AlongRoute16_february_24

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

Relocating isn’t an easy thing to do. It means getting used to life in a new place, and learning services available when you move. If you happen to be from another country, with a different language and culture and fleeing from persecution or danger, relocating can be even more of a challenge.

That was the circumstance of three outstanding skiers: Paula Kann, Toni Matt and Hannes Schneider who left Europe and settled in New Hampshire around the years of World War II.

The story of Paula Kann is one of courage, talent, determination and unfortunate persecution. Kann made her way to America and ultimately to the Mount Washington Valley and helped the sport of skiing to grow over the years.

Kann was born and lived for quite some in Austria until the outbreak of World War II. Her father was Jewish and that meant the fear of persecution as the climate swung toward Hitler and the Nazi regime.

Skiing was quite popular in Europe and Americans stood to learn a great deal from skilled European skiers. As the sport took hold and more people came to the White Mountains to ski, instructors were needed, and who bet-

ter than European skiers? Many ski experts from other countries migrated to the mountains in America to teach novice skiers the ropes.

Paula Kann was from Vienna, born in 1922, according to an article in the Journal of the New England Ski Museum titled “Paula Kann Velar: The Transatlantic Sage of an Austrian-American Skier” by Andreas Praher.

Her story was not so different from many European Jewish families at that time. Kann’s father introduced her to all sorts of sports, and she was especially fond of skiing. As a talented skier, Kann followed the methods of the Alberg Technique of Hannes Schneider.

At a young age, Kann entered her first ski competition and won a race near Innsbruck. She went on to train at Innsbruck with instructor Max Polorer. When still young, Kann took advantage of all that the Sport Club Hakoah Vienna offered. It was a club where Jewish young athletes could congregate, feeling safe amid the growing European anti-Semitism.

Before the outbreak of World War II, Kann was skiing and holidaying with her mother in areas such as Innsbruck. She participated in races and while in her teens went to England to hone her

skills in language.

However, by 1938, her world changed drastically when Austria supported anti-Semitic sentiments. Sadly, the Hakoah ceased to operate. Things got progressively worse for many Jewish families, including the Kanns. Eventually, the family made the decision to move to America.

The family was split up when Kann and her father traveled to America while her mother had to stay in Austria with an aging family member. After World War II, Kann’s mother came to America, and the family was reunited. Kann and her father had earlier moved to the White Mountain region of New Hampshire after learning that Hannes Schneider, the famous European skier/ instructor was running a ski school in the North Conway area.

Coming to the area was the beginning of a better life for Paula Kann because she was skiing once more and joined Schneider’s ski school and began racing.

As with other Europeans who had relocated to New Hampshire, the mountains and scenery reminded the Kanns of their homeland.

Kann was a good racer and won the Harvey Gibson Trophy Race in 1942. Later she joined the Eastern Slope Ski

Club and moved on to bigger competitions. She continued to win races and was in the top place at a big race in Lake Placid in 1944.

Her talents landed her a spot on the team during the Winter Olympic Games in St. Mortiz, Switzerland in the late 1940s. She placed 11th in the Olympic slalom for the United States Women’s Alpine Team. According to the website for the U.S. Ski-Snowboard Hall of Fame, Kann was on the United States F.I.S. Team in 1950 as well.

The November 17, 1949 issue of The Reporter newspaper offered a front page story with a photo of a smiling Kann. The title of the article was “Paula Kann to Direct Ski School at Thornton Mt.” It reported that Kann, of international ski fame, would be directing the Ski School at Thorn Mountain Ski Area in Jackson that winter. At a reception and dinner give at the Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston on Nov. 15 of that year, Charles Plumb, the owner of Thorn Mt. Resort made the announcement to a group of distinguished visitors and the press.

The Reporter story went on to describe Kann, who attended the dinner, as • Yesteryear continued on page 5

Stay In...

Comfort Foods

By Kelly Ross

Hello again my MWV friends. I hope that all of you who celebrated Valentine’s Day in some respect had a great day and spoiled your other halves, so to speak. It’s a classic Hallmark holiday that many couples love to love while many other couples I know, as well as all the single friends, don’t. To each their own. I’ve spent a high percentage of my Valentines Day’s cranking out food as it’s usually a busy day in my world, so sadly for my better half, we haven’t celebrated it as much as she would like so we do what I say to everyone in that treat your partner like it’s Valentines Day every day.

So, since we are smack dab in the middle of winter with cold weather comfort food being a high priority for many of our meals, I’m going with a bunch of varieties of one of my favorite winter themes and that is chili. The blend of wonderful southwestern flavors with plenty of meat and veggies in the mix, it’s a popular “go-to” for many. Most are used to the usual classic, which I love, with ground beef, peppers, onions, kidney beans in a tomato base chock full of seasonings and topped with cheese, sour cream, and sliced avocados among many other

goodies.

Although it is the version I do make most often, there are some great options out there. I have a white chicken chili, a beef and sweet potato chili, a vegan butternut squash chili that is perfect for everyone, and the classic chili. I know many of you are likely chili connoisseurs with experience in making their own with their own recipes which I completely respect, I do get quite a few emails asking for certain recipes, and who am I to say “No”? Before we get to those chili recipes, I want to share a fun recipe for my favorite side dish to go along with any chili, or with many other meals, and even as breakfast muffins.

Just about everyone I know is a fan of cornbread and I am most definitely one of those people. This one adds some of the classic southwestern heat as well as we bring jalapenos and/or green chilis into the equation. The original recipe when I first found it called for canned green chilis, but being the fan of jalapenos that I am I usually sub with a combo of the two. Most people I know when making cornbread usually go with a boxed mix but this one is from scratch and chock full of cheddar cheese. Once finished, I usually driz-

zle with a little honey as well as butter and it’s so yummy. Total time on this is in the 40-45 minutes range and will get you 8-12 pieces depending on how you slice it.

