Ice Harvesting — An Age-Old Tradition
By Thomas P. Caldwell
In the days before refrigeration solved the problem of keeping foods from spoiling, people used to harvest frozen water from ponds and lakes and store it in insulated “iceboxes” or ice houses to keep it from melting. Old-timers still sometimes call a refrigerator an icebox, but the term is slipping away as people lose track of how important ice storage used to be. Entire businesses were built around the ice harvest, but today it is almost a lost art.
The Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm in Tamworth, whose mission is to teach the values and significance of the country doctor’s medical practice and agricultural way of life, has held ice-harvesting demonstrations through the years, but recent warm winters have interfered with those plans and Dawne Gilpatrick, the museum’s marketing coordinator, said there will be no ice-harvesting this year.
One holdout is Rockywold Deephaven Camps in Holderness, where ice-harvesting remains an important tradition. In late January, ice-harvesting took place as it has every year since the late 1800s.
When Rockywold Deephaven Camps purchased seven refrigerators as the first step in phasing out its ice boxes in the late 1960s, camp guests objected. During an interview in 2015, Norm Lyford of Ashland, who had helped with the ice harvest for 72 years, recalled, “The campers objected. They didn’t want [refrigerators]. They liked being able to take an ice pick and chop the ice off, and they said they wouldn’t come back again unless they got the iceboxes back.”
That camp relented. It takes 3,600 of the 15.5-inch by 19.5-inch by 12-inchthick blocks of ice, each weighing about 115 pounds, to supply the cottage ice boxes in the summer. That is more than 200 tons of ice to be harvested, moved, and stored — 2,000 blocks in the Rockywold Ice House and about 1,600 blocks in the Deephaven Ice House. The ice is insulated by sawdust to keep it frozen until it is delivered to the antique iceboxes in each cottage. It is not unusual to have some ice still
sitting in the ice houses after the last guests have left in September.
Harvesting ice is a centuries-old tradition, but it turned into a business for enterprising people in the 19th century. By the 20th century, there were companies springing up to satisfy consumers’ needs for cold food storage both locally and around the world.
In Bristol, the Charles A. Carr Company formed as a coal and ice supplier in the greater Newfound Region. The family harvested ice from Newfound Lake and stored it lakeside in an ice house. As electrical refrigeration became common, the company evolved from coal and ice to home heating oil delivery. In the mid-1980s, Dead River Company of Maine purchased the Carr Company, and David Carr, the founder’s son, built a lakeside retirement home on the old ice house property.
In Laconia, the Morrill-Atwood Ice Company of Wakefield, Massachusetts, maintained ice houses around Lake Paugus to help supply large hotels in Boston in the early 1900s. The ice houses were built adjacent to the railroad tracks, allowing the company to load the ice onto freight trains and ship it wherever it was needed. Later, the Rudzinski family opened the Laconia-Lakeport Ice Company which, although still in operation, now makes its own ice, rather than harvesting it from
Lake Winnipesaukee.
The Gifford-Wood Company, which evolved from an ice tool manufacturing company started by William T. Wood in 1845 and consolidated operations with Gifford Brothers of Hudson, New York, in 1905, made most of the ice-harvesting equipment that Rockywold Deephaven Camps still uses today.
The growing demand for ice led Frederic Tudor (the “Ice King”), to develop international trade routes, shipping ice to the southern United States, the Caribbean, and as far away as India.
Moving those heavy blocks of ice used to be accomplished by a yolked steer team, and the Remick Museum’s
demonstrations highlighted how they pulled wooden sleds to transport the ice for storage. It is much easier today. Judging the right time for the ice harvest is important. The ice has to be at least 8 to 12 inches thick to support the weight of workers and equipment. The ice used to get thick enough to harvest in December, but with warmer seasons in recent years, it has taken until late January or even February to have sufficiently thick ice for the harvest.
Rockywold Deephaven Camps aims for a 12-inch ice depth. If the ice gets too thick — more than 15 inches deep — it can have irregularities that spoil the blocks. Harvesting such blocks serves another purpose, however: They are placed around the perimeter of the ice-harvest area as a warning to snowmobilers and others out on Squam Lake that any ice forming over the hole may be unsafe.
Before harvesting the ice, the crews have to remove any snow from the surface. Not only does that provide access to the ice; it also ensures that the ice is sufficiently frozen. Snow can act as an insulator to slow down the freezing process and lead to thinner or uneven layers of ice.
In the early days, those cutting into the ice used hand saws and chisels; today, there are power tools to make the job much quicker and easier. The process begins by scoring the ice
• Ice continued on page 4
PROD.
CIRCULATION
Kathy Larson
A circular ice saw is maneuvered into place to cut a grid for the removal of ice from Squam Lake. (Courtesy Rockwell Deephaven Camps)
Fall in Love with a Good Book this February at the Meredith Public Library
The Meredith Public Library welcomes readers to join one or more of its book clubs this February. There is something for all literary tastes among the various clubs which always contain lively discussions, light refreshments, and lots of fun.
The Mystery Book Club solves the crimes and meets on the second Thursday of every month at 10:30 am. This month’s meeting is on February 13. The book they’ll be discussing is The Fury by Alex Michaelides.
The Non-Fiction Book Club meets on the last Tuesday of every month at 6:30 pm. This month’s meeting is on
February 25 during which time participants will be discussing A Libertarian Walks into a Bear: The Utopian Plot to Liberate an American Town (and Some Bears) by Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling.
The Brown Bag Book Club meets on the last Thursday of every month at 12 pm. (It’s called the Brown Bag because it meets at noon and people are welcome to bring their lunches with them to eat during the discussion.) This month’s meeting is on February 27. The group will discuss the novel How to Read a Book by Monica Wood.
A brand-new club called the Laid Back Book Club debuts on February 11
Art and Coffee Club at the Belknap Mill Museum
The Belknap Mill has launched a series of workshops designed to bring out the artist lurking in everyone. For several months, Adrianna Antonopoulos, a local artist and business owner, has been hosting free mixed media drop-in sessions for Laconia locals to explore collages, pastels, watercolors, and more. These free workshops will continue to be held at the Museum on Thursday mornings from 9 to 11 am. Antonopoulos sees herself as more of a muse and facilitator than an expert or teacher. “I enjoy building a creative space with a community of artists who can inspire each other.” She exudes warmth and enthusiasm that helps participants take some risks, try new media, and most important, have fun ex-
pressing themselves.
Antonopoulos’s education and experience has prepared her to work with artists of all ages and experience levels. At Maine College of Art, she studied sculpture, painting, 2D design, graphics, photography, and ceramics. She has worked with preschool and elementary students as well as high school learners and adults. She has created theatrical sets for Lakes Region Theater and had her sculpture featured in numerous galleries in New England and abroad. She is truly a Renaissance woman! Belknap Mill Museum; 25 Beacon Street East, Laconia, NH 03246. For information, visit www.Belknapmill.org or call (603) 524-8813
at 10:30 am. It will be held on the second Tuesday of every month. People who attend the first session will always have book club bragging rights! This is the most relaxed book club ever. It isn’t necessary to read any specific book ahead of time. Participants can come and talk about whatever book (or even TV show) they want. People can get ideas for their next read/binge-watch and share their favorites with others.
