ANNEMARIE
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed.
– Audrey Hepburn
Ionfusion, Ultra Sonic & Anti-Aging Facials
Microdermabrasions
Lash Lift & Extensions Brow & Lash Tinting Waxing Services Spray Tanning Make-up Applications
FACE, SKIN & BODY CARE Neuromusculoskeletal
We take COVID-19 and your protection seriously. We have made several o ce improvements and implemented sensible safety precautions. We need your cooperation to be successful. Please adhere to our new safety guidelines as stated on our website
Chris & Annemarie Schmidt
Winter • 2022/2023
Mountain View Publishing, LLC
135 Lyme Road Hanover, NH 03755 (603) 867-9339
WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM
Publishers Bob Frisch Cheryl Frisch
Executive Editor Deborah Thompson
Associate Editor Kristy Erickson
Creative Director/Design Ellen Klempner-Béguin
Advertising Design Marston Creative
Web Design Locable Inbound Marketing Manager Erin Frisch
Advertising Bob Frisch
KEEP US POSTED: image magazine wants to hear from readers. Correspondence may be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, image 135 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755. Or email us at: dthompson@mountainviewpublishing.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by email to rcfrisch1@comcast.net. image is published quarterly by Mountain View Publishing, LLC ©2022/2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited. image magazine accepts no responsibility for unso licited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.
It’s time for another holiday season and all the fun winter brings. After a glorious autumn and expressing gratitude for our many blessings at Thanksgiving, our attention turns to the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holidays. I can almost smell the aroma of cookies baking now! While searching for the perfect gifts for loved ones, keep your shopping dollars close to home and support local merchants and your community.
White River Junction may be the perfect place to start. We’re featuring seven businesses and the women who own them in a special feature beginning on page 50. Have fun browsing the shops and be sure to allow time to take a break for lunch.
We’re checking in on the Upper Valley Music Center in Lebanon to explore their many options for lessons and performances (page 28), and after a long day of shopping, working, or skiing, relax at the Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille for a delicious meal and a cold one (page 66).
If you live for winter sports, you’ll enjoy taking a look back at the old King Ridge ski area (page 36). Susan Nye gives us a tour with nostalgic photos, bringing back fond childhood memories for many of us. Farther afield, Lisa Ballard whisks us off to the French Alps to visit the posh ski resort of Megeve (page 84). Wow! Those views are breathtaking!
The rest of the staff and I wish you and your family a blessed holiday season and a wonderful winter. Enjoy!
Deborah Thompson Executive Editor
dthompson@mountainviewpublishing.com
www.facebook.com/greateruppervalley.com
We work in partnership with you to create, implement and manage investment solutions that meet your objectives today and for future generations.
Good things happen when we work together.
Visit us today to see how we can help you.
Hanover 68 South Main Street New London 321 Main Street 888-853-7100 www.barharborwealth.com
*Bar Harbor Wealth Management is a subsidiary of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Investment products are not deposits or obligations of the Bank, are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by Bank and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of value or principal amount invested. Nothing contained in this communication should be construed as investment advice.
Susan’s creative nonfiction and poetry have appeared in numerous publications. She writes about local arts on her blog, ArtfulEdge, at dailyUV.com, and contributes to Boston’s The Arts Fuse. She also authors a newspaper column, LawSpeak, for Vermont Woman. She’s aformer Professor of Law wholives in Lebanon, New Hampshire.
A full-time freelance writer and photographer, Lisa Ballard is a graduate of Dartmouth College who resided in the Upper Valley for another 25 years. She is the author of 10 books, including Best Hikes with Dogs: New Hampshire and Vermont, Hiking the White Mountains, and Hiking the Green Mountains. She covers all types of outdoor recreation, travel, and conservation topics for over 25 magazines. www.LisaBallardOutdoors.com
Originally from Denmark, Lars has worked as a photojournalist since the early 1990s, covering everything from concerts to war zones for the Associated Press, Save the Children, and others. He now lives in Norwich, Vermont, with his wife and spends time between assignments on the trails across northern New England.
Lynn began her photographic career in Boston, studying at New England School of Photography, assisting commercial photographers, and color printing in photo labs. Originally from West Virginia, she worked her way north, finally landing in the hills of Vermont. Her current assignments include photographing people, product, and art.
Pamela has been a journalist with Hearst Connecticut Media Group for 20 years, covering a wide spectrum of subjects, and she has a monthly food column in Connecticut Magazine. When she steps away from the computer, Pamela enjoys vacationing in Woodstock, playing tennis, gardening, reading, and spending time with her beautiful daughter, Alexis, and adorable mini Goldendoodle, Rafa.
To make your holiday shopping a little easier, we’ve put together a list of some places in the Upper Valley where you can find great gifts this holiday season.
For a showstopping baking challenge, try making the traditional European dessert—Bûche de Noël—also known as a Yule Log, for your next holiday event or party.
19 Days of the Valley: Shop Local to Help Restock the Haven’s Food Shelf
Local businesses band together to support the Haven, encourage local shopping, and help those in need by donating a percentage of sales during the first 19 days of December.
Check out these local businesses in our directory.
ANNEMARIE SCHMIDT EUROPEAN
FACE AND BODY STUDIO
AVA GALLERY
BENJAMIN F. EDWARDS & CO.
BETTER HOMES/THE MASIELLO GROUP
CALDWELL LAW
CARPET KING & TILE
COLBY INSURANCE GROUP
CO-OP FOOD STORES
COPELAND FURNITURE
CROSSROADS ACADEMY
DATAMANN
db LANDSCAPING
DEAD RIVER COMPANY
DOWDS’ COUNTRY INN
DOWDS’ INN EVENTS CENTER
DR. NEELY–HANOVER ORTHODONTICS
EVERGREEN RECYCLING
FORE U GOLF
GILBERTE INTERIORS
HANOVER EYECARE
HATO VIEJO COFFEE
JEFF WILMOT PAINTING & WALLPAPERING, INC.
JUNCTION FRAME SHOP
KING ARTHUR BAKING COMPANY
LATHAM HOUSE TAVERN
LEDYARD BANK
www.greateruppervalley.com
LITTLE ISTANBUL
LOCABLE
MARTHA E. DIEBOLD REAL ESTATE MASCOMA BANK
MB PRO LANDSCAPE DESIGN
MORNINGSIDE FLIGHT PARK
MOUNTAIN VALLEY TREATMENT CENTER
MVP MARINE
N.T. FERRO ESTATE AND CUSTOM JEWELERS
REVELS NORTH
RICHARD ELECTRIC
RIVER ROAD VETERINARY CLINIC RODD ROOFING
ROGER A. PHILLIPS, DMD
THE DORR MILL STORE
THE GRANITE GROUP, THE ULTIMATE BATH STORE
THE HANOVER INN AT DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
THE JACKSON HOUSE INN TUCKERBOX
WHITE RIVER FAMILY EYECARE WISE
WOODSTOCK AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
WOODSTOCK INN & RESORT
YANKEE BARN HOMES
For more information about how your business can get listed on our ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY or for other online advertising opportunities, contact Bob Frisch at (603) 867-9339 or email rcfrisch1@comcast.net.
December is National Pear Month, and it’s no wonder there’s a month devoted to this delicious fruit. Pears date back as far as 1134 BC, when they are believed to have been grown in China. They gained popularity in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries and became an obsession for the wealthy for their delicate flavor and long storage life. The first pears to reach North America were planted in the Massachusetts Bay Colony around 1620, and in the 1800s, pioneers brought them to the west coast, where they flourish today.
There are more than 5,000 different pear varieties grown around the world. The top varieties in the US are Bartlett, Anjou, Bosc, and Red Anjou. They’ve been associated with Christmas since the pear tree was immortalized in the 18th century Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” They’re a tasty gift idea for Hanukkah as well, which is December 18 through 26. They also make a lovely host or hostess gift for your holiday get-togethers.
Pears have an ongoing connection to happiness. Greek goddesses Hera and Aphrodite considered the pear a sacred fruit. In ancient China, pears represented immortality and prosperity. In Korea, the pear symbolizes grace and nobility.
Celebrate National Sangria Day on December 20 and liven up your holiday festivities throughout the month by making this beautiful and delicious cocktail at home. Perfect for a crowd, sangria is better if you make it ahead of time and let it sit in a pitcher in the fridge for a couple hours. Use this basic recipe, and then swap in whatever fruits you like—and don’t forget the pears!
1 bottle of your favorite red wine
1 cup orange juice
K cup brandy
N cup granulated sugar, or to taste
1 orange, sliced
1apple, sliced
1 pear, sliced
1 cup of your favorite berries
1 can (12 oz) seltzer
Mix everything except the seltzer together in a large pitcher and let sit in the refrigerator for two hours. Top off with seltzer before serving.
January 4, 1785, marks the birth of Jacob Grimm (of the Brothers Grimm). Jacob and his brother Wilhelm were German academics, philologists, cultural researchers, lexicographers, and authors who together published some of our most famous folk tales, including stories such as “Cinderella,” “The Frog Prince,” “Hansel and Gretel,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Rapunzel,” “Snow White,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “Rumpelstiltskin.” Their first collection, Children’s and Household Tales, was published in 1812.
