Shop the Works Cafe Opens in Hanover
and
scheduled
VISIT US ONLINE FindThings to Do, Local Guides, Community Profiles, and other Online Exclusives! Subscribe to Our Newsletter www.greateruppervalley.com/newsletter Follow Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/greateruppervalley Find Past Issues www.greateruppervalley.com/archives www greateruppervalley com is proudly brought to you by these local businesses. 22 image • Spring 2024
Turkish Bakery Opening in White River Junction This Spring eaturing at reads called lahma un
canoe-shaped pizzas called pide, Cappadocia Cafe is
to open sometime in spring 2024.

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LOCABLE

MARTHA E. DIEBOLD REAL ESTATE

MB PRO LANDSCAPE DESIGN

MORNINGSIDE FLIGHT PARK

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CLICK ON For more information about how your business can get listed on our ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY or for other online advertising opportunities, contact Bob Frisch at (603) 867-9339 or email rcfrisch1@comcast.net. WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM Check out these local businesses in our directory.
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Statue of Liberty to Athena, the (603) 277 9881 44 South Main Street Floor 2 Suite 2 Hanover, NH 03755 Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS). Investor Disclosures: https://www.kestrafinancial.com/disclosures Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 23

MONTHLY TIDBITS FACTS, FUN & IDEAS

MARCH

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” –Charles Dickens

A Harbinger of Spring

Nature’s Alarm Clocks

Old Farmer’s Almanac,

Did You Know?

March is National Celery Month. This vegetable has been cultivated for thousands of years and in Greece, people made garlands from celery leaves to place on the dead. Archeologists even discovered celery leaves in King Tut’s tomb! When you cook with celery, don’t toss the lea es the re full of a or. Think of them as a substitute for at leaf parsle and add them to soups, salads, pesto, eggs, and sauces.

24 image • Spring 2024

3 EASY WAYS TO DECORATE EASTER EGGS WITH KIDS

USE FOOD COLORING

1. Mix 1/2 cup boiling water, 1 teaspoon vinegar, and 10 to 20 drops food coloring in a cup to achieve desired colors.

2. Repeat for each color. Dip hardcooked eggs in dye for about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon, wire egg holder, or tongs to add and remove eggs from dye.

SHAVING CREAM OR WHIPPED CREAM

shaving cream.

2. Add several drops of food coloring to each color into the shaving cream.

until it is covered. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

4. Pat excess off with paper towels.

Tip: Presoak eggs in white vinegar for 2 to 3 minutes for more vibrant color!

WASHI TAPE EASTER EGGS

1. Wrap an egg in thin washi tape, pressing it

the egg with tempera paint.

3. Let the paint dry thoroughly, then remove the tape.

Tip: Use different widths of tape and stickers for more graphic designs!

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 25

MONTHLY TIDBITS | APRIL

The Perfect Burrito

Beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, beans— whatever your preference, it doesn’t get any better than wrapping your favorite protein up with rice, cheese, veggies, and anything else your heart desires into a burrito. On April 4, National Burrito Day, treat your family to this crowd-pleasing meal. Here are a few tips for making outstanding burritos:

Cook and season each ingredient individually (protein, rice, beans, etc.). Time it right. Biting into a warm tortilla ed with co d in redients can ruin the experience. Rice, beans, and veggies cook at different rates, so keep quick-cooking in redients war whi e the others nish unti it s ti e for asse y. void the te tation to over your torti a a out three uarters of a cu to a cu of in wi usua y do, de endin on the si e of the torti a. Quickly grill your burrito seam-side down to prevent an explosion. Once the heat has sea ed the sea , fli it to i ht y cris u the other side.

Did You Know?

Leonardo da Vinci, who was born on April 15, 1452, was ambidextrous. He could draw forward and backward with opposing hands simultaneously.

26 image • Spring 2024
.

We Love Libraries!

e rst week in April is National Library Week, but these community gems deserve love year-round. Libraries provide access to information, support literacy and education, provide safe havens for kids, and promote lifelong learning as well as bring the community together. ere are several ways to support our local libraries. First and foremost, visit them! Get a library card and check out their books, use the databases they have available, and attend their events. Ask about volunteer opportunities. O er feedback about the types of events and resources you’d like to see. You could also be a powerful advocate for your library by becoming a trustee.

Celebrate Pets

National Pet Day is April 11, a day set aside to pay attention to pets who may not be having the easiest of times. There are many things you can do to help animals every day but make an extra effort today.

• Do you have an elderly neighbor who has a dog? Ask if you can assist by going through their four-legged friend’s toys. Throw away any items that are no longer safe.

• Help a friend who is recovering from an illness with their pets.

• Keep cords—including phone chargers— and toxins away from animals.

• Verify when vaccinations are due and schedule an appointment if needed.

• Check collars to ensure tags are secure and telephone numbers are current.

• Treat pets to extra love with a brushing and a bath.

• Take supplies to shelters. Towels, blankets, and food are the most requested items.

• Last but not least, adopt a pet for yourself.

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 27

MONTHLY TIDBITS | MAY

Take Fabulous Photos

Would you like to improve your photography skills?

May is National Photograph Month, and this time of year there is no shortage of beautiful subject matter to capture—the sun is shining, the owers are blooming, and the world is bursting with color and life after a long winter. Take better pictures by following tips from longtime image contributor—and talented writer and photographer—Lisa Ballard. Back in our fall 2022 issue, she broke down the basic principles of photography and o ered her expert tips on capturing beautiful and engaging highquality photos. Visit greateruppervalley.com and search for our fall 2022 issue to read her informative (and beautiful) feature, and visit LisaBallardOutdoors.com to view more of Lisa’s stunning photos.

Mystery Month

For mystery lovers, there’s nothing better than being swept away on adventure while puzzling out clues left along the way. May is National Mystery Month, a perfect time to grab a new mystery at the Norwich Bookstore, Still North Books & Bar, Morgan Hill Bookstore, or your local Upper Valley library. Whether you love cozy mysteries, thrillers, classics, or contemporary intrigue, here are some options that tend to pop up on many Best Mysteries of All Time lists:

e Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

e Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

e Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

e Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

Where are the Children? by Mary Higgins Clark

e Shining by Stephen King

e Decagon House

Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

Fade Away by Harlan Coban

e Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Faithful Place by Tana French

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

e Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

A Is for Alibi by Sue Grafton

e Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

Black Dahlia by James Ellroy

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

28 image • Spring 2024

Show Your Server Some Extra Love

If you’re dining out in the Upper Valley on May 21, show your server some extra appreciation—it’s National Waiters and Waitresses Day. While our fantastic servers in the area deserve our appreciation year-round, today is a day to show our gratitude by making their day s ecia with a ar er ti , flowers, or an extra heartfelt thank you.

Ketchup vs. Mustard

May is National Barbecue Month, National Hamburger Month, and the uno cial start of summer—Memorial Day on May 27—so it’s likely there’s a burger in your future. Do you prefer ketchup, mustard, or both? And why do some people oppose putting ketchup on a burger so passionately? According to culinary experts, mustard works with the avor pro le of beef, not against it, while ketchup is too sweet to complement a beef burger.

Whether you’re team mustard or think this “rule” is ridiculous, we recommend preparing a burger exactly how you love it this month to say farewell to spring and welcome the warmer weather.

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 29
394 Main Street, New London, NH 03257 Alan M. Croteau Principal Broker / Owner REALTOR, GREEN, ABR, RENE

MONTHLY TIDBITS | MAY

“In May, anything seemed possible. If only I could learn to harness time itself. To make every month like May! Or, perhaps to live backward in time, so that whenever the end of the month arrived, I could turn May right around and live it all over again.” –T.A. Barron

National Bike Month

Interested in trying a new style of bike? Want to soak up the springtime sunshine and explore the Upper Valley on two wheels? Omer and Bob's in Lebanon has a wide selection of high-quality, well-maintained bikes for you to rent or demo. Visit them on Hanover Street or check out omerandbobs.com for more info.

30 image • Spring 2024
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SEASON'S BEST

IT'S TIME

FOR A SPRING REFRESH

WELCOME WARMER DAYS

YOUR HOME

Scrub away winter’s dust, dirt, and grime and treat yourself and your family to a sparkling house. It’s not as daunting as it sounds if you have a plan. Consider making a schedule and tackle one room at a time. ere’s one rule before beginning: declutter. Go through each room and sort through items, deciding what to keep, donate, or toss. Clearing clutter will make cleaning tasks easier and rooms will look tidier.

Before you begin, take inventory of supplies. You’ll need a bucket, a mop, sponges, micro ber cloths, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner (or use a quarter cup of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol in a gallon of water), toilet cleaner, dish soap, a vacuum cleaner, and anything else you prefer to use.

ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE

Clean baseboards. Use the vacuum hose brush attachment to remove loose dirt, then wipe them down with a damp cloth and cleaner. outside.

Mop. ard floors such as ti e or wood take a beating. Use the appropriate cleaner for each surface. Removing shoes at the door will help keep dirt

Dust. Every room accumulates dust. Remember to start at the top and work your way down to the floor. on t overlook bookshelves or ceiling fans. Consider a long-reach duster for high, hard-to-reach places.

Vacuum. Go over all the floors.

Shampoo rugs. Rent or buy a professional-quality steam cleaner. The rotary brushes and water extraction features do a good job deep cleaning rugs and carpet. Oriental rugs or those without a sturdy backing need to be professionally cleaned.

32 image • Spring 2024
    

Clean upholstered furniture. Take cushions outside and eat the to re ove dust. efer to care a e s efore tac in stains. uff and s ot c ean throw i ows.

Clean window treatments. acuu inds and dra es. o e curtains can o into the washer ut chec a e s rst

Clean light fixtures. ent y wi e down hardware and wash o es. acuu a shades and wi e down the ases.

Wipe down walls. acuu to re ove dust, then wi e with a da c eanin c oth. itchens ay ca for ettin tou h y usin a de reaser.

Wax wood furniture. y aste wa , et dry, and uff to a shine.

Change filters. Remove and replace ters in furnaces and air conditioners, and vacuu and c ean rates, coi s, and condensers.