The Wednesdays with Shakespeare Group proves that everything old is new again. The attendees in this lively group read and discuss Shakespeare’s plays with as much enthusiasm as the
Bard’s original audiences at the Globe Theater in the early 1600s! The group meets every Wednesday at 1 pm during which instructor John Lin John helps participants forget the way they thought about Shakespeare in high school and discover the witty (and often naughty) entertainment in both language and situations contained in all of Shakespeare’s works. To join the Shakespeare Group at the start of a new play, come on February 19 when the group will discuss Act I of The Winter’s Tale. 91 Main St, Meredith, NH
Murder at the Pie Auction
Franklin Opera House in cooperation with Frankin Footlight Theatre Co. is proud to present its annual murder mystery dessert show, “Murder at the Pie Auction.”
March 14th is not only International “Pi Day” it is also the opening night of this hysterically funny who-dunnit. In this production, members of the audience will visit the small town of Mynute, Alaska. Residents are excited their sleepy town will finally show up on GPS with the famous “Mother Mable’s Pie Baking Competition” to be held there. However, someone mistyped, and Mynute was supposed to be Minot. So, there will be no publicity from remote Alaska for Ma Mable. Add the mysterious murder of one of the pie judges during the auction, and you have all the ingredients needed for an evening full of big laughs and outrageous characters. Two shows only, March 14 & 15 at Franklin Elks Lodge #1280. 125 South Main St. Franklin, NH 03235.
Your ticket price includes snacks, water, and of course, pie! When you purchase your ticket you will select
• Ice continued from page 3
to create a grid pattern on the surface of the lake or pond. Ice saws then cut along the lines to sever sections of ice. Ice-breaking tools or bars work at the ice to free the blocks and guide them along channels to the edge for removal.
Workers then use ice pikes and ice tongs to grab the blocks and get them out of the water where they are loaded onto sleds, wagons, or trucks. It is rare to see oxen or horses perform that task today. Instead, the blocks are loaded onto a powered conveyor belt that lifts them onto the waiting transport vehicle.
Once harvested and loaded, the ice is transported to the ice house where more labor is required to unload and stack the blocks before insulating them with sawdust or hay. The ice house itself is designed with thick walls, which may be made of wood, stone, or brick
from Blueberry, Boston Cream, Sugar Free Apple, or Gluten Free Apple. Be sure to bring your wallet as there will also be an actual pie Auction, with pies donated by Zeke’s Sweets and local bakers! A cash bar will be open as well for those who wish to partake. Visit www.FOHNH. org to purchase your tickets. Adults $30, Seniors $25, and if you purchase eight or more tickets, you will receive a 10% discount off your total purchase! Now that is something sweet. Now in its 11th year, the Murder Mystery dessert theatre show has been a very successful fundraiser for Franklin Opera House. Our resident community theatre company, Franklin Footlight, lend their many talents every year to bring to life rousing comedic mysteries. One hundred percent of dollars raised go right back into Franklin Opera House operations. Events like this one make it possible for Franklin Opera House to continue bringing quality affordable entertainment to Frankin and the surrounding area.
to help maintain the temperature and keep the ice from melting.
Rockywold Deephaven Camps created a manual that establishes the procedures to make sure the ice harvest is efficient and safe. It begins with spending the weeks prior to the harvest making sure that the equipment is ready for service. When it is time for the harvest, a tool shed and loading chute are brought onto the ice, with an ice ramp making sure the trucks can get onto and off the ice safely.
The manual also includes guidance on accessories such as ice cleats to prevent slippage on the ice, and there are signs to indicate areas of thin ice.
The camp uses power equipment, including a circular ice saw and chainsaws, and they make sure to have a spare engine for the circular saw, because, if they miss their window of opportunity, the ice conditions will change and make the harvest impossible.
Club Piklbal! Indoor Pickleball Club Now Open at Belknap Marketplace
Club Piklbal!, NH’s Lakes Region first indoor pickleball club is now open at Belknap Marketplace at 96 Daniel Webster Hwy in Belmont. Memberships, court reservations, and level-specific open play games are now available.
Fun for all ages and abilities, pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation, including here in the Lakes Region where until now, players have only been able to play on outdoor courts, or in gymnasiums. In fact, according to USA Pickleball, 36.5 million people are currently playing pickleball in the U.S. Why? Because you can play a social or competitive game, keep moving, have fun, and build a network of friends and supporters! According to a Mayo Clinic study, racket sports players add 6.2 to 9.7 years to
Newfound Lake Watershed Workshop
On Monday, February 10, the Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA) will host the 2025 Newfound Watershed Workshop at 6 pm at the Hebron Town Hall, 7 School St, Hebron, NH. This event connects local land town boards and committees to resources that help them achieve their land use goals and is open to the general public. Agenda items for the evening include an update on planning efforts in the Newfound Watershed, networking opportunities, and a case study presentation by Lake Sunapee Protective Association (LSPA) Executive Director Elizabeth Harper and members of the Sunapee and Newport select boards. Protecting water quality is at the core of NLRA’s work. Stormwater is one of the biggest threats to lakes in New Hampshire, including Newfound Lake, and much of the NLRA’s efforts go toward reducing the amount of stormwater pollution that reaches the lake. Local governments and communities can help protect water quality through
local land use regulations such as compliance checklists for planning boards and measures that reduce impervious surfaces.
The Newfound Lake Watershed Management Plan is a blueprint outlining how best to protect and improve the quality of the watershed’s natural resources. Since it was adopted in 2009, the watershed plan has guided NLRA collaboration with each of the five major watershed towns–Alexandria, Bridgewater, Bristol, Groton, and Hebron–to support each town’s efforts to protect water quality through innovative land use regulations. The resulting reduction of pollutants such as sediment and nutrients that reach the lake helps ensure that Newfound’s water quality remains excellent.
The 2025 Watershed Workshop is open to the public. For more information or to register visit NewfoundLake. org/events or email info@NewfoundLake.org.
the average life span.
Club Piklbal! is a community-centered, state-of-the-art indoor pickleball facility that welcomes players of all ages and abilities all year long. Club Piklbal’s goal is to provide players with a comfortable and positive play experience, making it easy to show up,
play, enjoy some friendly competition, have fun, and make connections.
In its 23,000 square foot facility, Club Piklbal! offers eight indoor, temperature-controlled, fenced in pickleball courts with CushionX premium court surfaces. As well, Club Piklbal! members and guests can enjoy a Wellness Suite, Pro Shop, Training Area, Lounge / Event Space, and plenty of viewing areas for spectators to watch games at play.
Club Piklbal! is a standout to other pickleball facilities, hosting organized programming for lessons from a Club Piklbal! Pro / Coach, leagues, ladders, and level-specific open play. And, for those looking to play a game with their own group, court reservations are available. While Club Piklbal! is happy to welcome guests, there are several levels of membership offering advantages over playing as a guest.
Additionally, Club Piklbal! is available for hosting private events. Their lounge serves up a great space for corporate events, family reunions, birthday parties, and more. Party hosts can even make pickleball part of their event by reserving courts as part of the event’s festivities.
A Winter Delight: The Alton Bay Winter Carnival
By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper
Imagine this: food trucks, music, games, children’s crafts, raffles, prizes, horse-drawn wagon rides, a fun bob house decorating contest, a scavenger hunt and more, all in the winter season. And to top it off, plane rides taking off and landing right on the ice!
If the winter blahs have got you down, the Alton Bay Winter Carnival is sure to lift your spirits. There will be events throughout the day in downtown on February 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Alton Bay. Most of the happenings are free admission.
The carnival is coordinated by the Alton Business Association (ABA) and kicks off with an ice sculpture demon-
stration by Jeff Day, ice sculptor extraordinaire, at 10 a.m. The ice sculpture display will be in the gazebo in Alton Bay. Also at 10 a.m. a Princess/ Prince Parade at the Land Band Stand will be presented by the Alton Dance Academy.
