Once again, it’s time to welcome summer by packing away the winter woolens and bringing out your swimsuits, hiking boots, picnic baskets, and coolers. It’s also time to check out our summer issue, which is packed with stories on local hot spots and exciting places to visit.
Follow our cover story to Sweetland Farm in Norwich, Vermont, for the freshest, sustainably grown produce and pasture-raised meats (page 48). Owner Norah Lake is a steward of the land who cares about feeding the community. Joining the CSA gives you the opportunity to pick up a share of the harvest every week and visit the pick-your-own gardens as well as the fully stocked farm stand. Be sure to visit soon and tell Norah we sent you!
While you’re out and about, drop into Stella’s Italian Kitchen & Café in Lyme, New Hampshire, for a delicious lunch or dinner (page 80). If you happen to be on a short lunch break, don’t let that stop you from visiting; Stella’s has plenty of delectable items available for carry-out. Morgan Lory and his dedicated staff are on a mission to feed their customers well and keep them happy.
The next time you’re in downtown Hanover, drop by the Dartmouth Authentic store to prepare for the upcoming Dartmouth fall sports season (page 42). From sweatshirts and jerseys to hats and more, you’ll find everything you need to show your support for the Big Green.
Lisa Ballard suggests an adventurous day trip for the summer months—a hike in the White Mountains (page 70). Lisa describes the trek best: “The Arethusa Falls–Frankenstein Cliff Loop was the perfect route, 4.8 miles with a 1,500-foot vertical gain, enough to get some exercise with the chance to take a dip in a backcountry pool along the way.” Sounds like a perfect way to spend the day!
Check our website for more stories, news, and events at www.greateruppervalley .com, and be sure to support local businesses. Wishing you a delightful summer. Enjoy!
A full-time freelance writer and photographer, Lisa is a graduate of Dartmouth College who resided in the Upper Valley for another 25 years. She is the author of 13 books, including Best Hikes with Dogs: New Hampshire & Vermont, Hiking the White Mountains, and Hiking the Green Mountains. She covers all types of travel, outdoor recreation, and conservation topics for over 25 magazines. www.LisaBallardOutdoors.com
p Mary Gow, writer
Mary holds the middle place in a family with three generations of women writers. An arts correspondent for the Times Argus, she also writes regularly for regional magazines and is the author of history of science books for middle-school students. She lives in Warren, Vermont.
p Pamela Brown, writer
Pamela has been a journalist in Connecticut for more than 25 years and is the founder of PMB Writing & Consulting, providing editorial and marketing services to small and large businesses. She is also the author of Faithful Love, a contemporary romance-adventure novel. In her free time, Pamela enjoys playing tennis, gardening, drawing, and spending time with her daughter Alexis and her mini Goldendoodle Rafa and Mal-Shi Andy.
p Cassie Horner, writer
Cassie is a writer, editor, and publisher and the author of two historical novels, Lucy E.—Road to Victory and Charles F.—Road to Justice. Her roots in Vermont go back almost 200 years and inspire her love of the natural world and history. She lives in Plymouth, Vermont, with her husband and two dogs, an English Shepherd and a wire-haired Dachshund.
p Lars Blackmore, photographer
Lars grew up in Denmark and has worked as a photojournalist since the early 1990s, covering everything from concerts to conflicts on assignment for the Associated Press, Save the Children, and others. Now based in Norwich, Vermont, with his wife and two kids, he combines photography and writing assignments with graduate work at Dartmouth College.
p Kelly Sennott, writer
Kelly has written for The Concord Monitor, AMC Outdoors Magazine, and The Hippo, and she is an alum of the University of New Hampshire’s Master of Fine Arts in Writing program. She currently works in various Upper Valley libraries and lives in Lebanon, New Hampshire, with her husband and son.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter www.greateruppervalley.com/newsletter Follow Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/greateruppervalley Find Past Issues
www.greateruppervalley.com/archives
Learn New Sustainable Living Skills at Billings Backyard
Billings Backyard has kicked off its 2025–2026 season with many workshops to attend.
Where to Get Manicures and Pedicures in the Upper Valley
If you want to spruce your nails up a bit and give them a pop of color, there are many salons in the Upper Valley where you can schedule an appointment or walk in.
Fun Places to Throw a Kid’s Birthday Party in the Upper Valley
Make your child’s next birthday memorable by hosting it at a fun location in the area.
ONLINE ADVERTISERS INDEX
3 PHASE LANDSCAPING, LLC
ALIGN INN VERMONT
BARTON INSURANCE AGENCY
BELLETETES
CALDWELL LAW
CAPE AIR
CAPPADOCIA CAFE
CARPENTER & MAIN
CHAPMAN’S GENERAL STORE
CLEARCHOICEMD URGENT CARE
COLBY INSURANCE GROUP
CO-OP FOOD STORES
COPELAND FURNITURE
CROSSROADS ACADEMY
DARTMOUTH AUTHENTIC
DATAMANN
DB LANDSCAPING
DESIGNER GOLD
DOLAN REAL ESTATE
DR. NEELY-HANOVER ORTHODONTICS
DUTILLE’S JEWELRY DESIGN STUDIO
EYEGLASS OUTLET
FOLEY BROTHERS BREWING
FORE-U GOLF CENTER
GILBERTE INTERIORS
HANOVER EYECARE
HOOD MUSEUM
HUBERT’S FAMILY OUTFITTERS
IVY
JEFF WILMOT PAINTING & WALLPAPERING, INC.
LAVALLEY BUILDING SUPPLY
LITTLE ISTANBUL LOCABLE
MARTHA E. DIEBOLD REAL ESTATE
MB PRO LANDSCAPE DESIGN
MORNINGSIDE FLIGHT PARK
MVP MARINE
NEWPORT GOLF CLUB
N.T. FERRO ESTATE & CUSTOM JEWELERS
POWERHOUSE MALL
RAMUNTO’S OF CLAREMONT
RICHARD ELECTRIC
RIVER ROAD VETERINARY CLINIC
RODD ROOFING
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL EVENTS
STATELINE SPORTS
THE FLYING GOOSE
THE GILDED EDGE
THE HANOVER INN AT DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
THE PUBLIC HOUSE
THE TEA HOUSE
THE WORKS CAFÉ
TOP STITCH
TUCKERBOX
UPPER VALLEY BUSINESS ALLIANCE
VALLEY REGIONAL HOSPITAL
VILLAGE PIZZA
VINS
WHITE RIVER FAMILY EYECARE
WOODSTOCK AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
WOODSTOCK INN & RESORT
For more information about how your business can get listed on our ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY or for other online advertising opportunities, contact Ryan Frisch at 518-365-0030 or email ryanfrisch@mountainviewpublishing.com.
by cassie horner
Loch Lyme Lodge Summer Music
Loch Lyme Lodge’s Sunday picnic tradition, which has been offered since at least the end of World War II, continues with an 11-week summer music and buffet series beginning June 22 and concluding Labor Day weekend. Local musicians play by the tranquil waters of Post Pond. Glenn Ferriot of Fresco Catering provides the tasty buffet, which is open from 5:30 to 7pm. Guests can BYOB. The cost for Sunday buffets is $30 for adults and half price for kids ages 4 to 13.
“We offer meals as an amenity for guests of the Lodge, but members of the general public are also very welcome with reservations,” says Liz Ryan Cole, one of the member/owners of Loch Lyme Lodge, Inc. The atmosphere is relaxed; some guests come wearing floppy hats and summer dresses while others come in bathing suits and shorts.
The list of Sunday musicians this year includes Susan Brison, a French professor at Dartmouth College who sings jazz; Hilde
SUNDAY PICNIC WITH MUSIC
Ojibway with Never Too Late; and Joseph Stallsmith’s Occasional Jug Band that plays traditional American roots music. A complete calendar of performers is posted on Loch Lyme Lodge’s calendar.
In recent years, the Lodge added a Tuesday evening cookout, also from Fresco Catering, with burgers, hot dogs, and vegetarian options. The cookout is $20 per adult (half price for kids 4 to 13) and begins June 24. Music on Tuesdays is generally provided by the Lyme-based bluegrass band The Well Kept Men, though the Lyme Town Band opens the Tuesday-night season.
At most meals, Rich Brown, “The Juggler Man,” another one of the owner/members, joins the festivities. He loves “teaching juggling to the young and young at heart.” His philosophy is that “everybody should have a chance to learn to juggle . . . it’s one way to get the cobwebs out of your brain.”
some hot licks with the group and guest Matthew
Above from far left: The Well Kept Men perform by the Loch Lyme barn. The grounds at sunset. A peaceful pathway to the beach.
Left: The band's ace fiddler Tanner Wallace lays down
Greenway on harmonica.
around & about
Loch Lyme Lodge celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. Originally a 200-acre farm with the main house built in 1784, Alice Thayer opened the lodge in the farmhouse, in part to serve families whose children attended Camp Pinnacle next door. The Lodge’s cabins were built mainly between the 1930s and 1970s and have been updated over time with modern comforts such as electricity and indoor plumbing.
“A group of friends bought it in 2006 to build co-housing,” Liz says. “Co-housing neighbors have their own private homes but intentionally share some common spaces as a way to live more lightly on the earth.” This plan has not yet come to fruition, but Loch Lyme Lodge looks forward to welcoming guests and supporting community and sustainability for at least another 100 years. Plans include turning the historic barn into a four-season events venue.
For more information about Loch Lyme Lodge and the summer music series, including a calendar, visit lochlymelodge.com. t
Above: The Well Kept Men: Tanner Wallace (fiddle), Josh Cleaver (bass), Eric Faro (guitar), Mark Sunderwirth (mandolin), and Chuck Horrell (banjo).
Right: Even the kids get in on the act!
JAM Exhibit at Norwich Library
Artists at JAM—Junction Arts & Media—are excited to be collaborating on their first collective show, Flipping the Camera: The Makers Menagerie, scheduled for July 1 to August 29 at Norwich Public Library. The multimedia exhibit reflects the JAM approach to art. The opening reception will be held on Friday, July 18 from 5:30 to 7pm.
This collaborative venture is perfectly suited to a group of artists whose work is by its nature collaborative, ranging from film to sculpture. “If we try to do it alone, we are going to have a hell of a time,” says artist Cedar O’Dowd, coordinator and producer. “Working together is a necessity for what we do here. Everyone has their own discipline but can get help with media arts processes. A lot of us do types of art not seen in conventional art galleries.”
For example, Chico Eastridge, senior producer and technical director, will exhibit interactive sculptural pieces, including a vending machine loaded with customized items such as “Vanilla Grandpa” cologne and little germ-laden petri dishes.
“JAM is community oriented,” says Laura Di Piazza, development and communications director. The nonprofit, which serves Hartford, Norwich, Hartland, Hanover, and Lebanon, was established as CATV in 1993 and rebranded as Junction Arts & Media in 2022. It merged with the White River Indie Film Festival. It is located at 5 South Main Street in White River Junction, Vermont, between Tuckerbox and the Cappadocia Cafe. Executive Director Samantha Davidson Green is an award-winning filmmaker who teaches at JAM and has taught at Dartmouth College.
1. As the Deer by Ana Liu. 2. Sculpture by Cedar O'Dowd. 3. Still from feature film Thrasher Road, directed by Samantha Davidson Green. 4. Chico Eastridge's #2. 5. A compilation of stills taken from Jordyn Fitch's animation "White Picket Fences." 6. Night Creatures by Ana Liu.
