AlongRt16_July_23

Wolfeboro: 603-569-3128

Center

Alton: 603-875-3128

Meredith: 603-677-7068

Castle In The Clouds: A Stony Jewel

By Lee Caldwell

Built in 1913-1914 by wealthy shoe manufacturer Thomas Plant and his wife, Olive, the Castle in the Clouds mountaintop mansion is a prime example of the arts-and-craft style. The stone mansion called “Lucknow” by the Plants has influences of Scandinavian, Swiss, Norman and Japanese architecture. This stony jewel is sitting in a 5,500-acre setting with amazing views of the Ossipee Mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee.

The Plants ran into financial difficulties and, when Thomas Plant died in 1941, Olive was forced into foreclosure. There was then a series of private owners until 1959 when Richard Robie opened the Castle as an attraction for the public.

In 2002, the Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) obtained the property with the help of 2,000 donors, and after four years of negotiations, the Castle Preservation Society (a non-profit) took over 135 acres and the actual preservation of the interior and exterior of the buildings. The Lakes Region Conservation Trust retained the rest of the acreage and the hiking trails. The two entities work together as partners to help preserve and maintain the property.

Charles “Chuck” Clark, executive director, states that the Castle Preservation Trust (CPS) has invested $5 million into the restoration of the stone castle mansion, the gate houses, and the carriage house, operating a historic

museum and offering educational and historical programming with key partners.

Tours of “Lucknow” run Thursdays through Tuesdays, starting at 10 a.m. Some of the furnishings owned by the Plants remain in the castle and have been restored, and an attempt has been made to place them in their original locations by utilizing photos taken during that period. There is also a separate tour of the castle basement which gives a glimpse into the life of the servants of the time and also showcases the “ultra-modern” appliances that the Plants utilized.

Chuck’s particular favorite spot in

the mansion is in the mountain balcony where you get a spectacular view of the Ossipee Mountains.

Noted for its lovely views and its gardens, the Castle is now a popular wedding venue, with 45-50 weddings per season (from May to October), with a number of wedding packages offered. All packages include the services of a wedding coordinator as well as other amenities.

The Carriage House restaurant serves an American Bistro Menu lunch on Thursdays through Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The menu has soup, sandwiches, and salads, and seating is available on the patio with views

of Lake Winnipesaukee. The Carriage House was an actual carriage house for the Plants’ horses, and the original cobbled flooring and wrought iron stall dividers remain.

The LRCT maintains the hiking trails. Hiking trails and parking are free and open to the public. The LRCT has two parking areas: one on Route 171 and one at the end of Ossipee Park Road in the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area. There are approximately 30 miles of hiking trails (remnants of the Plants’ bridle paths) meandering through the seven Ossipee Mountains.

One popular trail is the Brook Walk, a 0.5-mile trail that passes seven waterfalls: Roaring Falls, Twin Falls, Whittier Falls, The Cascades, Emerald Pool Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Falls of Song. Chuck states that the hike along Oak Ridge Trail, with both “Lucknow” and Lake Winnipesaukee in the background, and the hike to Bald Knob, with its amazing view, are particular favorites with his family.

As executive director, Chuck wants to emphasize some of the additional special programs and events that are held at Castle in the Clouds. Some of them are free; some of them cost a modest fee.

He goes on to list some of the recurring programs: Story Time, Monday mornings, June 26 - August 21; Solar Gazing with the New Hampshire • Castle continued on page 4

Route

Along

Arsenic and Old Lace at The Barnstormers Theatre

Mortimer Brewster is living a happy life: He has a steady job at a prominent New York newspaper, he’s just become engaged, and he gets to visit his sweet spinster to announce the engagement.

Mortimer always knew that his family had a bit of a mad gene — one brother believes himself to be Teddy Roosevelt and the other strangely now resembles Boris Karloff — but his world is turned upside down when he realizes that his dear aunts have been poisoning lonely old men for years. When Mortimer’s maniacal brother, Jonathan, returns on the night that the aunts were planning to bury the newest victim, Mortimer must rally to help his aunts and protect his fiancée — all while trying to keep his own sanity as well.

Perhaps best known through the 1944 film adaptation starring Cary

• Castle

continued from page 3

Astronomical Society, Monday afternoons, Memorial Day - August; Music Nights, Mondays and Tuesdays, June 5 - September 19; Yoga on the lawn of Lucknow, Wednesday evenings through August 30; Land, People, and Property Tours, Thursday mornings through September; Garden Tours, Friday mornings and the first and third Saturday mornings of each month through October 7; Hikers Club, Saturday mornings throughout the season; guided hikes, August 7 and 22, September 8 and 17, and October 5 and 20; Constellations at the Castle presented with the New Hampshire Astronomical Society, July 27 and August 24; and Creative Writing workshops, August 20 and October 8.

Special programs and events include courses in painting; jewelry workshops; humanities programs; a Castle After Hours program; the New Hamp-

Grant, directed by Frank Capra, The Barnstormers also has a long history with the Brewster Family, first performing “Arsenic and Old Lace” in 1950. The farcical comedy is sure to continue to delight the Barnstormer’s audience.

Directed by Clayton Phillips, the production stars Vinette Cotter and Jean Mar Brown as the Brewster sisters, Jordan Ahnquist and Dale Place as Mortimer and Teddy Brewster, and David Sitler as Jonathan Brewster, along with Andrew Sellon, Amahri Edwards-Jones, C. Mingo Long, Craig Capone, Bob Bates, Kevin Herrera, Jorge Barranco, and Dustin Teuber.

“How exciting is it to have the Brewster Family back on stage at The Barnstormers Theatre, and with such a tremendous cast!” said Artistic Director Sarah Rozene. “This show holds such a special place in not just American Theatre, but in the hearts of The Barnstormers actors and audiences as well. We can’t wait to share it with you.”

shire Humane Society 5K; a Brook Walk Sketch and Hike; Concerts in the Clouds with Great Waters (tickets available from Great Waters); performance by the theatre group Advice to the Players out of Sandwich; and many other events. To get a full listing of programs, visit https://www.castleintheclouds.org/upcoming-events which has more details, registration information, and the most up-to- date programs calendar.

Saturday, September 30, is the date of the Castle Car Show, with more than 400 vehicles expected to participate. Graveyard tours, the Castle After Hours, and a Pumpkin Walk will be held in October. In November, Christmas at the Castle kicks off the holiday season on December 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26.

Castle in the Clouds is part of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail and is located on Ossipee Park Road in Moultonborough.

“Arsenic and Old Lace” is presented July 13 – 22 at the Barnstormers The-

atre, 104 Main St., Tamworth, sponsored by the Grappone Automotive Group. Tickets, including discounted same-day tickets for Carroll County residents and budget-friendly Family Packages, are available at barnstormerstheatre.org or 603-323-8500.

Softgoods Wanted for Gafney Library

Trustees of the Gafney Library in Sanbornville will be collecting soft goods over the summer as a fundraiser with proceeds going toward library operating expenses. The collected soft goods will be delivered to Savers in Portsmouth, where cash is given based on pounds of soft goods received. All donated materials are recycled.

This fundraiser is one of several conducted by members of the Gafney Library Board of Trustees who have an intended goal of raising $22,000 annually.

While cleaning out your apartment, home, or summer cottage, please consider bringing unwanted soft goods

to the front of the Gafney Library on the designated pickup days of June 13th, July 13th, July 21st or August 21st between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. Suggested items include men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, purses, backpacks, belts, hats, sheets, towels, bedspreads, blankets, tablecloths, and curtains. Please be sure to bag your goods in heavy-weight trash bags for easy handling.

If you should have any questions about this Savers fundraiser, please contact Janet at 603.522.3579; Sharon at 603.522.8094 or Barbara at 603.702.0316.

Wed.

A Bittersweet Stewardship Morning

Want to learn more about how to reduce the spread of certain invasive, quick-growing plants without using chemicals that pose risks to pollinators and to soil health?

On Wednesday, July 19, from 8:3010:30 AM, join Chocorua Lake Conservancy Stewardship Director Debra Marnich for a morning of camaraderie, exercise, and invasive plant control at the Brown Lot across from Chocorua Lake. Our volunteer stewards will be learning to identify some common invasive plants and how to remove and control those that might otherwise out-compete native trees and shrubs.

