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culture • community • lifestyle image

FALL

2026

Harvest Season Celebrating Fall’s Simple Abundance

DUTILLE’S JEWELRY DESIGN STUDIO

Passing the Torch to the Next Generation

SHAKE THINGS UP WITH IVY MIX

Award-Winning Cocktail Artist

Fall 2026 vol. 21 no.3

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CONTENTS FALL 2026

page

FEATURES

30 | Patch Orchards Harvest, heritage, and home. by E. Senteio

38 | Passing the Torch

to the Next Generation

Dutille’s remains committed to core values. by Anne Richter Arnold

46 | Upper Valley Humane Society

Stepping up connections with the community. by Wren Wahrenberger

60 | Shaking It Up with Ivy Mix

Native Vermonter turned star mixologist. by Susan Nye

culture • community • lifestyle image

Fall 2026 vol. 21 no.3

FALL 2026

Harvest Season Celebrating Fall’s Simple Abundance

DUTILLE’S JEWELRY DESIGN STUDIO

Passing the Torch to the Next Generation

SHAKE THINGS UP WITH IVY MIX

Award-Winning Cocktail Artist

Cover: Savor fall at Patch Orchards. Photo by Lars Blackmore. Right: Jude Dutille, Beau Maville, and Ross Dutille in front of Dutille’s Jewelry Design Studio. Photo by Kata Sasvari.

6 i m a g e • Fall 2026

CONTENTS | DEPARTMENTS 11 Editor’s Note 12 Contributors

14 Online Exclusives & Business Directory 16 Monthly Tidbits

Seasonal facts, fun, and ideas.

26 Community

LebFest: The heart of the Upper Valley.

76 Business Sense Window Wizards. by Pamela Brown

82 The Pick

special advertising sections

Calendar of local events.

87 Advertisers Index

88 Celebrate the Moment Readers share their photos.

66 Travel Time

In the air above Albuquerque. by Lisa Ballard

8 i m a g e • Fall 2026

Destination New London! Shop, Dine & Support Local!

White River Junction, Vermont Eclectic Shopping, Theater & Music, Diverse Services

culture • community • lifestyle

Fall • 2026

Mountain View Publishing, LLC 135 Lyme Road Hanover, NH 03755 (603) 678-2793 www.mountainviewpublishing.com www.greateruppervalley.com

Publishers

Cheryl Frisch Ryan Frisch Publisher Emeritus

Bob Frisch (1951–2025) Executive Editor

Deborah Thompson Associate Editor

Kristy Erickson

Creative Director/Design

Ellen Klempner-Béguin Advertising Design

Marston Creative Web Design

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Digital Manager

Erin Frisch Newton Advertising

Ryan Frisch Calyn Frisch

Bold Innovation. Big Opportunity. LET’S TALK DEVELOPMENT: Contact the Economic Development Team 603-504-0340 or visit www.claremontnh.com

10 i m a g e • F a l l

2026

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 ryanfrisch@mountainviewpublishing.com. image is published quarterly by Mountain View Publishing, LLC ©2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited. image magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.

EDITOR’S NOTE

p h oto by ian r aymond

F is for Fall—and Fun! As autumn returns, vacations have ended and the kids are beginning a new school year. Activities turn from swimming and boating to raking leaves, stacking wood, and preparing our homes for the cold weather that’s just around the corner. One of the best things about fall—besides being surrounded by breathtaking scenery—is the return of football. The first game features the Patriots and the Seahawks, who will clash on September 9. I can’t think of a better way to open the season! Go Pats! There are lots of ways to celebrate this glorious season in the Upper Valley, and we’re sharing some of them in this issue. Make plans to attend LebFest on September 19 at Colburn Park and experience live music and performances; booths featuring local artisans, businesses, and fun children’s activities; and a chance to sample and vote for the best recipe in the Mac & Cheese Competition (page 26). Perhaps you’ll decide on a family outing to Patch Orchards, where you can pick apples, play games, and visit their farm stand for pumpkins and cider donuts (page 30). It’s a perfect way to spend a beautiful fall day outdoors. We’re also visiting Dutille’s Jewelry Design Studio in Lebanon to explore the history and the family ties that have helped the business thrive over the years (page 38). The store has been in the family since 1959. Congratulations to them as the third generation steps up to carry the business into the future. We’re also very happy to introduce you to Ivy Mix, an award-winning bartender, wine shop and restaurant owner, author, and entrepreneur (page 60). Although she spends lots of time in Brooklyn these days, she’s a native Vermonter, and we’re excited to bring you her story. Come along as we drop in at the Upper Valley Humane Society (page 46). Their hardworking staff and volunteers deserve our credit and thanks for the important jobs they do every day. Our hats are off to them! The staff and I hope you’ll experience all your favorite fall activities this year. While you’re out and about, stay in touch with local news and events at www.greateruppervalley.com. Enjoy!

Deborah Thompson Executive Editor dthompson@mountainviewpublishing.com

like us www.facebook.com/greateruppervalley.com

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 11

CONTRIBUTORS

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Fall 2026

 Anne Richter Arnold WRITER When not sharing her passion for wine through tasting events and educational classes, Anne writes professionally and for her blog, From the Vine to Wine. She is also completing a psychological thriller set in New Hampshire. She enjoys world travel, playing the piano, hiking, kayaking, and creating wonderful meals to pair with wine. She makes her home on the Seacoast with her husband, dogs, cats, goats, and chickens.

 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.

 Susan Nye WRITER A corporate dropout, Susan left a 20-year career in international sales and marketing for the fun, flexibility, and fear of self-employment. She is a writer, speaker, entrepreneur, and cook. Her blog Around the Table (www.susannye. wordpress.com) is filled with her favorite recipes and stories about family and friendship. When she’s not writing or cooking, Susan is hiking, biking, or kayaking near her New Hampshire home.

 Kata Sasvari PHOTOGRAPHER Hungarian-born photographer Kata brings a storyteller’s eye to every image. Based in Norwich, Vermont, she specializes in portraits and events, capturing genuine emotion and connection. Kata is a dedicated theater photographer whose work is often exhibited at Northern Stage. If not behind the camera, you can find her running rock shows for local teens through Tuck’s Rock Dojo. katasasvari.com

 Chantelle Neily PHOTOGRAPHER Chantelle grew up in rural Vermont. At a young age she was introduced to photography and was immediately drawn to the excitement, challenge, and opportunities that each new photograph presented. After receiving a BFA in Photography from Sage College of Albany and a Certificate in Professional Photography from Hallmark Institute of Photography, she moved back to the Upper Valley and started CPerry Photography.

 Wren Wahrenberger WRITER A retired high school English teacher, Wren lives with her husband and two golden retrievers on Goose Pond. She enjoys yoga, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren. She has written for a number of magazines over the years and is currently working on a family memoir based on her mother’s stories of growing up in Nazi Germany.

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 13

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Take a Day Trip to the Flume  Spend the day exploring the natural beauty of the Flume, one of New Hampshire’s most breathtaking outdoor attractions.

 All About the Tunbridge Fair From livestock shows to carnival rides and classic fair food, the Tunbridge Fair is a must-visit annual tradition.

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Fall 2026

ONLINE ADVERTISERS INDEX Check out these local businesses in our directory.

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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 (603) 678-2793 or email ryanfrisch@mountainviewpublishing.com. Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM •

MONTHLY TIDBITS | SEPTEMBER

STAY WELL THIS FALL You may grab extra vitamin C during cold and flu season, but if you have children in your life, you know they’ll start bringing “bugs” home once school starts. Foods and supplements containing the following nutrients can help you stay healthy this fall and beyond. • Vitamin C: Enhances antibody function and may lessen the severity of cold symptoms. Found in: Citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, and tomatoes. • Vitamin D3: Supports healthy immune cell function. Found in: Salmon, sardines, and fortified dairy and cereal. • Zinc: May shorten the duration of a cold. Found in: Beef, chicken, fish, and seafood. mega-3s: Enhance immune function by reducing inflammation. •O Found in: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines. • Probiotics: Aid immune response by supporting healthy gut bacteria. Found in: Yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and cottage cheese.

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Fall 2026

Yoga improves strength, balance, and flexibility. It can help ease pain, reduce stress, improve relaxation and sleep, and even boost energy and mood. Fridays this September into the first week of October check out Mindful Flow Yoga with Crescent Moon Wellness and Yoga at The Fells. This peaceful and slow-flowing class emphasizes the connection between movement and breath as well as our connection to nature. People of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to join. Visit thefells.org for more information and to register.

FACTS, FUN & IDEAS

“Thank You for Being a Friend”

September 14, 1985, The Golden Girls premiered on NBC. The series, starring Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, and Betty White as four women sharing a Miami home, was an instant hit and eventually won all four of its stars Emmy awards. Did you know . . . • Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche, and Rose consumed more than 100 cheesecakes on air during the run of the show— but Bea Arthur hated cheesecake in real life. • Blanche’s Southern accent was Rue McClanahan’s idea, it wasn’t originally in the script. • Estelle Getty was actually younger than her TV daughter.

• T h e theme song, “Thank You for Being a Friend,” was originally written and recorded by Andrew Gold. For the show, it was sung by Cynthia Fee. • The Golden Girls touched on many controversial topics for its time, including AIDS, gay marriage, and teen pregnancy.

• Rue McClanahan had a clause in her contract to keep all her character’s clothes. Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM •

MONTHLY TIDBITS |

SEPTEMBER

International Day of Peace On September 21, the world marks the International Day of Peace, which was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. In 2001 it was unanimously voted to designate the day as a period of global nonviolence and cease-fire. The theme for 2026 is Invest in Peace—for Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day. According to the UN, this means honoring the “everyday architects of peace”— people driving local action, laying the groundwork for stability, and building lasting peace from the ground up. The UN encourages everyone to take one small step for peace every day: Give your time to help someone, lend your voice to drive positive change, and use your platform to promote a cause or tell a story of peace and hope.