HANOVER INN
around & about
“JAM does most of its work out in the field filming selectboard meetings and school board meetings in Hartford, Hartland, Norwich, Hanover, and Lebanon (SAU 88 only; not Lebanon selectboard) and many community events across the Upper Valley,” Laura says. “We run and/or host dozens of events on-site at JAM every year, including ongoing gatherings like Story JAM (bimonthly), Lampshade Poets open mic (bimonthly), and Game Night (bimonthly). JAM has a very popular after-school program called JAM Club and summer camp programs for youth, which fill up quickly.”
JAM takes a multimedia approach to storytelling and is very accessible to the public. The facility offers workspace available to the public. JAM has a multitude of partnerships with many other nonprofits, ranging from Lebanon Opera House to Hanover Rotary and area libraries.
Jordyn Fitch, production manager and producer, has collaborated with colleague Cedar on the film I Have Something to Get Off My Chest, released in 2024. Cedar wrote and directed the film and Jordyn was the cinematographer. It was shown on the Made Here series on PBS. “I know so many creative people with hearts of gold,” Jordyn says. “We are sitting on a gold mine of creative talent.”
JAM artists are very grateful to Isaac Lorton, Norwich Public Library’s community engagement coordinator, for his support of Flipping the Camera: The Makers Menagerie. For more information about JAM, visit uvjam.org. The exhibit will be held during Norwich Public Library hours listed at norwichlibrary.org. t
FAMILY AND FRIENDS GATHER
Picnic in the Park
Summer is a time to gather with family and friends of all ages for outdoor entertainment. In Hanover, people are fortunate to have Picnic in the Park, the popular annual series of events coordinated by Hanover Parks and Recreation.
Picnic in the Park is a family-friendly performer series held mainly in Sustainability Park at 6 School Street in Hanover on Wednesday summer evenings from 5 to 6pm. The series is held in collaboration with Howe Library and the Etna Library. Picnic in the Park is also generously made possible by the Byrne Foundation. This year, the series runs from Wednesday, July 9 to Wednesday, August 6. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket and a picnic to the park to add to the enjoyment of watching the show.
The entertainment includes puppets, magicians, live music, and a visit from staff members of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) bringing birds of prey for a close-up and educational program. Lindsay and Her Puppet Pals take center stage at Trumbull Hall in Etna on July 9. These colorful, larger-than-life creatures delight family audiences with a fast-paced performance. On July 16, Boston-based magician Robert Clarke brings his show to Hanover; he has performed from Japan to Italy.
Left and below left: Storyteller Simon Brooks entertains at the summer 2023 Picnic in the Park series.
Below: Lindsay's moose puppet (of Lindsay and Her Puppet Pals) steals the show during her performance in Sustainability Park.
July 9, 5–6pm
SUMMER EVENTS
Lindsay and her Puppet Pals
Trumbull Hall, Etna, NH
July 16, 5–6pm
Robert Clarke (Magician)
Sustainability Park
July 23, 5–6pm
Tom Knight (Kids’ Musician)
Sustainability Park
July 30, 5–6pm
Steve Blunt & Marty Kelley
(Music and Local Author Duo)
Sustainability Park
August 6, 5–6pm
VINS Raptors Up Close
Sustainability Park
On July 23, Tom Knight wows kids with a lively show featuring music and puppets. The following week, on July 30, musician Steve Blunt and author Marty Kelley offer a double feature. VINS Raptors Up Close brings the 2025 Picnic in the Park season to a finale on August 6. For more information, visit hanoverrec.com. t
Live animal demonstration provided by Wildlife Encounters during summer 2024 Picnic in the Park.
smart cooking
by dana johnson
WATERMELON FLAG SALAD
Try this delicious and patriotic recipe.
6 cups arugula leaves
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped roughly in half
½ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped roughly in half
8 cups watermelon cubes, about 1 inch in size
2 (8 oz) packages feta cheese, cut into ¾-inch cubes
2 cups blueberries, washed and dried
Fresh Mint Vinaigrette
1. Mix arugula with fresh basil and mint leaves and line the outside edges of a rectangular platter with the mixture.
2. Arrange the watermelon and feta cubes in alternating stripes, beginning and ending with watermelon. Make the first two stripes only ⅔ the length of the last three stripes to leave room for a square shape of blueberries.
3. Nestle the blueberries in the square that remains in the top left corner of the platter.
4. When ready to serve, drizzle the top of the entire platter with Fresh Mint Vinaigrette.
Fresh Mint Vinaigrette
I½ cup olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp honey
⅓ cup fresh mint leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
1. Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor except for the salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days.
Summer is short in northern New England, so take every opportunity you can to enjoy the outdoors. Consider organizing a Fourth of July cookout for family and friends. When everyone pitches in and brings a dish to share, it’s less work for everyone, and there’s a wider variety of food. What a great idea!
BERRY TRIFLE
Delight your cookout guests with these individual berry desserts made in 12-ounce rocks glasses. It couldn’t be easier!
Strawberries
Blueberries
Whipped cream
1. Cut the strawberries into slices and place four or five in the bottom of a glass along with enough blueberries to create the first layer.
2. Add an even layer of whipped cream on top of the berries.
3. Add another layer of berries topped with whipped cream.
4. Finish with a cluster of berries on the top.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
Hot Reads for Sunny Days
So Far Gone by Jess Walter (Available June 10)
A few years back, Rhys Kinnick left his life behind, ditched his phone, and moved to a cabin in the woods. But now, his daughter and grandkids are missing, and it’s up to this grizzled, cantankerous journalist to find them in this rollicking, poignant, ohso-relevant novel from the beloved author of Beautiful Ruins.
The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (Available June 10)
A young father, crippled by addiction, causes an unspeakable tragedy. Sentenced to prison, he’s faced with hopelessness— until, with the help of fellow inmates, he begins to see a path to forgiveness and atonement. This sweeping novel is Wally Lamb’s first in eight years, and if early buzz is any indication, the wait was worth it.
It’s hard not to love summer reading, no matter what that means to you. For some of us, the perfect summer read is a light, funny, lowstakes novel from a favorite author, while for others, it’s an edge-of-your seat thriller. Some of us are out of school or heading for a vacation and looking forward to simply reading as much as possible. Me? I’m most excited just to read outside. No matter your summer reading speed, we’ve got new books (and old favorites) aplenty here at The Norwich Bookstore. Here are a few summer releases we’re looking forward to.
The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley (Available June 24)
Leila Mottley, who hit the literary scene like a freight train with 2022’s incredible Nightcrawling, is back with another stunning novel about young people finding community in a treacherous world, this time focusing on a group of teenage mothers in Florida’s Panhandle. Mottley is a great storyteller, but it’s her command of language that really sets her apart.
What We Leave Behind by Sue Halpern (Available June 24)
Longtime New Yorker staff writer and Vermont favorite Sue Halpern returns with a powerful yet tender novel about family, legacy, and genetics. Don’t miss Sue Halpern’s launch event at The Norwich Bookstore on Wednesday, June 25 at 7pm!
The Gossip Columnist’s Daughter by Peter Orner (Available August 12)
Local author Peter Orner, who teaches in Dartmouth’s Creative Writing Program and whose seven previous books have received countless awards and acclaim, delivers a wry, sweeping family-epicturned-amateur-detective novel. A struggling writer attempts to solve a decadesold cold case that occurred just days after the Kennedy assassination—and may (or may not) hold the key to his own family’s unravelling.
An Inside Job by Daniel Silva (Available July 15)
Thriller fans here in the Upper Valley have long gravitated toward Daniel Silva’s propulsive, impeccably researched novels, and An Inside Job promises to be another high-stakes, fast-paced, globetrotting story of espionage and art.
Hunter’s Heart Ridge by Sarah Stewart Taylor (Available August 12)
Frank Warren, the former Boston homicide detective fans met in last year’s Agony Hill, is back in beloved local author Sarah Stewart Taylor’s new novel, her second mystery set in 1960s’ Vermont. This time, Warren’s on the case after a federal judge dies under suspicious circumstances . . . and so is Alice Bellows, his neighbor, who has a mysterious past of her own. Preorder a signed copy from The Norwich Bookstore, and keep your eyes peeled for a launch event in early August!
The Salt Stones: Seasons of a Shepherd’s Life by Helen Whybrow (Available June 3)
In this much-anticipated book—a blend of deeply incisive nature writing and memoir—Helen Whybrow takes us through the seasons of her life as she tends a flock of Icelandic sheep on her 200-acre Vermont farm. Bill McKibben calls Whybrow “a tothe-bone writer,” and indeed she is, digging to the very root of what it means to be a farmer, a parent, a child, and a person on earth.
It’s Only Drowning: A True Story of Learning to Surf and the Search for Common Ground by David Litt (Available June 24)
After former Obama speechwriter David Litt left the Beltway, he moved to the Jersey Shore, where he became determined, at age 35, to learn to surf. It’s Only Drowning is the tale of just that—and of his burgeoning connection with his brotherin-law and surfing mentor, a man with a very different worldview. Turns out, as this hilarious memoir illustrates, it’s not impossible to take up surfing at middle age—or to find common ground across political and social divides.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab (Available June 10)
The long-awaited new novel from fantasy favorite V.E. Schwab, author of the bestselling The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, is a stunning gothic epic, tying together the lives of three women across centuries and continents.
Rose in Chains by Julie Soto (Available July 8)
If you or someone you know is a fan of the red-hot and much-discussed “romantasy” genre, this hotly anticipated new novel from bestselling author and playwright Julie Soto is probably one of the books you, or they, are looking most forward to this summer. Yes, we’ll have the deluxe limited edition here at The Norwich Bookstore, but preorder it now; when they’re gone, they’re gone.
Katabasis by R.F. Kuang (Available August 26)
R.F. Kuang, author of the mega-bestsellers Yellowface and Babel, returns with a dark academia fantasy in which a gifted student of Magick must venture into the underworld to track down her recently deceased professor, reluctantly accompanied by her academic rival and guided by the works of Dante. Again, there is a deluxe edition coming and we will have it . . . but don’t wait too long!
Best of All Worlds by Kenneth Oppel (Available June 3)
Xavier is not looking forward to a week at a cabin with his dad and his dad’s new wife, but he goes along anyway. Only, the trip takes a turn when he wakes up to discover that the cabin isn’t where it was the night before, and the three of them are trapped under a mysterious dome with nobody else around. What happened? Is there any hope of escape? Kenneth Oppel is known for writing masterful youngadult novels that tackle massive questions, and here, he may just be wrestling with the fate of humanity itself.
The Day the Crayons Made Friends by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers (Available June 3)
Those crayons are back in another hilarious, clever collaboration between two kids’ book legends! This time, Duncan’s crayons have left the confines of his room to fulfill their various dreams, including driving a fire truck and taming a teddy bear. Hijinks, of course, ensue.
Island Storm by Brian Floca, illustrated by Sydney Smith (Available July 22)
In this gorgeous picture book from Caldecott Medalist Brian Floca and Hans Christian Andersen award winner Sydney Smith, two siblings experience the rush and natural beauty of a sudden thunderstorm. t
Above: Show your Big Green pride! Discover the latest Dartmouth athletic gear—from rugby tees to Nike essentials. Shop the look. Own the spirit.
