Sole City Dance Presents: The Nutcracker
This classic holiday tale performed by Sole City Dance has become a regional favorite! Celebrating their 20th anniversary production, this soaring story, framed by Tchaikovsky’s legendary score, captures the wonder and expectation of the night before Christmas when a mysterious gift sparks an extraordinary journey.
Follow Clara as she embarks on an adventure filled with colorful characters, majestic scenery, and breathtaking costumes. You’ll find your heart dancing as Clara and the Nutcracker Prince overcome obstacles on their way to the Land of Sweets.
erahouse.com.
The Nutcracker will be shown at the Rochester Opera House at 31 Wakefield Street, Rochester, NH. For more information, call the box office at 603335-1992, or visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com/
From the captivating dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the iconic snow scene, this delightful holiday classic continues to enthrall audiences of all ages. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or it’s an annual tradition, start your holiday season in grand style with the ones you love and join us for this milestone celebration.
The show runs for approximately 2
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Lights Up the Holiday Season with Annual Tree Lighting
The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to light up the season with its annual Holiday Tree Lighting. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Central Square in downtown Rochester. This event, underwritten by Xfinity, will include the ceremony and lighting of Rochester’s tree for the first time to kick off the 2025 Holiday Season. A program of family activities will also take place as part of the Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. Those in attendance will enjoy the reading of The Night Before Christ-
mas, and a number of activities will take place, including dance performances and caroling. Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate will be provided, as well as cookie decorating and a very special visit from Santa Claus!
For more information about the Holiday Tree Lighting or for information and entry forms for Rochester’s “Christmas In Candyland” Holiday Parade on Sunday, December 7, please contact the Chamber office at 603-332-5080 or visit www.rochesternh.org/treelighting or www.rochesternh.org/parade.
hours. Show dates and times include Thursday through Sunday, December 4 – 7; with 7 pm shows on Thursday and Friday, 1 pm shows on Saturday and Sunday, as well as a 6 pm show on Saturday. Tickets are $25 per adult, or $20 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased at www.rochesterop-
The show is produced by: Sole City Dance, which provides a strong technical foundation in dance in a non-competitive, nonjudgemental environment, for the encouragement of artistic expression. Sole City Dance is a federally designated 501c3 non-profit arts organization. For details and information, visit http://solecitydance.org/ or reach out to info@solecitydance.org.
Rochester Main Street’s Festival of Trees Returns
The Festival of Trees is Rochester Main Street’s largest annual fundraiser and one of the most beloved holiday traditions in the community. Each year, Studley’s Flower Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland filled with beautifully decorated trees sponsored by local businesses, organizations, and individuals. Visitors are invited to stroll through the display, vote for their favorites, and take part in our tree raffle and silent auction — all while enjoying the festive atmosphere that kicks off the holiday season downtown. Proceeds from this event directly support Rochester Main Street’s yearround efforts to revitalize and enhance the downtown district through beautification projects, community events, and small business support programs. Your
participation helps us continue the work that keeps downtown Rochester vibrant and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
There are many ways you can help make this year’s Festival of Trees a success:
Sponsor a Tree for $25
Provide an item or experience for our Silent Auction
Become a Premier Event Sponsor
Help us find vendors
Sign up to volunteer
Every contribution — big or small — helps light up downtown Rochester for the holidays and beyond.
For more information or to get involved, email us at RochesterNHMainStreet@gmail.com.
Breathing Life into Glass: Nathan Macomber’s Studio Shines in Conway
By Alyson Short
Just south of Conway Village on Route 153, a brightly colored barn door catches the eye of passing drivers. The multicolored mural serves as an unassuming beacon for one of the Mount Washington Valley’s hidden artistic treasures: Macomber Glass Studio, where Nathan Macomber has spent more than two decades transforming molten glass and forged iron into functional art and whimsical sculptures.