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 33
     

ROOM BY ROOM

BATHROOM

Toss expired makeup and prescriptions. o not flush anti iotics. ee c ean the shower, sin s, and toi et. ean rout and o ish counterto s. ash ath ats, ru s, and the shower curtain. ash the iner as we or uy a new one

BEDROOM

aunder sheets, co forters, attress ads, i owcases, sha s, ed s irts, and i ows. otate and fli the attress and vacuu it and the o s rin s thorou h y. ean under the ed

KITCHEN

or the est resu ts, re ove everythin fro your ca inets, drawers, and antry. i e the out and treat yourse f to so e new she f a er. e ove food fro the refri erator and free er and store in a coo er whi e you c ean. i e the inside with a da c oth or s on e with i d soa or a in soda. e ove she ves and drawers and wash in war , soa y water in the sin . n u the refri erator, ove it out, and dust ehind it, ein sure to vacuu the coi s. on t eave the itchen efore c eanin the oven.

WINDOWS

unshine co in throu h your windows wi revea how dirty they rea y are. se ass c eaner and then a s uee ee fo owed y a c oth to dry. ash screens y ta in the outdoors and rinsin with a hose. i ht y scru with a soft rush di ed in a uc etfu of water with dishwashin soa added. inse and et dry. • ources h .co , arthastewart.co , thes ruce.co .

34 image • Spring 2024
SEASON'S BEST

7 Ways to Survive Mud Season

You may even look forward to it!

36 image • Spring 2024
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA BALLARD

SPRING MORNING MIST, NORWICH

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 37

If you go by the calendar, spring starts on March 19 with the spring equinox, when daytime equals nighttime. From that date until the o cial start of summer on June 20, the days might get longer, but that doesn’t mean they’re worth looking forward to, at least at rst. e weather can be downright dreary.

e landscape is still gray until mid May, and the ground turns to muck as the frost oozes out of it. If having four equal seasons—winter, spring, summer, and fall—weren’t so ingrained us, I would split spring in two and declare a fth season, mud season.

Mud season in the Upper Valley begins when the snow melts to the point that it’s leaving until next winter. Bare patches of ground open up, then grow bigger and bigger until only the remnants of a few dirt- ecked snowbanks speckle the roadsides. It ends when the grass turns green and the trees begin to leaf out. It’s an odd limbo when it’s easy to feel antsy after a long winter.

Here are seven ways to cure the mud season blues, and maybe even make you look forward to the “ fth season.”

38 image • Spring 2024
HIKERS ON A WET, MUDDY TRAIL

MORSE FARM MAPLE SUGARWORKS

TASTE MAPLE SYRUP. Maple sugaring begins midwinter when the nights remain cold but the days are warm. By mud season, sugar shacks are in full swing boiling sap into that sweet, sticky liquid we pour over pancakes. It takes about 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup. For a memorable family outing, consider visiting one of the maple sugaring operations in or near the Upper Valley that are open to the public. You can watch it being made and sample the latest delightful batch.

Need to know: Maple syrup is graded A, B and “Commercial” (the lowest grade) based on its color, clarity, avor, and density. e later in mud season, the darker and more robust the syrup, and thus the lower the grade. 1

SKI IN A T-SHIRT.

If you like to ski, you’re in luck! Many ski areas in Vermont and New Hampshire are open into early April, and a couple keep the lifts turning into May and sometimes June, depending on how quickly the snow melts on the slopes. ere’s also Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington, which is a spring mecca for backcountry skiers. No need to rush to the mountain. Prime spring corn snow starts by midmorning on the trails that the sun hits rst. Follow the sun to nd more of that buttery, soft surface, then call it a day when it turns to mashed potatoes.

Need to know: If you ski in a T-shirt and/or shorts, remember to coat your bare skin in sunscreen. e chance of sunburn is deceptively high due to the re ection of the UV rays o the snow and the fact that your skin has not seen the sun since last summer.

If you’ve got Tuckerman Ravine on your must-ski list, wait for a day when it’s at least 60° in the valley to ensure spring skiing conditions on the headwall. 2

Don’t fall! e snow may seem soft under your skis, but it can cause nasty scrapes and “road rash” if you slide down it.

Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks Montpelier, VT

Vermont’s oldest sugarhouse! Free tours and tastings, plus a “maple trail,” farm life museum, and store. www.morsefarm.com

Sugarbush Farm Woodstock, VT

Learn rsthand about the art of making syrup. Also sample cheeses and see farm animals. sugarbushfarm.com

Brackett Brook Farm Orford, NH

Family sugarhouse that gives boiling demonstrations, samples, and tours of its sugarhouse and sugarbush. (603) 353-9080

WHERE TO GO: WHERE TO GO:

Tuckerman Ravine

www.mountwashington avalanchecenter.org

Killington Mountain Resort

www.killington.com

Okemo Ski Resort

www.okemo.com

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 39

WATCH THE BIRDS RETURN. Mud season is also migration season for songbirds, raptors, wading birds, and waterfowl that come back to the Upper Valley to breed. e American robins are among the rst to return, often while there’s still snow on the ground. e herons, osprey, ducks, and geese are last, in need of open water. Mud season is one of the best times of the year to birdwatch because it’s before the leaves are on the trees, so you can see birds more easily. To get the best view, invest in a pair of good binoculars. To help you ID what you see, pick up a good bird book, such as the National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds – Eastern Edition, or download the Merlin app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Need to know: Avoid putting out bird feeders to lure birds to your backyard. Feeders are also bear attractants. When bears come out of hibernation, they’re hungry!

WHERE TO GO:

Bedell Bridge State Park Haverhill, NH

Northern Rail Trail Lebanon to En eld, NH

Mink Brook Nature Preserve Hanover, NH

Lower Shaker WMA En eld, NH

Cedar Hill Rail Trail Newport, NH

Anywhere outdoors, but especially near water or where the forest meets open elds, including: 4

Union Village Dam etford, VT

Kilowatt Park Wilder, VT

Paradise Park Windsor, VT

Spring eld Nature Area North Spring eld, VT

AN OSPREY WITH A BABY CHICK

AMERICAN ROBIN BY THE SNOW

GO FISHING. Mud season is shing season. ough the lakes and ponds may be slow to thaw, rivers and streams are running. Aggressive pike peruse the shallows looking for places to spawn. Trout get spunky as water temps warm into the 50s. No telling when perch or other pan sh might strike. Fishing is a great way to get outdoors during mud season, and maybe bring home something wild-caught for dinner.

Need to know: In both Vermont and New Hampshire, bass season is open and the shing is fantastic, but catch-and-release only and with arti cial lures/ ies (no live bait). If you’re planning to sh from a boat, wait for a calm day and wear a PFD even if you are an expert skipper and swimmer. e water is dangerously cold! Watch the water color, too. During spring runo , the water can turn brown, which makes the shing more challenging. e sh can’t see your lure or y oat by so they’re less likely to go for it.

WHERE TO GO:

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Connecticut River and its tributaries north of Orford

Sugar River Trail, Newport, NH

Mascoma River, Lebanon, NH

VERMONT

Ottauquechee Stream Management Area

White River

Tweed River

40 image • S pring 2024
3

MOTHER KINGBIRD FEEDING HER CHICKS

THE AUTHOR FLY-FISHING ON THE AMMONOOSUC RIVER SMALLMOUTH BASS

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 41

5

SEE CUTE BABY ANIMALS. Many farm animals are born during mud season. ere’s nothing more fun for kids than seeing kids (baby goats), lambs, calves, foals, chicks, and piglets at a nearby farm. Some farms allow you to pet and help feed their baby animals. Livestock babies grow quickly, so plan more than one trip to see how they change every couple of weeks.

Need to know: Only approach baby animals under the supervision of the owner or o cial handler. Both baby animals and their mothers can be defensive and bite or kick. Always heed their warnings! If you handle or feed an animal, wash your hands before and afterward to prevent transmitting diseases or allergens.

WHERE TO GO:

Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, VT e Friendly Farm, Dublin, NH

6

TAKE A HIKE. In general, mud season is not hiking season. e trails at higher elevations still have snow or ice on them. e trails at lower elevations are likely covered with boot-sucking mud. What’s more, trekking up or down these muddy paths increases erosion. at said, there are some hikes that are generally dry and delightful this time of year, where you can see eeting early spring wild owers and vistas that disappear when the leaves are on the trees.

Need to know: Be prepared for all types of weather, even snow, with layers of clothing, a knit hat, gloves, and waterproof-breathable outerwear. Gore-Tex hiking boots that cover your ankles help keep your feet dry. Avoid north-facing trails, which tend to stay frozen longer.

WHERE TO GO:

Harmon Hill via the Long Trail Bennington, VT

Mount Tom Woodstock, VT

Mount Cardigan Orange, NH

Holts Ledge via the Appalachian Trail Lyme, NH

Mount Monadnock Ja rey, NH

KIDS (BABY GOATS)

NORWICH NATURE TRAIL

42 image • S pring 2024

GET OUT OF TOWN. If you’ve tried the survival skills 1 to 6 and you still feel bogged down by mud season, you can always skip town for a week or two.

Tropical beaches are a big draw, but even a short trip to visit a friend in another part of New England, or a few nights in Boston, New York, or Montreal might refresh you. And cities are usually warmer and less muddy.

Need to know: Mud season ends by Memorial Weekend.

See you then!

WHERE TO GO:

Any place, preferably farther south. •

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7

LEBANON OPERA

Executive Director Joe Clifford surveys the newly renovated theater.
44 image • Spring 2024

HOUSE AT 100

“We bring people together—hundreds at a time and often several times a week—and that simple act is simply transformative. For a few hours, audience members can let the weight of the world melt away and just revel in beauty and creative expression. I especially love the time between the doors opening and the curtain rising. ”

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 45

A MORE WELCOMING SPACE FOR THE COMMUNITY TO GATHER

Inside Lebanon Opera House is an old iron staircase that spirals from the backstage dressing room area to the oor below. It’s been painted several times over the years, evidenced by the multihued chipped handrail and the irregular worn spots on the staircase treads from the friction of decades of shoes. It is an original xture, initially used when the upper space was a sheri ’s o ce and the staircase led to prisoner holding cells below. It has been rumored that prisoners could sometimes hear the performances on stage above them; sounds of their applause or disapproval would drift up the stairway. And despite the extensive renovations just completed throughout Lebanon Opera House, the iron staircase is going nowhere and remains untouched, continuing to function and to carry part of the history of the building that anchors downtown Lebanon, New Hampshire.