Bottom from near right: From proud parents to perfect graduation gifts, celebrate your Dartmouth connection in style! Whether it’s a cuddly grad bear or spirit gear for Mom and Dad, find something for every Big Green supporter.
by Wren Wahrenberger | photography by Lars Blackmore
ATHLETIC WEAR THAT PLAYERS AND COACHES ARE SPORTING AT THEIR GAMES
“This store is the direct result of listening to our constituents—loyal alumni, staff, fans, parents, and students,” says Dartmouth Senior Associate Athletics Director Chris Celona. “They wanted to wear the products they saw on the field, and we wanted to offer our fans what they were looking for.” Chris explains that Dartmouth sports fans had repeatedly asked over the years to buy the specific Dartmouth gear that they saw players and coaches wearing at games, such as player jerseys, sideline polos, jackets, and hats, so the athletic department came up with a plan to make that gear more accessible to the fans.
According to Chris, Dartmouth Athletics had already had a successful partnership with Follett, an online retail athletic wear company, for over 10 years. When Dartmouth Athletics was looking to build out a team store, sell merchandise at ticketed events, and revamp their online store (for Dartmouth fans across the country), they turned back to Follett, which also provides gear for many other colleges and has a wide array of products. “They do an unbelievable job at creating a unique shopping experience,” says Chris. “The store is operated by Follett, but commission from sales directly benefits Dartmouth Athletics, including anything sold online, in the store, or at events.”
PLENTY OF HIGH-QUALITY OPTIONS
Campus store manager Katy Norra points to the brand-name logos of the companies that make their clothing, such as Nike, Columbia, and Champion. These brands carry a guarantee of higher quality items. She shows off a current favorite item, which is the “DARTMOUTH” sweatshirt that has the individual white letters neatly stitched on green fabric. Nearby hang green and white hockey jerseys that are identical to the ones that the players wear, as well as Dartmouth hockey hoodies. A special gray commemorative T-shirt made just for the 2024 Ivy-League championship football win is also a popular item. And for those seeking eco-friendly choices, a Champion sweatshirt for sale is committed to “minimizing environmental impact.”
Clockwise from top left: Show your Big Green pride! From classic caps to spirited key chains, the Dartmouth Authentic store has everything you need to rep Dartmouth in style. Store manager Katy Norra.
In addition, the store has plenty of choices for those seeking a more understated look. For the days when you don’t plan to be cheering on the sidelines in a sea of green, Dartmouth Authentic carries fleeces, windbreakers, and half-zip jackets with a subtle “Dartmouth” embroidered just a couple inches long on the upper left side.
BEYOND ATHLETIC TEAM GEAR
Although the shop carries a lot of Dartmouth gear for sports with ticketed games, including football, hockey, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, other varsity sports’ team gear is available. For example, the store currently has a wide array of authentic rugby team gear. The website carries gear from all varsity sports, including skiing, sailing, baseball, softball, rowing, tennis, and equestrian. “If teams or organizations want custom gear, even if it isn’t an athletic team,” says Katy, “we can do that for them.”
Chris points out that inventory will constantly be rotated in the store with seasonal sports, allowing shoppers to find what they need for the changing New England weather and the changing sports landscape. “New items are added weekly to the store,”
Clockwise from top left: Whether you’re shopping for the tiniest Big Green fan or looking for timeless Dartmouth accessories, Dartmouth Authentic has you covered.
he says. The website also continues to expand its offerings.
Now that the snow has melted, Katy notes that golfers get very excited to see the high-end Peter Millar golf clothing in a large display on the left side as one enters the store. “One customer went running back out onto the sidewalk to get her husband and tell him that we have Peter Millar,” she says with a smile.
MUGS, ONESIES, AND MORE!
The store is packed with every manner of Dartmouth gear, all sporting the Dartmouth name, or just the big “D” or lone pine logos. They sell everything from mugs and decals to license plate frames. Pompoms, giant foam hands, and blankets are popular for game day. Children’s T-shirts and sweatshirts and baby onesies can be found in the rear of the store, and a full array of knitted hats, mittens, and scarves are seasonally available along with caps and umbrellas. For kids of all ages, the store carries stuffed bears wearing Dartmouth shirts and wooden Dartmouth Big Green toy Zambonis. Dartmouth “Mom,” “Dad,” and “Grandparent” gear are also for sale, as well as special alumni gear with “Alumni” stitched artfully below “Dartmouth.” The store prepares for Alumni events by adding new inventory.
The Hanover Dartmouth Authentic storefront had a soft opening on October 28, 2024, just in time for homecoming in early November. According to Katy, the walls were painted and furniture was installed in time for Christmas. The streetfront Dartmouth Authentic sign went up in early March of 2025 as the final touch for the grand opening day party, which included raffles and refreshments. Attuned to giving back to the community, the shop regularly donates gift cards to Dartmouth athletic fundraisers. t
Dartmouth Authentic 24 Main Street Hanover, NH www.bkstr.com/dartmouthstore/home
A SWEET WAY of LIFE
SWEETLAND FARM PROVIDES SUSTAINABLY FARMED, THOUGHTFULLY SOURCED FOOD TO THE COMMUNITY
One of Sweetland’s pickyour-own gardens, where CSA members can harvest flowers, herbs, and specialty vegetables as part of their farm share.
Opposite: Sweetland’s full diet farm stand stocks their own vegetables and meats, as well as dairy, eggs, baked goods, preserves, and snacks sourced from other local and sustainable producers.
Right: Farmer Norah Lake with daughter Fern.
by Pamela Brown photos courtesy of Sweetland Farm
Life is sweet for Norah Lake. For the past 13 years, owning and operating Sweetland Farm in Norwich, Vermont, has been a passion and a source of lifelong pride. “I’m proud to be the head farmer, and to help break the mold of what a ‘typical’ farmer looks like. The ponytail in our farm’s logo is my subtle nod to one thing that sets me apart as a farmer,” says Norah, who lives on the 200-acre farm with her husband Chris Polashenski and their young daughter Fern. In 2012, Norah purchased the farm from the Vermont Land Trust.
Norah is a hands-on farm owner, with her finger on the pulse of every part of the farm that produces 15 acres of sustainably grown vegetables; three acres of eco-certified tree fruits; 10,000-plus bales of feed hay; and pasture-raised pork, chicken, and turkey. “I’m still honing my skills. Farming is a lifelong education,” says Norah. “I’m grateful for my dedicated crew, and I relish the days when I can take off my ‘planning’ hat and work alongside them in the field. My toddler daughter loves these days, whether we’re feeding the pigs, pulling weeds, or having a potato digging scavenger hunt.”
Sweetland’s community supported agriculture (CSA) model connects customers with their food and the people who grow it. Sweetland’s pledge to reduce the farm’s fossil carbon emissions by 90 percent over the course of 10 years (initiated in 2018) means customers can enjoy Sweetland’s delicious produce with the knowledge that they are “voting with their fork” for climate-friendly farming practices.
SUSTAINABILITY IS KEY
Sweetland is a diversified family farm that offers a community supported agriculture (CSA) program and a bountiful farm stand featuring their own vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers, and meats. Sustainable practices form the cornerstone of the business. “As a diversified farm, we are able to use each micro-landscape of our property for its best use. Our woodland is carefully managed for wildlife habitat, timber, and fuel. Veggies are farmed on flat, well-drained, prime agricultural soil. Animals are pastured on pieces of ground that will benefit from extra nutrients and organic matter. Fruit trees are grown on slopes too steep to cultivate. Hay is baled on fields that have been cleared for a century,” she explains.
Analyzing the farm’s systems and practices through the lens of growing food in a way that’s sustainable for soil, climate, crew, and business, Norah has established a “thinking farm” model where traditional small-scale methods dovetail with cutting-edge ideas and technology. “The roof of our 1900s era barn is covered in solar panels. Our woodland provides renewable fuel for our traditional living room woodstove as well as for a state-of-the-art, high-efficiency boiler that heats our greenhouses.” In 2018, the farm made a pledge to reduce their fossil carbon emissions by 90 percent within 10 years and has worked diligently to increase efficiency, reduce its energy needs, and transition to renewable fuels.
A TWO-WAY RELATIONSHIP
Throughout, Norah nurtures a relationship with the community. She and her crew make a point to connect with customers over recipes, trading gardening tips, and making the farm a fun, friendly place to visit. CSA members visit weekly to pick up their share of the harvest and spend time in the pickyour-own gardens, while members and drop-ins alike benefit from the carefully selected products in the full-diet farm stand.
Far left from top: Vine-ripe heirloom tomatoes await harvest for the CSA and farm stand. Pick-your-own flowers are a highlight for CSA members. Harvesting sweet corn.
Left: Farm crew members harvest summer squash.
Right from top: Farm crew members trellis cucumbers and tomatoes in one of the wood-heated greenhouses. Old meets new—solar panels being installed on the roof of Sweetland’s 1900s barn.
“Our goal is to showcase a different assortment of seasonal veggies and fruits each week. This year we’ve upped our game on the number of crops that we grow to allow our CSA members to choose their favorites from a more extensive list of options. We encourage folks to try new things, like fennel, husk cherries, or radicchio, while also enjoying plenty of favorites like sweet corn, tomatoes, and cucumbers,” says Norah. “This is a two-way relationship. Our community relies on us for healthy, sustainable food, and we rely on them for their continued support.”
CONNECTED TO THE LAND
Growing up on a rural homestead in Grafton, Vermont, Norah enjoyed the agrarian life and that connection inspired Sweetland’s name. “I wanted to find something that made it personal to myself and to the land. Sweet is my great-grandmother’s maiden name and my middle name, and sweet is also an old agrarian term that refers to soil that is the perfect pH for farming,” says Norah. “My family had a big garden and a handful of farm animals, and growing, cooking, and preserving the harvest was a formative part of my childhood. My parents never really ‘taught’ me how to garden, but they made it fun and rewarding to work together growing and preparing our food.”
Norah credits many mentors who have helped her hone her farming skills over the years. “In high school I attended the Putney School, where all students spend at least one semester working in the gardens, barns, and woods. I loved it. I spent nearly every school vacation milking the cows, gathering sap, and gardening. Margie Levine and Pete Stickney, the garden and farm managers, introduced me to many of the tools and skills of farming. It was their gentle encouragement that sparked a pride and enjoyment in working the land,” says Norah, who, back then, viewed farming as a hobby for herself, not a career.
But that connection to the land followed her upon graduation when she worked on a farm during her gap year and then found ‘her people’ at Dartmouth’s Organic Farm during college. “Scott Stokoe, the Dartmouth manager, introduced me to the philosophy and principles of the organic agriculture movement and guided my understanding of the connections between environmental studies and agriculture,” says Norah.
Top: Pasture-raised chickens.
Bottom from near right: Farm crew takes a break to celebrate Fern’s first birthday. Pasture-raised pigs.
Quality Craftsmanship with Old World Traditions
Our Services Include: CSIA Certified Inspections, Maintenance, Cleaning, Rebuilding, Construction Commercial and Residential
20+ years Masonry Experience
Top: Seasonal events at Sweetland bring the community together around climate-friendly agriculture.
Bottom from near right: Farm crew members Liv and Mia pack CSA boxes for delivery. Sweetland’s farm stand is open year-round.