After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season has finally settled down, get cozy and relax with a cup of tea on January 12, National Hot Tea Day. Research finds that drinking tea lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and drinking about a half cup of green tea daily may lower the risk of developing depression and dementia.
Winter is a time of scarcity for many outdoor creatures, and it can be especially tough for birds to find naturally occurring food. Even if seed is available, winter winds often blow it away or excess moisture makes it inedible. And many of the foods that birds eat during the warmer weather months, like insects and fruits, are nowhere to be found. February is National Bird Feeding Month, a great reminder to fill your bird feeders with seeds and nuts that are high in fat and calories. Look for a mix including black oil sunflower, peanuts, and white millet. You’ll find a variety of birdseed as well as birdhouses and feeders at Gardner’s Supply Company in Lebanon. Visit gardeners. com for hours and more information.
Skip the sweets this year and treat your loved ones to a heart-healthy meal. The best foods for the heart include beans and legumes, avocados, berries, whole grains, and fiberrich veggies. If it just isn’t Valentine’s Day without chocolate, then opt for the dark variety. A little bit (about two ounces) of dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure, and it’s high in flavonoids, which are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
Music challenges the brain, feeds the heart, and nourishes the soul.
If you were waiting in a line of cars for a take-out lunch at the Upper Valley Senior Center in Lebanon over the past pandemic-influenced years, you might have been anticipating a tasty meal, and maybe even a cheerful word with volunteers passing lunches through car windows. But there might have been an unexpected bonus: a simple outdoor concert. On several occasions, students from the Upper Valley Music Center contributed to the meal delivery project by hauling their instruments across the green to the Senior Center to make music while hungry patrons snaked through the line. It is one example of how the Upper Valley Music Center connects to the community, even if it is outside of its own doors.
Inside its doors, however, is a hive of educational and artistic activity. Approximately 1,200 participants a year take group or one-on-one classes at UVMC, with a faculty of 33. Some gather to form ensembles in which they can play together regularly, perhaps chamber music or contra dance tunes. Music Together brings families with children to the center to learn how to incorporate music into everyday family life. All are part of the fabric and philosophy that at UVMC, “music truly is for everyone, for all ages and experiences levels,” says Erin Jenkins Smith, assistant director (also instructor, former student, parent, and a one-time volunteer). “Sometimes a newcomer hesitates: “But my toddler . . .,” to which Erin responds without hesitation, “yes, yes to your toddler.” Not only is everyone welcome, but chances are there’s a class, a program, a concert, or sheet music in the library with your name on it.
Clockwise from above: UVMC offers Music Together classes for birth to age six, with lots of drumming! Photo by Nancy Nutile-McMenemy. Carolers gather in front of UVMC. Community members join the chorus at the Messiah Sing. Photo by Paul Hurford. Parent and child perform together in a recital. Photo by Rob Strong. DJ Sean Hay and a DJ Academy student lead a dance party. Fiddle tune fans jam together in Colburn Park. Photo by Rob Strong. Mark Nelson conducts the orchestra and soloist at the Messiah Sing.
Spreading the Word—and the Music UVMC began in a different Lebanon location in 1995 and consisted of a community orhcestra, a children's chorus, and chamber music ensembles. Classes taught according to the Suzuki method were added in 2002. In 2017, UVMC moved into its present location, a stately brick home facing Colburn Park, Lebanon’s town green. Within sight lines of other major arts venues like Lebanon Opera House and AVA Gallery and Art Center, the move has given UVMC added visibility. When events are held on the green, such as a UVMCsponsored gamelan workshop or the recent local business-oriented LebFest, Erin is able to field questions about the center’s location by pointing to the brick structure right on the edge of the park. Moreover, the flow of students dragging cellos or hoisting guitar cases along the town sidewalks has drawn a good kind of public attention.
Learning in a community is important to the mission and the feel of the place. Under a single roof, a retired person may be coming in for an individual violin lesson, a community chorus is assembling, and five-year-olds are pounding drums. A master class (sometimes led by artists in town appearing at other venues like the Hopkins Center) is in progress. While performing is not required, participants often share their own music with others in casual day-to-day interactions or in more formally staged concerts.
Establishing a Place in the Community UVMC is conscious of its place in the larger arts community and the Upper Valley. As part of building relationships and community outreach, it recently co-presented a workshop on inclusivity for local arts organizations. In addition to its on-campus class, it has established a growing program of Music Together on-site at the Family Place in Norwich, which supports young parents. And with
Learning in a community is important to the mission and the feel of the place. Under a single roof, a retired person may be coming in for an individual violin lesson, a community chorus is assembling, and five-yearolds are pounding drums.
the Special Needs Support Center in White River Junction, it offers a music lab for adults with disabilities.
UVMC will take part in or sponsor traditional winter celebrations. First is Lebanon’s Tis the Season, a festival involving downtown arts and business venues that coincides with the annual tree-lighting ceremony in Colburn Park. The Music Center will be hosting an open house featuring student recitals and the ever-popular carol sing. All are invited to join in the singing of holiday songs; songbooks with lyrics are available for those who may need them. And on December 18 is the Messiah Sing. The soloists from the voice program and instrumentalists will perform; community members will sing the choral parts. (Information about masking and seating arrangements will be available on UVMC’s website.)
Despite its foothold in what may seem traditional forms of music, Erin says the center “maintains an openness to all sorts of music making.” Enter DJ Sean Hay, music instructor and recent addition to UVMC. Some young people may not be so quick to pick up the flute and learn to play something classical, but they certainly like their own music, often produced by talented DJs. UVMC now offers DJ classes.
“Students learn about different genres of music and how to put them together by mixing, using DJ turntables,” says Sean. “They learn blending techniques, scratching, and looping. They also learn how to interact with their audience by using the microphone to communicate and get the audience excited and moving.”
Not only do students learn DJ skills, Sean believes they begin to build selfawareness and self-esteem. He sees students finishing the course “feeling better about themselves and a little more out of their shell and confident.” I
Upper Valley Music Center
8 South Park Street Lebanon, NH (603) 448-1642 uvmusic.org
Spend any time traveling the highways and byways of New England and you’re bound to spot one or a dozen lost ski areas. Located in quiet, rural areas, most had a lift, maybe two, possibly a warming hut but more likely an outdoor firepit and not much more. Size didn’t matter. At least during the long winter, they were the heart and soul of the surrounding towns. Often run on a shoestring and without snowmaking, a few bad winters could put these hills out of business. All these years later, bankrupt and abandoned or transformed into housing developments, the faint outlines of old trails are all that remain. That and many wonderful memories of growing up on skis.
Clockwise from top: View of Mount Kearsarge from the Lobster Quadrille. Top of the March Hare. The new triple chair.
I grew up on one of those lost ski hills. Between the gentle trails and the ski school, King Ridge was a great place to learn to ski. Perfect for families, the trails, lift lines, and lodge were jammed with moms and dads and kids. You could always find a friend to ski with and, if your own weren’t around, someone else’s mom or dad would do their best to keep you from misbehaving.
Okay, maybe it was the times, the good old days, but King Ridge was one of those places where parents dropped off their kids at 8:30 or 9 in the morning and picked them up six or seven hours later. If you had an emergency— like it was 10 below zero, it started to rain, or
your brother broke his leg—and needed an earlier pickup, no problem. You didn’t even need a dime to call home. You simply called your number. When your mom answered, the operator told you to deposit 10 cents. Instead of dropping a dime, you quickly shouted, “Come get us! It’s too [icy, cold, or whatever excuse]” and hoped she’d come.
Our King Ridge adventure started one sunny Saturday morning. Driving up from the Boston suburbs, Dad missed the turn to Pat’s Peak and we discovered King Ridge. Accident turned into coincidence when we bumped into some neighbors at lunchtime. While my sister Brenda
and I continued skiing, Dad joined our friends on the deck of their ski house for lunch and a bloody Mary. One thing led to another and 11 months later, we had our own little vacation house in the woods near Pleasant Lake. Even better, we were the proud owners of season passes to King Ridge.
As far as Brenda and I were concerned, we’d hit the big time. Up until then, we’d been skiing in an apple orchard somewhere in central Massachusetts. Dad was our instructor and the ride up the hill was on a rope spun around the wheel of an ancient
Above left: Patrick Dreier, ski instructor.
Above: Bud Lauridsen, director/owner of the Laurids Lauridsen Ski School at King Ridge Ski and director of the ski program at Colby Junior College (now Colby-Sawyer College) in New London.
Left: Fred Duford loads the T-bar.
Ford. With loads of other beginners, dozens of apple trees, and old stone walls, skiing down was an obstacle course. There was no real lodge, just a barely heated farmstand that sold apples and lukewarm cocoa.