For Macomber, the journey from his first glass-blowing experience to running his own studio on his family’s historic farm has been one of passion, persistence, and a deep connection to place. It’s a story that reflects both the challenges and rewards of pursuing traditional crafts in rural New Hampshire.
Macomber’s fascination with glass began long before he ever picked up a blowpipe. As a child, he was captivated by stained glass windows—the way colored light danced across surfaces, transforming ordinary spaces into something magical. That early enchantment with translucence would eventually shape his life’s work, though the path wasn’t immediately clear.
His epiphany came in 1995 during a visit to his sister at Massachusetts College of Art. On a whim, he took a glass-blowing class. “He was hooked from his first bubble,” recalls the description of that formative moment. That single experience set him on a course that would take him across the country and back again.
Determined to master the demanding
craft, Macomber immersed himself in education. He designed his own Bachelor of Arts program in glass at Prescott College in Arizona, graduating in 1999. But his learning didn’t stop there. He sought out the nation’s premier glass
institutions—the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the Penland School of Arts and Crafts in North Carolina, and the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine. Each experience added new techniques and perspectives to
his growing repertoire.
After completing his degree, Macomber spent seven years in Prescott, Arizona, helping to build and manage Antonius Glass Studios. It was during this period that he developed his distinctive style and body of work, experimenting with forms and colors in the intense southwestern light. The desert provided both opportunity and artistic inspiration, but something was pulling him back to New England.
In the spring of 2002, Macomber made a decision that would define the next chapter of his artistic life. He purchased his family’s old farm in Conway, a property that had been in the Macomber family since 1949 and held childhood memories of visiting his grandmother. The hundred-yearold farm, with its weathered barns and mountain views, became both his home and his studio.
The property on Eaton Road wasn’t just a convenient location—it was a homecoming. Macomber set about transforming one of the farm’s original barns into a working glass studio and gallery. The renovation preserved the building’s historic character while accommodating the specialized equipment needed for glass-blowing: the furnaces that burn at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, the annealing ovens, the metalworking forge, and the carefully organized workspace where art emerges from fire and skill.
• glass continued on page 4
Today, Macomber Glass Studio showcases the artist’s range and creativity. His work spans from the functional to the fantastical: colorful glass rondels that catch window light, drinking glasses that feel substantial in the hand, delicate paperweights, generous bowls, and sculptural pieces that combine his two mediums of glass and forged iron.
It’s in his garden sculptures that Macomber’s whimsical side fully emerges. His signature pieces include towering outdoor sculptures that reach five and a half feet tall. Macomber has said that blowing glass is an abstract process that is technically challenging, but it’s exciting because the results are so immediate.
That immediacy is part of what makes glass-blowing so compelling— and so unforgiving. Unlike painting or pottery, where mistakes can be corrected over time, glass demands quick decisions. The artist must work while the material is molten, shaping it through breath, gravity, and tool work before it cools and hardens. It’s a dance with physics and chemistry, where years of experience inform split-second choices.
Macomber’s skill hasn’t gone unnoticed in the craft community. In 2003, he juried into the prestigious League of New Hampshire Craftsmen with his blown glasswork, joining a select group of artisans whose work meets the organization’s exacting standards. Two years later, in 2005, he juried in his metalwork as well. Since 2006, he has served on the League’s glass jury, helping to evaluate other artists’ work
and maintain the organization’s standards of excellence.
The League recognition placed Macomber among New Hampshire’s finest craftspeople, but he hasn’t let acclaim change his approach. His studio remains refreshingly unpretentious. There are no set store hours. Instead, visitors are invited to knock on the door.
Walking into Macomber Glass Studio is like stepping into both a workshop and a gallery. Visitors pass through the working studio, where they might find the artist at the furnace, gathering molten glass on the end of a pipe, or at his forge, hammering iron into organic curves. The smell of hot metal mingles with the warmth radiating from the glass furnace.