She took an off-campus job at Sunrise Farm in White River Junction during college and just kept finding herself drawn to growing food. Upon graduating from Dartmouth with a degree in Environmental Studies and a middle-school science teaching certificate, Norah knew working indoors away from the land wasn’t a good fit, so she returned to Sunrise Farm as a comanager and took a deep dive into small-scale agriculture. “Chuck Wooster, the owner, took a chance on a fresh college grad and patiently taught me the nuts and bolts of running a farm. After five years, I felt ready to take the plunge of starting my own farm,” she says.
A MEANINGFUL WAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Nora’s goal is to provide her community with access to great food and a connection to its producers. Complementing the CSA is Sweetland’s year-round Farm Store stocked with Sweetland vegetables and meat along with other local and/or sustainably grown and small-batch crafted food from around the region. “We work closely with small-scale growers, producers, and food hubs to gather the dairy, meat, preserves, prepared food, and pantry staples on our shelves. We love having a relationship with many of the producers and want to pass that connection along to our customers,” says Norah. “I’m happy to bring milk and cheese from my elementary school classmate, lamb from one family friend, maple syrup from another, and other well-made local products together in our farm stand so that customers can shop for their food knowing it’s been carefully and thoughtfully sourced.”
Keeping Sweetland thriving is Norah’s passion. “Having our CSA members’ kids get excited to talk to Farmer Norah and see me leading our crew, driving our tractors, and running our business feels like a meaningful way to make a difference in the world,” she says. “I love to work hard then enjoy the fruits of my labor. Sitting down to a meal made entirely from Sweetland ingredients is not only delicious but also reflects the careful choices and hard work that went into growing that food. I’m proud to share that feeling with others in our community.” t
Sweetland Farm
742 Route 132 Norwich, VT (802) 649-6250
sweetlandfarmvt.com
Glowen Day Spa
Step into a realm of pure tranquility and let your worries fade away at Glowen Day Spa. Experience a personalized journey toward rejuvenation and glowing skin through the power of Celluma and microcurrent treatments. Enhance your eyes’ allure effortlessly with our lash lift and tint, while personalized skin peels and hydrodermabrasion unveil your skin’s true potential, leaving it radiant and youthful. Beyond skin-deep treatments, we offer the transformative practice of reiki healing, where your body and soul are nourished and replenished.
We utilize high-quality products designed to give you the ultimate luxurious spa experience thoughtfully priced to ensure luxury is accessible to all. Everyone deserves a pampered, personalized experience. Book your rejuvenating experience today and let Danielle pamper you from head to toe and embrace the glow that lies within.
18 On the Common Lyme, NH (603) 212-8216 www.glowendayspa.com
Half-Step Beer & Wine
Come on down to Half-Step Beer & Wine in Norwich! We’re your source for thoughtfully selected craft beer, wine, hard cider, and nonalcoholic options. We believe that buying a bottle of wine or four-pack of beer should be an approachable experience. That’s why our motto is “practicality over pretension.” We put in a lot of thought, time, and tasting when choosing our products, so you can guarantee that whatever beer, wine, or cider you choose will taste great! We look forward to helping you find your next favorite beer, wine, or cider!
289 Main Street Norwich, VT (802) 649-1970
Hanover Scoops Ice Cream Shop
Hanover Scoops features locally made, farm to cone, hard and soft-serve ice cream. Enjoy a selection of house-favorite flavors or mix it up with a featured seasonal delight. Scoops is a full-service ice cream shop offering milkshakes, sundaes, and sweet, salty treats. Scoops is found in the heart of Hanover, next to the Nugget Theatre. Visit their other location, Woodstock Scoops, in the village of Woodstock, Vermont.
57 South Main Street Hanover, NH Instagram @hanoverscoops
Twisted Scissors
Professional, affordable services offering the latest styles and cuts in the center of Hanover. A 19year career in the cosmetology/ barbering industry and a familiar face to many Hanover residents. Offering services for men, women, and children, with services expanding to full-service barber including straight razor shaves and beard care. A local entrepreneur creating a clean, inviting environment where the whole family will enjoy professional lighthearted services over a lifetime.
Come see us! Relax to music of your choice during your service and enjoy a bit of fun and laughter while you transform your look.
Our farm stand and greenhouses are open through Halloween with:
• Certified organic fresh produce
• Annual and perennials for the garden
• Certified organic veggie and herb starts for the garden
• Houseplants, succulents, and cacti
• Fresh bouquets and Pick-Your-Own flowers
Check for updated hours on our website at www.honeyfieldfarmvt.com.
The MBFA gallery features artwork, crafts, and books by residents (past and present) of Lyme, NH and Thetford, VT: paintings, prints, pottery, and poetry, jewelry, woodenware, floor cloths, photographs, cards, and even syrups! New work from this creative community is always rotating through the gallery. Consider stopping by during open hours, or coming to one of our events. Visit our gallery website for more info and to sign up for our newsletter.
1 Main Street, On the Common Lyme, NH (603) 795-4855 www.mbrownfa.com
Fri 10am–5pm & Sat 10am–3pm or by chance or appointment
Johnson Audiology
Better hearing is directly linked to better relationships, more self-confidence, and even brain health. Hearing well is about being an active, connected part of your world. Sometimes, the answer is as simple as a hearing aid. Other times, it’s less obvious. That’s why we start the conversation by talking about you. We want to understand what’s going on in your life. And as doctors of audiology, we listen to you from that professional perspective to give you a more connected life through better hearing. Want to know more? Give us a call. We’re ready to listen.
The Ivy Edit is the “trendy sister” of the popular 37 Central Clothiers in Woodstock, Vermont. It’s flirty, fashion forward, and fun. Whether you’re looking for a specialoccasion dress, going-out top, or just a great pair of Levi’s, you will find it there. Ivy also has an expanding selection of footwear. Follow them on Instagram @ the_ivy_edit.
Putnam’s vine/yard
Lemon Tree Gifts
Distinctive Gifts, Jewelry & Home Décor
Visit the Upper Valley’s premiere gift shop where you’ll find a little something for everyone! Discover an array of treasures, including unique Dartmouth items, New Hampshire and Vermont mementos, maple syrup and candy, toys and games for all ages, bath and body, jewelry, candles, men’s and baby gifts, comfy throws, and much more!
We offer shipping and complimentary local area delivery options. We look forward to being part of your Hanover shopping experience!
Don’t forget to visit us in our PowerHouse Mall location across from L.L.Bean!
28 South Main Street (next to Lou’s) Hanover, NH (603) 643-5388
Lemon Tree Gifts of Hanover
Open Daily
SHOP DRINK LEARN. Located in a historic Vermont railyard, the Putnam’s vine/ yard secret garden is the perfect place to catch up with friends or find a quiet spot to relax with a great book and glass of wine. We are family friendly with an assortment of wooden toys, and we serve nonalcoholic beverages including specialty coffee and imported artisanal teas. Check out the Event Calendar on our website for upcoming Wine School & Vine School Classes, as well as Pop-Ups from local food purveyors and artists. Stop by every weekend between 10am and 4pm for brunch!
188 South Main Street, Unit 110 White River Junction, VT (802) 899-0405
www.putnamsvineyard.com Tue–Sat 8am–10pm, Sun 8am–9pm
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Dartmouth
Osher at Dartmouth is a volunteer, noncredit continuing-education program for adults. We offer a wide variety of courses and events throughout the year, with opportunities to participate both in person and online. Check our website for summer programs and our 2025 Summer Lecture Series!
Visit osher.dartmouth.edu for more information.
1 Court Street, Suite 380 Lebanon, NH (603) 646-0154
osher.dartmouth.edu
Mon–Thu 8:30am–4:30pm, Fri 8:30am–1pm
The Gilded Edge
Visit Us at Our New Location
An award-winning custom picture framing shop offering options for every budget, from ready-made frames and the new “Frugal Framing” line to full custom, hand-finished frames that are works of art themselves. We have received our 15th consecutive “Best of the Best” picture framers in the Upper Valley!
69 Hanover Street Lebanon, NH (603) 643-2884
www.gildededgeframing.com
100% By appointment only. Appointments available. Wed–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 10am–5pm
The Norwich Bookstore
Located in the heart of Norwich, Vermont, just five minutes from the Dartmouth College Campus, The Norwich Bookstore is a vibrant, general-interest bookstore serving the Upper Valley since 1994. Known for our community programming, author events, and personalized staff recommendations, we strive to embody the spirit of cooperation, diversity, and independent thought seen throughout our community. Whether you’re seeking that one book everyone’s talking about, greeting cards for every occasion, book club picks, or simply your next favorite read, we’re here to help!
291 Main Street, Norwich, VT (802) 649-1114
www.norwichbookstore.com
Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm, Sun 11am–5pm
Instagram: @norwichbookstore
3 Lebanon Street (Second Floor)
Hanover, NH
(603) 277-9659
thefourthplacehanover.com
The Fourth Place
The Fourth Place is a free community space for everyone who loves games, comics, and geek culture— with a free board game café all the time, and over 50 totally free public events per month! That includes at least two board game nights and two Magic: The Gathering events per week, free RPG adventures, three monthly book clubs, Pokémon, Scrabble, Star Wars: Unlimited, wargames, crafting and painting, and so much more! Plus we have a summer day camp and after school clubs.
Event Calendar: 4th.me/events
Youth Programs: 4th.me/youth
Pro GM RPG Campaigns: tavernsandtowers.com
New Summer Hours: Tue–Thu 2–11pm, Fri–Sun 11am–11pm (or later)
Walt & Ernie’s Barbershop
Walt & Ernie’s is your neighborhood barbershop, located just off Main Street in the heart of Hanover, New Hampshire. Proudly serving the Dartmouth and Upper Valley community since 1938, our friendly, professional team delivers quality haircuts and beard trims in an authentic four-chair barbershop experience. Rich in Dartmouth College and Hanover history, Walt & Ernie’s offers quality haircuts with friendly service. The hairstyles may have changed, but the true barbershop experience has stayed the same! Walk-ins and appointments are welcome.
5 Old Nugget Alley, Suite 4 Hanover, NH (603) 359-8064
www.waltanderniesbarbershop.com
Mon, Wed & Thu 9am–5pm Tue & Fri 7:30am–5pm
Ramunto’s Brick & Brew
Here at Ramunto’s Brick & Brew we are dedicated to the highest quality New York pizzas. Our handcrafted pizzas, calzones, and stromboli require the freshest dough, which is made daily along with our signature sauce and freshly grated, premium whole-milk mozzarella. Our authentic wood-fired and seasoned slate ovens finish the process with our skilled cooks monitoring the process. Come join us for a real pizzeria experience in a fun family atmosphere.
9 South Street Hanover, NH (603) 643-9500 www.ramuntospizza.com
Below: Custom headplate made of spalted elm. Opposite: Completed guitars and work in progress.
Right: Eric at work in his studio, shaving the braces on a guitar soundboard.
by Mary Gow | photography by Lars Blackmore
Eric Furstenberg
bespoke hand-built guitars
Eric Furstenberg strikes the tip of his index finger on a thin piece of red spruce, a slender board perhaps eight inches wide but less than an eighthinch thick. His sharp, swift tap sets off a gentle hum as the vibration-friendly wood responds. A lighter tap sets off another lingering sound. “I’m looking for different tones—the ability of the wood to vibrate at different frequencies. You want the ring to keep going,” Eric explains. This responsiveness is a hint of what this piece of wood will do when in place as the soundboard (the front plate) in one of Eric’s finely crafted guitars.