46 image • Spring 2024
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LOH’s centennial facelift includes custom chandeliers and a striking ceiling treatment, a revitalized grand staircase, fresh paint throughout the building, and new theater

48 image • Spring 2024

LUXURY AND COMFORT

Stepping into the “real theater” is a more welcoming experience with the removal of the old half-wall at the back of the house; the space is now repurposed for small pre- and postshow gatherings. Painted walls, some acoustic panels, and new ooring produce a softer, more luxurious tone. Best of all, when many other establishments are shoehorning ever more seats into smaller spaces, LOH’s new seats, approximately 60 fewer, are wider than before, with more legroom, and in a nod to the lobby concession stand, feature attached cup holders. Executive Director Joe Cli ord is enthusiastic about the stage and backstage areas, which have been revamped with modern equipment that performance venues now require if they are to attract top talent. At least some of the new technology, such as LED stage lighting, will help to reduce costs. All renovations have been fully funded through a capital campaign that is about to reach its 4.2-million-dollar goal.

A LONG-TREASURED SPACE

Lebanon Opera House’s history has seen some similarities and di erences from the present day, with each era, according to Joe, lasting approximately 25 years. Built in 1924, it began as a vaudeville theater, community gathering spot, and city hall. It became the space in town to catch some newsreels, take in a basketball

Open Daily

CAFÉ, BAKERY, STORE & BAKING SCHOOL

135 US Route 5 South Norwich, Vermont 05055

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 49
Above: LOH Executive Director Joe Clifford has been a leader in the Upper Valley art scene for nearly 25 years. Below: Excited patrons reconnect at LOH’s reopening Housewarming Party.

game, and hobnob with neighbors. Fancy-dress balls were held there for the citizens of Lebanon. Under the auspices of the Lebanon Improvement Society in 1951, it became a movie theater until it closed in 1969. For six years thereafter, LOH was home to some high school musicals, with just a few professional productions that unfortunately pointed out the inadequacies of venue. e next major renovation was in 2001.

Joe sees himself and his team as the current stewards of a long-treasured space. LOH continues in a somewhat symbiotic relationship with City Hall, whose o ces remain in the building, but it is now administered by a 501(c)(3) nonpro t, the Lebanon Opera House Improvement Corporation.

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

Under Joe’s direction, LOH sought to become more integrated into the Lebanon and Upper Valley communities. Toward that end, it partners with and hosts a number of local social-service and arts

With the reopening, LOH has launched its Centennial Celebration, which will include an exciting array of events into the 2024/2025 season.

50 image • Spring 2024

organizations such as the Lebanon Ballet School, North Country Community eater, and Revels North. e renovations at LOH, according to him, will serve not only LOH audiences, artists, and sta but also contribute to the success—“all boats rising”—of the partner organizations.

Asked about the future of Lebanon Opera House, Joe explains by looking back at the past few years when the COVID pandemic closed all performance venues, including LOH. He moved entertainment from the indoor stage to outdoor venues throughout the downtown, erecting stages, making use of the verdant Colburn Park and the newly completed pedestrian tunnel as alternative venues for the annual Nexus Music and Arts Festival. Joe and his team want to build on the success of Nexus by pursuing LOH on Location to bring more performances out of the LOH building and into other spaces in the Upper Valley.

In addition, the pandemic-imposed inability of people to gather only con rmed the importance and the meaning of humans engaging in a common experience. Joe explains, “We bring people together—hundreds at a time and often several times a week—and that simple act is simply transformative. For a few hours, audience members can let the weight of the world melt away and just revel in beauty and creative expression. I especially love the time between the doors opening and the curtain rising. It’s so much fun to see patrons recognize each other from across the theater. ere are lots of smiles, waves, introductions, and awkward hugs across the seats. It’s that series of mini-reunions and new meetups that signals to me I’m surrounded by my people. All of this before the rst note of music or piece of dialogue rings out across the theater. It’s electric. It’s exciting.” •

Lebanon Opera House

51 North Park Street

Lebanon, NH (603) 448-0400

lebanonoperahouse.org

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Bark N Bath Pet Spa

Dog Grooming & Self-Serve Wash Boutique

374 Main Street New London, NH (603) 526-2150

Mon–Fri 9am–4pm

barknbathpetspa@gmail.com

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

Tatewell Gallery

New London Shopping Center 257 Newport Road New London, NH (603) 526-2910

www.tatewellgallery.com

Tue–Fri 10:30am–5:30pm, Sat 10:30am–4pm

Hugo Anderson MFA Artist/Curator

23 Jenny Lane New London, NH (310) 266-9904

www.hugoanderson.com

Images available on website

Represented by Candita Clayton Gallery

e Elms Restaurant and Bar

at e New London Inn

353 Main Street New London, NH (603) 526-2791

www.theelmrestaurant.com

Tue–Sat, Bar 4–10pm, Dining 5–9pm

Floorcra

231 NH Route 11 Wilmot, NH (603) 526-2600

www.Floorcra NH.com

Mon–Fri 8am–5pm Sat 8am–1pm

New England Beauty & Wellness

New London–Lebanon, NH (603) 877-0070

www.newenglandbeautyandwellness.com

By appointment only

Color Café

75 Newport Road New London, NH (603) 526-2727

All Eyes on You

9 Newport Road New London, NH (603) 748-3011

www.alleyesonyounh.com

Follow us on instagram alleyesonyounh

In-house baked goods made from scratch

Grounds

Baked goods, bagels, smoothies, and more!

374 Main Street New London, NH (603) 526-6010

Open 7 days a week

Follow us on Social Media for updated hours!

52 image • Spring 2024

Expectations Salon & Spa

American Board Certi ed Hair Colorist

Burpee Hill Road, New London

87 Main Street West Lebanon, NH (603) 298-7900

www.expectationssalonspa.com

e Renaissance Shoppe

A resale shop located at and to bene t Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice

107 Newport Road

New London, NH (603) 526-6711

www.LakeSunapeeVNA.org

Tue–Sat 10am–4pm

Morgan Hill Bookstore

253 Main Street

New London, NH (603) 526-5850

www.MorganHillBookstore.com

Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 11am–3pm

Hubert’s Family Out tters

219 County Road  New London, NH (603) 526-4032

www.Huberts.com

Mon–Fri 9:30am–6pm Sat 9am–6pm Sun 10am–5pm

Dr. Dorothy Hitchmoth

Dr. Jessica Eid

Comprehensive Medical Eye Care

255 Newport Road New London, NH (603) 583-4211

www.drdorothy.org

Hours by appointment.

Millstone at 74 Main

74 Newport Road New London, NH (603) 526-4201

www.74MainRestaurant.com

Mon–Sat 11:30am–9pm Sun 11am–9pm, Brunch 11am–2pm

Switchback Consignment

428 Main Street New London, NH (703) 994-6727

Sunapee Shade and Blind

75 Newport Road Suite 101 New London, NH (603) 526-2397

Cell (603) 748-5782

www.SunapeeShade.com

Flash Photo NH (603) 526-2400

ashphotonh.com

digital@ ashphotonh.com

Design, Printing, Packing & Shipping & More!

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 53

120 Route 10 South Grantham, NH (603) 863-3278

www.sheprealty.com

428 Main Street New London, NH (603) 252-0543

Text Angela

u & Fri 10am–4pm, Sat 10am–2pm

Or by appointment

Ear Piercing, Jewelry Repairs, Redesign New and Estate Jewelry

Optometrist On Premises

255 Newport Road Unit E

New London, NH (603) 526-6990

Mon, Tue, u, Fri 9am–5pm

Wed & Sat 9am–12pm

428 Main Street New London, NH (603) 229-2629

www.peterandersonstudio.com

Mon–Fri 11am–4pm

Or by appointment

Peternh916@gmail.com

Stop by to see us making breads, croissants, and bagels by hand daily.

12 Lovering Lane New London, NH (603) 526-2892

www.blueloonbakery.com

u–Sun 8am–2pm

O ering catering for weddings, parties, family gatherings, and business meetings.

4 Mill Road Andover, NH (603) 977-0194

www.re nerynh.com

Wed–Sat 12–9pm

1004 Lake Avenue Sunapee, NH (603) 865-5393

Mon 1–6pm Tue–Sat 10am–6pm

210 Main Street

Across the Street from Tuckers New London, NH (401) 533-8825

www.canditaclaytongallery.com

By appointment or by chance

394 Main Street New London, NH (603) 526-9201

Tue– u 11am–8:30pm

Fri–Sat 11am–9pm

Closed Sun & Mon

Foster’s Fine Jewelry Evelyn J’s Fish Market Pizza Chef Peter Anderson Studio Candita Clayton Gallery e Re nery Restaurant & Market Shepherd Realty LLC
54 image • Spring 2024
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THREE TOMATOES TRATTORIA

56 image • Spring 2024 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Sponsored by

«««««

The Business Spotlight highlights businesses that have been in our community for many years.

LONGTIME RESTAURANT SERVES UP REGIONAL ITALIAN FARE

ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE TRANSPORTED TO AN AUTHENTIC ITALIAN EATERY AT THREE TOMATOES TRATTORIA , a mainstay in Lebanon that features rustic, made-to-order Italian food, décor be tting a European villa with artwork by local artists, and a vibrant sta .

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 57
«««««

“We strive for a fun, warm, welcoming atmosphere. We have an open kitchen and people enjoy watching our cooks prepare hand-tossed pizzas and delicious pasta dishes,” says Robert Meyers, owner, with partners Patrick and Louise Clark. “We’ve captured the warmth of a home kitchen while bringing in the excitement of live music,” adds Louise, noting they set up a bandstand on Friday and Saturday nights in summer that showcases local musicians.