Starting at 11 a.m., the Kids Warming Hut at the Community Center is a great place to stop off to get hands and feet toasty warm, sponsored by Alton Parks & Recreation.
A chowder contest kicks off at 11 a.m. and offers a chance to taste test at Shibley’s at the Pier, Foster’s Tavern, and American Legion Post #72, sponsored by Island Real Estate. Stop by each restaurant for free samples of
warming chowder. You can vote for your favorite chowder – the contest ends when all the chowder is gone.
You can enter for a chance to win one of the raffles, with values up to $500. There will be tons of great prizes donated by local businesses; tickets are sold the day of the carnival at the ABA booth, and you do not need to be present to win. Some of the prizes include Introductory Flight Lesson sponsored by Laconia Flight Academy; a $500 Citgo Cash Card sponsored by Alton Circle Grocery; Mystery Concert Tickets (TBD, summer at Bank of NH Pavilion), sponsored by Binnie Media and aa Game PC Kit sponsored by LeClair Foundation for Technology, among other prizes.
Competitions in a lighthearted manner are what the carnival is all about and the Crazy Hat Contest is one of the best parts of the day. Spectators and competitors gather at the Land Bandstand at 1 p.m. for judging and prizes awarded for the coolest hat. There will be child, adult and even pet categories, sponsored by Alton Excavation.
Those with a bob house, or a friend or relative with an ice house can get in on the fun by decorating their structure on the ice. (Pending Ice conditions.) Deck out the bob house – inside and on the exterior, for a chance to win. Sponsored by Berry’s Bait, the contest offers a chance to doll up your bob house and make it uniquely decorated. (One of last year’s bob houses had a tropical theme.) Maybe your bob house will be the winner, announced at 1:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required to enter. All decorated and competing bob houses will be located for viewing in the Alton Bay area.
Carnival goers will be sure to get hungry during the day and that is what participating restaurants and food trucks are all about. Eateries open include Bayside Diner, Foster’s Tavern, Shibley’s at the Pier with an outdoor bar on the lower deck. Shibley’s DriveIn will be serving free ice cream on the ice. Other eats are offered by food
• Winter Carnival continued on page 7
Ice scuplture in progress at a previous Alton Bay Winter Carnival.
trucks: Good Eatz 603, Katie’s Kitchen NH, Ken’s Corn, Sweet Caroline and Uncle Joey’s Cannoli.
For a fun and memorable time, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride by Bruce Locke Farm (Horse Draw Rides). Rides will be on the ice or around the Alton Bay Christian Conference Center. Tickets are available at the ABA tent in Alton Bay.
There is nothing quite as fascinating as watching a caricature artist create lighthearted portraits and you can have your cartoon picture skillfully created by artist Erica Golter from Have a Cartoon You. This portion of the carnival is sponsored by Meredith Village Savings Bank and takes place in the parking lot in Alton Bay.
thing for you.
the Lake and the Alton Rotary Club.
be frozen. Reserving tickets for a ride is available online. The seaplane rides are extremely popular and last about 15 minutes. The rides are offered all day during the carnival.
A big fascination for those at the carnival is the Alton Bay Seaplane Base and the Ice Runway. There is nothing quite like watching a plane land and take off…right on the ice in Alton Bay. If there is enough ice, the plowed runway is in use in the winter.
Alton Bay Seaplane Base is a public-use seaplane base in the summer and a plowed ice runway in the winter. The airport is run by a dedicated group of volunteers who assist pilots (seaplane, ski, and conventional) flying into the Bay throughout the year and who also plow the ice runway, parallel taxiway, and parking area according to a specific plan set and GPS coordinates in the winter. The ice runway attracts several hundred pilots during its four to eight-week season; it can be one of the busiest airports in the state on winter weekends. • Winter Carnival continued from page 6
If you want to get out on the ice and try ice skating at the Alton Bay rink, there will be an area set up to do so. The Airboat Display/Demo (pending ice conditions) will be provided by Alton Fire Department
There will be many vendors, including Girl and Boy Scouts. If you are a regular Girl Scout Cookie fan, know that the Scouts will be selling cookies during the day.
Any good winter carnival needs music and Frank FM will be doing a live broadcast from 10 a.m. to noon in Alton Bay, sponsored by Binnie Media. A good old fashioned Scavenger hunt will be sponsored by the Prospect Mountain High School Spanish and World Cultures Club. If you like the challenge of sleuthing and hunting for things, the scavenger hunt is just the
The Alton Bay Winter Carnival is the largest fundraising event of the year for the Alton Business Association. The group hosts the event but relies on and appreciates all the help offered by the Alton community. ABA relies on local businesses and non-profits to sponsor events, which brings it all together.
A minimum of 3,000 people – and some years up to 5,000 people attend. Everyone wants to see the plane take off from the runaway on the ice, and if weather conditions are suitable, the runway will be open.
Parking for the carnival is all over Alton Bay and if you can’t find a spot, park at nearby Alton Central School on School Street and take the shuttle bus to the carnival.
If you want to get out on the ice and try your luck at an entertaining and popular game, take a chance with Buck-a-Puck, sponsored by Remax by
For just $1 you can try to shoot hockey puck into a net for a prize. The event runs throughout the day.
How about a seaplane ride…on the ice?
Epic Seaplane Adventures will be giving rides to the public from the ice runway in Alton Bay should the lake
“The Roaring Game” and The Lakes Region Curling Association
Story and Photo By Charlene Muscatell
Curling is a game of finesse and strategy. It was originally believed to have begun as a way to pass the time outdoors in the colder winter months in Scotland, centered around pushing large granite stones the furthest across the ice on frozen-over lakes and lochs. Curling is believed to be one of the world’s oldest sports, with evidence going back almost five centuries. In 1541, Scottish notary records include a game of a similar challenge between a monk and a representative of the Abbott. Early forms of curling were also pictured in paintings as far back as 1565 by Flemish painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder of Scotland.
The name curling was given to this game in the early days due to the unique curved nature of the stones’ movement across the ice. Curling is also commonly called “the roaring game” due to the sound the granite stones make as they slide.
Over the centuries, curling has evolved into a fun pastime with families and a popular team sport with competitions and television audiences watching from around the world. According to the Nashua Telegraph, it has been said that General Wolfe’s men were the first to curl in America when they played a game on the frozen Saint Lawrence River after capturing Quebec in 1759. The first known curling club in the United States was formed in 1829 in Pontiac, Michigan, popularized by Scottish immigrants. This competitive team sport was included in the first ever Winter Olympic games in 1924 in Chamonix, France but was not officially added to the program
until 1998. About four years after the 1924 Winter Olympics, the first New Hampshire curling club was formed by the Nashua Country Club. Interest has since grown in the region.
Since its official inclusion in the Winter Olympics, curling has become increasingly popular in New Hampshire. The Lakes Region Curling Association (LRCA) was formed in 2014 and currently holds their games at Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center in Wolfeboro every Sunday afternoon during the league’s seasons.
In the modern day, like any sport, curling is more structured with rules and common strategies but the overall goal remains the same, to gain points by getting the stones closer to the target. “The principle of curling is simple – get your stone closer to the center of the target circles, called the ‘house,’ than your opponent. Players of all skill
levels can participate and compete even at older ages than most sports allow.” - lakescurlingnh.org
Mike Turner, President of the LRCA, shares the basics. There are four active roles during a game of curling. First, Second, Third, and Skip are the position titles, and many players will take turns with these roles throughout the game. The first player throws the stone down the ice and when the timing is right, the sweepers will use special brooms to sweep the ice in front of the stone, actively reducing friction and turning the stones in the direction of their choice. The Skip stands opposite their team where the house target is set up. Their role is to call the shots of the game and will remain the skip throughout the game.