Bittersweet, glossy buckthorn, Japanese barberry and knotweed are all considered invasive plants in New England: plants introduced in the US as ornamentals that in some environments can grow abundantly, disburse large quantities of fruits or seeds, and often grow from underground root systems. Invasive plants can grow so thick in some places that they take over habitat normally available to native shrubs that provide cover and food for wildlife.

Our work at the Brown Lot will focus on non-native bittersweet, where large vines have made their way into the canopy of some of the larger trees. We’ll be cutting vines and the low growth in an attempt to keep the vines at bay. Japanese barberry is also present and we’ll tackle that as we come across it in the understory. Herbalists looking for a non-endangered source of berberine are welcome to come join us in our efforts

and take some barberry root home! This is a continuing project after receiving Natural Resources Conservation Service cost-share funding to help with efforts.

The CLC owns the Brown Lot, an undeveloped property located across Rt. 16 from the lake. Working to limit the spread of invasive plants there helps to reduce the chances these species will spread to the lakeshore. Bring work gloves and your favorite clippers if you have them, water and a snack, and please wear sturdy, close-toed shoes. We will have some tools available if needed. Be prepared for bugs and ticks just in case. Meet at The Island public access area on the lake, right off of Route 16. Feel free to come for all or some of the morning. Please register at bit.ly/CLC071923 or via www.chocorualake.org/ events so that we can let you know of any changes in the schedule.

About the Presenter:

CLC Stewardship Director Debra Marnich holds a BS in Zoology and an MS in Forestry. Her major interests and professional focus areas include combining wildlife and forestry practices to manage for both sound silvicultural and optimum wildlife habitat, creating early successional and bird nesting habitat, pollinator habitat creation, promoting small diverse farms local food production/agriculture, promoting land conservation and protection, environmental education, and integrating all resources concerns to create a balanced conservation system.

Start Your Day Off Over Easy

ingredients for our homemade creations. Come by today to try our:

100% Colombian Coffeefreshly ground from whole beans Farm fresh eggs | Specialty Omelets Eggs Benedict - topped with homemade hollandaise, made fresh to order Buttermilk Pancakes | French Toastserved on thick Texas toast Sandwiches & Burgers | Don't forget to check out our daily breakfast & lunch specials!

July 14 & 15, John Davidson at Club Sandwich, 7 p.m., 12 Main St., Center Sandwich, admission/info: https://www.johndavidson.com/weekendshows

July 15, Annual NE Vintage Boat and Car Auction, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., NH Boat Museum, info/pre-register: 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org. Takes place at The Nick, 10 Trotting Track Rd., Wolfeboro. (Preview July 13 & 14 from noon to 5 p.m. and July 15 from 8 to 10 a.m.)

July 15, Hikers Club: Lower Bridle Path, 8 - 10:30 a.m., free, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

July 15, Loon Count, 8 - 9 p.m., Wentworth Watershed, info.: 603-534-0222, info@ wentworthwatershed.org.

July 15, Lucknow Garden Tour, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

July 15, Stacey Kelleher Outdoor Concert, 7 - 9 p.m., free, Cate Park, Wolfeboro, 603-569-2200.

July 15, Sunrise Yoga Series, 7 a.m., at the base of Cranmore with Mountain Kula Yoga, Cranmore Mt., N. Conway, register/info: 800-422-0585, www.cranmore.com

July 15, The Sweet Caroline Tour Starring Jay White, 7:30 - 10 p.m., Castle in the Clouds/Concerts in the Clouds, Moultonborough, Great Waters Music Festival, tickets/ info: www.greatwaters.org

July 15 & 16, Plein Air Painting with Watercolors, 2 - 4 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

July 16, The Iguanas, 7 p.m., Feel the Barn Concert Series, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand.net.

July 17, Music Night at Castle in the Clouds, performer: Colin Hart, dinner and music on the patio, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www. castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

July 17, Solar Gazing, noon - 4 p.m., free, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mt. Rd., Moultonborough, pre-register suggested: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org

July 18, Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting WWII at Home and Abroad, 7 - 8 p..m, Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, info/tickets: 603-569-1212.

July 18, Music Night at Castle in the Clouds, performer: Jared Steer, dinner and music on the patio, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www. castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

July 18, Tiny Tot Tuesdays, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., for babies and toddlers with a caregiver, join Tessa for stories, songs, and fun, free, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Ave., Conway, 603-447-5552.

July 18, 19, 20, Drawing with Colored Pencils, with Martha Koons, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., 3 sessions, ArtWorks Gallery, 132 White Mt. Highway, Chocorua. Pre-register: 603323-8041, www.chocoruaartworks.com.

July 19, Sebago-Long Lake Music Festival, 7:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 36 Main St., Conway. www.conwaymajestic.com, 603-447-4737.

July 19, The Rainbow Fish, 11 a.m., The Colonial Theatre, 2050 Main St., Bethlehem, 603-869-3422, www.bethlehemcolonial.org.

July 19, Yoga on the Lawns of Lucknow, 6 – 7 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 6030-476-5900.

July 19 & 20, Family Class, Fantasy Island Needle Felting with Patsy Frasier, 7/19: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; 7/20: 10 a.m. - noon, League of NH Craftsmen, Center Sandwich Fine Craft Gallery, 32 Main St., Sandwich, 603-284-6831, https://centersandwich.nhcrafts.org/

July 20, All Together Now – Musical Theatre Mashup with Arts in Motion, 4 - 5 p.m., for kids and their caregivers, free, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Ave., Conway, 603-447-5552.

July 20, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country and Western Music, 6 pm, Arts Jubilee, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 1 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, tickets/info: www.artsjubilee.org

July 20, Jewelry Workshop, 1 - 3 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

July 20, Land, People & Property, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mt. Rd., Moultonborough, pre-register required: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org

July 21, All Together Now – Fitness Foundations, 4 - 4:45 p.m., for grades 7 and 8, meets every Friday until Aug. 25 in Library Park, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Ave., Conway, 603-447-5552.

July 21, Beatlemania Again, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, info/tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.

July 21, Brook Walk Hike & Sketch, 2 - 4 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

July 21, Friday Night Vertical Series, 6 - 8 p.m., group start is 7 p.m., for all abilities, run or hike uphill, pizza afterwards at Arlberg building, Cranmore Mt., N. Conway, supports N. Conway Community Center, info: 800-422-0585, www.cranmore.com

July 21, Henley Douglas with Al Hospers, Tim Gilmore & Tom Robinson, 7 p.m., Majestic Café, 32 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.

July 21, Lucknow Garden Tour, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

July 21, Soul Rebel Project, Sunset Concert Series, 7:30 p.m., Believe in Books Literacy Foundation/Theatre in the Wood, 41 Observatory Way, Intervale, tickets/info.: www.believeinbooks.org. or call 603-356-9980.

What’s UP

July 21, Summer Cranapalooza, 12:30 p.m., summer games, music, prizes and more, Artist Falls Lodge, Cranmore Mt., N. Conway, supports N. Conway Community Center, info: 800-422-0585.

July 21 & 22, John Davidson at Club Sandwich, 7 p.m., 12 Main St., Center Sandwich, admission/info: https://www.johndavidson.com/weekendshows

July 22, Bonsal Blues Band, 7:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 36 Main St., Conway. www. conwaymajestic.com, 603-447-4737.

July 22, Hikers Club: Oak Ridge, 8 - 9:30 a.m., free, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

July 22, Mushroom Walk, 10 a.m. - noon, Brewster Heath Preserve, Wentworth Watershed, info.: 603-534-0222, info@wentworthwatershed.org.

July 22, Southern Rail Outdoor Concert, 7 - 9 p.m., free, Cate Park, Wolfeboro, 603569-2200.

July 22, Sunrise Yoga Series, 7 a.m. at the base of Cranmore with Mountain Kula Yoga, Cranmore Mt., N. Conway, register/info: 800-422-0585, www.cranmore.com

July 22 The Garcia Project, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, info/tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.

July 22, Walking Tour with Dr. John Foley, 10 a.m., meets at Wolfeboro Train Station, Wolfeboro Historical Society, info: 603-569-4997, www.wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org.