QUALITY FIRST

Opened in 1990, the restaurant prides itself on excellence in food quality, diverse food options, and customer service. “We emulate the trattorias in Italy using classic Italian recipes with locally sourced product,” says Robert. Popular dishes include brickoven pizza and eggplant and chicken Parmesan, along with fresh seafood, meat, and salad specials. Patrick adds, “People come from all over to try our

58 image • Spring 2024
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Above: Jason (right) makes a classic Caesar salad, Jason (center) tops off a hand-tossed pizza, and Erik (left) prepares to create a Sweet Tomato Pie, the restaurant’s original pizza made with house-made sauce and dough. Opposite, top: Server Sarah makes sure her guests are enjoying their meals. Near right: Josh tops off one of the specialty pizzas. Far right: Erik enjoys company before his next pizza order. Longtime employees and business partners Louise and Patrick Clark enjoy a leisure moment.
Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 59
The key to Three Tomatoes Trattoria’s longevity is using ingredients from local businesses.

beet and goat cheese salad served over a bed of arugula with toasted almonds and sherry citrus vinaigrette. Our Prince Edward Island mussels and Faroe Island salmon are delivered daily.” Robert curates the trattoria’s wine list through his trips to Italy’s wineries and vineyards.

KEEPING IT LOCAL

e key to ree Tomatoes Trattoria’s longevity is using ingredients from local businesses, including fresh cream from McNamara Dairy in Plain eld, produce from Black River Produce in Vermont and from other farms throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, and freshly baked bread from Red Hen Baking Co. in Vermont. Many of its desserts, including its gelato and sorbet, are made by Wilcox Ice Cream in Vermont. “Buying local ensures we have the freshest sourced ingredients and also gives us an opportunity to give back to the community that’s made us successful for the last 30 years,” says Robert, whose generosity is extended through his large tomato garden in the front of the restaurant. “We encourage our guests to enjoy the tomatoes as they walk by,” he says. Patrick looks forward to being a mainstay in town for many years. “We feel a great deal of pride in our success and longevity, but it’s only possible because of our excellent sta and loyal customers.” e owners o er more insight into the restaurant.

Who is your ideal dining companion and why?

We enjoy dining out with our families. It’s nice when our customers see us eating in the restaurant enjoying the delicious food they enjoy where we can connect as fellow foodies.

Top three pantry staples. Pasta sauces. Fresh dough made daily. Garden-fresh vegetables.

What’s your favorite Italian dish?

Robert: Shrimp with tomato and horseradish sauce.

Patrick: Bruschetta chicken with angel-hair pasta.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Louise: Shrimp Fra Diavolo with linguini.

Best meal you ever made?

Patrick: Herb-marinated steak, scallop, and vegetable skewers.

Louise: Fresh salads, lasagna, and chicken.

Robert: Garden vegetables from our greenhouse and roasting chicken in our wood oven at home.

Any advice for new restaurant owners?

Louise and Patrick: Keep your ingredients fresh and buy from local vendors and farms. Get to know your regulars. Work hard along with your sta . Be respectful and remember to support your nonpro ts and community in any way.

Who’s your favorite celebrity chef? Why?

Patrick: Bobby Flay for his creativity,

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Friends meet at the bar on a Friday night. Bartender Pauline enjoys their company.

willingness to try di erent things, positive attitude, and fun approach to culinary arts.

Louise: Curtis Stone. He’s funny, informative, a great chef, and easy on the eyes!

Robert: Too many to mention!

What appliance gets the most use in your kitchen?

Louise: Oven and range, outside grill in summer.

Robert and Patrick: Wood oven.

What’s so special about Lebanon?

We’re fortunate to have local venues in Lebanon Opera House, AVA Gallery, Upper Valley Music Center, and Lebanon Recreation Center for its fabulous summer music festival, and the summer farmers’ market, along with other community events. We’re grateful to the city for the outdoor seating areas they’ve created for local businesses and the gardens and owers around town tended by the garden clubs. •

Three Tomatoes Trattoria

1 Court Street Lebanon, NH (603)448-1711

threetomatoestrattoria.com

62 image • Spring 2024
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
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64 image • Spring 2024

AVA CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

Swirls of green and blue on a little boy’s painting are still drying as he puts on his coat, his mom fanning the paper as they get ready to head home from a morning visit to the free open children’s studio at the AVA Gallery and Art Center in Lebanon. Across the hall in AVA’s Bank Street Gallery, a volunteer wearing an exquisite painted silk scarf by an AVA artist member points out a new selection of multimedia pieces bursting with spring colors. Next door in the Bente Torjusen West Sculptural Studies Building, a woodworking instructor completes precise cuts for a dovetail joint.

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Gary R. Hall Photography
“Art enables us to nd ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
– omas Merton

At the very same time, a life drawing class works with a live model, artwork is laid out in four galleries for the upcoming annual high school show, Kelley Hersey’s compelling photographs of glass and water are exhibited in the Linda Roesch Gallery, and artists quietly create in private studios throughout the building. At any moment in a typical day at AVA Gallery and Art Center, people of diverse ages and artistic backgrounds are there— making art, viewing art, and discussing art. is year, AVA celebrates its 50-year anniversary. With this landmark anniversary, this vibrant Upper Valley cultural resource commemorates its past, enriches the present, and looks ahead to a dynamic sustainable future. With the anniversary, AVA has multiple festive events—celebrating with people already involved with AVA and welcoming more to join in.

“Art is essential and remains essential to our daily lives. It is vital that we encourage and nurture creativity through art education and artistic opportunities for all people,” says Shari Boraz, AVA’s executive director. “AVA provides individuals with opportunities to learn new skills and create meaningful connections,” she says, noting that community connections and involvement with art are critical today and in the future, especially in the face of technologies that give rise to isolation.

66 image • Spring 2024
Shari Boraz, AVA’s executive director. Photo by Nicholas Gaffney
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Above: The Linda Roesch Visual Arts Gallery. Bottom, from far left: AVA Annual Silent Auction. The Winkey Kelsey Stone Carving Studio in the Sculptural Studies Building. An Open Studio Life Drawing session. Last two photos courtesy of AVA.

AVA TIMELINE

August 24, 1973 – A small group of Upper Valley artists organized

Called the Community Gallery, it was held in a

1974 ith e er artists, the Community a ery re ocated to downtown Hanover, sharin s ace with arris usiness achines.

1976 – The Community a ery incor orated as a non ro t.

1978 ena ed iance for the Visual Arts, AVA Gallery and Art Center e an offerin art c asses.

AVA’S PAST

AVA’s impressive cultural role in the community has grown through the decades. Initially launched as the Community Gallery in 1973, a small group of accomplished Upper Valley artists set up summer exhibitions in a friend’s Norwich barn. e group gelled, and in 1974 rented shared space in downtown Hanover, soon incorporating as a nonpro t organization. Renamed Alliance for the Visual Arts, AVA Gallery and Art Center began o ering art classes. AVA remained in downtown Hanover for 16 years, but when the Dartmouth Bookstore expanded, requiring its space, the arts organization needed a new home.

1986 – Bente Torjusen est eca e s e ecutive director, a position she held through .

1988 ducation ro ra e anded to inc ude artists and audiences of a a es. 1990 e ocated to an treet in e anon, rentin the rst and

Above from left: AVA shared a space with Harris Business Machines in Hanover, circa 1974.H.W. Carter & Sons Building, circa 1970. The Community Gallery of 1973 was a barn in Norwich. An exhibit during the 1970s when AVA shared space with Harris Business Machines. Historic photos courtesy of AVA Right: Bente Torjusen West, former AVA executive director. their rst e hi ition. arn in orwich.
68 image • Spring 2024

e transition in 1990 from Hanover to the vast 19th century industrial building in Lebanon, longtime home of the former H.W. Carter & Sons Overall Company, was a giant leap. “I felt that it was a good location for AVA to reach out more to the surrounding communities,” said Bente Torjusen West, AVA’s executive director from 1986 to 2016, who advocated the move.

e relocation provided massively more space. High ceilinged rooms that had buzzed with sewing machines and cutting tables became dedicated classroom studios and airy galleries for exhibitions. In Lebanon, AVA expanded to a broader role, o ering more classes and partnering with community organizations to

AVA BY THE NUMBERS

second floors of the historic building, long home to the former H.W. Carter & Sons overall factory, which closed in 1985.

2003 – Purchased 11 an treet ui din , rst capital campaign.

serve local needs including art for preschoolers and for people with disabilities.

AVA bought the building in 2003, subsequently renovating it to contemporary building codes and energy-e cient design. In 2014, AVA embarked on another successful development campaign, this time adding a state-of-the-art, 4,000-square-foot Sculptural Studies Building.

AVA TODAY: EXHIBITIONS

AVA’s current programming focuses on three main categories: exhibitions, art classes, and community programs. Today, as in those rst shows in Norwich, AVA presents dynamic exhibitions of contemporary artwork by artists

2006 – Building renovated and renamed the CarterKelsey Building. Began offering affordable artist studio rentals.

2014 – Capital campaign launched for 4,000-square-foot

sculptural studies building with studios for welding, woodworking, ceramics, and stone carving.

2017 – Bente Torjusen West Sculptural Studies Building dedicated.

6 – Free community programs

10 – Years of AVA’s quarterly storytelling series, The Mudroom

19 – Private artist studios

50 – Years of art (so far)

47 + 11 – Art education artist instructors + 11 camp assistants

70 – Members Gallery volunteers who donated a total of over 3,500 hours

198 – Art education classes

255 – Artist Members

600 – Artists shown

5,323 – Exhibition attendees ro s sca year

2021 – AVA opened the Bank Street Gallery at AVA, a dedicated space for artist members to show and sell their work.

2023–2024 – AVA celebrates 50 years of supporting and nurturing the creative spirit through its exhibition, community, and art educational programming in the Upper Valley.

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of our region. AVA has ve distinct exhibition galleries. rough the year, eight to ten curated solo and group exhibitions are presented in each gallery. A sampling of upcoming exhibitions shows their diversity: hand-forged steel by Justin O’Rourke; a group show featuring innovative processes in photography; Mapping Memories, with paintings and sculptural paintings by Peter Anderson and Caleb Brown; collage and monoprints by Erika Lawlor Schmidt; and works in ber by Janie Cohen.

e Bank Street Gallery at AVA, the sixth main oor gallery, sells ne art and craft by AVA Artist Members. With cards, ornaments, jewelry, ceramics, textile art, paintings, and stained glass, this retail gallery is very popular for gift and special occasion shopping. Artists with studios in the building—19 studios in all—also show their work in second- and third- oor hallways.