“I want my instruments to be responsive to a light touch and balanced across the strings, but more importantly I want them to inspire creativity.”
In his bright woodshop/studio adjacent to his home in Lyme, New Hampshire, Eric designs and handbuilds acoustic guitars. He crafts every instrument individually, selecting each piece of wood for its musical qualities and meticulously shaping it for its specific place.
“I want my instruments to be responsive to a light touch and balanced across the strings, but more importantly I want them to inspire creativity. To that end I am always seeking to create instruments with their own voice and sound,” says Eric. “Music is art, and art is about individuality and expression. I build the instruments, but you get to explore the possibilities and make the music,” he notes.
BUSY HANDS AND AN EYE FOR DETAIL
Eric’s path to becoming a luthier—a maker of stringed instruments—had its roots in his childhood. Living in old houses growing up, there were abundant projects to do with wood and tools. “I was always doing little things with my hands,” he recalls. He developed a fondness for hand tools, evident in the planes, chisels, files, and other devices he uses in his work, and the antique tools that reside on upper shelves in his shop. College and graduate school took him to academia. As professors of economics, Eric and his wife both taught at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville for many years. Thirteen years ago, they relocated to New Hampshire, where they both have deep ties. “The seeds planted early germinated and I realized that I needed to be working with my hands,” Eric says. He had continued woodworking through the years, but renewed his focus on it, particularly in crafting fine furniture.
Federal, Shaker, mid-century, and Japanese styles inform his designs, but, “I take my own interpretations and use different details where I think they belong,” he says. A distinctive feature in much of his work is his light but striking touch with contrasts. These design details have carried over to his guitar work. In an exquisite desk, nearly black wenge wood on the drawer front and tips of the tapered legs contrasts with pale flame birch. A whiskey cabinet has a mid-century feel with his geometric composition of the colors and grains of butternut, spalted maple, and walnut.
Top from left: Eric rough carves soundboard braces with a chisel. Eric explains that this beautiful figured cherry also makes an excellent tonewood.
Bottom from left: Eric tests every guitar before it leaves the studio. Some examples of Eric’s furniture.
Clockwise from above: Tuning a guitar’s back by shaving the braces. Eric checks the progress frequently when tuning a guitar’s back and soundboard. Red spruce and wenge parts almost ready for assembly. Hand planes permit very precise shaping of the braces.
In both his furniture and guitar creations, Eric notes, “I think my academic background helps, being detail oriented and fastidious.” He adds that when he recognizes that it’s not good enough, “it goes in the stove.”
HONING HIS SKILLS
Eric played guitar when he was young. With woodworking, he was drawn to the instruments by the challenge. Guitars offered opportunity to make “the thinnest, lightest, most delicate things I could think of.” His first instrument, completed in 2023, he describes as a “campfire guitar.” It is not premium tonewood, he explains; he crafted it from an old doorframe and scraps that he had in his workshop. He had no forms for it. The soundboard is flat rather than curved. “I learned a lot. I learn everything the hard way,” he says.
With its satisfying mellow sound, the guitar was a resounding success, opening the door to the instruments he makes these days. Building his expertise—and also his own forms and jigs—Eric is self-taught. He has honed his skills through his practice, online resources, and with input from musicians and established luthiers, including taking a couple of classes from acclaimed New Hampshire luthier Alan Carruth, who has been making instruments for over 50 years.
Building a guitar that is beautiful to play, hear, handle, and see is a complex project. “It’s got to be lightweight and resonant. It’s got to look like a million bucks and it’s got to sound good,” Eric explains.
Guitar design, Eric notes, “is intriguing and incredibly challenging. It’s always a puzzle and you can always tweak it. It is really interesting to hear how little things make a difference.” Every guitar component affects its vibration and sound. When a string is plucked, its vibration transmits from the bridge, resonating throughout the top of the guitar. It is also transmitted to the side and back of the instrument, resonating through the air in the body, which then produces sound waves. The shape and bracing of the body
Building a guitar that is beautiful to play, hear, handle, and see is a complex project.
“It’s got to be lightweight and resonant. It’s got to look like a million bucks and it’s got to sound good,” Eric explains.
of the instrument, the quality of the joinery affects a guitar’s sound. The cellular structure of the wood makes a difference.
ALL ABOUT THE WOOD
Red spruce is a favored material for the guitar top, the soundboard. Dense hardwood is preferred for the sides and back. Tropical hardwoods have long been popular for these components, prized for their tonal qualities and the dramatic visual contrast of their dark color. Among these, Brazilian rosewood and several others are now endangered due to overharvesting.
Ethically harvested tropical woods are available for guitars, but luthiers including Eric also value the quality of several domestic, including regional, hardwoods. “You can build excellent guitars out of oak,” Eric says, noting that black locust, cherry, and walnut are other domestic woods well suited to guitars.
Tailoring bespoke guitars, Eric works with clients’ preferences: the guitar player’s style and touch, their preferred materials, even their hand size. He customizes each instrument with unique inlay. Superb materials, skilled craftsmanship, and a lot of hours of labor come together in a kind of alchemy in creating a high-quality custom guitar.
“There’s some art there, there’s some science there, there is experience there,” Eric says. t
Eric Furstenberg
74 Flint Hill Road Lyme, NH (603) 678-1778
www.ericfurstenberg.com efurstenberg@gmail.com
story and photography by Lisa Ballard
HIKING TO Arethusa Falls AND Frankenstein Cliff
A PERFECT WAY TO SPEND A DAY IN THE WHITES
Hikers of all ages
enjoy the scenery and cool off at the base of Arethusa Falls.
In Greek mythology, Arethusa was a virgin water nymph and close friend of the goddess Artemis. Smitten by her loveliness, the river god Alpheus aggressively pursued Arethusa, but Arethusa had no interest in him. To help her friend evade Alpheus’ advances, Artemis turned Arethusa into a spring so she could escape into the earth, but Alpheus persevered, eventually diluting his river water with her spring water underground. The story of Arethusa and Alpheus is a mythological nod to both the connectivity of waterways and the preciousness of pure spring water.
In 1875, when Edward Tuckerman discovered Arethusa Falls in Crawford Notch, he named this magnificent 160-foot waterfall, the tallest in New Hampshire, after the mythological nymph due to its mesmerizing beauty. However, unlike the nymph, Arethusa Falls appears to cascade down to earth out of the sky rather than disappearing into it.
The hike to Arethusa Falls is one of my favorites in the White Mountains, especially when paired with Frankenstein Cliff as a loop. Last July, I had the chance to enjoy this 4.8-miler with my longtime hiking buddy Cindy Berlack. Like Artemis and Arethusa, we’ve always loved roaming through the woods with each other, but our busy lives rarely afforded us the chance to explore a trail together anymore. The Arethusa Falls–Frankenstein Cliff Loop was the perfect route, 4.8 miles with a 1,500-foot vertical gain, enough to get some exercise with the chance to take a dip in a backcountry pool along the way. And though we would not reach the top of a 4,000-footer, we would get expansive views of them.
That said, the first view was of Frankenstein Cliff from the parking lot, a 1,000-foot wall of granite. The thought of standing atop
The author stands atop Frankenstein Cliff, taking in the view of Crawford Notch toward Mount Chocorua.
FINDING THE TRAILHEAD
Take US 302 East to Crawford Notch. From the junction of Mount Clinton Road near the AMC Highland Center at the top of Crawford Notch, continue east on US 302 for another 6.3 miles. The trailhead and parking lot will be on your right.
from
at the
Trail
of
Top
left:
sign
junction
the Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail and the Frankenstein Cliff Trail. View of a section of Frankenstein Cliff from the trail. A hiker takes a dip at the base of Arethusa Falls.
Bottom from left: A hiker traverses through the hardwoods on the lower section of the trail to the falls. Frankenstein Trestle. A footbridge over Bemis Brook.
that impressive promontory was as much a motivator as splashing around the base of Arethusa Falls. Cindy and I shouldered our packs and eagerly headed up a short access road and across the tracks of the former Maine Central Railroad. Today the tracks are still active, but used by the Conway Scenic Railroad, a tourist attraction that runs between North Conway and Crawford Notch.
Hiking to Arethusa Falls
After crossing the tracks, we entered the woods on the Arethusa Falls Trail, a wide, obvious path. About a quarter mile up the path, we could see Bemis Brook meandering below us. It hadn’t rained in a while, which had greatly tamed this oft roiling creek, the headwaters of which spill down Arethusa Falls.
Just beyond, we came to the junction with the Bemis Brook Trail, a divergence that takes hikers past several pools and small cascades before rejoining the main trail a quarter mile farther up the path. We opted to stay on the direct route to save a few steps.
Shortly after the Bemis Brook Trail merged back into the Arethusa Falls Trail, the path bent sharply up some rock steps. The hardwoods morphed into spruce and birch, and the brook quickly became far below us down a steep hillside.
Frankenstein Cliff is a monster of a cliff, but it is not named after the infamous doctor of the same name and his monster. It is named for the artist, Godfrey Frankenstein, a German artist who immigrated to the United States as a boy in 1831 and settled in Ohio.
After crossing a couple of small streams, we climbed more steps, this time made of logs, then traversed a couple of footbridges. The next set of log steps wound upward to a small knoll and another trail junction, this time with the Arethusa–Ripley Falls Trail, the trail to our first goal: the falls. Now 1.3 miles into our hike and feeling hot and sweaty after a steady uphill climb, we welcomed the quarter mile down to the falls. The white veil of water drew me to it. I scrambled over the rocks at its base to get closer, taking photos. The waterfall fell like the silky tresses of Arethusa’s hair down the rock face above us. Though the waterfall can be a raging torrent after a heavy downpour as if trying to wash Alpheus away, on that day, it was gentle and inviting. Other hikers sought its spray. I found a smooth-topped rock and happily became absorbed by both the sight and sound of this natural landmark as I ate a snack from my pack.
Where was Cindy? I looked around for my friend. “That’s odd,” I thought. “We arrived at the falls together. Didn’t she head toward the water with me?” Then I spotted her hiking boots and socks on a rock about 40 feet away. Cindy had stripped down to a bathing suit that she wore under her hiking shorts and shirt. She basked in the sun, floating in the water as it churned by her like a natural hot tub, except the water was freezing! Laughing and invigorated, Cindy eventually made her way onto drier, higher rocks and toweled off with a bandana.
On to Frankenstein Cliff
From Arethusa Falls, we headed uphill, back to the last trail junction, and then continued toward Frankenstein Cliff. The trail became noticeably rougher and narrower as we climbed, but the periodic views through the trees of Mount Crawford, Mount Resolu-
tion, and Stairs Mountain on the opposite side of Crawford Notch distracted us from the ascent.
About 2.6 miles into our hike, we came to the Frankenstein Cliff Trail, which we followed, now traversing through the forest. A short while later, we walked over a patch of open rock slab called the Mount Washington Dry River Outlook. From the outlook, we ogled a commanding view to the northeast of Mount Washington. We were atop part of Frankenstein Cliff, which we followed a safe distance back from the edge behind a buffer of charred trees. The burned area surprised me. I had forgotten about the wildfire that torched 106 acres of Crawford Notch in May 2022 and didn’t realize it included Frankenstein Cliff.
The trail passed several more breaks in the trees that allowed us to look at the elongated cliff bands both ahead of and behind us.