July 22, Who Lives Here? Walk, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, tickets/pre-register.: 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org

July 22-Aug. 5, Agatha Christie The Stranger, Barnstormers, summer theatre, 104 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8500, www.barnstormerstheatre.org

July 22-23, Butterfly Count, exact day TBA depending on the weather, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, updates/info.: 603-447-6991, www. tinmountain.org

July 23, Watermelon Slim, 7 p.m., Feel the Barn Concert Series, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand.net.

July 24, Music Night at Castle in the Clouds, performer: Joel Cage, dinner and music on the patio, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

July 24, Solar Gazing, noon - 4 p.m., free, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mt. Rd., Moultonborough, pre-register suggested: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org

July 24-Aug. 2, Youth & Family Boat Building, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., nine-day session, NH Boat Museum, info/pre-register: 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org

July 25, Music Night at Castle in the Clouds, performer: Sweep the Leg, dinner and music on the patio, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www. castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

July 25, Patriots from the Barrio, 7 - 8 p.m., Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, info/tickets: 603-569-1212.

July 25, Tiny Tot Tuesdays, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., for babies and toddlers with a caregiver, join Tessa for stories, songs, and fun, free, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Ave., Conway, 603-447-5552.

July 26, Jennie Powers: A Woman Who Dares, 6 - 7 p.m., virtual program, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Ave., Conway, 603-447-5552, event is pre-registration.

July 26, Michael Menes, contemporary vaudevillian and juggler, 11 a.m., The Colonial Theatre, 2050 Main St., Bethlehem, 603-869-3422, www.bethlehemcolonial.org.

July 26, Yoga on the Lawns of Lucknow, 6 - 7 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

July 27, All Together Now – Earth Heroes, Live Animals, by Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Ave., Conway, 603-447-5552.

July 27, Constellations at the Castle, 8 - 10 p.m., free, donations welcome, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations encouraged: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

July 27, Lake Discovery Days, 10:30 a.m. - noon, NH Boat Museum, info/pre-register: 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org

July 27, Land, People & Property, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mt. Rd., Moultonborough, pre-register required: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org

July 27, Seacoast Wind Ensemble, pops concert and fireworks show, 6 p.m., Arts Jubilee, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 1 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, tickets/info: www.artsjubilee.org

July 28, All Together Now – Fitness Foundations, 4 - 4:45 p.m., for grades 7 and 8, meets every Friday until Aug. 25 in Library Park, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Ave., Conway, 603-447-5552.

July 28, Friday Night Vertical Series, 6 - 8 p.m., group start is 7 p.m., for all abilities, run or hike uphill, pizza afterwards at Arlberg building, Cranmore Mt., N. Conway, supports N. Conway Community Center, info: 800-422-0585, www.cranmore.com

July 28, Beginnings: A Celebration of the Music of Chicago, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, info/tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.

July 28, Lawn Party, 5 - 7:30 p.m., 8 Elm St., Freedom, www.freedomoldhomeweek. com

July 28, Lucknow Garden Tour, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

What’s UP

July 21, Mike Levine, 7 p.m., Majestic Café, 32 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.

July 28, Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock and Roll, 7:30 - 10 p.m., Castle in the Clouds/ Concerts in the Clouds, Moultonborough, Great Waters Music Festival, tickets/ www. greatwaters.org

July 28, Summer Cranapalooza, 12:30 p.m., summer games, music, prizes and more, Artist Falls Lodge, Cranmore Mt., N. Conway, supports N. Conway Community Center, info: 800-422-0585.

July 28, Summer Art Show Opening Reception, 6 - 8 p.m., Runnells Hall, 25 Deer Hill Rd., Chocorua, art, music & refreshments, show continues Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., sponsored by CCAC/ArtWorks Gallery, www.chocoruaartworks.com.

July 28, Waking Finnegan, Sunset Concert Series, 7:30 p.m., Believe in Books Literacy Foundation/Theatre in the Wood, 41 Observatory Way, Intervale, tickets/info.: www.believeinbooks.org or call 603-356-9980.

July 28-20, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Village Players, 51 Glendon St., Wolfeboro, info: 603-569-9656, www.village-players.com. Also on Aug. 4 - 6.

July 28 & 29, John Davidson at Club Sandwich, 7 p.m., 12 Main St., Center Sandwich, admission/info: https://www.johndavidson.com/weekendshows

July 28-Aug. 6, Freedom Old Home Week, events all over town, www.freedomoldhomeweek.com.

July 29, Draw The Line: An Aerosmith Tribute, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, info/tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.

July 29, Hikers Club: Bald Knob via Turtleback Mt. Trail, 8 - 11:30 a.m., free, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds. org, 603-476-5900.

July 29, Michael Vincent Band Outdoor Concert, 7 - 9 p.m., free, Cate Park, Wolfeboro, 603-569-2200.

July 29, Nature and History Paddle, 9 - 11 a.m., Wentworth Watershed, info.: 603534-0222, info@wentworthwatershed.org.

July 29, Parade, 10 a.m., Freedom Old Home Week, Elm St. & Old Portland Rd., Freedom, www.freedomoldhomeweek.com

July 29, South Eaton Meeting House Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., 402 Burnham Rd., Eaton, www.freedomoldhomeweek.com.

July 29, Sunrise Yoga Series, 7 a.m., at the base of Cranmore with Mountain Kula Yoga, Cranmore Mt., N. Conway, register/info: 800-422-0585, www.cranmore.com

July 29, Wild About Nature, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., bring picnic to enjoy. Beg, Steal or Borrow band concert from 4 to 6 p.m., animal info., nature walks & more, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, tickets/info.: 603-447-6991, www. tinmountain.org

July 29-30, Summer Art Show, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Runnells Hall, 25 Deer Hill Rd., Chocorua, Art to delight the eye, sponsored by CCAC/ArtWorks Gallery, www.chocoruaartworks.com.

July 29-Aug. 5, Freedom Historical Society Exhibits, 28 Old Portland Rd., Freedom, 603-539-5799.

July 30, Blessing of the Animals, noon, First Christian Church of Freedom, 12 Elm St., Freedom, fccf1858@gmail.com.

July 30, Less Stories Told of Freedom, 4 p.m, Freedom Town Hall, 16 Elm St., Freedom, www.freedomoldhomeweek.com.

July 30, The Soggy Poboys, 7 p.m., Feel the Barn Concert Series, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand.net

July 31, Bingo, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Freedom Town Hall, 16 Elm St., Freedom, www. freedomoldhomeweek.com.

July 31, Cribbage Tournament, 1 - 5 p.m., Freedom Town Hall, 16 Elm St., Freedom, www.freedomoldhomeweek.com.

July 31, Music Night at Castle in the Clouds, performer: Mark Bartrum, dinner and music on the patio, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www. castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

July 31, Solar Gazing, noon - 4 p.m., free, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mt. Rd., Moultonborough, pre-register suggested: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

July 31, Yoga for All Ages, 9 a.m., 2 p..m & 3:45 p.m., Freedom Art Gallery, 8 Elm St., Freedom, www.freedomoldhomeweek.com

Aug. 1, Black Snow: Curtis LeMay, the Firebombing of Tokyo, and the Road to the Atomic Bomb, 7 - 8 p.m., Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, info/tickets: 603-569-1212.

Aug. 1, Full Moon Paddle, 8:30 p.m., Wentworth Watershed, info.: 603-534-0222, info@wentworthwatershed.org.

Aug. 1, Introduction to Mosaics with Cindy Stanton, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., League of NH Craftsmen, Center Sandwich Fine Craft Gallery, 32 Main St., Sandwich, 603-284-6831, https://centersandwich.nhcrafts.org/

Aug. 1, Mah Jongg Tournament, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Freedom Town Hall, 16 Elm St., Freedom, www.freedomoldhomeweek.com.

Aug. 1, Music Night at Castle in the Clouds, performer: Eric Grant, dinner and music on the patio, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

Aug. 1, The Mystery of Owls, 6:30 p.m., Freedom Town Hall, 16 Elm St., Freedom, www.freedomoldhomeweek.com

Aug. 1, Tiny Tot Tuesdays, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., for babies and toddlers with a caregiver, join Tessa for stories, songs, and fun, free, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Ave., Conway, 603-447-5552.

Aug. 2, Quilts of Valor, 1 - 3 p.m., presentation to veterans, Town Hall, 16 Elm St., Freedom, www.freedomoldhomeweek.com

Aug. 2, The Old Man and the Moon, 11 a.m., The Colonial Theatre, 2050 Main St., Bethlehem, 603-869-3422, www.bethlehemcolonial.org.