EDUCATION

AVA’s classes range from beginners’ courses for all ages to specialized sessions for professional artists. Courses are taught by accomplished artists and art educators. Basic drawing, portraiture, capturing qualities of light in watercolor, 3D printing, metalsmithing, hand and wheel ceramics, and introduction to woodworking are among them.

A mind-boggling variety of children’s classes are taught in after-school and weekend sessions, vacation programs, and summer art camps. e Art of Play, Comics and Zines, 3D Printing, and Ink and Paper Magic are among options for 6- to 13-year-olds.

e Bente Torjusen West Sculptural Studies Building, dedicated in 2017, is out tted with specialized tools for woodworking, ceramics, stone sculpture, and metalworking. Classes introduce newcomers to these three-dimensional media and facilitate development of skills for more advanced students.

COMMUNITY

Among AVA’s spectacular achievements are its free art programs serving the community. With partnerships with area organizations and the generosity of donors, AVA provides six ongoing free programs bringing people together with

70 image • S pring 2024
Top left: Longtime AVA supporters Stephen Plume, Betsy Banks, and Greg Banks. Second row: Jewelry Designer Pauling Werger holding an AVA 50th Anniversary cake. Clifford B. West Gallery. Photos by Travis Paige courtesy of AVA. Third row: The Bank Street Gallery. Bottom row: Annual High School Exhibition. Creating ceramics at AVA. Photo by Travis Paige courtesy of AVA.

others and with art. Two mornings each week, in CAOS (Community Arts Open Studio), children and their caregivers make self-directed projects with art supplies provided by AVA. In weekly Senior Art sessions, the formerly middle-aged explore artistic expression. Art Lab, in collaboration with the Special Needs Support Center, serves adults with cognitive or other disabilities. Fiber Arts Open Studio, ArtStop for after-school artmaking for middle schoolers, and ArtReach with online live artists are also on the weekly schedule.

AVA’S FUTURE

Looking ahead, AVA is building on its successes and opening new opportunities to inspire, nurture, and showcase the artistic spirit. AVA’s sta and faculty continue developing programs to address community needs, including expanding remote accessibility, as with AVA’s ArtReach, online artist talks, and live-streamed sessions of the quarterly Mud Room storytelling series. In addition to the existing strong curriculum, AVA has an eye to more upcoming classes dealing with new technologies in art.

Making sure that art experiences are available to more people is an AVA priority. Says Shari Boraz, “ e Upper Valley community includes people of all ages, people visiting the area, even people who may only brie y be here, perhaps needing a bit of respite while dealing with medical care at the hospital. One of my goals is to make the joy of viewing art, as well as making art, available to as many people as possible. ere is great pleasure when a person is looking at something new and it provokes wonder. Often your brain is positively activated when you are in the presence of art.”

Embarking on its next half century, AVA has a new tagline: “Where creativity is celebrated and community thrives.” e doors are open, and AVA welcomes old friends and new to come celebrate. •

AVA Gallery and Art Center

11 Bank Street

Lebanon, NH (603) 448-3117

avagallery.org

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72 image • Spring 2024
Camping at a roadside in Utah’s canyon country.

Stand in Four States at Once

A DOWN-SEASON VACATION OFF THE BEATEN PATH

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PHOTOGRAPHY
STORY AND
BY MARK AIKEN 6

During school vacation in April, some kids go to DisneyWorld, staying in hotels with pools and arcades, and go on movie-themed roller coaster rides. Others park next to a dusty cattle guard and a Bureau of Land Management sign and hike to etchings in the side of a sandstone cli , camping in a van surrounded by cicadas, juniper bushes, and red dirt, and wade in a remote, co eecolored river and paint canyon walls with river mud.

My kids fall solidly in Group Two. roughout our lives, my wife Alison and I have generally tended toward o -the-beatenpath destinations and away from crowds of people. But with these priorities, is it possible to vacation with kids?

In our experience, the answer has been yes. But rarely have we just marched them o on our own odysseys; we have involved them in our planning. For example, last year our 10-year-old Gunnar looked up from his book Hidden Life of the Desert by omas Wiewandt. Pointing at a map in the book, he said, “Do you know there is a place when you can stand in four states at once? I want to go there.”

74 image • Spring 2024
Above: The culmination of an odyssey: Gunnar stands in four states at once. Right: The Aiken family in Antelope Canyon.
Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 75
Exploring a slot canyon is an almost otherworldly experience.
76 image • Spring 2024
Clockwise from top right: Gunnar views an ancient site at close range. Ingrid trail- A vendor displays Native artwork and jewelry. Ingrid Junior Ranger packet above Spruce Tree House at Mesa Verde.

We had visited the Southwest before with great success, so Alison and I did not take much convincing. We decided to explore the Four Corners area by camper van. e kids were with us as we looked up rental out ts and chose a van. For weeks they recited the YouTube video Kodiak RV Rentals, the company we rented from: “It’s got a pop-top penthouse!” the video said (and the kids repeated a thousand times). “Kids love . . . everybody loves!”

ey participated in researching where we should go and where we should camp. By the time we ew from Vermont to Durango, Colorado, our kids were ready for a trip to Mesa Verde National Park, campsites overlooking the San Juan River, driving through the Navajo Nation, and hiking slot canyons in Utah. It would be a trip lled with dirt, dust, thorns, and rocks. Just what our family wanted.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH CAN GO AWRY

e Four Corners isn’t exactly o the beaten path. But it is in April, when we went. e high tourist season in canyon country is in the summer when literally millions of visitors, many driving RVs, visit the region’s many national parks. In April, however, it’s quieter. With the quiet comes a trade-o : fewer services, amenities, and—simply—help.

Our rst stop was Mesa Verde. e national park o ers tours right down to many of its amazing cultural and architectural sites like Cli Palace and Balcony House—but only during the high season. We settled for distant views of the coolest, most famous places in Mesa Verde.

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 77
Right: The Four Corners marker. Below: Rock art at Petroglyph Point in Mesa Verde.

We also knew More eld Campground, the only campground in the park, was closed in April. However, campers are allowed to use More eld’s campsites for free during the o -season with the knowledge that the bathrooms, running water, and any amenities are unavailable. When we arrived at Mesa Verde after a day of ights, picking up our camper van, and with our folder of information, we got a curveball. Due to the historic winter snowfall, More eld was underwater! e free camping was closed.

No problem. We turned around and exited the park, knowing that there were miles of public land where campers could park their vans anywhere and set up camp. News ash: except during elk mating season!

at rst night, we drove into an RV campsite at one minute past ve o’clock, where the operator was closing up for the night. He sold us a site saying if we’d shown up a few minutes later we’d have had to drive an hour back to Durango.

OFF-SEASON UPSIDE

On the other hand, we had Mesa Verde National Park more or less to ourselves the next day. Sure, we saw other o -season tourists, but surely a far cry from the thousands of visitors that come daily in the summer months. Gunnar and our sevenyear-old Ingrid headed down the trail to Petroglyph Point with snacks, maps, extra layers—and pencils and a “Junior Ranger” packet. I have been impressed in my travels by these age-appropriate (but not overly simplistic) educational packets distributed by national and state parks across the United States.

At one moment, Gunnar and Ingrid would be scrambling over rocks or helping each other through a tight squeeze between rocks on the canyon wall. e next, they’d be on the ground studying plant life, interpreting rock art, and scribbling notes in their packets.

Later, back at the Visitor Center, they got their reward: an opportunity to have a park ranger review their packets, then recite the Junior Ranger’s pledge and receive Junior Ranger badges. “I always make time for kids when they come in,” said the ranger who talked to Gunnar and Ingrid. “ ey are the future.”

78 image • Spring 2024

ACHIEVING (AND ADAPTING) OUR GOALS

We camped that night in Goosenecks State Park in Utah, more a dirt road next to a thousand-foot drop into the San Juan River than a “park.” ere were no railings or safety warnings, but our Junior Rangers respected the views—and the canyon edge.

Because we couldn’t hike down and walk around the ruins at Mesa Verde, we had a goal of walking to and standing next to an ancient ruin. Outside Blu , Utah, we parked on a dusty track and hiked into Butler Wash to the little-known Wolfman Panel, a red sandstone wall with cleanly etched images including birds, a mask, a plant, and the Wolfman (a human shape with large hands and feet). Gunnar consulted a eld guide that interprets native rock art, informed me that my interpretation (“Aliens landed to go ice skating”) was incorrect, and we descended to the willow and tamarisk jungle at the canyon oor.

Ascending halfway up the far canyon wall we found two small dwellings. We studied them and the pottery shards on the ground around them, re ecting on what life must have been like among the rocks and sand in 1250 AD.

From Wolfman, we drove through the Navajo Nation in Arizona, camping at the tiny, rst-come, rst-served campground at Navajo National Monument and hiked to an overlook of Betatakin, a vast ruin. e highlights of our trip were back in Utah where we explored two canyons. From above, Antelope is a foot-wide crack in the earth. But below, sedimentary lines in the rock, the lighting from above, and the smooth sandy oors give an otherworldly experience. Although we are usually

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 79
Petroglyphs in Butler Wash.

crowd-averse, it’s just not possible at Antelope, which is accessed only in groups with local guides. e beauty and wonder of the place overshadowed the lack of solitude.

Our next stop was a day hike in Paria Canyon and the co ee-colored Paria River. Coming straight from winter in Vermont, temperatures under the mid-70s and the blazing Utah sun made us only too happy to wade in the Paria and play in the canyon mud, which Ingrid used to make her own “Ingrid-glyphs” on the canyon walls, knowing that—di erent from the rock art we had been visiting—hers would wash away during the next rainfall.

Our nal stop—and Gunnar’s reason for taking the trip in the rst place—was the Four Corners. In the middle of nowhere, the monument is four lines drawn on a patio surrounded by vendors peddling local turquoise jewelry, Kachina dolls, and souvenirs. I visited the site as a 12-year-old nearly 40 years prior; one woman told me her parents and grandparents had also sold their artwork here. “ ey would have been here,” she said.