There are many aspects of “the roaring game” that make it complex, challenging and unlike any other sport.
Bobbi Boudman, a member of the team
“Sweeping Beauties” and a league volunteer who assists with some of the very involved preparations before each game, was kind enough to go over some of the details before preparing the ice herself. The stones are between 38 and 42 pounds, are beveled, polished and include a handle for ultimate performance. Only a small portion of the stone actually makes contact with the ice, allowing the stones to move easily and travel further. The art of “pebbling” is a method incorporated in the preparation of the ice before each game. This involves spraying fine freezing water droplets evenly across the ice from a container, typically on a backpack. When the droplets are frozen and leveled with specific tools, it creates an environment where there is even less surface contact and friction, allowing the stone to move more easily across the ice.
Mike explains that throughout the game, the ice conditions will change, which will also alter how the equipment acts. How well you do can come down to ice conditions, your team’s strategy, talent and sometimes just luck. Players are encouraged to use safety equipment such as helmets and to try alternate methods or tools to help make the game adaptable and more enjoyable, such as specialized sliding shoes or a delivery stick to help throw the stone. There are advantages as well as disadvantages to using alternate equipment, but the ultimate outcome wanted by the league is for everyone to have a good time.
• Curling continued on page 18
By Chef Kelly
Hello Foodie Friends! Today I am bringing you a bunch of fun apps, most of which can be used as dinner options as well. A couple of these use “cheats” of sorts as they will utilize some storebought doughs to simplify the prep/ cooking process, a couple are great twists on some fun apps and meals we are all familiar with, and one will sound downright weird, so I’m going to start with that one, a grain-free, gluten-free, high protein app or meal.
This marriage of two favorites is admittedly eccentric, to say the least as this is a combo of a pizza and a chicken Caesar salad. The part that makes this very unique is that the crust to this pizza is made mostly from ground chicken. The chicken is combined with an egg, some Italian spices, mozzarella and formed into a crust, cooked and then topped with the rest of the usuals you would find on a Caesar salad. This recipe doesn’t add more chicken to the top, but I have done so on many occasions. I do like to fool my crowd sometimes and ask them to guess what the crust is made from, and rarely do they know, especially if I do add extra chicken on top. This can be made in a traditional circular form or on a half pan/cookie sheet in rectangular form depending on your mood and pans, so the choice is yours. This recipe is for 1 pizza and will usually feed 3-4, maybe more if as an app as opposed to a meal so plan accordingly. You can have this made in 35-40 minutes.
Chicken Crust Caesar Salad Pizza
For The Pizza Crust
1 egg
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 lb ground chicken
For The Toppings
1-1 ¼ heads romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped
½ red onion, thinly sliced
¼- ½ cup of your favorite Caesar salad dressing
2-4 tbsp fresh shredded parmesan cheese, not grated
Cooked and diced fresh chicken breast, optional
Pinch red chili pepper flakes, optional
Sliced anchovies, optional
Croutons, optional, if gluten doesn’t bother you. I do like the crunch
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, line a 13-inch pizza pan with parchment paper or nonstick sprayed foil and set aside. Alternatively, you can use a halfsheet pan. Place a half-sheet pan on the bottom rack of your oven in case of spillovers as the chicken releases a little bit of liquid during the baking process, but it cooks off by the end. Add to a large mixing bowl the egg, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, stir with a fork to combine. Add the mozzarella cheese, stir to combine. Crumble the ground chicken over the top, stir with a fork until the ingredients are well combined. Scoop the chicken mixture onto the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it into an 11×11-inch circle or spread into a rectangle if using a half-sheet pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown on top, ro-
tating the pan halfway through. As a “heads up,” you may see excess liquid when rotating the pan, but it will cook off by the end of the baking time. Set the crust aside to cool slightly. While the crust is cooling, add the lettuce to a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the Caesar salad dressing and toss to coat. Slice the chicken crust into four slices or more, then top with the dressed Caesar salad, sliced red onion, and parmesan cheese. If using any of the optional ingredients, I suggest adding to the romaine mixture in the bowl to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy. I have been known to use this crust for other pizzas as well. Also, cooked shrimp is another great topping to this pizza.
The next one works great as an app or as a side dish for dinner. This is a fun and healthier twist on the famous bar appetizer, potato skins. What makes them healthier than the usual is that we use sweet potatoes and they are not fried like the classic app. Much of the usual ingredients are in this version including the bacon and sour cream, plus a few other minor extras. This is actually more of a combo of a twice baked potato and potato skins as once you bake the sweet spuds, you then hollow/scoop out the potatoes and make a mashed sweet potato and then stuff the shells/skins and bake again, then top with a sour cream sauce and bacon. As an app, this gives you 16 pieces as I cut them in half, but as a side dish, you can do the same or serve the 8 pieces. Prep time is in the 20-minute range and the cooking time closer to an hour. These are yummy.
Baked Sweet Potato Skins 4 medium sweet potatoes, about 2 lbs
Fresh Takes on Comfort Classics
total, scrubbed and patted dry
1 tbsp olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
¼ cup low-fat buttermilk ¼ tsp sweet paprika, plus more for garnish
1 cup or more of shredded extra sharp cheddar or other cheese of choice, optional
6 or more slices of bacon ¼ cup or more sour cream
2 scallions, sliced, for garnish
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, rub sweet potatoes with oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake until tender, 40-45 minutes. Let cool on sheet while keeping the oven on. Halve the sweet potatoes lengthwise and scoop out 1/3 cup flesh from each half into a medium bowl. Add buttermilk and paprika to bowl. Mash until smooth and season with salt and pepper. If using cheese, combine it into the potatoes now. Stuff sweet-potato skins with filling. Arrange sweet-potato skins on a sheet pan and bake until lightly browned around edges, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook bacon over medium until crisp, 5-8 minutes. Drain on a paper-towel-lined plate, then crumble. Stir together sour cream and 2 tbsp water and drizzle over sweet-potato skins. Garnish with bacon, paprika, and scallion. Cut each half in half if preferred when serving.
Although the last 3 recipes are absolutely scrumptious and very fun, they aren’t quite as healthy, but hey, we all need to splurge now and then. This first
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• ‘Cue the Grill
continued from page 10
one is an Italian stromboli, a lot like a pizza but just in a different shape for those who may not have had one before. In essence, it’s a rolled-up pizza that is cooked until golden brown and hot in the middle and then sliced into rounds and then can be eaten with a knife and fork or with your hands. Like a pizza, feel free to tweak the ingredients as you can put whatever you want inside this gem, although I don’t suggest putting sauce inside, or if you care to, use very little as it cooks better without, and then I serve the cooked product with small bowls of warm sauce for dipping. For this recipe, I am using store-bought pizza dough, but if you care to make your own, have at it please. I know Super Bowl is right around the corner and this will make an ideal addition to your menu if you are hosting a party. You can put this together in 15-20 minutes and the cooking time is similar. You can get 6-8 slices out of this, maybe more depending on how you slice it.