The gallery occupies the original part of the barn, an intimate space with natural light streaming through windows and falling across original wood flooring worn smooth by a century of use. Here, Macomber’s finished work rests on shelves—an inventory available for immediate purchase or inspiration for custom commissions. The setting allows prospective buyers to see pieces in natural light, appreciating how the glass transforms illumination into color.
For those who want to experience glass-blowing firsthand, Macomber offers small group lessons and workshops. Teaching has been part of his practice since his Arizona days, when he served as a co-instructor for Prescott College. He’s since taught at the Corning Museum of Glass and Snow Farm craft school in Massachusetts, as well as offering private instruction at his Conway studio. The seasonal ornament-blowing events have become
Route 16 Along
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dba Panoramic Publishing Group/The Laker
P.O. Box 119, Wolfeboro Falls, NH 03896
603-569-5257
pressreleases@thelaker.com • lkr@thelaker.com • www.thelaker.com
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Alyson Short
CIRCULATION
Kathy Larson
particularly popular, giving community members a chance to create their own hand-blown glass keepsakes under Macomber’s guidance.
Running a craft studio in rural New Hampshire presents unique challenges. Unlike artists in urban galleries who benefit from steady foot traffic, Macomber relies on word-of-mouth recommendations, return customers, and visitors who seek him out specifically. The physical demands of the work—maintaining furnaces, handling molten materials, standing for hours at the bench—require constant energy and attention. And there’s the maintenance of the farm itself, a never-ending responsibility that Macomber has embraced as part of his commitment to the property.
Yet Macomber’s approach suggests these challenges are inseparable from the rewards. His studio embodies a particular kind of American craft tradition: the artist-craftsman working in a rural setting, creating objects of beauty and utility, maintaining standards of quality, and passing skills to the next generation. It’s a tradition that thrives not despite its location in the White Mountains, but because of it.
The Mount Washington Valley has long attracted artists drawn to its dramatic landscapes and strong sense of place. Macomber’s presence enriches that creative community, offering both finished work for collectors and the
opportunity for hands-on learning. His studio adds to the cultural fabric that makes the region attractive not just to tourists, but to residents seeking a connection to craft and creativity.
As Macomber continues his work at the century-old farm his family has maintained since 1949, he represents something increasingly rare: an artist fully committed to his medium, his place, and his community. Every piece that emerges from his studio—whether a simple drinking glass or an elaborate spider sculpture—carries within it the heat of the furnace, the skill of experienced hands, and the artist’s abiding love for the way glass transforms light into color and form.
This year, Macomber Glass is hosting a Holiday Open House and Sale, as well as an opportunity to make an ornament for $50(no reservations, firstcome first first-served). Visit the barn on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, or 21, from 10 am – 4 pm. Expect to find a good turnout; in fact, the artist encourages larger groups to book a private session. Learn more at macomberglass. com.
Those who take the time to find the brightly colored barn door on Eaton Road discover more than just a place to buy beautiful objects. They find an artist at work, keeping an ancient craft alive in the White Mountains, one breath, one gather, one piece at a time.
Unique Gifts & Treasures at the ArtWorks Charity Auction
The 6th Annual Charity Silent Auction at ArtWorks Gallery of the Chocorua Creative Arts Center is now online. Simply click, view, and bid throughout the month for fabulous prizes. Visit the gallery at 132 White Mt. Hwy(Rt. 16) in Chocorua Village to view all the auction offerings, as well as new art by their talented members. Online bidding continues until 5 pm on December 1 for unique experiences like a Sightseeing Flight in a vintage aeroplane, a Tamworth Town Tour in the rumbleseat of a 1928 Model A Ford with guide, Larry Nickerson, as well as stunning pieces of art, fine pottery, handcrafted jewelry, glass, and fiber donations from members and friends. Find amazingly turned and pieced wood items, adventures throughout the state, courtside Celtics tickets, passes for plays and musicals, workshops, and so much more, thanks
to their generous donors.