On their bedside tables, Gunnar and Ingrid have gemstones and souvenirs that they bought that day with their own money. ey have memories of hikes that they had a hand in planning in a landscape that is nothing like their home. And they were the only kids at their school who came home from vacation having camped in a van on the sides of canyons where unknown humans walked and lived centuries before under the same cli s and sky that towered over us on our Four Corners odyssey. •

80 image • Spring 2024

Not Your Grandpa’s Co-op, Or Are We?

At the Co-op, we’re building something new while still sticking to the core values that started it all. Whether it’s the oodles of local products, our new rewards program that pays members back for shopping with us and supporting local, or the fact that once you’re a member, you’re part of the Co-op family for life!

Think of it as your cool Grandparents’s co-op for a new generation.

coopfoodstore.coop Hanover | Lebanon | White River Jct. Lookfortheleaf to support local

Big Fatty’s BBQ

186 South Main Street

White River Junction, VT (802) 295-5513

www. i fatt .co

Art makes a home in downtown White River Junction’s gallery, Janna’s Gate.

Be inspired and embrace your creative vision. Explore a treasure trove of oil paintings, watercolors, one-ofa-kind note cards, and hand-dyed silk scarves. Janna’s Gate studio, gallery, and store hosts instruction and workshops. Visit the website for details.

Participate, create, collect, and discover new mediums and materials at Open House: First Fridays from 5 to 7pm.

79 Gates Street

White River Junction, VT (802) 229-8643

www.jannasgate.com

Mon–Sun 11am–4pm or by appointment

Centrally located in White River Junction, Vermont, Big Fatty’s BBQ is the Upper Valley’s premiere barbecue and craft beer destination. Featuring freshly cooked meats and homemade sides, Big Fatty’s continues to delight locals and visitors alike. With live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, themed events, and tap takeovers, there’s no shortage of entertainment! Join us for the Upper Valley’s best and only salad ar startin the first wee of ril t s ac resh dail salads sou s proteins, fresh breads, and desserts! Eat in and take out. Open for lunch and dinner.

Tuckerbox

Scout Hair Design

129 South Main Street

White River Junction, VT (802) 356-8123

www.scouthairdesi n.co

Tue–Fri 10am–7pm Sat 9am–4pm

Putnam’s vine/yard

188 South Main Street, Unit 110

White River Junction, VT (802) 899-0405

www.putnamsvineyard.com

RETAIL SHOP * BAR * SCHOOL

uc er o is located in the heart of downtown White River Junction. A community gathering lace with e ce tional coffee e ce tional service, and truly authentic Turkish & Mediterranean cuisine. We serve delicious Mediterranean breakfast until 2pm, a very health wa to start our da . ou can also enjoy authentic Turkish lunch items and even the best BLT you have ever had! For dinner en o an of our 2 different e a dishes re ared on a wood fired s o er rill. inin at uc er o will whis ou awa to a far off land trans ortin ou to stan ul and ac with e er ite

1 South Main Street

White River Junction, VT (802) 359-4041

www.tuc er o er ont.co

Tip Top Pottery

85 North Main Street, Suite 110

White River Junction, VT (802) 280-1700

www.ti to otter .co

Tue & Wed 10am–6pm, Thu & Fri 10am–9pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–3pm, Closed Mon

82 image • Spring 2024

Thyme Restaurant

85 North Main Street

White River Junction, VT (802) 295-3312

www.th e er ont.co

Wed–Sat 5–8:30pm Private Room eser ations u ested

te en ho as nc. ine rts nti ues u in ellin 85 Gates Street

White River Junction, VT (802) 457-1764

www.wood loc rints.co

Fri–Sat 11am–4pm or by appointment

C&S Pizza

104 South Main Street

White River Junction, VT (802) 295-5622

Mon–Thu 11am–8pm Fri & Sat 11am–9pm Closed Sun

We’re Making Tracks!

Upper Valley Food Co-op

The Upper Valley Food Co-op is an inde endent co o located in downtown hite i er unction. e focus on roducts that are local or anic fair trade, and minimally ac a ed. e ha e a stron co it ent to local farmers and producers, and you’ll find local roducts in e er de art ent of the store.

193 North Main Street

White River Junction, VT (802) 295-5804

Junction Frame Shop

Junction Frame Shop has been a steadfast part of downtown hite i er unction since . hat s 3 ears of ro idin creati e icture fra in for all tastes and ud ets.

55 South Main Street

White River Junction, VT (802) 458-0569

www. unctionfra esho .co

Mon–Fri 9am–5pm Sat 9am–3pm

Kathy’s Fancy

Located on the corner of Church and North Main Street in White River Junction, Kathy’s Fancy is a shop filled with hand ic ed inta e and rei a ined finds. hether ou are on the hunt for a inta e e or searchin for the erfect ift ath s anc is waitin to e e lored.

128 North Main Street

White River Junction, VT (802) 299-5745

www. ath sfanc .co

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 83

COOKS' CORNER

84 image • Spring 2024

TREAT YOUR FAMILY OR PLAN A DINNER PARTY FOR FRIENDS

Ah, spring! It’s a time of change, renewal, and rebirth. e ski hill closes. Tourists disappear, if only for a couple of months. Bears climb out of their dens and raid the bird feeder. Humans put away their warm coats (the ones that make them look like they’re wearing a sleeping bag). Wellies replace cozy snow boots. And best of all, the night air is lled with the joyous sound of spring peepers.

If you are one of those people who tend to hibernate during the winter, take a hint from the bears. Crawl out from under that cozy blanket and put down that book or television remote. Hike or bike. Jump in the car or on a plane and travel to a favorite place or new adventure. Visit a museum. Go to a movie, concert, or play. Join a club, take a class, or attend a seminar. Work in the garden. Invite friends over for dinner. In your own backyard or far and wide, rejoin humanity and the beautiful sights and sounds of our wonderful world. As for that dinner with friends, make it an adventure with a taste of sunny Morocco.

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 85

Menu

Moroccan Braised Chicken

Moroccan Lentils

Zucchini Tomato Ras El Hanout

Moroccan Tomato Cucumber Salad

Honeyed Apricots with Creamy Yogurt

MOROCCAN BRAISED CHICKEN

Serves 8

2 tsp dried oregano

2 tsp cumin

1½ tsp cinnamon

1 tsp kosher salt

½ tsp smoked paprika

¼ tsp freshly ground pepper

¼ tsp or to taste cayenne pepper

8–12 chicken thighs, bone in and skin on

4 cloves garlic, minced

lar ecarrot eeledandfinel

chopped

lar eonion finel cho ed

1bay leaf

Olive oil

1 cup dry white wine

4 cups chicken broth (or more)

Basmati rice or couscous

1 cup pitted and sliced green olives

Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

1. Preheat the oven to 450°. Place a roasting pan large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

2. Put the oregano and spices in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Sprinkle the chicken with half of the spice mix. Place the chicken, skin-side down, in the hot pan, return the pan to the oven, and roast at 450° for 10 minutes.

3. While the chicken roasts, put the vegetables and bay leaf in a bowl, drizzle with a little olive oil, sprinkle with the remaining spice mix, and toss to coat and combine.

4. Turn the chicken, scatter the vegetables in the pan, and add the wine and 2 to 3 cups broth. Return the pan to the oven, reduce the temperature to 375º, and roast for about 30 minutes. Turn the chicken, add more broth if necessary, and continue roasting for 30 minutes. Turn the chicken one last time, add more broth if necessar androastuntil oldenandfallin offthe one a out3 minutes more.

5. While the chicken roasts, prepare the rice or couscous according to package directions.

6. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Stir the olives and lemon zest and juice into the sauce, spoon a little sauce onto the top of each thigh, transfer the remaining sauce to a serving bowl, and pass with the chicken.

86 image • Spring 2024 COOKS' CORNER

MOROCCAN LENTILS

Serves 8

2 cups brown or green lentils

Olive oil

onion eeledandfinel chopped

2carrots eeledandfinel chopped

1 red bell pepper, seeded and finel cho ed

ts th e

1 tsp coriander

ts cu in ½ tsp allspice

ts carda on ts cinna on ts ortotasteca enne e er ¼ tsp cloves oshersaltandfreshl round pepper to taste

2 arlicclo es inced a leaf

6 cups chicken or vegetable stock or broth

cu whole il o urt rated estof le on cu finel cho edcilantro s finel cho ed int

. ic throu hthelentilsandre o e an stones. utthelentilsinafine eshsie e rinsewellwithcoldwater and drain.

2. i htl coatasauce anwitholi eoil andheato er ediu . ddtheonion carrot, and bell pepper, sprinkle with theth eands ices seasonwithsalt

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 87

COOKS' CORNER

and pepper, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes more.

3. Add the lentils, bay leaf, and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring once or twice, until tender, about 20 minutes.

4. While the lentils simmer, put the yogurt in a serving bowl, add the lemon zest, cilantro, and mint, season with salt and pepper, and whisk to combine.

5. Transfer the lentils to a serving bowl. Pass the lemon and herb yogurt.

The lentils and yogurt can be prepared in advance, covered, and stored separately in the refrigerator. Adding more broth if necessary, reheat the lentils on medium-low. Remove the yogurt from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.

ZUCCHINI AND TOMATO RAS EL HANOUT

Serves 8

1 tsp sea salt

¼ tsp cumin

¼ tsp coriander

¼ tsp cardamom

¼ tsp allspice

¼ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp ginger

¼ tsp nutmeg

¼ tsp cloves

88 image • Spring 2024

¼ tsp freshly ground pepper

¼ tsp or to taste cayenne pepper 2½–3 lb medium zucchini, trimmed and chopped

2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes

1–2 red bell peppers, seeds and ribs removed and roughly chopped

1 large red onion, roughly chopped

Olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced Balsamic vinegar to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 450°. Put the spices in a bowl and whisk to combine.

2. Divide the zucchini, tomatoes, pepper, and onion among 2 to 3 rimmed sheet pans, drizzle with enough olive oil to lightly coat, sprinkle with the spice mix, and toss to combine. Spread the vegetables in a single layer.

3. Roast the vegetables at 450° for 15 minutes. Divide the garlic among the pans and toss to combine. Swapping places, return the pans to the oven and continue roasting until tender and nicely browned on the edges, about 10 minutes more.