King Ridge, on the other hand, had the Laurid Lauridson Ski School, about a dozen trails, a couple of T-bars, and at least one dreaded rope tow. Luckily, our rapidly improving skills kept us off the beginners’ slope and away from the rope tow. Unlike the no-name trails at the apple orchard, the runs were named after the colorful cast of
You can read more about King Ridge and many more old ski areas on the New England Lost Ski Areas Project and New England Ski History websites at www.nelsap.org and www.newenglandskihistory.com.
characters from Alice in Wonderland. The resort also had a real lodge. While we mostly brown-bagged it, on a few lucky occasions we splurged on lunch. A definite treat, even if the lady behind the counter complained loudly about the out-of-towners while she flipped burgers and rattled the French-fry basket.
Now, all those upgrades didn’t come cheap. As long as we bought before Labor Day, a season pass for our family of five (Mom and my little brother took up skiing once we built the little house in the woods) was just over $100.
Every morning as we backed out of the driveway, Mom or Dad would insist we show proof that we had our hats, gloves, goggles, and ski pass. If you forgot any of the first three, you
could rummage through the lost and found and, hopefully, find something to keep your fingers and/or ears from freezing. If you forgot our pass, well, that was another story. For that, you had to go to the office and see Mrs. Badmington. If you thought a trip to the principal’s office was bad, it was nothing compared to Mrs. Badmington’s third degree.
King Ridge was the perfect place to learn to ski. The short, gentle runs were groomed to perfection. Dad used to joke that between Monday and Friday the crew shoveled snow out of the woods and onto the trails. They probably did. But, presnowmaking, the season was short. That meant that no matter how cold it was, if there was snow, we went skiing. No questions, no arguments. A thrifty Yankee, Dad expected us get our money’s worth out of those
passes. (Mom was more of a softy on that score. She didn’t like the cold.)
From our first ski on that sunny Saturday morning, King Ridge steadily expanded, adding trails, lifts, and eventually snowmaking. Even with snowmaking, intermittent snow droughts have ensured that skiing is and always will be a tough industry in New England, especially for small mountains with limited elevation and terrain. By the mid-nineties, King Ridge had 20 trails and seven lifts, including three chairlifts and not a single rope tow. It also had accumulated significant debt. To the chagrin of one and all, King Ridge ski area was put on the auction block in June 1995. Once the playground of local kids and vacationers, several houses now perch on the summit and admire the expansive view. Thankfully, the developer carved out a bit more than 400 acres for the King Hill Reservation. The trails in the reservation remain open to hiking and backcountry skiing. Those trails plus fond memories of a winter wonderland are all that are left behind. I
Susan Nye lives in New London and writes for magazines and newspapers throughout New England. She shares stories and recipes on her award-winning blog, Around the Table, at www.susannye.wordpress.com. She still skis two or three days a week throughout the winter.
She’s A Lady Classic Clothing Boutique
207 Main Street
New London, NH (603) 543-7068
9 Newport Road New London, NH (603) 748-3011 www.alleyesonyounh.com
Foster’s
428 Main Street New London, NH (603) 252-0543
Text Angela Ear Piercing, Jewelry Repairs, Redesign New and Estate Jewelry u–Fri 11am–3pm Sat 10am–2pm or by Appointment
e Renaissance Shoppe
A resale shop located at and to bene t Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice
107 Newport Road New London, NH (603) 526-6711 www.LakeSunapeeVNA.org
Tue–Sat 10am–4pm
Floorcra
231 NH Route 11 Wilmot, NH (603) 526-2600 www.Floorcra NH.com
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm Sat 8am–1pm
Roberts Scarlett Pharmacy
276 Newport Road e Gallery New London, NH (603) 526-2002 www.robertsscarlettpharmacy.com
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm Sat 9am–12pm
e Flying Goose Brew Pub
40 Andover Road New London, NH (603) 526-6899 www.FlyingGoose.com
Open 7 days a week Follow us on social media.
Tatewell Gallery
New London Shopping Center
277 Newport Road New London, NH (603) 526-2910 www.tatewell.com
Tue–Fri 10:30am–5:30pm Sat 10:30am 4pm Mondays in December 10:30am–5:30pm
Made-from-scratch breads, pastries, and sandwiches
12 Lovering Lane New London, NH (603) 526-2892 www.blueloonbakery.com u–Sun 8am–2pm Check our website for seasonal hours and weekly specials.
Pleasant Lake Cheesecake Co.
Scytheville Row Shopping Center, #108
75 Newport Road New London, NH (603) 526-7522 www.PleasantLakeCheesecake.com
Tue–Sat 10am–6pm
Unleashed
277 Newport Road New London, NH (603) 526-2088
www.UnleashedNH.com
Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm Sat 9am–5pm, Closed Sun
In-house baked goods made from scratch
Grounds
374 Main Street
New London, NH (603) 526-6010
Full menu including baked goods & smoothies online @ grounds374.com
Open 7 days a week Open for indoor dining
Hubert’s Family Out tters
219 County Road New London, NH (603) 526-4032 www.Huberts.com
Mon–Fri 9:30am–6pm
Morgan Hill Bookstore
253 Main Street
New London, NH (603) 526-5850 www.MorganHillBookstore.com
Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm
Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 11am–3pm
New England Beauty & Wellness
New London–Lebanon, NH (603) 877-0070 www.newenglandbeautyandwellness.com
By appointment only Now O ering Medical Aesthetics!
GraceHill Construction
11 Pleasant Street
New London, NH (603) 748-2804 www.gracehillco.com
Sat 9am–6pm Sun 10am–4pm Find
e Re nery Restaurant & Market
4 Mill Road Andover, NH (603) 977-0194 www.re nerynh.com
Wed–Sat 12pm–9pm
Newport | Grantham | New London Sunapee | Warner | Concord Your Hometown Bank www.SugarRiverBank.com
Member FDIC - Equal Housing Lender
Sunapee Shade and Blind
75 Newport Road Suite 101
New London, NH (603) 526-2397 Cell (603) 748-5782 www.SunapeeShade.com
Timeless Kitchens
11 Pleasant Street New London, NH (603) 526-7866 www.timelesskitchen.com
255 Newport Road Unit E
New London, NH (603) 526-6990
Mon, Tue, u, Fri 9am–5pm Wed & Sat 9am–12pm
Millstone at 74 Main
74 Newport Road New London, NH (603) 526-4201 www.74MainRestaurant.com
Mon–Sat 11:30am–9pm Sun 11am–9pm, Brunch 11am–2pm
210 Main Street
New London, NH (603) 748-6986
Across the Street from Tuckers
By appointment or by chance
Flash Photo NH (603) 526-2400 digital@ ashphotonh.com ashphotonh.com Design,
It’s not easy owning a business today with the challenge of a fluctuating economy and supply-and-demand issues, among other factors, but women in the Upper Valley are experiencing admirable success in their businesses. “In any town, womenowned businesses play a vital role in driving the town’s economy. White River Junction has attracted many small artisan businesses that are owned by independent and resourceful women who have managed to creatively survive COVID and economic downturns,” says PJ Skehan, executive director of the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce. According to the World Economic Forum, women started 49 percent of new businesses in the US in 2021, up from 28 percent in 2019, according to a new study, with women entrepreneurship growing around the world.
“More women are starting to be recognized for running successful businesses,” adds PJ. “I’m delighted to see more women become successful business owners. We’re fortunate in the Upper Valley area to have many women who are business leaders and have become great mentors for those that follow them.”
The following pages shine a spotlight on eight women business owners in downtown White River Junction who are blazing a trail in their fields: Jackie Oktay of Tuckerbox and Little Istanbul; Elena Taylor and Julie Sumanis of Juel Modern Apothecary; Kirsten Connor of Flourish Beauty Lab; Kim Souza of Revolution; Eileen McGuckin of Thyme Restaurant; and Nissa Cullen and Nina McCampbell of the Collection.
Jackie Oktay redefines entrepreneurship. With her husband she opened Tuckerbox in 2013, an eclectic cafe and restaurant in the heart of White River Junction. “It’s a community gathering place with local regulars who truly care about their community. Tuckerbox has amazing strong, bold coffee and super fresh, delicious food,” she says. In 2018, they opened Little Istanbul, an inviting shop with bright colors, natural materials, exotic spices, and great aromas. “It’s meant to transform guests to the street markets of Istanbul.”
Appreciative of her husband’s Turkish heritage, Jackie embraces the culture. “To be able to share it with the Upper Valley community brings us great pride. It’s very rewarding to provide delicious foods and unique goods to this wonderful community.”
Jackie feels empowered being her own boss. “It’s a lot of work but the payoffs are great. Each of our businesses takes nurturing and molding, a lot of time and effort, but it’s incredibly rewarding when they run smoothly,” she says. However, due to a malfunctioning sprinkler system in the building, Tuckerbox recently endured immense losses, but Jackie was able to overcome the hardship. “Our resilience 100 percent came from the unbelievable response from our community. We did consider giving up, but our community’s response gave us a boost of energy to see beyond the disaster and begin to move forward.”
