TheLaker_Dec_21 by The Laker

December 2021 | THE LAKER | Page 1

Your Guide to What’s Happening in NH’s Lakes Region

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December • Vol 38 • No 30 Monthly Edition

Inside This Issue... Find More ‘Tis the Season | Page 3

‘Cue the Grill | Page 10

Musical Holidays | Page 6

What’s Up | Pages 14-17

Page 2 | THE LAKER | December 2021

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’Tis The Season To Bring Joy and Help Others By Leigh Sharps For the past two years, we have experienced a total change in habits during the holiday season: fewer events, less in-person shopping, no large family dinners or gatherings, an inability to get out during the holidays to volunteer, and (especially) the chance to aid families with children who might need extra help bringing joy to them on Christmas morning. Somehow, though, gift-giving to youngsters continued last year through the concerted efforts of faithful volunteers, public donations, and help from many local Lakes Region businesses, individuals, and organizations. Those successful efforts are anticipated this holiday season, again, and if you are looking for ways to help out, there are certainly abundant methods to do so. “Toys For Tots” is a program started by the U.S. Marine Corps. Their program began as collecting unwrapped gifts and distributing them to less-fortunate children at Christmas. It became more organized and official as the “Marine Toys for Tots Program” in 1991. It has become the most widely known holiday toy charity in the nation. It has a board of directors who are ex-Marines and business leaders from all over the country. They’re headquartered near Washington, D.C. One objective of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is to “help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas and play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable re-

sources: our children.” To request toys from Toys for Tots, one may go online and click the link for assistance. Their main Granite State office is in Manchester, with program branches all over the state. Going online also provides other information and the closest program near you. Many Lakes Region holiday charitable programs partner with them each year. A n n u a l l y, as the holiday season approaches, members of Lakes Region organizations and clubs (the Rotary and Lions Club or other service organizations, for instance) hold events such as concerts, dinners, food basket deliveries, and coat and toy drives. Of course, non-members of organizations help, also, through donations of money, food, goods, and services. The Lakes Region Rotary partners with the Salvation Army in Laconia during their yearly holiday “Kettle Drive.” Off-season, they support the Salvation Army’s bi-monthly “Friendly Kitchen.” The Rotary also has a car show every year. It is a big fundraiser for them and the

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money raised supports the Santa Fund, which provides winter boots, coats, mittens, and hats for area youths. The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, in its 40th year, is also a large part of the holiday season. Between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on December 7 through 10, the event will be televised on Lakes Region Public Access Channel 25 and Atlantic Broadband Channel 12, and on the radio at 104.9 The Hawk and 101.5 Lakes FM, all from the Tanger Outlets in Tilton where people may visit in person this year. More information is posted on their auction site, facebook. com/childrensauction. A lot of Christmas shopping can be done this way, with diverse offerings available to the public, such as global vacations, handcrafted goods, dining and clothing store gift cards, and larger items such as popular sporting goods. The funds are disbursed to organizations that provide needs to Lakes Region children and families. Applications for assistance are posted online at childrensauction.com.

Speaking of radio holiday traditions, the Mix 94.1 FM Cash N’ Cans Annual Food and Money Drive is set for the week of December 10-17, with radio personality Fred Caruso, who founded the effort in 1987. Many events are planned for the week, so stay tuned in to Fred. Last year, Cash N’ Cans raised $52,000 in cash and thousands of pounds of non-perishable food items. A unique way they raise funds (besides direct donations) is through the purchase of their prize calendar ($10) and with cash and prizes donated by individuals and businesses, a lucky winner is selected daily for a prize. Listen to details on 94.1 FM. All donations from Cash N’ Cans stay local and go to many programs, including the Twin Rivers Interfaith Food Pantry, Santa Fund of the Lakes Region, the Tilton-Northfield-Sanbornton Christmas Fund, Bread & Roses Soup Kitchen, the Franklin Police Department’s Toys for Tots program, Santa’s L’il Helpers through the Belmont Police Department, the “Every Child Is Ours” program, the Meredith Emergency Food Pantry, and the Northfield-Tilton Congregational Church Food Pantry. These are all programs you can contact now to help during the holiday season (and most of them are year-round, also). Lakes Region Community Services helps the needy all year and especially during the holidays. They display a

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Page 4 | THE LAKER | December 2021

Temple B’nai Israel Leads Community Hanukah Celebration The Jewish holiday of Hanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, began at sundown on November 28, and celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration in 164 BCE. The Maccabees, led by Judah, were the first Jews who fought to defend their religious beliefs. Following the struggle to regain the Holy Temple, a great miracle happened when the oil to light the lamp, that was only enough to burn for one day, miraculously burned for eight days, thus establishing the precedent for the eight-day festival. Today, Hanukah is celebrated in homes around the world by the lighting of the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum that holds a primary candle, the shamash, that is used to light an additional candle for each night until

the final night when the menorah glows brightly with all eight candles and the shamash. As the candles are being lit, blessings are chanted before and during the process. Many families will light their menorah by a window to share the spirit and glow of the festival. Aside from lighting the menorah, other Hanukah celebrations have emerged over the years. In the shtetls of Eastern Europe, children were given Hanukah gelt (coins) as a special treat, but real coins have been replaced by chocolate coins, wrapped in gold or silver foil, and brightly wrapped presents which are often given each night of the holiday. In many homes, playing the game of dreidel, a spinning top that is inscribed with the Hebrew letters that represent the Hanukkah theme, “a great miracle

happened there,” may be part of the nightly ritual after lighting the menorah. As with every Jewish holiday, there are traditional Hanukah foods that have special meaning to this festival as they are cooked in oil. The most notable are the potato latkes (pancakes), fried in batches and served with applesauce or sour cream. The custom of eating sufganiyot, a jelly-filled doughnut, has emerged from the Israeli tradition where these delicacies are fried in oil. Whether indulging in latkes, sufganiyot, or fried mozzarella sticks, the importance of celebrating with fried food is recognizing what occurred in the past and honoring the joyous holiday today. Temple B’nai Israel will host a Zoom community Hanukah celebration on Saturday, December 4. Each household will

light their menorah and chant the Hanukkah blessings in their home. The Religious School children will lead singing of traditional Hanukah songs, followed by a game of Trivia and a Hanukkah scavenger hunt. For more information about the festivities planned, visit the Temple B’nai Israel web page, https://tbinh.org/event/ hanukah-celebration. Zoom links will be available upon request with RSVP’s. Everyone is encouraged to share why their menorah may have special meaning. Do you light a menorah that has been handed down through generations? Maybe you have a sentimental menorah that was made by children who are grown now. If there are stories to be told, please share yours when sending your RSVP to info@tbinh.org.

• Joy continued from page 4

but write it on your calendar to remember this next November. Another town whose program is run by their firemen is in Ashland, where the Firefighters’ Auxiliary runs “Operation Santa Claus,” benefiting town children. They hang paper stockings with a child’s age and toy wishes on them (and conservative wishes they always are — most requesting snow clothes), and residents pick them up and deliver unwrapped gifts to dropoff locations (the fire department, Elaine Hughes Realty or the Meredith Village Savings Bank in Ashland). Their program does not go unappreciated by parents who often become those who now donate. One resident said (anonymously): “I learned later that myself and my siblings would never have had toys on Christmas morning without the generosity of resi-

dents here. Now that I am an adult with kids of my own, and I am able, I return my gratitude to residents and the Auxiliary who made our Christmases joyful when I was young, by giving back to the program each year now.” “Operation Christmas Spirit” is Operation Help A Hero’s annual project. Their mission is to “Spread the spirit of Christmas to those who serve, asking nothing in return.” For the past 18 holiday seasons, they have asked for support by “adopting” a military family or single service member. They folks who wish to adopt a military family or provide gifts for single service members to hold a toy drive for the program or donate online, and volunteers will shop for you or advise of other ways that you may help. Fundraising goes on year-round for

the needy, not just at Christmas time. There are many ongoing programs aimed to help needy children and families. There are ways to help with food, clothing, housing, fuel assistance, etc., in every county (all cities and most towns) in the state. Some ideas to help are: Donate to a food pantry, help a needy family one may find through welfare offices or community centers, donate your hair to “Locks of Love”, grant a wish to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, or visit or call your local humane society to assess any needs there. We at The Laker give many thanks to all those who donate in some way each year to make the Christmas season a joyful one for our children and their families.

“Giving Tree” in their downtown Laconia office, with hanging tags representing a child’s wishes for Christmas that the public is invited to choose and fulfill. The tags go quickly each year. There are also programs in many Lakes Region towns, from Wolfeboro to Franklin. For instance, each season in Plymouth, the Fireman’s Association partners with Toys for Tots to deliver gifts along with good cheer to the Plymouth community. Unwrapped toys are delivered to the fire station where they are wrapped and then delivered (call and leave a message at 603-536-1253 for further info). It may be too late this year to give to this program and a few other local programs,

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Page 6 | THE LAKER | December 2021

A Season for Magical, Musical Holidays skilled musicians celebrate the story of Christmas in a unique, upbeat show. Eileen’s Irish and American roots shine throughout the evening’s beautiful mix of traditional, story-filled, age-old Wren Day songs, poems, and foot-stomping roots music. The ensemble’s instruments and voices weave throughout the evening, coupled with Ivers’ signature warmth, inviting listeners to enjoy the tuneful, soulful celebration capturing the true spirit and joy of the season. There will be three performances from which to choose: December 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m., and December 19 at 2 p.m., when “The Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story” adapted by Joel Mercier, comes to the Colonial Theatre. Part of the Powerhouse Theatre Colonial Series, the story features a bright score, twists and turns in the plot, stunning costumes and special effects, and some frightful ghosts, while staying true to Dickens’ original story. Last seen in New Hampshire in 2018, the production will be remounted in Laconia as a new holiday tradition, featuring actors of all ages from the Granite State. Visit www.coloniallaconia.com, or call 1-800-657-8774. The Wolfeboro Friends of Music will present a holiday treat in Wolfeboro on December 12 at 2 p.m., when the 13-member New England Flute

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper The holiday season just isn’t the holiday season without music and fun events. Luckily for those who want to savor the season, there are many events in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra will bring its “Holiday Spectacular” Concert for great music. The concert takes place at the Inter-Lakes Auditorium in Meredith on December 11 at 7 p.m. and December 12 at 3 p.m. For information, visit www.lrso.org. Experience what life was like when candles lit the streets at the Gilford Candlelight Stroll on December 11 in Gilford village from 5 to 7 p.m. Dress warmly and stroll the streets to take in the evening lit with hundreds of candles. For more information, call 603524-6042. The Colonial Theatre of Laconia at 617 Main Street brings some great holiday music to the Lakes Region for one night only on December 8: The Gift of Hope will be presented at 7 p.m. The entire family will enjoy a memorable presentation of music, dance, and drama, featuring children, teens, and adults from an area performing arts group. If you love Irish music and Christmas, don’t miss Eileen Ivers and her band when they take to the stage at The Colonial on December 11 at 8 p.m. The

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Orchestra of Indian Hill Music (Littleton, Massachusetts) performs a concert of seasonal music. The orchestra features members of the flute family, from piccolo to contrabass flute. Music performed by the Flute Orchestra includes selections composed specially for flute orchestra as well as arrangements of music for other ensembles. Tickets are available in Wolfeboro at Avery Insurance, Black’s Paper & Gift Store, online at www.wfriendsofmusic. org or at the door. High school students with ID will be admitted free of charge and children accompanied by an adult ticket -purchaser will be admitted free of charge. For more information, visit www.wfriendsofmusic.org or call 603569-2151. Those who love Christmas put certain holiday movies on their must-do list, and topping the choices for many is the smash-hit movie, “Elf.” The beloved story will come to the Franklin Opera House on Central Street in Franklin, presented by the Franklin Footlight Theatre, from December 3 to 11. “Elf — the Musical” is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern-day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf. The Tall Granite Big Band will perform at the Franklin Opera House on December 18 at 7 p.m. Grab your twotone shoes, turn back the clock, and swing to the band’s horn harmonies and Big-Band beat. On December 18, the Franklin Area Lions Club brings the band to Franklin to benefit Health First

Family Care Center. For information about the performances at the Franklin Opera House, call 603-934-1901 or visit www. franklinoperahouse.org. From December 9 to 19, the Rochester Opera House in Rochester will present “A Christmas Carol.” It is the tale of the penny-pinching and bad-tempered old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, and the awakening of his long-forgotten festive spirit. This ghostly tale of the Past, Present, and Future is brought to life in this exciting musical adaptation. For some holiday fun on December 23 at 7:30 p.m., be at the Rochester Opera House for the favorite pocket-sized diva Li Monahd. Come jingle your merry at the last Rochester Opera House Drag series performance of 2021! For tickets and information, visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com or call 603-335-1992. At the Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center in Plymouth, “Christmas With The Celts” will light up the stage on December 17 at 7:30 p.m. “Christmas With The Celts” is the brainchild of producer Ric Blair, a respected purveyor of Celtic music. The high-stepping spirited musical selections will have audiences clapping with Christmas classics such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, “Little Drummer Boy”, and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, as well as “Count Your Blessings”, “White Christmas”, and John Lennon’s perennial “Happy Christmas”. The show is a combination of ancient Irish Carols, contemporary Christmas standards, spontaneous humor, and Irish dancing. The Celts’ lineup features founder Ric Blair on vocals, guitars, Bodhran, and piano; Laura McGhee on vocals and Scottish fiddle; and an ensemble of musicians playing uilleann pipes, Irish whistles,