4. Transfer the vegetables to a serving bowl, drizzle with balsamic vinegar, and serve.

Can be served warm or at room temperature. Can be prepared in advance, covered, and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.

MOROCCAN TOMATO CUCUMBER SALAD

Serves 4–6

Armenian cucumbers (or cucumbers of our choice offer a cris contrast to fresh tomatoes in this Moroccan salad (shlada) recipe. It's sometimes referred to as shlada 'arobiya (country salad) or shlada nationale (national salad). You can serve the Moroccan cucumber and tomato salad as is and spoon it onto individual plates or bowls as a fresh side dish or light lunch. It's also popularly eaten as a dip and scooped up with Moroccan bread (khobz) or used as the base to make other salads.

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 89
Building Products Hardware Kitchen & Bath Large enough to meet your needs, small enough to care 603-938-5161 Rt. 114 Henniker Road • Bradford, NH Free delivery for most orders

COOKS' CORNER

2 large Armenian or English cucumbers

1 lb (3 large) fresh, ripe tomatoes

2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint

3ts finel cho edonion

2 Tbsp lemon juice

3 Tbsp olive oil

1 pinch salt

inchfreshl round black pepper

. i htl eelthecucu ersothat some dark green skin remains, and finel cho it. nless ou reusin seedless cucumbers, remove the seeds before chopping.

2. Blanch and peel the tomatoes, remove the seeds, and chop into small pieces.

3. Mix the tomatoes with the cucumber, mint, onion, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.

4. If time allows, leave the vegetables to marinate at room temperature for up to 1 hour.

Recipe Variations

arsle wor sasa oodsu stitute for mint in this salad.

f ou refer use ine arinstead of lemon juice.

Vegetable oil can replace the olive oil.

90 image • Spring 2024

HONEYED APRICOTS WITH CREAMY YOGURT

Serves 8

48 oz yogurt—whole milk, low fat, or nonfat

1½ cup dried apricots, cut into slivers

Juice and grated zest of 2 oranges

cup (or to taste) honey plus

1 Tbsp

3 Tbsp Marsala wine

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

Pinch nutmeg

½ cup toasted pine nuts

1. Put the yogurt in a colander or sieve lined with a clean dishtowel or coffee filter; let drain for at least 2 to 3 hours. While the yogurt is draining, prepare the apricots.

2. Combine the apricots with the juice and zest of 1 orange, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon Marsala, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Cover and store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the apricots to absorb the liquid and plump up.

3. Put the remaining orange juice and zest, honey, Marsala, and cinnamon in a bowl, add the vanilla and nutmeg, and whisk to combine. Add the yogurt and whisk until smooth. Refrigerate for 1 hour or more.

4. Spoon the yogurt cream into dessert or wine glasses, top with a generous spoonful of apricots, sprinkle with pine nuts, and serve. •

WISE advocates are here for the Upper Valley every hour, every day. We are completely confidential and survivor-centered. We can answer your questions, help you find resources, navigate systems, and support you as you think through what you want next for your life. Call the crisis line or chat with us online.

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 91 every hour, every day 866-348-WISE chat online at wiseuv.org We’re here for you. domestic violence • sexual assault • stalking You are
alone. follow us @WISEuv
not
92 image • Spring 2024

 rough March 30

AVA’s Alternative Processes in Contemporary Photography

rough March 30

Exhibit: Alternative Processes in Contemporary Photography AVA Gallery and Art Center avagallery.org

rough March 30

Exhibit: Louise Hamlin and Justin O’Rourke

AVA Gallery and Art Center avagallery.org

rough April 14

e Play that Goes Wrong

Buckle up for a wild ride–things are about to go VERY WRONG! Welcome to opening night of e Murder at Haversham Manor, where things quickly unravel from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), chaos ensues and can’t seem to stop!

Barrette Center for the Arts northernstage.org

 rough April 14

e Play that Goes Wrong

March, April, May, Mondays

Toddler Storytime

Lebanon Library, 10:30am leblibrary.com

March, April, May, Wednesdays

Baby Buzz Lebanon

Join us at the Lebanon Library for songs, rhymes, and stories! Enjoy an interactive time with your little one that includes lots of fun and body movement. Clapping, singing, and prancing is encouraged! Lebanon Library, 10:30am leblibrary.com

March, April, May, Wednesdays

Beginners Yoga

Kilton Library, 6pm leblibrary.com

March, April, May, ursdays

Baby Buzz Kilton

Kilton Library, 10:30am leblibrary.com

March, April, May, Fridays

Jammin’ Jellybeans

March, April, May, ursdays

Popcorn Pals

A di erent movie every week! Kilton Library, 3pm leblibrary.com

March, April, May, Fridays

Jammin’ Jellybeans

Welcome to Jammin’ Jellybeans, the coolest music program for kids aged two to six! Here, we sing, play instruments, dance about, and just hang out with all our friends. Our music program is all about having fun and letting our imaginations soar.

Kilton Library, 10:30am leblibrary.com

March 26

Afternoon Storytime

Kilton Library, 3:30pm leblibrary.com

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 93
Spring | 202 4 THE PICK arts & entertainment

KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN CENTER

 March 30 Shrek

March 29

A Little Lunch Music: Jeremiah McLane and Eric Boodman Upper Valley Music Center, 12pm uvmusic.org

March 30

Shrek Lebanon Opera House, 10am lebanonoperahouse.org

March 30

Maple Sugaring: Backyard Basics Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center, 1pm cedarcirclefarm.org

March 30, April 13 & 27, May 11 & 25

Upper Valley Traditional Music Jams

A New England-style jam of acoustic musicians of many levels meeting to play traditional tunes of the Celtic, Canadian, old-time, and American genres. Kilton Library, 3pm leblibrary.com

April 2, May 7

Storytime at Waypoint Waypoint, 10:30am leblibrary.com

April 2, 16, 30, May 14

SoulCollage

Embark on a journey with our SoulCollage group for teens event!

Lebanon Library, 4:15pm leblibrary.com

April 2, May 7

Writers Read e Lebanon Library is hosting an open mic for writers. Come to read, come to listen to local authors share their work.

Lebanon Library, 6:30pm leblibrary.com

April 4 e String Queens

Lebanon Opera House, 10am & 6:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org

94 image • Spring 2024
THE PICK
17 Granite Place Enfield, NH 03748 •
www.shakerhillgranite.com
603-632-9800

April 4, May 2

First ursday Hike at e Fells e Fells, 11am thefells.org

April 5

Mighty Acorns: World of Owls Nature Museum, 10am nature-museum.org

April 5

Tom Papa: Good Stu Tour Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org

April 6, 27

Mood 4.0 with Peter Granucci Register online. Library Arts Center, 9am–4pm libraryartscenter.org

April 6

Shoots & Sprouts: Grow Your Own Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center, 1pm cedarcirclefarm.org

April 6

Paula Poundstone

Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org

April 8

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org

April 9, May 14

Cookbook Book Club Kilton Library, 5pm leblibrary.com

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 95
April 4 e String Queens

THE PICK

April 13 Pride Second-Chance Prom

April 10, May 8

Grown Up Craft Club Lebanon Library, 6pm leblibrary.com

April 11

Fly-Fishing Film Tour Lebanon Opera House, 7pm lebanonoperahouse.org

April 12

Teen Advisory Board

Lebanon Library, 4pm leblibrary.com

April 12, May 10

Slow Jam

Upper Valley Music Center, 5:30pm uvmusic.org

April 12–27

AVA Bene t Exhibition

AVA Gallery and Art Center avagallery.org

April 13, May 18

Basket-Making Workshops Register online. Library Arts Center, 8:30am–4:30pm libraryartscenter.org

April 13

Early Music Workshop

Upper Valley Music Center, 9am uvmusic.org

April 13

Cultivating Biodiversity with Henry Homeyer En eld Shaker Museum, 10am shakermuseum.org

April 13

Rooting Out Invasives with Henry Homeyer En eld Shaker Museum, 1pm shakermuseum.org

April 13

Pride Second-Chance Prom

Lebanon Opera House, 6pm lebanonoperahouse.org

96 image • Spring 2024

Now available for ages 5-10 3:30-6pm, M-F The Best

April 14

Upper Valley Symphony Orchestra Lebanon Opera House, 3pm uvmusic.org

April 18

Volunteer Trip to Blithewold

Join e Fells for a trip to Blithewold in Bristol, Rhode Island. We’re planning our visit during Da odil Days, Blithewold’s breathtaking da odil festival. e Fells, 8:30am–6:30pm thefells.org

April 18

Singin’ in the Rain Lebanon Opera House, 4 & 7pm lebanonoperahouse.org

April 19

Bright Star Children’s eater: Beauty and the Beast Claremont Opera House, 10am cohnh.org

April 19, May 17

Books and Pizza

Hey, teens! Do you love pizza? Do you love hanging out with fellow bookworms and discussing your latest literary obsessions? Well have we got the event for you! Lebanon Library, 4pm leblibrary.com

April 19–21

Spring Shaker Forum 2024 En eld Shaker Museum shakermuseum.org

Afterschool Care

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 97
Come see why.
Part of Your Day!
April 18 Volunteer Trip to Blithewold

NEWPORT GOLF CLUB

An 18 Hole Championship Phil Wogan Course in the beautiful Sugar River Valley.

• Clubhouse and Sunrise Pavilion - Air conditioned and heated - perfect for your special events.

• Farm-to-Table Delights at Farmer’s Table Cafewhere every bite is a delight.

• Rental Clubs - Forgot your clubs? We’ve got you covered.

• Instruction & Clinics - Elevate your game.