This year, ArtWorks/CCAC has chosen Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine and Tamworth Rec Summer Program to share as recipients of Auction proceeds.
In 2025, the Auction is being underwritten by three generous local businesses: Thrivent Financial, Mad Cow Screen Printing, and the Yankee Smokehouse. ArtWorks could not do this without their ongoing support. There is no way to thank them enough for their contributions.
Just download the QR code from their website (32auctions.com/ArtWorksAuction2025) and bid often until December 1st. Find unique holiday gifts and treasures while supporting your community. This is what makes the Valley such a great place to live and work.
Wolfeboro Lions Club Annual Poinsettia Sale
The holiday season is approaching, and once again the Wolfeboro Lions Club is offering beautiful poinsettias— an easy way to brighten your home or business while supporting your community. These gorgeous plants come in three colors—red, white, and pink— and three sizes: 6-inch, 8-inch, and 10inch.
Orders are being accepted now. Plants can be picked up at the Wolfeboro Library on Tuesday, November 25, or Saturday, December 6. Orders must be placed If you prefer, a member of the Wolfeboro Lions Club will be happy to deliver your plants to your home or business.
By purchasing poinsettias from the Lions Club, you are helping to fund important local programs. All proceeds—100 percent—are used to support a wide range of community and humanitarian projects. The Wolfeboro Lions conduct Operation KidSight, providing vision screenings for local school children, and help provide eyeglasses and hearing aids to neighbors in need. The Club also proudly sponsors Boy Scout Troop 165 and
awards scholarships to students pursuing higher education.
In addition, the Lions partner with Wolfeboro Parks & Recreation for the annual Turkey Trot fundraiser, which benefits the Club’s Sight and Hearing programs. They also provide financial and hands-on support to Camp Pride, a summer camp in New Durham that serves individuals with special needs. The Club promotes Diabetes Awareness for both children and adults and contributes to the Wolfeboro Fuel Assistance Program, Life Ministries Food Pantry, and other local charities that strengthen our community.
Order forms are available at the Wolfeboro Library, Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce, and Avery Insurance, or by emailing Lion Joe at jrdecho@aol.com to request a form.
Returning this year, you can also order and pay by credit card here: https://pci. jotform.com/form/252744247188162.
The Wolfeboro Lions Club thanks you for your continued support and wishes everyone a joyful and healthy holiday season.
Artworks of Longtime Local Artist Displayed at Gafney Library
During November, the Gafney Library will be displaying an exhibit of works in memory of long-time Gafney artist Mabel Doyle, who passed away in April 2025. Doyle, a native New Englander, was born in Maine and spent many years along the Maine coast before moving to New Hampshire. She lived in Wakefield for many years with her husband, Jack, one of the founders of the New England Dragway. Doyle was a devoted supporter of the Gafney Library, where she exhibited her work in private shows and contributed annually to the summer fundraiser, Art at the Gafney.
Vermeersch, Nora Machado, Carl Owen, Robert Gordon, and Doris Rice. Her work is part of private collections throughout New England, Florida, and Tennessee. She was a member of the MWVAA. Professionally, Doyle worked locally as a real estate broker with Assets Realty. She was a cherished member of the New England Dragway family and served on the Board of Directors for the New England Racing Museum, where she was voted “Volunteer of the Year” in 2022 by the museum’s staff.
Doyle loved all seasons and viewed the outdoors as her palette. It was the mountains, sunsets, lakes, brooks, old buildings, barns, and small towns that inspired her and made her reach for her brush, paints, and canvas. She favored plein air painting and worked primarily with oils and pastels. She also enjoyed painting portraits and abstracts and had explored fiber arts and felting.
Doyle studied with artists Robert Scott Jackson, Stan Moeller, Mary
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Crafters, Crystals, Antiques, Photography and More!