• Musical Holiday continued on page 7

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December 2021 | THE LAKER | Page 7 • Musical Holiday continued from page 6 drums, mandolin, and banjo, plus Irish step dancers. The Flying Monkey ends the year with a great comedy show featuring Bob Marley on December 31. Choose from a 5:30 or 8 p.m. show. The Flying Monkey is located at 39 South Main Street in Plymouth. Call 603-536-2551 or visit www.flyingmonkeynh.com. Canterbury Shaker Village offers some unique entertainment this holiday season, with the world premiere performance of “Birdie,” the first holiday “Entertainment” produced at the Village in nearly 90 years. The dance-focused theatrical production will be presented on December 18 and 19 at 3 p.m. in the Hubbard Gallery as part of the “Merry Merry Canterbury” festivities that will make the season bright from 1 to 5 p.m. After reading Canterbury Shaker Village’s archives, Dance-Artist-In-Residence Lorraine Chapman was inspired by the story of the last girl raised by the Canterbury Shakers. Chapman created “Birdie” with a group of six dancer-performers. The piece harkens back to the beloved “entertainments” produced by the Shakers, which included reading, reciting, singing, playing instruments, and performing scenes from plays. “Birdie” is the story of Alberta MacMillan Kirkpatrick, who, after her mother’s death, lived in foster homes before arriving at Canterbury Shaker Village at the age of 11. Sister Marguerite Frost, who became Alberta’s “Shaker Mother,” welcomed the child. Chapman’s work reflects the simple gift of kindness that filled the young girl’s heart with love and hope. Alberta lived the next seven years in the caring and compassionate community of Canterbury where Sister Marguerite affectionately called her “Birdie.” Tickets for “Birdie” are free for children, $15 for members, $20 for adults,

and include all “Merry Merry Canterbury” entertainments, including access to the multi-sensory experience “Stairway to the Clouds” and pomander and cinnamon-tree making activities for the kids. In addition, Candlelight Tours, a Canterbury Shaker Village favorite, will be offered at 4 and 5 p.m. for a $50 admission. Canterbury Shaker Village is located at 288 Shaker Road in Canterbury. For further information, visit www.shakers.org. The Festival of Trees in Wolfeboro is a sparkling event, taking place at The Wright Museum on Center Street. The festival features more than 60 trees, uniquely decorated by area businesses, non-profit organizations, families, and individuals. This year’s festival theme is “Main Street — Wolfeboro Celebrates the Holidays.” The trees will be on view December 8, 11, and 12. The price of admission benefits local organizations. For more information, visit www.wolfeborofestivaloftrees.com. Children adore Santa, and a chance to visit him and his holiday helpers in his workshop should not be missed. The Tapply-Thompson Community Center at 30 North Main Street in Bristol will present the 66th annual Santa’s Village and Craft Fair on Friday, December 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, December 11, from 2 to 5 p.m., and Sunday, December 12, from 2 to 5 p.m. The cost of admission is a canned good donation. Visit Santa’s elves as they work on toys and wrap presents, enjoy one of Mrs. Claus’ famous cookies, check out the North Pole train station, and spend time with Santa. Then do some holiday shopping at the Center’s craft fair. For more information, call 603-744-2713 or visit www.ttccrec.org. “The Nutcracker” ballet will be performed in the Lakes Region at Kingswood Arts Center in Wolfeboro on December 18 at 7 p.m. and on December 19 at 2 p.m. Don’t miss this classical story, performed by the Northeastern Ballet Company. For ticket information, visit www.northeasternballet.org.

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Last Night Wolfeboro 2021: Celebrate In-Person Last Night Wolfeboro 2021 will mark the return of in-person, family-friendly events for the New Year’s Eve celebration. Popular performances, including music and magic, will be streamed on Wolfeboro Community Television (WCTV-channel 25) and YouTube. Last Night Wolfeboro fireworks are scheduled to take place over icy Wolfeboro Bay about 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. (Postponement date January 1.) Festivities will begin with an in-person scavenger hunt at Wolfeboro shops and businesses, beginning on December 27 and continuing through 11:30 a.m. on December 31. Participants of all ages can register in mid-December by downloading local trivia and history questions @WolfeboroLastNight on Facebook; forms will also be available at Wolfeboro Town Hall, (84 S. Main Street), Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation (390 Pine Hill Rd.) and Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce (Railroad Avenue). Scavenger hunt answers will be discovered by visiting Wolfeboro shops and businesses. Prizes will be awarded at Great Hall at Town Hall around noon on New Year’s Eve; con-

Last Night Wolfeboro is planning family-friendly events – in-person and streamed – plus New Year’s Eve fireworks. Photo by Brenda Jorett testants do not need to be present. Last Night Wolfeboro events at Town Hall December 31 will feature

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two hours of interactive games, crafts, community displays, and more. Masks are strongly recommended during indoor events. Afternoon events and live performances being planned include local singer-songwriter and recording artist Stacey Kelleher, a Wildlife Encounters live animal show sponsored by the Children’s Center, Dance Expressions, Perform It, an Escape Room from Wolfeboro Girl Scouts, and magic by Brewster alumnus Yu Koriki (streamed via WCTV/YouTube).

Programming and event details will be updated as they become available on Facebook @WolfeboroLastNight. “The Wolfeboro community and entire Lakes Region have been looking forward to kicking up their heels after yet another difficult year. Barring health or safety concerns, we are on track to provide free Last Night Wolfeboro events for our residents and visitors thanks to our generous sponsors and the Wolfeboro Economic Development Committee,” says Linda Murray, a town selectman who is the committee chair. Fireworks over Wolfeboro Bay will take place – weather permitting – on December 31 at 6 p.m. If there’s severe weather on New Year’s Eve, the postponement date is Saturday, January 1, at 6 p.m. Presenting Last Night Wolfeboro fireworks sponsors include Black’s Paper Store, 8 S. Main Street, Wolfeboro; Avery Insurance, 21 S. Main St., Wolfeboro; Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, 61 S. Main St., Wolfeboro; Edward Jones, Kevin J. Lawlor, Financial Advisor, 35 Center Street Unit 1, Wolfeboro Falls; and Hunter’s Shop ‘n Save, 50 S. Main St., Wolfeboro. Sponsorships and donations to defray programming costs are welcomed by contacting Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation Director Christine Collins, 603-569-5639, parksdirector@ wolfeboronh.us. Last Night Wolfeboro 2021 is produced by the Wolfeboro Special Events and Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation.

December 2021 | THE LAKER | Page 9

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Page 10 | THE LAKER | December 2021

‘Cue the Grill Italian Dishes at The Holidays By Chef Kelly Hello, my Lakes Region friends. Although not officially here, it’s winter as far as I’m concerned. When the shorts get traded in for pants, the t-shirts for winter jackets, and the flip-flops for boots, you’ve got yourself winter. With

the temps that we have been looking at, it’s close enough for me. I hope everyone had a great Turkey Day and sufficiently stuffed yourself. Personally, I prefer to cook something out of the norm for special holidays, unless I am entertaining the family where

most would hang me by my toes if I didn’t cook them the traditional meal. I often do the same thing at Christmas and Easter as well. There is a reason why Chinese restaurants are swamped at the holidays, because many have the same thought process. Although I am a huge fan of pretty much any ethnic food, a great “go-to” on the holidays, if you are looking to shake things up a bit, is Italian. I have served many a lasagna dinner over the holidays, as well as Chicken and Veal Parmigian, Piccatas, and Marsalas. Most people I know are seasoned veterans at making those meals, but I have a few classic Italian meals to share with you that should bring many smiles to your taste buds and belly. Since we are talking special Italian meals, I often lean on what I really consider special, and that is seafood.

The first meal to “wow” your holiday crowd is called Cacciucco, which is a Tuscan seafood stew loaded with five types of shellfish or fish. Although the choice is yours, I’ll give you what I use, and feel free to adjust as needed. I go with shrimp, scallops, lobster, little neck clams, and salmon pieces. The broth is outstanding and, so long as everyone eating is a fan of seafood, you will be everyone’s hero for the day. This outstanding dish goes together in less than a half-hour and will serve 5-6 of you. Cacciucco 1 heavy loaf of artisan bread, cut into 12 slices, give or take 1 tsp granulated garlic 2 tsp olive oil

• ‘Cue the Grill continued on page 11

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December 2021 | THE LAKER | Page 11 • ‘Cue the Grill continued from page 10 2 onions, diced 4 cloves of garlic, minced 6 celery stalks, diced 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped. 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 4 tomatoes, diced fine, roughly 4 cups 1½ cups water 1½ cups Chablis white wine 1/3 cup red wine vinegar 1 tsp salt 3+ lbs assorted fresh seafood and/or fish, cut into bite-size pieces if needed 2 cups fresh parmesan cheese, shredded Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Cut bread into 1” cubes. Place cubes on a baking sheet. Spray the bread lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with garlic powder. Toast in the oven for 20 minutes, or until dry. In a large cast iron pot or other soup pot, heat oil. Add onions, garlic, celery, parsley, sage, and red pepper flakes. Sauté over medium heat until onions begin to soften, about 5 min. Add tomatoes, water, vinegar, wine, and salt, and bring to a simmer. Cut any fish into bite-sized pieces, and add to the soup. Cook on a low simmer until the fish is cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Any shellfish, as in shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, etc., are added in the last 5 minutes. If using lobster, cook separately, cool, rip apart, and cut the tail into pieces and maybe the claws in half. Add those pieces in the last minute. To serve, place croutons in the bottom of each bowl and ladle warm stew over top. Shred fresh Parmesan over the top of each bowl and dig in and enjoy! Next on our Italian hit list is a classic pasta dish. Everybody and their brother seems to be a huge fan of Alfredo sauce. I have seen Alfredo sauce made in many ways and, while the outcome isn’t always the same, as a general rule, I find it to be absolutely delicious. This pasta dish is a combo of pasta, chicken, spinach, red bell peppers, mozzarella, parmesan, and a great sauce. As an option, which I find incredibly outstanding, is a Rosa sauce, a half-and-half combo of Alfredo and Marinara sauces. Whether just Alfredo or Rosa, this dish is a true winner regardless. Also, you can substitute shrimp for the chicken, or just go vegetarian-style. This can go together in less than a half-hour, as well, and also feed 5-6. Don’t be afraid to buy a great quality bread to go with this to soak up all that wonderful extra sauce.

Cheesy Chicken Florentine 1 lb bacon, cooked crispy and chopped 1¼ lb penne pasta 4 tbsp butter 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 tbsp flour 2½ cups milk Salt and pepper 1½ cups mozzarella cheese ¾ cup parmesan cheese 4 cups fresh baby spinach 1+ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts Cook the bacon crispy, save the drippings. In a large pot, add the butter and drippings and garlic and sauté over a low to medium heat so as to not burn the drippings/butter. Once the garlic is just browning, add the flour and stir well until smooth and cook for a minute, again making sure not to burn. Add the milk slowly and continue to stir, whisking until a smooth sauce is created. Cook/stir for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens some. Add both cheeses and continue to stir. While doing so, sauté the diced bell peppers until done and add to the sauce. Next, cook the chicken breasts in a sauté pan either diced or cook as is and then dice it cooked. Set aside in a small pan with just enough of the sauce to keep the chicken coated. Cook the pasta, drain but do not rinse, and add to the sauce. Add the spinach and toss well until the spinach wilts somewhat. Serve onto individual plates, spoon chicken over the top, and top with the chopped bacon and add more parmesan if preferred. Don’t forget the bread, as all Italian dishes should require it. My favorite dish on my list today is this one. I know so many who love it, but most have told me they have never made it at home. When I go out to eat, I very rarely order a dish that I can make at home, not to mention making it better than the restaurant. If you try making this at home, the chances are great that you won’t order it out again, either, because the homemade version is outstanding. Linguine with clams is one of those dishes that sounds elegant, or at least like the type of thing you’d order at an Italian restaurant instead of making at home, but it’s actually one of the easiest, most affordable pasta dishes you can make. I think the biggest obstacle for people is a fear of cooking shellfish like clams and mussels at home, which can be a little intimidating. I promise, they are the easiest thing in the world to cook and, once you try it, you’ll wonder what took you so long! For this dish, you can do all of the

prep and make the clam sauce in the time it takes to boil the pasta, so dinner is done in 30 minutes. To complete the meal, toss a salad, warm some crusty bread, and pour a glass of the same white wine that you used to make the sauce. This will feed 4-6 of you. Classic Linguine and White Clam Sauce 1 lb linguine 6 tbsp olive oil ½ cup finely chopped shallots 6 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped 1 cup dry white wine, as a Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes 2 lbs littleneck clams, 40-45 of them, scrubbed ¼ cup, plus 2 tbsp of fresh finely chopped parsley 3 tbsp butter 1 tsp lemon zest from 1 lemon, plus more to taste 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice from 1 lemon, plus more to taste Parmesan cheese First things first: We need to prep the clams, which is quite simple. For those of you who have prepared steamers at home, you are quite familiar. Littleneck clams will generally be sold in a mesh bag, as clams do need to breathe. If any clams are broken, toss them. All clams should have their shells tightly closed. If any are open, lightly tap them on a counter and if it closes up, cool. If not, see ya. Next, put all living clams in a pot and fill with cold tap water to make sure they are completely covered. Do so for 20-60 minutes; this is for the clams to expel all dirt from within. Once drained, scrub each clam in case there is any dirt attached to the shell. After scrubbing each, rinse them right after and continue to the next one. This might seem a bit tedious, but it’s much better than ending up with dirt in your final product. It goes by quickly, especially since most littlenecks are farm-raised and are relatively dirt-free. In a very large sauté pan over me-