Southwestern Chili Pepper

Cornbread

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

¾ -1 tsp salt

¼ cup sugar

1 heaping cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

1 can diced green chiles, 4 oz, or sliced jarred jalapenos or a combo is awesome

2 large eggs

• Stay in continued on page 9

• Yesteryear continued from page 3

“most attractively dressed in a dinner gown of black lace with a beautiful corsage of pine camelias, making a charming picture as she stood before the ladies and gentlemen to whom she described her plans for the operation of the Ski School at Thorn Mt. in the coming season.”

Following the Olympics, Kann met Paul Valar and they had skiing in common. They married and Kann stopped her racing career to focus all her energy on ski instruction for children. The Valars directed the Franconia Ski School and Kann also taught skiing at Mittersill Ski Area near Franconia.

Paula Kann Valar was an exceptional athlete and a courageous woman. She was exiled from her country and separated for a time from her mother as war raged in Europe. But Kann made the best of things in America and found herself on the slopes of the White Mountains, skiing her way into a better life.

Another Austrian transplant who settled in the North Conway area was Toni Matt. He was the Junior National Champion in the Austrian Alps, according to www.wikipedia.org. In America, he was trained by Hannes Schneider. Matt gained fame in 1939 when he raced in the “American Inferno” or Tuckerman’s Ravine on Mount Washington. He amazed all when he skied straight downhill without turning and had a record for the four-mile race in six minutes, 29.2 seconds. His estimated top speed was a staggering 90 mph.

Like other skilled skiers and outdoorsmen, Matt served in the 19th Mountain Division in World War II. He went on to coach the U.S. Men’s

ski team in 1940 and later directed ski schools in other states.

No story about skiers who transplanted to the White Mountain area from Europe would be complete without a nod to the great skier/instructor Hannes Schneider. His journey from Europe to North Conway was not an easy one.

A native of Stuben, Austria, Hannes was skiing the slopes in Europe in the 1930s. He was a very fast and skilled skier with downhill and ski jump talent. He competed in races and also ran a ski school in Austria. Skilled Alpine skiers who taught at Schneider’s school included Rudi Matt, Benno Rybizka, Otto Lang, and Luiggi Foger, according to Wikipedia.org. Some of these skiers came to America from Europe and spread new techniques for Alpine skiing.

During this time, in the 1930s, the Nazis were rising to power in Europe. Their political beliefs went against those of the peaceful Hannes, and he spoke out against Hitler. When the Nazis invaded Austria, Hannes was arrested, and his ski school taken from him.

Hannes was kept under house arrest in Germany, according to information at www.newenglandskimuseum.org Fortunately, North Conway area resident Harvey Gibson negotiated with the Nazi party, and they agreed to release Schneider. Soon, the famed skier, his wife and their children set sail for America, although with very little money to start a new life in another country.

It was surely a big change for the Schneider family; they arrived in New York in the winter of 1939. Hannes was met there by Gibson, and cameras clicked to capture the moment.

As they arrived in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the Schneider’s likely were happy to see the area looked somewhat like the region they had left behind in Europe. Period photos show Hannes smiling as he walked under an archway of ski poles held up by Eastern Ski Slope skiers.

Schneider, the man everyone in the North Conway area had heard so much about, stepped off the train to be met by a crowd of skiers. They welcomed him with Benno Rybizka acting as interpreter. According to “Northern Journeys”, a project of the North Country Council, NH Office of Energy & Planning and Federal Highway Administration with material by Charles Jordan and Jim McIntosh, Schneider arrived in 1939 and changed forever the American skiing technique.

Once the Schneider’s were settled

into their new home, Gibson introduced Hannes to Mt. Cranmore, and he relied upon the skier to make the area a top-notch place. Certainly, Hannes was up for the challenge, and it probably helped put his negative experiences in Europe behind him.

Hannes supervised the cutting of trails and opening more slopes. Due to the presence of Hannes and his ski skills, the wealthy and famous took ski lessons at Cranmore.

Once World War II ended, Hannes traveled back to Austria often, but remained an American citizen, loyal to the country that rescued him at a difficult time in his life.

The revolutionary athlete changed the way people ski, and he is remembered as a generous man throughout his life.

Through Feb. 24, The Mystery of the Murder at the Murder Mystery: Tantrum at the Opera, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.

Through Feb. 27, Nordic Meisters, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., each Tues., Great Glen Trails, 1 Mount Washington Auto Rd., Gorham, 603-466-3988, www.greatglentrails.com.

Through Feb. 29, “Look Closer” Photo Exhibit by Emilie Talpin, Nature Learning Center, daily 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, info: 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org

Through March 12, Bill Koch League, Kids Ski Club, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, 1 Mount Washington Auto Rd., Gorham, 603-466-3988, www. greatglentrails.com.

Through March 27, Winter Yoga, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Castle in the Clouds, Rt. 171, 455 Old Mountain Rd., Moultonborough, pre-registration required: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org

Through April 1, Snow Coach Tours, take a trip up Mt. Washington, Great Glen Trails, Gorham, pre-register: 603-466-3988, www.greatglentrails.com.

Feb. & March, Art Exhibit by Robert Shaffer, on display at Ossipee Public Library, 74 Main St., Center Ossipee, 603-539-6390.

Feb. 15, Harnessing History: On the Trail of NH’s State Dog, the Chinook, with speaker Bob Cottrell, hosted by Taylor Community, The Sugar House, Maple Room, 83 Rolling Wood Drive, Wolfeboro, 603-294-1770, sponsored by NH Humanities.