The public is invited to an open reception on Saturday, November 22, from 10 am -12 pm, at the Gafney Library for the late Mabel Doyle. The exhibition may be viewed throughout the month of November at the Gafney Library during the library’s open hours. Open hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 12-7 pm, Friday from 9 am-2 pm, and Saturday from 9 am-1 pm. For more information, please contact Library Director Amy Swanson at 603-522-3401.
Angel’s Path Healing
Where every soul has a story
• Evidential Medium • Psychic
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425 Main St. Farmington, NH, (207) 715-1070
18 North Main St. 2nd Floor Rochester, NH | (603) 941-5188
What’s UP
Please call ahead for event updates. Information and schedules subject to change.
Through Nov. 24, Adult Learn to Play Hockey, for age 18 & up, Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center, 90 Pine Hill Rd., Wolfeboro, pre-register: 603-569-5639.
Through Dec. 1, ArtWorks Charity Auction, View items at the gallery 10 am to 5 pm Thur. to Mon. Bid online until 5 pm Dec. 1 to benefit Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice and the Tamworth Rec Summer Program, info at www. chocoruaartworks.com, 132 NH Rt. 16, Chocorua
Through Dec. 14, Photos with Santa at Settler’s Green, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Settler’s Green, 2 Common Court, N. Conway, presented by MWV Kiwanis, www.mwvkiwanis.org.
Nov. 14, Adventure Fest, 5 – 9 p.m., local adventurers share their experiences, advance registration required, Tin Mountain 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, 603447-6991, www.tinmountain.org.
Nov. 14, An Evening with Gingerbread Amy, 6 – 8 p.m., cookies, crafts, wine and cheese, Dark Lake Lodge, Wolfeboro, tickets: www.ticketleap.com
Nov. 14, Dangerous Toys, 7:30 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.
Nov. 14 & 21, Friday en Plein Air Painters, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., artists of all abilities welcome, bring your own supplies, meets at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. critique and discussion, Dugway Rd., Rt. 16, N. Conway (beside 1785 Inn/Scenic Vista, www.ChocoruaArtWorks.com, 603-323-8041.
Nov. 14, “Trad” fecta! With David Francey, House of Hamit and Craig Werth, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com
Nov. 14 & 21, North Conway Community Center Community Celebration Fundraiser, 6 – 9 p.m., support Playground Project, 78 Norcross Circle, N. Conway, 603-356-2096.
Nov. 15, 1863 Thanksgiving on the Farm, NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, https://nhfarmmuseum.org
Nov. 15, Candle-Making Workshop, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 – 3 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-4765900, www.castleintheclouds.org
Nov. 15, Enchanted Night Before Christmas – Children’s Author Event with Michael Caduto, 1 – 2 p.m., free, Pope Memorial Library, 2719 White Mountain Hwy, S. Main St., N. Conway, 603-356-2961, www.popelibrarynh. org.
Nov. 15, Harvest Fair, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., penny sale, quilt raffle, bake sale, cookie walk, soup luncheon, First Congregational Church of Wakefield, 2718 Wakefield Rd., Wakefield, 603-522-3189.
Nov. 15, Rose Cousins and Melissa Ferrick concert, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter. com
Nov. 15, Spoons in a Day With Joy Raskin, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org
Nov. 16, Keb’ Mo’, 8 pm, concert helps support local food pantry, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com
Nov. 16, Make Your Own Watercolor Holiday Cards, noon – 2 p.m., with instructor Pat Edsall, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org
Nov. 20, Upcycled Clothing Presentation & Exhibit at Ossipee Library, held at Ossipee Public Library, 74 Main St, Center Ossipee, 603-539-6390.
Nov. 21, An Evening with Gingerbread Amy, 6 – 8 p.m., cookies, crafts, wine and cheese, Dark Lake Lodge, Wolfeboro, tickets: www.ticketleap.com
Nov. 21, Batman Forever, by Alec Kerr Film Series, 7 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 36 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.
