TheLaker_July_22_2024

‘Tis The Season For Picking Blueberries

By Rosalie Triolo

Blueberries have a long and rich history in North America. The Native Americans were the first to understand their possibilities, and for thousands of years, they used blueberries for medicinal purposes, as a natural flavoring, and as an important source of food before widespread cultivation took place. On one of his trips dated 1615, Samuel de Champlain recorded in his notes, “The Indigenous population dried blueberries for winter use.”

Throughout Colonial America, blueberries grew wild and were a popular fruit among North American tribes, including the Wampanoag, Abenaki, and Penobscot. By crushing the blueberries, the juice was extracted and used for dying yarn and clothes, baskets, and pottery. Colonists used blueberries to make pies, jams, and jellies. They also ate them fresh or dried.

Native Americans recognized the health benefits and versatility of blueberries. These tribes influenced the development of modern blueberry varieties by passing on their knowledge of the edible uses of the berries, and growth habits including other important information to the European immigrants.

The commercial cultivation of blueberries began in the early 1900s. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) botanist Frank Coville initiated a study into the North American blueberry species with the intent to develop improved varieties for com-

mercial cultivation. In 1911, Coville published Experiments in Blueberry Culture, a book documenting his research, (and the work of others), focusing on the cultivation of a particular member of the genus Vaccinium, the blueberry. Coville discovered that blueberries require very acidic soil, an important requirement previously miscalculated.

Today, blueberries are known as a “superfood”, recognized not only for their delicious taste but also for their health benefits. Filled with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K, studies have shown that blueberries may help reduce the risk of heart disease, improve brain function, and may reduce the risk of cancer.

An enjoyable way to spend a summer day is to venture out into the fresh air and pick your own (PYO) blueberries with friends and family. One may do so at several of these farms listed. It is advisable to bring containers.

In their 15th season of operation, Butternut Farm (335-4705) in Farmington offers picking mid-July through September. Triple Trouble Farm (9150885) in Sanbornton offers PYO through August 4 on Thursdays and Fridays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekends, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wild Berry Farm in Sanbornton offers several fields with 50+ Tall Bush Blueberry bushes. Under optimal conditions at Surowiec Farms (286-4069) in Sanbornton, the blueberry season will extend until La-

bor Day. The blueberry patch is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed Tuesdays. At Smith Farm in Gilford, (524-7673), blueberry picking begins in mid-July and lasts up to 3 weeks. Supply dependent, one night each year is Twilight Picking which affords special discounts. Bring your container or purchase a box from them upon arrival. While blueberry picking, dress appropriately. Wear comfortable clothing, a hat for sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Ripe blueberries are uniformly blue with no tinge of green and hinge off the bush easily. Bring containers or boxes to avoid squashing the berries. And follow the farm’s rules, stay in designated areas, and avoid damaging the plants.

In 2007 the Lakes Region Conservation Trust acquired Ragged Island, an 11-acre island with two sandy beaches: Sunrise Beach (facing east), and Sunset Beach (facing west). The nature trail hugs the island perimeter, passing overhanging high bush blueberries, ripe for the picking.

Known for their sweet flavor and firm texture, Northland blueberries are one of the most popular varieties. Because they can withstand cold temperatures, they are an excellent choice for gardeners in colder regions.

Best known for their large size, rich flavor, and disease resistance, Bluecrop blueberries are another popular variety grown throughout the United States. • Blueberries continued on page 4

‘Shark Week’ At The Meredith Public Library

Celebrate nature’s apex predators and these fascinating undersea creatures with “Shark Week” at the Meredith Public Library to be held July 2027. A timeline of events is as follows:

On Saturday, July 20 at 11 a.m., Dr. Nathan Furey, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of New Hampshire, will present Sharks in NH Waters and Their Biology. This presentation will include powerful visuals, hands-on props such as shark jaws, and tracking technology used by researchers.

Conquer the Deep in the Library Escape Room starting Tuesday, July 23- Thursday, July 25. Like an ocean submersible, the storyline is that participants are researchers from Sea Base

• Blueberries continued from page 3

A newer variety, Duke blueberries, were developed at Rutgers University. Known for their large size and slightly tart flavor, this variety is also resistant to disease. They are the choice for growers looking to reduce their use of pesticides.

Patriot blueberries are known for their sweet flavor and firm texture. Like their Northland counterparts, they are the blueberry of choice for gardeners in colder regions.

Developed in California, Chandler blueberries are one of the largest and sweetest blueberries, perhaps best

Atlantic who have become trapped in their submersible at the bottom of the ocean. They have 60 minutes to solve a series of puzzles and riddles to “escape” before the submersible is destroyed. (Participants are not actually trapped or locked in the space). Space is limited to four available time slots per day (each time slot accommodates up to six people). Contact the library at 603-279-4303 to schedule sessions in advance.

Join Liz Parkinson live on Thursday, July 25 from 6-7:30 p.m. for Working with Sharks in Film Production and Conservation. Liz will join live from Los Angeles via Zoom to share her international career, accomplishments, and working with sharks in film and

known for their exceptional flavor and juicy texture.

Overall, blueberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that come in many different varieties. Whether you prefer yours sweet or tart, there is one out there that will suit your taste preferences.

Author and expert leader in the blueberry industry for over two decades, Dr. Sarah Smith has focused on the many different varieties, growing techniques, and the nutritional content of blueberries. Passionate about everything blueberries that you may want to know, visit her website at blueberryexpert.com.

Smiley Publishing Group, LLC dba Panoramic Publishing Group/The Laker

P.O. Box 119, Wolfeboro Falls, NH 03896

603-569-5257 in NH 1-800-339-5257 FAX 603-569-5258

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TV production. Liz is a Hollywood underwater stunt performer, freediver, competitive swimmer, shark wrangler, and ocean conservationist who has appeared on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week among other accolades.

“Shark Week” concludes with movie fun on Saturday, July 27. Starting at 9:30 a.m. will be the original summer blockbuster Jaws! (rated PG), the story of a small New England beach community under attack by a great white shark.

The 11:30 a.m. showing offers a

more modern blockbuster shark movie, The Meg (rated PG-13). In this reel, a rescue diver comes face to face with a megalodon shark long thought to be extinct.

Both movies will be shown, free-ofcharge, in the library Function Room. Popcorn and movie candy will be available, courtesy of the Friends of the Meredith Library.

Shark-themed souvenirs, a photo op, and shark-related books and movies will also be available.

Meredith Sculpture Walk docent guide, Karen Jonash, leading a tour on the Meredith Sculpture Walk. The tours will be held on Wednesdays, July 10- September 11 at 10:00 am. Meet in front of the Innisfree Bookshop at Mill Falls Marketplace.

Meredith Sculpture Walk Tours

Held Through September

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In its eleventh year, those trained in the knowledgeable background of the various sculptures placed in Meredith’s Parks and Village will lead tours of the walk this summer. Docents will explain the creative process of the artists while they sculpted their pieces as well as the materials and construction. There are 13 new art pieces displayed along with

returning pieces from last year for a total of 32 sculptures.

Tours will be held on Wednesdays, July 10- September 11 at 10 a.m. Meet in front of the Innisfree Bookshop at Mill Falls Marketplace in Meredith. Special group tours can be arranged by calling 603- 279-9015 or visit greatermeredith.org for more information.

Lake Winnipesaukee Museum Hosts Humanities Speaker

On Wednesday, July 24 at 7 p.m., the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum will host NH Humanities speaker Jenna Carroll, who will present “Jennie Powers: The Woman Who Dares.”

Jennie Powers took a stand against social vices in New Hampshire and Vermont in the early twentieth century. She was a humane society agent in Keene from 1903-1936, and one of the first to become a deputy sheriff in New Hampshire in 1910. Jennie was cited

by the Boston Post newspaper in 1906 as having arrested more men than any other woman in America. As a photographic activist, she used her camera to document animal cruelty, family violence, and widespread poverty in New Hampshire’s Monadnock region and beyond.

Jenna Carroll has worked as both a curator and executive director of museums and currently serves as the Director of Education at the Historical

Society of Cheshire County in Keene. This illustrated presentation will introduce attendees to Jennie’s life story, the work of humane societies at the turn of the twentieth century, and the politics of the Progressive Era (1890s-1920s) from a local perspective. Jenna is also the narrator of and historical consultant for the acclaimed 1992 short film on Jennie Powers (available on YouTube). This grant-funded program is free to all attendees. Seating is limited and

reservations are requested, lakewinnipesaukeemuseum@gmail.com or call 603-366-5950.

The Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society was founded in 1985 with the mission to promote and preserve the history and heritage of the Big Lake and its vicinity. Located at 503 Endicott Street North, next to Funspot in the Weirs, the museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid-October.

50th Antique And Classic Boat Show July 27 In Wolfeboro

The shores of downtown Wolfeboro will buzz with excitement on Saturday, July 27 as the 50th Antique and Classic Boat Show prepares to make waves again. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Wolfeboro, this celebration of nautical heritage and craftsmanship pays homage to the timeless elegance of antique and classic boats. This milestone 50th edition is poised to be the grandest yet.