“Peace is not just made at conference tables, but in classrooms, neighborhoods, and everywhere people meet with open minds and hearts. Together, day by day, we can build a more just world, with compassion, equality, and dignity for all.” —UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

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Fall 2026

Tend to Your Perennials As perennial plants grow, they produce new shoots and roots around their periphery, which begin to crowd one another and compete for water, light, and nutrients. Daylilies, hostas, irises, ornamental grasses, and beebalm will develop dead or sparce centers as they become overcrowded. September is a good time to divide perennials because the weather is cool and wet, reducing water loss and stress for the plants after they’re transplanted. Divide and transplant your perennials at least eight weeks before the ground freezes.

“There are flowers enough in the summertime, More flowers than I can remember— But none with the purple, gold, and red That dye the flowers of September!” —Mary Howitt

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM •

MONTHLY TIDBITS |

OCTOBER

“In October a maple-tree before your window lights up your room like a great lamp. Even on cloudy days its presence helps to dispel the gloom.” —John Burroughs

Get to Know Gilfeather Turnips

Around this time of year, you’ll start seeing Gilfeather turnips—a rutabaga-turnip hybrid— at the market. This root veggie is white rather than yellow inside and is sweet and creamy without the bite of a normal turnip. Gilfeather turnips can be roasted, mashed, pureed, and more! Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center in East Thetford, Vermont, offers three delicious ways to prepare these turnips on their website: Latkes: Grate and mix with eggs, scallions, flour, salt, and pepper and then fry ⅛ cup of the batter on a skillet. Cheesy mash: Cube, boil, and mash a medium turnip, then fold in ½ to ⅓ cup of Vermont cheddar. Gilfeather soup: Sautee onion and garlic in butter. Add stock and turnips, cook until tender, and drain. Puree, then add half and half, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Garnish with sauteed spinach. For more information, tips, and recipes with fall produce, visit cedarcirclefarm.org. 20 i m a g e •

Fall 2026

History, Mystery, and Murder! Step beyond the traditional history tour and explore the darker, more mysterious side of Shaker life. The Enfield Shaker Museum presents the Taboo Tour, examining fascinating and controversial topics from Shaker history, including scandal, murder, spiritualism, the afterlife, and the enduring question: Were the Shakers a cult? Guests will enjoy stories rarely told on standard tours plus one complimentary cocktail, beer, or glass of wine with their ticket. The event is October 30 from 6 to 8pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit shakermuseum.org.

Are Black Cats Bad Omens? Black cats are associated with spooky season due to their reputation for being unlucky. These superstitious beliefs were prevalent in Europe and the Americas between the 14th and 18th centuries, when black cats were implicated in witchcraft activities during witch hunts and trials. They were often depicted as familiars of witches—low-ranking demons given to witches by the devil. Therefore, a black cat crossing your path might be on a mission from a witch—or be the devil in disguise. Not all cultures consider black cats to be unlucky. In Japan and Scotland, they’re considered omens of good fortune. And due to their resemblance to the cat-goddess Baset, black cats were honored in ancient Egypt. The American Animal Hospital Association, a study in the journal Animals, and shelters around the country report that, for whatever reason, black cats have lower adoption rates and higher euthanasia rates compared to cats with lighter coats. If you’re looking for a loveable, fun, furry companion, visit Upper Valley Humane Society (uvhs.org) and consider giving a black cat a forever home.

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603-526-6575

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM •

MONTHLY TIDBITS |

NOVEMBER

A Family TV Tradition On November 3, 1956, The Wizard of

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Based on the 1900 children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, what would become one of the best-loved movies in history opened stunned audiences when Dorothy stepped into Oz in vivid Technicolor, a relatively new film process at the success when it was released, but its popularity grew after it was televised in 1956. An estimated 45 million people

Birth Flower November’s birth flower is the chrysanthemum.

Generally, chrysanthemums represent cheerfulness.

A red one conveys love, white symbolizes truth, and a

yellow chrysanthemum indicates slighted love. Orange chrysanthemums symbolize enthusiasm, excitement,

warmth, and creativity, and they represent vibrant good feelings, luck, and encouragement.

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Fall 2026

watched the inaugural broadcast, and from 1959 to 1991, The Wizard of Oz was shown once a year—only on commercial broadcast television— making the annual showing a tradition for countless American families. After the film went to cable in 1999, the tradition of televising the film only once a year ceased in the United States.

Ready Your Home for Holiday Hosting The holidays will be here before you know it, and early November is a good time to prep your home for extra cooking, guests, and entertaining. Do a quick declutter of your kitchen—toss or donate anything you haven’t used in ages, and in the process make sure you have the serving spoons and dishes you’ll need. Get rid of anything expired in the fridge and pantry to make room for holiday ingredients and leftovers. Restock broth, canned goods, and baking ingredients you’ll need for holiday dishes. It’s also an ideal time to refresh or replace hand towels, deflated guest room pillows, or threadbare guest sheets. Finally, clear the clutter from your coat closet and donate anything you no longer want or need to make space for your guests’ coats.

Second Summer The term “Indian Summer” has been around for centuries, but what exactly is it? This weather phenomenon is best described using the term that Europeans and British still use: St. Martin’s Summer. This references St. Martin’s Day on November 11, the start of unusually warm spells occurring in late autumn with clear skies, sunny but hazy days, and cool nights that last through November 20. The American Meteorological Society commonly calls this “Second Summer,” which is appropriately descriptive. The timing is important—it occurs after at least one killing frost but before the first snowfall.

“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” —Nathaniel Hawthorne

Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM •

MONTHLY TIDBITS |

NOVEMBER

The First Thanksgiving Day Parade

Contrary to popular belief, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is not the oldest in the country. On November 25, 1920, the first Thanksgiving Day parade was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Organized by the Gimbel Brothers Department Store, the parade was introduced as a fun way to kick off the holiday shopping season and draw crowds to the store. The floats were simple but charming, and one featuring Santa Claus and his sleigh typically closed the parade as Santa, upon reaching Gimbel’s, would scale a fire truck ladder to the store’s eighth floor, home of Gimbel’s “Toyland.” The parade grew in popularity, and other cities soon followed suit—on November 27, 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade marched down West 77th Street and Central Park West in New York City for the first time.

2 Campbell St., Lebanon, NH

Thanksgiving Tips & Tricks Are you hosting Thanksgiving on November 26? A few tips from the Food Network may help save your sanity—or at least make life a little easier. • Use your cooler as an extra fridge. Clear out space-hogging bottles of dressing, pickles, and condiments and store them in the garage in a cooler filled with ice packs. • Or use your cooler as a warming drawer—it’s insulated, after all. Line it with aluminum foil, add some folded towels, and fill it with hot dishes as they come out of the oven (just be sure not to melt your cooler). • To keep your mashed potatoes hot when every burner of your stove is in use, butter your slow-cooker insert, add a little heavy cream, and spoon in the potatoes. Set the temp on low and stir every hour or so. • The secret to excellent gravy is skimmed— not greasy—pan drippings. If you don’t have a fat separator, pour your drippings into a large measuring cup and put it in the freezer. As the drippings cool, the fat will rise to the top and solidify, making it easy to skim it off with a spoon. • Overcooked the turkey? Drizzle it with a little warm chicken broth. It will help moisten the meat and add flavor. 24 i m a g e •

Fall 2026

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Above: Locals stream onto the Lebanon Green for an afternoon of free family fun. Bottom from near right: Families congregate to listen to live music, enjoy activities for kids, and browse the booths.

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COMMUNITY BY GORDON BODDINGTON PHOTOS COURTESY OF UPPER VALLEY BUSINESS ALLIANCE

THE HEART of the

UPPER VALLEY

L E B F E S T I S N E W E N G L A N D AT I T S B E S T

Picture the quintessential New England scene:

a historic town park bordered by classic brick storefronts, leafy maple trees just starting to hint at autumn gold, and a bustling community coming together in celebration. This is the Lebanon Green, officially known as Colburn Park, and it serves as both the literal and figurative heart of the Lebanon, New Hampshire, area. On Saturday, September 19 from 11am to 3pm, the Lebanon Green will host the ultimate celebration of local pride: LebFest. Born from a partnership between the Upper Valley Business Alliance (UVBA) and Lebanon Recreation, Arts & Parks, LebFest celebrates both the rich history and bright future of Lebanon with a day packed full of free, family-friendly fun. “I couldn’t believe the turnout!” says Claire, a LebFest volunteer. “As a volunteer, seeing the entire Upper Valley pack the Green was absolutely incredible. I initially came for the high-stakes mac and cheese competition, but I stayed for the fun and the unmatched community energy.” A Community Built on Collaboration It may sound like a cliché, but putting together a community event of this magnitude truly does take a village. Many businesses and organizations come together to support LebFest as a family-friendly festival each year. UVBA and Lebanon Recreation spend months planning and forging new relationships with community members to bring you the best of Lebanon. “Showcasing the amazing collaboration of area nonprofits, local artisans, food producers, and high-tech innovators, LebFest 2026 brings the absolute best of our community together in one place,” says Hannah Falcone of Lebanon Recreation, Arts & Parks.

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COMMUNITY Clockwise from right: Come out and enjoy live music and explore over 90 booths—each with its own family-friendly activity. Be sure to vote in the Mac & Cheese Competition. Who will take home the coveted trophy? (The couple bottom center holding the trophy won last year.)

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Booths, Animals, and Local Tunes With more than 90 vendors spanning the historic Green, there is something for everyone. Each booth represents a local organization or business with connections to the Lebanon area community. They range from an airplane built by Lebanon High School students to live animals from Five Sisters Farm to local artisans showcasing their award-winning talent. This isn’t just show-and-tell, either; each booth includes a family-friendly activity like face painting, giant bubbles, and even an instrument petting zoo. Between activities, take in live music from the Lebanon High School Band and VoxStars, a local a cappella group. Stop to watch Marco the Magician perform close-up illusions and grab lunch from one of the many food vendors lining the Green. The Great Mac & Cheese Face-Off While the kids are busy with games, foodies from all over the Upper Valley will be heading straight to what is the highlight of the event for many: the LebFest Mac & Cheese Competition. Local culinary rockstars face off in a highstakes, carb-loaded battle. From 11am to 3pm (or while the legendary samples last!), you can taste-test homemade mac and cheese creations from favorites like Salt hill Pub, K&P Catering Service, and Montcalm. This year features the first-ever vegan mac and cheese entry from Black Magic Mexican. Once you’ve sampled each gooey entry, cast your vote to crown the winner of the highly coveted, hilariously wonderful Golden Noodle mac and cheese trophy. Pro tip: The mac and cheese samples are completely free, which means the tent is incredibly popular. Get there right at 11am to savor each sample before they run out! Whether you’re a lifelong Upper Valley resident or a visitor looking to experience the warm, welcoming magic of a classic New England town, LebFest is the place to be. It’s more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of a community that truly loves where it lives. y

• • •

LebFest Saturday, September 19, 11am–3pm Colburn Park, 51 North Park Street Lebanon, NH Free admission!