Feb. 16, Avalanche Rescue Course, International Mountain Climbing School, 2733 White Mt. Highway, N. Conway, pre-register: 603-356-7064, www.climbimcs.com

Feb. 16, Tim Dion performs, 3:30 p.m., Lostbo Pub, Black Mountain, 373 Black Mt. Rd., Jackson, www.blackmt.com, 603-383-4490.

Feb. 17, Family Sledding Day, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., program is tentative, call for updates, Castle in the Clouds, Rt. 171, 455 Old Mountain Rd., Moultonborough, pre-registration required: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

Feb. 17, Friends Book Sale, 9 a.m. – noon, Madison Public Library, 1895 Village Rd., Madison, 603-367-8545, www.madisonlibrary-nh.org.

Feb. 17, Glen Phillips and Shawn Mullins, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Rd., Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

Feb. 17, John Sarty performs, 3:30 p.m., Lostbo Pub, Black Mountain, 373 Black Mt. Rd., Jackson, www.blackmt.com, 603-383-4490.

Feb. 17, Live Music with Chris Shalick in Koessler’s Bar, 4 - 7 p.m., Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, www.cranmore.com.

Feb. 17, MWV Ski Team Ski Ball, 5 – 9 p.m., benefit Mt. Washington Valley Ski Team, buffet dinner, auction, music by Rek-lis, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, www.cranmore.com.

Feb. 17, Women’s Ice Climbing Course, International Mountain Climbing School, 2733 White Mt. Highway, N. Conway, pre-register: 603-356-7064, www.climbimcs. com

Feb. 17 & 18, Capturing Light in the Interior with Amy Brnger, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Jackson Art Gallery, 155 Ridge Rd., Jackson, 603-387-3463, www.jacksonartnh.com.

Feb. 17 & 18, Cranapalooza, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m., music, games, s’mores, Ci-more the Penguin visits, Schneider Park, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, www.cranmore.com.

Feb. 17-19, Three Day Basic Mountaineering Course, International Mountain Climbing School, 2733 White Mt. Highway, N. Conway, pre-register: 603-356-7064, www.climbimcs.com

Feb. 18, Judy Collins, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Rd., Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

Feb. 18, Live Music with Mike & Becca of Rek-lis in Koessler’s Bar, 4 - 7 p.m., Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, www.cranmore.com.

Feb. 18, Mitch Alden performs, 3:30 p.m., Lostbo Pub, Black Mountain, 373 Black Mt. Rd., Jackson, www.blackmt.com, 603-383-4490.

Feb. 18, Stan & Dan Uphill Series, 7:45 – 8:45 p.m., Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, www.cranmore.com.

Feb. 19, Chris Schalick performs, 3:30 p.m., Lostbo Pub, Black Mountain, 373 Black Mt. Rd., Jackson, www.blackmt.com, 603-383-4490.

Feb. 19, Live Music with Colin Hart in Koessler’s Bar, 4 - 7 p.m., Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, www.cranmore.com.

Feb. 20, Haunted Hikes of NH, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Avenue, Conway, 603-447-5552, www.conwaypubliclibrary.org.

Feb. 20, Live Music with Peter Downing in Koessler’s Bar, 4 - 7 p.m., Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, www.cranmore.com.

Feb. 20, Winter Art Camp, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., for grades 1-4, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, pre-register: 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org

Feb. 21, Live Music with Mike & Becca of Rek-lis in Koessler’s Bar, 4 - 7 p.m., music, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, www.cranmore.com.

Feb. 21, Winter Survival, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., for grades 3-6, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, pre-register: 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org

Feb. 22, Adult Van Trip to Oxford Casino, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., offered by Conway Parks & Rec. Dept., open to first 12 people to register, www.conwayrec.com or call Todd at 603-901-1139 to register.

Feb. 22, Live Music with Colin Hart in Koessler’s Bar, 4 - 7 p.m., Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, www.cranmore.com.

Feb. 22, Tracks and Trails, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., for grades 2-6, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, pre-register: 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org

Feb. 22-March 10, 13 A New Musical, M&D Playhouse, at Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse, 2760 White Mountain Highway, N. Conway, 603-733-5275, www.mdplayhouse. com.

Feb. 23, Friday Night Jazz with Tom Robinson & Brian Hathaway, 7 p.m., Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.

Feb. 23, Live Music with Candie Allen in Koessler’s Bar, 4 - 7 p.m., Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, www.cranmore.com.

Feb. 23, Winter Birds, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., for grades K-2, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, pre-register: 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org

Feb. 24, Cranapalooza & Fireworks, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., music, games, s’mores, Cimore the Penguin visits, Schneider Park, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, www.cranmore.com.

Feb. 24, Cranmore Park Series, all-day event, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, www.cranmore.com.

Feb. 24, Live Music with Greg Walsch in Koessler’s Bar, 4 - 7 p.m., Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, www.cranmore.com.

Feb. 24, Soggy Po’ Boys, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Rd., Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

Feb. 24 & 25, Steve H. Deviant Music performs, 3:30 p.m., Lostbo Pub, Black Mountain, 373 Black Mt. Rd., Jackson, www.blackmt.com, 603-383-4490.

Feb. 24-March 2, Wolfeboro Winter Carnival, many events around Wolfeboro, 603569-5639, www.wolfeboronh.us.

Feb. 25, Ski, Shoe & Fatbike to the Clouds, 10 a.m., N. America’s Toughest 10K, Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, 1 Mount Washington Auto Rd., Gorham, 603-4663988, www.greatglentrails.com.