Favorite dish at Tuckerbox? My go-tos are Pastirma and Eggs for breakfast, Cold Meze Platter for lunch, and Tenderloin Guvec for dinner.
What advice would you give to your younger self? All the sacrifices, hard work, tears, and sweat will be worth it. Keep truckin’ on.
Who influences you in your business? My husband and I are excellent partners. My mother-in-law takes care of my kids while we’re working. We have an amazing group of hardworking, dedicated employees.
Most cherished Turkish item? A stunning Turkish wool village carpet. It’s huge and has very bright, warm colors and ancient patterns.
Favorite way to spend the day away from work? Most likely in my vegetable garden or tending to my honeybees. I enjoy producing food from the earth from nature.
Tuckerbox
One South Main Street (802) 359-4041 tuckerboxvermont.com
Little Istanbul
27 North Main Street (802) 698-8611 littleistanbulgifts.com
Wanting to share their reverence for nature and love of food, herbs, and lifestyle as medicine, friends Elena Taylor and Julie Sumanis opened Juel Modern Apothecary in 2018 to help others improve their health and well-being. “We’re a café and retail shop serving everything from whole-food smoothies and cold-pressed juices to espresso, tea, and tinctures, to plantbased food and gluten-free baked goods,” says Elena.
Their menu comprises 90-plus percent organic ingredients that support local farmers and makers. “When you buy local and organic, you’re voting for clean soil and air, the environment, and your community,” says Elena, who defines modern apothecary as a place with a welcoming ambiance and healthy food connecting mind, body, and spirit. “It’s a belief that overall well-being integrates many factors—what we fuel our bodies with, our level of physical activity, the health of our mind, our connection with Mother Earth and her ability to calm and heal, and how we treat the planet we inhabit and all who share it with us.”
Both women appreciate their wide customer base. “We’re most proud of the diverse range of customers we have—people from all sorts of backgrounds, on all different stages of their health journey,” says Julie. “We really take pride in the fact that people on all ends of the health spectrum feel comfortable in our space.”
(Answers by Elena, except the last question answered by Julie.)
Favorite life quote? “Everything in moderation, including moderation” by Oscar Wilde.
Who inspired you to pursue this type of business? Since I was a child, I’ve wanted to own a restaurant. For me it’s a convergence of loving to be around people and loving food.
Number-one tip for wellness? Getting enough sleep and not taking yourself too seriously. They’re a great pair.
Current popular item? Strawberries and Cream Smoothie. It’s like a strawberry milkshake but packed with wholesome ingredients like strawberries, raw almonds, banana, organic yogurt, and orange.
How do you feel being a woman-owned business in White River Junction? To be surrounded by other resilient, caring, forward-thinking women who own businesses is like winning the entrepreneurship lottery.
Juel Modern Apothecary
27 North Main Street (802) 281-6015 juelmodernapothecary.com
Kirsten Connor’s sensitive skin and autoimmune issues inspired her to create hypoallergenic, vegan, gluten-, and nutfree hair and skin care products that smell delicious and are environmentally friendly. “Our focus is on super-clean ingredients and luxurious products for people with sensitive skin, scalp, and hair. We’ve curated exceptional independent brands from around the country, all created by passionate people who are experts in what they do,” says Kirsten, owner of Flourish Beauty Lab, who sources ingredients from local farms to formulate and produce products in her open lab. Eco-conscious, Kirsten uses silicone-free biodegradable ingredients, reusable containers, recycled packaging, and refill pouches that use 96 percent less plastic than bottles.
The shop has a Refill Bar, one of the largest in Vermont; a Beauty Bar, where customers can get Facial Flights and recommendations; and a Steam Bar featuring custom herbal blends curated by her staff herbalist. “It’s fun for groups of friends to sit at the bar with tea and catch up while steaming or giving themselves a facial,” says Kirsten, who is thrilled to be part of the WRJ business district. “It’s booming. I feel very supported. This is such a great community. Other business owners are so encouraging and genuinely care about problem solving.”
Favorite fragrance? Ginger Elixir has been my go-to for years. I love it year-round!
Best piece of advice for skin and hair care? If you’re sensitive, don’t listen to trends or what the buzzy new ingredient is. Sometimes it’s the practice or the order in which you do things that makes the biggest difference.
How often do you wash your hair? Always pay attention to what works for your hair. It’s not good to set unrealistic expectations of washing your hair once a week if you have baby fine hair. I generally stick to every other day.
What skin care routine is a must? Oil cleansing! It has changed my skin. A rinseable oil cleanser is incredibly gentle, builds your skin barrier (a compromised barrier is the top reason for stinging or reacting to products), plumps your skin, and for more oily skin types helps to calm overproduction.
Flourish Beauty Lab
4 North Main Street (802) 291-3709
flourishbeautylab.com
You can shop outside the box at Revolution, an exurban thrift boutique that features a mix of contemporary, excellent-condition used clothing, accessories, footwear, and jewelry in addition to independently designed and ethically produced new merchandise.
“I wanted to create an attractive atmosphere where people could discover treasures and build community around the shared experiences of what we call a ‘radical shopping experience.’ We’re delighted to greet people and facilitate a warm, welcoming experience,” says owner Kim Souza.
Kim opened Revolution in 2002 after a 12-year career in the travel industry on advice from Murray Washburn, a business mentor who recognized the potential for creative revitalization in White River Junction. After operating solo for four years, Kim was about to close Revolution but Ann and Simran Johnston of South Woodstock stepped in to keep it afloat. “We reinvented and renovated our new partnership, which we lovingly called Revolution 2.0. The shop has been financially sustainable and a cornerstone of the downtown WRJ community ever since,” says Kim.
Raised in a large working-class family, Kim has respect for hardworking matriarchs and feels empowered being a woman-owned business. “There tends to be a genuine appreciation for and care of community and quality of life that emanates through the interactions we encounter every day in our work.”
Favorite T-shirt slogan? White River Junction . . . It’s Not So Bad. Also, Tax the Rich.
What’s your day-to-day style? In my youth, I always experimented with bold looks from my thrift store finds. Now, I dedicate more energy to public service and community support and land on comfortable jeans and a black T-shirt or sweater 90 percent of the time.
Last piece of clothing you bought? A pair of used Lucky jeans and a black cashmere cardigan. One of my recent favorites was a black Burberry raincoat with a zipout vest. The jacket was a little small, but I kept the vest, which I wear about four days a week this time of year.
What are you passionate about? Community support and valuing the genuine goodness in everyone.
Who is your fashion icon? Beyonce.
Revolution
26 North Main Street (802) 295-6487 shoptherev.com
Despite admitting she wasn’t always a foodie and was a very picky eater when she was young, Eileen McGuckin’s years of experience in the restaurant industry in New Jersey and the Upper Valley prepared her to live her dream as owner of Thyme Restaurant. “I’m proud to own a restaurant in White River Junction and be in such good company with the many other amazing women that own businesses in town,” says Eileen. Thyme was originally called the Tip Top Café. Eileen worked at the café for five years prior to purchasing it in 2013. “I changed the name to Thyme to really make it feel like my own and reflect the direction we were headed.”
The restaurant has an industrial feel featuring original photographs and artwork. “We serve globally inspired comfort fare based on availability of ingredients,” she says. Francisco Guerra, her life partner of more than 20 years, is head chef. “He is 100 percent committed to the business. We achieve synergy because we have complimentary skill sets, dedication, and one vision of what we want to achieve.”
Who inspires you? I’m inspired by Gaal Shepherd Crowl (a well-known artist/sculptor in New England) because of her creativity and ability to conquer adversity.
What’s the significance of the name Thyme? My LLC is It’s About Thyme. I chose that name because after all of the years I had worked in the food industry it was “thyme” I owned a restaurant of my own.
If you could eat only one food, what would it be and why? Bread. I love the satisfaction of enjoying the variation and textures of many different types of bread.
Favorite meal you’ve had? My favorite meal was a special Francisco created—Rock Shrimp Ragout with Creamy Polenta.
If you weren’t a restaurant owner, what would you be? My other passions include horses and gardening. Luckily owning a restaurant gives me the opportunity to do everything I enjoy.
Thyme Restaurant
85 North Main Street (802) 295-3312 thymevermont.com
Vintage clothing never goes out of style. That’s what inspired Nissa Cullen to open the Collection in 2017, a local clothing and accessory store. “I’ve always loved thrift shopping and treasure hunting and hoped one day I would have my own store to support my love for shopping and share my shopping scores with others,” says Nissa, who, along with co-owner Nina McCampbell, was collecting inventory for years before they opened the store.
The shop carries clothing for men, women, and children; shoes and boots; jewelry; and accessories in addition to small furniture items, antiques, and gift items. “We source most of our inventory from thrift stores, flea markets, yard/garage sales, antique malls, and online. We do the treasure hunting for you and try to bring an eclectic, fun, and unique variety of things to our store,” says Nissa, who likes knowing vintage clothing and accessories have a story. “We may never know what that story is, but imagining what it might be can give you an instant vibe or feeling. Finding that one-of-a-kind quality item that you fall in love with is something that never ever gets old.”