Aug. 2, Til We Meet Again, Ritual of Remembrance, First Christian Church of Freedom, 12 Elm St., Freedom, www.freedomoldhomeweek.com

Aug. 2, Yoga on the Lawns of Lucknow, 6 - 7 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

Aug 2, Wildlife Encounters, 10 - 11 a.m., Freedom Elementary School, 40 Loon Lake Rd., Freedom, www.freedomoldhomeweek.com.

Aug. 3, Digging Into Native History in New Hampshire, 5 - 6:15 p.m., free, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations encouraged: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

Aug. 3, Guided Canoe/Kayak Tour, 1 - 4 p.m., location TBA, Freedom Old Home Week, for update, email: naturenut@outdoorescapesnewhampshire.com

Aug. 3, Ice Cream Social, 6 - 8 p.m., sweet treats & music, bring a lawn chair for seating, Freedom Town Hall bandstand, Freedom, www.freedomoldhomeweek.com.

Aug. 3, Moondance, Van Morrison Tribute concert, 6 p.m., Arts Jubilee, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 1 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, tickets/info: www.artsjubilee.org

Aug. 4, All Together Now – Fitness Foundations, 4 - 4:45 p.m., for grades 7 and 8, meets every Friday until Aug. 25 in Library Park, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Ave., Conway, 603-447-5552.

Aug. 4, Annual Craft Fair, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Freedom Elementary School, 40 Loon Lake Rd., Freedom, 978-337-4323.

Aug. 4, First Fridays Reception, 5 - 7 p.m., meet featured artist, ask about classes, ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, 603-323-8041, www.chocoruaartworks.com.

Aug. 4, Friends of the Library Book Sale, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., books & baked goods for sale, Freedom Town Library, 38 Old Portland Rd., Freedom, 603-539-5176.

Aug. 4, Friday Night Vertical Series Finale, 6 - 8 p.m., group start is 7 p.m., for all abilities, run or hike uphill, pizza afterwards at Arlberg building, Cranmore Mt., N. Conway, supports N. Conway Community Center, info: 800-422-0585, www.cranmore. com

Aug. 4, Lucknow Garden Tour, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

Aug. 4, Steve Blunt, children’s musician, 3 - 4 p.m., Freedom Town Hall, 16 Elm St., Freedom, 603-539-5176.

Aug. 4, Summer Cranapalooza, 12:30 p.m., summer games, music, prizes and more, Artist Falls Lodge, Cranmore Mt., N. Conway, supports N. Conway Community Center, info: 800-422-0585.

Aug. 4-6, The Secret Garden in Concert, 8/4 & 5: 7:30 p.m.; 8/6: 2 p.m., Believe in Books Literacy Foundation/Theatre in the Wood, 41 Observatory Way, Intervale, tickets/info.: www.believeinbooks.org. or call 603-356-9980.

Aug. 4-6, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Village Players, 51 Glendon St., Wolfeboro, info: 603-569-9656, www.village-players.com.

Aug. 4-27, The SpongeBob Musical, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, info/tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.

Aug. 5, Hikers Club: Mt. Roberts First Viewpoint, 8 - 9:30 a.m., free, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-4765900.

Aug. 5, Midtown Men – Stars from the Original Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys, 7:30 - 10 p.m., Castle in the Clouds/Concerts in the Clouds, Moultonborough, Great Waters Music Festival, tickets/info: www.greatwaters.org

Aug. 5, Seldom Playrights Outdoor Concert, 7 - 9 p.m., free, Cate Park, Wolfeboro, 603-569-2200.

Aug. 5, Smoke on the Mountain – Mountain Top Barbecue, 4 - 7 p.m., live music, games, Meister Hut, Mt. Cranmore, N. Conway, www.cranmore.com

Aug. 5, The Ballroom Thieves, 8 p.m., The Colonial Theatre, 2050 Main St., Bethlehem, 603-869-3422, www.bethlehemcolonial.org.

Aug. 6, David Wax Museum, 7 p.m., Feel the Barn Concert Series, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand.net.

Aug. 7, Guided Hikes: Oak Ridge, 10 a.m. - noon, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

Aug. 7, Music Night at Castle in the Clouds, performer: Mitch Alden, dinner and music on the patio, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, reservations required: www. castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

Aug. 7, Story Time, 11 - 11:30 a.m., free, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, in partnership with Moultonborough Public Library, reservations required: www.castleintheclouds.org, 603-476-5900.

Aug. 7, The Battle of Lovell Lake, 7 p.m., speaker Greg Heppe, Clark House Museum Complex, 233 S. Main St., Wolfeboro, info: 603-569-4997, www.wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org.

Aug. 8, Tiny Tot Tuesdays, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., for babies and toddlers with a caregiver, join Tessa for stories, songs, and fun, free, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Ave., Conway, 603-447-5552.

CELEBRATING OUR BUILDERS!

2022 Featured Exhibits

May 1 to June 22:

• Saturday Evening Post Covers

1941-1946: The Art of Mead Schaeffer, Norman Rockwell and Friends

July 1 to October 31:

• Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank

What’s UP

ONGOING

Adult Oil Painting, Mondays from 9 a.m. - noon, no experience necessary, drop-in group, Ossipee Town Hall, Ossipee, info: Pat Jones: pjonesossipee3@gmail.com. ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts/CCAC, art, shows, workshops and events, open year-round with seasonal hours, 604-323-8041, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, www.chocoruaartworks.com

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

Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods, nature trails open for hiking, 740 Mt. Israel Rd., Center Sandwich, 603-284-6428, www.champansanctuaryvisnywoods.com.

Chocorua Lake Basin View Lot, free, directions/info: www.chocorualake.org

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

Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Avenue, Conway, many learning experiences, 603-447-5552, www.conwaypubliclibrary.org.

Conway Scenic Railroad, various train rides to White Mt. areas, reservations: 630356-5251, station located at 38 Norcross Circle, N. Conway, www.conwayscenic.com.

Dover Farmers Market, Wednesdays until Oct. 4, 2:30 - 6 p.m., Guppey Park, 110 Portland Ave., Dover, 603-241-4400..

Friday Night Bites, 4 - 7 p.m., every Friday night until Aug. 18, food, live music, entertainment, bring lawn chair for seating, N. Conway Community Center, 78 Norcross Circle, N. Conway, 603-356-2096.

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

Gorham Farmers Market, weekly event on Thurs. through Oct. 5, 3 - 6 p.m., Town of Gorham Common, 69 Main St., Gorham, fresh produce, fruits, meats, baked goods, cheeses, soaps, handmade items, live music, and much more, 603-466-3322.

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

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

Jackson Historical Society, open Saturdays & Sundays, 1 - 3 p.m. or by appointment, Jackson Historical Society, 23 Black Mt. Rd., Jackson, 603-383-4060, www.jacksonhistory.org.

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

Lancaster Farmers Market, 9 a.m. - noon Saturday through Oct. 9, Centennial Park, Main St., Lancaster, www.lancasterfarmersmarket.org.

Molly the Trolley, 603-569-1080, take tours/rides of Wolfeboro area aboard the fun trolley, info/schedules: www.wolfeborotrolley.com

Mount Washington Valley Farmers Market, Through Oct. 3, 4 - 7 p.m. , N. Conway Community Center, 78 Norcross Circle, N. Conway, mwvfarmersmarket@gmail.com, www.mwvfarmersmarket.com

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

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

NH Boat Museum, boating exhibits, programs, boat building workshops, 399 Center St., Wolfeboro, call for opening day/hours: 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org

NH Farm Museum, old-time farm events, tours, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.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.