At 3.4 miles, we finally stood atop of the highest point of Frankenstein Cliff and could see the parking lot, a long way below us. We could also see down Crawford Notch all the way to Mount Chocorua, almost 40 miles away. The expansive panorama and the dizzying drop awed and uplifted us.
On Frankenstein Trestle
Frankenstein Cliff is a monster of a cliff, but it is not named after the infamous doctor of the same name and his monster. It is named for the artist, Godfrey Frankenstein, a German artist who immigrated to the United States as a boy in 1831 and settled in Ohio. Frankenstein traveled several times to New Hampshire’s White Mountains, where he stayed with his friend Samuel Bemis. Bemis owned most of Crawford Notch at the time and named the cliffs after Frankenstein. When the
Hiker traversing rock slab on top of Frankstein cliff.
railroad through Crawford Notch was completed in 1975, two years after Frankenstein’s death, an elevated arcing trestle was also named for the artist.
The descent from Frankenstein Cliff was steep, ledge-y, and more challenging than the well-constructed trail to Arethusa Falls. In places, we balanced in a controlled slide down rolling gravel, but the trail eventually leveled off and traversed through airy hardwoods as we passed under Frankenstein Trestle. The trestle was yet another interesting point on this multifaceted hike.
We crossed one last stream and then closed the loop back at the parking lot at the base of the cliff. Upon emerging onto the parking lot, we looked up at the imposing rock edifice. How surreal that we had stood atop that striking precipice a half hour earlier.
The name Arethusa is derived from the Greek verb theo, meaning to run or hurry. The hike to Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff is worth hurrying to. But don’t rush once you’re there. With Bemis Brook, the falls, the cliffs, and the trestle punctuating this scenic loop, there’s simply too much to take in. It’s a perfect way to spend a day in the Whites. t
FOR MORE INFO
Hiking the White Mountains, 2nd Edition by Lisa Ballard and James Buchanan (FalconGuides, 2020).
The Macomber Family Information Center, located in the historic train depot at the top of Crawford Notch, has an information desk and sells hiking supplies and guidebooks.
good neighbors | by kelly sennott
photography by lars blackmore
KEEPING PEOPLE HAPPY
REFLECTING ON WHAT MAKES STELLA’S TICK
Morgan Lory’s goal for Stella’s Italian Kitchen & Cafe in Lyme, New Hampshire, isn’t to be the best; it’s to be something you can count on. “What I’m looking to do is give people what they want so they come back. If they want really good wine, I’ll buy really good wine. If they want a nice chilled sauvignon blanc, I’ll give them that, too,” Morgan says. “ I want to make sure they’re happy.”
Keeping people comfortable and happy has been the name of the game for Morgan since he purchased Stella’s in 2019. He and his staff have seen ups and downs since then, but they’ve been able to weather all the storms by listening to customers and maintaining a good work atmosphere for employees. Because, contrary to popular belief, it’s not all about the food, says Morgan. It’s about the people who come through the doors; it’s about the regulars who buy sandwiches and take-out and cupcakes for their poetry groups, and it’s about his employees, who he calls the “lifeblood” of Stella’s, the people putting all the love into the product.
Hannah Larochelle works to serve a bar full of locals.
“These are the people that make this place what it is. I am just the guy making a schedule. They deserve all the credit.”
— Morgan Lory
BACK TO STELLA’S
Morgan first worked at Stella’s as a chef in the early 2010s, taking over for the restaurant’s first chef, Martin Murphy. He was here for three years before leaving to pursue other opportunities, including a chef position at the Quechee Club. When the chance to purchase the restaurant came about, he couldn’t resist coming back.
He says he loves that the restaurant is located in the “heartbeat” of downtown Lyme, right on Main Street and adjacent to the bank and post office. He also loves the building’s charming aesthetic, which dates back to 1781 and features original beams crisscrossing the ceiling and vintage signs inscribed with the previous owners’ names. Being in this building means he’s part of a legacy. “I think about all the people in this building: the Lathams, the Nicholses, the Randletts, the folks who lived and worked here, and put so much time and effort into this building. It’s just amazing,” he says.
In just six years, times have changed quickly; soon after he purchased Stella’s, the pandemic hit, and he had to figure out how to pivot and continue to serve the community. Prepackaged dinners and take-out became very popular, and the demand for them has stuck around. About a year ago, Morgan changed the hours to be open 10 hours a day from Wednesday through Saturday, a more financially feasible schedule that also promotes better work-life balance for him and the staff.
Their latest challenges? Mounting food prices. “It’s tricky! When I first opened, roast beef was $6 a pound. Now it’s $12 to $13 a pound. These are the hurdles mounting daily,” he says. “Everything is going up, and you have to be cautious of how you’re priced.”
From left: Tristan Rollins, Paxton Dunnack, Mike Novick, Gage Lory, and Hannah LaRochelle.
Clockwise from far left: Annamary Dinsmore holds a spinach artichoke dip. Diners enjoy their meals. Seared tuna and the always-popular cavatelli pasta with prosciutto and vodka sauce. On the way to the table are a burger and chicken Parmesan. A dry-aged pork chop is served with an apple salad and crispy potatoes. Table setting and back view of the bar.
THE NEW LUNCH
I meet Morgan at the restaurant during off hours one Monday morning. The place is almost empty; only he and his son, Gage Lory, are inside, preparing for the week ahead and cooking food that will fill the display case near Stella’s entrance, starting with a creamy tomato bisque. Their plan is to stock the case with popular items like lasagna, meatballs, and chicken Parmesan, plus this week’s specials, including jambalaya and a French macaroni and cheese inspired by their trip to Paris this past November. All this will be prepackaged and displayed in the market, which is your first stop when you enter Stella’s. Inside, there’s a cafe with casual seating; a counter bar where you can purchase hot drinks and sandwiches; and a small store selling things like prepackaged meals, beer, wine, specialty foods, and hand-crafted items with local ties, from wooden utensils to etched silver spoons.
Morgan says catering to this particular crowd was one of his focuses when he took over. Most lunchtime customers don’t want sit-down service; in Lyme, they’re often hardworking locals looking for a quick bite. “It’s all the same food. We try to focus on take-out for lunch, which is easier than table service,” he says. “We try to make it speedy, consistent, and good. We make sandwiches out front. We buy really good meat— really good turkey, really good French bistro ham, really good roast beef.”
good neighbors
“I live in a unique world. I get to walk into a fridge the size of a bedroom and look at the fresh foods. I have everything. Onions, peppers, fresh herbs, strawberries, blueberries. What looks good? What smells good? What do you feel like? What’s the weather outside?” he says. “All these factors play into it.”
BUILDING AN ENVIRONMENT OF COMMUNITY
Morgan, who studied at the Culinary Institute of America in the early ’90s, says his favorite food is something somebody else cooks for him. “It’s my chance to taste something else. I know what it’s going to taste like when I’m making it. I’ve made my food my whole life,” he says.
Dining out inspires him—his new favorite place is Happy Dumpling in West Lebanon—and so does traveling. After his trip to Paris with his son, he had so many ideas and became obsessed with quiche. He tells me he spent a month trying to figure out the perfect recipe.
“I live in a unique world. I get to walk into a fridge the size of a bedroom and look at the fresh foods. I have everything. Onions, peppers, fresh herbs, strawberries, blueberries. What looks good? What smells good? What do you feel like?
What’s the weather outside?” he says. “All these factors play into it.”
But right now, at this point in his life, it’s not all about the food. He wants to be the best business owner and leader he can be. What he wants is to foster an environment of community in both the town and his team.
“If they’re happy and doing a good job, then the product is good, which makes the customer happy,” he says. “It’s a nice happy cycle that starts with happy people.”t
Stella’s Italian Kitchen & Cafe 5 Main Street Lyme, NH (603) 795-4302 stellaslyme.com
Friends meet to share lunch at Stella’s.
by katherine p. cox
The Science of Hair Health
RESTORE AND MAINTAIN YOUR CROWNING GLORY
“Proper nutrition is very important for maintaining hair health and preventing hair loss and hair thinning.”
“THEY DON’T CALL HAIR OUR CROWNING GLORY FOR NO REASON,” says Dr. Andre Berger, cosmetic surgeon and founder of the Rejuvalife Vitality Institute in Beverly Hills. “It plays a significant role in our personal identity as well as our self-esteem. A lot of people face hair challenges like hair loss and thinning of the hair, and that’s fostering a growing trend in trichology, which is the scientific study of hair and scalp health.”
Hair growth is a cyclical process, with three main phases. The first is the growth phase, called the anagen phase, which lasts two to seven years. “It determines hair length,” Dr. Berger says. The next phase is a transitional phase, called the catagen phase, which lasts about two weeks and begins the end of the growth phase. “That’s when the hair follicles shrink and detach from the area where the hair shafts are secured in the skin.” The last phase, the telogen phase, is the resting phase. “This lasts around three months, when the hair rests before it sheds and the cycle begins again. Obviously not all hair follicles are in the same phase.”
Promoting gentle hair care is essential to healthy hair, and excessive heat, chemicals, and tight hair styles can damage the hair shaft and should be avoided.
HAIR LOSS: COMMON CAUSES
There are four main causes of hair loss and thinning, Dr. Berger says. Genetics contributes to male-pattern hair loss and female-pattern baldness, which is technically called androgenic alopecia. “It’s linked to hormonal changes, particularly changes in levels of dihydrotestosterone (known as DHT). If you have higher levels and you have a genetic predisposition, it will contribute to male-pattern hair loss. It’s very common.” The next common cause, he says, is hormone imbalance. In females, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can cause hair thinning due to increased levels of dihydrotestosterone. Thyroid disorders can also lead to hair thinning.
Nutritional deficiencies can impair hair health. “Proper nutrition is very important for maintaining hair health and preventing hair loss and hair thinning.” Finally, medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases and treatments such as chemotherapy can cause hair loss.
THE RIGHT DIAGNOSIS
“You need an accurate diagnosis to get an effective treatment,” Dr. Berger says. There are various methods a trichologist, a specialist who focuses on hair and scalp issues, or a dermatologist use to analyze the hair and scalp get a proper diagnosis. Trichoscopy involves using a noninvasive dermascope, a magnifying device that allows the examination of the scalp and hair follicles that can identify various conditions. A scalp biopsy may be taken if the cause is not 100 percent clear, Dr. Berger says. A small section of the scalp is examined in the lab to further determine the condition and cause of hair loss or thinning. A trichologist might also look into a person’s medical history, nutrition, and hair care routine.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
All these issues have led to advances in treating hair loss, Dr. Berger says. Medications can be either topical or taken orally. Minoxidil stimulates hair follicles by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase and can be used topically on the scalp without a prescription or taken orally by prescription. It works directly on the hair follicle. Finasteride and dutasteride, used orally or topically, reduce the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which damages the hair follicle. It’s important to first identify the cause of hair loss, he cautions, as finasteride and dutasteride work only if the cause is hormonal.
Low-level laser therapy, or red-light therapy, has been shown to increase hair density and promote growth, Dr. Berger says, and comes in a variety of devices. Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP), in which your own platelets are injected into the scalp, is also effective in improving the density of the hair in men and women.
Hair transplants are beneficial mostly for androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness), which is primarily genetic. Hair follicles from areas where it is healthy and thick are harvested and transplanted to the scalp.