Nov. 21, Christmas at the Castle Preview Party, 4 - 7 p.m., tickets purchased in advance required, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org
Nov. 21, Doyle Dykes, 7 – 9 p.m., Medallion Opera House, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603-723-3421, www.medallionoperahouse.com
Nov. 21, Friday en Plein Air Painters, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., artists of all abilities welcome, bring your own supplies, meets at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. critique and discussion, Dugway Rd., Rt. 16, N. Conway (beside 1785 Inn/Scenic Vista, www.ChocoruaArtWorks.com, 603-323-8041.
Nov. 21, Juston McKinney, comedian, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com
Nov. 21, Mama Mania: NYC Premier ABBA Celebration, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.
Nov. 21, Wildlife Encounters, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m., free family event, Ossipee Town Hall, 603-539-1307, Ossipee Town Hall, 55 Main St., Ossipee.
Nov. 21-23, Freedom Rings in the Holidays, Shopping Tour of Freedom, holiday shopping, Freedom Village Store, 11 Elm St., Freedom, 603-539-3077.
Nov. 21-23, Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, production by Kingswood High School students, tickets/info.: kingswoodtheater.org., 603-5692055, 11/21: 7 p.m., 11/22: 2 & 7 p.m.; 11/23: 2 p.m.
Nov. 22, 33rd Annual Turkey Trot, 8 a.m. – noon, Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation, info./registration: 603-569-5639.
Nov. 22, BoStyx, Boston & Styx Tribute, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse. com.
Nov. 22, Furniture Painting with Artsy Techniques, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org
Nov. 22, Granite State Choral Society presents Through Love to Light – A Journey in Song, 4 p.m., First Church Congregational, 63 S. Main St., Rochester, 603-123-4567, gschoral@gmail.com
Nov. 22, Jimmy Dunn, 7 – 9 p.m., comedy, Medallion Opera House, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603-723-3421, www.medallionoperahouse.com
Nov. 22, Pie/Bake Sale, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., gift table, snacks, coffee, corn chowder, Union Congregational Church Chapel, 80 Main Street, Union, info.: 603473-2727
Nov. 22, Susan Werner, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com
Nov. 22, The Peacheaters: Allman Brothers Tribute, 7:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 36 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.
Nov. 22, Winter Greens & Wreath Making, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Tin Mountain 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org.
Nov. 22, Through Love to Light: A Journey in Song, 4 p.m., with Granite State Choral Society, First Church Congregational, 63 South Main Street, Rochester, 603-123-4567, gschoral@gmail.com. 11/23: At North Church of Portsmouth, 2 Congress St., Portsmouth.
Nov. 22 & 23, Christmas at the Castle, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, tickets/info.: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org. (Also on Nov. 29 & 30; Dec. 6 & 7.)
Nov. 22 & 23, Holiday Lights Twilight Tours, 3 – 5:30 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, tickets/info.: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org. (Also on Nov. 29 & 30; Dec. 6 & 7.)
Nov. 23, Climate Future Film Festival, 3 – 5 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 30 Tamworth Rd., Tamworth, advance sign up: chocorualake.org/ events, tamworthlibrary.org, or uufesnh.org.
Nov. 28, Susan Goyette – Celebrating Women Icons, 7 – 9 p.m., Medallion Opera House, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603-723-3421, www.medallionoperahouse. com
Nov. 28-Dec. 6, 10th Annual RSVP Festival of Trees, Settler’s Green, 2 Common Court, N. Conway, Unit C4, over 125 decorated Christmas trees, mini trees and wreaths, 603-356-9331, www.nhfestivaloftrees.com
Nov. 29, Christmas in Wolfeboro Parade, 3 – 4 p.m., Main St., Wolfeboro, Brewster Memorial Field to Mill St., 603-569-2200. Other events on 11/29: noon – 4 p.m.: Fill a Truck with Toys at Chamber of Commerce, 32 Central St., Wolfeboro, 2:30 p.m.: Student Carolers at Main St. and Railroad Ave., 4 – 5 p.m.: Visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Hut.