Song and Jam Circle, community created jams and song circle, 3rd Monday of each month, Runnells Hall, 25 Deer Hill Rd., Tamworth, free, bring your favorite instruments, Arts Council of Tamworth, 603-584-2712, www.artstamworth.org

Tamworth Farmer’s Market, Saturdays, 10 a.m. - noon, 30 Tamworth Road, Tamworth, info: www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org

Tamworth History Center, 25 Great Hill Rd., Tamworth, contact for open hours: www. tamworthhistorycenter.org

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

The Wright Museum is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to recognizing and honoring the contributions and enduring legacy of WWII-era Americans. NH | 603-569-1212 | www.WrightMuseum.org

Wakefield Marketplace, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., produce, fruit, baked goods, flowers, handmade items and more, Rte. 16 north and Wakefield Rd., Wakefield, www.wakefieldmarketplace.org

Wolfeboro Farmers’ Market, every Thursday through Oct. 26, noon - 3:30 p.m., local farm-raised meat, vegetables, fresh fish, fruit, eggs, baked goods, flowers, maple syrup, honey and a variety of artisanal products, held at The Nick, 10 Trotting Track Rd., Wolfeboro, 603-391-5661, wolfeborofarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Wright Museum of WWII, exhibits and lectures on life on the home front during WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1212, www.wrightmuseum.org

Fresh Berries!

By Kelly Ross

Hello Valley Friends! Well, summer is back, which makes most everyone smile from ear to ear. Traffic is back to its usual insanity as we’ve all expected as the tourists from all points on the compass are flooding into the area for some valley love. Seriously, what’s not to love? We truly have it all as far as outdoor activities, incredible restaurants, a shopping mecca, and some of the most amazing locals I’ve ever known, especially in the hospitality department. In my humble opinion, the area arguably has the greatest down-to-earth people I’ve ever known in my life, who are always going the extra mile for all who need it. You have a lot to be proud of my friends.

In today’s chapter of heavenly delicious recipes, it’s time to talk about one of my favorite things that this time of year has to offer, fresh berries. Fresh garden veggies and fresh berries are just a couple of the things that make summer as awesome as it is. As much as I do love my fresh veggies, if push comes to shove, I’ll take the berries, not that I ever want to be forced into that choice. Today’s recipes will have strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. I have 2 insanely yummy coffee cakes, an awesome

salad, and 2 desserts that will bring a bunch of smiles, so let’s do this, shall we?

The first coffee cake combines fresh blueberries and strawberries which always makes a great combo. The cake is divine, the streusel topping is as well, and it comes with an equally awesome strawberry glaze for the top. Prep/cook time will take barely an hour, plus it should sit for 15-20 minutes prior to jumping in. This will get you 9 pieces.

Strawberry And Blueberry

Coffee Cake

For The Streusel

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup packed brown sugar

¾ tsp cinnamon

4 tbsp butter, melted

For The Cake

½ cup granulated sugar

6 tbsp butter, room temp

¼ cup sour cream

¼ cup milk

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 ¼ tsp baking powder

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 ¼ cups of a combo of fresh blueberries and chopped fresh strawberries

For The Strawberry Glaze (optional)

¼ cup fresh or frozen strawberries,

pureed or mashed

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

4 tbsp butter, melted

2 tbsp milk or so for desired consistency

¾ tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch glass square baking dish. To prepare the streusel, add the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter to a bowl and mix with a fork until combined. Set it aside. To make the cake batter, beat the sugar and butter until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the sour cream and milk and mix well. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Combine flour and baking powder in a separate bowl, then add the dry ingredients to the batter and mix well. Spread half the cake batter into the bottom of the pan. Top the batter with half the berries and half the streusel mixture, then spread the remaining cake batter over streusel. Sprinkle remaining berries and streusel over top of the cake batter. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove cake from oven and cool for about 20 minutes before serving. While it’s resting, puree or mash

¼ cup of fresh or frozen sliced strawberries. Combine the melted butter and confectioners’ sugar with the strawber-

ry puree. Add the vanilla extract. Add more confectioners’ sugar or some milk as needed for spreading or drizzling to the proper consistency. Drizzle over the cake and start enjoying it.

The next coffee cake brings raspberries into the equation, as well as cream cheese which is never a bad thing in my book. As opposed to the last recipe being cooked in a square baking dish, this one is a little more traditional as it is cooked in a springform pan. This also comes with a citrus icing recipe if you care to use it. Prep/cook time is like the last recipe but will get you more portions.

Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

For The Filling

¼ cup sugar

8 oz cream cheese, room temp

1 egg white

1 cup raspberries, washed and well drained and dried

For The Cake

1

½ cups all-purpose flour

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

5 ½ tbsp unsalted butter, room temp

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•

continued from page 11

½ cup sugar

1 egg plus 1 egg yolk

¾ cup sour cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

For The Streusel Topping

1/3 cup sugar

½ cup flour

3 tbsp butter, chilled and cubed

For The Citrus Glaze

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

4 tbsp butter, melted

2-4 tbsp of fresh squeezed orange and/or lemon juice for desired consistency

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper so it overhangs over the sides and spray with pan release. Set it aside. To make the filling, mix the cream cheese and sugar on medium-low speed until creamy. Add egg white and mix on low just to combine. Set that aside. For the cake batter, in a bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, set aside. With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar on medium-low speed. Add egg and egg yolk and vanilla. Slowly mix in the flour mixture alternating with the sour cream. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth with a spatula. Spread the cream cheese filling on top. Place raspberries onto cream cheese filling. For the topping, combine sugar, flour, and chilled cubed butter in a bowl. Stir with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly. The streusel should be like pea-sized crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel on top of raspberries. Bake for 40-45 minutes until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack, run a thin knife around the cake and loosen the ring of springform pan. For the icing, sift the powdered sugar into a medium-sized bowl. Add the melted butter, 2-3 tbsp of juice of choice to the confectioners’ sugar. Stir to blend, add the zest and more juice, or

water, as needed to get you where you need to be. Drizzle the finished glaze over the cooled cake, or on any quick bread, cupcakes, or other desserts for that matter. Serve and enjoy. I suggest that “if” you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge.

It’s salad time, and this one has a bunch of berries in it, as well as chicken, avocado, pistachios, and feta cheese. If all of that doesn’t pique your interest, although not sure how it couldn’t, the dressing that comes with this is almost guaranteed to be a frequent flyer for your many future salads at home. I suggest at least doubling the dressing recipe as you will want to have it again asap. You can throw all this together in 15 minutes and will feed 4.

Berry Mania Chicken Avocado

Salad with a Creamy Lemon Poppyseed Dressing

1 lb of chicken breasts, grilled or pain seared, and chopped

2-3 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped

2 cups strawberries, sliced

1 cup blueberries

2 cups raspberries and/or blackberries

3 avocados, chopped

¼ - ½ cup chopped pistachios

½ cup or more of crumble feta cheese

For The Creamy Lemon Poppyseed

Dressing

2/3 cup mayo

½ cup milk

6 tbsp sugar

2 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

4 tsp poppyseeds

In a large bowl combine chicken, romaine lettuce and the berries. Toss gently. Top with pistachios, feta cheese and avocado and drizzle with creamy lemon poppyseed dressing. For the dressing, in a small bowl whisk together all ingredients.

It’s time for some sweet treats, although it could be argued that the coffee cakes qualify as well. Both of these have blueberries and a cheesecake

mentality, although they are completely different as this first one is a dessert bar whereas the second is as decadent a 3-level cake as you could possibly ask for. Let’s talk bars first. I love any bar recipe I’ve ever sunk my teeth into, but this one is a little different as it has a cheesecake filling, plus a slew of blueberries in every bite with a scrumptious crumble topping. Prep/cook time is about 1 ½ hours and it does need to chill for 3 hours before digging in.

Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

For The Crust

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

3 tbsp sugar

2 tsp lemon zest

6 tbsp butter, melted and then cooled to room temp

For The Cheesecake Filling

½ cup sugar

2 tbsp flour

1 lb cream cheese, room temp

1/3 cup sour cream

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs, room temp

2 ½ cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and dried, divided

For The Crumble Topping

4 tbsp cold butter

¼ cup flour

2 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp packed brown sugar

¼ cup quick oats

Let’s start with the crust. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Spray a 9×9 baking dish, line it with parchment paper so it overhangs the dish, and spray that as well. Set it aside. Add the graham cracker crumbs, lemon zest, and sugar to a small mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Add the melted butter to the mix and stir until the crumbs are completely coated. Press the buttered crumbs into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes and allow the crust to cool while you make the cheesecake filling. To make it, add the granulated sugar and flour to a small mixing bowl. Whisk until combined. Using a standing mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream for 1-1½ minutes until smooth.

Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until incorporated. Add the granulated sugar and flour mixture and continue mixing for 1-1½ more minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until no yellow is visible. Fold 2 cups of the blueberries into the cheesecake filling with a rubber spatula doing your best to not bust up the berries. Spread the cheesecake filling over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of blueberries over the top of the cheesecake filling. For the topping, mix the flour and both sugars well in a bowl. I then suggest using a food processor and adding the cubed cold butter and flour/sugar mixture to it. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the quick oats and pulse just to combine. Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the blueberries. Bake for 40 minutes. Turn the oven off and crack the oven door open. Allow the cheesecake bars to sit in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove and allow the cheesecake bars to cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Place the cheesecake bars into the refrigerator and allow the bars to chill for 2 hours. Just before you are ready to serve, slice the cheesecake bars into 4 rows by 4 rows with a hot knife, wiping in between cuts. These are outstanding. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

I loved the last one in its simplicity as well as awesome flavor, but this one is over the top. This 3-layer cake has two layers of a lemon blueberry cake, sandwiched around a blueberry cheesecake with a lemon cream cheese frosting. If that doesn’t float your boat, I truly feel sorry for you. This has summer written all over it and can be enjoyed any time, from a special occasion to just any run-of-the-mill day. It’s no mystery that blueberries and lemon are a marriage made in heaven so this should win over almost any crowd. It’s a lot more time consuming

• Cook Out

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as it will take an hour to prep, cooking time is 80 minutes, plus there is a lot of cooling time and putting it together and frosting it, plus refrigerator time. I generally make this the day before serving, or at least the cheesecake layer. It is well worth the time and effort my friends.

Lemon Blueberry

Cheesecake Cake

For The Blueberry Cheesecake

¾ cup fresh blueberries

16 oz cream cheese, room temp

½ cup granulated sugar

2 tbsp flour

1 ½ tsp vanilla

2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk at room temp

¼ cup sour cream

¼ cup heavy cream

For The Lemon Blueberry Cake

2 cups flour

2 tbsp cornstarch

¼ tsp salt

2 tsp baking powder

2/3 cup unsalted butter, room temp

1 & 1/3 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs plus 1 egg white

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

2 tsp lemon zest

½ cup milk

3 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 ½ cups fresh blueberries

3–4 tsp of flour to toss with the blueberries

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

12 oz full fat cream cheese, room temp

1 cup unsalted butter, room temp

¼ tsp salt

3 ½ –4 ½ cups powdered sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp lemon zest

For Garnish

Lemon wedges

Fresh blueberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. For the cheesecake layer, lightly grease an 8-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Wrap the outside of the springform pan in a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water from leaking in during the baking while in the water bath. To make the cheesecake, pulse blueberries and cream cheese in a food processor, then transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. Mix sugar and flour together in a separate bowl, and slowly add to the blueberry mix and beat until smooth and creamy. Mix in vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time mixing after each addition just to combine, do not over mix. Finally, mix in sour cream and heavy cream. Pour the batter into springform pan and smooth the top, then place it in a roasting pan. Pour boiling water in roasting pan halfway up the side of the springform pan and make sure no

water drips on the batter. Bake 40-45 minutes or until the center has set. Remove springform pan from water bath, then run a thin knife between the cake and the pan and cool to room temp. Place in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to cool completely.

For the lemon blueberry cake, preheat oven to 350 degrees, butter and lightly flour two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper circles. Sift together 2 cups flour, corn starch, baking powder, and salt and set aside. Stir together milk and lemon juice and set aside to curdle. Trust me, this is needed. Beat butter and sugar on medium-high until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes. With the mixer running on low, add eggs one at a time and mix after each addition. Add vanilla extract and lemon zest and mix to combine. First add 1/3 of the flour mixture, then add half of the milk mixture, then 1/3 of the flour mixture, then the remaining milk mixture, and finish with the flour mixture. Mix to combine after each addition, but do not over mix. In a small bowl, gently toss blueberries with flour to coat, then gently fold blueberries into batter, being careful not to break the berries. Divide batter evenly between pans, smooth the top and bake for 30-35 minutes, until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans

for 10-15 minutes, then remove to wire rack to finish cooling.

For the frosting, mix the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until no lumps remain. Do not overbeat before the sugar is added or you may end up with runny frosting. Add vanilla, salt, and lemon zest and mix until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar until desired sweetness and thickness are reached. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat until smooth.

Let’s put this beauty together. Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate and top with a thin layer of lemon cream cheese frosting. Place blueberry cheesecake layer on top of cake, top with thin layer of frosting. Finally, top with the second cake layer and frost cake with remaining frosting, top and sides. Decorate with lemon zest and fresh blueberries. Decorate the top and sides if you have some artistic talent. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting or the cake “may” not set and could fall apart as you cut. Store in the fridge. Incredible!

Enjoy these recipes everyone, have a crazy good next 4 weeks as your summer kicks into full gear, and I’ll see you back next month. If anyone has any questions or feedback, feel free to touch base at fenwaysox10@gmail. com

Pick Up Your Copy of

Jericho ATV Jamboree August 4-5

By Lee Caldwell

Photos courtesy of the Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce/Paula Kinney

The largest OHRV event on the East Coast, the Journey to Jericho ATV Jamboree, will take place on August 4 and 5. Paula Kinney, executive director of the Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce, describes it as an ”ATV enthusiast’s dream come true, featuring mud races, demo rides, after-market vendors, live music, delicious food, a kid’s zone, trail riding, torchlit ATV parade, and more!”

The Chamber goes on to state that “this annual jamboree takes place at Jericho Mountain State Park in Berlin NH, which boasts more than 80 miles of trails. With more than 1,000 miles of interconnected OHRV trails in the Ride the Wilds network, New Hampshire’s Grand North is paradise for ATV riders, and the Journey to Jericho ATV Jamboree, presented by Progressive, puts the spotlight on the very best riding of the northeast.”

The enthusiastic Paula continues, “Every year we try to make it bigger and better. The JBR Whip, featuring Ronnie Mac, is brand new this year.”

Paula also emphasizes, “This is a family festival. We make it as fami-

ly-friendly as possible.”

Sitting in the Chamber of Commerce office, 12-year-old Jamboree volunteer Ally Lefebvre giggles when she describes the event as “Muddy fun.”

There is a long list of sponsors for events, including MOMS Jericho as the official powersports dealer. Comments Paula, “This event is a huge economic boost for the North Country.”

Some of the events and activities taking place at the Jamboree include a possible poker run (pending a spon-

SUMMER ARRT S how&Sale

Friday July 28, 5-8 pm

Art to Delight the Eye! Refreshments • Live Music Meet the Artists Saturday-Sunday, 10-4 pm

RUNNELLS

Sponsored by CCAC / ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts

132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, NH • 603-323-8041 • ChocoruaArtworks.com

Open 10-5 (Closed Tuesdays) and First Friday Art Nights, 10-7 pm.

Check out our Workshops: Drawing, Fused Glass, Painting, Photography & more.

sor for the run); mud pit grudge runs; helicopter rides by CR helicopters on both days; vintage ATVs; demos of new ATVs and S X S’s by major manufacturers Polaris, RZR, and CFMOTO, with manufacturer demo rides. There will be displays by after-market vendors, as well as food vendors and a beer tent.

On Friday, August 4, from 5 to 9 p.m., Badger, Peabody, and Smith Realty will sponsor a Downtown Friday Night Block Party in downtown Berlin. One of the highlights of the weekend, this family fun, ATV ride-in/ride-out evening offers food vendors, a beer tent, and live music by the band Last Kid Picked. Streets will be closed to regular traffic.

Also on Friday, Burgess Biopower will sponsor an ATV torchlight parade. At 8:45 p.m., the paraders will start lining up and, at 9, the parade will begin north on Main Street in Berlin. A city curfew has been extended for this event, and riders have been asked to disperse and return to their lodgings at 10 p.m.

On Saturday, August 5, the mind-blowing motocross show of JBR Best Whip is coming to the Jericho Mountain ATV Jamboree. This high-octane, adrenaline-fueled event begins at noon. Featuring some of the most talented riders in the industry in one huge show, the JBR Best Whip practice starts at noon, followed by a 1 p.m. Freestyle Show and culminating in the JBR Best Whip performance at 2 p.m. There will be two back-flip riders,

one X-games medalist rider, and a lineup of whip riders performing hair-raising stunts and outrageous tricks.