Alternative and complementary treatments can help as well. Caffeine applied topically has been found to support hair growth because it increases blood flow to the scalp and suppresses DHT. Products such as shampoos, serums, and oils that contain caffeine are available, but they must be used regularly. Saw palmetto and red ginseng extract increase hair density and hair follicle growth because they have active compounds that enhance blood circulation to the scalp. Hormone therapy in the form of antiandrogens such as spironolactone can suppress androgen production in women.
A WORD ON PREVENTION
“You can’t prevent your genetics but you can make lifestyle choices that can have a major influence on your hair health,” Dr. Berger says. Diet, proper nutrition, and adequate intake of essential nutrients and supplements support hair health, he says. Targeted supplements such as Nutrafol are formulated to support hair growth. Stress management is important because chronic stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to hormone imbalances, Dr. Berger says. Promoting gentle hair care is essential to healthy hair, and excessive heat, chemicals, and tight hair styles can damage the hair shaft and should be avoided.
Trichology is a promising field conducting cutting-edge research, and there are a variety of treatments coming down the road that may provide options in the future. Stem-cell therapy, still in its experimental phase, could show promise in generating new hair follicles and could make transplants obsolete, Dr. Berger says. “That’s coming,” he says, because you could use stem cells to regenerate hair follicles rather than transplanting them.
“It’s an evolving field. Hair is a big business. Hair is the one prominent contributor to self-image, self-esteem, and vanity,” Dr. Berger says. When you lose your natural looks, you look for ways to mask it or overcome it, and hair is a big one, he says. “Hair is a central part of our lives for both men and women.” t
For more from Dr. Berger, see his book The Beverly Hills Anti-Aging Prescription.
THE HOOD MUSEUM OF ART | @ DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
SUMMER EVENTS
The Hood Museum of Art is free and open to all. Public programs are free unless otherwise noted. Hours: Wednesday, 11am–5pm; Thursday and Friday, 11am–8pm; Saturday, 1–5pm. For information, visit hoodmuseum.dartmouth.edu or call (603) 646-2808.
Join us for lectures with scholars and discussions with artists. Contribute to important conversations on current issues and take a closer look at works in the collection. We can’t wait to see you in the galleries!
Ongoing
Beyond the Bouquet: Arranging Flowers in American Art
Inspired by flowers, North American artists working across time, cultural traditions, and artistic styles have embraced floral beauty in the natural world.
Ongoing
Always Already: Abstraction in the United States
Abstraction in North America predates the founding of the United States by thousands of years. Picking up this story in the 19th century, Always Already celebrates diverse approaches to color, geometry, and composition.
Cara Romero: Panûpünüwügai (Living Light) installed at the Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth, January 18–August 10, 2025. Courtesy of the Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth. Photo by Rob Strong.
SUMMER EVENTS
On view through June 29, 2025
Attitude of Coexistence: Non-Humans in East Asian Art
In East Asian art, nonhuman subjects such as deities, mythological beings, natural phenomena, animals, and everyday objects have long been represented with agency, coexisting alongside their human counterparts.
On view through August 9, 2025
Cara Romero: Panûpünüwügai (Living Light)
Spanning the past decade of her work, this exhibition presents a thematic examination of Chemehuevi photographer Cara Romero’s complex and layered images, which celebrate the multiplicity, beauty, and resilience of Native American and Indigenous experiences.
On view through September 28
Monet: Reimagining the French Landscape
This exhibition highlights two landscape paintings by Claude Monet, the seminal French painter of the late 19th century. Through quick strokes of brightly colored paint, Monet prompted his audiences to take a new look at the French landscape.
Monet: Reimagining the French Landscape on view in the Class of 1967 Gallery through September 28, 2025. Photo by Rob Strong.
Ongoing
Make Space: In Bloom
This summer, whenever the museum is open, visitors of all ages are invited to drop by our art activity space in Engles Gallery to create sculptural paper flowers to contribute to an in-gallery community garden wall.
July 16
Public Art Walking Tour
Join John Stomberg, Virginia R. Kelsey 1961s Director, for a walking tour highlighting public art on campus, including the new Alice Aycock sculpture. Comfortable walking shoes suggested. No registration needed. Please meet in the Russo Atrium at the Hood Museum of Art five minutes prior to start time.
12:30–1:30pm
SUMMER EVENTS
July 23
Curator-Led Exhibition Tour: Cara Romero: Panûpünüwügai (Living Light)
Join Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs and Curator of Indigenous Art Jami Powell for an insightful tour of this exhibition before it closes in August. Walk-in. Space is limited. 12:30–1:30pm
August 1
A Space for Dialogue Gallery Talk: Chasing Modernity: Fleeting Moments and Elusive Urbanity
This exhibition and talk explore parallels between New York’s Ashcan School of the early 20th century and Parisian modernism of the 19th century in terms of the ephemerality of urban life.
4–4:45pm
August 2
Special Program: Monet and Impressionism
The Hood Museum of Art and the Hopkins Center present this collaborative glimpse into the life and times of the Impressionists, with a spotlight on Monet.
Loew Auditorium, Black Family Visual Arts Center
Spotlight Talk on Monet, 1:30pm
Dr. Elizabeth Rice Mattison,
the Hood Museum’s Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Academic Programming and curator of European art, will provide a brief presentation in Loew Auditorium on two masterpieces by the famous French Impressionist Claude Monet, currently on view in the Hood Museum’s exhibition Monet: Reimagining the French Landscape, on view through September 28.
Film Screening: Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874, 2pm
The spectacular Musée d’Orsay exhibition featured in this film brings fresh eyes to an extraordinary tale of passion and rebellion. The story is told not only by historians and curators but also by those who witnessed the dawn of Impressionism: the artists, press, and people of Paris in 1874.
August 8 & 15
Special Program: Art in Focus
Join us for a unique opportunity for dialogue and connection through art, designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, along with their family members or care partners. Specially trained museum educators will guide you through themes, artists, and exhibitions in an interactive and engaging session in the galleries, followed by an art-making activity (all materials provided). Assistive listening devices are available. Free of charge. Space is limited and preregistration is required through the Hood Museum’s website.
2–4pm
September 13
Birthday Block Party
Celebrate the Hood Museum’s 40th anniversary with a free community block party. Visit the Hood Museum’s website for more details.
1–4pm
HOPKINS CENTER
FOR THE ARTS @ DARTMOUTH COLLEGE hop.dartmouth.edu
For information, tickets, or pricing information, call (603) 646-2422 or visit hop.dartmouth.edu.
Free Summer Concert Series
August 6
Las Cafeteras
Dartmouth Green, 5:30pm
August 13
Twisted Pine
Dartmouth Green, 5:30pm
Your New Hop—Opening Fall 2025!
We can't wait to welcome you into our vibrant center for creation, experimentation, joy, and community right at the heart of the bustling Dartmouth Arts District. In the meantime, visit hop.dartmouth.edu for additional summer programming across the Dartmouth campus. t
Montshire Museum of Science
One Montshire Road, Norwich, VT (802) 649-2200, montshire.org
Exhibit: Timber Tumble
HAPPENINGS | SUMMER 2025
It’s an auditory experience, it’s an interactive playscape, and it’s a meditative sculpture park all in one. This outdoor exhibition was created using natural and found materials sourced entirely from the Montshire’s 110-acre property. Timber Tumble features hand-made and roughhewn switchbacks, spirals, raceways, and ball runs that are designed to engage all senses and encourage calm.
Exhibit: Wonder Woods
Wonder Woods is specially designed to ignite the curiosity and support the development of the museum’s youngest visitors—children ages 5 and under. Informed by the latest research on early childhood development, this permanent, 600-square-foot, multilevel learning space is designed to foster an early love and interest in STEM learning (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) as it aims to help children become confident lifelong learners.
Exhibit: Bubbles:ScienceinSoap
Delight in experimenting with surface tension, concocting new ways to create a bubble, crafting a foam sculpture, and injecting a bubble with mist.
Exhibit: Solve It! Puzzles, Math & Problem-Solving
Energize your brain and spark your imagination as you quest to solve hands-on puzzles and games.
Exhibit: DiscoveringtheNaturalWorld
Featuring real tools of scientific research, DiscoveringtheNaturalWorld makes learning about living plants and animals an interactive process that will surprise and delight.
Exhibit: Air Works
Air Works, featuring a dazzling array of interactive exhibits, helps to flex engineering muscles, strengthen the understanding of core scientific concepts, and spark the imaginations of all ages.
Exhibit: Life in Local Waters
See fish, frogs, and turtles native to the New England region. Each aquarium is representative of a different freshwater habitat. From toads to turtles, crayfish to trout, view native species close up.
Exhibit: Glow Room
Experiment with ultraviolet light, visit with friendly dinosaurs, and design with a vivid array of neon colors in the new interactive Instagrammable dark space.
Hands-On Science Activities
Every day is different! You may get to hold a fossil or make a parachute, build an electric circuit, or use a microscope! Visit montshire.org for dates and times. 11am & 3pm
June 11
Pre-K Professional Development Workshop
FREE STEM professional opportunity for pre-K educators! Come explore physical science concepts that will help you understand and teach concepts of balance to your students. You will also meet other passionate educators and play with materials that we will provide for you to bring back to your schools. At the end of the session you will receive a certificate of completion.
5:30pm
Timber Tumble is an outdoor exhibition that encourages visitors to venture into the woods and reconnect with nature in a whole new way.
JUNE | JULY | AUGUST
The Fourth Place 3 Lebanon Street (Second Floor) Hanover, NH thefourthplacehanover.com
Tuesdays
Member Hours
4:30–11pm
Wednesdays New Comic Book Day 2–5pm
Thursdays Magic: Commander Night 4–10pm
Thursdays Board Game Night 5:30–10pm
Fridays Star Wars: Unlimited 5–11pm
Saturdays Free Couch Multiplayer 6–11pm
Saturdays Pathfinder Society 6pm Sundays Family Afternoon 12–5pm
Sundays Learn & Play: One Piece Card Game 3–6pm
June 4, July 4, August 4 The 4th: Community Appreciation Day 10–10:30am
June 4, July 2, August 6 Upper Valley Young Professionals Game Night 6–10pm
June 6–8, July 4–6, August 1–3 RPG Weekend
June 6, July 4, August 1 Friday Night Magic: Standard 4–11pm
Hikes for Every Month of the Year!
Download full directions for your own self-guided hike around Hanover— where to go, what you’ll see, plus a glimpse into the backstory. Access each hike on your phone (if cell service allows) or print the PDF version to take with you. Visit Hanover Conservancy’s website, hanoverconservancy.org/hikeof-the-month, for more information.