Organized by The New England Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, the “show” has been an annual highlight for enthusiasts and collectors alike. From meticulously restored wooden vessels to more modern early-era fiberglass boats, attendees will have the opportunity to marvel at a diverse array of maritime treasures spanning decades of history, including such iconic names as Hacker Craft, Chris Craft, Garwood, Century, Lyman, and some even more rare.

“It is remarkable to see how far we’ve come since the inaugural show fifty years ago,” remarks Dennis Schauer Co-Chair with Phil Spencer.

“What began as a modest gathering of enthusiasts has evolved into a beloved tradition that celebrates the craftsmanship, beauty, and legacy of antique and classic boats,”

The festivities kick off on the evening of Friday, July 26 for the skippers’ registration and renewal of friendships. Saturday, July 27 attendees can view and explore the bustling docks featuring the many crafts.

Each of these boats is a testament to the passion and dedication of its owner, and each has a story to tell. Attendees are encouraged to engage with each boat owner about their journey to saving a nautical piece of history.

“As we commemorate fifty years of this cherished tradition, we’re reminded of the enduring allure of these timeless boats, “says Dennis. “They’re not just boats—they’re living pieces of history, each one preserving a bygone era of craftsmanship and design.”

Whether a seasoned collector, a casual enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the sea, the 50th Antique and Classic Boat Show

offers something for everyone. Mark your calendars and join the celebration of fifty years of maritime magnificence.

The organizers have elected to invite

classic and antique cars as well. Should you have a vehicle that attendees would like to see, then feel invited to bring it to the main gate by no later than 9 a.m.

‘Cue The Grill

Ultimate Summer Food Shenanigans For Every Occasion

Welcome back for more food fun my Lakes Region friends. Between backyard BBQs, potluck parties, and picnics, I trust you all are enjoying the beautiful summer. Fresh produce is abundant, combined with great seafood, especially off the grill, summers make for the ultimate of food shenanigans.

Beginning with a scrumptious and refreshing salad, the base is spiralized cucumbers, topped with bell peppers, tomatoes, kalamata olives, onions, and feta cheese. Though it has no protein, one may add grilled chicken or shrimp on top. This will make 3-4 salad meals (close to double as a side).

Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad with Lemon and Feta

6-7 cups English cucumber, spiralized

2-3 bell peppers, (red preferable)

1 ½ cups grape tomatoes, halved

30 or more pitted kalamata olives

¾ cup red onion, sliced

¾ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

8-10 oz block feta

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

½ tsp kosher salt and ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 ½ tsp fresh oregano leaves, minced

Spiralize the cucumbers, then place them in a large bowl with bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, and red onions. Squeeze half of the lemon over it, driz-

zle with half of the olive oil, and toss with fresh oregano, salt, and pepper. Place on a platter or individual plates, top with a slice of feta, and finish with the remaining olive oil and lemon juice. Yummy and healthy.

How about a unique shrimp taco with a southwestern flavor? The shrimp is grilled after a very quick marinade, wrapped in a grilled tortilla, and topped with avocado corn salsa. I suggest size 20/24’s for the shrimp (skewer the shrimp when grilling as it simplifies the process). Once grilled, push shrimp off the skewers. Use 8-inch flour tortillas, (grill these as well). One hour total; makes 14-16 tacos.

Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Corn Salsa

For The Salsa

4 ears corn, shucked, cut from cobs (fresh is best)

4 medium scallions thinly sliced

3 medium tomatoes, cored, seeded, and cut into small dice

3 tbsp fresh lime juice or more

2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro

1 serrano chile, stemmed, and finely chopped

1½ tsp kosher salt, plus more

2 medium avocados

For The Tacos

2 tbsp fresh lime juice

2 tbsp olive oil

4 tsp chipotle powder

½ tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp ground cumin

2 lbs peeled and deveined large shrimp

16 grilled flour tortillas

Sour cream and shredded cheese of choice, optional

Depending on the shrimp size used, soak 10-12 wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine corn kernels, scallions, tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, chile pepper, and salt. Stir to combine and refrigerate. Shortly before serving, halve and pit avocados. Score flesh of avocado into ¼-inch crosshatch patterns, being careful not to cut through the skin. Using a spoon, scoop avocado into salsa, and gently fold in. Taste, and adjust with lime juice or salt, as needed. Heat a clean and oiled grill to high. Whisk lime juice, oil, chipotle powder, cumin, and ½ tsp salt in a large bowl. Add shrimp and toss to combine. Skewer shrimp through tail and head, leaving ¼ inch between each. Transfer to a baking sheet. Grill skewers in a single layer, with the lid closed, until marks appear, about 2-3 minutes. Flip, cover, and cook until just firm, about 2 minutes longer. Remove and discard skewers. Coarsely chop shrimp and transfer to a serving bowl. Grill the tortillas for 30-45 seconds on each side. Build amazement!

Ever had grilled salmon with grilled eggplant, drizzled with an orange bourbon glaze/sauce? This upscale recipe makes for a five-star entrée in just 25 minutes and will feed 4.

Orange Bourbon Glazed Salmon 2 tbsp olive oil

4 skinless salmon fillets, 6 oz each, the thicker the cuts, the better

½ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp kosher salt

1 medium orange

½ cup bourbon

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp light brown sugar

1 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter

1 tbsp thinly sliced chives

Flaky sea salt

Zest the orange to yield 1 ½ - 2 tsp, then set aside. Halve the orange and slice each half into half-moon segments. In the meantime, grease a clean grill and heat to medium-high. Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Gril for 7-8 minutes total, half on each side (depending on the thickness of the fillets), but do not completely cook them. While the salmon is cooking, in a skillet, add bourbon, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and orange slices. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Take salmon fillets off grill. Spoon sauce over the fillets until well coated and until sauce has thickened. Remove salmon from the pan. Add butter to the pan and gently swirl until butter has melted and has combined with sauce. Place the salmon on individual plates. Top each with the remaining sauce, chives, and orange zest. Sprinkle with the sea salt.

This eggplant dish will compliment the salmon or any other entrée with its flavorful Italian seasonings. Prepped and cooked in 15 minutes.

Grilled Eggplant

2 medium eggplant, 1 lb each

1 tsp poppyseeds

For The Salad

‘Cue the Grill continued from page 6

6 tbsp olive oil

½ tbsp Italian seasoning

¾ tsp garlic powder

¾ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp black pepper

1 can mandarin oranges, 15 oz, thoroughly drained

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped or sliced

3 kiwis, peeled, halved, and sliced

1 cup seedless grapes

1 cups blueberries

2 large mangoes, peeled and diced

1 cup blackberries

1 cup raspberries

Carrot Cake & Tommy Bahama Cake! Join us Tues - Sun at 4:30PM with live music Fri & Sat nights! Reservations suggested.

The FUN goes on all Week Long! 4:30 Blue Breakfast is OPEN DAILY at 7:30AM!

MIDWEEK SPECIALS - Dine-in only. 4PM to Close!

Margarita Mondays!

1/2 Priced House Margaritas & Apps

*Except seafood & truffle fries

Taco Tuesdays! $5 Mojitos and $5 Tacos Weds Music Series!

$2 OFF Notch Salem Lager & Notch NA Lager 7/24 LIVE Music: Ted Solovicos at 4PM Thursdays - Burger & Brew Special!

1/2 Priced Burgers, $3 Bud Light or Coors Light Draft.

*Must buy burger to get $3 Drafts BLUE on the BEACH is BACK! Order your favorite Blue Bistro plates at the NazBar & Grill Tues-Sun at starting at 4:30PM

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Slice the eggplant crosswise to make circles, about ½ inch thick. Cut off the leafy end (only after you are done slicing), to give you a purchase as you slice. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Brush about half of the mixture over the eggplant slices. Season with half of the sea salt and black pepper. Flip the eggplant slices and repeat with the remaining oil mixture, salt, and pepper on the other side. Place the eggplant slices on a clean, oiled grill. Close the lid. Grill eggplant for 3-5 minutes per side, until charred, tender, and no longer white.

Now a salad that combines fruits, juice and zest, brown sugar, and vanilla. Tweak the fruits as desired, but keep the quantity totals consistent. This can be made in 45 minutes, but let it sit in the fridge for several hours to let the flavors gel. This truly is the ultimate fruit salad with an all-star lineup!

Blackberry Lime Fruit Salad

For The Dressing

2 large oranges, giving you 2/3 cup fresh orange juice and ½ tsp zest

2 large lemons, giving you 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice and ½ tsp zest

1 large lime, giving you 1 tbsp juice and ½ tsp zest

¼ cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Bring the orange juice and zest, lemon juice and zest, lime zest and juice, and brown sugar to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove the dressing from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and poppyseeds. Set aside to cool completely. Remove the stems from strawberries. Chop into large chunks or slices. Thoroughly drain the mandarin oranges, peel the kiwis, halve them, and then thinly slice them. Remove the grapes from the stems. In a large bowl, add the prepared mandarin oranges, strawberries, sliced kiwis, grapes, blueberries, mangoes, blackberries, and raspberries. Pour the dressing over the salad and lightly toss the ingredients together. Return to the fridge, allow it to cool, and let the flavors meld. Serve chilled, tossing once more. This can be topped serving with a scoop of your favorite sherbet, screaming summer in a monster way.