•

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A couple enjoys visiting the orchards on a beautiful fall day. Opposite from top: Apple picking occurs daily in the fall. You’ll find pure New Hampshire organic maple syrup. Pumpkins of all sizes and shapes are available.

Patch Orchards H A R V E S T, H E R I T A G E , AND HOME

The Patch family lineage has been farming the same land in Lebanon, New Hampshire, for eight generations and takes pride in their rich heritage.

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BY E. SENTEIO 6 PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARS BLACKMORE

For some, Patch Orchards in Lebanon, New Hampshire, is the place to pick your own apples. But it’s so much more. For Barb and Matt Patch, it’s a way of life, a promise to future generations, and a legacy. “My husband has worked on the farm his entire life,” Barb says. “I married him in ’83, so I’ve been here ever since.” Today, that dedication spans eight generations of the Patch family, with a ninth waiting in the wings. After spending years away establishing careers, the couple’s three sons—Josh, Artie, and Cody— returned to the family business in 2020. “They wanted to raise their kids the way they were raised,” Barb says. “They’re the eighth generation. Their children will be the ninth.” MY, HOW YOU’VE GROWN To support four growing households, the family purchased 1,000 acres adjoining the original 300acre farm. Along with enlarging the apple orchards, they diversified with Christmas trees, a farm stand, pick-your-own experiences, and a variety of seasonal offerings.

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Clockwise from top left: Take in mountain views and future Christmas trees. Barb Patch shows off views and foliage. Be sure to visit the farm stand. Pack a picnic, play lawn games, and experience amazing views. Arthur Patch checks the apple orchard.

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Clockwise: Visiting the orchards and the farm stand is a great way to spend the day with family. Hard cider is available at the farm stand. Take home a bag of already-picked apples. Be sure to try the yummy cider donuts. Educating the public about agriculture.

34 i m a g e • F a l l 2 0 2 6

The family farm stand offers apples and syrup, as well as maple candies, cider donuts, and soft-serve ice cream made with Patch maple syrup. And of course, throughout the harvest, carefully selected varieties of apples are pressed for fresh sweet cider. While Patch Orchards’ legacy began with apples, maple syrup is now its primary business. The farm’s 1,200-acre sugarbush contains thousands of maple trees that are tapped each spring. “We have 60,000 taps now,” Barb says proudly. Another 35 acres are devoted to apple trees. The farm also includes seasonal pumpkins, sweet corn, an eight-acre Christmas tree plantation, and an eight-acre corn maze. Together, they extend the farm’s season and opportunities for visitors. OH, WHAT FUN Visitors can pick their own apples from August through October, although apples remain available into the Christmas season. Families spend the day exploring the corn maze, enjoying the playground, or relaxing on the lawn while taking in panoramic views stretching west toward Vermont. “We have quite a vista,” Barb says. “We can see five ski areas.” The family farm stand offers apples and syrup, as well as maple candies, cider donuts, and soft-serve ice cream made with Patch maple syrup. And of course, throughout the harvest, carefully selected varieties of apples are pressed for fresh sweet cider. Barb rattles off the varieties as only someone in the apple business can: “We have Gala, Honeycrisp, Honey Gold, Fuji, KinderKrisp, McIntosh, Cortlands, Empires, Macouns, and Ida Reds. You don’t want just one variety in your cider.” The farm also produces about 5,000 gallons of hard cider each year, including Mac N’ Ida, named for the McIntosh and Ida Red apples used in the blend. Canned Mac N’ Ida is sold in local markets.

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A LEGACY OF COMMITMENT Although visitors often think of summer as a slower season, behind the scenes, it’s very busy for the family. “This is when they put in new sap lines,” Barb says of her sons. “They prune the Christmas trees. They planted 2,200 more Christmas trees. They planted 600 more apple trees.” Rather than simply maintaining what previous generations built, the Patch family continues to expand the farm and create opportunities for future generations to remain and thrive on the land. For the family, that commitment is about far more than growing crops. It’s about sustainability. “We think a lot about keeping the land open for agriculture,” she says. “It’s been done now for eight generations, and we’re preparing for the future.” She says she hopes visitors not only enjoy the Patch Orchards but also recognize the importance of supporting local farms before agricultural land disappears. “We’re trying to do our best to keep the land as productive and sustainable as we can.” For more than 250 years, Patch Orchards has shaped both the northern New Hampshire landscape and the Patch family’s heritage. Every tree planted and every new venture strengthens that legacy. As the ninth generation begins to grow up among the apple trees and sugar maples, the Patch family isn’t simply expanding a business; they’re preserving a way of life and inviting others to enjoy the fruits of their labors. y Patch Orchards 40 Patch Road Lebanon, NH (603) 448-4130 patchorchards.com

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BY ANNE RICHTER ARNOLD PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATA SASVARI

Passing the Torch to the Third Generation D U T I L L E’S R E M A I N S C O M M I T T E D T O C O R E VA LU E S

t Dutille’s Jewelry Design Studio in Lebanon, New Hampshire, making and repairing jewelry is not just a business, it’s a family tradition. A full-service, third-generation jewelry store, Dutille’s provides a relaxed, welcoming customer experience, whether shopping for a special piece, creating something custom, or coming in for a repair. Unlike other jewelry stores in the area, all work, including redesigning and repairs, is done in-house. Along with providing exceptional design and craftsmanship, building lasting relationships with customers has always been at the heart of what they do.

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Beau Maville and Ross Dutille stand behind one of the curated design cases in the front showroom.

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“Every day, I strive to do things with care, integrity, and pride. I’ve found that when you commit to doing things the right way, so many other things naturally fall into place—and that’s a philosophy I intend to carry forward at Dutille’s,” says Ross.

A TRUE FAMILY BUSINESS Dutille’s opened in 1959, when Philias (Phil) Dutille bought the J.S. Wolfe jewelry store where he had worked for five years. In 1993, Phil’s son Jude purchased the business and moved Dutille’s to its current location at 55 Park Street. Phil’s grandsons, brothers Beau Maville and Ross Dutille, have assumed the lead at the jewelry store, but Dad is not fully retiring. Jude will stay on for guidance, doing what he loves: making and repairing jewelry. Dutille’s has a collection of Jude’s designs, and by stepping away from the day-to-day business, he will have more time to showcase his work. The brothers are well positioned to take the helm of Dutille’s. Beau has been in the family business since 2005 as head of sales and design. Ross joined the team in 2024 and, having a BS in Business, is the head of business operations and marketing, as well as a buyer for the store. “The change in ownership has been thoughtful and planned, something that we’ve all worked toward for the last six to eight years,” says Jude. “There are exceptional people in place on the sales floor, workshop, and in customer service that will allow the company to continue our tradition and grow even further. I’m excited that the Beau and Ross are becoming the new owners together and how well their different skill sets will allow them both to shine and help each other.” Jude is confident that his father would be pleased with the passing of the torch. “I know he would be proud that we’ve been able to continue the tradition of customer service. He’s certainly just tickled that his grandsons have the reins and that his daughter Louise (my sister) is still helping with our marketing efforts.”

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Above from left: Jude stands in front of the display wall showcasing the store founder and his father, Phil Dutille. Jude at his workbench. Bottom left and right: Cases in the showroom display a variety of pieces, such as custom pieces made by the team at Dutille’s and designer pieces from John Hardy and Shinola.

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Top from near right: Beau works on a customer’s estimate for repair. Ross works on a customer’s watch. Center from near right: Danita Morgan works on a customer’s repair. Katie Buscheff crafts a new item for the store’s showcase. Bottom from near right: Sylvie Jewelry is one of the featured bridal lines Dutille’s carries. Shinola is the featured line of watches. Jude, Beau, and Ross pose on the corner of the downtown Lebanon storefront.

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CONTINUING A TRADITION Beau is excited for the opportunity to carry on Dutille’s as a true multigenerational family business. “It’s incredibly meaningful to continue the tradition that has been built over the years, and I feel fortunate to have been mentored and guided in the right way. Not only in the craft of jewelry, but also in how to build relationships, earn trust, and run a successful business. “I’m most proud of having the opportunity to work alongside one of the finest jewelers in our industry, my dad, for more than 20 years. Learning from someone who is not only an exceptional craftsman but also an outstanding business owner has given me an invaluable foundation and shaped the way I approach both my work and our customers.” Ross is grateful for the opportunity to take this next step alongside his brother. “Our dad has always been my biggest role model, so having the chance to carry on the business that he helped build and nurture into what it is today is both humbling and an honor. We’re excited to continue growing the business, strengthening the impact it has within our community, and supporting the incredible team of employees who have helped make Dutille’s what it is.” BUILDING ON A SOLID FOUNDATION “I have learned so much from Jude!” says Cheryl, one of Dutille’s longest tenured employees. “For me, his impact goes beyond jewelry; he’s shown me what it means to be a part of and supporting family, staff, customers, competitors, and community. I’m looking forward to seeing Beau and Ross lead the business. They will take the skills and knowledge they have learned from Jude and add their own skills, education, and personalities to make the business their own. Beau has a dynamic, people-forward personality; he is great at listening and hearing what customers and staff want and need. Ross, like Jude, is great at listening to what is happening around the store, very aware and perceptive, which I think will help to keep things running smoothly. They both have an appreciation of the foundation that Jude and his dad Phil built, and it’s exciting to see how they will build upon that.”