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dium-high heat, heat the olive oil until hot but not smoking. Add the shallots and garlic and sauté until just golden, about 30 seconds. Add the wine, red pepper flakes, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, clams, and 1/4 cup of the parsley. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, until the clams open, 6 to 8 minutes. Discard any unopened clams. In large pot over high heat, bring 4 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons of kosher salt to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until just shy of al dente. The pasta should still be firm to the bite, since it will cook another minute or two in the sauce. Reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water, drain the linguine in a colander, but again, do not rinse. Add the pasta to the sauté pan with the clams. If you don’t have room for everything in one pan, transfer the clams to a plate and cover to keep warm. When ready to serve, add them back to the pasta on a serving platter, or just use 2 pans with the same ingredients split up evenly. Increase the heat to medium and cook the linguini with the clams, tossing occasionally, until the pasta absorbs most of the sauce and is just tender, 1 to 2 minutes. If necessary, add some of reserved cooking water to keep moist. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of parsley; toss to coat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, lemon zest, and/ or lemon juice, if necessary. Transfer to a serving dish or bowls, top with some parmesan and serve. I guarantee you will make this again and again. To those who have watched the TV cooking show Hell’s Kitchen, you are very familiar with the dish Risotto. It’s a dish you rarely see in these parts, and that is for a few reasons. First and foremost, it’s a very time-consuming meal to make. One thing they don’t show on

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Page 12 | THE LAKER | December 2021 • ‘Cue the Grill continued from page 11 TV programs like this is how they prep it in advance so as not to take over an hour and a half to prepare. At home, it can seem like forever making it fresh from top to bottom, but wow, it sure is worth it! Although this isn’t a dish that is finished quickly, it is so worth every minute of preparation. You need to make a shrimp stock in advance, which is quite easy. This meal is delicious and exquisite and will blow away your crowd, as how many people do you know actually make this specialty at home? This recipe will feed 4 lucky eaters. Shrimp Risotto For The Shrimp Stock 1 tbsp olive oil

Shells from 1 lb of large uncooked shrimp, 16/20 in size 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed 8 black peppercorns 2 thyme sprigs 1 bay leaf 7 cups water For The Risotto 1 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp butter, divided ½ medium sweet onion, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 tbsp lemon zest Kosher salt 3/4 cup dry white wine, as in a Pinot Grigio 1 cup Arborio rice 1 lb of 16/20 uncooked shrimp, shells removed and used for stock, deveined ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish when finished

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1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice, more if needed Freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp finely sliced chives for garnish Let’s start by making the shrimp stock. Warm olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp shells, garlic, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf, and cook, stirring occasionally until the shells are bright red (about 2 minutes). Add water, bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until reduced by one-quarter (about 1 hour). Strain and return the shrimp stock back to the saucepan. Keep warm over low heat. In a large, heavy-bottom pot, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the onion along with a pinch of salt, and cook until the onion is tender but not browned (5 to 6 minutes). After 3 minutes, add the garlic and lemon zest. Stir in the rice and cook for 2 minutes, then add the white wine and cook for 1 more minute. Add 1 cup of warm shrimp stock and a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until all of the liquid has been absorbed. Continue adding warm shrimp stock 1/2 cup at a time, waiting until the stock

is absorbed before adding again, and stirring frequently to make sure the bottom doesn’t burn. Continue until the rice is cooked through, but still al dente, about 30-35 minutes total. You may not need all of the shrimp stock. During the last addition of stock, stir in shrimp and cook until cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Take the risotto off the heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. To serve, spoon risotto into individual bowls, dividing the shrimp up strategically on each bowl. Top a scattering of chopped chives, a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, and a few turns of black pepper. This dish is another Italian winner for a holiday dinner, or any special occasion. I hope these recipes find their way into your repertoire over the holiday season, or at least during a special occasion. I hope you all have a great COVID-free family reunion holiday, since last year many didn’t get together. Remember to always spoil your taste buds and, if you care to touch base with any questions or feedback, e-mail me at fenwaysox10@gmail.com.

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Ski Areas Prepare For The Season New Hampshire ski resorts are looking forward to welcoming back skiers and riders for the 2021-22 winter season. With snowmaking operations begun, many resorts are ready for the right weather to power up their snow guns to cover the slopes with the white stuff everyone is craving this time of year. Ski NH, the industry trade association, has compiled information that will allow skiers to plan for their next excursion with everything from projected opening dates to operational details related to COVID-19. “Last winter, we advised visitors to ‘Know Before You Go’ and that advice holds for this year as well,” said Jessyca Keeler, president of Ski NH. “With the safety of guests, staff, and our communities our priority, we’ve compiled resources needed to make informed decisions this season.” Ski NH has created a COVID-19 Resource Center on its website to make it easy for New Hampshire skiers to find important information about ski area operations: https://www.skinh. com/covid-19-consumer . While there is no single statewide standard for COVID-19 precautions, all New Hampshire ski areas are implementing various public health regulations and protocols. Jessyca continued, “Many practices that came into being last year are coming back this year, such as keeping base lodges free of ski bags. Other practices are not — for in-

stance, ski lifts will likely be loaded to capacity this year. Because it all varies by resort, we recommend visiting our online Resource Center as well as individual resort websites.” Masks are likely to be required for many indoor spaces as well. “No matter where you plan to ski, plan ahead, bring a mask and a vaccination card if available, as some indoor facilities may require them. But overall, operations will be expanded compared to last year,” Jessyca added. While all operations are weather-dependent, Ski NH has also put together a list of projected opening dates for most state ski areas, which is posted at to SkiNH.com/conditions. With significant investments in snowmaking and grooming, New Hampshire ski areas can make more snow more quickly than ever. This results in the ability to open even after just a few days of opti-

mal snowmaking weather. Projected Alpine Area Opening Dates (Subject to Change): Abenaki Ski Area – 12/26/21 Attitash Mountain Resort – 12/3/21 Black Mountain – not available Bretton Woods – TBD

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Dec. 1, Advent Service by Newfound Area Churches at New Hampton Community Church, noon, with light lunch to follow. Info: 603-7448252 or 603-744-3885. Dec. 2, Festival of Trees Preview Gala, Wright Museum, Center Street, Wolfeboro. Info: www.wolfeborofestivaloftrees.com.

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Dec. 3, Chocolate and Shopping, 5 – 8 p.m. at Lakes Region Art Association Gallery, Tanger Outlets, Suite 300, Tilton. Dec. 3, Christmas at the Colonial, screening of “Elf” at 6 p.m., “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at 8:30 p.m., at Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia. Tickets and info, 800-657-8774 or www.coloniallaconia.com. Dec. 3-4, Christmas Fair, Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford. Friday, Dec. 3, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: 603-524-6057 or gilfordcommunitychurch. org. Dec. 3-11, Elf, the musical, Franklin Opera House, 316 Central St., Franklin, tickets/info: www.franklinoperahouse.org, 603-934-1901. Dec. 4, Annual Craft Fair, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Gilford High School, 88 Alvah Wilson Road. Info: ghscraftfair@sau73-org. Dec. 4, Needle-Felted Ornament-Making, 10 a.m. – noon, followed by workshop on making stocking stuffers, 1 – 3 p.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia. Info: 603-366-5695. Dec. 4-5, Festival of Trees, Wright Museum, Center Street, Wolfeboro. Info: www.wolfeborofestivaloftrees.com. Dec. 4-5, Festival of Trees, Franklin Opera House, 316 Central St., Franklin. Info: 603-934-1901 or franklinoperahouse.org.

Dec. 6, Culinary Adventures, Holiday Celebrations, 6-7:30 pm, making recipes from cookbooks, Moultonborough Public Library, Holland St., Moultonborough, pre-register: 603-476-8895. Dec. 6-7, Auditions for “Oedipus Rex” at Winnipesaukee Playhouse for young actors ages 13-18, 33 Footlight Circle. Info: winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org/education or 603-279-0333. Dec. 8, Festival of Trees, Wright Museum, Center Street, Wolfeboro. Info: www.wolfeborofestivaloftrees.com. Dec. 10, Sparkling Cider & Great Gifts, 5 – 8 p.m. at Lakes Region Art Association Gallery, Tanger Outlets, Suite 300, Tilton.

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Dec. 3, Tree-Lighting, 5 p.m., Sandwich green. Info: www.sandwichchristmasinthevillage.com.

Dec. 5, Holiday Open House, Noon – 4 p.m., Mill Falls Marketplace, Meredith. Info: 603-279-6121.

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Dec. 2, Judy Collins concert, 7:30 pm, Flying Monkey, 39 S. Main St., Plymouth, info: 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh.com.

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Dec. 10, Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra Holiday Spectacular, 7 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, tickets/info: 800-6578774, www.coloniallaconia.com. Dec. 10, Squirrel Nut Zippers concert, 7:30 pm, Flying Monkey, 39 S. Main St., Plymouth, info: 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh.com. Dec. 10 – 12, ArtWorks Charity Silent Auction, Last weekend to bid on over 70 items, online at www.chocoruaartworks.com, Bid in person, phone, email, benefits MWV Supports Recovery & Tamworth Community Nurses. ArtWorks Gallery, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua. Open 10-5 p.m. Fri. to Mon., 603-323-8041.

December 2021 | THE LAKER | Page 15

What’s UP

your guide to what’s happening in NH’s Lakes Region...

Dec. 10 – 12, Santa’s Village and Craft Fair, Tapply-Thompson Community Center, 30 North Main St., Bristol. Friday, Dec. 10, 6-8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 11, 2-5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2-5 p.m. Info: 603744-2713 or ttccrec.org

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Dec. 11, Wolfeboro Tuba Christmas, 2 p.m. concert conducted by Nancy Donahue, All Saints Episcopal Church, 258 South Main Street, Wolfeboro. Participants register at 9:30 a.m. in the church choir room, with rehearsal at 10 a.m. For more info: www.tubachristmas.com. Dec. 11, Wolfeboro’s Christmas Spirit Open House, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., throughout Wolfeboro. Info: www.wolfeborochamber.com.

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Dec. 11, Visit Santa Claus at Santa’s Hut, adjacent to Main Street sidewalk, Wolfeboro, noon – 4 p.m. Dec. 11, 1940s Christmas, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org. Dec. 11, Gilford Candlelight Stroll, 5 – 7 p.m., Gilford Village. Info: 603-524-6042.

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Dec. 11, Eileen Ivers: A Joyful Christmas, 8 pm, Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, tickets/info: 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.

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Dec. 11-12, Merry Merry Canterbury, Canterbury Shaker Village. 1 - 5 p.m., Stairway to the Clouds, craftmaking; 2 – 4 p.m., Absolutely Magic Show with Andrew Pinard; 5 p.m., Holiday Carols featuring Canterbury Singers. Info: 603-783-9511, ext. 205; www.shakers.org. Dec. 11-12, Festival of Trees, Wright Museum, Center Street, Wolfeboro. Info: www.wolfeborofestivaloftrees.com. Dec. 11-12, Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra Holiday Spectacular, Inter-Lakes Auditorium, Meredith. Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. Info: lrso.org. Dec. 11-12, Festival of Trees, Franklin Opera House, 316 Central St., Franklin. Info: 603-934-1901 or franklinoperahouse.org. Dec. 12, NE Flute Orchestra Holiday Concert, 2 pm, First Congregational Church, Wolfeboro, Wolfeboro Friends of Music, info: www.wfriendsofmusic.org, 603-569-2151.

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Dec. 15, Mystery Book Club, 10:30-11:30 am, Moultonborough Public Library, Holland St., Moultonborough, info: 603-476-8895. Also takes place 7-8 p.m.

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Dec. 16, Meet the Artist: Janet Sanguedolce from Lakes Center for the Arts, at Gilford Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Champagne and Shopping, 5 – 8 p.m. at Lakes Region Art Association Gallery, Tanger Outlets, Suite 300, Tilton. Dec. 18-19, The Nutcracker performed by Northeastern Ballet Theatre at Kingswood Arts Center, Wolfeboro. Dec. 18 at 7 p.m., Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. Info: 603-834-8834, www.northeasternballet.org/performances. Dec. 17-19, A Christmas Carol, The Musical Ghost Story adapted by Joel Mercier, 7:30 pm, 12/19 at 2 pm, Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, tickets/info: 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com. Dec. 18-19, Merry Merry Canterbury, Canterbury Shaker Village. 1 5 p.m., Stairway to the Clouds, craftmaking; 3 p.m., ‘Birdie’ Dance and theater performance; 4-5 p.m., Candlelight Tours. Info: 603-783-9511, ext. 205; www.shakers.org. Dec. 11, Visit Santa Claus at Santa’s Hut, adjacent to Main Street sidewalk, Wolfeboro, noon – 4 p.m. Dec. 19, Visit Santa Claus at Santa’s Hut, adjacent to Main Street sidewalk, Wolfeboro, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Dec. 22, Visit Santa Claus at Santa’s Hut, adjacent to Main Street sidewalk, Wolfeboro, 2 – 4 p.m. Dec. 24, Visit Santa Claus at Santa’s Hut, adjacent to Main Street sidewalk, Wolfeboro, 9 – 11 a.m. & noon – 2 p.m.