Feb. 25, Stan & Dan Uphill Series, 7:45 – 8:45 a.m., Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, www.cranmore.com.

Feb. 28, Live Music with Mayhem in Koessler’s Bar, 4 - 7 p.m., Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, www.cranmore.com.

Feb. 29, Kevin Dolan & Simon Crawford concert, 6:30 p.m., Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.

March 1, Bill Friel Three, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Rd., Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

March 1, Friday Night Jazz with Brad Terry & Peter Herman, 7 p.m., Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.

March 1, Tim Dion performs, 3:30 p.m., Lostbo Pub, Black Mountain, 373 Black Mt. Rd., Jackson, www.blackmt.com, 603-383-4490.

March 2, Chris Shalick performs, 3:30 p.m., Lostbo Pub, Black Mountain, 373 Black Mt. Rd., Jackson, www.blackmt.com, 603-383-4490.

March 2, Dennis O’Neil & Davey Armstrong music, 7 p.m., Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.

March 2, Storyteller/Musician Bill Harlan, 7 – 8 p.m., Whitney Community Center, 16 Black Mountain Rd., Jackson, 603-383-6861.

March 3, Candie Tremblay performs, 3:30 p.m., Lostbo Pub, Black Mountain, 373 Black Mt. Rd., Jackson, www.blackmt.com, 603-383-4490.

March 7, Comedian Bob Marley, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Rd., Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

March 8, Candie Tremblay performs, 3:30 p.m., Lostbo Pub, Black Mountain, 373 Black Mt. Rd., Jackson, www.blackmt.com, 603-383-4490.

March 8, Mary’s Mountain Snowshoe, 10 a.m. – noon, Green Mountain Conservation Group, 236 Huntress Bridge Rd., Effingham, register: 603-539-1859, www.gmcg.org.

March 8, Sierra Hull, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Rd., Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

March 9, 2nd Annual Chili on the Hill, 3 – 9 p.m., The Inn on Main, 200 N. Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1335, www.innnewhampshire.com.

March 9, Missy Raines & Allegheny, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Rd., Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

March 11, Lisa Gardner Book Launch/Signing, 6 - 8 p.m., Horsefeathers Restaurant, 2679 White Mt. Highway, N. Conway, presented by White Birch Books, 603-356-3200.

March 13, Winter Nature Story and Discovery Time, 10 – 11 a.m., Green Mountain Conservation Group, 236 Huntress Bridge Rd., Effingham, register: 603-539-1859, www.gmcg.org.

ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts/CCAC, art, shows, workshops and events, open year-round with seasonal hours, 603-323-8041, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, www.chocoruaartworks.com

Believe in Books Literacy Foundation/Theatre in the Wood, Intervale, programs for children, 603-356-9980, www.believeinbooks.org.

Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods, nature trails open for hiking, 740 Mt. Israel Rd., Center Sandwich, 603-284-6428, www.chapmansanctuaryvisnywoods.com. Cog Railway, 3168 Base Station Rd., Mount Washington, 800-922-8825, www.thecog. com

Conway Historical Society, historical info., 603-447-5551, www.conwayhistoricalsociety.org.

Conway Scenic Railroad, train rides to White Mt. areas, reservations: 6030-356-5251, station located at 38 Norcross Circle, N. Conway, www.conwayscenic.com.

Fall Running/Walking Series, 3:30 – 6:15 p.m., weekly series for all ages/abilities on Tuesdays, timed or untimed, Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, 1 Mount Washington Auto Rd., Gorham, pre-register: 603-466-3988, www.greatglentrails.com

Friday Painters, 12:30 - 3 p.m., meet weekly, Mt. Washington Valley Arts Assoc., Gibson Center, 14 Grove St., N. Conway, ken@gibsoncenter.org

Great Glen Trails, outdoor center/activities, Mt. Washington Auto Rd., Gorham, 603466-3988, www.greatglentrails.com.

Guided Snowshoe Tours, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, call for hours, 603-3839355, 153 Main St., Jackson, www.jacksonxc.org

In the Round, Sundays at 8:45 a.m., thought-provoking topics related to tolerance, Benz Center, Sandwich, 603-284-7532.

Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild, meets second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 115 Main St., Wolfeboro. A second group meets first and third Tuesday of each month at Community Center, 22 Lehner St., Wolfeboro, www.llqg.net

Lakes Region Curling Association, winter leagues, matches at Pop Whalen Ice & Arts Center, Wolfeboro, Sundays 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., 84 S. Main St., 603-569-5639.

Making Strides, 8 – 9 a.m., indoor walking for exercise at Ossipee Town Hall, Mon.Fri., 55 Main St., Ossipee, info: 603-539-1307, www.ossipee.org.

Mount Washington Valley Curling Club, meets through April, Ham Area, 87 West Main St., Conway, curl@mwvcurlingclub.org

Mount Washington Valley Square Dancers, meets on Wednesdays through May at N. Conway Community Center, 78 Norcross Circle, N. Conway, 508-269-8963.

Naturalist Led Hikes, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, space limited, registration/info.: 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org

NE Ski Museum, ski exhibits, 2628 White Mt. Highway, N. Conway, www. newenglandskimuseum.org.

Outdoor Nature Based Storytime for Young Children, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8510, www.tamworthlibrary.org.

Quilting Group, 1 - 4 p.m., meets every 2 weeks, Ossipee Public Library, 74 Main St., Ossipee, schedule/info: 603-539-6390.

Roller Skating Night, 5 p.m., Mondays, bring your own skates, for age 18 and up, Ossipee Town Hall, 55 Main St., Ossipee, info: 603-539-1307, www.ossipee.org.