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Jude’s influence on the next generation is what makes this family-owned business so successful, and so different. “The biggest lesson my dad has taught me is to treat every person who walks through our doors with respect, understanding, and genuine care,” says Beau. “He has always believed that earning a customer’s trust comes first, and that if you make a commitment, you follow through and deliver on it. Those values have been the foundation of our business for decades, and they’re something I’ll continue to uphold every day.” Ross will also bring the lessons learned from his father with him. “One piece of advice from my dad has stayed with me my entire life: If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing the right way. When I was younger, he was probably talking about homework or yard work, but that lesson has become the foundation for how I approach both life and business. Every day, I strive to do things with care, integrity, and pride. I’ve found that when you commit to doing things the right way, so many other things naturally fall into place—and that’s a philosophy I intend to carry forward at Dutille’s.” Beau more than anything wants people to know how much they value being part of this community. “For generations, our customers have trusted us to be part of life’s most meaningful moments, and that is something we never take for granted. We’re committed to continuing that tradition by providing exceptional craftsmanship, genuine relationships, and a welcoming place where people always feel at home.” y Dutille’s Jewelry Design Studio 55 North Park Street Lebanon, NH (603) 448-4106 dutilles.com

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w w w. w a g n e r h o d g s o n . c o m

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This page: Executive Director RayLynn Bradigan and Executive Dog Ben. Opposite, clockwise from top left: Sacco (AVAILABLE for adoption), a 1.5-yearold male, is as happy bouncing after a ball as cuddled up with a buddy. Nike (AVAILABLE for adoption), a 13-yearold female, is a loving house panther. Skittles was adopted this summer after attending the Canaan Farmers and Artisans Market. Snickers (AVAILABLE for adoption), a twoyear-old female, has special behavioral needs and endless enthusiasm. Squanchy was transported in from Alabama and adopted by a local teacher. Toaster (possibly the world’s greatest bunny) was adopted this summer. UVHS adoption facility.

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BY WREN WAHRENBERGER 6 PHOTOGRAPHY BY CPERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

Upper Valley Humane Society STEPPING UP CONNECTIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY

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ayLynn Bradigan, executive director of the Upper Valley Humane Society in Enfield, New Hampshire, leads me into a room housing a litter of five-week-old rescued kittens. They have been fostered by a UVHS team member since before their eyes opened, when they needed to be fed every two hours. Two bright orange, two black, and one longhaired tortoiseshell dart from their pen when RayLynn unzips the door. Adding to their fluffy, tumbling charm are their surprisingly short tails. The kittens are eager to explore the room, and one climbs up my pant leg while others slip in and out of play tunnels and in between furniture. RayLynn says they will doubtless be adopted as soon as they are old enough, noting that they are favorites of the staff. A PERFECT FIT RayLynn, who has helmed UVHS since the summer of 2025, went to college to be a teacher of literature, but her part-time job training dogs throughout college turned into a career working for animal welfare organizations instead. She has worked for shelters or vet clinics since 2009, so when she returned to the Upper Valley to help her parents, taking a job at UVHS was the perfect fit. Her first feeling upon getting to know the organization was that it needed more connections to the community, especially since the UVHS site is located away from the population centers of the Upper Valley, down Route 89 off Exit 15. She wanted to “open the place up” and to network more with other service professionals as well as speak with local organizations, letting people know how UVHS can help them as well as their pets. “We don’t lock our doors during the day anymore,” she says. “People come in, and we have someone here to talk to them.” PROVIDING CARE AND SERVICES UVHS is well-known in the region for helping families and adoptable pets find each other and for providing a safe shelter for people who need to surrender their animals. The website posts photos and detailed bios of animals currently up for 48 i m a g e • F a l l 2 0 2 6

Clockwise from top left: Jaxx, Behavior & Enrichment Coordinator; Abby, Animal Care Technician; Miranda, Medical Manager; Hannah, Veterinary Technician Intern; Dr. Laura Egan, DVM; Savannah, Animal Care Technician; Kate, Shelter Operations Supervisor; RayLynn Bradigan, Executive Director; Chris, Animal Services Manager; Avery, Animal Care Technician; Ben, Animal Care Assistant. Ash meets with potential adopters with familiar team members present to help her with confidence. Community cat rooms house cats in a more natural, cage-free setting. Dr. Egan performs spay surgery on a shelter kitten. UVHS has seen a remarkable increase in local surrender requests in 2025 over previous years. The adoption lobby updated in 2023 welcomes visitors Tuesday to Saturday.

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Clockwise from above: Rick, one of UVHS’s volunteers, dedicates his time to “Joy Rides,” a fun outing for dogs including a car ride and a Pup Cup. Team members provide exercise, enrichment activities, and training, three primary ways UVHS improves the quality of life for dogs awaiting adoption.

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adoption, and this information is also quickly posted on social media to give these animals a better chance of finding the right home. Those interested in adopting make an appointment to meet the animal at the shelter, bringing all members of the household. Some of the lesser-known services that UVHS has to offer include helping pet owners in financial distress by providing pet food and low-cost pet wellness clinics at the shelter. UVHS also has support programs in place to help with training and behavior issues to help keep pets with their families. In addition, UVHS’s Trap, Neuter, and Release program helps control feral cat populations. UVHS also provides emergency boarding for pets with owners who are hospitalized or unhoused due to a fire or other disaster. RayLynn has found that getting the word out about their services has allowed neighbors to help neighbors during an emergency. For example, last Thanksgiving, a local resident, who was the sole caregiver for his wife who has dementia, fell and broke his hip and needed emergency surgery and hospitalization. He was able to find care for his wife, but he also needed someone to care for their beloved dog. All local boarding facilities were booked due to the holiday. A neighbor, who was

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UVHS’s surgical suite treated more than 600 animals in 2025.

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unable to care for the dog but had heard RayLynn speak at the Hanover Lions Club, told the man about the shelter’s emergency boarding option, and the UVHS stepped in to find placement for the dog while the man was recuperating. “They were so grateful,” she says. “It was a whole lot for them to worry about all at once.” Some animals are overly stressed when they are kenneled, and the UVHS kennels are sometimes full, so RayLynn has built connections with a network of smaller local foster-based rescue groups, such as Jezzie’s Place in Canaan, All Ears Sanctuary in Orford, Survivors Paws in Lebanon, Dreams Come True in Plainfield, and Potter’s Angels in Vermont. “I’m not a fan of saying we can’t, so if we can’t, we find someone who can,” says RayLynn. If UVHS has an animal they can’t board or foster, they

reach out to these agencies, run mostly out of people’s homes. In return, if these groups need supplies or help with veterinary care, they can turn to UVHS. EMERGENCY CARE RayLynn is also building relationships with local police and rescue workers who bring in animals due to a fire, arrest, or other emergency. They appreciate that no matter what time it is, they can call her cell number to get help. She knows how important it is for those on the front lines to have a full understanding of how UVHS can help in crisis—not just for pets, but for people too. “We’ve had people needing to be hospitalized for mental health crises, and they don’t want to go because they have no one to care for their pet. They think that the pet will be taken away

from them,” says RayLynn. Emergency personnel can call RayLynn, and she will personally reassure the pet owners that their pet will be returned when they are able to care for it again. Often it may be a pet owner’s caseworker who calls for help; however, the pet owners themselves must give permission to temporarily surrender their pet. In addition, they should sign paperwork in case the pet needs medical or preventative care, which UVHS will provide for free. In addition, the UVHS will try to get information about the pet’s medical history and personality from their owners before taking them in to kennel. THE WELLNESS CLINIC The low-cost pet wellness clinic at UVHS is also available to the public, but it is often booked ahead months in advance, so pet owners needing financial assistance for spaying, neutering, and vaccinations for their

animals should reserve appointments early at uvhs.org and call the shelter if they have any questions. The shelter has a veterinarian on staff three days a week, but at least half of that time is spent caring for shelter animals. The UVHS wellness clinic also participates in the Trap, Neuter, and Return program (TNR) for feral cats. “Before the snow melted this year, we were contacted by six different properties where people had an abundance of cats that they didn’t want,” says RayLynn. These cats were living in barns and old buildings. The wild cats that can still be socialized, such as young kittens, are put up for adoption. However, adult feral cats see “no benefit in human interaction” and often cannot live with human families. The goal of TNR is to return adult feral cats to their cat communities after they have been spayed or neutered and vaccinated. However, some property owners ask that the cats not be returned, even though their behavior vastly

improves after being neutered. “Luckily, we have a list of people who do want barn cats,” says RayLynn. Another service of UVHS is helping owners find their lost pets. The website has an online form to fill out if you have found a lost pet or are missing a pet. Lost and found pets are also posted on Facebook. UVHS will contact owners if they have an animal matching any of the descriptions. RayLynn also advises calling the police if you have lost or found a pet. LEND A HELPING HAND Besides familiarizing people with their services, RayLynn hopes to let the community know more about their needs as an organization. She stresses that UVHS welcomes new volunteers, and that the duties are so varied that there is something for everyone, including working with the animals, the building and grounds, the

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Ricker Funeral Homes & Crematory

Where friends and family gather to heal. Complete funeral services for the Upper Valley. (603) 448-1568 | info@rickerfuneralhome.com | www.rickerfuneralhome.com 54 i m a g e • F a l l 2 0 2 6

reception desk, or stuffing envelopes. Someone with mobility issues, for example, can simply sit with shy dogs and talk with them, or they can help with the newsletters. UVHS currently has 50 to 60 regular volunteers who put in a total of about 600 hours each month. “Volunteering is something we don’t talk about enough,” says RayLynn, pointing out the good feelings that people gain from helping out. “And people love to have the opportunity to spend time with the animals.” The board of directors is also growing at UVHS, with openings for two more seats. “They are wonderful,” she says about the current board. “I’ve worked with boards in other positions before, and this is a really supportive board. They are eager to learn about animal welfare, and they are engaged. Every board member volunteers, and that is very uncommon. They help with cleaning kennels, fostering, or walking dogs, that sort of thing.” Over 85 percent of the funding for UVHS comes from local individual donors who typically give smaller amounts. In addition, adoption fees partially offset the costs UVHS has incurred while caring for an animal. Adoption fees are highest for puppies, running around $500. The wellness clinics operate at a financial loss because they are offered below cost. Several local grocery stores, including the Co-ops, Shaw’s, Hannaford, and Price Chopper, have collection bins or drives for pet food and supplies for UVHS. “It is unbelievable the amount of generosity in our community,” says RayLynn. “We have a room right now filled with new donations.” Despite this abundance, she says they still always need kitten food, cat litter, and cleaning supplies, such as bleach and laundry detergent. She’d love to organize a drive at a place like BJs where they could park their van and collect bulk quantities of things like paper towels and treats like cheese sticks and hot dogs, which they use to encourage their animals to take medications.

BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY What they don’t use themselves, RayLynn passes on to other organizations, such as the local food banks and LISTEN. “We used to have a long list of things we didn’t accept, but now we take them and share the highquality donations with humans in need,” says RayLynn. Sometimes people donate brandnew blankets, towels, and sheets, and if a family loses everything in a fire, the UVHS is happy to share their supplies. She says their overarching goal is to help people and to build a stronger community, and relationships with people and animals happens to be how they can do that. RayLynn says it’s always a red flag for her in interviews when someone says they like animals more than people. “I want people who also love people,” she says. After her first year at the UVHS, RayLynn is still assessing the community’s needs and what would be most successful as far as fundraising efforts, while still staying true to their identity. “I see this as a small-town, closer relationships organization,” says RayLynn. “I don’t see us doing black-tie galas as much as I see us doing more events like a family reunion of people who have adopted pets.” RayLynn prioritizes things like bringing in students on field trips and teaching people about the work they are doing at the shelter, versus putting on concerts and larger events, “spending a lot of time having a party.” UVHS does host an Open House twice a year to welcome the community into the facility, and they participate in smaller events hosted by places like the West Lebanon Feed & Supply. At these events, a frequent comment by attendees when they learn more about UVHS is “we didn’t know that you did this much.” “We think it’s so obvious that we have all these services, and our team wonders why people aren’t asking for this help,” RayLynn says. Her team now sees that informing the community is key to being able to help it. y Upper Valley Humane Society 300 Old Route 10 Enfield, NH (643) 448-6888 uvhs.org Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 55

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The Refinery Restaurant & Market

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Ivy Mix.

SHAKING IT UP WITH

N TU M

NATIVE VERMONTER

TURNED STAR

MIXOLOGIST

s i

BY SUSAN NYE 6 PHOTOS COURTESY OF IVY MIX.

ou could say that Ivy is an accidental bartender. Although, with a name like Mix, it could be fate. Award-winning mixologist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author, the Vermont native has come a long way from her idyllic childhood on horseback. The once-aspiring Olympian studied fine art and philosophy at Bennington College. The daughter of two artists, master glassblower Robin Mix and textile designer and Anichini founder Susan Dollenmaier, Ivy assumed her post-Olympics career path would be in the arts and academia.

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“Being told no made me angry,” she says. “I got this idea to start a cocktail competition for women.” Or not. In addition to the philosophy of aesthetics, Bennington is where Ivy developed the travel bug and fell in love with Central America. Bennington’s winter field work term offered an excellent opportunity to explore the world. Ivy found herself in Guatemala working in a bar and hanging out with backpackers and expats. She says, “I discovered that I loved traveling and bartending—and it was a job I could take anywhere.” She began experimenting with mezcal and discovered her creativity as a mixologist. For the uninitiated, mezcal is a Mexican spirit distilled from the agave plant and known for its earthy and smoky taste. FINDING A FUN, SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE After graduating from Bennington College in 2008, Ivy sold her horse, traveled a bit, and then moved to New York City. Planning to continue her studies and eventually teach, she found an unpaid internship at a high-end art gallery. With the Great Recession in full force, decent paying part-time jobs in the arts were impossible to find. To pay the bills, she waited tables and tended bar. Ivy remembers, “I hated the gallery. I discovered a world where art was a commodity for buying and selling instead of something to love and admire. It sucked the life and romance out of art and the creative process.” At the same time, she really enjoyed the

lively atmosphere, fun, and sociability of working in bars, especially bartending. AN IDEA IS BORN For centuries, bartending was a male domain. Men poured the drinks and women waited on tables. However, Ivy preferred pouring. She particularly liked creating interesting new cocktails. So began her quest to break into this male bastion and help like-minded women do the same. “Being told no made me angry,” she says. “I got this idea to start a cocktail competition for women.” Ivy and mixologist Lynnette Marrero founded Speed Rack, an all-femme, high-speed competition to showcase up-and-coming women in the cocktail industry. In addition to shining a light on great talent, the competition raises money for breast cancer research. Since the program launched in 2011, Speed Rack has raised nearly $2,000,000 for charities supporting breast cancer research. “The competition has been great for women bartenders and great for me,” Ivy says. Bar owners and managers can no longer claim there are no talented women bartenders. As the competition grew, so did Ivy’s profile in the industry. Soon after the first Speed Rack, she began working for bartending legend Julie Reiner at her bars Lani Kai and Clover Club.

Throughout her career, Ivy has been honored with numerous nominations and awards. Here are the highlights: MIXOLOGIST Semifinalist for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service for the James Beard Awards, 2026 Leyenda semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program for the James Beard Awards, 2019 | 2018 | 2025 Semifinalist for VinePair’s Drinks Professional of the Year, 2024 Wine Enthusiast’s Mixologist of the Year, 2016 American Bartender of the Year at Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards, 2015

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Named one of Food & Wine Magazine’s Most Innovative Women, 2015 Semifinalist Forbes 30 Under 30 in Food and Wine, 2013 | 2014 Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40, 2013 Imbibe magazine’s Drink Ambassador of the Year, 2013 Nominee for Best American Bartender at Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards, 2012 | 2013 | 2014 Zagat’s 30 Under 30 New York City, 2012

AUTHOR Semifinalist for A Quick Drink for Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards, 2025 A Quick Drink named official nominee for James Beard Media Awards for Book with Beverages with Recipes, 2025 Spirits of Latin America wins AICP Award for Best Book in Wine, Beer, or Spirits, 2021 Spirits of Latin America wins Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits at Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards, 2021

PHILANTHROPIST Honored by the PINK Agenda with their Icon Award for her work in Speed Rack, 2023 World’s Best Bar Mentor at Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards, 2019 Philanthropy Award at Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards, 2019 Honored by SHARE Cancer Support for her work within the Breast Cancer Community, 2012 First recipient of Tony Abou-Ganim’s Helen David Humanitarian Award, 2012

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CHILCANO ½ strawberry 2 oz pisco ¾ oz ginger syrup ¾ oz lime juice 1 oz club soda Garnish: lime wheel and a piece of candied ginger Muddle ½ a fresh strawberry and add the remaining ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a highball glass. Top with club soda.

ARINATO 1½ oz mezcal ¾ oz Lillet Blanc ½ oz dry vermouth ¼ oz Yellow Chartreuse 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters 1 barspoon maraschino liqueur Garnish: grapefruit twist Add ingredients to a rocks glass and stir. Add a big rock and garnish with a grapefruit twist.

PAN AM SOUR 1¼ oz bourbon ¾ oz silver cachaça ¾ oz simple syrup (1:1) ¾ oz fresh lemon juice ¼ oz fresh orange juice ½ oz Malbec red wine Shake and strain into a coupe. Top with Malbec red wine.

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Drink photos by Shannon Sturgis.

SHOWCASING HER TALENTS Ivy leans heavily toward Latin flavors and with Julie’s help and investment, she opened Leyenda in Brooklyn in 2015. The bar specialized in mezcal and Latin food. Ivy explains, “You can study the history of civilizations by what people eat and drink. Exploration, colonization, the slave trade, and more have shaped cultures throughout the world. We celebrated all of that at Leyenda.” In keeping with its name, Leyenda, or legend in Spanish, quickly became one. Along with an enthusiastic following, it was a semifinalist for a prestigious James Beard Award in 2018, 2019, and 2025. The bar program award category recognizes consistent excellence in service, atmosphere, and hospitality. The coronavirus pandemic brought immediate and severe shockwaves to the hospitality industry. Interest in sharing fun and frivolous cocktails with friends evaporated overnight. While able to hang on for a while, like many establishments, Leyenda never fully recovered and closed its doors last year. Meanwhile, in response to the abrupt downturn, Ivy and partners Piper Kristensen and Conor McKee opened Fiasco, a wine and spirits shop in 2021. With a primary focus on high-quality, small, independent vintners and distillers, the Brooklyn store continues to thrive. Missing the sociability of a bar, the team expanded around the corner with Whoopsie Daisy. An intimate wine and cocktail lounge with a big backyard for warm-weather sipping, Whoopsie Daisy features many of the wine and spirits available at Fiasco. In 2026, Ivy was nominated for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service at Whoopsie Daisy. Never a slacker, Ivy has most recently partnered with chef Alan Delgado at Titán. Specializing in Mexican food, the neighborhood cantina just opened in June. The restaurant focuses on northern Mexican cuisine and festive Latin cocktails. ENJOY IVY’S CONCOCTIONS AT HOME If you are unable to get to Brooklyn anytime soon, Ivy has written two books. Published in 2020, the first, Spirits of Latin America, is a love letter to Latin American culture. It includes more than 100 recipes from Leyenda and beyond. The second, written with Speed Rack cofounder Lynnette Marrero and wine and spirits journalist Megan Krigbaum, A Quick Drink: The Speed Rack Guide to Winning Cocktails for Any Mood was published in 2024 and nominated for a James Beard Award. Ivy, Lynnette, and more than 80 Speed Rack participants provide advice and recipes for winning cocktails. Shaken or stirred, you’ll find the perfect cocktail for any and every occasion. y Fiasco Wine & Spirits Shop 1148 Union Street Brooklyn, NY fiascobk.com

Whoopsie Daisy 225 Rogers Avenue Brooklyn, NY whoopsiedaisybk.com

Titán 5 Front Street Brooklyn, NY titan-nyc.com

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TRAVEL TIME STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA BALL ARD

BALLOONIST’S PRAYER The winds have welcomed you with softness. The sun has blessed you with its warm hands. You’ve flown so high and so well that the gods have joined you in laughter, And set you gently back again into the loving arms of Mother Earth.