May you enjoy these recipes and remember to keep your taste buds happy. Touch base with any questions or feedback at fenwaysox10@gmail.com

‘Ball In The House’ July 27 At Community Bandstand

The final concert of July for the Friends of the Wolfeboro Community Bandstand summer concert series will bring an act to the bandstand that has made a name for itself around the country.

“Ball in the House” is comprised of five voices who take a cappella to new levels with beatbox and vocal bass under cool harmonies.

The Boston-based quintet has performed around the country, sharing the stage with artists such as The Beach Boys, Gladys Knight, the Jonas Brothers, Jessica Simpson, Fantasia, Blondie, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Kool and the Gang, to name a few. The band consists of Dave Guisti, Wallace Thomas, Monty Hill, Kevin Guest, and beatbox Jon J. Ryan.

Dave was born and raised in Dorchester, Mass., with a love of music starting in first grade when he was in the play, Pinocchio and sang his first song. He attended the Boston Boys Choir, performed in many musicals in high school, and was a vocal performance major at Berklee College of Music.

Chaptico, Md., was a place where Monty could sing and play his trumpet. He was involved in band and chorus during elementary and middle school, and in high school was introduced to musical theater. He studied vocal music at Morgan State and later toured the

ered the magic of keyboards and drum machines and took up bass. At Skidmore College, he caught the a cappella bug and sang in numerous groups while teaching music and piano lessons.

Thomas was born in Jacksonville, Fla. to two musical parents. He began taking piano and voice lessons early, majoring in music at Florida State University, where he was introduced to a cappella music.

The concert may feature songs from artists such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Earth Wind and Fire, Bee Gees, John Lennon and more. Information on the band can be found at ballinthehouse.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

“Ball in the House” will perform at the Wolfeboro Community Bandstand on Saturday, July 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. The bandstand is located in Cate Park in downtown Wolfeboro. Concerts are free, though there will be a pass-thebucket offering taken at intermission to help support the Friends of the Wolfeboro Community Bandstand.

world with the University Choir. Hailing from Westborough, Mass. Kevin developed his love of music when he picked up the trumpet, playing many different styles which sharpened his musicianship. He studied at Ithaca College, where he was a four-year member of the award-winning group, Ithacapella.

Ryan grew up in Boston and met Dave in fifth grade at the Boston Boys’ Choir School. In high school he discov-

DW Hwy, Meredith annalee.com 800-433-6557

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be canceled and a sign will be posted at the entrance to the park near the town docks and on the Friends of the Bandstand’s Facebook page.

Union Congregational Church Fair July 27 In Hebron

A fundraising activity of the Union Congregational Church since 1952, the Hebron Church Fair will take place on Saturday, July 27, from 9 a.m.– 3 p.m. on the picturesque Hebron Common at the North End of Newfound Lake. This event will be held rain or shine, and admission is free.

craftspeople, food purveyors, a new “Vintage Shoppe,” rummage, children’s games, a dunking booth, homebaked goods, plants, t-shirts and books, a vendor & business raffle, and various non-profits.

The fair will feature artisans and

For more information, visit hebronchurchfair.org, email info@hebronchurchfair.org, or call 603-409-7143.

Ball in the House will perform on July 27 in the Wolfeboro Community Bandstand

Through Sept. 1, D-Day: Freedom From Above, exhibit on WWII/D-Day, Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1212, www.wrightmuseum.org

July 22, Solar Gazing, noon – 4 p.m. free, pre-registration encouraged, field by Shannon Pond, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd./Rt. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org

July 22, Story Time, 11-11:30 a.m., free, pre-registration encouraged, Picnic Pavilion at Shannon Pond, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd./Rt. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org

July 23, Chamber Concert 3, works by Bruch, Faure and more, NH Music Festival, Smith Recital Hall, Silver Center, 7 p.m., Plymouth State University, Plymouth, 603-238-9007, info@nhmf.org.

July 23, Craft and Chat: Embroidered Keepsake Jar, Part 2, 5 - 6:30 p.m., pre-registration required, Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, 603-476-8895.

July 23, Lecture Series: Arthur Krulewitz – How Oil Fueled the Conflict, 7 – 8 p.m., Wright Museum, Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1212, www.wrightmuseum.org

July 23, On Water Instruction, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Goodhue Boat Company class, 31 Lovejoy Sands off Meredith Neck Rd., Meredith, via NH Boat Museum, info.: 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org

July 23, Outdoor Nature Based Storytime for Young Children, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., meet outside behind the library for stories, songs and outdoor play, bring a blanket to sit on, dress for outdoor play, Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8510, www.tamworthlibrary.org

July 24, Hiking Safety, 10 a.m., children’s program, with Lakes Region Search & Rescue and NH Fish & Game, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.

July 24, Music on the Lawn, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Dexter Harding performance, Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8510, www.tamworthlibrary.org.

July 24, Summer Polliwogs, Water Up, Water Down, Water All Around! 10 – 11:30 a.m., for pre-K accompanied by an adult, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org., pre-registration: 603-366-5695.

July 24, Wellness Reads The Unwinding of the Miracle, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-8895, www.moultonboroughlibrary.org.

July 24, Yoga on the Lawns, 6 – 7 p.m., pre-registration required, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd./Rt. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www. castleintheclouds.org

July 25, Constellations at the Castle, 8 – 10 p.m., free, donations welcome, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-register: 603-476-5900, www. castleintheclouds.org

July 25, Concerts in the Park, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Dancing Under the Stars, free, all ages welcome, bring a chair or blanket for seating, Kelley Park, 41 N. Main St., Bristol, www.bristolnh.gov., (in case of rain held at Bristol Historic Town Hall, 45 Summer St.)

July 25, Gallery Gathering, celebrating 30 years of the Wright Museum, special guests and more, Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-5691212, www.wrightmuseum.org

July 25, Nature Station, 10 a.m. - noon, explore Grey Rocks Conservation Area, free, open to all, 178 N Shore Rd., Hebron, info: 603-744-8689, www.newfoundlake.org

July 25, Remember Me, classical music, program of NH Music Festival, Plymouth State University, Plymouth, 603-238-9007, info@nhmf.org.

July 25, Ricky & the Giants, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., free, bring lawn chair or blanket for seating, 19 Mile Beach, concessions on site, Tuftonboro, 603-569-4539 x 125. Program of Tuftonboro Parks & Recreation Dept.

July 25, Volcanoes and Cellar Holes, The History of the Land Walking Tour, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-register: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

July 25-Aug. 3, Into the Breeches, Barnstormers Theatre, 104 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8500, www.barnstormerstheatre.org.

July 26, Audrey Drake Band, 6 – 8 p.m., free, public welcome, bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating, Rotary Park, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.

July 26, Band Concert, 6 p.m. rehearsal, 7 p.m. show, Center Harbor Town Band, in the gazebo overlooking the water, Center Harbor, free, bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating, www.centerharbortownband.com.

July 26, Lawn Party, 5 – 7:30 p.m., Freedom Gallery, 8 Elm St., Freedom, apps, drinks, live music, info.: www.freedomoldhomeweek.com.

July 26, Live Music: John Chouinard, 6 – 9 p.m., Town Square, Waterville Valley, www.waterville.com or call 800-987-7633.

July 26, Stories on the Farm, N is for New Hampshire, 10 – 11:30 a.m., read by Grandma Pat, NH Farm Museum,1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, RSVP: 603652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org

July 26, Summer Art Show Opening Reception, 6 - 8 p.m., Runnells Hall, 25 Deer Hill Rd., Chocorua, art, music & refreshments, regional show sponsored by ArtWorks Gallery/CCAC, 603-323-8041, www.chocoruaartworks.com

July 26, The Sweetbloods Live on the Patio, 6 – 8 p.m., Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery, 72 Main St., Meredith, 603-253-7968, www.hermitwoods.com.

July 26 & 27, Club Sandwich with John Davidson, 7 p.m., 12 Main St., Center Sandwich, admission/info: www.johndavidson.com/weekendshows

July 26-28, Summer Art Show & Sale, 10 - 4 p.m., Runnells Hall, 25 Deer Hill Rd., Chocorua, regional show sponsored by ArtWorks Gallery/CCAC, 603-3238041, www.chocoruaartworks.com

July 26-Aug. 4, Freedom Old Home Week, many events around town, schedule: www.freedomoldhomeweek.com.

July 27, 25th Annual Chocolate Fest & Live Music, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Town Square, Waterville Valley, www.waterville.com or call 800-987-7633.

July 27, Annual Summer Picnic and Story Share, 3 – 6 p.m., Tamworth History Center, 25 Great Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-2911, www.tamworthhistorycenter. org

July 27, Arlene Wow! Summer Music Series, 3 - 6 p.m., Gunstock Barrel Bar and Grille, 719 Cherry Valley Rd., Rt. 11A, Gilford, 603-293-4341, www.gunstock.com.

July 27, Audrey Drake Live on the Garden, 6 – 8 p.m., Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery, 72 Main St., Meredith, 603-253-7968, www.hermitwoods.com.

July 27, Ball In The House, outdoor concert, 7-9 p.m., free, Cate Park, downtown Wolfeboro, 603-569-2200.