• Warm Hospitality: Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere where exceptional service is our top priority.

newportgolfclub.nh@gmail.com

603.863.7787

www.NewportGolfClub-NH.com 603-526-6575

Your Best Resource For Goods, Services and Events in the Lake Sunapee Region!

www.LakeSunapeeRegionChamber.com

THE PICK

April 20

Rob Zappulla & His 10-Piece Orchestra Claremont Opera House cohnh.org

April 21

Vernal Pool Adventure Walk for Families e Fells, 1pm thefells.org

April 25–May 5

New Works Now

e New Works Now Festival embodies Northern Stage’s commitment to developing new work for American theater. Barrette Center for the Arts northernstage.org

April 19, 26, May 10

Chamber Music Parties Upper Valley Music Center, 5:30pm uvmusic.org

April 23–25

Spring Break Camps

e Nature Museum nature-museum.org

April 24

A Little Lunch Music: Tristan Bellerive, Guitar Upper Valley Music Center, 12pm uvmusic.org

April 27

AVA’s Exhibition and Auction AVA Gallery and Art Center, 5:30pm avagallery.org

April 28

En eld Shaker Supper Club En eld Shaker Museum, 6pm shakermuseum.org

May 3–July 6

Mental Health Awareness Show AVA Gallery and Art Center avagallery.org

May 3

Mighty Acorns: All About Black Bears Nature Museum, 10am nature-museum.org

May 4

Spring Landscape in Watercolor Register online. Library Arts Center, 9:30am–4pm libraryartscenter.org

98 image • Spring 2024
PLAY | STAY | DINE | SHOP | LIVE | IN THE LAKE SUNAPEE REGION

April 25-May 5

May 4

Family Story Walk e Fells, 11am thefells.org

May 9

Kinky Boots Lebanon Opera House, 7pm lebanonoperahouse.org

May 10–June 8

Exhibit: Peter Anderson, Caleb Brown, Joan Hanley, Denis Versweyveld AVA Gallery and Art Center avagallery.org

May 11

Pressed Flower Art Workshop En eld Shaker Museum, 1pm shakermuseum.org

May 14

Tommy Emmanuel, CGP Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org

May 18

Satisfaction Claremont Opera House cohnh.org

May 18–19

Sing & Play Festival Colburn Park uvmusic.org

May 19

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride e Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride unites classic and vintage styled motorcycle riders from all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. ese dapper chaps will conclude their ride with lunch on the Veranda. Motorcycles will be on display for visitors to view.

e Fells, 11am thefells.org

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 99
New Works Now

Hopkins Center for the Arts

Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH (603) 646-2422

www.hop.dartmouth.edu

For information, tickets, or pricing information, call (603) 646-2422 or visit hop.dartmouth.edu. The Hop Box Office is open Tuesday through Friday, 10am–5pm.

March 28

Sandglass eater Workshop: Creating Puppetry from the Personal Harness puppetry as a medium for powerful storytelling.

Straus Dance Studio, 5:30pm

March 29–30

Sandglass eater: When I Put on Your Glove A puppetry, dance, and spoken narrative piece about belonging, memory, and intergenerational dialog. eater on Currier, 8pm Fri; 2 & 8pm Sat

April 2

Johnny Gandelsman: is Is America: Part III

Join us for the premiere of the Hop-commissioned new work by Gabriel Kahane, performed by Gandelsman as part of his compelling anthology.

Church of Christ Dartmouth, 7:30pm

April 6

e Tallis Scholars: Preshow Talk

Hear about “sun-centered,” the Hop commission by Dave Lang, ahead of the concert. Baker Berry Library, 7pm

April 6

e Tallis Scholars

Celebrate the journey from darkness to light with one of the world’s leading performers of Renaissance choral music.

Rollins Chapel, 8pm

April 11

Tomeka Reid is trailblazing musician and her newly formed ensemble create new avenues for international jazz and improvised music.

Our Savior Lutheran Church, 7:30pm

April 14

Ensemble Schumann

A dazzling, colorful trio of soloists, including pianist-in-residence Sally Pinkas, presents works by Beethoven, Bruch, Foote and White.

Rollins Chapel, 2pm

April 17

Coreyah

Korean folk sounds weaved into psychedelic rock.

Hanover Inn Ballroom, 7:30pm

100 image • Spring 2024

April 6 e Tallis Scholars

April 20

Met Opera in HD: La Rondine e bittersweet tale of a Parisian courtesan and her eeting brush with true romance. Loew Auditorium, 1pm

April 21

23 Skidoo and the Secret Agency

Head-boppin’ hip-hop for the whole family.

Dartmouth Hall: Room 105, 2 & 5pm

May 1

Isidore String Quartet: Awakenings

How do transformative moments change our perception of the world?

Church of Christ Dartmouth, 7:30pm

May 5

Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra Rollins Chapel, 2pm

May 8

Handel Society & Glee Club Rollins Chapel, 8pm

May 11

Met Opera in HD: Madama Butter y

A tragedy of unrequited love between a young geisha and an American naval o cer. Loew Auditorium, 1pm

May 11

Dartmouth College Wind Ensemble Rollins Chapel, 8pm

May 16

Dartmouth College Gospel Choir Rollins Chapel, 8pm

May 24–25

Dartmouth Dance Ensemble

Bema Outdoor Amphitheater, 5:30pm

May 25

Coast Jazz Orchestra

Hanover Inn Ballroom, 4 & 8pm

We're still here on the mall in Lebanon, ready to Make you
Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 101

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ADVERTISERS INDEX

121 Home 35

3 Phase Landscaping 55

AVA Gallery and Art Center 26

Align Body & Mind 62

All Eyes on You 52

Annemarie Schmidt European

Face and Body Studio 21

Baker Orthodontics 18

Bar Harbor Wealth Management 19

Bark N Bath Pet Spa 52

Barton Insurance Agency 88

Belletetes 8

Bethel Mills 33

Better Homes and Gardens/ The Milestone Team 43

Big Fatty’s BBQ 82

Blood’s Catering & Party Rentals 88

Blue Loon Bakery 54

Brown Furniture 10 & 56

C&S Pizza 83

Candita Clayton Gallery 54

Cape Air 60

Claremont Creative Center 34

Claremont Custom Framing 89

Claremont Savings Bank 63

Claremont Spray Foam 12

Colonial Pharmacy 100

Color Café 52

Co-op Food Stores 81

Cota & Cota 90

Cotes Tree Work and Logging 32

Cover Home Repair 27

Crown Point Cabinetry 3

Crown Point Select 31

Davis Frame 17

Dolan Real Estate 55

Dr. Dorothy Hitchmoth 53

Dr. Neely–Hanover Orthodontics 27

Dutille’s Jewelry Design Studio 51

Eastern Propane & Oil 92

Ennis Construction 101

Evelyn J’s Fish Market 54

Expectations Salon & Spa 1 & 53

Eyeglass Outlet 101

Flash Photo 53

Floorcraft 52

Foster’s Fine Jewelry 54

Friends of Dartmouth Cancer

Center/The Prouty 78

Gilberte Interiors 9

Grounds 52

Hanover Eyecare 28

Hanover Road Dental Health 80

Home Comfort Warehouse 34

Hubert’s Family Outfitters 53

Hugo Anderson Artist/Curator 52

Inn at Pleasant Lake 15

Janna’s Gate Street Gallery 82

Jasmin Auto Body 99

Jeff Wilmot Painting & Wallpapering 97

Jenna Sievers Realtor 96

Junction Frame Shop 83 & 91

Kathy’s Fancy 83

Katie’s Cookies 103

King Arthur Baking Company 49

Lake Morey Resort 18

Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce 98

Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice 89

Landforms 62

LaValley Building Supply 11

Lebanon Opera House 24

Lebanon Paint & Decorating 71 & 95

Little Istanbul 80

Loewen Window Center 61

Love’s Bedding & Furniture 92

Lumber Barn 89

MB Pro Landscape 81

MJ Harrington Jewelers 94

Mascoma Bank Back cover

Mascoma Dental Associates 43

McGray & Nichols 50

Merten’s House 103

Millstone at 74 Main Restaurant 53

Morgan Hill Bookstore 53

Mt. Ascutney Hospital 77

NT Ferro Estate & Custom Jewelers 20 & 35

Nathan Wechsler 78

New England Beauty & Wellness 52

New England School of the Arts 30

New London Hospital 63

New London Inn 15 & 52

New London Opticians 54

Newport Golf Club 98

Omer and Bob’s 30

Peter Anderson Studio 54

Pierce McLaughry Group 25

Pizza Chef 54

Putnam’s vine/yard 82

Quail Hollow 99

Ramunto’s of Claremont 100

Real Property Options 29

Richard Electric 87

Ricker Funeral Home 96

River Valley Club 97

Scout Hair Design 82

Shaker Hill Granite 94

Shepherd Realty 51 & 54

Simple Energy 102

Soake Pools 5

Springfield Medical Center Inside front cover

Steven Thomas, Inc. 83

Sugar River Bank 29

Summer Music Associates 32

Sunapee Cove 79

Sunapee Shade and Blind 53

Switchback Consignment 53

Tatewell Gallery 52

Terrigenous Landscape Architecture 49

The Cabinet en-Counter 100

The Carriage Shed Inside back cover

The Dorr Mill Store 90

The Elms at New London Inn 15 & 52

The Flying Goose Brew Pub 96

The Insurance Center 60

The Refinery Restaurant & Market 54

The Renaissance Shoppe 53

The Woodstock Gallery 35

Thyme Restaurant 83

Timberpeg 2

Tip Top Pottery 82

Top Stitch Embroidery 98

Torch Family Capital 23

Tuckerbox 82

Tyler, Simms & St. Sauveur 95

United Construction 4

Upper Valley Food Co-op 83

Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry 71

Valley Artesian Well 6

Valley Regional Hospital 7

Vermont Cabinetry 79

WISE 91

White River Family Eyecare 28

Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce 35

Woodstock Inn & Resort 87

Yankee Barn Homes 13

For more information about print and online advertising opportunities, contact Bob Frisch at (603) 867-9339 or email rcfrisch1@comcast.net.

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 103

CELEBRATING YOU and YOURS this SPRING!

Moments to remember with family and friends

Send photos of your special moments to dthompson@mountainviewpublishing.com.

104 image • Spring 2024
CELEBRATE THE MOMENT
Dianne and Mark Estes in Glacier Bay, Alaska. Congratulations Alex and Mariah, Mr. and Mrs. Bitler! Riley and Rachael along with Lois and Brian Horan at their summer wedding. John and Linde McNamara enjoy dinner in Stockholm, Sweden, during their family reunion. Betsey Warren and family get ready for their Prouty ride to fight cancer. Molly and Nick celebrate their 11th anniversary. Sue Butler’s granddaughter Alla wows the audience at her piano recital.
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