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In the Air above

ALBUQUERQUE hot air ballooning in new mexico

Two hot air balloons ascend into the sky above Albuquerque, New Mexico, shortly after sunrise.

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TRAVEL TIME

The author adds her weight to the basket as the balloon inflates. The writing on the balloon next to hers, “Bucket List,” is doubly true: Hot air ballooning is a bucket list activity, and when doing it one flies through the air in a wicker bucket.

READY FOR TAKEOFF

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SHELBURNE FARMS

It was pleasantly peaceful

drifting through the sky in a hot air balloon above Albuquerque, New Mexico. Even the intermittent bursts from the burner above me melted into a corner of my consciousness as simply part of floating at the whims of the wind. I could see to every horizon in the cool morning air. The views of the Rio Grande below, Sandia Mountains to the east, and ancient lava flows to the west made my heart sing.

Albuquerque is a mecca for ballooning. A dozen or so glide above it almost every day. Each October, during the annual nine-day Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, more than 500 balloons speckle the sky. It’s also the home of Rainbow Ryders, whose lead balloonist, Troy Bradley, holds 64 world records, including two in 2015, when he and Russian Leonid Tiukhtyaev flew the farthest (6,655.9 miles) and stayed in the air the longest without a break (160 hours and 34 minutes) in a gas balloon from Japan to Baja, Mexico. While I didn’t get assigned to Troy’s balloon, my pilot Greg Morrison, a former F-18 pilot, gave me a ride to remember. TAKING OFF In Albuquerque, balloons take off at sunrise, when it’s calm. The winds tend to build as the day goes on. In the heart of the winter, afternoon flights are sometimes possible, but in spring, summer, and fall, it’s too windy later in the day. I was there in June. The first task upon arriving at the launch field was inflating the balloons. Rainbow Ryders had four balloons that morning. Several others planned to take off when we did. As soon as the pilots deemed conditions suitable to fly, the ground crew tipped the baskets on their sides, attached the “envelopes” (the fabric portion of the balloon), and then stretched out the balloons to their full 75 feet. A couple of my balloon-mates held the mouth of our envelope as Greg positioned two enormous fans to “cold inflate” it. “The fans are by far the most dangerous piece of equipment that we have,” emphasized Greg to the eight of us that he would soon take aloft. “They like to suck in anything from behind and shred it immediately, like an unzipped jacket or hoodie string. Scarves are the worst. Mom and Dad back there, please make sure the kiddos stay away from the fans when they’re running.” It took about 10 minutes for the fans to inflate the balloons, then as Greg and the other pilots gradually introduced heat, the mammoth orbs came alive. They were huge and colorful, each one different than the next, but we didn’t have time to admire them. Greg needed our weight in the basket, pronto!

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TRAVEL TIME There’s no graceful way to get quickly into a balloon basket, even with a step stool and a hand from one of the crew members. I flung my legs over the rim and plopped into my spot. Maybe I wasn’t quite awake yet at 5:40am, but my eyes were wide open when Greg blasted the burner and we slowly began to rise. THE FLIGHT Once in the air, we followed a gentle sloping valley and soon crossed over the Rio Grande. I wondered if we would catch “the box,” a local wind pattern that is one of the reasons why balloonists love Albuquerque. When the box happens, at elevations under 1,000 feet above the ground, the wind carries balloons to the north for several miles. Then, if the balloons climb to elevations between 2,000 feet and 3,000 feet, the wind reverses, pushing them back to the south, creating a flight pattern in the shape of a vertical box. When conditions are right, the balloon lands where it takes off, a rare thing. The ground crew just drinks coffee and waits. When the box is not blowing, the crew takes off when the balloon does, driving a chase vehicle and trailer, tracking the balloon visually and by GPS. “Is there a difference among balloons, the way they feel in the air?” I asked Greg, watching the other balloons rise here and there around us. “When you’re flying every single day, you notice small differences, but over time, the envelope loses its porosity, so its ability to hold air,” he replied. “It requires a little more heat to get the same response compared to a new balloon. We get about 700 to 800 hours out of them. When they’re flying almost daily, that’s three to five years, only for the envelope. We get decades out of the baskets. Baskets are easily repaired and much more durable.” Then the view trumped conversation. To one side, beyond the lava fields we could see the Three Sisters—JA, Black, and Vulcan—the three largest of five ancient cinder cones that are now part of Petroglyph National Monument. To the other side, the Sandia Mountains, a range of 10,000-footers, towered above Albuquerque. Sandia means watermelon in Spanish. The mountains are so named not for their shape, but for their color at sunset during the winter. From the balloon, they looked like a tall dark wall, backlit by the sun. “Let’s go for an elevator ride,” said Greg, giving the balloon a long blast from the burner, which caused us to quickly gain more elevation. “How high can you go in a balloon?” I asked, ogling the ever-expanding panorama. “Over 10,000 feet here locally,” replied Greg. “Above 14,000 feet to 15,000 feet, everyone needs oxygen. These balloons will climb well into the 20s if they are equipped for the elements.” As we climbed, our ground speed increased. Whereas we started out at a pedestrian four miles per hour, by 4,000 feet above the ground, we zipped along at 20 miles per hour, though we couldn’t feel the speed. It was so tranquil aloft. THE “FUNNEST” LANDING After a hour, Greg radioed the ground crew that he was looking for a place to land. “There are fun, funner, and funnest landings,” he explained to everyone in the balloon. “Fun is under four miles per hour, basically straight down like a helicopter. Funner is when the surface wind is four to 70 i m a g e • F a l l 2 0 2 6

FOREST ALONG THE RIO GRANDE

TAKEOFF

1 3

1. A crew member begins to spread out the “envelope” (nylon balloon). 2. Once they are laid out on the ground, the balloons get cold inflated on their sides using big fans. 3. Once inflated, heat is introduced using the balloon’s burner. 4. As the air inside the balloon heats up, it gently rises to an upright position and then into the air.

EDGE OF AN ANCIENT LAVA FLOW

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TRAVEL TIME eight miles per hour. We’ll bounce, skid, and skip a little bit, and we might tip onto our side. That’s normal. Everyone needs to face either to the right or to the left so that as you come in, your back is toward the ground. Definitely don’t put your hands out!” “What’s funnest?” I blurted. “Anything above nine miles per hour,” replied Greg. “We’ll tip over immediately, and then we’ll drag until we come to a stop.” Funnest didn’t sound very fun, but it’s not like we would have a choice. Greg aimed for a small park, our intended landing spot, but when we got there, we weren’t close to touching down. Buildings whipped by under us. Greg judged and rejudged our landing point and the wind, while periodically juicing the balloon to keep us aloft. He considered landing in a Costco parking lot and then at a Top Golf driving range. In Albuquerque, hot air ballooning is so ingrained in the community that balloons are allowed to land almost anywhere they have enough space to drop their envelope. We overshot Costco and Top Golf, too. Greg gave the burner a short burst to get us over a highway, some trees, and a few condos. Our next opportunity was an empty lot that wasn’t much more than an acre of dust with some scrubby cactus on it. “We are going to try to land just short of the fence posts,” he radioed to the ground crew. Then he turned to us. “I might have to come in with some authority. We’re going to hit a bump on purpose to slow down and then skid to a stop. Landing speed is about eight miles per hour.” “This could be the funnest,” I thought, anxiously. I could see the hump in the middle of the lot that Greg would use as a brake and a barbed-wire fence beyond the hump. It looked like just enough space to land if all went well, but controlling a hot air balloon was not an exact science. I braced myself for impact. THE CELEBRATION We hit the bump with force, skidded across the dirt, and then tipped over. Greg was instantly out of the basket, deflating the envelope. The chase crew arrived within a minute to help as the rest of us crawled to our feet, trying to avoid the cactus. Greg had threaded the needle perfectly on our landing, but the morning was not over. As soon as the basket and envelope were loaded onto the 72 i m a g e • F a l l 2 0 2 6

From top: Pilot Greg Morrison gives a burst of heat to the balloon. After landing, the deflated envelope lies on the ground for a brief moment before the crew puts it away. Greg pours champagne, a post-ballooning tradition that dates back to late 1700s.

trailer, he gathered us around a folding table and popped the cork on a bottle of champagne. “Mimosa, anyone?” he asked, pouring champagne into plastic cups. A couple of people nodded yes. “If you add a splash of grape juice to a mimosa, it becomes an Albuquerque Sunrise.” Of course, we all had to try it. The tradition of drinking champagne after a balloon flight dates back to the first balloonists in France in 1780s. Those original balloons, heated by smoky fires on platforms, typically flew out of a city into the countryside. The local farmers thought they were dragons and attacked the balloons with pitchforks and shovels, destroying the envelopes, which were made from expensive silk. (Today, envelopes are made from proprietary fire-resistant nylon blends.) To remedy the problem, the balloonists would lower a bottle of champagne from the basket tied to a rope. The farmers recognized it and didn’t attack it. The strategy evolved into the custom of giving a gift to the landowner wherever a balloon touched down. “Even today, during Fiesta, when 500 balloons take off, they all have a bottle of champagne either in the chase vehicle or in the basket,” said Greg. “If no one is upset where they land, naturally the pilot and passengers should toast the flight with the champagne, so cheers!” After the toast, Greg chanted the Irish Balloonist’s Prayer: The winds have welcomed you with softness. The sun has blessed you with its warm hands. You’ve flown so high and so well that the gods have joined you in laughter, And set you gently back again into the loving arms of Mother Earth. While I was glad to be safely back on the ground, being airborne in a hot air balloon was one of the “funnest” moments in my life. My spirit is still happier because of it. y

To go hot air ballooning in Albuquerque: rainbowryders.com For general information about Albuquerque: visitalbuquerque.org To go hot air ballooning in the Upper Valley: quecheeballoonrides.com or balloonsofvermont.com Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 73

Tuckerbox Tuckerbox is located in the heart of downtown White River Junction. A community gathering place with exceptional coffee, exceptional service, and truly authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. We serve delicious Mediterranean breakfast until 2pm, a very healthy way to start your day. You can also enjoy authentic Turkish lunch items and even the best BLT you have ever had! For dinner enjoy any of our 12 different kebab dishes prepared on a wood-fired smoker grill. Dining at Tuckerbox will whisk you away to a far-off land, transporting you to Istanbul and back with every bite!