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Dec. 31, Last Night Wolfeboro 2021, with interactive games, crafts and displays, fireworks at 6 p.m. For further information, call 856-448-2204 or visit https://www.facebook.com/WolfeboroLastNight. Jan. 14, Amy Helm, daughter of The Band’s Leon Helm, performs at Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield ME. Info: 207-935-7292. Feb. 5, Harry Manx performs at Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield ME. Info: 207-935-7292. Feb. 11, Livingston Taylor performs at Flying Monkey, 59 Main St., Plymouth, 7:30 p.m. Info flyingmonkeynh.com or 603-536-2551.

ONGOING Altrusa Club of Laconia, Woodside Building, Taylor Community, 435 Union Ave., Laconia, second Tuesday of every month, 5:30 p.m. ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts, Charity Silent Auction ends Dec. 12, online at www.chocoruaartworks.com, for Tamworth Community Nurses, MWV Supports Recovery, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, open 10-5 p.m., Fri. to Mon., 603-323-8041. Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, gallery and textile museum, events and programs, info/call for hours: 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.

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Belknap Mill Page Turners Book Club, 6 p.m., meets virtually on the last Wednesday of the month. Info: bookclub@belknapmill.org. Blessed Bargains Thrift Shop, First Congregational Church, 400 Main St., Farmington, 603-755-4816. Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods, nature trails open for hiking, 740 Mt. Israel Rd., Center Sandwich, 284-6428, www.chapmansanctuaryvisneywoods.com. Curbside Food Pickup, 11 am-3 pm Tuesdays & Fridays, call ahead with your order for farm fresh foods, meats & more, Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-3237591, remickmuseum.org. Evangelical Living Military Ministry, meets third Sat. of each month, non-denominiational Christ centered ministry for veterans and active military personnel, 9-11 am, 122 Meredith Center Rd., Meredith Center Free Will Baptist Church fellowship fall, 603-520-4229, flyingfabian213@gmail.com. Freedom Gallery, artwork/exhibits by area artists, 8 Elm St, Freedom, info: 610-762-2493.

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Freedom Village Store, variety of goods from artisan items to baked goods and much more, 11 Elm St., Freedom, info: 603-539-3077, www. freedomvillagestore.org. Friends & Fiber Group, drop-in gathering, Wednesdays from 6-8 pm, bring fiber projects, Community Rm., Samuel Wentworth Library, Sandwich, 603-284-7168. All are welcome, free admission. Gifts of Lights at NH Motor Speedway, with 3.5 million lights, a 150foot Tunnel of Lights, and more, running through Jan. 2. Sundays – Thursdays, 4:30 – 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 4:30 – 10 p.m., depending on weather. Info: 603-783-4931, www.nhms.com. Gilmanton Historical Society, Old Town Hall, Rt. 140, Gilmanton Iron Works, open Oct,-May on second and fourth Sat. of each month, 10 amnoon, www.gilmantonhistoricalsociety.org. Goat Hike, walk the property with a cute kid goat, Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm, Tamworth, info: 603-323-7591, www. remickmuseum.org.

December 2021 | THE LAKER | Page 17

What’s UP

your guide to what’s happening in NH’s Lakes Region...

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In the Round, via ZOOM, Sundays at 8:45 am, thought-provoking topics related to tolerance, join the meeting at https://zoom.us/j/806102625. Info: 603-284-7532. Knot Only Knitters, virtual knitting & fiber arts group meets every Monday 2:30-4:30 pm, Minot Sleeper Library, Bristol, 603-744-3352, www.minotsleeperlibrary.org.

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Lakes Region Genealogy Interest Group, info/events: 603-569-2428, www.lakesregiongenealogy.wordpress.com. Lakes Region Pantry & Gift Shop, open Saturdays 10 am-1 pm; Wed.Fri. 11 am-4 pm, donations of clothing/household items welcome, 977 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603-476-5400, www.lakesregionfoodpantry.org. Laverack Nature Trail at Hawkins Brook, nature trail on boardwalk, free, trail starts to the left of Meredith Village Savings Bank, Meredith, info: 603-279-9015. League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, fine handmade crafts and art for sale, workshops, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, hours/info: 603-279-7920. Loon Center, 183 Lees Mill Rd., Moultonborough, 603-476-5666. Walking trails, please follow pandemic guidelines. Monthly Sit & Sew, 10 am-3 pm, Belknap Mill Quilters Guild, 3 floor, make quilts for local community from pre-cut kits, 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, www.bmqg. org.

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NH Farm Museum, Sat. – Sun., 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Old-time farm, programs, events for families, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-6527840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org. North East Motor Sports Museum, open Saturdays, 10 am-4 pm, 922 Rt. 106, Loudon, info: 603-783-0183, www.nemsmuseum.com. Open Mic Night, 7 pm, every Monday, Patrick’s Pub & Eatery, 18 Weirs Rd., Gilford, 603-293-0841, www.patrickspub.com. Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, Laconia, trails open for hiking. Prescott Farm is located at 928 White Oaks Road in Laconia; www.prescottfarm.org. Quincy Bog Natural Area, 131 Quincy Bog Rd., Rumney, open to public, take the nature trail around the bog, please respect rules to protect animals and bog environment, free, info: www.quincybog.org. Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm, tours, events, goat hike and more, Tamworth, info: 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org. Samuel H. Wentworth Library, 35 Main St., Center Sandwich. Monday – Thursday, 12 – 6 p.m.; Fridays 12:30 – 6 p.m.; Saturdays 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sandwich Sidehillers, meets monthly, Sidehillers clubhouse, 303 Wing Rd., N. Sandwich, sidehillers@gmail.com. Sculpture Walk, self-guided tour of sculpture locations around downtown Meredith, sponsored by Greater Meredith Program, free, maps/ info: 603-279-9015 (25 new sculptures on the walk this year). Second Annual Charity Silent Auction, ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua. Bid in person, phone or email. Bids close Sunday, Dec. 12. Details and items online atwww.chocoruaartworks.com. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday – Monday. Info: 603-323-8041. Tamworth Famers’ Market, Saturdays through Dec. 18, 9 a.m. – Noon. Zentangle Workshops at the Galleries at 30 Main, Meredith, Children’s classes on Saturdays, 10 a.m. – Noon; adult evening classes, beginning in January. Preregister at 603-279-0557.

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Page 18 | THE LAKER | December 2021

A Creative Spread: Boarded Creations By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper The word “charcuterie” has become popular recently. For Ashley Rogers, it has become a thriving business in the Lakes Region. Ashley’s new business, Boarded Creations, started from curiosity and a need to stave off boredom. It also began because the boards that go far beyond “cheese and crackers” are something Ashley discovered she is very, very good at creating. (Charcuterie is a term that dates back to the 15th century when it originally meant the products of a fancy pork butcher. Today, the word charcuterie goes far beyond that original definition.) Growing up in Alton Bay, Ashley saw her hardworking parents, Stephen and Raquel Rogers, set a great example of entrepreneurship as the owners of the Alton Bay Inn. Their example gave Ashley a strong work ethic as well. Stephen and Raquel were busy running the inn which attracted vacationers, but that was not all they did. “My mother was also a flight attendant, and I grew up being very close to my parents,” Ashley said. “I spent a lot of time with my dad. When I was a baby, he would have me in a front pack while he checked in guests, so I really grew up in the business.” Always one to keep busy, Ashley said she was dumbfounded when COVID-19 hit, and she was laid off from her job. She had watched her parents and saw how fulfilling it could be to run a business. Thinking back on it now, she says the loss of her job was a defining moment. “I was driving home and feeling sad because I wanted to work, but I tried to see the positive side in the situation

Charcuterie board by Boarded Creations. (Ashley Rogers photo)

and thought I could take the time to relax for a while and collect unemployment.” Laughing, she recalls, “That lasted about 48 hours, and then I was very bored. I spent a Friday evening at my computer and started seeing photos and information about charcuterie boards. I researched them out of curiosity and then I decided to come up with a name and I designed a business logo. I sent it to my mom, and when I explained what I wanted to do, she was supportive.” Thus, Boarded Creations was born, and it is no surprise the hard-working Ashley has become very successful quickly. “I always talked about doing something like this,” she says. “I made charcuterie boards for family gatherings, and the boards were always popular. When I started Boarded Creations, I got Facebook and Instagram pages,

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and it helped me gain exposure. With the help of family and friends, it just took off.” Indeed, people all over the Lakes Region and beyond love the beautiful boards, with a variety of meats and cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and more. It saves those throwing a party or holiday event from the hassle of trying to create something far beyond a “cheeseand-crackers” plate. “I learned that people tend to support small local businesses, especially since the pandemic, and, this business is close to my Lakes Region roots,” Ashley explains. “Many of my customers are in the Lakes Region, and also in southern New Hampshire.” Ashley not only creates the boards; she also delivers them right to her customers’ doors — another time-saver. Her business is highly creative and, especially at the holiday season, she sees including festive products, such as star crackers, chocolates, seasonal fruits, garnishes, and cheeses, in a charcuterie board for a Christmas party. If one assumes they can simply look at a photo of a charcuterie board and create one, think again. It takes a creative, skilled eye with a plan to

mix colors, flavors, and textures in a thoughtful manner. When she started her business, Ashley took an online course, BoardsbyMo, a Boston company, and learned a great deal. Through the course, she networked with fellow charcuterie board creators and businesses around the country. These days, she is part of a Facebook page called “Boarding School,” offering inspiration and camaraderie. BoardsbyMo classes are virtual, offering information about the steps necessary when opening a business, and how to create a charcuterie board the correct way. By Thanksgiving, Ashley had many orders, and she was off and running with Boarded Creations. “By summertime,” she recalls, “I was getting wedding inquiries and eventually I took another course. I was making the transition from a small to a larger business.” When Piedmont Print and Frame on Canal Street in Laconia was planning an event for customers, the owner talked with Ashley about preparing a grazing table for the celebration. It would be a large table and, although it was a mammoth undertaking of planning and creating, Ashley discovered she loved making her first big table full of meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit, vegetables, flowers, and more. The public’s response was very positive. As she has created boards for customers, she learned about various shops and bakeries where she can get products. “There are some very good bakeries in Laconia and also chocolates and sweets.” When she plans a charcuterie board for a wedding, Ashley will meet with the couple and discuss what they might want, what colors they will be using for their wedding, and any allergies guests may have to certain foods. They also browse online photos for ideas and in-

• Boarded continued on page 19

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Auditions For Student Actors At Winnipesaukee Playhouse The Winnipesaukee Playhouse will hold auditions for young actors ages 13-18 on Dec. 6 and 7 for the Greek drama Oedipus Rex. Audition appointments are required. Those auditioning need attend only one of the audition sessions. Playhouse Director of Education Timothy L’Ecuyer will direct the play, written by Sophocles around 429 BC. The play is about the people of Thebes asking their king, Oedipus, to rid their city of a mysterious plague, which leads him on a journey of terrible self-discovery that will devastate his family and the city itself.

Written more than 2,000 years ago, the play’s timeless themes of fate, free will, and identity continue to resonate in our contemporary world. Registration for appointments and detailed information about the production, including a complete rehearsal schedule and COVID-19 policies, are available at winnipesaukeeplayhouse. org/education or by calling 603-2790333. The production will be the first of the Playhouse’s 2022 season and is scheduled for February 17 – 20.