Tamworth Farmer’s Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m. - noon, 30 Tamworth Road, Tamworth, info: www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org

Tamworth History Center, 25 Great Hill Rd., Tamworth, info: www.tamworthhistorycenter.org

Thursday Night Book Club, meets fourth Thursday of every month for discussion of books; Mystery Book Club meets second Thursday of the month, White Birch Books, 2568 White Mt. Highway, N. Conway, 603-356-3200, www.whitebirchbooks.com.

Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, programs, hikes, nature learning center, 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org

Ukulele Club, second & fourth Tuesdays of each month, 6 p.m., 2718 Wakefield Rd., Wakefield Corner, 603-522-3189.

Wolfeboro Table Tennis, meets every Wed. from 4 - 6 p.m., in basement of All Saints Church, Wolfeboro, all skill levels welcome, $5 admission charge each week, info: 603-520-5651.

• Stay in continued from page 4

1 cup buttermilk

½ stick butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cheese. Add the chiles and/or jalapenos, eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter and mix well to completely combine. Pour batter into a greased or parchment lined 9-inch square casserole dish and bake for 25-30 minutes and until golden brown. Serve warm with honey and/or butter. Also remember that if you want to make some exciting muffins in the morning, follow the same recipe but adjust the cooking time 15-18 minutes.

Okay, it’s chili time. Before we get into actual recipes, there are two things I want to mention. First, I always like to suggest how many servings there are when I share recipes, but with soup/ stews/chilis, everyone’s serving size is different, depending on having a cup or bowl or as a light lunch or as a dinner. That being said, I’ll mention approximately how many cups of each chili recipe you will get, and if you think you will need more, I suggest doubling up on each one. Hey, leftover soups and chilis never go to waste so if you have leftovers, all the better. Second, most any chili is at its best with an array of toppings, such as shredded cheddar, sour cream, sliced or diced avocados or guacamole, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, among other things, so I’m not going to list these in each recipe to avoid repetition. Let’s start off with a traditional chili since I did get a couple of requests for it. Most normal chili recipes are made with tomatoes, as does this one, but it also includes beef broth which gives it great additional flavor. Prep time is 15 minutes, and you can cook it in as little time as under a half hour, although I always suggest letting most any soup or chili simmer for longer to enhance

all flavors. This is good for 8-10 cups. Although this recipe calls for ground beef, you can use ground turkey, bison or any combo.

Traditional Chili

2 lbs lean ground beef

2 medium yellow onions, diced

2 medium bell peppers of choice, red, green, yellow, or orange or a combo of 2, diced

2 cans stewed, crushed, or diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz each

2 cans beef broth, 14.5 oz each

1 can of dark red kidney beans, 15 oz, drained and rinsed

2 tbsp chili powder or more

2 tsp ground cumin or more

Salt & pepper to taste

In a large stockpot over med-high heat, brown the ground meat with diced onion and bell pepper until the meat is just done. You shouldn’t need any oil as you will end up with the melted fat from the beef. Drain the fat if preferred, although if the beef was truly lean, there shouldn’t be that much so it might not be worth it. Add the rest of the ingredients in with the ground meat mixture, including seasonings and stir to combine well. Bring the chili to a light boil and then lower heat to simmer and cover. After a little bit, taste it and add more cumin and/or chili powder depending on your taste. I always add more cumin, and likely salt and pepper. As I mentioned, chili can be enjoyed in as little as 10-20 minutes after simmering. However, if you’ve got the time, allow chili to simmer for a couple of hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you allow the chili to cook, the tastier it will become. After simmering for a preferred amount of time, adjust seasonings again as needed, ladle into bowls and top with any of your favorite chili toppings. Enjoy!

Some may instantly want to try the following while some may blow right by it as this is a vegan chili, but even though I’m a diehard carnivore, this chili is outstanding so don’t let the vegan part of this chase you away because

I truly feel that anyone who partakes in this one is sure to enjoy it. Butternut squash is the main player, combined with many of the usuals, such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, black beans, kidney beans, and much of the usual combination of southwestern spices. It’s a unique chili while still maintaining much of the usual flavors of traditional chili. It just doesn’t have any meat. Although most chilis are relatively healthy compared to many soups and stews, this one is the healthiest of the bunch today for sure. Prep time depends on if you buy the squash whole and have to peel it and cut it as that takes 15 minutes, but if you buy it all done for you, total prep time will be 15 minutes and cook time a minimum of 45 minutes unless you want to let it simmer. Plan on this getting you 8-10 cups. This, like most, is very easy to put together.

Vegan Butternut Squash Chili

¾ -1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 large red or green bell pepper, diced 2 small yellow or white onion, diced 9-10 cups cubed butternut squash

2 ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste, as needed

¾ tsp ground pepper, plus more to taste, as needed

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 tsp chili powder

2 tsp ground cumin

¾ tsp dried oregano leaves

¾ tsp paprika

¾ tsp crushed red pepper

2 cans black beans, 15 oz, drained and rinsed

1 can kidney beans, 15 oz, drained and rinsed

3 cans diced tomatoes, 14 oz each, not drained. I suggest using fire-roasted tomatoes

1 ½ cup vegetable broth, more or less, depending on how thick you like your chili.

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large stock pot. Sauté onion, bell pepper and butternut squash until onion and bell pepper are soft. Add garlic and

sauté another couple of minutes. Stir in seasonings and add beans, tomatoes, and broth. Combine all ingredients and bring chili to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to just above a simmer. Cook for 45-60 minutes and until squash is tender. Taste and add more salt, pepper and/or any other seasonings needed. Good stuff.