Italian Stromboli
1 tube of pizza crust, the better the quality the better
8 slices of deli ham
10 slices of Genoa salami
12 slices of sandwich-size pepperoni
8 slices provolone cheese or mozzarella, although shredded works fine as well
2 tbsp of butter
2 minced garlic cloves
2 tsp chopped parsley
¼ cup of Parmesan cheese
Warm pizza or spaghettis sauce for dipping
Melt the butter in the microwave and mix in the minced garlic, parsley and Parmesan cheese. Set aside. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Stretch the pizza crust out to almost the size of your baking sheet. Layer the deli meats, starting with the ham, then the salami followed by the pepperoni.
Layer the cheese last. Roll the stromboli the long way and be sure to seal the seam very well and place the seam down against the pan. Seal the ends as well as possible by pinching them and mold the excess dough to the underside of the stromboli. Score the top a few times with a serrated knife to allow the steam to escape while baking. Brush the stromboli with the garlic butter mixture. Bake it as instructed on the back of whatever pizza dough you are using as the time should be very similar between it being a pizza or stromboli. Once out of the oven, let it sit for 5-7 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this as I know you will and don’t forget, adjust the stuffing ingredients if you wish to.
Puff pastry pockets are next on the docket, and these are filled with items that always go well together. Spinach, combined with 3 cheeses and a few spices and you’ll have another winner at home or as another party stopper as the crowd will flock to these almost immediately. These cheesy spinach puff pastry pockets are a delicious and satisfying savory pastry, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. These have a flaky golden crust and a creamy spinach and cheese filling, they’re sure to be a hit at gatherings or as a comforting treat at home. Easy to make and so good, these parcels bring together the earthy flavors of spinach with the richness of cheese. Whether you are a vegetarian or a diehard carnivore, these are always a winner. This recipe uses 2 sheets of puff pastry, sold together, that you can find in any freezer section of your favorite supermarket. I usually get 10-12 pockets out of this, and the total time involved is in the 35–40-minute range, half of which is prep, and the other half is cooking time.
Cheesy Stuffed Spinach Puff Pastry Pockets
1 package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped, or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained spinach
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 large egg for egg wash
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Add the chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into even squares (approximately 4-5 inches per side). Place a heaping tablespoon of the spinach and cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a rectangle or square, then press the edges together with a fork to seal. For extra flair, cut a small slit or poke a few tiny holes on top to allow steam to escape and give a decorative look. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the pastry parcels to give them a golden sheen when baked. Place the parcels on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed. Let the pastries cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.
Lastly today, let’s make a batch of
mini meatloaf muffins which also works so well as an app or as din din. These mini meatloaf muffins offer a fun, modern twist on traditional meatloaf, an American classic comfort food. These miniaturized versions are perfect for gatherings, children’s dinners, or as a novel way to enjoy this home favorite. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but they also bake quicker than a whole loaf, ideal for busy weeknights. Pairing mini meatloaf muffins with mashed potatoes and some veggies or salad makes a great dinner. Don’t forget a drizzle of barbecue sauce or gravy or whatever sounds good to you for that classic meatloaf glazed touch. These are also ideal for appetizer platters. Whether you use this meatloaf recipe or your own, going muffin style with them will get your crowd talking, not to mention the kid crowd will be all over them.
Mini Meatloaf Muffins
1 lb ground beef
1 beaten egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup milk
½ finely chopped onion
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp salt
• ‘Cue the Grill continued on page 16
2022 Marvin Lumber and Cedar Co., LLC.
Concord, New Hampshire
Trails: Everyday, Dawn to Dusk
Through Feb. 14, Winter Birch Pottery Exhibit, pottery of David Ernster and Michael Gibbons, League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, handmade crafts and art for sale, workshops, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920.
Every Thursday, Art & Coffee Club, 9 - 11 a.m., free, coffee and art, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 4 – 7 p.m., 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org
Feb. 4, Intro to MIG Welding, 4 – 7 p.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org
Feb. 4, Teen Craft: Beaded Friendship Bracelet, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., for ages 9-18, Laconia Public Library, 695 N. Main St., Laconia, 603-524-4775, https:// www.laconianh.gov/1000/Library
Feb. 5, Music Informance Series, interactive discussions 6 p.m., Wolfeboro Public Library, South Main St., Wolfeboro by Wolfeboro Friends of Music, pre-register: 603-569-2151, www.wolfeborofriendsofmusic.org
Feb. 6, Art & Coffee Club, 9 - 11 a.m., free, coffee and art, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org
Feb. 6, Josie Lawrence and Clifford Cameron, 7 p.m., Hermit Woods Winery, 72 Main St., Meredith, tickets: 603-253-7968, www.hermitwoods.com
Feb. 6, Plymouth Square Dance, 7:30 – 10 p.m., no experience necessary, all dances taught, complimentary Common Man goodies and hot drinks, cash bar, Barn on the Pemi, 341 Daniel Webster Highway, Plymouth, 603-481-0789. (Also takes place March 6 & April 3, 2025.)
Feb. 6, Seasonal Adult Craft: Punch Needle Hoops, 1 – 3 p.m., Laconia Rotary Hall, Laconia Public Library, 695 N. Main St., Laconia, sign-up required: 603-524-4775.
Feb. 6, What is Upcycling?, 5 - 6 p.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org
Feb. 7, Intro to Sociocracy: aka Dynamic Governance, 12:30 – 2 p.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org
Feb. 7, Jim Norton: Now You Know How, comedy, 8 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, tickets: 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.
Feb. 7, Upcycled Pallets: Build a Seed Starter Frame, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org
Feb. 8, Cake Baking & Decorating with Chef Allen, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., multigenerational class, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia, 603-366-5695, www.prescottfarm.org
Feb. 8, Designing Skills for Upcycled Fashion, 10 a.m. – noon, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org
Feb. 8, Saturday Afternoon Music Series, 3 – 6 p.m., with Paul Warnick, Pistol Pub, Gunstock Mountain, 719 Cherry Valley Rd., Gilford, 603-293-4341, www.gunstock.com
Feb. 8, Zach Nugent & Friends: Play Originals and More, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey, 39 S. Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh.com
Feb. 8- 9, 46th Annual Ice Fishing Derby, Meredith Bay, info.: www.icefishingnh.com
Feb. 8, 15, 22, Snowshoe Yoga, 10 a.m. – noon, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia, 603-366-5695, www. prescottfarm.org
Feb. 11 & 15, Nature Station, 2/11: 1 – 3 p.m. & 2/15: 10 a.m. – noon, Grey Rocks Conservation Area, 178 N. Shore Rd., Hebron, Newfound Lake Region Association, free, open to all, 603-744-8689, www.newfoundlake.org
Feb. 12, Full Moon Snowshoe Hike, 5:30 – 7 p.m., adult program, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia, pre-register: 603-366-5695, www.prescottfarm.org
Feb. 13 - 15: Book SALE with a TWIST! Books galore with a cozy children›s area and a selection of gently used crafting supplies including beads, quilting and stamping tools, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Sponsored by the Friends of Meredith Public Library. 91 Main St., Meredith. Ample parking off High Street entrance. Wheelchair accessible. 603-279-4303, www.meredithlibrary.org
Feb. 14, Pop Trivia: Love and Valentine’s Edition, 1 – 3 p.m., Laconia Rotary Hall, Laconia Public Library, 695 N. Main St., Laconia, info.: 603-524-4775.