July 27, Chris Bonoli, 7 – 9 p.m., concert, Alton Bay Bandstand, Rt. 11, Alton Bay, free, bring lawn chair for seating, 603-875-0109, www.altonparksandrecreation.com

July 27, Creative Writing Workshop: The Art of Wondering and Wandering, 1 – 3 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-register: 603-4765900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

July 27, Family Fun Baking with Chef Allen, 10 – 12:30 a.m., multigenerational class, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org., pre-registration: 603-366-5695.

July 27, Fireflies Light Up the Sky, 7 – 8:30 a.m., age 12 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www. prescottfarm.org., pre-registration: 603-366-5695.

July 27, First Aid Trail Plants, 1 – 3 p.m., for pre-K accompanied by an adult, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org., pre-registration: 603-366-5695.

July 27, Hebron Church Fair, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., children’s games, crafts, food and much more, learn about Newfound Lake, on town common, Hebron village, 603-744-5883.

July 27, Hiker’s Club: Brook Walk via Turtleback Mountain Trail, 9 – 11:30 a.m., Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-register: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

July 27, Ladies Guild Craft Sale, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., First Christian Church Freedom, 12 Elm St., Freedom, www.freedomoldhomeweek.com.

July 27, Live Music: Boston City Rhythm, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Town Square, Waterville Valley, www.waterville.com or call 800-987-7633.

July 27, Parade, 10 a.m., Elm St. and Old Portland Rd., Freedom, music, antique cars, clowns, and more, www.freedomoldhomeweek.com.

July 27, 20 Ride, Zac Brown Band Tribute, 7:30 – 9 p.m., Concerts in the Clouds, Great Waters Music Festival, Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, www.greatwaters.org, 603-569-7710.

July 27, Tamworth Farmer’s Market, Saturdays, 10 a.m. - noon, held in parking lot of UUFES, 30 Tamworth Road, Tamworth, info: www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org

July 27, Tri-Trek Triathlon/Duathlon, 6:30 a.m., starts at Albee Beach, ends at The Nick, 10 Trotting Track Rd., Wolfeboro, www.tritekevents.com.

July 27-28, Mount Washington Valley July Craft Fair, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Schouler Park, 1 Norcross Circle, North Conway, 603-387-1510, www.joycescraftshows. com.

July 27, Aug. 10 & 24, Walking Tours with Dr. John Foley, 10 a.m., meet at Wolfeboro Train Station for the tour, info: www.wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org

July 28, The High Kings, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie & Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, tickets/info: www.flyingmonkeynh.com, 603-5362551.

July 29, Kids’ Craft Hour, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., free, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-register: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

July 29, Solar Gazing, noon – 4 p.m. free, pre-registration encouraged, field by Shannon Pond, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd./Rt. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org

ONGOING

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

Bad Mom Night, every Thurs., Trenta, 30 Middleton Rd., Wolfeboro, 603-5151068, www.trentanh.com.

Barnstead Farmers Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1 Parade Circle, Barnstead, nhbarnsteadfarmersmarket1@gmail.com, www.barnsteadfarmersmarket. com.

Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, gallery and textile museum, events and programs, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.

Bristol Farmers Market, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Millstream Park, Rt. 3, Bristol, bristolopenairmarket@ atlanticbb.net.

Canterbury Shaker Village, walking trails, tours, Shaker Rd., Canterbury, 603783-9511, www.shakers.org

Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, restaurant, music, walking trails, tours, events, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

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

Chocorua Lake Basin View Lot, mountain views, benches for seating, free, www.chocorualake.org.

Country Music Brunch, Sundays, brunch food & music, Beans & Greens Farm Pavilion, 245 Intervale Rd., Gilford, 603-293-2853.

Country Village Quilt Guild, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., meets first and third Wednesday of each month, Public Safety Building (back entrance to Police and Fire Dept.), Rte. 25, Moultonborough, countryvillagequilters@gmail.com.

Cruise Night, 5 – 7 p.m., Thursdays, 50/50 raffle, prizes, Tilt’n Diner, 61 Laconia Rd., Tilton, 603-286-2204. (Thursdays until Oct. 26)

Dam Brewhouse, events, 1323 NH Rte. 175, Campton, 603-726-4500, www. dambrewhouse.com.

First Friday Receptions, through Dec., 5 - 7 p.m., refreshments, conversation & art, ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts, 603-323-8041, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, www. chocoruaartworks.com

Frank Bolles Nature Reserve, walking trails, off Rt. 16 to Chocorua Lake Rd., Chocorua, www.chocorualake.org.

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

Gilmanton Farmers Market, through Oct. 6, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sundays, local vegetables, flowers, plants, crafts, baked goods, live music, and more, 1385 NH 140, on lawn of Gilmanton Year-Round Library, Gilmanton Iron Works, 603-4911687, www.gilmantonfarmersmarket.com

Guided Group Tour, history and machines of the historic Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, pre-register: jill@belknapmill.org, 603-524-8813, Monday-Friday.

In the Round, 8:45 a.m., Sundays, thought-provoking topics related to tolerance, Benz Center, Sandwich, 603-284-7211.

Indoor Pickleball, 5 p.m., Sandwich Central School gym, Sandwich, every Tues., Wed. & Fri., parksandrec@sandwichnh.org

Kirkwood Gardens, free, open to public year-round, Rt. 3, Holderness, tour the gardens, www.nhnature.org, 603-968-7194.

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

Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association, youth and adult sailing lessons, sailing competitions, Gilford, www.lwsa.org, 603-589-1177.

Lakes Region Art Association, exhibits, and classes, Suite 300, Tanger Outlet, Rte. 3, Tilton, 603-998-0029, www.lraanh.org

Laverack Nature Trail at Hawkins Brook, nature trail on boardwalk, free, trail starts to the left of Meredith Village Savings Bank, Rte. 25, Meredith, 603-2799015.

Loon Center, walking trails, 183 Lees Mill Rd., Moultonborough, 603-476-5666, www.loon.org

What’s UP

Makers Mill, a variety of workshops, arts and crafts classes and more, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org

Making Strides, 8 – 9 a.m., drop-in walking for groups or singles, Ossipee Town Hall, no pre-registration required, 55 Main St., Center Ossipee, takes place various times: www.ossipee.recdesk.com.

Market on Main, 3 – 6 p.m., farmers market, every other Wed., through Oct. 2, 115 Main St., Alton, www.altonmarketonmain.com, 513-519-8264.

Model Yachting, 1 – 4 p.m., Tues. & Thurs., Back Bay Skippers at Cotton Valley Rail Trail, Bridge Falls Path, Wolfeboro, watch radio-controlled model yachts, NH Boat Museum, schedule: www.nhbm.org.

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

M/S Mount Washington Cruises, narrated cruises of Lake Winnipesaukee, day & evening cruises, M/S Mount Washington, 211 Lakeside Ave., Weirs Beach, 603366-BOAT, www.cruisenh.com

Newfound Cruzers Antique Car Gathering, Fridays through Labor Day, 5 – 8 p.m., at Village Pizza, 825 Lake St., Bristol, weather permitting, free, over 100 classic & antique cars, theme nights, raffles, parades, 603-744-5497.

New England Racing Museum, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., open Saturdays, 922 NH Rte. 106 N., Loudon, www.NEMSMUSEUM.com

NH Boat Museum, boating exhibits, programs, boat building workshops, 399 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org

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

Newfound Lake Eco-Tours, informative/scientific tours of Newfound Lake, runs until mid-Sept., Newfound Lake Association, www.newfoundlake.org, call for hours/dates of operation: 603-744-8689.

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

Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Call ahead for event information and to inquire if program pre-registration is necessary: 603-366-5695.

Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, events, tours, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.

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

Rug Hookers, 10 a.m. – noon, meets Tuesdays, Tuftonboro Free Library, 221 Middle Rd., Rt. 109A, Tuftonboro, 603-569-4256.

Sailing Lessons, youth & adult, Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association, 25 Davis Rd., Gilford, schedule/pre-register: 603-589-1177, www.lwsa.org

Sculpture Walk, tours of outdoor sculptures around downtown/lakeside areas of Meredith, free, Greater Meredith Program, maps: 603-279-9015.

Sing-Along Night with Jim Tyrell, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Thursdays, Beans & Greens Farm Pavilion, 245 Intervale Rd., Gilford, 603-293-2853.

Squam Lake Cruises, family/educational cruises to look for loons & wildlife, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Holderness, www.nhnature.org, 603-9687194.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, exhibits, nature trails, events, cruises, 23 Science Center Rd., Holderness, 603-968-7194, www.nhnature.org

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

That Trivia Guy, 6 – 9 p.m., Wednesdays, individuals or groups play trivia games with host, Beans & Greens Farm Pavilion, 245 Intervale Rd., Gilford, 603-2932853.

The Market at the Weirs, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturdays, fresh produce, meats and artisan crafts, through Oct. 5, Weirs Community Park, 49 Lucerne Ave., Weirs Beach, email: bamm-nh.org., www.themarketatweirs.com

Tuftonboro Country Bluegrass and Gospel Jam, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., Tuesdays, donation requested, Old White Church, Rte. 109A, Center Tuftonboro, across from Tuftonboro General Store, 603-569-3861.

Wolfeboro Farmers Market, noon – 3:30 p.m., Thursdays, The Nick, 10 Trotting Track Rd., Wolfeboro, email: wolfeborofarmersmarket@gmail.com, www.wolfeborofarmersmarket.com.