• Boarded continued from page 18

nia. She is working with a carpenter to revamp and create a beautiful and handy commercial kitchen with storage and an office and lounge area. “We are redoing the flooring, ceilings, and it will hopefully be open soon,” Ashley says. Boarded Creations may offer workshops in the future as well. With a creative spirit, good taste, a strong work ethic, and a good dose of bravery to try new things, Ashley is succeeding with Boarded Creations. As we approach the Christmas season and then celebrate New Year’s Eve, a charcuterie board is just the thing to bring something tasty, festive, and unique to a gathering for a few friends to a large crowd. Ashley is learning to be a young entrepreneur and following the hard-working example her parents set for her over the years. “I guess it took a pandemic and getting laid off to help me find my way,” she reflects. For information, find Boarded Creations on Instagram and Facebook.

spiration. She also will coordinate with florists when creating a board. As for the actual boards to hold the food, Ashley has come a long way. At the beginning, she shopped for boards at stores, but quickly realized she needed to find a thoughtful but cost-effective type of board for her creations. “I came up with a budget for the boards and shopped for wholesale, eco-friendly boards in different sizes,” she explains. The recyclable boards are made of bamboo or palm leaf material and can be discarded if the customer does not want to keep them. With disposable, easy-to-carry boards, Ashley also hopes to target the boating community next summer. Packaging is important to her, and she ensures that each charcuterie board is secure and will not slide around on a boat or in a car. This winter, Boarded Creations will be opening a convenient and permanent home on Union Avenue in Laco-

Lakes Region Symphony To Present Holiday Concerts The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra will perform three holiday concerts in the Lakes Region, the first taking place on Friday, December 10, at 7 p.m. at the Colonial Theatre in Laconia. The series will continue on Saturday December 11, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 12, at 3 p.m. at the Inter-Lakes Community Auditorium in Meredith. Michael Gallagan will return special guest. Fans will remember Michael from his previous holiday performances and for his solo performance in the LRSO’s Sinatra tribute. Michael revels in the stylings of Michael Bublé, Andy Williams, Seth MacFarlane, and Donny Hathaway, singing a variety of their holiday hits, including “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, “Man With a Bag”, “This Christmas”, and new

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custom arrangements of “Happy Holiday” and “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Lush orchestral favorites include traditional carols, a Canadian Brass Christmas, Carol of the Bells, and “A Mad Russian’s Christmas” by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. There will also be a sing-along and a “Sleigh Ride” for you. The holiday concerts have been sold-out events, so patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets early. Tickets with reserved seating are available online at www.LRSO.org for all performances. There are special prices for students of college-age and under (no children under age 5 are admitted). Any unsold tickets will be available at the door about one hour before each concert.

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13 Flutes Bring Christmas To Wolfeboro The New England Flute Orchestra of Indian Hill Music in Littleton, Massachusetts, will bring an unusual holiday treat to Wolfeboro on Sunday, December 12, at 2 p.m. The 13-member ensemble featuring all members of the flute family, from piccolo to contrabass flute, will perform holiday music composed specifically for flute orchestra, as well as arrangements of music for other ensembles. Organ, piano, and string music translate well into the unified resonance of the flute orchestra. Some works may feature the low flutes alone, for a unique, haunting sound. The orchestra is a professional-level ensemble comprising music educators, church musicians, and flutists with formal training and a life-long commitment to music. Founded as a four-person ensemble in 1983 as the Nashua Flute Choir, the voluntary non-profit organization has provided cultural and musical enrichment to Nashua and surrounding communities in New Hampshire and Massachusetts for nearly 40 years. The ensemble has premiered

Tickets are $25 and are available at Avery Insurance, Black’s Paper & Gift Store, online at www.wfriendsofmusic. org, and at the door. High school students with ID will be admitted free of charge, and children accompanied by an adult ticket-purchaser will be admitted free of charge. Wolfeboro Friends of Music requires that all attendees adhere to the COVID guidelines established by the First Congregational Church of Wolfeboro, so proof of vaccination will be required to enter the building. Masks are required to be worn properly at all times, physical distancing is required, and each attendee must complete and sign the contract-tracing release, acknowledging acceptance of the First Congregational Church’s conditions of liability waiver. Refunds are not available to anyone who will not agree to these conditions. For more information, visit www. wfriendsofmusic.org or call 603-5692151.

New England Flute Orchestra of Indian Hill Music will perform in Wolfeboro on Dec. 12. five commissioned works, has recorded three CDs, and was featured on television’s New Hampshire Chronicle. It has performed at several National Flute Association Conventions and in Boston’s Symphony Hall. In 2014, the Nashua Flute Choir changed its name to the New England Flute Orchestra, reflecting the growth of the ensemble and the geographic range of its performing venues. Performing members of the ensemble are all professionally trained flutists

with decades of experience. About fifty percent of the ensemble at any given time plays the usual concert flute. The remainder of the group perform on piccolo, alto, bass, and contrabass flutes. Many players perform on some or all instruments and will switch flutes between pieces. The seven-foot-tall contrabass flute always creates a sensation and anchors the sound of the ensemble. Because of the high level of proficiency of all the flutists, any one of them may be the featured soloist in a piece.

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Page 22 | THE LAKER | December 2021

Capitol Center for the Arts Lists December Events

Capitol Center for the Arts in Conplaying ACTOR TRAILER LOADS

L WRAPPED COMPOSITE cord has a lineup of shows at DECKING its Chubb acoustic Theatre and Bank of NH Stage during music in the month of December that includes new ways, comedian Chevy Chase presenting and has esa screening of “National Lampoon’s tablished Christmas Vacation,” along with a himself moderated conversation and audience as one of Q & A, at Chubb Theatre on Saturday, the most December 11, at 7 p.m. Chevy (Clark accomGriswold) will share stories about the plished making of the movie, along with tales and musifrom throughout his career. cally diverse mandolinists in the world. Rescheduled from an earlier date, He also won the National Banjo Comthere will be VIP tickets that include petition in Winfield, Kansas in 1990, the best seats in the house and a postand the mandolin award there the folshow photo op. lowing year. He now tours regularly Chubb Theatre is located at 44 with the Matt Flinner Trio, known for South Main Street, Concord. its off-the-cuff compositional daring, Multi-award-winning bluegrass writing music the same day it’s permandolinist Matt Flinner will team up formed on most shows. He also tours with American Roots band Low Lily occasionally with the Modern Manfor a Winter Solstice Mini-Fest on the dolin Quartet, which was nominated Bank of NH Stage on Friday, Decemfor three Grammy awards for its CD ber 17, at 7 p.m. “Americana” in 2013, as well as the The show will feature instrumentals Darrell Scott Bluegrass Band, which songs to Gold, celebrate the season, released mazonalongside Mist, Antigua Sapele, Antique Palmits acclaimed “Live at the Stawith the musicians playing mandolins, tion Azek brand Acacia solid PVC $2.99 L.F. Inn” CD in 2018. guitars, fiddle, banjo, and double bass, Low Lily, of Brattleboro, Vermont, while singing in three- and four part has played throughout North America vocal harmonies. and the United Kingdom, garnering Grammy-nominated mandolinist two number 1 songs on international Matt Flinner has made a careerBring out of in folk thisradio and two Independent Mu-

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sic Award wins. Chosen as Falcon Ridge Folk Festival’s “ M o s t Wa n t e d Band” of 2016, Low Lily plays acoustic music that is rooted in tradition yet sounds contemporary. The band’s first full-album release, “10,000 Days Like These” (March 2018, following their 2015 self-titled EP release), led to performances with numerous well-known names in folk and traditional music. Bank of NH Stage is located at 16 South Main Street, Concord. The Capital Jazz Orchestra, with Music Director Clayton Poole, will present its annual yuletide program, featuring guest vocalists C.J. Poole, Laura Daigle, and Liz Saunders, along with narrator Laura Knoy of New Hampshire Public Radio, who will be reciting her traditional version of “The Night Before Christmas.” Highlighting this year’s performance is the world premiere of the orchestra’s “Emerging Light,” written by composer Jerry Ascione and featuring narrator Laura Knoy. This new work anticipates the beginning of the end of the global pandemic which silenced live music all over the world for almost

two years. The performance will include an audience sing-along and special surprises intended to leave everybody in the holiday spirit. The show will take place in Chubb Theatre on Sunday, December 19, at 4 p.m. A broadcast presentation of the Bolshoi Ballet’s performance of “The Nutcracker” will take place at the Bank of NH Stage on Sunday, December 19, at 12:55 p.m. For New Year’s Eve, Boston promoter Beth McGurr and her crew will transform the Bank of New Hampshire Stage into a tribute to America’s most extravagant nightclubs, inspired by everything from the speakeasys of the roaring 1920s to the iconic New York nightclubs of the 1970s. The show will include an aerialist, Broadway-style entertainment, 1920’s tap dancers, drag performances, a photo booth, a midnight confetti blast, New Year’s Eve party favors, midnight champagne toast, and special surprises. The main room will feature one of Boston’s hottest DJs playing a wide variety of top 40, hip-hop, house, disco, and club music from every decade, and the lounge (cafe) with be transformed with light, glitter, sounds, and decor to create a sexy speakeasy atmosphere with a variety of entertainment. For more information on these and other shows, see Capitol Center for the Arts’ website, ccanh.com.

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Help Your Poinsettias Last Longer How To Reduce Risk Of Home Fires Poinsettias are synonymous with the holiday season. The colorful plants brighten up homes with their vibrant hues in variations of red, white, and pink, making them a holiday decoration many people cannot live without. While they’re most visible during the often-chilly holiday season, poinsettias prefer warm weather. Poinsettias are native to Central America and originally flourished in an area of southern Mexico. The Aztecs used the plant for decorative and medicinal purposes. The poinsettia may have remained a regional plant if not for the efforts of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was the first United States Ambassador to Mexico under President James Madison. Poinsett, who would later found the Smithsonian Institution, had a love of botany and became enamored with the brilliant red plants he saw in Mexico. Eventually, Poinsett began growing the plants at home in South Carolina, and friends and others soon coveted them. Poinsettias are beautiful and the bracts (modified leaves) can be vibrantly colored. That signature vibrancy is why many people would like to preserve their poinsettias to last beyond the New Year, which is possible with the right care. The following are some tips, courtesy of Mother Nature’s Network, Habersham Gardens, Oregon Live, and Phoenix Flower Shops, to keep poinsettias thriving past the holiday season. • Start with healthy plants that have full leaves, bracts and deep colors.

• Poinsettias do best when the temperature is between 65 and 75 F. Temperatures below that or drafts from cold windows can cause leaves to drop. • Position the plant in a room that gets indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day. If direct sunlight can’t be avoided, diffuse the light with a sheer curtain. • Poinsettias need well-drained soil. Overwatering or allowing roots to sit in wet soil can cause the leaves to fall off prematurely. Water thoroughly only when the pot looks dry. In households with temperatures around 70 F, the plant should be watered about once a week. • Fertilize the plant after the blooming season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. • Try placing poinsettias in or near a bathroom, as they prefer high humidity. It may be possible to get poinsettias to rebloom next season. Allow the poinsettias to dry out a little more in the spring. In May, cut about four inches from each stem to produce a lush, full plant during the winter. The plants can be moved outside in June and during the summer, but keep them away from direct sunlight. Return the poinsettias indoors beginning around October. Make sure the plants get at least 12 hours of darkness per day for around eight weeks in October and November. This will help them develop a deep hue and bloom in time for Christmas.

Safety might not be the first thing people think of as the holiday season approaches. Faith, celebrations, decorations, and holiday dinners all come to mind when considering the holiday season. But that doesn’t mean safety should be left out of holiday planning. Fire safety bears special consideration during the holiday season, when the prevalence of fire hazards like Christmas trees, holiday lighting displays and other decorative items increase the risk for home fires. Such tragedies can be averted with a few simple safety measures. • Tend to your tree. Live Christmas trees are awe-inspiring, but they also pose a significant fire risk. The National Fire Protection Association urges celebrants to purchase only healthy trees with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Such trees are less likely to dry out, especially when well-watered throughout the season. Dry trees can catch fire more easily than healthy trees if embers from nearby fireplaces or candles drift in their direction. • Recognize that location matters when decorating. The NFPA notes that Christmas trees should always be placed at least three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, space heaters, heat vents, candles, and even overhead lights. If decorating with candles, never place them on the tree or on tables where other flammable decorations have already been

placed. Chanukah menorahs should never be placed near curtains or other decorations. • Turn off all lights and extinguish all lit decorative items when leaving the home or going to bed. Lit candles and menorahs should never be left unattended. The NFPA recommends turning tree lights and exterior decorative lights off when leaving the home or going to bed. • Utilize a fire screen on fireplaces. Embers can catch on trees, decorations or anything else that’s flammable if they escape the fireplace. Fire screens prevent that from happening by ensuring embers from burning logs stay in the fireplace. Like candles and menorahs, fires burning in a fireplace should never be left unattended. Make sure all embers have been extinguished before leaving the home or going to bed. • Keep discarded trees away from your home. A 2014 analysis from the NFPA found that none of the ten days with the largest share of Christmas tree fires were before Christmas. Dried out trees still pose a fire risk even after they’ve been removed from a home. When discarding a tree at the end of the holiday season, place it at the curb or keep it a safe distance away from your home and garage until you can. Fire safety measures are an important component of the holiday season that can prevent this joyous time of year from turning tragic.