The next one is sort of a combo of the traditional chili and the vegan. Yes, it has the beef of the usual chili but also includes a close friend of butternut squash, that being sweet potatoes. This has a longer list of ingredients and prep as well as cooking time is a little longer, but you get the goodness of the beef as well as the sweetness of the taters. Again, this is a great option. Prep time is a half hour and cooking time minimum is an hour. Like the last one, plan on 8-10 cups. This is so thick and hearty!

Sweet Potato and Beef Chili

1 ½ tbsp olive oil

1 ½ cup finely diced yellow onion

1 ½ cup finely diced red pepper

1 ½ tbsp finely minced garlic, about 5-6 cloves

3 cups peeled and chopped sweet potatoes, 1 ½ -2 large or 4 medium/small taters should do it

1 ½ -2 lb lean 80/20 ground beef, or ground turkey if preferred

3-4 tbsp chili powder depending on your taste

3-4 tsp ground cumin

1 ½ tsp each of smoked paprika, dried oregano, beef bouillon powder

1 ¼ tsp fine sea salt

¾ tsp each of onion powder, freshly cracked pepper

½ tsp garlic powder

¼- ½ tsp cayenne pepper, optional, but awesome if you love extra heat

3 tbsp tomato paste

3 cans fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, 14.5 oz each

3 cans black beans, 15.25 oz, drained

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and rinsed

1 ½ -2 cups frozen corn

1 ½ cups chicken stock or broth

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once oil is shimmering, add in the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, about 5 minutes or until onion is translucent. Reduce the heat to medium and add in the diced sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally for 7-9 minutes. If anything is burning or over-browning, reduce the heat a little. Press the veggies to the side of the pot and add the ground beef in the center. Increase heat to medium high and cook, crumbling as you go, until browned on the outside, about 5 minutes. Incorporate the veggies as you cook the meat. If there is accumulated liquid, drain that off. Add in the garlic and stir for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add in all the spices and the tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes or until fragrant. Add in the crushed tomatoes and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Add in the black beans, frozen corn, and chicken stock. Stir, and bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered for 30-45 minutes or until chili thickens and sweet potato chunks are tender. Stir periodically as it simmers. Remove from the heat. Season to taste with any additional salt/pepper or any added chili powder or cumin or other spices as needed. I like to add a few tbsp of lime juice and about ¼ cup chopped cilantro here. Add your favorite toppings to individual bowls as

they add a lot!

Lastly today, I end with one of my favorites of any type of soup or chili, a classic white chicken chili. If you’ve never had it, you’re in for a treat. This is tomato-less chicken chili, using vegetable stock, white beans, green chilis, corn, cilantro as well as most of the usual veggies and spices. This is so rich and creamy and so in its own league as it’s so much different than any chili out there. Plan on getting 7-8 cups, prep time is only 5-10 minutes and cooking time is a minimum of 45 minutes.

White Chicken Chili

3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken meat

1 large yellow onion, diced

1 large red bell pepper, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 qt low sodium chicken broth or stock

2 cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed, 15 oz each

2 cans diced green chiles, 4 oz each. Depending on your taste, you can use hot and/or mild

1 can whole kernel sweet corn, 15 oz, drained

1 small handful fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tsp cumin

2 tsp oregano

1 tsp chili powder

1 packet dry ranch dressing mix

½ tsp cayenne pepper, optional

4-6 oz reduced fat or regular cream cheese, room temp and cut into many pieces

½ cup half and half

Salt & pepper, to taste

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil or butter over

medium-high heat and add onions and peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then add garlic for 1 minute, stirring often. Add in chicken, broth, beans, green chiles, corn, cilantro, and all seasonings. Stir to combine. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook uncovered for 2030 minutes. Stir in cream cheese and the half and half and let simmer a few

minutes. Stir to make sure all the cream cheese is incorporated. Serve with your favorite toppings. This is one I strongly suggest doubling up on with the recipe.

Until next time, enjoy some chili and cornbread my valley friends and if you care to reach out with any questions or feedback, touch base at fenwaysox10@ gmail.com

Chocorua Lake Conservancy Owl Prowl

With cold winters and long dark nights comes the opportunity to experience the unique magic of being outdoors in the brightness of a full moon on snow.

On Monday, February 26 at 6:30 PM, join Chocorua Lake Conservancy (CLC) for an evening Owl Prowl with US Forest Service wildlife biologist

Chris Costello and CLC Stewardship Director Debra Marnich. We’ll take a walk at Charlotte C. Browne Woods in Chocorua, listening and calling for owls and experiencing the world of nocturnal animals by the light of a near-full moon.

As one of nature’s amazing “living mouse traps,” owls play an important role in the fields and forests of this area, even though we may not see or hear them often. Special feathers, eyesight and hearing serve owls well as nighttime hunters. As we walk, we’ll try some experiments that will help demonstrate some of these unique owl adaptations.

Great horned owls and barred owls are some of the earliest nesting birds here in NH, laying eggs during the months of January through March in

spite of cold temperatures and snow. Listening for their calls at night is a wonderful way to locate where they may be living in the surrounding forests. A moonlit night affords the possibility to see their shadowy silhouette as well. No guarantees that we will find owls on this walk, but you won’t regret spending time out in the bright winter night.

Meet by 6:30 PM at the C.C. Browne parking lot. Please wear warm layers, bring a flashlight or headlamp, and snowshoes or ice grippers—our path will depend on ground conditions, but you will likely want one or the other. This event is free/by donation, and families are welcome with kids old enough to manage the ground conditions. Space is limited, and we want to be able to let you know if the schedule changes—please register in advance at chocorualake.org/events. Parking is also limited—please carpool with a friend if possible. Want to learn more about owls before the walk? You can find naturalist Lynne Flaccus’s CLC presentation “All About New Hampshire Owls” here: bit.ly/NH-owls.