Nissa is proud to have a shop that focuses on reducing our impact on the environment. “Fashion, sustainability, quality, diversity, and creativity—these are a few of our favorite things,” says Nissa, adding both she and Nina feel lucky to have a business in downtown White River Junction. “There is an incredible amount of talent, energy, creativity, and support within the downtown WRJ business community, and we feel right at home.”
Favorite weekend outfit? Jeans, tall boots, long tunic, long sweater duster, and a scarf.
Oldest/coolest vintage item in the shop? Right now my favorite vintage item we have is a 1960s solid brass gentleman’s suit clothing valet.
What is your everyday style? It depends on the weather, the time of year, my mood . . . I like anything simple yet classy.
Who inspires you in the fashion industry? I’m a fan of classic, vintage fashion—Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Gaultier, Hermes, and Versace.
What is your go-to accessory? Big earrings. I
The Collection 25 South Main Street (802) 291-9959
The Flying Goose
Pub &
feels like home. Nestled in Crockett’s Corner in New London, New Hampshire, with panoramic views of Mount Kearsarge, their comfort food is next level, and their brews have earned local fame.
Known for their beer-battered chicken tenders, nachos, and grassfed burgers, the Flying Goose’s chef can also kick it up a notch with seared salmon, chicken Milanese, and handmade gnocchi. “We want to be able to offer a variety so that everyone in the family can find something they enjoy,” says General Manager Brianna Mills.
Bringing in food from local farms also adds a taste of home. “We have partnered with several farms over the years and are proudly featuring Robie Farm in Piermont, New Hampshire, exclusively for our 100 percent grass-fed beef used for all our burgers,” says Brianna. “Sourcing locally is important to us. Not only does it promote a stronger community, but the quality and flavor are exceptional and fresh.”
The farm-to-table focus is a challenge well worth it to the Mills family. The COVID-19 pandemic and the rising cost of goods have made things more difficult,
e want to be able to o er a ariety so that e eryone in the family can fin somethin they en oy,” says eneral ana er rianna ills.
Clockwise from top: Manager Jordan Mills stands to greet guests as they arrive. The decor features many antiques and trinkets to catch the eye. There is always a variety of four-packs of cans to take home.
Lunch and dinner are served daily with options for lighter fare.
but they opt to partner with local farms and feature local fare on their menu as much as possible. This summer, the Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille also featured fresh produce from the McDonald Farm in Vermont, run by Brianna’s uncle and cousin.
Owner Tom Mills, Brianna’s father, first opened the Four Corners Grille, located at the intersection of Routes 11 and 114, in 1993. A few years later, just as microbreweries were gaining popularity, he added the Flying Goose Brew Pub, a nod to nearby Lake Sunapee, which takes the shape of a flying goose. In 2011, the pub became the state’s first solarpowered brewery.
Since renamed to incorporate both businesses, the Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille combines Tom’s decades of restaurant expertise with the magical creations of brewmaster Rik Marley. Affectionately dubbed the “Mad Scientist in the Basement,” Rik has grown their brewery twofold and won awards for his brews. Customers can purchase growlers of the handcrafted brews at the pub and also four-packs of cans in-house or at stores around the state.
Rik has helped the business grow and adapt to the changing demands of the microbrew industry. During the pandemic, the pub shifted from mostly draft offerings to take-out beer, which is still a popular option today. Rik offers 8 to 12 different varieties of four-packs of cans to take home. They include their most popular Long Brothers American
“Sourcing locally is important to us. Not only does it promote a stronger community, but the uality an a or are exceptional and fresh.”
In 2011, the pub became the state’s first solar-powered brewery.
IPA, sours, porters, New Hampshire IPAs, and Russian Imperial stouts.
Without traveling too far from home, guests can also catch their Concert Series that runs September through April. By teaming up with a talented local artist and booking agent, the pub’s guest list includes Pousette-Dart, Tom Rush, Lucy Kaplansky, and Willy Porter.
“Our Concert Series has been a fun addition to our offerings at the Goose,” says Brianna. “Although it isn’t your typical live music in a pub, we sell tickets and adjust the room to include a stage. Guests who attend are able to join us for dinner before the artist takes the stage. It’s a great way to get our name out there to folks who may not have traveled to dine with us for any other reason. Perhaps they come and enjoy the musician they love and discover a new restaurant to frequent.”
With guests’ palates satisfied and their ears happy, their eyes can feast on views year-round. “In spring, everything blooms and is lush and green,” says Brianna. “In the summer, you can see our hop vines growing. In the fall, the leaves turn with breathtaking color, and even in the winter months, there’s the beautiful, snow-capped mountain.”
When Tom moved to the area in the 1970s,
he learned the industry by managing a local restaurant. In 1980, he opened the Millstone in New London— and eventually a second location in Concord—and ran it for more than 30 years. Tom and his wife Vicky’s three children, Brett, Jordan, and Brianna, grew up in the restaurant learning the hard work firsthand, and all help him manage the day-to-day operations today, making it a true family business.
“Our identity has largely been defined by the staff who work for us,” says Brianna. “We have been very fortunate to meet wonderful people through the years that feel like family. Without their commitment to our family and business, we simply wouldn’t be able to succeed. It’s safe to say our goal is to make the Goose feel like home, for our customers, for our staff, and for our family.” I
The Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille
40 Andover Road
New London, NH (603) 526-6899
flyinggoose.com
Monday–Saturday 11:30am–9pm Sunday 11:30am–8pm
Tareah Gray is a freelance writer/editor and teacher. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and two children. She enjoys traveling, playing outside, and cheering on her athletes at their games.
still here on the mall in Lebanon, ready to Make you
Welcome to The Studio (formerly known as BYUV), White River Junction’s hottest yoga and fitness studio. Under the direction of sisters Maeghan and Julia Finnigan, in 2016 The Studio’s class offerings expanded beyond Original Hot Yoga to include Inferno Hot Pilates, Flow, Fusion, Yin, Functional Range Conditioning, and Mobility. The result was a new, complementary series of classes that work together to help increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion and holistically support healthy bodies from the inside out. Come get sweaty with us! You won’t regret it.
First Month Special $49.
1011 North Main Street
The Junction Marketplace
White River Junction, VT (802) 698-8160 www.thestudiouv.com
Centrally located in White River Junction, Vermont, Big Fatty’s BBQ is the Upper Valley’s premiere barbecue and craft beer destination. Featuring freshly cooked meats, and homemade sides, Big Fatty’s continues to delight locals and visitors alike. With live music every Friday and Saturday night, themed events, and tap-takeovers, there’s no shortage of entertainment! Want to take something home? Check out Big Fatty’s Crowler Pit, located right next door, to bring home Big Fatty’s Merchandise and to stock up on all your favorite craft beer!
186 South Main Street
White River Junction, VT (802) 295-5513 www.bigfattybbq.com
Historic Homes of Runnemede (HHR) is a nonprofit residential care community for seniors, offered in beautifully restored 19th century mansions. All the homes are located within walking distance of historic downtown Windsor, Vermont. The residents of HHR enjoy independent living within a supportive environment that includes meals, housekeeping services, personal assistance as needed, and medication supervision by our staff.
40 Maxwell Perkins Lane
Windsor, VT (802) 674-6733
85 North Main Street
White River Junction, VT (802) 295-3312
www.thymevermont.com Wed–Sat 5–8:30pm Private Room Reservations suggested
85 North Main Street, Suite 110
White River Junction, VT (802) 280-1700
www.tiptoppottery.com
Tue & Wed 10am–6pm, Thu & Fri 10am–9pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–3pm, Closed Mon
Flourish Beauty Lab
Reserve Your Space for Our Facial Flights + Steam Bar
4 North Main Street
White River Junction, VT (802) 291-3709
www.flourishbeautylab.com Tue–Fri 10am–5:15pm, Sat 10am–3pm
Steven Thomas, Inc. Fine Arts & Antiques
85 Gates Street
White River Junction, VT (802) 457-1764 www.woodblock-prints.com
Fri–Sat 11am–4pm or by appointment
Junction Frame Shop has been a steadfast part of downtown White River Junction since 1985. That’s 37 years of providing creative picture framing for all tastes and budgets.
55 South Main Street White River Junction, VT (802) 296-2121 www.junctionframeshop.com
Open Mon–Fri 9am–5pm Sat 9am–3pm
With the help of supporters like you, we’ve marked our 30th year of providing health and dental care to Upper Valley neighbors who would otherwise go without. During this time, we’ve been serving the Upper Valley from our White River Junction, VT location and are now opening a satellite clinic in Lebanon, NH. Patient care is provided by volunteer teams of physicians, student learners, and community members. Perhaps you know someone who is putting off needed medical care? The Clinic offers primary care plus neurology, dermatology, women’s health, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, and counseling appointments.