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Page 24 | THE LAKER | December 2021

Winter Solstice Celebrations: Commemorating Return of the Sun All Over the Globe By Mark Okrant In the Northern Hemisphere, we mark the longest night of each year on December 21 or 22. Winter Solstice is the day when the North Pole is tilted at its farthest angle away from the sun. At noon during Winter Solstice, the sun’s rays strike the earth’s surface at a 90 degree angle at 23 ½ degrees south latitude, aka the Tropic of Capricorn. For several millennia, people situated north of the Equator have celebrated the return of the sun on this day; for, at the conclusion of solstice, the sun’s rays will begin to burn brighter and days will gradually grow longer. Ancient pagan celebrations of solstice were diffused over time and space, ultimately influencing celebrations of Christmas and Hanukkah. Those early celebrations to mark Winter Solstice were times spent with loved ones. As people congregated around large bonfires, there was feasting, singing, and dancing. Evidence of similar events was chronicled on every continent, and from pole to pole; and some of them continue to the present day. One of the wildest of these celebrations was the Roman holiday, Saturnalia. Occurring for seven days between December 17 and 23, Saturnalia marked the end of the planting season. During this oft-times rowdy event, some men wore women’s clothing, while social order was reversed as masters dressed like their servants. There were games, feasts, the giving of gifts (much like Christmas), houses decorated with greenery and lighted candles, and large processions. Not very far away geographically, the Persian festival of Shab-e-Yalda was marked within what today is the

country of Iran. The Persians marked the victory of light over darkness during the last day of Azar by staying awake to welcome the morning sun, while consuming a number of special foods, including nuts and pomegranates. The pagan celebration of winter solstice — or Yule — is one of the oldest on earth. Norsemen perceived the sun as a wheel that changed the seasons. They lit bonfires, told embellished stories, and drank sweet ale. One of these events was a festival of lights that came to be called St. Lucia’s Day. While the holiday was created to honor a Christian saint, it remains filled with Norse solstice traditions to this day. During the longest night of the year, people light fires to ward off evil spirits. Local girls wear white gowns with red sashes and wreaths of lighted candles on their heads. In ancient times, the Druids in Britain cut mistletoe, a parasite growing on sacred oaks. The mistletoe was given to others as a blessing to symbolize life during the long, dark winter months. Also, yule logs were burned to banish evil spirits and bring luck for the next year. One of the more unusual celebrations occurs in Brighton, England. Here, people parade through the streets with clocks before burning them in a great bonfire. The burning of clocks

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symbolizes eliminating their fears and making room for hopes and wishes for the future. In China, during Dong Zhi, people observe the arrival of winter between December 21 and 23. What began as a festival marking the end of the harvest season evolved into a celebration of the previous year by families. One special food called tang yuan, or glutinous rice balls, is consumed in great quantity during the holiday. During Toji, Japanese people eat a winter squash called kabocha. Some take hot baths with yuzu citrus fruits to refresh their bodies and ward off illness. Here in the western hemisphere, the Hopi of northern Arizona practiced a traditional celebration called Soyal. At the time of solstice, Hopi welcomed protective spirits called Kachina. Prayer sticks were made to be used during purification rituals. Dancing and gift-giving also marked the occasion. In Vancouver, British Columbia, locals recognize the winter solstice with their Lantern Festival. Locals create their own lanterns, then lead processions through the streets on December 21. A maze of 600 candles, called the Labyrinth of Light, is created for the occasion. Here, people let go of old thoughts and find new possibilities for the coming year. In Peru, which is situated in the southern hemisphere, the ancient Inca celebrated winter solstice during June, before the arrival of the Spaniards. Inti Raymi consisted of a series of feasts and sacrifices. The tradition continues

today without the sacrifices. While we are experiencing summer in the northern hemisphere, researchers in Antarctica are forced to spend midwinter in one of the most inhospitable regions on earth. Throughout the years, solstice has been marked by a celebration consisting of meals, films, and an exchange of gifts made by hand. The celebration of Winter Solstice remains with us to this day. For at least two consecutive years, 2012 and 2013, the popular podcast/television show, Breezin’ With Bierman, marked the event by providing a series of guests and stories that the hosts deemed pertinent to the occasion. Here in New Hampshire, several locations have had celebrations of light. These include Alstead, Exeter, and Laconia. Also, solstices are recognized at the America’s Stonehenge in Salem. While no one is certain about the origin of that maze of chambers, walls, and other interesting formations, it is believed that the site is an accurate astronomical calendar. As usual, the facility will mark Winter Solstice or Yule on December 21 by remaining open from sunrise to sunset. For those who are looking to celebrate Winter Solstice alone or with a group, here are several recommendations. In the Norwegian tradition of the holiday, people can write down wishes for the new year, then burn them on the Yule log in their fireplace or fire pit. Others may choose to make or purchase a cake in the shape of a Yule log, devour it, and burn the calories they have consumed by participating in favorite activities. Some may augment the event by burning candles. Two other aspects of the Yule celebration are nature and meditation. Therefore, an exchange of nature-based gifts, or a quiet, contemplative walk in the woods or by a lake or stream would be an appropriate way to recognize the day.

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December 2021 | THE LAKER | Page 25

December Happenings In The Town of Sandwich By Diane Cook Johnson It’s November. We finally had our first frosts and snow in some places in Sandwich. Lovely fall photos and moose sightings have been great topics of discussion the last couple of weeks. I have heard of a couple of moose-vehicle collisions on Squam Lake Road that did not end well for the moose or the vehicle. Thankfully, the drivers were pretty much OK. Moose just appear. On a happier note, a bull moose with white legs has shown up for photos in several yards. I have been out working in my yard and I have been thinking about how hard a winter it will be for many mammals such as the moose. The past week or so, those little deer ticks have been plentiful. Last spring it was the larger

ticks in great abundance. Now, I find at least one of the little black ones every time I work in the garden or take a walk in the woods. It saddens me to think how one such little creature can make a human very sick or in great numbers can overwhelm a moose or bear. The rivers are full of water from the recent rains and our surroundings are so beautiful. We take note of small details in leaves, trees, and mountains. And, in those same places where we look for and enjoy the wild life, we keep a lookout for all creatures great and small. We are blessed! Sandwich Christmas in the Village Sandwich Christmas in the Village will happen the weekend of December 4 and 5. How it will look and who is participating depends on the individuals, businesses, and organizations that

would like to be involved. Partridge Hill Farm and Sandwich Home Industries will have several crafters each and their spaces are booked. The Benz Center Crafters will set up their location, and businesses such as The Porch and The Foothills plan to be open. Sandwich crafters who have participated in the past may have a link on the website. Julie Deak maintains the website www.sandwichchristmasinthevillage.com and the Facebook page. Diane Johnson (603-284-7168) helps Julie gather information, writes a press release, and assists with printing and some logistics. For more information, email sandwichchristmasinthevillage@gmail.com. Broadband The Sandwich Board of Selectmen has accepted $840,493 from the North-

ern Border Regional Commission to form a public-private partnership to build a fiber-optic broadband network, as well as $71,084.28 in Local Fiscal Recovery Funds through the State of New Hampshire from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the United States Treasury. Selectmen previously identified technology improvements for remote meeting capabilities as a priority for ARPA funds. Further legislation is pending to expand eligible uses for the funds. Sandwich Sidehillers The Sandwich Sidehillers winter trails club maintains the snowmobile trail system in Sandwich and beyond. If you would like to be included on the Sidehillers’ email list, send your address to Ross Currier, 20currier19@ gmail.com.

The numbers don’t lie. Locally owned businesses may be classified as “small,” but they have a big impact on the national economy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Business Employment Dynamics report, small businesses created 10.5 million net new jobs between 2000 and 2019, accounting for 65.1 percent of net new jobs created since 2000 in the United States. The Government of Canada reports that the number of small businesses in Canada in 2020 was far greater than the number of medium and large businesses, accounting for 97.9 percent of all the businesses in the country. Supporting locally owned business-

es is a great way to support a neighbor, but that’s not the only attraction. Here are several reasons to shop small. The feel-good factor Doing for others certainly has an impact on the person on the receiving end, but also benefits the do-gooders. A November 2020 survey by Union Bank found that 72 percent of Americans said supporting small businesses was more important than getting the best deals. That may be due to the feeling of helping out a fellow neighbor. Create job opportunities Shopping at small businesses keeps those establishments afloat, and it also keeps their employees afloat. Small businesses are the largest employers

in the United States. That’s also true in Canada, where 68.8 percent of the total labor force works for a small business. A person may never know when he or she — or a relative — will need a job. Keeping small businesses viable provides a strong job market for locals. Keep more money in the community The Small Business Administration says $48 out of every $100 spent at a small business stays in the community. Spend the same $100 at a national retailer and only $14 stays. Enjoy a more local flavor

National retailers and other businesses follow a global business model that may not allow for much customization, but small businesses can provide products or services that relate directly to the needs of the communities they serve. These same small businesses also may be more inclined to work with local vendors and start-ups than national companies that have global supply chains. These are just a few of the many reasons to seek out small businesses when in need of products or services.

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Registration Now Open For Upcycled Fashion Show Looking to put a spark of creativity in your life? Sign up for the Upcycled Fashion Show, taking place on Saturday, April 23, in Wolfeboro, organized in collaboration by Makers Mill and Governor Wentworth Arts Council (GWAC). Individuals and groups of all ages are invited to participate and have some fun over the winter months in preparation for the show being held in the spring. It is free to participate and participants will have free access to a series of workshops offered by textiles and maker experts. The event is designed to celebrate ingenuity, environmental awareness, and community spirit. Upcycling techniques have been with us for eons. Born either from necessity or in a spark of individuality, or as a nod to sustainability, upcycling takes worn or used materials, clothes, or objects,

and transforms the old into something new, and typically, more valuable. Those who are excited to design something for the fashion show can register online at www.makersmill.org/ blog. Registration in the fashion show is limited and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is recommended to register as early as possible. Registration will be open until March, or until fully subscribed. The Upcycled Fashion Show will take place on Saturday, April 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Makers Mill, 23 Bay Street, Wolfeboro. Participating individuals and teams will be invited to speak about their designs during the fashion show and must find or be their own catwalk model for the event. The wearable designs are required to incorporate at least 75% re-

cycled, reused, or repurposed materials. There will be two online informational meetings on Zoom, the first on Thursday, December 2, from 7 to 8 p.m., hosted by GWAC President Liz Helfer and Makers Mill board members Sara Reineman and Carol Holyoake. The second Zoom is scheduled for Thursday, December 9, from noon to 1 p.m., hosted by Makers Mill Executive Director Josh Arnold and Fiber Arts Shop Leader Jeanne Flanagan. Both sessions will allow time for questions. Sign up for one of the Zoom meetings at www.makersmill.org/events. Prior to The Upcycled Fashion Show, there will be a series of artist-led workshops hosted by Makers Mill and the Arts Council. The workshops will help participants with the design of their entry. All workshops are free to registered fashion show participants. The

workshops are also open to the public at a cost of $10 for GWAC members, and $15 for non-members. All materials and equipment will be provided, and participants are also encouraged to bring along any materials they’d like to include in their final design. Register for the workshops at www.makersmill.org/events. For further information, contact Liz Helfer at info@GovernorWentworthArtsCouncil.org.

Many nuts get plenty of fanfare, from the almond to the walnut to the peanut — which isn’t even a nut at all! However, without the familiar holiday tune “The Christmas Song,” many folks may not even know about a relatively obscure nut that tends to only turn up around the holiday season. When Nat King Cole sings “chestnuts roasting on an open fire,” he’s referring to the starchy, sweet and flavorful chestnut, which is an edible nut from a tree native to the northern hemisphere. Chestnuts belong to the beech or

Fagaceae family of trees, which are native to the mountainous forests of China, Japan, Europe, and North America. Chestnuts were once staples of North American diets because they could be found quite readily along the Eastern seaboard, where many early settlers first landed their ships. Chestnuts were once were the most popular ingredient in 18th and 19th cuisine and became widely linked to Christmas dinner. Early American chestnuts were small and flavorful and were abundant in late fall. Chestnuts once had a sweet flavor when eaten raw. However, they

took on a nutty essence when roasted. Chestnut street vendors could be found sending off wafting aromas of inviting chestnuts from corner to corner. Unfortunately, a chestnut tree blight in the early 20th century decimated nearly all American Chestnut trees, leading to the demise of the domestic chestnut industry — and perhaps contributing to a declining interest in chestnuts with winter meals. Today, most chestnuts are imported from Korea, China and Italy. The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center reports that American chestnut produc-

tion is less than 1 percent of total world production. The United States has 919 farms producing chestnuts on more than 3,700 acres. There may be hope for reviving interest in chestnuts as new research is trying to prevent the Asian blight that wiped out trees long ago. Chestnuts traditionally pop up in stores during the holiday season. Unlike other nuts and seeds, they are relatively low in calories or fats, but are a rich source of minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber. They can be incorporated into many different meals and are worthy additions to a healthy diet.