Nordic Skiing- Gliding Through the Snow

By Lee Caldwell

Nordic skiing has many variations, including the age-old traditional discipline, known in this country as cross-country skiing. Skis are narrower than downhill skis, with a free-heel binding. It is recognizable by the stride technique that looks like you are walking on your skis and takes place on maintained track with parallel grooves in the snow acting as ski guides.

Other variations include skate skiing, which takes place on wide, flat groomed trails with a stride similar to ice skating; light touring, which uses slightly wider skis which can adapt better between well-maintained trails

and going off the trails onto mild ungroomed areas; Telemark, which has a more heavy-duty design and combines elements of downhill skiing with nordic skiing; and alpine touring, which is more suited for backcountry exploration, with a heel binding that is free during ascent and locks down during descent.

Bretton Woods Ski Area in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, is celebrating its 50th anniversary and has an extensive 100 km Nordic trail system complete with grooming for both the track set of cross-country skiing and the flat surface necessary for skate skiing. Encompassing 1,770 acres, the system

Expert Repairs Done on Site

has 45 trails, with a peak elevation of 2,800 feet. Areas of the trail system are dog-friendly. A Nordic Ski Center/Nordic Ski School offers lessons and ski rentals. Craig Clemmer, director of Sales and Marketing at Omni White Mountain Resorts, states, “The Bretton Woods Ski Area has high-elevation groomed Nordic trails. A quad lift to Mountain Road will take skiers to a 5-mile Nordic Trail, located at the Bretton Woods Alpine Ski Area. The campus is the White Mountain National Forest.” He goes on to enthuse, “The mountain setting, the Ammonoosuc River Valley, the high alpine Nordic cabin, the natural skiing up on top, and the vistas make the experience unique.”

King Pine Ski Area in Madison, New Hampshire, has 20 kilometers of cross-country skiing.

Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley, Maine (Rangeley area), has 50 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center.

Carter’s X Country Ski Center in Bethel, Maine, has 55 km of groomed trails for both classic cross-country and skate skiing, extending into the Mahoosic and Presidential ranges. In addition, there are some ungroomed trails for backcountry skiing. Trails are dog-friendly. The center offers lessons and ski rentals as well.

Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford, New Hampshire, is another venue for cross-country skiing, with lessons available. Director of Marketing Bonnie MacPherson states, “On the Nordic side of the Gunstock experience, cross-country skiing enthusiasts will find a variety of beautiful, wooded trails (27 km in total) that are groomed for classic and skate skiing styles. Dedicated snowshoe trails that wind their way through the resort’s scenic wetlands and woodlands are available as well. The Gunstock Nordic Center serves as a welcome hub, rental center,

and retail venue.”

She continues, “Gunstock’s Nordic trails are dog-friendly, so there’s no need to leave that four-legged family member at home. There are even skijoring clinics and gear to rent, so skiers can experience the thrill of being pulled by dog-power.”

Waterville Valley Resorts Nordic Center in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, has been described as the cross-country ski hub of the Northeast. The Nordic Center offers rentals. The cross-country trail system has more than 70 km of groomed trails for both skate and classic skiing. The Nordic trail system is accessible from various locations across the valley, including Town Square, Snow’s Mountain, and the Alpine Ski Area. Snowshoeing is welcome on any trail. Dogs are welcome on select trails.

Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire, has a network of cross-country trails located on historic logging roads. There is periodic trail grooming. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed and cleaned up after.

Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center in Gorham, New Hampshire, offers a banquet of winter outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, human-powered snow-tubing, fat biking, and snowshoeing, as well as special events throughout the winter season. Located at the base of Mount Washington, they have 45 km of clearly marked trails (both groomed and un-groomed). Some trails are dog-friendly. Races include the Nordic Meisters and the Ski, Shoe, and Fatbike to the Clouds. They have classic ski and skate ski rentals as well as lessons.

Jackson XC, a non-profit charitable organization in Jackson, New Hampshire, has established 100 km of trails

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SAME SPACE. NEW POSSIBILITIES.

Dreaming of comfortable spaces and lower home energy bills? It’s probably time to think about replacing your windows and doors. Not sure where to start? We’re here to help you understand each step of the process and nd everything you need to achieve your replacement vision.

Schedule a visit at your local Belletetes, Marvin replacement specialist, today.

Butterfly Monitoring Network

Butterflies serve as important biodiversity indicators for ecosystem health and provide food for many organisms such as migrating birds. There are more than 100 species of butterflies in New Hampshire, but data on their presence and distribution is limited. With butterflies frequenting forests, fields, wetlands, and backyards all over the state, volunteer observations are critical to providing a landscape view of the diversity of species in the state.

A six-part online training series hosted by the NH Butterfly Monitoring Network will provide information on butterflies in New Hampshire, butterfly biology and identification, and how to get involved in monitoring and data collection efforts. The NH Butterfly Monitoring Network is a collaborative effort designed to engage volunteers in the counting and identification of butterflies across the Granite State. Information provided by volunteers can contribute to the understanding of longterm trends in butterfly populations and inform conservation actions for both common and declining species.