In addition, Screaming Eagle dirt bike rider Ronnie Mac will be on hand. He is a fan favorite, described as having a masked persona, strong charismatic personality, a naughty sense of humor, and a reckless riding style. His promotional materials pose the question, “Who is Ronnie Mac? That’s the burning question, right? There’s always speculation! Ronnie Mac may or may not be a real person, it’s more of a lifestyle! Ronnie Mac lives inside of all of us! Not only is he going to send it every time, but he’s a man of the people. Kind to children and smooth to the ladies. Men want to be him, women want to be with him, and kids want to grow into something like him.”

On Saturday evening, August 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Service Credit Union Heritage Park, the DIEZEL Band will be performing a wide variety of songs, ranging from heavy to pop, rock to country, and edgy to danceable. This event is sponsored by Northway Bank and is free to those with the Jericho ATV Jamboree wristband. Otherwise, it is $10 per person and $5 for children ages 10 and under.

For more information and tickets, call the Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce at 603-752-6069, go online to info@androscogginvalleychamber.com, or visit the Facebook page Jericho ATV Happenings. Weekend passes and single-day tickets are available online.

Why Fly When You Can Walk With Flies

Stay that hand before you swat one of these two-winged wonders! We humans harbor too many fears and misconceptions about our friends, the flies. Sure, some of them can cause trouble, but can you think of one creature on earth that can’t? Like our fellow humans, there are thousands of flies out there ready to help us thrive on this beautiful planet.

If you’d like to learn more about these fascinating beauties who are essential to life on earth, join Chocorua Lake Conservancy and Cook Memorial Library on Saturday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to noon, for “Why Fly When You Can Walk With Flies” in Chocorua. Educator and insect enthusiast

Exhibits • Videos

Linda Graetz will share her knowledge about the basics of how to identify flies: patience, close observation, and describing what you see are the most important skills you’ll need.

Linda will lead participants in looking for all kinds of flies, keeping eyes peeled for ones that featured on Linda’s 7/18 Zoom (see below). The group also will be looking for other insects, especially the pollinator insects — bees, wasps, and ants — that some flies mimic, as well as insects that some flies eat.

Wear sunscreen, long pants, and close-toed shoes, and bring water, tick/ mosquito repellant, and a magnifying glass if you have one.

The free outdoor program is limited to 20 participants who must register in advance at bit.ly/CLC-072223 or via www.chocorualake.org/events. Children eight and older are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Linda also is offering a program via Zoom in advance of the walk, “Meet the Friendly Flies,” on Tuesday, July 18, at 7 p.m. Register at bit.ly/CLC071823. Those unable to attend the Zoom will be able to view it with a link posted between July 18 and 22 at bit.ly/ CLC-friendly-flies.

Linda Graetz spent 30 years in museum and art education and has been an avid birder since the late 1970s. Upon

retirement, she turned most of her attention to nature, training as a teacher/ naturalist at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm. She taught there for more than 10 years, and it was through her work at the farm that she became interested in insects.

This event is one in a series of Chocorua Lake Conservancy programs taking place throughout the year to encourage people of all ages to enjoy Chocorua Lake and the trails and woods that surround it and to learn more about the natural world. Visit www.chocorualake.org for more information, and follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram.

Registration

Registration is now open for the 2023 Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Weekend Workshop, which will take place Sept. 8 - 10 at Geneva Point Center on Lake Winnipesaukee in Moultonborough.

The workshop is for women interested in learning outdoor skills in a beau-

Open for Becoming an Outdoor Woman

tiful setting. Attendees will select four sessions from more than 30 outdoor skills workshops, including archery, fishing, fly-fishing, camping, field dressing game, hiking, kayaking, rifle, shotgun, nature photography, outdoor survival, campfire cooking, and map and compass.

The $335 registration fee includes two nights of lodging plus all meals, instruction, and equipment use. Participants must be age 18 or older.

To register, visit nhbow.com. Classes fill quickly and are offered on a firstcome, first-served basis. Registration closes on July 31.

To watch a video about the BOW experience, visit https://youtu.be/K6tFoRSON50.

New Hampshire’s BOW Program is co-sponsored by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (www. wildnh.com) and the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation (www.nhwf.org).

Keep NH’s Forests Safe and Healthy – Leave Camping Firewood at Home

The N.H. Division of Forests and Lands is reminding everyone who will be camping this summer that one of the easiest ways to keep our state’s forests healthy is to leave campfire wood at home and to purchase it locally when they arrive at their destination.

Studies by the NHDFL have shown that all untreated campfire wood carries insects and averages 35 insects in each stick. When this wood is transported from one region to another, it increases the chances of spreading invasive insects that have “hitchhiked,” heightening risks to forest health in places where those pests had not yet been present.

“Firewood is a major vector of new pests spreading to healthy forests,” said Kyle Lombard, program director for the NHDFL’s Forest Health Program. “Harmful species from the smallest flies to the largest longhorn beetles can be found in firewood.”

Campers are encouraged to look for firewood that has been harvested and gathered locally once they arrive at their destination. Most N.H. State Parks sell wood for campfires that has

been kiln-dried, which eliminates all pests.

“Packing for a camping trip can be overwhelming, so give yourself a break by making that task – and your load – lighter: don’t bring firewood with you,” said Lombard. “That opens up more room in your vehicle for s’mores, games and other items that will make your trip one to remember for all the

right reasons.”

To find a local provider of firewood, visit firewoodscout.org. For more information about insects and firewood, visit NHBugs.org.

New Hampshire’s Division of Forests and Lands is part of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. NHDFL’s mission is to protect and promote the values provided by trees, forests and natural communities. This mission is accomplished through responsible management of the state’s forested resources; by providing forest resource information and education to the public; and through the protection of these resources for the continuing benefit of the state’s citizens, visitors, and forest industry. Learn more at nh. gov/nhdf

Pick Up Your Copy of

Unit L Antlerless Deer Permit Lottery

Hunters with a current New Hampshire hunting license who want the chance to take additional antlerless deer in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) L during the fall hunting seasons will soon be able to apply for a special permit online. These permits will be issued through an online lottery, and the application period will run July 10–23. Hunters should note the specific details about applying for these two different permits. Unit L Permits are available online only. Alternatively, hunters may purchase a Unit M Permit beginning July 24. Both of these WMUs are located in southeastern New Hampshire. Unit L Permits will be distributed

through an online lottery. A twoweek application period will open on July 10 at 9:00 a.m. and will be administered online only at nhfishandgame.com.

The application period will close on July 23 at midnight. There will be

ROUTE 16 Along

no application fee to enter the lottery. On August 3, applicants will be randomly drawn and notified by email regarding their selection status. Those who do not receive an email confirmation should call (603) 271-2743 for more information. Hunters who are selected may then visit the NHFG licensing site on August 3 beginning at 9:00 a.m. to purchase their Unit L Permit. Lottery winners will have until

midnight on Thursday, August 31, to purchase their permit.

Hunters can visit www.huntnh.com/hunting/deerul-permits.html for more details on how to apply for these permits. Up to 3,000 hunters will be allowed to purchase Special Antlerless Deer Permits for Unit L this year. These permits all come with one deer tag at a cost of $26.

For Unit M Permits, up to 4,000 hunters will be allowed to purchase Special Antlerless Deer Permits. All Unit M Permits cost $36 and come with two deer tags. Sales for Unit M Permits will begin on Monday, July 24 at 9:00 a.m. Unit M permits may be purchased either online or at Fish and Game headquarters in Concord and will be available until they are sold out. Interested hunters can purchase Unit M Permits starting on July 24.

SCAN FOR BOAT RENTALS

SCAN FOR INVENTORY SCAN FOR BOAT CLUB

Strolling Through the Ossipee Pine Barrens Preserve

Story and Photos Lee Caldwell

Owned by the Nature Conservancy, the Ossipee Pine Barrens is an area of approximately 2000 acres of intact pitch-pine scrub oak woodland, a rare forest type, and New Hampshire’s last viable area of this type of woodland. This forest is the home of nearly two dozen endangered moths and butterflies and several declining bird species like the whip-o-will, Common nighthawk and the Eastern towhee.