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Page 28 | THE LAKER | December 2021

Yesteryear All Aboard for the Snow Train To The Lakes Region By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper When skiing was becoming popular in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, the word was spreading that this was a fun way to spend a weekend. Young people in the Boston area and other places far from Gilford’s Belknap Mountains Recreation Area wanted to ski. But how to get to the Lakes Region, with its ski slopes and instructors? The world of the 1930s was vastly different from the one we live in today. Now, most people own a car, and a trip to the ski slopes is quite easy. In the 1930s, if you were lucky enough to own a car, the drive from Boston to New Hampshire in the winter was difficult. Roads were not always the best, and the drive could take hours. But there was another way, and it made perfect sense. Snow trains started running from larger communities to New Hampshire’s Lakes Region and points north in the White Mountains. A trip to and from Boston on a snow train offered inexpensive travel, and a chance to meet new people and talk about skiing. A snow train was fun, and it had a party-like atmosphere, with singing and socializing. Early blackand-white photographs show young people on the snow trains taking part in sing-alongs, with impromptu bands

to Warner, New Hampshire, in January 1931. The passenger count for the train was 196 — a good number of people for the train ride. It was popular, and more snow trains began to travel to all OF VINYL WRAPPED COMPOSITE DECKING areas of New Hampshire in the winter of 1931, among them the Belknap Mountains Recreation Area in Gilford. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) may have had the original idea for a snow train, knowing members wanted to enjoy winter activities but could not get to rural ski slopes. Snow trains were already popular in Europe, and when an AMC member rode one of the Alpine trains, he probably brought idea back to America. The club then brought the idea to the Boston & Maine Railroad. At the time, the Boston & Maine was attempting to attract more customers, and the Great Depression was impacting everyone. A snow train could be a good thing for passengers, and for the railroad. By 1937, skiers were lining up at Boston’s North Station to catch a snow train to Gilford. Specific ticket windows Passengers on a snow train, circa 1940s. Courtesy photo. were marked as “Snow Train Ticket” of a harmonica player, a guitar or ukuHampshire’s Rugged Heart by Rail” by areas. There were many passengers, but lele player, and an accordion player Bruce D. Heald, the first snow train the cars were kept orderly. Passengers adding to the entertainment. was offered to the public in 1931. The • Yesteryear According to “A History of the BosBoston & Maine Railroad advertised Continued on page 29 ton & Maine Railroad: Exploring New its first “Sunday Winter Sports Train”

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December 2021 | THE LAKER | Page 29 • Yesteryear Continued from page 28 brought their skis, snowshoes, and ski poles, as well as their outdoor gear, and there was room provided for everything. A Service Car on the snow train sold or rented ski and winter outdoor equipment. A 1940s Boston & Maine Snow Train booklet advertised the Armstrong Company in Boston’s North Station, with a ski shop on the Mezzanine Floor over the waiting room, and a Sports Service Car attached to snow trains. A handy repair shop was also on the trains, with servicemen able to fix ski equipment. For those just getting started in skiing, in the Depression years, the sport could be an investment. If you did not have equipment, but wanted to try skiing, you could pay for a daily rental of skis with bindings, ski poles (just 50 cents for a pair), snowshoes, a toboggan with cushions, parkas or jackets, ski “trousers”, ski boots, caps, knapsacks, mittens, socks, goggles, and auto racks. As the train pulled out of North Station, passengers were surely excited. Once in Laconia, they got off the train with their ski equipment and spent the afternoon skiing at Belknap Mountain. They returned by 5 p.m., when the train took passengers back to Boston. Sunday snow trains ran every week during the ski season, with the destination selected every Thursday and publicized in the Friday Boston newspapers. The destinations could be the North

Conway area, the Belknap Region of Laconia, and Plymouth. You could catch the snow train in Boston at 8

a.m. and arrive by 11:30 in North Conway for $2.75, round-trip. If the trip was to the Lakes Region, you could depart from Boston at 8:15 a.m. and arrive at around 10:30 for a day of winter snow fun.

Should you wish to make an entire weekend of skiing, versus just a day trip, you took a snow train from Boston and paid $4 for a round-trip ticket, arriving on a Saturday morning and leaving the Lakes Region on Sunday afternoon. Holiday specials were a popular feature in the 1930s and 1940s, and you could celebrate New Year’s Eve with skiing at the Belknap Recreation Area or in Plymouth, over a long weekend. The snow trains also ran specials on Washington’s Birthday in February. Once in the Lakes Region, if you needed overnight lodgings, popular spots were the Alberg Inn, King’s Grant Inn, and The Baraks in Gilford. Laconia had the Laconia Tavern. An advertisement in a 1940s brochure for snow trains, published by the Boston & Maine Railroad, gave information on the inns, with the Alberg Inn offering “excellent food, comfortable beds, all modern convenience and a real alpine ‘ski’ atmosphere”, with rates of $3.50 a day and up, with meals included. The inn’s location was quite handy to the ski slopes of the Belknap Mountains Recreation Area on Route 11A. The Baraks on Route 11A in Gilford was publicized as “a new headquarters

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for winter sports lovers, adjoining the Belknap Mts. Recreational Center in Gilford.” The Baraks had “lighted practice slopes on the property,” and unique bunkroom accommodations, with rooms for 68 guests. Rates were $3.50 a day and up, with meals included. King’s Grant in Gilford was a short distance from the ski area. It had its own gentle ski slopes for beginners, a lighted skating rink, and a toboggan chute. You could book a room for $4 a night and, if you so desired, never leave the property for a weekend of fun. The Laconia Tavern was newly renovated at the time, with meals included. In the 1940s, the Belknap Mountains Recreation Area was advertised as “the only million-dollar Winter Sports Playground in N.E. with everything bunched together. No long intervals between different slopes and trails … even Inns nearby.” The ski area had easy slopes with some of them lighted, trails for novice, intermediate, and expert skiers, a deluxe chair tram, a new steam-heated Recreation Building with Saturday night dances, a restaurant, and more. The area also offered Fred Nachbaur’s Winnipesaukee Ski School with daily classes and rentals, as well as a ski repair shop. Ski jumping was catching on at the time, and the Belknap Area was a popular place to jump or watch the big

championship competitions. Wintertime in the Lakes Region offered tobogganing, snowshoe trails, ice fishing, sleigh rides, ice boating, and dog sled drives. Winter recreation was certainly as diverse and fun as summertime in New Hampshire. Snow trains were popular for years, and people made new friends and great memories of the train trips from Boston to the Lakes Region. When the trains began during the Great Depression of the 1930s, it cheered many people who wanted to get away for a day or two and get some exercise. The economic impact of having a method to bring great numbers of skiers to New Hampshire was immense. Snow trains also helped the ski areas of the Granite State to grow, as skiing became an extremely popular wintertime sport. Operating until the 1970s, when more and more people had cars and roads were improved to handle winter travel, the snow trains offered much more than a ride. People made friends, maybe even met a future spouse, had great exercise, and improved the economy at a time when it was struggling. While the snow trains are no longer running, the memories they brought during the tough times of the Great Depression and after World War II will be remembered for years to come.

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Page 30 | THE LAKER | December 2021

How To Create A Durable Gingerbread House Gingerbread cookies and houses are one of the many symbols of the holiday season, alongside Christmas trees and twinkling lights. In fact, few confections symbolize the holidays more so than gingerbread. Many a child (or a child at heart) has spent hours carefully trying to create decorative gingerbread houses. Although gingerbread recipes span various cultures, gingerbread houses originated in 16th century Germany. The fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel” helped solidify the popularity of gingerbread, which became part of Christmas traditions. Even though gingerbread houses can be fun to make, there’s no denying it can be exacting work — especially for

those who strive for perfection. Prepackaged kits attempt to take some of the guesswork out of the equation, but those who are crafting from scratch can employ these tips as they build their gingerbread houses. • Go for form and not flavor. Few gingerbread houses ever get eaten, so focus on finding a dough that will bake up rock hard as opposed to one that tastes good. • Get the right icing texture. Pastry artist Catherine Beddall says royal icing is the preferred “glue” to adhere gingerbread pieces. Beddall says icing should be thick like peanut butter and not runny. • Mind the dough. Do not roll out the gingerbread dough too thin or it

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may become brittle after being cooked. Always cut out shapes before the gingerbread is baked. Let the baked pieces sit overnight to cool completely before using them to build. • Patience is key. Allow the icing to dry for at least a couple of hours after adhering each piece and before moving and handling the house, says Beddall. Work in stages so that individual items can be decorated and allowed to dry. Then the walls can be put together, followed by the roof pieces. • Kids likely will need help. Children may not have the patience or

steadiness to handle complete gingerbread construction. They can decorate the separate pieces of the house while the components are laying flat, which is easier for kids. Adults can do the main assembly later on. • Utilize a template. Free-handing may not be easy. Cut out templates using cardboard or posterboard for various gingerbread pieces. One of the most important tips is to have fun. Don’t take gingerbread house making too seriously as a novice. Rather, enjoy the experience and the centuries-old tradition.

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The Origins Of New Year’s Eve Traditions Traditions are the glue that hold many celebrations together. Individuals and families embrace many customs that serve as the script for commemorating year-end holidays. Some celebrants may adhere to traditions without really knowing how they began or why they continue. Here is a closer look at some of the most popular traditions tied to New Year’s Eve, both domestically and around the world. Drinking champagne The use of champagne for celebrations is rooted in the Christian ritual of consuming wine during the Eucharist. In the year 496, a wine from the Champagne region of France was offered during the baptism of the Frank-

ish warrior Clovis, according to the Champagne Committee of France. It then became customary for champagne to be used at religious events like con-

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secrations and at coronations or soirees. Eventually the tradition became associated with secular rituals, such as celebrating the new year. Food People of Japanese heritage might eat soba noodles on New Year’s Eve. The Toshikoshi Soba, which means “year crossing buckwheat noodle,” denotes the crossing from one year to the next. Nibbling the noodles represent traveling from one year to the next as well as letting go of the previous year’s regrets. In Spain, people gobble grapes to bring good luck in the coming year. The goal is to eat 12 green grapes during the 12 remaining seconds until the New Year. Those able to do so will have 12 months of good fortune. Dropping the ball Revelers have long watched the giant ball drop in New York City’s Times Square in person and on television. This tradition may be rooted in the

custom of sailors using “time balls” to set their own timepieces while at sea. These chronometers were employed by using a spyglass to scan the harbor looking for balls that were dropped into the water at certain times, PBS reports. The first ball was installed in 1829 in Portsmouth, England. The Times Square ball was first used in 1907, according to the Times Square Alliance. Making resolutions Historians trace the making of resolutions to the Ancient Babylonians. Citizens made spoken resolutions during their new year festival known as “Akitu.” This ritual required making an oath to the sitting or new king. Romans also swore oaths of loyalty to the emperor when the New Year started. Fireworks and noisemakers Fireworks are a big part of celebrations and are not to be outdone on New Year’s Eve. Fireworks were invented in the seventh century in China. According to Anthony Aveni, an astronomer and anthropologist at Colgate University, the fireworks were designed to ward off evil spirits. In cultures around the world, fireworks, banging drums and other efforts were used to chase away spooky creatures, especially during the transitional period that is the passing of the new year. Today fireworks and noisemakers are employed not for scaring away spirits, but rather to add to the revelry. New Year’s Eve traditions abound, and many of these annual customs have interesting origin stories.

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How To Care For Wild Birds This Winter The arrival of winter forces everyone to confront the changes synonymous with the season, and local wildlife is no exception. Low temperatures, harsh winter storms and a scarcity of food can make it challenging for wildlife, including birds, to thrive throughout the winter. Even though several species of birds are migratory and travel to warmer climates to wait out winter, many others stay put. The Audubon Society says that keeping close to home helps some species of birds maintain their territories. Some birds will puff up to retain heat; others will seek shelter in dense foliage or cavities to avoid the elements. Many birds will huddle together to share warmth. Another way of keeping warm is building up fat as an insulator and energy source. The Audubon Society says more than 10 percent of some birds’ winter body weight may be fat. That can be challenging to maintain when common sources of food, such as insects and berries, disappear as winter wears on. This is when some human intervention can prove handy, advise ornithologists. A few simple efforts may benefit birds and other wildlife

that may not hibernate winter away or escape to the tropics. • Have a supply of food, bird feeders, houses, and any other bird-related gear at the ready before the storms really rev up. • Invest in nutritious food, such as black oil sunflower seeds or blends that are high in black oil sunflower seeds. You also can make available more foods that are high in fat, such as suet, peanut butter or even whole peanuts. Mother Nature Network also suggests adding meal worms if they can be found. • Choose feeders that will keep seed dry; otherwise, it will be prone to bacterial and fungal growth. • Don’t discard fallen leaves or any downed twigs or pruned boughs from trees. This will give birds material for creating shelter or hiding away when the weather gets especially brutal. When the Christmas tree is finished for the season, place it in the yard as a windbreak for birds. • Put shallow water sources around so birds can drink. Replace them frequently if water freezes. Wild birds can benefit from some help when the temperatures start to drop in winter.