Steven Thomas, Inc. Fine Arts & Antiques, Buying & Selling 85 Gates Street White River Junction, VT (802) 291-3764 www.woodblock-prints.com Fri–Sat 11am–4pm or by appointment

1 South Main Street White River Junction, VT (802) 359-4041 www.tuckerboxvermont.com

Long River Gallery

Upper Valley Food Co-op The Upper Valley Food Co-op is an independent co-op located in downtown White River Junction. We focus on products that are local, organic, fair trade, and minimally packaged. We have a strong commitment to local farmers and producers, and you’ll find local products in every department of the store.

49 South Main Street White River Junction, VT (802) 295-4567 www.longrivergallery.com Wed–Sat 11am–5pm Sun 11am–4pm

193 North Main Street White River Junction, VT (802) 295-5804 Mon–Sat 8am–7pm, Sun 9am–5pm

Cappadocia Cafe 5 South Main Street White River Junction, VT www.cappadociacafevt.com Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat 7:30am–5pm Sun 9am–5pm Closed Wed

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We’re Making Tracks! 129 South Main Street, Suite 100 White River Junction, VT (802) 478-4766 www.redcanvt.com Dining Hours: Tue–Sat 4–9pm ROOM 39 Speakeasy Hours: Tue–Thu ‘til 10pm, Fri & Sat ‘til 11pm

Junction Dance Boutique

Exceptional Dance Apparel, Shoes, Accessories, Private Lessons, and More 22 North Main Street White River Junction, VT (802) 598-5870 www.shopjdb.com Tue–Thu 12–6pm Fri & Sat 12–4pm

Junction Frame Shop Junction Frame Shop has been a steadfast part of downtown White River Junction since 1985. That’s 41 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 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm Sat 9am–3pm

Thyme Restaurant 85 North Main Street White River Junction, VT (802) 295-3312 www.thymevermont.com Wed–Sat 5–8:30pm Private Room Reservations Suggested

Little Istanbul Little Istanbul Gifts brings the heart of Turkish culture to your doorstep with a curated collection of authentic, handmade goods. From vibrant kilim bags and artisanal jewelry to rich spices, Turkish delights, and handcrafted accessories, each item is personally sourced from artisans across Turkey. Discover unique gifts and flavors that celebrate tradition, craftsmanship, and the spirit of Istanbul.

C&S Pizza 104 South Main Street White River Junction, VT (802) 295-5622 Mon–Thu 11am–8pm Fri & Sat 11am–9pm Closed Sun

27 North Main Street White River Junction, VT (802) 698-8611 www.littleistanbulgifts.com Tue–Sun 10am–6pm

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BUSINESS SENSE BY PAMEL A BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIFE IN FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY

THE FUTURE IS CRYSTAL CLEAR FOR A YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR

en Spencer is one ambitious, hardworking young man. As a freshman in high school, he embarked on a journey he never imagined would lead him to where he is today as the sole owner of Window Wizards, a thriving residential and commercial window cleaning business and holiday lighting company that services the Upper Valley and surrounding area. “It was summertime and I wanted to make some extra money. I’d seen kids my age on social media going door-todoor cleaning windows,” says Ben, now 18. “On my first day, I made $250, which felt like a fortune at the time. At that moment, I knew I had found a great opportunity. Running this business in high school was a lot of work. I had to give up football, time with friends, school events, and more so I could focus on growing the business. I’ve always taken minimal school classes, so I’ve had lots of free time.”

“We show up when we say, in uniform, do the job right the first time, and stand behind it—you don’t pay until you love the result. That’s not a gimmick, it’s the whole point. We want to prove the trades can be run like a real, professional business. Our whole focus is making the experience easy and the results spotless.” 76 i m a g e • F a l l 2 0 2 6

Left: A water-fed pole reaches second-story glass without a ladder— purified water dries spot-free, no soap or squeegee needed. Below from top: Founder Ben Spencer started Window Wizards freshman year and grew it through high school. The company now runs four trucks serving the entire Upper Valley and Sunapee region. Holiday lighting starts in October—design, install, and takedown.

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BUSINESS SENSE Filling a Need & Doing It Right When he started out, Ben was determined to offer exceptional customer service that solved a problem many homeowners faced. “Everybody needs to have their windows cleaned. There are a few solo guys that do windows but there are no actual companies in the Upper Valley. I saw that there was massive need,” he says. “I saw that the standard was low in the home service industry and we wanted to change that. We clean everything related to windows such as exterior and interior windows, screens, tracks, sills, and more. We make homes and businesses look their best— crystal-clear windows year-round.” Ben, who admits he never held an actual job before, is thriving as a first-time business owner. When he started out, he had only one used truck that was on the road seven days a week. Currently, he has four branded trucks and will add another this fall. He has six full-time employees, including five technicians and one office manager. The name, Window Wizards, was intentional. “I wanted our name to be something fun and something people remember. I wanted to make a brand, not just a company,” says Ben, whose fully licensed and insured business is built on four core values of excellence, quality, reliability, and teamwork. “We show up when

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Bottom right and left: Technicians switch between tools and techniques depending on the window—poles, brushes, and hand work, each suited to a different pane.

“The way we stay successful in a competitive industry is simple: We don’t compete on price, we compete on experience. We show up on time, do the job right, and back it with a guarantee.”

Ben meets with his team.

we say, in uniform, do the job right the first time, and stand behind it—you don’t pay until you love the result. That’s not a gimmick, it’s the whole point. We want to prove the trades can be run like a real, professional business. Our whole focus is making the experience easy and the results spotless.” Another part of Window Wizards is allinclusive holiday lighting installation in the winter. “We provide LED lighting, install it, maintain it, take it down at the end of the holidays, and we even store it for our clients. Our target customers are people who live super-busy lives and take pride in their home and want it to look its best,” says Ben, who also offers season-long support. The Future Is Bright After running the business out of his home in Hanover, Ben now has a brick-and-mortar commercial location in White River Junction for office meetings and storage and will move into a bigger space at the end of 2026. “Window Wizards is profitable and growing,

Switching is Simple!

162 North Main St., West Lebanon | (603) 298-7200 | SimpleEnergyOnline.com Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 79

BUSINESS SENSE but I reinvest almost all of it back into the business. The profit goes to training, fair pay, and uniforms, plus more trucks, equipment, technology, and marketing. The way we stay successful in a competitive industry is simple: We don’t compete on price, we compete on experience. We show up on time, do the job right, and back it with a guarantee,” he says. Looking ahead, Ben has his sights set on opening more locations around New England and eventually franchising. “Most of the industry doesn’t do the basics well, so doing them at a high level is what sets us apart—and it’s what funds the growth we put right back in.” Ben is an inspiration to other local entrepreneurs. Despite not having worked for anyone else, he’s always been a creative mastermind at finding ways to offer interesting services. “I’ve had many businesses. When I was in middle school, I used to sell candy and snacks to make extra money. I’ve had multiple clothing brands, e-commerce stores, a landscaping business, a trash bin cleaning business, and more. I chose windows because I saw that it was a recurring service that everyone needs and no one was offering around here,” he says. After being accepted by the Miami Herbert Business School, Ben decided to concentrate on growing his business. “I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished. It has been a ton of work and sacrifice but it’s 100 percent worth it,” says Ben. “My family has been super proud and supportive. They’ve always allowed me to do what I think is best for my life.” And he’s doing just fine. y Window Wizards (603) 691-1142 windowwizardsnh.com

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THE

PICK a r ts & en ter ta i n m e nt

Thursdays Yoga in the Galleries AVA Gallery and Art Center, 9am avagallery.org September 9, 16, 23 Adult Plein Air Painting Class with Debbie Campbell The Fells, 9:30am thefells.org September 12 Pickin’Time: Bluegrass, Brews & Bites Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center, 4:30pm cedarcirclefarm.org September 12 Blizzard of Ozz – The Ozzy & Rhoads Tribute Claremont Opera House, 7:30pm cohnh.org September 13 Creative Connections: Communities in the Landscape The Nature Museum, 1pm nature-museum.org September 13 2026 Mary Keane Chapel Summer Concert Series Enfield Shaker Museum, 4pm shakermuseum.org September 13 Summer Concert Series: Peabody’s Coal Train The Fells, 5pm thefells.org September 15 Zine Making Meetup and Potluck AVA Gallery and Art Center, 6pm avagallery.org September 15 Wife & Death: The Glaucomfleckens Live Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org

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Fall | 2 0 2 6 September 16, October 21, November 18 Late Nights at AVA: Art, Music, and Friends AVA Gallery and Art Center, 5pm avagallery.org September 16, October 21, November 18 Young Artists Meetup (YAM!) AVA Gallery and Art Center, 5:30pm avagallery.org September 16 The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln – A Special Presentation with Ralph Nurnberger The Fells, 5pm thefells.org September 16 Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org September 17 World Ballet Company: Swan Lake Lebanon Opera House, 7pm lebanonoperahouse.org September 18 Comedian Bob Marley Claremont Opera House, 7:30pm cohnh.org September 19 Sasha Velour Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org September 19 Viva Las Elvis Claremont Opera House, 7:30pm cohnh.org September 23–October 11 John Proctor is the Villain Barrette Center for the Arts northernstage.org September 26–27 Fairy House Festival The Nature Museum, 10am nature-museum.org

September 26 Don Jovi – The Definitive Bon Jovi Tribute Claremont Opera House, 7:30pm cohnh.org

October 8 An Evening with Lucinda Williams and Her Band Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org

September 27 Fungi Foray The Fells, 1pm thefells.org

October 9, November 13 Slow Jam Upper Valley Music Center, 5:30pm uvmusic.org

September 27 The Smithereens Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org September 30 Insun Park & Generals Lebanon Opera House, 6:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org October 1 New Hampshire Forests Past, Present, and Future: 125 Years Protecting New Hampshire Landscapes and Landmarks The Fells, 4pm thefells.org

October 10 Tell Me Lies: The Fleetwood Mac Experience Claremont Opera House, 7:30pm cohnh.org October 10 Yonder Mountain String Band Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org October 11 Hay Day Fall Festival The Fells, 11am thefells.org