British-inspired
5 South Main Street
White River Junction, VT (802) 281-6910 www.piecemealpies.com
Lunch: Wed–Fri 10am–3pm
Boozy Brunch: Sat, Sun 10am–3pm
C&S Pizza
104 South Main Street
White River Junction, VT (802) 295-5622
Mon–Thu 11am–9pm
Fri & Sat 11am–10pm
Closed Sun
PO Box 1250
White River Junction, VT (802)-295-1868 www.goodneighborhealthclinic.org
Mon–Fri 8am–4pm
The Upper Valley Food Co-op provides wholesome and high-quality food and other products. We have a strong commitment to local farmers and producers and carry a large variety of locally grown/produced items. The Upper Valley Food Co-op, “FosteringCommunity ConnectionsasaTrustedFood Resource!”
193 North Main Street White River Junction, VT (802) 295-5804
Mon–Sat 8am–7pm Sun 11am–5pm
BY PAMELA BROWN Photography by LARS BLACKMORE
“The Upper Valley is an amazing place based on the customers we see every day. When they walk in for the first time, they’re a customer; when they come back, they’re family.”Stateline Sports is the local resource for all things sports for our active community.
GAME PLAN. These elements of a successful team epitomize Stateline Sports. “If you put the customers first, hire good people, and offer good products at a reasonable price, it’s a pretty good formula,” says owner Jon Damren, who has taken a step back from the business with faith in the quality and knowledge of his longtime staff. “They’re the face of the business and I’m happy to be in the background. I feel more confident every day that the business, however it moves forward in the long term, is going to continue,” he says. “My time on the front lines has passed, but I’m happy to be turning the reins over to very competent people who will continue to take care of the customers in our region.”
Clockwise from top: Customers walk through the newly designed ice hockey department at Stateline. Bob sharpens a pair of ice skates. Zach greets another customer entering the store. A customer looks through the vast selection of shoes and socks at Stateline. Dave explains the differences between shoe choices for a customer.
Opposite: Bud assists a customer trying on a new pair of Hoka running shoes.
One of those staff members is Dave Dupree, store manager and footwear buyer, and 33-year employee. “There’s no hesitation for anybody to step up. Since day one we’ve felt a connection to the place and we’re trying to build toward the future,” says Dave. “We’re lucky to have found a core group of people who care, who have morals and ethics, and who help every customer to the best of their ability.”
Jon describes Stateline as a hardware store for sporting goods. “We’re able to respond to customer needs and fill special orders. The staff members have all been cross-trained and are so good at educating customers,” he says. “My staff works tirelessly to locate the right product and have it in the store.”
Established in 1983 in West Lebanon, Stateline Sports carries a huge selection
Clockwise from top:
All sports are in season at Stateline Sports. Swimsuits and accessories are available year-round. Hoka running shoes, one of many great brands available at Stateline.
of quality sporting goods for both men and women, from basic to top-of-theline, covering every seasonal sport. Ice hockey is a large department showcased in the main showroom. “We have employees here who have worked with hockey equipment for 30 to 40 years and we make sure customers get a good fit for their performance and safety. Once winter really sets in, pond skating becomes a big Upper Valley pastime. We sell a lot of ice skates for all ages. Kids’ skates adjust and some recreational skates are as comfortable as sneakers,” notes Dave.
Footwear is another big department. “It’s nice to be able to offer the customer a wide array of quality choices and accommodate them.” Name brands include Hoka, ASICS, New Balance, Brooks, and newer ones including Altra and Topo. Stateline also has pop-up Team Stores for equipment and apparel.
Jon opened Stateline with his friend Bob Vanier, whom he had worked with for five years at Tommy Keane Sports. When Tommy Keane retired and dissolved the company, Jon and Bob opened Stateline in 1983, which started as a small running shop since Bob was a successful marathon runner. The store grew gradually, added categories, and expanded its space. The two friends worked together until Bob’s passing in 2011 when Jon became sole owner. “I was able to change the staff’s level of responsibilities and reallocate duties within the company. It gave each person an opportunity to grow and take on more responsibility, which they were more than ready and able to do,” he explains. Most of the staff has been with Stateline for 25 to 38 years. “At no time was I alone. Our staff is incredible. It was not at all about me— it was a team and what we were able to do during a challenging time.”
Growing up in West Lebanon, Jon appreciates being part of the community. “We’ve been active in supporting organizations over the years. We’ve sponsored road races and a lot of different activities with schools.” All of Stateline’s employees are avid sports enthusiasts. “We have a lot of soccer players, runners, walkers. Our hockey manager plays hockey two or three times a week. Everybody that works here was probably an athlete at the high school or college level and they have a good understanding of the market,” he says.
For Dave, the store environment is inspiring. “The Upper Valley is an amazing place based on the customers we see every day. When they walk in for the first time, they’re a customer; when they come back, they’re family,” he says, comparing Stateline to the classic TV show Cheers. “You can get your gear and shoes but also figuratively pull up a stool and just chat with friends and family.”
Jon also cherishes the relationships he’s made. “I’ve met so many people from all walks of life who’ve come through the door. The people I’ve met are incredible. It’s not just the high-profile people, it’s the everyday relationships. When you’re a smalltown business like we are, you really get to know the parents and the kids and you watch them grow up. It’s made it all worthwhile,” he says.
With Stateline approaching 40 years, Jon knows his staff will continue to operate the business in the way that its philosophy has always been— understanding the customer is the lifeblood of the business. “I’m proud of how they’ve embraced everything we’ve discussed and I’ve asked of them. They’re so loyal to the business and the customers,” says Jon.
Dave is thankful for Jon’s mentorship. “Jon has been fantastic. Since the beginning, we know whether he’s here or in the background, he’s supportive of decisions we make because everything is for the betterment of the business and our customers,” says Dave. “Both Jon and Bob had a business that was run like a family. Even though none of us that are here now are blood related, we’ve been together long enough where we are family, and we enjoy being with each other and the customers.” I
Stateline Sports 22 Bridge Street West Lebanon, NH (603) 298-8090 statelinesports.com
Skiing at one of Europe’s iconic ski resorts
View toward the village of Megeve from the undulating slopes of Cote 2000, part of a massive interconnected ski resort.
There are certain famous places in the world that a skier like me needs to visit at some point in life. Megeve (pronounced may-JEVV), a posh historic ski resort in the French Alps, is one of those places. I had heard of Megeve for as long as I’ve had a desire to make tracks at famous mountain destinations around the globe, which is most of my adult life. Perhaps I’m showing my age, 61. Most hotshots on the slopes today think of Megeve’s neighbor, Chamonix, as the hot spot in Haute-Savoie. Today, Chamonix is an internationally hip place to carve turns, due to its outrageously steep, rugged runs—the kind of terrain reserved for only the best big-mountain skiers in extreme skiing films. Megeve is tamer, quieter, and classier.
Located near Mont Blanc, the small medieval village of Megeve held a cross-country ski race in 1914, which is considered the start of its affinity for skiing. That said, it was the ire of Baroness Noemie de Rothchild that ultimately put Megeve on the skiing map.
In 1916, during World War I, de Rothchild traveled to St. Moritz anticipating a relaxing ski vacation as a break from the rigors of the war in Paris, France, where she had converted her
mansion into a military hospital. Expecting a holiday among upper-class British skiers, she was astounded to find St. Moritz full of Germans who were deeply involved in the war and her enemies. She left immediately, vowing to create a “St. Moritz for the French.”
After the end of the war, she selected Mont d’Arbois above the village of Megeve as the site of her ski resort. By 1921, she completed a large luxury hotel whose early guests included King Albert and Queen Elisabeth of Belgium. Other
Opposite: Visitors stroll down the cobblestone-paved pedestrian heart of Megeve.
This page, clockwise from left: Mont Blanc peaks above an alpine village near the tunnel. Cross-country skiers pass a farmer’s summer hut. The medieval Eglise-St. Jean Baptiste (church) in the center of Megeve. Another historic church near the entrance to the Mont Blanc tunnel.
royals, celebrities, and affluent families followed.
By the early 1930s, Megeve boasted a cable car for skiers, whereas most ski areas had only rope tows and similar surface lifts. Soon, another cable car whisked skiers to the top of Mont d’Arbois. When a local racer from Megeve, Emile Allais, garnered a bronze medal at the 1936 Winter Olympics in GarmischPartenkirchen and then triple gold at the 1937 Alpine World Championships in Chamonix, Megeve was on its way to becoming one of the must-visit ski resorts in the Alps.
Though “Baroness Mimi,” as Noemie was affectionately called, passed away many years ago, in 1968, Megeve is still operated by the de Rothchild family, namely her grandson, Baron Benjamin de Rothchild. The resort continues to attract a wealthy clientele, but not the see-andbe-seen set. The guy sitting on the chairlift next to you might be a billionaire business tycoon, but in Megeve, he’s just another skier, enjoying a day on the slopes.
Clockwise from above: View of Megeve from the Hotel L’Arboisie. A slalom course below the dramatic cliffs on Cote 2000. The creek flowing through the center of town. The author inside one of the original “red rockets” (circa 1930s cable car).