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When Every Day is Christmas By Lori Tremblay A sense of joy and wonder greets you inside the door of the Christmas Loft in North Conway. Festive displays show children riding in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer, polar bears gaze at you through a clearing with brightly lit trees, and Bessie, the singing cow, will entertain you. Farther inside, it’s Christmas Eve at midnight in a life-size turn-of-thecentury New England village. You can stroll by replicas of the North Conway railway station, the covered bridge in Jackson, and the Little White Church in Eaton, and look inside at the scenes from village life. Carolers are singing, children are playing, and you can almost hear Santa’s joyful “Ho ho ho!” Greg Vander Veer, the owner, was kind enough to show me around. He told me that his dad designed everything in the village. Everything has remained the same, but they maintain it. Greg recently bought a 1905 original sleigh for the store from a farm in Sugar Hill. The sleigh had been in the farmer’s family and they used it as a horse-drawn sleigh. Customers now enjoy taking pictures in it. Richard and Ronnie Vander Veer, Greg’s parents, built the North Con-

way store in 1995. Previously, it was located next door, where Greg and his partner recently opened a new yearround store, Tricks or Treats. The other Christmas Loft store is in North Woodstock. Richard and Ronnie Vander Veer met in 1969 while skiing in Vermont, married soon after, then quit their jobs and moved to northern Vermont. They opened the Jay Country Store, which became a popular store for locals and tourists who came for the delicious

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food, gifts, and wine. Ronnie and Richard opened a loft above the store to sell Christmas decorations, which became hugely popular. Over the years, they expanded and opened the family business, The Christmas Loft, with several stores throughout New England. The Vander Veers enjoy sharing their love of Christmas and creating a magical experience for their customers. After nearly 40 years running the business, in 2016, their son, Greg, and his partner and husband, Stephen O’Farrell, took over the day-to-day operations of the company. Stephen is from Dublin, Ireland. “I won a green card in the lottery and moved to New York, and Greg and I met,” Stephen said. “I was working in Carnegie Hall and he was doing documentaries. Then basically, his parents were going to sell the stores, so we had a really quick decision to make. I came up and saw the stores and thought it would be such a shame to see it just disappear. It’s a lifetime of work. So we just decided to quit our jobs, move up, and take a chance, and that was it!” Greg added that, after his parents sold a few of the stores, two remained. Greg and Stephen wanted to breathe new life into the business, so they have done a lot of restorations and expansions, and have done their best to con-

tinue the family tradition of creating a special experience for their customers. The store is 12,500 square feet of Christmas magic. “It’s almost half the store where it’s not dedicated to retail, but to the experience,” said Greg. “We’ve always believed that shopping should really be a magical experience so that people can come here to get in the mood.” Greg and Stephen own two Christmas Loft stores and Tricks or Treats. Flowing seamlessly from the Christmas village to the retail part of the store, further delights await. There are rooms with beautiful displays of an average of 18 theme trees, New England’s largest selection of ornaments, creative lighting, collectibles, and hard-to-find items. The colors, the music, and the beautiful displays all welcome the shopper into the world of Christmas joy. Some of the themed trees this year are the Nutcracker Tree, the Sweet Tree, and the Upside-Down Tree (that’s right, it’s hanging upside down!). Greg said the Upside-Down Tree is a popular favorite. It is decorated with handblown glass ornaments from Egypt. Another fun tree is the Snowman at the Beach Tree. Stephen joined us on the tour and explained that they keep the themes in mind when buying products for the store. For example, next to the Sweet Tree, there are ornaments from the tree that you can buy for your own tree. Greg’s mother used to do all of the tree-decorating, even after Greg and Stephen took over the stores. Now people in both stores do the tree-decorating. Ornaments are the store’s biggest seller. There are specialized ornaments for anyone: plumber, teacher, physical therapist, and of course, children, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents. There are comic book characters, special ornaments for kids’ sports and activities, and so much more. One of • Christmas Loft continued on page 35

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December 2021 | THE LAKER | Page 35 • Christmas Loft continued from page 34 my favorites was the pop culture section with a variety of famous figures: Bob Marley, the Golden Girls, Bernie Sanders, and Willie Nelson, just to name a few. The store has a counter dedicated to personalizing ornaments. Families get their names on ornaments, or commemorate a baby’s first Christmas, a first wedding, or any special occasion. Greg added that they do hundreds of them every day. The Vander Veer family has a special tradition of taking their ornaments out of the attic, carefully unwrapping them, and putting them on the tree. Ornaments are saved and treasured for years, just as is the case in many families. Greg remembers going to the store and picking out his ornaments when he was a boy — and he could have them for free, of course. Customers and their families come in with children and grandchildren to pick out their ornaments every year. Stephen said, “Some people will call us and say, ‘My cat got to the tree and everything smashed.’ They’re devastated. They’re so upset!” Greg added, “They want that ornament that they bought in 1997 and I have to tell them, I don’t think we carry that anymore.” Greg and Stephen both told me that lighting is extremely popular. One room in the store is dedicated to lighting ideas. Greg and Stephen travel to Europe to shop for new trends. There is a particular warehouse in Amsterdam that they say is just amazing. They want to get inspiration and bring it back to their customers. Greg explained, “We have a lot of repeat customers. People are looking for it to be the same, but different, every year. They love the fact that it is part of a tradition, but they like to see the new trees, the new decorations. So we try to keep it as fresh as possible.” Collectibles are another draw to the store. There are more than 19 collectible brands, including Dept. 56, Byers Choice, Christopher Radko, Karen Didion, Mark Roberts, Disney, and Snowbabies. Greg told me that Dept. 56 collectible villages used to be almost 50% of the business, up to the 1980s and ’90s. It was almost like an investment, when people added more to their village collections every year. He felt that now,

Karen Dideon Santas. it’s back to the fact that people just like decorating. What are the new trends? Greg’s thoughts: “People just love decorating, so it’s less collectibles and more ornaments and fun shelf-sitters, which Millennials do enjoy, with taking photos and everything, going all out for Christmas.” When I asked if there have been some shipping delays due to COVID-19, Greg told me that it has been challenging. Because the store has been so busy, it is difficult to keep the shelves stocked, but they work hard at it. On Mondays, the store is restocked, and they spend the week getting it ready for the weekend’s big sales. Then they do it all again. To me, the store looked to be in great shape for inventory and the magical Christmas spirit. One way that Greg and Stephen are dealing with the shipping problems is working with local craftspeople and companies. They also use artists in the United States. One of their most popular artists is Teresa Thibault of North Carolina who hand-paints U.S.-made ornaments. Stephen added, “She’s really nice. She just started doing it from her house and has a team of ladies. She created her own little business and it grew and grew and grew.” Another example is the Byers Choice Carolers Collectibles, also made in the United States. Joyce Byers of Pennsylvania started making dolls out of her home 40 years ago. Her family joined her and they hired artisans as the business grew. Greg explained, “She started making them from her home. Now it’s still a cottage industry. Someone will do the hair, so they send it to that woman’s

house and she does the hair for each doll, or they’ll do the clothing. Most people we know [will tell us] ‘My mom collected these, or my grandma.’” Stephen added that they try very hard to make sure they support local companies. Eastern Illustrating in Union, Maine, specializes in publishing and New Hampshire gifts, such as snow globes, ornaments, and puzzles. Stephen said they will come and deliver the products from their van, which is preferable to worrying about shipping delays. Other local artisans featured in the store include Kathy Shuster of Bethlehem, who makes unique Christmas cards of animals and other beautiful subjects. Lori Bushey of Gilmanton makes soaps with her company, Kearsarge Mountain Soaps and Sundries. A huge part of their business now is online. According to Greg, “it’s be-

coming almost as big as the stores. We just bought a warehouse in Glen to do all of our shipping.” The online business is ”growing and it seems like it’s going to keep growing, so we invest a lot of time and money in that.” Stephen is in charge of the online business. He is learning as he goes, which has its own challenges. Because of the growth, they found that they have to jump in and figure it out, Stephen said. What do the customers say about their experience at the store? Greg smiled. “Whenever they talk to me, this is a place that instantly reminds them of their childhood and nostalgia. We have a man that comes every year and sits on the bench. He lets his wife shop for an hour and a half and he just listens to the carols. He said it’s such a wonderful time for him to just sit.” Later, I saw a man sitting on the bench and approached him. He told me that his name is Carlos Santos from Cranston, Rhode Island, and he comes here two to three times every year. He and his wife later sat in the sleigh together and had their picture taken. Greg summed up the experience: “We have a lot of people who get that feeling where it’s just a really special place. It’s part of their Christmas. It’s been part of their Christmas for 40 years, coming to these stores. That’s, I think, the most rewarding thing, being part of everyone’s Christmas tradition year after year. Even the new people who come in, they instantly feel it.” For more information, visit www. christmasloft.com.

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Toy Buying Tips When Shopping For Young Kids Shopping for gifts for kids makes many shoppers nostalgic for their own childhoods. Few adults can forget the joy of finding the perfect gift under the tree on Christmas morning. Recreating that magic for a youngster can be as joyous for gift givers as it is for kids. That’s especially so when shoppers make it a point to give safe, age-appropriate gifts. Whether shopping for their own children or their grandkids, nieces or nephews, shoppers can keep these tips in mind to ensure they give toys that are as safe as they are fun.

• Speak to Mom and Dad first. When buying for a grandchild, niece or nephew, shoppers should first ask Mom or Dad for suggestions. Parents will know which types of toys their children like, and they’ll also know the child’s level of maturity. Some kids may not be mature enough to play with otherwise age-appropriate toys, while others may be mature beyond their years and enjoy more complex toys than their age would suggest. Parents will know what makes a good toy and what doesn’t. • Learn what to look for on labels.

Toy labels are great sources of information, but shoppers must know what to look for. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that toy labels include information about age-appropriateness (i.e., “Ages 3 & Up”) as well as directions regarding how to use the toy. If the instructions seem a bit complex for the child the item will be for, look for something else. Children’s toy labels also include additional information that consumers may not be familiar with. For example, toys labeled “ASTM F963” meet the latest safety standards from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. An “ASTM D4236” label indicates the materials associated with the art toy have been reviewed and deemed safe by a toxicologist. More information about toy label requirements can be found at cpsc.gov. The AAP advises that electric toys should only be given to kids if they include the UL label. That means the toy has been certified by the global safety certification company UL, LLC.

• Avoid certain features. The AAP notes that toys that are loud, shoot objects into the air or contain small pieces pose a threat to children. Especially loud toys can damage children’s hearing, while projectiles can increase the risk of eye injuries or choking. Toys with small pieces also pose a choking risk to young children who may try to put the pieces into their mouths. • Err on the side of caution. Consumers who are uncertain about the safety of a given toy, even after reading its label, should err on the side of caution and only give toys they’re confident won’t pose a safety risk. Even toys that may seem safe could be dangerous to kids who might otherwise seem old enough. For example, the AAP advises against giving kids under 12 hobby kits and chemistry sets. That’s because such kits may contain dangerous chemicals that even pre-adolescents are not old enough to handle safely.

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Moultonborough - This 4-season, year-round home was built in 2002 by a local builder and features 3-bedrooms and a large open-concept living space! This ranch-style home is situated on a full acre parcel with a lovely front lawn plus plenty of room out back. Once inside, this home opens up with great entertaining spaces. The kitchen boasts granite counter tops, cherry wood cabinets, and ceramic tile floor. The large living room is accentuated with a cathedral ceiling, a balcony/loft area, skylights, beautiful hardwood floors throughout, as-well-as a pellet stove insert in the floor to ceiling stone hearth! The family room addition features cathedral ceilings and just needs some final touches, and opens up nicely to the expansive backyard. Includes Balmoral amenities like a sugar sand beach on Lake Winnipesaukee, boat launch, tennis and basketball courts, play area, & clubhouse. This home is perfect for all 4-seasons in the Lakes Region. Subject to association by-laws and fees. MLS# 4883880 | Price: $494,900 Christopher Williams, REALTOR 603-340-5233 Cell

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Interesting Facts About Winter

The winter solstice marks the first day of winter. For people residing in the Northern Hemisphere, Tuesday, December 21, 2021, heralds the official arrival of winter (the Southern Hemisphere’s winter solstice is on Sunday, June 20).

Though it’s common to think of the winter solstice as an event that spans an entire day, it actually occurs for just a moment — specifically when a hemisphere is tilted as far away from the sun as it can be. Winter is widely known as the cold-

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est time of the year in most locales, but that’s not the only thing that makes the season unique. Explore these other cold, hard facts about wintertime. • The Earth actually is closest to the sun in December, even though the winter solstice is the shortest day of the year. The amount of daylight hours has to do with the tilt of the Earth on its axis rather than its proximity to the sun. • The Southern Hemisphere, due to having less land mass and a more maritime climate, tends to have milder winters than the Northern Hemisphere. • According to Smithsonian, ancient Romans used daylight and darkness to determine the time. As a result, an hour in ancient Rome lasted 45 minutes in the winter and 75 minutes in the summer. • Two islands, called Big Diomede and Little Diomede, are located in the Bering Strait, which divides Alaska from Russia. Big Diomede is owned by Russia, while Little Diomede is owned by the United States. The 2.5 mile stretch between these two islands often freezes over in winter, technically making it possible to walk from the U.S. to Russia, according to Alaska Centers Public Land Information. • Snow is common in many areas during the winter. The highest snow-

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fall ever recorded in a one-year period in the U.S. occurred at Mount Rainier, in Washington. Between February 19, 1971, and February 18, 1972, 1,224 inches of snow fell. • Russia remains the coldest country in the world during the winter. Canada and Mongolia are not too far behind. • The largest snowflake ever recorded measured 15 inches wide. It was found in Fort Keogh, Montana. • A city in Sweden uses light therapy in bus stops to help combat seasonal affective disorder during winter, when 19 hours of darkness are common. • Unlike hurricanes and other summer storms, winter storms are not named by the National Weather Service. • Snowflakes are translucent, not white. • No country in the Southern Hemisphere has hosted or applied to host the Winter Olympics. • Most weather-related crashes in the U.S. happen on wet pavement during rainfall rather than during snow or sleet, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Winter might be seen as a cold period marked by dark days. But there’s still a lot of interesting things going on between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.

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3 Years in a Row

December 2021 | THE LAKER | Page 39

Page 40 | THE LAKER | December 2021

LET US MAKE YOUR HOME BEAUTIFUL

With new products coming in weekly, all in-stock items are always available for immediate pick up or scheduled delivery

For easy holiday gifting, we offer gift cards! Free Delivery | Free Set Up 0% Financing Available 433 NH Rt. 11 Farmington, NH

603-755-4402 www.newenglandfurniture.net

TheLaker_Dec_21

Articles inside

Musical Holidays

‘Tis the Season