As glaciers melted, thousands of years ago, they left extensive sand deposits between Ossipee Lake and Silver Lake, which help form a natural filter for the area’s aquifer providing clean drinking water for the local area towns. The pine barrens got their name because colonial settlers found the soil here “barren” (unsuitable for agriculture.) It did, however, produce white pines and pitch pines. The white pine was sold to the shipbuilders of the time for masts and spars. The pitch pines were scored to extract the pitch for caulking boats and left standing, leaving the nucleus of today’s ecosystem.

Fire is vital to maintaining the pitch pine-scrub oak woodlands. Pitch pine has a very thick bark that protects the living tissue of the tree during a fire and its seeds germinate best on soils exposed after a fire. In the months after a fire, scrub oak and blueberry produce vigorous new growth which helps butterflies and rare moths thrive as the new foliage produces a highly nutritious food source.

Historically, it was thought that the

Ossipee Pine Barrens burned every 25 to 50 years. In more recent years, lack of fire has led to an accumulation of leaf litter and dead branches, which has drastically increased the possibility of a difficult-to-control wildfire. After thorough research, The Nature Conservancy has launched a comprehensive project to maintain the Ossipee Pine Barrens using a combination of mechanical vegetation management and controlled “prescribed” burning.

Before any prescribed burning can be done, a detailed fire management plan must be developed. “Prescriptions” are developed for each of the areas to be burned that dictate under what weather conditions (relative humidity, wind speed and direction, air temperature, and moisture content of the vegetation) a burn can be safely managed. If weather conditions are unacceptable on the day of a planned burn, the burn will be

postponed.

The Nature Conservancy maintains hiking and snowmobile trails in the Pine Barrens that are accessible from three trailheads including a handicapped-accessible trail.

Literature and trail maps are available at the kiosk in the preserve’s main parking lot. Be sure and do a tick check after hiking.

On a recent meander during a cool spring day on the Accessible Trail, the birds made a lively background chorus, a few mosquitos hummed shrilly, the forest floor was carpeted with lowbush blueberries (not quite ready for summer ripening), amidst taller ferns, and the pitch-pine trees loomed over them all. At the terminus observation platform, a great blue heron flew in for a landing on the Ossipee River.

To reach the preserve’s main parking lot (West Branch Trailhead) follow NH

41 north from Route 16 for approximately 2 miles and look for Nature Conservancy’s preserve sign on your right. Turn right onto a dirt road to reach the preserve entrance and parking lot. Here you will find the Pine Barrens trail (0.7 mile) and the Accessible Trail. The Accessible Trail (0.8 mile) is a graded 5-foot-wide trail constructed from hard-packed sand and gravel making it flat, easy travel for young and old, including those pushing strollers or using wheelchairs. The terminus of the trail is an observation platform overlooking the West Branch of the Ossipee River complete with mountain views.

To access the southern portion of the preserve (Jackman Ridge Trailhead), follow Route 41 north for approximately 1/2 mile and turn right onto Ossipee Lake Road. Drive approximately 2.1 miles down Ossipee Lake Road and there is a trailhead and small pull-off parking area on the left side of the road. Located here is the Jackman Ridge Lookout Loop Trail (2.3 miles) a moderately uphill trail that leads to a view looking south to the Ossipee Lake, the Ossipee Mountains and a sweeping west view of the Ossipee Pine Barrens

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Preserve. The Forest Ecology Loop Trail (1.2 miles) trailhead is also located here. This is a flat hike that winds through woodland treated in 2013 with prescribed fire. The West Brand Trail (3.2 miles) is a popular snowmobile trail that begins at the Camp Calumet Conference Center.

Following the West Branch of the Ossipee River, it traverses through pitch pine, white, pine and hardwood forests. The trail ends at East Shore Drive across from the boat access at the south end of Silver Lake.

To access the northern portion of the preserve (Cook’s Pond Trailhead) follow Route 41 north for approximately 2.5 miles and turn right onto East Shore Drive. Follow East Shore Drive for approximately 1.1 miles and turn right onto Leadmine Road. Drive ap-

proximately 0.4 mile down Leadmine Road and there is a trailhead and a small pull-off located on the left side of the road. Here is the trailhead for the Cook’s Pond Forest Loop trail (2.4 miles) a loop that meanders through oak forest, pitch-pine scrub, oak woodland providing views of Cook’s Pond and wetlands. Also, the Madison Town Forest Loop (0.75 miles) is located here. This short walk traverses wetlands to an area treated with prescribed fire in 2014 through a partnership between the Nature Conservancy and the town of Madison. This trail also provides alternate access to the Jackman Ridge Summit Trail. The Nature Conservancy also encourages everyone to be a citizen scientist by collecting valuable data by using a smartphone or camera. For more information, contact them at nature.org/newhampshire.

LOCAL & HOMEGROWN most is from our farm right here source some product from our Unity, Maine.

These products while not Certified Organic standards. If you’d like to take clerk at the market.

Total Solar Eclipse: An Opportunity to View Something Special

By Mark Okrant

News about the approaching total solar eclipse is spreading fast. But, what is a total eclipse, and where are the best places and ways to view it? The next total solar eclipse will be on Monday, April 8, 2024. It will be visible across North America and is being dubbed the Great North American Eclipse (also the Great American Total Solar Eclipse and the Great American Eclipse).

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby obscuring the image of the Sun for viewers on Earth. A TOTAL solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s perceivable diameter is larger than the Sun’s, blocking all direct sunlight from striking the Earth, thereby turning daylight into darkness. Totality occurs only in a narrow path across the Earth’s surface. Elsewhere, the solar eclipse will be partial, and visible over a surrounding region that covers thousands of miles.

Next year, the total solar eclipse will be occurring the day after perigee (perigee will be on Sunday, April 7, 2024).

Perigee is the point of orbit of the moon when it is nearest to the earth. Because of the relative nearness of those two celestial bodies, the Moon’s apparent diameter will be 5.5 percent larger than on average—or enough to fully block the sun for a maximum of four minutes along a specific path between southwest Texas (including parts of San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth), while passing through northern Vermont (including Burlington), northern New Hampshire (with Colebrook the largest in-state community in its path), and Maine’s Mount Katahdin.

This will be the first total solar eclipse to be visible in Canada since February 26, 1979, the first in Mexico since July 11, 1991, and the first in the U.S. since August 21, 2017 It will be the only solar eclipse in the 21st century where totality can be observed in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Also, it will be the last total solar eclipse visible in the Continental US until August 12, 2045

This is an amazing opportunity for residents and visitors to this state, as the northern third of New Hampshire

will be experiencing this incredible phenomenon. However, to view a total eclipse of the Sun, one must be situated inside the path of totality. Meteorologists tell us that a total eclipse of the Sun is the most beautiful sight we will ever have the opportunity to see, when the sky suddenly darkens, and the Sun’s corona shines visibly.

For eclipse viewing, mobility is essential, especially in case of inclement weather. US route 3 is the major northsouth highway in this part of New Hampshire. The total solar eclipse will visit New Hampshire on April 8, 2024 beginning at 4:28 pm, with the final exit of the Moon’s shadow from the state at 4:31 pm.

When viewing the solar eclipse safety precautions are a must! Viewing a partial solar eclipse without protection can expose your eyes to the sun’s rays causing severe damage. Exposing your eyes to the sun without proper eye protection during a solar eclipse can result in “eclipse blindness” or retinal burns, also known as solar retinopathy. This exposure to this light can cause damage or even destroy cells in the retina

(the back of the eye) that transmit what you see to the brain. This damage can be temporary or permanent and occurs with no pain. It can take a few hours to a few days after viewing the solar eclipse to realize the level of damage that has occurred. Among the eye symptoms that may occur from looking at a solar eclipse without proper eye care are loss of central vision (solar retinopathy), distorted vision, and altered color vision.

To safely watch the solar eclipse, readers are strongly advised to wear glasses that meet safety requirements and are manufactured with the ISO 12312-2 standard. These must be worn at all times while watching any annular or partial solar eclipse. During a partial or total solar eclipse, such as the one on April 8, 2024, looking directly at the Sun is unsafe except during the brief total phase, when the Moon entirely blocks the Sun’s bright face, which happens only within the narrow path of the totality of the event. So, take advantage of this rare lifetime opportunity to view nature at its finest, but be certain to take the necessary precautions.