The Hotel L’Arboisie at night. A skier and a snowboarder on the chairlift at Cote 2000. The author making tracks!
I’m not royal or a billionaire, yet I still found Megeve an intriguing place to ski. The chance came late last March, as part of a spring ski trip to France and Italy. Friends warned me that Megeve was low elevation-wise, 3,652 feet in the village and 7,720 feet at its highest point near the summit of Mont Joly. It sounded friendly on the lungs but possibly low on snow. In fact, it was both easy to breathe and with plentiful powder.
I loaded my gear into a rental a car in Milan, Italy, then headed west toward the French border and towering Mont Blanc. It’s impossible to visit Megeve without ogling Mont Blanc (15,774 feet), the highest peak in western Europe. Driving through the seven-mile tunnel under Mont Blanc was like passing through a gateway to winter fun. Glaciers spilled off Mont Blanc and neighboring peaks like tumbling whipped cream. The snow sure looked tasty.
From my hotel room at the L’Arboisie, a massive, four-star chalet at the base of Mount Arbois, I could see the village of Megeve nestled below the surrounding snowcapped peaks. I could hardly
Megeve was one of four sites in the Alps featured in the 1969 film Downhill Racer starring Robert Redford and Gene Hackman.
Many of Megeve’s landmark hotels were designed by one architect, Henry Jacques Le Même, who moved there in 1925 and created the “Megeve style,” patterned after quaint French mountain villages. Other major French skiing resorts tend toward concrete construction.
Megeve boasts over 5,000 vertical feet of skiing, but it’s not contiguous. It’s calculated from the highest point to the lowest point of this massive, interconnected ski region. But 4,000 verts, which is possible in a single run, is still impressive.
Megeve has a reputation as expensive, but the US dollar is currently on par with the Euro, making the cost of going to Megeve more reasonable this winter.
contain my excitement, but where to start? Megeve is part of a massive interconnected skiing region called Domaine Evasion Mont Blanc, which also includes Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, Combloux, La Giettaz, Les ContaminesMontjoie, and Saint-Nicolas-de-Veroce. One lift ticket is good on 116 lifts servicing more than 275 miles of alpine ski trails!
The next day, I headed to the part of Megeve called Cote 2000, mainly because it was close by. Two chairlifts later, I was at the top. A groomed run, called Chamois, looked like a good warmup. It undulated down the mountain, sometimes steep and sometimes less so. As my skis picked up speed, I smiled at the glorious views and lack of crowds.
I spent my next few runs exploring the other runs of Cote 2000. A few had untouched snow that had fallen the night before. It was light at first, but got heavier as the day went on.
The weather was warm and sunny. As a result, the snow corned up by midmorning and got downright slushy by lunchtime, so in the European skiing tradition, I stopped for a meal with no intention of returning to the slopes.
In addition to the Evasion Mont Blanc Pass, Megeve also honors the Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass, which is valid for Chamonix, Courmayeur (Italy), and Verbier (Switzerland) ski resorts, which are all close by.
Megeve has a population of only 3,200 residents yet it has 90 restaurants, including three Michelin-starred restaurants! It’s a foodie’s paradise where artisan chefs create unique local delicacies.
In 1930, a local ski clothing designer sewed the first skin-tight “ski pants” to help local ski champion Emile Allais be more aerodynamic. The ski pants were called le fuseau, which means “spindle” in English.
The “red rocket,” the first cable car solely for the use of skiers, was built in Megeve in 1933. You can go inside one of the original cable cars, which is on display in the middle of the village by the skating rink.
For me skiing is only half of a ski trip. The food is the other half, and an integral part of the whole experience. Since I was in France, I had a dining goal, to eat a real French crepe. I headed into the village of Megeve to look for one.
The village was a charming surprise. The center of town was old, dating back to the 1300s and built around a church called Eglise Saint-Jean Baptiste, which was part of an ancient priory that no longer exists. The church has survived and is the centerpiece of the cobblestone-paved pedestrian part of Megeve. On my search for a creperie, I discovered a skating rink with one of the original cable cars beside it. My random wandering took me past upscale ski shops, designer boutiques, several hotels, and a number of eateries, but I had my heart set on a crepe. A brook flowed through the middle of the pedestrian area. Instead of crossing the bridge over the brook, on a whim, I turned left down a narrow side street following the brook. There it was! A restaurant called La Petite Creperie. As I relished the flat, fruit-filled pancake drizzled with otherworldly chocolate, I decided that Megeve may one of skiing’s best-kept secrets. Spring skiing, a historic village, and yummy crepes— now that’s a magical ski trip! I
Closest major international airports: Geneva Switzerland (54 miles), Milan Italy (164 miles)
Lift tickets and ski area info: skipass.megeve.com
Lodging, Other Travel Planning: megeve-tourisme.fr/en/
BY RANDY PIERCE
I’m delighted to introduce you to the incredible mission of Future In Sight along with some very personal and powerful perspectives on our inclusive approach to celebrating ability awareness. Future In Sight (the new name for the New Hampshire Association for the Blind) is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to transforming the lives of those who are blind or visually impaired. A byproduct of this work is that we also help transform the lives of the family members and friends on whom our clients rely in their day-to-day lives.
Above: Randy is an avid runner. Here he’s with his running guide at the annual Future In Sight Walk and Run for Sight.
In order to do this, Future In Sight provides a range of services in education, rehabilitation, and social services to infants and toddlers, children (aged 3 to 22), adults, and seniors throughout New Hampshire. These services are part of a holistic continuum of care that includes counseling, group therapy, occupational therapy, low-vision therapy, vision rehabilitation therapy, orientation and mobility training, education services, and technology training. We also partner with medical and eye professionals, health-care facilities, social-service organizations, and state agencies, including the Department of Education and Department of Rehabilitation Services. Services are personalized to meet our clients’ needs—in the home, at work, at school, and in the community. Whether it is no vision or low vision, Future In Sight has techniques to promote confidence,
competence, and dignity for everyone. Future In Sight understands the developmentally disabled community experiences an elevated risk to many health challenges. Our team of occupational therapists who practice in low vision are particularly proficient in assessing complex situations and challenges to create an individualized plan to meet the needs of the client. Each of our clients is a collaborative partner in determining the goals established to define success. Our professional staff utilizes a team approach to ensure the full range of our services are deployed to best reach those goals.
I well understand all of these realities because they are a part of my personal journey. Thirtythree years ago, I experienced an unexpected—
and very sudden—loss of sight. I felt the frustration of helplessness and hopelessness as I thought everything fun or meaningful in my life was no longer possible. Fortunately, I was referred to Future In Sight and they helped me begin to understand that the possibilities were nearly limitless.
A practiced and experienced counselor understood the reality of my challenges with sight loss, my own approach to that loss, and the various community challenges. Education, demonstration, and the arrival of lowvision therapy helped me to quickly learn and grow. We adapted my home in subtle ways to enhance my safety as well as the access to all my home appliances. I was cooking, cleaning, and managing my mail in slightly adjusted ways. Soon I was learning to travel inside and outside the home and returned to my job with confidence.
I was thrilled to learn there are tools to magnify text, enhance the contrast, improve the lighting, and reduce the glare. There is technology to provide speech, from talking books to talking computers and smartphones. There was a peer support group to collaborate and commiserate with— those who understood and had quality suggestions. There are volunteers that provide transportation and help me with the important tasks that I might still find challenging.
All of this transformed my life, allowing me to live and thrive. Future In Sight even helped to connect me to my first guide dog and my independent travel became even easier as well as more rewarding; after all, nobody ever asks to pet my cane.
Over a few years, my legal blindness progressed to total blindness and each time I lost sight, there was a supportive and knowledgeable person to help guide me through the training necessary. Along with my return to work came a host of
activities important to me. I trained for and received a second-degree black belt in Shaolin Kempo karate. I learned to climb mountains here in New Hampshire and all over the world. I started running races and won a pair of national marathon championships. I founded a company and developed an international speaking career. I even wrote a book to share the many epic adventures and lessons of my life, See You at the Summit. All of this allowed me to support charitable organizations who had helped me, repaying the kindness I’d received.
Last year, Future In Sight invited me to become their president and chief executive officer. It’s a dream job that enables me to give all of my effort to ensure the skills that we teach are there for everyone who faces vision challenges. I know personally how valuable the services of our organization are for success—however any of us may measure it.
I believe Future In Sight’s choice to hire me in this role demonstrates their inclusive approach and also the quality of service they have been committed to offering the New Hampshire community for more than 100 years. Because of my personal experience with the organization, I am confident to say to anyone who encounters sight loss, low vision, or blindness, there is a better future in sight thanks to Future In Sight! For more information, go to futureinsight.org. I
Randy Pierce is the president & CEO of Future In Sight. He is also a captivating motivational speaker who draws upon his life experiences to inspire, entertain, and teach.Randy has climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, won two national marathon championships, and earned his second-degree black belt in karate—all while being 100 percent blind. He coauthored a book of his experiences, See You at the Summit, with his wife Tracy.