October 2–4 Writer’s Retreat Weekend Enfield Shaker Museum shakermuseum.org

October 11 Creative Connections: Bringing the Landscape into Our Lives The Nature Museum, 1pm nature-museum.org

October 2 North Mississippi Allstars Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org

October 11 Randy Feltface: Gimmick Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org

October 3 Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org

October 13 Pumpkin Festival Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center, 10am cedarcirclefarm.org

October 3 Skynyrd’s Hatchet – The Lynyrd Skynyrd & Molly Hatchet Tribute Claremont Opera House, 7:30pm cohnh.org

October 14 Yasmin Williams Lebanon Opera House, 6 & 8pm lebanonoperahouse.org

October 8 John Hay’s Birthday Celebration The Fells, 12pm thefells.org

October 15 LOL@LOH: Amy Tee Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org October 17 Dream Building Workshop with Jane E. King Enfield Shaker Museum, 10am–5pm shakermuseum.org

October 17 Harvest & Rust – A Tribute to Neil Young Claremont Opera House, 7:30pm cohnh.org October 18 Third Annual Writing Festival at The John Hay Estate The Fells, 9am thefells.org October 23 Peter Antoniou Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org October 24 Suzuki Fall Festival Lebanon High School, 2pm uvmusic.org October 24 Tab Benoit Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org October 27 Toad the Wet Sprocket Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org

November 13 Christmas at The Fells: Family Night The Fells, 4pm November 13 The Fab Faux Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org November 14 Christmas at The Fells: Breakfast with Santa The Fells, 8:30am November 14 John Scofield’s Electrospective Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org November 14 Johnny Folsom 4 – A Tribute to Johnny Cash Claremont Opera House, 7:30pm cohnh.org November 18–January 3 Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical Barrette Center for the Arts northernstage.org

November 20 Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue Lebanon Opera House, 7pm lebanonoperahouse.org November 21 Mamma Mania – A Tribute to ABBA Claremont Opera House, 7:30pm cohnh.org November 22 CatVideoFest Lebanon Opera House, 4pm lebanonoperahouse.org December 5 Eric Mintel Quartet: A Charlie Brown Christmas Lebanon Opera House, 7:30pm lebanonoperahouse.org December 5–6 Holiday Gift Fair Enfield Shaker Museum, 10am–4pm shakermuseum.org

October 30 Taboo Tour Enfield Shaker Museum, 6pm shakermuseum.org November 6 Christmas at The Fells: Preview Party The Fells, 5:30pm thefells.org November 7, 8, 14, 15 Christmas at The Fells: Pictures with Santa The Fells, 7, 8 & 15, 10am; 14, 1pm thefells.org November 7–15 Christmas at The Fells: Holiday Decorator Showhouse The Fells, 10am thefells.org November 7 Thunderbeard – A Tribute to ZZ Top Claremont Opera House, 7:30pm cohnh.org November 9 Mister C: The World in Motion Lebanon Opera House, 10am lebanonoperahouse.org November 11 Christmas at The Fells: Ladies Night The Fells, 6pm Find image at WWW.GREATERUPPERVALLEY.COM • 83

THE PICK Hopkins Center for the Arts hop.dartmouth.edu For information, tickets, or pricing information, call (603) 646-2422 or visit hop.dartmouth.edu. September 23-24 Rooted Rymthms

September 15 Brian Stokes Mitchell Spaulding Auditorium, 7:30pm September 23–24 Rooted Rhythms: Versa-Style Street Dance Daryl Roth Studio Theater, 7:30pm September 26 HopStop Family Show: Valley Improv Daryl Roth Studio Theater, 11am September 26 Met Opera in HD: Twenty Years of the Met in Cinemas Loew Auditorium, 1pm September 30–October 1 Teatro La Plaza’s Hamlet The Moore Theater, 7:30pm October 4 Met Opera in HD: Cosi fan Tutte Spauling Auditorium, 1pm

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October 5 Writers Salon Series: Robert Macfarlane Top of the Hop, 5:30pm October 7 Bluebird Improv Spaulding Auditorium, 7:30pm October 9–10 Noli Timere The Moore Theater, 11am & 7:30pm Fri, 2pm Sat October 14 Julie Keefe Indigenous Big Band Spaulding Auditorium, 7:30pm October 16 Recital Series: Wu Man Morris Recital Hall, 5:30 & 8pm

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October 17 Met Opera in HD: Macbeth Spaulding Auditorium, 1pm October 20 Dartmouth College Wind Ensemble Spaulding Auditorium, 7:30pm October 23 Kronos Quartet Spaulding Auditorium, 7pm October 30 Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra Spaulding Auditorium, 7pm November 1 Dartmouth College Glee Club Rollins Chapel, 2pm November 3 Recital Series: Dierdre Brenner and Carmen Flores – Night Songs Morris Recital Hall, 7:30pm November 5 Dartmouth College Gospel Choir Spaulding Auditorium, 7:30pm November 6–14 Department of Theater: The Cherry Orchard Daryl Roth Studio Theater November 7 HopStop Family Workshop and Show: Instrument Petting Zoo and Performance Top of the Hop, 11am

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November 7 Coast Jazz Ensemble Spaulding Auditorium, 7:30pm November 9 Les Arts Florissants: The Magix of Monteverdi Spaulding Auditorium, 7:30pm

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November 10 Resident Ensemble: Dartmouth Dance Showcase The Moore Theater, 7:30pm November 15 Met Opera in HD: Carmen Spaulding Auditorium, 1pm November 17 Resident Ensemble: Handel Society Community Sing Top of the Hop, 7:30pm

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Summer 2026 vol. 21 no.2

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Harvest Season

Cele brati ng Fall’s Simp le Abun danc e

DUTILLE’S JEWELRY DESIGN STUDIO

Passing the Torch to the Next Generation

SHAKE THINGS UP WITH IVY MIX

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ADVERTISERS INDEX 121 Home 25 3 Phase Landscaping, LLC 50 American Precision Museum 44 Baker Orthodontics 10 Bark N Bath Pet Spa 58 Belletetes 2 Bethel Mills 13 Bonita by Olga 44

Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce 21 Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice 44 Landforms LTD 35 LaValley Building Supply 9 Lebanon Airport 29 Lebanon Opera House 11

Stateline Sports 17 Steven Thomas, Inc. 74 Sugar River Bank 21 Summercrest Senior Living Community 80 Sunapee Shade & Blind 57 Talbot Builders 54 Tatewell Gallery 58

Busy Women Wellness 56

Lebanon Paint & Decorating 20 & 85

C&S Pizza 75

Life Is Good 56

Cape Air 53

Little Istanbul 75

Cappadocia Cafe 74

Loewen Window Center 59

The Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille 57

Catamount Self Storage 35

Long River Gallery 74

The Hair Station 56

City of Claremoont 10 & 37

Love’s Bedding & Furniture 18

Claremont Makerspace 37

Lumber Barn 86

The Refinery Restaurant & Market 58

Claremont Opera House 37

MJ Harrington Jewelers 20

Cocoplum Appliances 43

Mascoma Dental Associates 24

Color Café 57

McGray & Nichols 51

Cota & Cota 73

Mertens House 16

Crown Point Cabinetry 81

Morgan Hill Bookstore 58

Crown Point Select 7

NT Ferro Estate & Custom Jewelers 1 & 25

Dutille’s Jewelry Design Studio 17 Eastern Propane & Oil 45 Enfield Shaker Museum 80 Eyeglass Outlet 85 Flashphoto 56 Floorcraft 57 Focus Gallery 25

New England Beauty & Wellness 57

Omer and Bob’s 29

Real Property Options 23

Grounds 58

RedCan 75

Hanover Road Dental Health 36

Richard Electric 55

Helen’s Place 56

Ricker Funeral Home 54

Hugo Anderson MFA 56

Rousseau & Ross 43

Jeff Wilmot Painting & Wallpapering, Inc. 84

Shady Elm Home Systems 12

Katie’s Cookies 87

Shaker Hill Granite 83 Shepard Realty 57 Simple Energy 79 Springfield Hospital 22

Visit Us! 2 West Park Street Suite 104 off the Lebanon Green.

The Woodstock Gallery 25 Thyme Restaurant 75 Timberpeg 3 Timeless Medical Aesthetics & Wellness 15 & 56 Top Stitch Embroidery 54 Tuckerbox 74

Upper Valley Business Alliance 16

Frank Webb Home 19

Junction Frame Shop 75

The Tea House Back cover

New London Opticians 58 Newport Golf Club 36

Always made with fresh ingredients. Real cream, real butter, made from scratch.

The Renaissance Shoppe 57

Twin State Flooring 5

Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza of Claremont 19

Junction Dance Boutique 75

The Carriage Shed Inside front cover

New London Hospital 52

Foster’s Fine Jewelry 58

Jenna Sievers Realtor 24

The Cabinet en-Counter 73

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Upper Valley Food Co-op 74 Valley Artesian Well Company Inside back cover Village at White River Junction 23 WISE 84 Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture 45 White River Family Eyecare/ Hanover Eyecare 13

• Find the Latest Issues of Here in Hanover, Image, and Woodstock Magazine

Willam Smith Auctioneers & Appraisers 4 Woodcrest Village 59

• Explore Things To Do, Local Guides, and Community Prooles

Woodstock Inn & Resort 29

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Springfield Orthodontics 55

For more information about print and online advertising opportunities, contact Ryan Frisch at (603) 678-2793 or email ryanfrisch@mountainviewpublishing.com.

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CELEBRATE THE MOMENT

CELEBRATING YOU and YOURS this FALL! Moments to remember with family and friends Send photos of your special moments to dthompson@mountainviewpublishing.com. World Cup watch party in downtown Hanover.

Jim Jones celebrates his 80th birthday with all of his children and grandchildren.

Donovan Richard Rothstein, born May 26, 2026.

Summer provides a lot of black raspberries (and blueberries) for the Frisch family! Owner Jean-Luc cuts the ribbon at a ceremony celebrating the rebrand from Carpet Mill to Twin State Flooring. 88 i m a g e • F a l l 2 0 2 6

The Ferns Family Band performs at the Enfield Shaker Museum Free Outdoor Concert Series.