Feb. 14, Runs ’n Roses, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., find roses on the slopes, Gunstock Mountain, 719 Cherry Valley Rd., Gilford, 603-293-4341, www.gunstock.com
Feb. 15, Jimmy Dunn – For Better or Worse A Valentine’s Comedy Show, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey, 39 S. Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh.com
Feb. 15, Make Your Own Watercolor Paint with Earth & Mineral Pigments with Larry Frates, 10 a.m. – noon, adult program, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Rd., Every
Feb. 15, Saturday Afternoon Music Series, 3 – 6 p.m., with Garrett Smith, Pistol Pub, Gunstock Mountain, 719 Cherry Valley Rd., Gilford, 603-293-4341, www.gunstock.com
Feb. 15, Tapestry in Postcards from France, 7 p.m., First Congregational Church, 115 South Main St., Wolfeboro, by Wolfeboro Friends of Music, 603569-2151, www.wolfeborofriendsofmusic.org
Feb. 15, Wolfeboro Progressive Ski Dinner, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Abenaki Ski Area, 390 Pine Hill Rd., Wolfeboro, tickets/info.: 603-569-2200, https://wolfeboro. recdesk.com/community/program.
Feb. 16, Alton Bay Winter Carnival, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., free, food trucks, vendors, Bob house decorating contest, chowder fest, horse sleigh rides & more, info@altonbusinessassociation.com.
Feb. 16, Vertical Challenge at Tenney Mountain, family-fun racing and prizes, Tenney Mountain, 151 Tenney Mountain Rd., Plymouth, 603-238-9567, www.skitenney.com.
Feb. 18, Tap Into Maple, 10 a.m. – noon, multigenerational, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia, 603-366-5695, www.prescottfarm.org
Feb. 18, Making Maple Candy, 1 – 3 p.m., multigenerational, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia, 603-366-5695, www.prescottfarm.org
Feb. 20, SOS Save, Organize, and Share: Photos and Memories, 10 – 11 a.m., Laconia Rotary Hall, Laconia Public Library, 695 N. Main St., Laconia, sign-up required: 603-524-4775.
Feb. 20, Trade – Returning to the Loft by Popular Demand, 7 p.m., Hermit Woods Winery, 72 Main St., Meredith, tickets: 603-253-7968, www.hermitwoods.com
Feb. 21, Anthony Rodia Laugh Till It Hurts, comedy, 8 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, tickets: 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.
Feb. 21-March 2, Wolfeboro Winter Carnival, 10 a.m., fun wintertime events around Wolfeboro, 603-569-2200 for updates.
Feb. 22: Beginnings: A Celebration of the Music of Chicago, comedy, 8 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, tickets: 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com. (For ages 16 & up)
Feb. 22, Family Craft: Fizzy Paint, 10 – 11:30 a.m., for families with children, Selig Storytime Room, Laconia Public Library, 695 N. Main St., Laconia, signup required: 603-524-4775.
Feb. 22, Little Lies – A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey, 39 S. Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh.com
Feb. 22, Saturday Afternoon Music Series, 3 – 6 p.m., with Joan Cicatelli, Pistol Pub, Gunstock Mountain, 719 Cherry Valley Rd., Gilford, 603-293-4341, www.gunstock.com
Feb. 22, Winter Fest, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-register: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.
Feb. 24, February Vacation Wildlife Encounters, 1 – 2 p.m., best for age 6-11, Leavitt Park Clubhouse, 334 Elm St., Laconia, sign-up required: 603-5244775.
Feb. 25, The State of the Lake, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Minot Sleeper Library, 35 Pleasant St., Bristol, program of Newfound Lake Region Association, free, open to all, 603-744-8689, www.newfoundlake.org
Feb. 25, Wooden Spoon Carving Class, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., teen and adult class, Laconia Rotary Hall, Laconia Public Library, 695 N. Main St., Laconia, sign-up required: 603-524-4775.
March 1, Kashmir – The Spirit of Led Zeppelin Live! Celebrating the 50th anniversary of physical graffiti in its entirety with some greatest hits, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey, 39 S. Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh.com
March 1, Saturday Afternoon Music Series, 3 – 6 p.m., with Henry LaLiberte, Pistol Pub, Gunstock Mountain, 719 Cherry Valley Rd., Gilford, 603-2934341, www.gunstock.com
March 7, Frank Santos Jr., 7:30 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com
ONGOING
Art & Coffee Club, Thursdays, 9 – 11 a.m., Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.
Nickels & Dimes Boutique
ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts/CCAC, art, workshops and events, open year-round with seasonal hours, 603-323-8041, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, www. chocoruaartworks.com
Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, gallery and textile museum, events and programs, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.
Breakfast Buffet, 7 a.m. - 11 a.m., Wolfeboro Masonic Lodge, 35 Trotting Track Rd, Wolfeboro. Pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, sausage, omelets made-to-order, Eggs Benedict, biscuit and gravy, juice, and coffee. Served the second Sunday of every month, 603-569-4637.
Canterbury Shaker Village, walking trails, Shaker Rd., Canterbury, 603-7839511, www.shakers.org
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.chapmansanctuaryvisnywoods.com.
Chocorua Lake Basin View Lot, mountain views, benches for seating, free, www.chocorualake.org.
Coffee Hour, 10 – 11 a.m., coffee, tea and snacks, Effingham Public Library, 30 Town House Rd., Effingham, 603-539-1537, Effingham.lib.nh.us.
Country Village Quilt Guild, meets twice monthly, Public Safety Building (back entrance to Police and Fire Dept.), Rte. 25, Moultonborough, countryvillagequilters@gmail.com.
Dam Brewhouse, events, 1323 NH Rte. 175, Campton, 603-726-4500, www. dambrewhouse.com.
Family Crafts at the Belknap Mill Museum, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., first and third Saturday, drop-in event, free, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.
First Friday Receptions, refreshments, conversation & art, ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts, call for winter dates: 603-323-8041, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, www.chocoruaartworks.com
Frank Bolles Nature Reserve, walking trails, off Rt. 16 to Chocorua Lake Rd., Chocorua, www.chocorualake.org.
Freedom Village Store, variety of goods from artisan items to baked goods and more, 11 Elm St., Freedom, call for info/hours: 603-539-3077, www.freedomvillagestore.org.
Guided Tours, history and machines of the historic Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, pre-register: jill@belknapmill.org, 603-524-8813 to schedule a time for a tour.
In the Round, 8:45 a.m., Sundays, thought-provoking topics related to tolerance, Benz Center, Sandwich, 603-284-7211.
Indoor Pickleball, 5 p.m., Sandwich Central School gym, Sandwich, every Tues., Thurs. & Fri., parksandrec@sandwichnh.org
Kirkwood Gardens, free, open to public year round, Rt. 3, Holderness, tour the gardens, www.nhnature.org, 603-968-7194.
Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., meets second and fourth Wednesday of each month, First Congregational Church, 115 Main St., Wolfeboro, www.llqg.net
Lakes Region Art Association, exhibits and classes, Suite 300, Tanger Outlet, Rte. 3, Tilton, 603-998-0029, www.lraanh.org
Lakes Region Curling Association, winter leagues, matches at Pop Whalen Ice & Arts Center, Rt. 109A., Wolfeboro, Sundays 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., 603-5695639.
What’s UP
Laverack Nature Trail at Hawkins Brook, nature trail on boardwalk, free, trail starts to the left of Meredith Village Savings Bank, Rte. 25, Meredith, 603279-9015.
League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, handmade crafts and art for sale, workshops, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920.
Loon Center, walking trails, 183 Lees Mill Rd., Moultonborough, 603-4765666, www.loon.org
Makers Mill, a variety of workshops, arts and crafts classes and more, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org
Making Strides, 8 – 9 a.m., drop-in walking for groups or singles, Ossipee Town Hall, no pre-registration required, 55 Main St., Center Ossipee, takes place various times: www.ossipee.recdesk.com.