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

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

Zac Brown Tribute Band To Perform At Castle In The Clouds

20 RIDE, America’s top Zac Brown Tribute Band, will perform at the Great Waters tent at the Castle in the Clouds on Saturday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m. Known for their incredible harmonies and tight musicianship, this group of veteran performers from upstate Carolina are taking audiences by storm.

Tickets for the new Great Waters Ride and Dine Experience are still available. Enjoy a ride on Jolly the Trolley from Wolfeboro then a delicious three-course meal at Birch and Vine in Tuftonboro. Continue your ride to the Castle for the performance and back to Wolfeboro after the show.

Or head up to the Castle early and enjoy a variety of food offerings from

one of the food trucks that will be onsite that evening: Peaks, Food Hound, and Sweeties Cupcakes. Liquid refreshments will also be available for purchase just outside the tent.

Tickets for this performance or the

Ride and Dine Experience are available at www.greatwaters.org or by calling the office at 603-569-7710. You can also stop by the office at 54 North Main Street, Wolfeboro, Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Don’t forget to check out the schedule for the remainder of the summer season, which includes performances by Judy Collins, Belinda Davids, Rebecca Robbins, David Brighton, and The Toomai String Quartet, as well as the Great Waters Gala, which will feature a performance by Broadway’s Abby Mueller.

Major sponsors for the evening are Eastern Propane and Oil, Fidelity Investments, and Belknap Landscaping Inc. Great Waters is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing outstanding musical performances to the Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough and Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro.

Wolfeboro Historical Society Offers Free Walking Tours

Join the Wolfeboro Historical Society for a walking tour of downtown Wolfeboro on the following dates: Saturday, July 27; Saturday, August 10; and Saturday, August 24 All tours begin at 10 a.m. Meet at the

Wolfeboro Train Station. This event is free of charge. For more information visit www. wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org/Events. htm.

LWA Offers Talks About Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria are a growing threat to Lake Winnipesaukee, putting its future and the activities we all enjoy doing on the lake at risk.

The Lake Winnipesaukee Association (LWA) will be addressing this issue on Wednesday, July 31, from 5-6 p.m. at the Moultonborough Public Library, and on Thursday, August 1 from 4- 5 p.m. at the Wolfeboro Town Hall. These programs will cover essential information on what cyanobacteria are, the risks they pose to human and animal health, and the proactive steps the Lake Winnipesaukee Association is taking to combat this threat. Become informed and learn how to protect this beautiful lake.

dented start to the summer, with numerous cyanobacteria warnings issued for Lake Winnipesaukee in June. These talks are a perfect opportunity to understand the concerns, learn why you should care, and learn what steps you can take to lessen the risks associated with these toxic bacteria.”

Pre-register at www.winnipesaukee.org/lets-talk-about-cyanobacteria/

Wright Museum Presents Christin Kaiser

Join the Wright Museum of WWII on Thursday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m. for an engaging conversation with guest speaker and UNH Carroll County Extension Advanced Master Gardener, Christin Kaiser.

Known for the design and care of the Wright’s Victory Garden, Christin’s extensive background includes her Australian Permaculture Designer Certification in 2015 from David Holmgren during a two-week residential PDC course in Rocklyn, Victoria Australia.

Christin has designed, built, reno-

vated, and cared for the museum’s Victory Garden and is currently rebuilding the gardens to better suit the needs of the community.

The Wright’s Gallery Gatherings are an opportunity to ask questions and to speak directly with special guests.

Christin will hold a second gathering on Thursday, August 8 at 2 p.m. Visit wrightmuseum.org to learn more or call 603-569-1212.

The Wright Museum is located at 77 Center Street in Wolfeboro.

Pat Tarpey, President of the Lake Winnipesaukee Association emphasized, “This has been an unprece-

The Lake Winnipesaukee Association (LWA) is the leading organization dedicated to safeguarding Lake Winnipesaukee’s water quality. The LWA applies scientific expertise to monitor and restore the lake, advocates for watershed protection, and educates the community about ways to protect the lake. For more information, email at: mail@winnipesaukee.org or call 603-581-6632.

Fun At Brookford Farm Hosted By NOFA-NH

Join the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH) for a summer evening of fun at Brookford Farm in Canterbury on Thursday, August 1 from 6- 8 p.m.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. Local musicians Fox + Fern will be playing an entertaining mix of folk/soul/blues originals, and their favorite tunes from the 50s, 60s, and beyond.

Brookford Farm will have farm-toplate food available for a picnic-style dinner with your friends and family. Come kick off NH Eats Local Month and enjoy all this fun event has to offer with live music, yummy local, organic food, and time with loved ones

and the community.

Brookford Farm is a 600-acre diversified farm with 35+ acres of certified organic vegetable production. The farm is also home to cattle, hogs, lambs, and chickens, all rotated on pasture as the seasons allow. The cows and lamb are 100% grass-fed and the pigs and chickens are supplemented with non-GMO grain. Milk from the dairy herd is bottled raw or turned into a wide variety of dairy products in their creamery. The farm’s products are distributed to a 250+ member year-round CSA, restaurants, retail stores, home delivery, and farmers markets. The on-site farm store is open 7 days a week.

This is a ticketed event. NOFA mem-

ber tickets are $7 and non-member tickets are $10. Bring the whole family, up to 5 people, for $25. Food will be sold separately at the event. Sales support the farm and the work of the association. More information and tickets can be found at nofanh.org/funonthefarm.

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire promotes

organic, regenerative, ecologically sound farming, gardening, eating, and land care practices helping communities build local, just, and sustainable food systems. Contact Kyle Jacoby at 603-2245022 or kyle@nofanh.org for more information.

Newfound Lake Region Association Storytime

In summer, everything is growing as fast as it can, including the trees. What is a tree’s life like and why are they so important in the ecosystem even after they have died?

Join Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA) Education & Outreach Manager Mirka Zapletal on Wednesday, July 24 at 10:30 a.m. for “One Small Place in a Tree”. This storytime will be followed by a craft to take home in the garden behind the Minot-Sleeper Library. Come explore the ways that

trees make a difference for other creatures.

The Minot-Sleeper Library is located at 35 Pleasant Street in Bristol. Call 603-744-3352 for information.

NLRA works to protect the high-quality waters of Newfound Lake and its watershed, maintaining a healthy and diverse ecosystem. Learn more about their programs and events and ways you can be involved at NewfoundLake.org or call 603-744-8689.

Photo by Stoddard Whitridge

Biking Around The Lakes Region

By Thomas P. Caldwell

Whether by land, water, or air, New Hampshire’s lakes and rivers provide some spectacular scenery. It takes all three approaches to fully appreciate what nature has provided in the Lakes Region. Automobiles and motorcycles can follow routes that open up vistas of lakes and mountains and perhaps some hidden beaches. A scenic train ride can take one through landscapes not easily accessible any other way. Canoes and kayaks can take paddlers to quiet backwaters populated by birds, amphibians, and aquatic plants. A view from an airplane or a mountaintop provides a better sense of the overall landscape and the network of waterways. But certainly one of the best ways to encounter the lakes is by making a tour by bicycle. There are a number of bicycle paths and multi-use trails that pass by or encircle the lakes, some of them interconnected to provide miles of riding opportunities.

One such route is the Cotton Valley Rail Trail (CVRT), a 12-mile multiuse path that runs along the causeways of both Lake Wentworth and Crescent Lake. It begins at Depot Street in Wolfeboro, across the road from Lake Winnipesaukee’s Back Bay, and it ends at Turntable Park in Wakefield. It is one of only three trails in the state managed by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Unlike many trails of its kind, the rails are intact, it also is used by local rail car clubs.

Lake Wentworth lies wholly within Wolfeboro’s boundaries and is nearly four miles long and 2.5 miles wide, consuming 3,037 acres, with a 13-mile shoreline. Its outlet is the Smith River which drains into Crescent Lake, then into Lake Winnipesaukee. The Cotton Valley Rail Trail passes along both lakes, over trestles, scenic wetlands, beaches, backwoods, and fields.

It features restrooms and portable toilets, benches, picnic tables, and beach areas.

Another popular biking path is the Winnisquam-Opechee-Winnipesaukee (WOW) Trail, which runs along a railroad corridor from the Belmont town line, through downtown Laconia, to Lakeport Square, in the process passing sections of three lakes. There are benches to rest and take in the scenery along the way. The committee overseeing the development of the WOW Trail is looking to extend the path from Lakeport to Weirs Beach, which would extend the total distance to nine miles. A further extension to Meredith is not out of the question.

The WOW Trail connects in Belmont with the Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail, which allows bicyclists to continue another 1.58 miles nearly to Mosquito Bridge which spans the Winnisquam Channel. Planning is underway to extend the Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail further to connect with the Winnipesaukee River Trail that runs from Tilton to Franklin.

Another river trail begins on the east side of the Pemigewasset River at the Franklin Flood Control Area, controlled by the US Army Corps of Engineers. There are 10 miles of multiuse trails popular with bicyclists, extending from Franklin to Sanbornton with hopes of eventually connecting to the Boy Scouts’ Heritage Trail in New Hampton.