The
Faced with a family emergency, three siblings are forced to move from their fancy city home to a small rural cottage. Bobbie, Peter, and Phyllis learn to love live in the country, making thrilling discoveries as they explore the railroad and befriend the fascinating people of their new town.
Barrette Center for the Arts northernstage.org
In this musical comedy, Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family—a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Everything will change for this macabre family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org
8th Annual Holiday Tree Festival
December 2–4, 9–11
When a couple “regifts” a not-sogreat Christmas present, then finds out it’s worth a fortune, they will stop at nothing to get it back. But they’re not the only ones who rewrapped it. In the mad pursuit to reclaim the gift, everyone who gave it away learns about friendship, real wealth, and the value of a gift truly given.
Old Church Theater oldchurchtheater.org
Sponsored by the Utility Club of Lyme. Free to all.
Lyme Green, 3–6pm
December 8
Join Opera North for a fun-filled evening at Dowd’s Country Inn in Lyme featuring drinks, dinner, and dueling divas. While you’re at it, get a sneak peek at Opera North’s 2023 season! Dowd’s Country Inn, 6pm operanorth.org
December 9
Mighty Acorns: Fire and Ice: Welcoming Winter and Campfire Safety
We’ll learn about the hows and whys of winter and explore the winter landscape. What better way to enjoy this chilly time of year than with a campfire? We’ll introduce campfire safety and start our own campfire! We’ll sing songs, read a story, and even do some campfire cooking.
The Nature Museum, 10am nature-museum.org
December 10
Christmas on the Farm Santa and reindeer, face painting, an allday bonfire, and more!
Thern Farm, 12–6pm newlondonchamber.com
With ever-changing backdrops and costumes that shimmer with winter’s crystalline beauty, you will find your heart dancing with the City Center Ballet performers as Clara and the Nutcracker Princeovercome obstacles on their way to the Land of Sweets. It’s the perfect holiday entertainment for adults and children alike.
Lebanon Opera House, Sat 1 & 7pm; Sun 2:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org
December 16–18
Midwinter Revels
A festive celebration of stories, songs, and dances highlighting New England, Revels, and Abenaki traditions.
Lebanon Opera House lebanonoperahouse.org
December 17
Rock This Town Orchestra’s Christmas Spectacular
It’s a holiday show that is highly energetic and visually stunning like no other, playing hits from the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Stray Cats as well as many of your favorites from ’50s rock and roll and many of your favorite Christmas classics in a big-band swing style.
Claremont Opera House, claremontoperahouse.info
December 19
Lebanon School District Band and Chorus Winter Concert
Lebanon Opera House, 7pm lebanonoperahouse.org
December 20
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org
DECEMBER 20
JANUARY 25FEBRUARY 1
‘Bov Water
January 25–February 1
’Bov Water
How do you define yourself if you don’t know your family’s history?
In this stirring new choreopoem by Celeste Jennings (Citrus), four generations of black women breathe and bathe in a past that’s both intentionally and accidentally forgotten. Challenging and discovering their own narratives, these strong and inquisitive souls span time and space on a journey that is touching, vital, and intensely human.
Barrette Center for the Arts northernstage.org
February 3
Saved by the ‘90s
Whether your favorite Boys are Backstreet or Beastie, this fly tribute band will have you singing, dancing, and living your best (semi-charmed) life.
Lebanon Opera House, 7:30 lebanonoperahouse.org
Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy New Year.
Hopkins Center for the Arts
For information, tickets, or pricing information, call (603) 646-2422 or visit hop.dartmouth.edu.
The Hop Box Office is open Tuesday through Friday, 10am–5pm.
JANUARY 14
December 10
Met Opera in HD: The Hours
Three women grapple with their roles in society in this poignant world premiere, based on Michael Cunningham’s acclaimed novel.
Loew Auditorium, 1pm
January 14
Met Opera in HD: Fedora
Packed with memorable melodies, showstopping arias, and explosive confrontations, Fedora requires a cast of thrilling voices to take flight, and the Met’s new production promises to deliver.
Loew Auditorium, 1pm
Visit hop.dartmouth.edu for an updated list of events throughout the winter. I
Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH (603) 646-2422 www.hop.dartmouth.edu Find
Call Bob Frisch at (603) 867-9339 or email rcfrisch1@comcast.net. Find out how you can connect with our readers. It’s easy, inexpensive, and another way to reach an affluent and educated audience.
Share the wonder of our beautiful area and the latest news all year long with an image 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!
APD Lifecare 27
AVA Gallery and Art Center 101
All Eyes on You 46
American Precision Museum 18
Annemarie Schmidt European Face and Body Studio 12
Appletree Opticians/Dr. Donna Reed 44
Baker Orthodontics 18
Bar Harbor Wealth Management 19 Belletetes 13
Better Homes and Gardens/The Milestone Team 44
Big Fatty’s BBQ 74
Biron’s Flooring 106
Blood’s Catering & Party Rentals 104
Blue Loon Bakery 46
Brown Furniture 45
C&S Pizza 75
Candita Clayton Gallery 48
Cape Air 34
Claremont Custom Framing 72
Claremont Opera House 33
Claremont Savings Bank 94
Claremont Spray Foam 11
Colonial Pharmacy 107
Co-op Food Stores 83
Cota & Cota 103
Crown Point Cabinetry 49
Crown Point Select 10
Davis Frame 9
Dowds’ Country Inn & Event Center Back cover
Dr. Neely-Hanover Orthodontics 27
Dutille’s Jewelry Design Studio 33
Eastern Propane & Oil 99
Eastman Community 109
Elevation Clothing 32
Ennis Construction 71
Estate Wildlife Control 105
Eyeglass Outlet 73
Flashphoto 48
Floorcraft 46
Flourish Beauty Lab 74
Focus–A Vermont Gallery 35
Foster’s Fine Jewelry 46
Gilberte Interiors 15
Good Neighbor Health Clinics 75
GraceHill Construction 47
Grounds 47
Hanover Eyecare 100
Hanover Road Dental Health 82
Hanover Transfer 98
Historic Homes of Runnemede 74
Home Comfort Warehouse 71
Hubert’s Family Outfitters 47
Jasmin Auto Body 102
Jeff Wilmot Painting & Wallpapering 103
Junction Frame Shop 75 & 109
Kathan Gardens 25
King Arthur Baking Company 80
Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce 42
Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice 43
LaValley Building Supply 81
Lebanon Paint & Decorating 26 & 90
Little Istanbul 43
Loewen Window Center 93
Love’s Bedding & Furniture 99
Lumber Barn 109
MJ Harrington Jewelers 98
Mascoma Dental 25
McGray & Nichols 83
Mertens House 80
Millstone at 74 Main Restaurant 48
Morgan Hill Bookstore 47
Mt. Ascutney Hospital 82
NT Ferro Estate & Custom Jewelers 35 & 92
Nathan Wechsler 92
Nature Calls 20
New England Beauty & Wellness 47
New London Opticians 48
Northern Stage 23
Omer and Bob’s 72
Peraza Dermatology 8
Piecemeal Pies 75
Pleasant Lake Cheesecake Co. 47
Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza 107
Revels North 97
Richard Electric 104
Roberts Scarlett Pharmacy 46
Rocky’s Ace Hardware 24
Shaker Hill Granite 94
Shepherd Realty 106
She’s a Lady 46
Soake Pools 7
Springfield Medical Center Inside front cover
Springfield Regional Development 110
Stateline Sports 26
Steven Thomas, Inc. 75
Sugar River Bank 47 & 73
Sugar River Kitchens and Bath 97
Sunapee Cove 40
Sunapee Shade and Blind 48 TLC 40
Talbot Builders 106
Tatewell Gallery 46
Terrigenous Landscape 97
The Cabinet en-Counter 105
The Carriage Shed 5
The Dorr Mill Store 102
The Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille 46 & 90
The Insurance Center 32
The Lighting Center 4
The Refinery Restaurant & Market 47
The Renaissance Shoppe 46
The Studio 74
The Village at White River Junction 2
The Woodstock Gallery 35
Thyme Restaurant 74
Timberpeg 91
Timeless Kitchens 48
Tip Top Pottery 74
Top Stitch Embroidery 41
Tuckerbox 100
Tyler, Simms & St. Sauveur 107
Unleashed 47
Upper Valley Business Alliance 24
Upper Valley Food Co-op 75
Upper Valley Haven 108
Upper Valley Music Center 108
Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry 91
Valley Artesian Well 21
Valley Regional Hospital 6
Vermont Cabinetry 93
Vermont Spirits Inside back cover WISE 81
White River Family Eyecare 100
Winchendon Furniture 1
Windows & Doors By Brownell 42
Windsor Station 41
Woodstock Chamber of Commerce 35
Woodstock Inn & Resort 17
Yankee Barn Homes 3
For more information about print and online advertising opportunities, contact Bob Frisch at (603) 867-9339 or email rcfrisch1@comcast.net.
Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM
Send photos of your special moments to dthompson@mountainviewpublishing.com.