Webinars in the series include:

March 6 from 6:30–7:30 p.m: Butterflies in New Hampshire

Heidi Holman, NH Fish & Game Department, and Haley Andreozzi, UNH Extension

March 13 from 6:30–7:30 p.m: Introduction to Identifying Butterflies

Mark Ellingwood, Wildlife Biologist and Volunteer with the Harris Center for Conservation Education

March 20 from 6:30–7:30 p.m: How to Identify Hairstreaks and Blue Butterflies

George DeWolf, Coordinator of the Baker Pond Butterfly Count

March 27 from 6:30–7:30 p.m: How to Identify Fritillary and Checkerspot Butterflies

Amy Highstrom, Coordinator of the Lake Sunapee Butterfly Count

April 3 from 6:30–7:30 p.m: How to Identify Brown and Skipper Butterflies

Rick Van de Poll, Ecologist and Research Director at Tin Mountain Conservation Center

April 10 from 6:30–7:30 p.m: Become a Volunteer Guide of the NH Butterfly Monitoring Network Haley Andreozzi, UNH Extension

All butterfly enthusiasts are welcome regardless of experience. For more information and to register for any of these sessions visit naturegroupie.org

The NH Fish and Game Department and UNH Cooperative Extension lead the NH Butterfly Monitoring Network with collaboration from partners statewide including NH Audubon, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, the Harris Center for Conservation Education, and the Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust. ROUTE

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(50-plus trails) and 40 km of self-guiding snowshoe trails, as well as guided tours. There are multiple access points/ parking along the trail system itself. A ski school offers lessons. Rentals are available. They also have a youth program. The physical address of Jackson Ski Touring is 153 Main Street in Jackson.

Wolfeboro XC Ski Association in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, has established a 30 km system of groomed trails that include the Abenaki Cross

Country Ski Trail Network and the Sewall Woods Cross Country Ski Trail Network. They offer a youth Nordic ski program. Headquarters is located at the Nordic Skier ski shop in Wolfeboro, and passes are available there. Rentals are available.

Whether you are a beginner, classic Nordic skier, or a more experienced backcountry skier, it is important to always check the snow and trail report (as conditions can change rapidly) before you go, and to make reservations for lessons and any rentals.

Copy Editor/Proofreader

Smiley Publishing is seeking a year-round Copy Editor/ Proofreader. The position is part time, 15+/- hours per week. The hours will vary depending on the time of year, with more hours in our busy summer season.

Qualifications; must be detail oriented, able to work with and meet tight deadlines, have a working knowledge of the print industry, and be proficient using Microsoft Word; knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop are a plus. Duties include; copy editing stories and press releases, and proofreading publications on a tight deadline schedule. Knowledge of proofreader’s marks, style guide, and ability to edit copy and rewrite articles are a must.

Please email resume to dan@thelaker.com or mail to The Laker, PO Box 119, Wolfeboro Falls, NH 03896.

Gafney February Artist of the Month

Brighten up your February by visiting the Gafney Library in Sanbornville to view colorful, vibrant paintings by husband-andwife team, Henry, and Nancy Grover. Henry may be recognized as the skilled window washer of business storefronts in area towns. Henry explains, “Nancy and I were looking for something to do together that we would both enjoy and decided to use a computer to learn painting techniques.” Henry and Nancy bought paint supplies from local vendors to create their art then began setting up small displays and selling their works in businesses where Henry did his window washing.

The Gafney established a monthly exhibit space many years ago to highlight local artwork, first using clear fish line and paper clips to hang art pieces. Through an Alden Young Grant, a Walker Hanging System was installed to hang various types of exhibits - from colorful draped kites one breezy March to Native American crafts, to all art mediums from local known and unknown artists. Exhibit Coordinator Peter Abate is on a constant search for new and well-established artists and may be reached at the Gafney at 603.522.3401.

Forests for the People: The Story of the Eastern National Forests

We may take for granted now the 800,000 acres of the White Mountain National Forest, with its over 1,200 miles of non-motorized trails, but in fact it is hardly more than 100 years old.

The Grover’s art is visually appealing due to a combination of unexpected colors strategically splashed in many directions on canvases of many different shapes and sizes. Their chosen medium is acrylic paint, and occasionally water to change the gravity and vary paint movement. Art pieces are created on a flat surface in the Grovers’ home work area. In Henry’s words, “This show at the Gafney will be the longest running and biggest we have had so far. We are very happy with it and are looking forward to where it will lead.”

All pieces in the Grovers’ exhibit are for sale, range in price from $25 to $100, and may be purchased directly through the Grovers (henrygrover222@gmail.com) or during their reception, open to the public, on Thursday, February 22nd from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Gafney.

The Grover’s exhibit may be viewed during library open hours of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Call the Gafney at 603.522.3401 for more information.

On Wednesday, February 21, at 7 PM, join Chocorua Lake Conservancy and Cook Memorial Library for Forests for the People: The Story of the Eastern National Forests, with David Govatski, live via Zoom. Forests for the People is the story of the forest conservation movement that started in New England and led to the establishment of 41 Eastern National Forests, including the White Mountain National Forest.

Today, we have 154 National Forests and 20 National Grasslands in the United States, and none had more public support from a diverse group of citizens, organizations, and businesses than the White Mountain National Forest. The national forest system now covers 193 million acres of public land and is truly national in scope because

of the events that started in New England. This presentation describes the people and events behind the forest conservation movement, the passage of the Weeks Act, ongoing controversies, and future challenges in managing “the lands of many uses.” Please register in advance at chocorualake.org/ events or tamworthlibrary.org.

About the Presenter: David Govatski is co-author, with Christopher Johnson, of Forests for the People – The Story of the Eastern National Forests and is a frequent speaker and writer covering conservation and natural history topics. He was the Secretary of the Weeks Act Centennial Committee in 2011 and co-curator of the Centennial of the White Mountain National Forest exhibition in 2018 at the Museum of the White Mountains. He has visited all 174 National Forests and National Grasslands. David retired after a 34-year career with the US Forest Service and lives in Jefferson, New Hampshire.

Photo courtesy of David Govatsky: Middle Sister Groundhouse.