The abandoned road (Old Route 3-A) on the west side of the Pemigewasset extends from the Franklin Falls Dam through Old Hill Village (relocated to make room for the dam impoundment area) all the way to the Bristol side of Profile Falls on the Smith River (a tributary of the Pemigewasset, not to be confused with the Smith River in Wolfeboro). The road provides a per-

fect place for a leisurely bicycle ride, with plenty of places to stop and cool off or enjoy a picnic lunch.

Bristol officials have been working with the US Army Corps of Engineers to extend a multi-use path from Profile Falls to the old railroad depot near downtown Bristol. The town already has cleared the area around the depot, creating Bristol Falls Park, and has plans to create a “Pemi Trail” that would run mostly along the old railroad corridor between downtown and the falls.

Bristol already has a multi-use trail on its north end, extending from Mill Stream Park to Newfound Lake. Part of the trail lies across the Newfound River, but most of it runs alongside Lake Street and, at one point, requires crossing Route 3-A. The town has been advocating for a widening of stateowned West Shore Road to create a bicycle lane to allow bicyclists to safely continue along the lake.

The lack of a designated bike path has not deterred determined bicyclists from circling Newfound Lake. The Mooseman Triathlon mapped out a route that began on the north end, in Hebron, along North Shore Road to

Route 3-A, then south to downtown Bristol, west on Route 104 to South Alexandria, then north to downtown Alexandria, West Shore Road past Wellington State Park, and ending back in Hebron — a distance of 26.87 miles.

Mountain bikers are not constrained by regular bike routes, and there are several trails around the Lakes Region where they can use their skills over rough terrain. Ahern State Park in Laconia has five miles of single-track technical mountain bicycle riding for skilled bicyclists.

The former Highland Ski Area in Northfield now operates the Highland Mountain Bike Park, which has both freeride trails and technical trails on the mountainside overlooking McCaul’s Pond. Geared to beginning riders as well as seasoned pros, the park has coaches ready to assist riders in building a solid foundation of riding skills as they hit the trails.

Whether pleasure riding or seeking extreme biking adventures, the Lakes Region is ready to provide the locations, the skills, and the equipment to have a good time while gaining a new perspective on the area’s waterways.

‘Keeping The Lakehouse In The Family’ Free Webinar

Family lake properties are rich with history and memories. While you may want to transfer your family lakehouse ownership to the next generation, it can be tricky.

Join NH LAKES and two attorneys from Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. on Wednesday, July 24, at 7 p.m. for a conversation about what is involved in effectively planning for the future of your cherished property.

Inform us at registration if you have any specific questions you would like answered.

This free webinar is part of the “Explore Lakes with NH LAKES” series. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Visit nhlakes.org/webinars to learn more and sign up.

Established in 1992, the mission of NH LAKES, a statewide, publicly supported nonprofit organization, is to restore and preserve the health of New Hampshire’s lakes. For more information, visit nhlakes.org, email info@ nhlakes.org, or call 603-226-0299.

Village Fair, Cookie Walk, And Raffle In Wakefield

Come to the Parish Helper’s Village Fair and Cookie Walk on Saturday, August 10 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Wakefield. Select from homemade cookies, find a treat at the pie and bread sale, and browse tables of crafts, vendors, and jewelry.

Outdoor space is available for crafters to rent for a nominal fee.

The Annual Parish Helpers Raffle features two items: a queen-size quilt and a 3’ x 2’ hand-braided rug. Both were lovingly made by Parish Helpers. The drawing takes place in November.

Raffle tickets will be available at the fair: $5 each or 3 for $10.

Be sure to visit the Parish Helper’s Treasure Shop located at the historic town hall across the street, open Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Fridays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. throughout summer. All proceeds from the Fair, Raffle & Treasure Shop support the Parish Helpers in their work for the church and community. Located at 2718 Wakefield Road, contact the church at 603-522-3189 for more information.

‘Artisans On The Green’ In Center Sandwich August 8

Sandwich Home Industries presents the annual “Artisans on the Green” on Thursday, August 8, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the Quimby Green and in front of the gallery in Center Sandwich. The show will feature over thirty-five artisans displaying and selling their work. Welcomed are several new craftsmen including painters and print-

makers, and trades such as jewelry, fiber arts, woodturning, and pottery to name a few.

The Sandwich Women’s Club will host their annual lunch and raffle, and live music will be playing throughout the day. Visit centersandwich.nhcrafts. org to learn more.

“Keeping the Lakehouse in the Family” Free Webinar

Concord, New Hampshire

Baskets Today And Long Ago

Story and photos by Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

Making baskets is not a quick and easy process… not for most of us. But for Corey Slater of Plymouth, New Hampshire, basket-making is a way of life and a business.

As the owner/creator of Slater Basketry, Corey spends a lot of time making a variety of beautiful baskets, which are sold mostly online at Etsy and at in-person fairs.

No matter where a buyer finds a Slater basket, the reaction is the same: a gasp in amazement at the style and beauty of a basket handmade with such precision, careful crafting, and beauty that it is mind-boggling.

“I started making baskets about 15 years ago,” says Corey. “My Dad taught me, and I enjoyed it. My father was always interested in making things, and among what he made were baskets.”

Corey turned what had started as a hobby into a small business after relocating to Plymouth from his home state of New York. “I enjoy making baskets, and I like being my own boss. I have grown my business into a full-time endeavor,” he says.

With a variety of baskets from which a customer can choose, Corey also takes custom orders. “A lot of my buyers are foragers,” he says. Foragers buy Slater baskets because they are sturdy and can be worn as a backpack and serve as a handy place to keep herbs and other plants when “foraging” in the

woods.

Slater baskets are carefully designed and are much more than basic woven baskets. Corey tops the baskets with handmade wooden lids. He explains, “I make the covers for the baskets and also add leather belts, which are upcycled. I collect the belts for the baskets.”

The leather belts are attractive harnesses that fit most people. The baskets are hand-woven for outdoor activities and the wooden runners help support the pack when lifting it off the ground.

Customers of Slater Baskets have only good things to say about Corey’s creations: “Perfect basket for foraging! Excellent communication. The backpack is cool, functional, and unique.” Also, “This basket was made for treasure hunting! I took it to the beach, and it was comfy and light to wear and held all my sweet finds. Made with skilled hands and juicy color.”

With regard to color, after a customer asked for a multi-colored basket, Corey tried something new. He figured out how to add color to the woven strips. The multi-colored baskets are also available in a single color, such as red, blue, or other hues.

“The baskets are potbellied in shape and made of rattan,” Corey explains. “I do a variety of designs and sizes. My father’s basket designs are slightly different, but I wanted to make mine unique. My top seller is a medium-size

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Corey Slater wears one of his handmade baskets, perfect for foraging.

Proper Disposal Of Household Sharps Now Underway

The Carroll County Coalition for Public Health (C3PH), South Central Public Health Network, and Capital Area Public Health Network (CAPHN), under the guidance of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), are spearheading an initiative to raise awareness about the safe and proper disposal of household sharps in the region. Granite United Way administers these three public health networks.

According to RSA 149-M:17 and the guidelines set by NHDES, household-generated “sharps,” including hypodermic needles, syringes, lancets, and infusion sets, can carry human and animal diseases, posing risks to neighbors, children, and waste workers if not disposed of carefully.

Typical reasons for having medical sharps in households include insulin injections and the administration of various medications. Safe disposal is not only crucial for general public health but also plays a vital role in harm reduction for individuals with substance use disorder. Additionally, it serves as a preventative measure against infectious

diseases such as hepatitis C and HIV.

Quoting the NHDES, “Although placing household generated sharps in the regular trash is allowed if properly contained, residents have other options.” These alternatives include participating in a Container Mail Back Program or using specially designed needle cutters or home incineration devices, which can be purchased from pharmacies. The NHDES recommends visiting www. safeneedledisposal.org for more information on safe disposal methods.

These three Public Health Networks encourage residents to follow Best Management Practices for Household Sharps, including using rigid and puncture-proof containers labeled “Medical Sharps Container – Not for Recycling.” Printable labels are available on the NHDES website.

For additional information or to obtain flyers and medical sharps labels, contact Catalina Kirsch Carroll County Coalition for Public Health: catalina. kirsch@graniteuw.org or call 603-6624811.

basket; traditional basket colors sell well.”

It took Corey several years to create his basket design and add touches such as maple hardwood for runners and lids he cuts out himself.

Corey also teaches basket-making classes after people asked for help learning how to make a basket. “I don’t teach online because it is too easy to make a mistake; I need to be with the students to show them how to create the basket and correct any mistakes they might make along the way,” he says. A maximum of 12 students can attend, and most classes are held in someone’s backyard, at a library, or in a town hall. The classes are popular and usually sell out.

To market his baskets in New England, Corey participates in four to five fairs per summer, including Renaissance fairs in Connecticut and Massa-

chusetts.

Corey makes baskets every week, most of which are for sale on his Etsy website. He says the quality and tightness of the weave make his baskets unique, and the materials are high quality.

For those who want a beautiful, handmade basket that is unique and useable, Slater Baskets are the perfect fit. Visit Slater Baskets at www.etsy.com/shop/ SlaterBasketry or www.facebook.com/ adkbaskets/

For those who love all things baskets and history, make a note to stop and see the current exhibit at the Museum of the White Mountains, located at 34 Highland Street in Plymouth. The exhibit is titled “Of Baskets and Borers” and offers a look at the history of basket making in New England and how the invasion of the Emerald Ash Borer is damaging the ash trees used to make baskets.