Meredith Public Library Bookstore, run by Friends of the Meredith Library, open weekly: Wed. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thurs. & Fri. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., lower level, Meredith Public Library, 91 Main St., Meredith, 603279-4303, www.meredithlibrary.org.
New England Racing Museum, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., open Saturdays, 922 NH Rte. 106 N., Loudon, www.NEMSMUSEUM.com
NH Farm Museum, seasonal (summer & fall) old-time farm events, gift shop, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, contact for open hours/dates: 603-6527840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org
Outdoor Nature-Based Storytime for Young Children, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main St., Tamworth, 603-3238510, www.tamworthlibrary.org.
Plymouth Square Dance, 7:30 – 10 p.m., David Millstone calls traditional squares, fiddle tunes by Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki, pianist Sue Hunt, no experience necessary, all dances taught, complimentary Common Man goodies and hot drinks, cash bar, Barn on the Pemi, 341 Daniel Webster Highway, Plymouth, 603-481-0789. (Takes place Jan. 2, Feb. 6, March 6 & April 3, 2025.)
Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Call ahead for event information and to inquire if program pre-registration is necessary: 603-366-5695.
Quilting Group, 1 - 4 p.m., meets every 2 weeks, Ossipee Public Library, 74 Main St., Ossipee, schedule/info: 603-539-6390.
Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, winter at the farmstead events, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.
Roller Skating Night, 5 p.m., Mondays, bring your own skates, for age 18 and up, Ossipee Town Hall, 55 Main St., Ossipee, info/updates: 603-539-1307, www.ossipee.org
Rug Hookers, 10 a.m., meets Tuesdays, Tuftonboro Free Library, 221 Middle Rd., Rt. 109A, Tuftonboro, 603-569-4256.
Sculpture Walk, tours of outdoor sculptures around downtown/lakeside areas of Meredith, free, Greater Meredith Program, maps: 603-279-9015.
Second Saturday Contradance, Tamworth Outing Club, 7:30 – 10 p.m., Tamworth Town House, 27 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, admission charged, info.: Amy Berrier 603-651-5800 or Teresa Fournier at 978-609-2181.
Song and Jam Circle, 6:30 – 8 p.m., 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, 9 a.m. - noon, Saturdays, 30 Tamworth Road, Tamworth, www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org
Tamworth History Center, 25 Great Hill Rd., Tamworth, info: www.tamworthhistorycenter.org.
Tamworth Townhouse Hoot – Bruce Berquist & Jim Alt, 1 – 3 p.m., Saturdays, 27 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, song circle, local musicians welcome to participate, bruceberquist@gmail.com
Tuftonboro Country Bluegrass and Gospel Jam, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Tuesdays, donation requested, Old White Church, Rte. 109A, Center Tuftonboro, across from Tuftonboro General Store, 603-569-3861
Wolfeboro Table Tennis, meets Wednesdays 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.
We are excited to share that in 2024, Meredith Landing Real Estate donated $20,218.45 to local charities and organizations in our area through our Community Counts Program! We have made the commitment to give back a portion of every commission earned and in just 3 short years, we have donated $61,959.65! This is due, in large part, to all of our clients and customers for choosing to list and/or buy with us!
We are excited to share that in 2024, Meredith Landing Real Estate donated $20,218.45 to local charities and organizations in our area through our Community Counts Program! We have made the commitment to give back a portion of every commission earned and in just 3 short years, we have donated $61,959.65! This is
We are excited to share that in 2024, Meredith Landing Real Estate donated $20,218.45 to local charities and organizations in our area through our Community Counts Program! We have made the commitment to give back a portion of every commission earned and in just 3 short years, we have donated $61,959.65! This is due, in large part, to all of our clients and customers for choosing to list and/or buy with us!
The Market Needs Listing
The Market Needs Listing ... Call us today to be a part of what ‘Counts’!
603-677-7007
603-677-7007
285 Daniel Webster Hwy Meredith, NH
603-677-7007 285 Daniel Webster Hwy Meredith, NH
285 Daniel Webster Hwy Meredith, NH
Yesteryear
The Popularity of Lakes Region Winter Carnivals
By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper
Winter carnivals are beloved events in many communities. They offer a chance for visitors and locals to socialize and get out of the house during the long winter months.
Bristol, in the Newfound Lake area, celebrated with a winter carnival for many years. In 1922, the Pasquaney Snowshoe Club organized the first such event in Bristol, which took place on Jan. 12, 13, and 14.
At a time, the practice of a winter carnival was becoming popular in many towns. The Pasquaney Snowshoe Club worked to present a weekend of events with the idea of an opening day parade featuring every ox team in the vicinity with a prize for the “best yoke.” Other events would be a novelty stunt competition, a potato race on snowshoes,
and ski jumping. There would also be tobogganing, ice boating, auto racing on Newfound Lake, and all forms of skiing. For the tobogganing portion of the weekend, a slide was built in the local park, and ski jumping was at the base of Sugar Hill in Bristol.
At the 1922 Bristol Winter Carnival, the town hall hosted a supper, dance, and grand ball. Many small towns did not have movies at the time, but the carnival plans were to show “moving pictures” sometime during the festivities. It was hoped, with good advertising far and wide, that summer residents might return for the duration of the carnival and people from nearby towns might also attend.
The crowning of the carnival queen was a big part of the events in Bristol over the years. On Saturday eve-
ning, February 21, 1948, the crowning took place at the Community Center in downtown Bristol, and the winner was Miss Norma French, a high school junior. Candidates from all four high school years were voted in to compete for the top queenly honor. It was a festive event, with music by the Hamptonians, the New Hampton High School orchestra directed by T. Holmes Moore.
A Bristol Chamber of Commerce member crowned the queen and local dignitary Charles Tapply was crown bearer. Refreshments were served, and a dance celebration continued until 11 p.m.
The village of Hebron, near Newfound Lake, got in on winter carnival fun starting around 1922. According to A Brief History of Hebron, NH by Ron Collins, that was the year a winter carnival was planned. It was tied in with the area outing and ski clubs, such as the one on Tenney Hill in Hebron.
By 1938, winter outdoor events were popular everywhere, and in New Hampton, the 12th Annual Winter Carnival was held in February. The event took place at New Hampton School and included hockey games, a ski meet, and the all-important crowning of the carnival queen. Other events included a tea dance and theatrical plays: “A Message from Khufu” and “The Crimson Cocoanut.” The school’s glee club presented several numbers and music for dancing.
Elsewhere in the region, Plymouth held a winter carnival, which, in 1949, took place as a two-day event on March 5 and 6. The Recreation Committee of the Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event for “the benefit of the recently organized Youth Council.” It brought many people from outside the area, as well as locals, to the event. The festivities began at 1 p.m. on March 5, with judges choosing the Carnival Queen. The Plymouth Queen coronation was held at a dance with music by Phil Edmond’s 9-piece orchestra. The winner of the Carnival window display by local merchants was also announced.
During the two-day carnival, Plymouth saw many fun things take place, such as wood-chopping and tug-of-war contests, dog races, obstacle races, and novelty events. The churches in the town joined in and invited all carnival-goers to attend services on Sunday wearing their sports gear.
The Carnival events included ski races at Frontenac Ski Slopes, where prizes were awarded. Snow sculpting was also done. The Winter Carnival ended with a basketball game between a local and a Boston team.