June 8, August 10 Manga Book Club 3–5pm
June 11 Card Game Night 6–10pm
June 11, July 9, August 13 Wargames Wednesday 6–11pm
June 13, July 11, August 8
Friday Night Magic: Draft 6–11pm
June
Historic Wolfeboro Road West 2.8 miles one way
Moose Mountain Lodge and Ledges 1.9 miles round-trip
The Velvet Ledges of Greensboro Ridge 1.5 miles round-trip
July
Baum Conservation Area and Moose Mountain 2.5-mile loop plus 0.7 mile optional
Mink Brook and Gile Hill, 2.1 miles
Pasture Road Peregrinations, 3.5 miles Slade Brook and Huntington Hill 2 miles round-trip
The White Ledges of the Mayor–Niles Forest, 1.1 miles round-trip
August
Moose Mountain Ridge Loop 4 miles round-trip
Shumway Forest and Tom Linnell Ridge 4 miles round-trip
South Esker, 1 mile round-trip
happenings | The Fourth Place
June 14, July 12, August 9
Crafting Day: Mini Painting 3–8pm
June 15, July 6 & 20, August 3, 17
Taverns & Towers Game 1:30–6pm
June 15, July 20, August 17
Upper Valley Scrabble Club
4–8pm
June 18, July 16, August 20
Prototype Board Game Night 6–10pm
June 20, July 18, August 15
Friday Night Magic: Pauper 3:30–11pm
June 21, July 19, August 16
Blood on the Clocktower 6–11pm
June 22, July 27, August 24
Learn & Play Pokemon 2–6pm
June 22, July 27, August 24
Upper Valley Sci-Fi & Fantasy Club (Book Club Day)
3–5pm
June 25, July 23, August 27
#BIRDGAMENIGHT
6–10pm
June 27, July 25, August 22
Friday Night Magic: Modern 4–11pm
June 27
Magic Presents: Pride Commander Event 6–10pm
June 27, July 25, August 22
Star Wars Unlimited: Monthly Sealed Event! 6–11pm
June 28, July 26, August 23 Pride Game Night 6–10pm
June 29, August 31
Cooperative board Game Night 7–11pm
July 13
Comic Book Club 3–5pm
Howe Library 13 South Street Hanover, NH (603) 643-4120 www.howelibrary.org
Wednesdays
Chess Club Mayer Room, 6pm
Thursdays
Drop-In Tech Help New Books Area Table, 11am
Through June 20, Fridays Bach Study Group Mayer Room, 10am
June 5
Storytime and Craft with a Local Author Children’s Program Room, 10:30am
June 5, August 7
Horror Stories: A Book Group Aldrich Room, 6:30pm
June 9, 23, July 7, 21, August 4, 18
The Howe Writing Group Aldrich Room, 5:30pm
June 10, July 8, August 12
Books and Lunch on Tuesdays Murray Room, 12pm
OTHER NOTEWORTHY EVENTS
June 14, 28, July 12, 26, August 9, 23
Adult Dungeons and Dragons
Murray Room, 10am & 1pm
June 14, July 12, August 16
Memory Café Mayer Room, 10:30am
June 26–August 14, Thursdays
Storytime Stay and Play Mayer Room, 10:30am
July 14–17
Comic Camp
July 14
Caterpillar Lab 9:30am
July 19
Howe at Storrs Pond: Marko the Magician 6pm
July 28
Butterflies on the Loose Children’s Program Room, 10:30am
August 17
Poetry as Presence: Summer 7pm
Exhibit: A Few of Our Favorite Things: Treasures from the Collection Norwich Historical Society norwichhistory.org
Online Exhibit: Mad for Mid-Century Modern Norwich Historical Society norwichhistory.org
Online Exhibit: Norwich’s Vandalized Bible—Mending the Spaces Between Norwich Historical Society norwichhistory.org
Online Exhibit: Norwich Women Crafting the Future Norwich Historical Society norwichhistory.org
Online Exhibit: Poets and the Past Norwich Historical Society norwichhistory.org
Mondays Story Time with Beth! The Norwich Bookstore, 10am norwichbookstore.com
July 19, Marko the Magician
Adult Dungeons and Dragons
Mad for Mid-Century Modern
June 5
Printmaking with Botanical Materials Series Part 1 Enfield Shaker Museum, 5:30pm shakermuseum.org
June 7
Hike to Smith Pond with Upper Valley Land Trust Enfield Shaker Museum, 10am shakermuseum.org
June 8
Pressed Flower Workshop with Ellie Roden
Enfield Shaker Museum, 1pm shakermuseum.org
June 9
Framing History: Photography Basics at the Museum Enfield Shaker Museum, 6pm shakermuseum.org
June 14
Herb Gardening Workshop Series Part 5 Enfield Shaker Museum, 9am shakermuseum.org
Jason Chin – Hurricane The Norwich Bookstore, 2pm norwichbookstore.com
June 14
Worldwide Knit in Public Day! Enfield Shaker Museum shakermuseum.org
June 8, Pressed Flower Workshop with Ellie Roden
June 20
Summer Solstice Community Potluck Balch Hill Natural Area, 6pm hanoverconservancy.org
June 20
Kevin Ryan – Across a Continent, Across a Life
The Norwich Bookstore, 7pm norwichbookstore.com
June 21, August 20
En Plein Air Experience with Heidi Lorenz
Enfield Shaker Museum, 1pm shakermuseum.org
June 24
Roberta Harold – Portrait of an Unseen Woman
The Norwich Bookstore, 7pm norwichbookstore.com
June 25
Sue Halpern – What We Leave Behind
The Norwich Bookstore, 7pm norwichbookstore.com
July 10
Printmaking with Botanical Materials Series Part 2
Enfield Shaker Museum, 5:30pm shakermuseum.org
July 19
Oval Box Making Workshop
Enfield Shaker Museum, 8:30am shakermuseum.org
July 19
Art in the Garden Gathering Enfield Shaker Museum, 4pm shakermuseum.org
July 26
Cat Head Basket Workshop Enfield Shaker Museum, 9am shakermuseum.org
August 14
Printmaking with Botanical Materials Series Part 3
Enfield Shaker Museum, 5:30pm shakermuseum.org
August 24
Hand Papermaking with Plants Enfield Shaker Museum, 10am shakermuseum.org
August 28
Sarah Strohmeyer – A Mother Always Knows The Norwich Bookstore, 7pm norwichbookstore.com
Get listed on the greateruppervalley.com BUSINESS DIRECTORY and you will also be included on our printed list in every issue of Here In Hanover (see page 23).
HERE’S HOW!
Call Ryan Frisch at (518) 365-0030 or email ryanfrisch@mountainviewpublishing.com. Find out how you can connect with our readers. It’s easy, inexpensive, and another way to reach an affluent and educated audience.
SUBSCRIBE
Share the wonder of our beautiful area and the latest news all year long with a Here In Hanover gift subscription. Friends and family who have moved away from the area will be especially appreciative. Be sure to order a subscription for yourself too!
Send a check for $19.95 for one year (4 issues) to Here In Hanover, 135 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755. Or conveniently pay online using PayPal at www.greateruppervalley.com.
ADVERTISERS INDEX | SUMMER 2025
3 Phase Landscaping, LLC 46
APD Lifecare 29
AVA Gallery and Art Center 26
Allen Pools & Spas 67
Andy Clouse Realtor 3
Aria Hearing 67
Baker Orthodontics 18
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust 19
Belletetes 10
Bethel Mills 93
Big Green Real Estate 68
Black House Real Estate 76
Blood’s Catering & Party Rentals 85
Blue Waters Chimney & Fireplace 56
Carpet Mill 69
Carson Wealth/Fisher Financial Advisors 78
Circus Smirkus 9
Crossroads Academy 78
Crown Point Cabinetry 6
Crown Point Select 31
DRM 95
Dartmouth Authentic Store 12
Designer Gold 23
Donald J. Neely, DMD, MSD –
Hanover Orthodontics 55
Doyle and Loughman Wealth Management Group 1
Dr. Alla Devitskaya 33
Dutille’s Jewelry Design Studio 39
Foremost Builders 56
Fore-U Golf Center 33
GR Porter & Sons 99
Gilberte Interiors 5
Glowen Day Spa 58
Half-Step Beer & Wine 58
Hanover Inn 30
Hanover Road Dental Health 47
Hanover Scoops 58
Hanover Terrace 101
Higgerson & Co. 11
Hill Opticians & Gallagher Eye Care 68
Hillside Builders 30
Honey Field Farm & Greenhouses 59
Indigo 100
JMH Wealth Management, LLC 41
Jeff Wilmot Painting & Wallpapering 95
Johnson Audiology 59
Kendal at Hanover 85
King Arthur Baking Company 90
Lake Morey Resort 7
Landshapes 40
LaValley Building Supply 87
Law Office of Margaret A. Jacobs 55
Lawn Master of Vermont 101
Lemon Tree Gifts 60
LindeMac Real Estate Inside back cover
Little Havana 18
Loch Lyme Lodge 88
Lyme Road Dental 2
MB Pro Landscape Design, LLC 79
Martha E. Diebold Real Estate Inside front cover
Matt Brown Fine Art 59
Montcalm Golf Club 55
Mudge Greeley Architects 68
NT Ferro Estate & Custom Jewelers 34 & 91
Nefertiti Nails & Spa 100
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Dartmouth 60
Peraza Dermatology Group 8
Putnam’s vine/yard 60
Ramunto’s Brick & Brew 61
Real Broker, LLC 27
River Road Veterinary Clinic 90
Rousseau & Ross Back cover
Samyn-D’Elia Architects 15
Simple Energy 88
Snyder Donegan Real Estate Group 4
Systems Plus 91
Terrace Communities 41
The Fourth Place 61
The Gilded Edge 60
The Ivy Edit 59
The Lyme Inn 40
The Norwich Bookstore 61
The Public House 39
The Tea House 35
Twisted Scissors 58
Valley Floors 98
Verani Realty 21
Von Bargen’s Jewelry 79
WISE 99
Walt & Ernie’s Barbershop 61
White River/Hanover Family Eyecare 87
Williamson Group 17
Woodstock Inn & Resort 47 & 77
Yankee Barn Homes 13
by mike morin
A Moment with Andrew Winter
Director of Twin Pines Housing
WhatareTwinPinesHousing’sbiggestchallengesin serving those who cannot afford housing in a time of high real estate and borrowing costs?
The biggest challenge is the lack of housing options for those we serve. So many people are looking, and the supply just isn’t there. Federal resources are shrinking at a time when costs of construction are increasing. Additionally, we run into infrastructure issues—some towns don’t have the water or sewer capacity despite communities that are eager for more development. Add in construction workforce issues and interest rates, and there are a lot of challenges.
Whyisitimportantthatatleastone-thirdofTwinPines’ board members be individuals with low to moderate incomes or residents of your properties?
We have always had a third of our board be low- or moderateincome individuals. It’s important that our board reflects the people we serve. Having residents at the table helps keep us focused on what matters most—making sure our work is practical, respectful, and truly meets the needs of the community. Their voices shape our direction and keep us accountable.
How do your local nonprofit partners assist in assuring perpetually affordable housing?
We partner with over 20 nonprofits across the Upper Valley. These relationships are key. Working together, we make sure
residents get the support they need without duplicating efforts. One of our key partners is the Upper Valley Haven, which provides services for families and individuals transitioning from homelessness, helping residents stay housed. These kinds of partnerships really strengthen our ability to maintain long-term, stable housing.
What can concerned citizens do to help with your mission?
Philanthropic support is one of the best ways to help. Our Resident Supportive Services program relies almost entirely on donations to connect people with food, health care, and other essential resources. Beyond giving, people can show up—attend local meetings, speak up for affordable and workforce housing, and help shift the conversation. It all adds up.
On a personal level,what do you enjoy doing in your downtime?
I love skiing and gardening! I also spend a lot of time with my dogs—we have four Glen of Imaal Terriers that keep things lively. My wife and I love traveling when we can find the time, and when we’re home, we make a point of enjoying everything the Upper Valley has to offer. t
David Crandall, director of communications and development, meets with Andrew. Photos by Nancy Nutile-McMenemy.