Touring the exhibit, viewers will see the centuries-old relationship the native peoples had with the brown ash

tree, a vital part of baskets made by the Abenakis and other native people.

The Emerald Ash Borer has decimated trees all over the Midwest and now the Northeast. Research is offering ways to preserve and protect ash trees, and the exhibit highlights this preservation.

The exhibit begins with information on the families in Odanak, a Canadian area. Between 1870 and 1920, making baskets was a major way for families to earn a living.

Some families hit the road to sell their baskets, and among the spots where they settled for the summer months was the White Mountain area of New Hampshire. An old postcard of an Abenaki family shows the group at a roadside hut with a large sign telling any passersby that this was the site of “Abenakie Indians” at their summer camp on Strawberry Hill in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. The colored postcard inspired Museum of the White Mountains director Meghan Doherty to launch the entire exhibition.

ried to Indian women” sell baskets to their guests.

The first basket in the display shows the craftsmanship and care that went into making the 19th-century product from the ash tree. It is a testament to the skill of the Abenaki basket makers, whose work stood above all others in their time.

The exhibit shares a lot about the dreaded Emerald Ash Borer and its damage to the ash trees and the livelihood of the Abenaki and other native families. Baskets large and small are in the exhibit, such as the ash and dyed basket crafted by Dorothy Nolett in 2020.

A favorite part of the exhibit is one section that houses a group of early Abenaki baskets of all shapes and sizes. These products were finely crafted and sold at roadside locations during the tourist season. Who knows how many American households may still have one of these baskets purchased on a family vacation?

Brokerage Specialists

The first basket in the exhibit was purchased in an antiques shop in the 1950s and made for the tourist trade in the 19th century. Non-Abenaki basket makers saw the success of the native people in selling baskets and began to sell baskets, thus cutting into the trade.

The Abenaki people circulated a petition to the area hotels asking them to “not let any but Indians or those mar-

A large sign with the words Indian Shop was likely once part of a summer encampment or roadside basket shop where the Abenaki worked and sold their baskets to the public.

While these shops are now gone, the baskets made at the locations are a testament to the proud, resourceful, creative, and skilled people who traveled to the area each summer.

The Barnstormers Theatre: Now In Its 94th Season

By Mark Okrant

Americans love theatre experiences. There is nothing quite like escaping the real world, as one becomes immersed in the dialogue, music, and dance generated by a fine group of performance artists. Not even the pandemic could permanently sway people from attending. During 2022, attendance reached more than 16 million, as US residents showed up for live theater performances, generating approximately $8.7 billion.

The majority of attendance and revenue is generated in theatre districts within New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other large cities. For those outside of metropolitan areas, 300 summer theatres satisfy the appetites for live performance on the part of both residents and visitors. New England is a hotbed for summer theatre, with each state in the region offering at least one performance company.

These include: The Cape Playhouse in Dennis, MA; Ivoryton Playhouse in Essex, CT; Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, ME; Theatre By the Sea in South Kingston, RI; and Weston Theater in Weston, VT.

Here in New Hampshire, there are seven such venues: Capitol Center for

the Arts in Concord; Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Meredith; Andy’s Summer Playhouse in Wilton; Interlakes Summer Theatre in Meredith; Palace Theatre in Manchester; and the subject of this article, The Barnstormers Theatre in Tamworth.

Summer theatre, or summer stock, is usually comprised of productions staged near resort areas during the summer months (thus the name), by professional touring companies. Often, these shows consist of Broadway plays from previous seasons, or new pieces being pre-tested for the Broadway stage. Venues may consist of permanent theatres as well as tents, barns, or

The Barnstormers Theatre has been a longtime fixture in the Lakes region, dating back to 1931. The company’s name was derived from the practice of barnstorming from town to town, beginning and ending their week in Tamworth.

Barnstormers, which was founded by Francis and Alice Cleveland and Ed Goodnow, originally used actors who were recent graduates from Harvard,

Wellesley, Radcliffe, and Amherst. In 1935, the founders purchased a former store at 104 Main Street in Tamworth and converted it into a theatre. Today, Barnstormers is one of four Equity theatres in New Hampshire, the others being New London Barn Playhouse, Peterborough Players, and Weathervane Theatre. Equity theatres are professional theatres that employ actors and stage managers who are members of the Actors’ Equity Association.

The company’s mission is “to keep vital the value, spirit, and tradition of fine summer theatre in Tamworth, and to provide a venue for and to promote varied cultural activities within the region.”

The Barnstormers Theatre building is equipped with air conditioning, a 28-foot stage, 282 comfortable seats, and superior acoustics. It is also handicapped-accessible and hearing-assisted.

• Barnstormers continued on page 26

even showboats.

BoatUS Foundation Provides Boating Tips For Summer Safety

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the nearly 800,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe for all.

Below are four tips to help ensure a safe and memorable summer experience out on the water: 1. Be anchor smart. Before heading out, is your anchoring gear is up to snuff? Bitter end secured? You may not have used it yet this boating season, so be sure all is good to go for whatever anchoring arrangement – a picnic hook, extra fenders for a raft-up, or shoreside tie-up requiring a second line. When arriving at your spot and setting anchor, ensure you let out enough scope for the depth and predicted weather conditions.

2. Avoid CO poisoning. Generators give boaters the creature comforts they want. However, don’t run the generator if you’ve got swimmers in the water at the back of the boat – a common place for guests to congregate on floats and pool toys. Exhaust ports spew dangerous, odorless carbon monoxide.

3. Don’t stress it. Stressors including noise, vibration, sun, wind, waves, and other motions. The U.S. Coast Guard research shows that four hours of exposure to these can produce a kind of fatigue, or “boater’s hypnosis,” which slows reaction time almost as much as if you were legally drunk.

4. Get home safely. Before departing an anchorage, wait to turn on the engine until everyone is back aboard and ladder is up. It’s always better to wait a few minutes for everyone to clear out and give a chance for wakes to subside before departing. Be patient and, again, give as much courtesy as you can. Everyone aboard should be acting as a lookout. Never take a shortcut home after dark.

INSTALLATION | REMOVAL | REPAIRS

• Barnstormers

continued from page 25

The Barnstormers Theatre Company consists of an experienced core group of directors, designers, stage managers, and theatre technicians, plus more than 40 professional actors from around the country. Its traditional audience is comprised of three groups: year-round residents, summer season residents, and visitors, each seeking professional theatre provided within a New Hampshire setting. The annual list of performances includes gems of both American and British theatre. Seasonal performance lists generally include musicals, mystery/suspense, and modern drama.

The pandemic shut down the Barnstormers Theatre during the 2020 season, relying upon a schedule of Zoom performances. The theatre resumed a semblance of its normal schedule during 2021, and full line-ups of productions resumed during the 2022 season, continuing until the present. As has long been its custom, the Barnstormers’ 2024 season offers a list of captivating performances.

her mother, who died in prison, was wrongly convicted of her father’s murder. In a passionate attempt to clear her name, she persuades those present on the day of her father’s death to return to the scene of the crime and ‘go back’ 15 years to recount their version of events.”

August 22-31: Pride and Prejudice, Kate Hamill comedy adapted from Jane Austen

“Bold, surprising, boisterous, and timely, this P&P for a new era explores the absurdities and thrills of finding your perfect (or imperfect) match in life. The outspoken Lizzy Bennet is determined to never marry, despite mounting pressure from society. But can she resist love, especially when that vaguely handsome, mildly amusing, and impossibly aggravating Mr. Darcy keeps popping up at every turn?”

And in case you missed it…. Camelot, Lerner & Loewe Classic Broadway Musical

July 25-August 3: Into the Breeches, George Brant comedy “Oberon Play House’s director and leading men are off at war with the Axis. Determined to press on, the director’s wife sets out to produce an all-female version of Shakespeare’s Henriad, assembling an increasingly unexpected team united in desire, if not actual theatre experience. Together they deliver a delightful celebration of collaboration and persistence when the show must go on!”

August 8-17: Go Back for Murder, Agatha Christie murder mystery

“After receiving a letter from beyond the grave, Carla Crale believes

“An idealistic young King Arthur hopes to create a kingdom built on honor and dignity, embodied by his Knights of The Round Table. His Ideals, however, are tested when his lovely queen, Guenevere, falls in love with the young Knight, Lancelot, and the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance. Borrowing from the Arthurian legends, Lerner and Loewe’s Camelot is the duo’s fantastical masterpiece which triumphed on Broadway in a legendary original production that led to a film version, and numerous revivals in New York, London, and across the globe.”

For more information about these productions, call 603-323-8500, or visit www.barnstormerstheatre.org. Tickets may be purchased directly from the website.

Bristol’s Waterways – Mills and Thrills

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

With its proximity to the Pemigewasset River, the Bristol/Newfound Lake area made use of water power from its earliest days. Mills sprang up in the Bristol area and employed many local people.