The Plymouth Winter Carnival remained popular, and in January 1986, • Yesteryear continud on page 17
• ‘Cue the Grill continued from page 11
½ tsp black pepper BBQ sauce, condensed tomato soup, tomato sauce, gravy, or any other sauce you would like to top with or serve with
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease a 12-cup muffin tin. In a large bowl, whisk together ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, milk, onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Avoid overmixing. Divide the meat mixture evenly into
muffin cups and shape them universally. Top each with your favorite sauce if you care to. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before unmolding. Serve hot with additional sauce and watch the smiles and listen to the fun compliments.
That’s it my friends as another chapter of food fun is in the books. Until next time, keep your taste buds happy and smiling, and if any of you care to give any feedback or if you have any questions, please reach out at fenwaysox10@gmail.com
• Yesteryear continud from page 16
theme was Cartoon Carnival. Events included the Zak Cross Country Ski Race and skating, volleyball, comic games, ice rink events, ice sculpture contests with cartoon characters, and the popular 1950s-themed dance featuring Mark Elvis and the Legends.
The idea of a winter carnival started in Franklin when the town’s recreation department got the go-ahead to build a ski area. The Franklin Outing Club stepped in to help the recreation department run the ski area, and in 1962, the Great Gains Ski Area (which became the Veteran’s Memorial Ski Area) held its first winter carnival.
Many years later, the Franklin Outing Club continued the yearly Winter Carnival. The year 2015 marked the 53rd anniversary of the winter event, testifying to the staying power of the club and the carnival. Events such as a casserole supper and bonfire, a pancake breakfast, and a fishing derby mimicked events of old-time carnivals from the early 1900s.
Wolfeboro has offered a fun Winter Carnival for years, and it all began in the 1940s at the site that would become Abenaki Ski Area. The Abenaki Outing Club members enjoyed outdoor sports on a hill in the town and wanted to promote winter activities. The club presented a winter carnival in the 1940s, with skiing, skating, and other outdoor pastimes. (This year’s Wolfeboro Winter Carnival will take place from February 21 to March 2 with schedule information at www.wolfeboronh.us/ parks-recreation.)
Also in Wolfeboro, Brewster Academy joined the Wolfeboro Winter Carnival on February 22, 1922, according to an article by Beth Hayes in a Brewster Academy publication. Activities at the school included sleigh rides, skiing, ice hockey, snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice skating, and snow sculpture making. As the years progressed, Brewster had an ice rink where students could try skating and broom hockey. Students were well known for their creative snow sculptures, and in the 1960s, a memorable, massive snow sculpture of Mount Rushmore was must-see.
Said Brewster’s editorial director Suzanne Morrissey, “Brewster’s Winter Carnival has changed over the decades, but it’s a tradition that has been going strong since 1922. Snow sculptures and the ‘Miss Winter Carnival’ competition used to top the activities. These days, our students compete by grade in a series of raucous but friendly competitions like tug-of-war, pie-eating, decorating their class area in creative themes, trivia, and even PJ Dress Up Day. But the culmination is the Lip Sync Contest, where the whole school comes out to see the teams lip sync and dance to songs that mesh with
their themes—the costumes get really involved and creative. Recent themes have included Under the Sea, Dr. Seuss, and Superbowl Halftime Shows, and Harry Potter!”
Dog sledding was very popular during winter carnival events in the Lakes Region, and many recall the dog sled races cutting a path through downtown Laconia. According to historical information at www.lrsdc.org (the website of the Lakes Region Sled Dog Club), the first dog sled race was held in Laconia in 1929. However, a few years before that date, a race was part of the 1926 Laconia Winter Carnival, covered in the Laconia Democrat and later, after January 4, 1926, in the Laconia Evening Citizen. The race followed the 1925 Nome (Alaska) Serum Run, which gained worldwide attention, making sled dog racing popular everywhere. Thus, the Laconia Winter Carnival the following year seemed a good place for locals to see an exciting sled dog race in the Lakes Region.
The 1929 event had enough on the schedule to stave off cabin fever: horse racing at Lake Opechee on February 9, a Circuit Dog Race on February 12 and 13, a Wood Chopping Contest on February 12 at Bank Square, and the Winnipesaukee Ski Club Carnival Ball on February 12 at the Laconia Gardens, with the famous Blue Jay Orchestra. The Laconia Winter Carnival continued to thrive over the years, and one year saw the event held from February 12 to 14, 1948. There would have been
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Snow sculpting during Brewster Academy’s Winter Carnival. Courtesy Brewster Academy
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This winter marks ten years since the LRCA was founded and they now have both fall and winter seasons. Eleven teams are currently signed up, with ten teams playing each week while one has a bye week. Often, you will see new players on their bye week offering to stand in for teams with a player out so they can gain more experience and skills, and so no teams are forced to forfeit a game. The league welcomes those of all experience levels, from brand new to well-seasoned players. Some teams are more casual players of the game while others are more competitive and travel to join in curling tournaments around New England called “Bonspiels”.
The Lakes Region Curling Association welcomes local newcomers of all
ages to try out the sport during their “Learn to Curl” Clinic at the Wolfeboro Winter Fest on February 26th at 1:30 pm at Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center, Route 109A in Wolfeboro. “The LRCA’s mission is to offer and promote the sport of curling as a recreational activity for residents of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Membership is open to all residents of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region and beyond who are 14 years of age or older. For men and women of all ages and fitness levels, curling is a sport that combines skill, teamwork, and strategy. LRCA matches put a premium on friendly competition, sportsmanship, and fun. Players can register singly, as partners, or as full teams of four or five players. No previous experience is needed, and the LRCA provides all necessary equipment.”- lakescurlingnh.org
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outdoor snow races, skiing, skating, and plenty of competitions to thrill spectators. Of course, a dance with a live orchestra topped off the weekend of events.
Added to Laconia’s Winter Carnival fun were events like the February 3 Winnipesaukee Invitational Slalom open at Belknap Mountain Recreation Area in Gilford, sponsored by the Winnipesaukee Ski Club. Something unusual and fun for spectators was horseracing on the ice at Lake Opechee in Laconia. It was very popular and led to plans to continue the horse racing on ice throughout the season on Saturdays.
In the northern area of the Lakes Region, the 1941 Ossipee Carnival was billed in The Reporter newspaper to take place on February 1 and 2. There were slalom races, and also high school combined downhill and slalom races.
One “lucky young lady” was chosen by a prominent group of Ossipee citizens as the Ossipee 1941 Carnival Queen at the Carnival Ball held at the Ossipee YMCA, as told in The Reporter. She
received a beautiful 16-inch loving cup and a large bouquet of flowers. The other contestants forming the Carnival Queen’s Court also received prizes. Ossipee did things up in a big way, and it helped entertain locals who had cabin fever from the long winter and the worry about loved ones fighting in World War II.
One item of note from the Ossipee event was Miss Marguerite Fletcher, who created the Ossipee Murre, a large painting covering the walls of the Ossipee YMCA. The YMCA was the hub of Carnival activities, with ornate decorations by Fletcher and her helpers. A supper committee offered a delicious “New England Saturday Night Dinner” at the YMCA on February 1. Admission to the supper was 40 cents, and a dance during the weekend was just 50 cents!
All over the Lakes Region, residents and visitors alike socialized and enjoyed outdoor activities and the excitement of every Carnival queen’s crowning in their town. With tobogganing, skating, skiing, ski jumping, indoor dances, and suppers, there was something for everyone in the deep winter of New Hampshire.
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