Before homes could be built, lumber was needed and these required sawmills. Moore’s Mills was a hamlet that grew around a sawmill on the banks of the Pemigewasset River in 1829. According to an article in the January 15, 1942 edition of the Bristol Enterprise, a story titled “A History of Bridgewater and Bristol, NH, 1780-1880” by John McV. Haight, Jr., a wing dam was used to turn water into a flume, but it did not work well. In 1831, a log dam was built across

the river but was problematic due to ice jams causing damage. Such sawmills were big business at the time and lumber was floated down the river to Charlestown and Lowell. Getting the logs over the falls in Bristol was dangerous and some men lost their lives when maneuvering the timber. By 1832 the mill added three upright saws, a shingle mill, and a clapboard mill. A gristmill came to the commu-

nity as well.

Moore’s Mills had about 30 men in its employ and eight houses, swelling the population to 75 people. The community included a school and country store. Once the railroad made its appearance, by 1850 the mill work ceased. The residents moved into town (Bristol) for work at the factories that were springing up there.

In the 1840s the citizens of Bristol were dismayed to learn the Northern Railroad was traveling from Concord to Lebanon but bypassing the Bristol community. The people of the town decided to build a branch line from Bristol to Franklin. Money was raised and a charter was granted in 1846. The work progressed at a rapid pace and by July of 1848, the train ran from Bristol to Concord. This new railroad brought passengers and also goods to and from Bristol, thus increasing industry in the area.

• Yesteryear continued on page 29

The center of downtown Bristol.

In 1848 the Winnipesaukee Lake Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing Company was started and brought greater water power to the town. At that time, mills were divided into four sections: grist mills, leather working, woodworking, and cloth making.

Grist mills remained on the scene for many years, until the original mill closed in 1865. In 1858, Mr. Cass of Bristol enlarged the old mill and its capacity. It ran three stones for flour and two for custom grinding. The Cass grist mill and a few others in the area remained popular until they finally ceased years later.

A few tanneries in Bristol were busy and in 1858 the Draper & Company saw their business grow until they opened a shop in the town square. They made gloves and mittens of buckskin until a fire destroyed the factory in 1875.

The rivers in the Bristol area powered the many mills, but the waterways also offered possibilities for many.

The Profile Falls area near the Bristol/ Hill town line has always been a special place for those who love its scenic beauty. In the summer of 1928, a most unusual endeavor offered a unique place for all to swim and enjoy a natural pool in the Smith River near Profile Falls. The new swimming pool could accommodate over 300 swimmers and bathers, constructed in the river at the Falls. The project was completed at the instruction of Len Twombley and Johnny Reardon. Twombley was a former star athlete and popular in the area. People could swim in the pool for free

and it must have been a welcome spot in the sweltering summer months.

Reardon was at the pool throughout the summer to take charge of the operation and also to offer swim lessons. He was from the sports department of the New York Times and quite a swimmer. He was a great choice to run the pool operation.

Twombley ran the Twin Profiles near the site of the pool. In order to create the pool in the river below Profile Falls, Reardon and Twombley hired a group of workmen, and three trucks were used to clear river rocks. The workers also were tasked with smoothing and sanding the shores and making a beach area. Trees were cleared to create a path from Twin Profiles to the pool area.

It was said the water at the pool was clear and fresh and on one side of the river it was very shallow and good for smaller children and families.

Reardon was well known in Bristol at the time and played with local sports teams as well as running a camp on

Newfound Lake. One idea that Reardon had was to illuminate the pool and to offer water carnivals. A diving board to entice swimmers was also under consideration.

Those who summered in the Newfound Lake area tried the pool and gave it rave reviews, such as Bernard Ladd of the Palais D’Or orchestra in New York. He was in nearby Hill Village for the summer and wanted to see and swim in the pool. He enjoyed a swim and highly recommended the unique river pool.

Others loved the pool as well and many tourists came to the sandy beach

and cooling river pool. Twombley and Reardon had big plans for the pool area at Profile Falls and also presented Moulton’s Band of Sanbornton as the first in a concert series. The free concert took place on a Friday night; concerts had taken place at the Falls in past years and were always popular. The Twin Profiles and the pool would be open during the concert. It was hoped to offer vaudeville and more musical shows over the course of the summer. It seemed everyone wanted to utilize the Profile Falls area and another local, Mr. E.F. Walsh, a wartime aviator, was seen at a large nearby field to ascertain if he could land his Waco biplane there. He wanted to give a show of trick flying over Profile Falls and needed a landing spot.

Mills were once a big part of Bristol and offered employment to many. The mills determined the lives of locals with jobs, communities, and a way of life.

Areas like Profile Falls and the once-popular pool at the base of the falls brought some thrills in the 1920s when the Great Depression loomed. The rivers in the area were a part of it all, powering mills and for a time bringing entertainment to many.

Summer Issue Now Available

Dining Out in the Lakes Region Available at Hundreds of Locations around the Lakes Region!

View of Profile Falls early 1900s.

Much Excitement Awaits 2024 Visitors At The New Hampshire Boat Museum

By Mark Okrant

The appeal of every museum can be found in its respective collections. This is true whether art, science, culture, transportation, or history. Activity along bodies of water is such an important element of this nation’s development that there are nearly three hundred maritime museums spread throughout the country. Even states that are landlocked offer at least one.

New Hampshire’s major lakes and rivers are now used mostly for recreation, but these same waterways were historically used for the transportation of goods and people, as well as an energy source to power the thousands of small mills in towns and villages across the state two centuries ago. In the 19th century, during the Age of Industry, the mills of Manchester, Claremont, Nashua, Berlin, and others harnessed the tremendous power of New Hampshire’s largest rivers. With the mills long gone and the lakes and rivers cleaned up after years of industry, recreational use of state waterways has taken over and drives a substantial part of our tourism industry.

Founded in 1992, the mission of the New Hampshire Boat Museum

(NHBM) is to inspire an understanding and appreciation for the boating heritage within New Hampshire. After all, lakes and rivers are a vital element of our state’s culture. For hundreds of years, the waterways of the Granite State have had an important role in the economic and social character of this state. The Wolfeboro Museum facility previously lacked sufficient space to properly display its permanent collection of more than 2,500 artifacts. Included are canoes, rowboats, and rowing sculls; sailboats, race, and ice boats; a steamboat and “sneak” boat; inboard and outboard engines; multiple wooden boat models and half hulls; waterskis, PFDs, various artifacts, and other boating collectibles, including an art collection.

This lack of space is about to change in a big way. In the early spring of 2022, the NHBM purchased the 24,000-square-foot building and property at 130 Whittier Highway, along Route 25 in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. Ongoing restoration of this extensive facility by Museum Design Planners is well underway. However, according to NHBM’s executive director, Martha Cummings, the 2024

season will focus on “Museum in the Making”. Cummings shares that, “when the new, currently unfinished facility opens its doors from July 5th through September 30th, the public will be treated to a range of items that the museum has never been able to display before.”

The Moultonborough facility will be the site of “New Hampshire’s Boating Stories,” a temporary, interactive exhibit of topics such as 1950s recreation boating, courting canoes (love on the water), race boats, and fun activities about navigation. During this time, there will be programs and lectures. Visitors will be able to view race boats, rowing shells, historic canoes, water skis, outboard motors, and other historic boating paraphernalia. What is most exciting to Cummings and her staff is that the public will be provided with a unique, behind-the-scenes view as exhibits are being worked on. Visitors will see the construction and fabrication of what will eventually be viewed at the Moultonborough facility—including stories, themes, and interpretive exhibits. This is a fun, unusual opportunity for the public to see a museum in the making.

Visitors to NHBM will experience the thrill of riding in one of two replica Hacker Craft mahogany triple cockpit vintage boats owned by the museum. The Millie B leaves from the Town Docks in Wolfeboro. On this ride, prepare to see spectacular scenery, magnificent homes, and boathouses. The Miss Lauren leaves from North Water Marine in Paugus Bay, near Weirs Beach. During this hour-long ride, you’ll have an opportunity to realize how truly sizeable Lake Winnipesaukee is.

Not only do visitors to NHBM enjoy seeing the historic collection, but they can also engage in hands-on activities and educational programs for children,

youth, adults, and families. Included are boat and yacht kit-building classes, community sailing, model yachting with the Back Bay Skippers, and Lake Discovery Family Days.

For those who have dreamed of building a boat from scratch, the NHBM’s boat-building program provides the opportunity to build --your own -boat from a kit using high-quality materials at a reasonable cost. During the class, participants will use the museum’s tools and learn boat-building skills from experienced staff and volunteers in a friendly environment. Options include building a canoe, kayak, wood duck kayak, paddleboard, peewee, or Bevin’s skiff.

Additionally, NHBM hosts the annual Alton Bay Boat Show, and the New England Vintage Boat & Car Auction, an annual major fundraising event. Each program or event offers an enjoyable opportunity to understand and appreciate the state’s boating heritage and the role New Hampshire’s lakes have played in people’s lives throughout the ages.

This year, the museum will be hosting a first-of-its-kind public event supporting the 2024 season. On June 28, attendees will be given a sneak peek at what is to come while indulging in food prepared by culinary artisans from the local region. Entertainment will be provided by a “nationally renowned” New Hampshire comedian, music, and a live auction.

Much more than a museum, the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) is an experiential learning center that fosters an appreciation of boating, lake life, and the irreplaceable fresh waterways of New Hampshire. For additional information including hours of operation, admission charges, corporate sponsorship opportunities, exhibits and programs, or lake locations, visit nhbm.org or call (603) 569-1212.