Nov. 29, Honky Tonk Barn Social, 8 pm, dinner, concert and group line dance lesson, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www. stonemountainartscenter.com
Nov. 29, Jimmie Allen concert, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.
Nov. 29 & 30, Holiday Lights Twilight Tours, 3 – 5:30 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, tickets/info.: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org. (Also on Dec. 6 & 7.)
Nov. 30, Climate Future Film Festival, 3 – 5 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 30 Tamworth Rd., Tamworth, advance sign up: chocorualake.org/ events, tamworthlibrary.org, or uufesnh.org.
Dec. 1, Volunteer Coffee – Nature Learning Center, 9 - 10 a.m., Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, 603-447-6991, www. tinmountain.org.
Dec. 4, Polyrhythmics with opener BANDWICH, 6:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 36 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.
Dec. 4-7, The Nutcracker, 7 p.m., with Sole City Dance, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com. (Dec. 4 & 5: 7 p.m.; Dec. 6 & 7: 1 p.m. & 6 p.m.)
Dec. 5, ArtWorks Holiday Celebration, 5 - 7 p.m., join us for apps, libations, conversation and art, ArtWorks Chocorua Creative Arts Center, 132 NH Rt. 16, Chocorua, www.chocoruaArtworks.com
Dec. 5, Better Off Dead, by Alec Kerr Film Series, 7 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 36 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.
Dec. 5, Holiday Tree Lighting, 5:30 p.m., Central Square, downtown Rochester, 603-332-5080 ext. 3, events@rochesternh.org
Dec. 5, Open Mic Night, 6 - 8 p.m., Medallion Opera House, Gorham Town Hall, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603-466-3322, www.medallionoperahouse.org
Dec. 6, Breakfast with Santa, 9 – 10:30 a.m., free family event, light food served, crafts, meet Santa & more, Ossipee Town Hall, 603-539-1307, Ossipee Town Hall, 55 Main St., Ossipee.
Dec. 6, Conway Village Church Christmas Fair, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., raffle, bake sale, holiday greens and more, 4:30 p.m.: Tree Lighting, Caroling and Hot Cocoa, 132 Main St., Conway, 603-447-3851.
Dec. 6, Dana Cunningham and Carol Noonan, 7:30 pm, annual concert at the Little White Church, Eaton, NH, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com
Dec. 6, Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., caroling, games, ice carving and more, Settler’s Green, 2 Common Court, N. Conway, 888-6679636, www.settlersgreen.com.
Dec. 6, HOME CONCERT: Jazz for the Holidays with Mike Sakash & Tom Snow, 3 p.m., location and directions provided with purchase, Majestic Theatre, 36 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.
Dec. 6 & 7, Holiday Lights Twilight Tours, 3 – 5:30 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, tickets/info.: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org
Dec. 7, Annual Christmas Craft Fair, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com
Dec. 7, Holiday Craft Fair, to support Best Buddies of NH, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Cambria Hotel, 1858 White Mt. Highway, N. Conway, 603-307-1158.
Dec. 11, Brooks Robertson at Sap House Meadery, 7 – 9 p.m., music and food, dinner: 6 p.m.; concert: 7 p.m., 6 Folsom Rd., Center Ossipee, 603-5391672, www.saphousemeadery.com
Dec. 12, A Charlie Brown Christmas – Heather Pierson Trio, 7 - 9 p.m., Medallion Opera House, Gorham Town Hall, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603-466-3322, www.medallionoperahouse.org
Dec. 12, Shop Around the Corner, by Alec Kerr Film Series, 7 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 36 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.
Dec. 12, Sip & Paint, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Pope Memorial Library, 2719 White Mountain Hwy, S. Main St., N. Conway, 603-356-2961, www.popelibrarynh. org.
Dec. 12-23, A Christmas Carol, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.
Dec. 13, Second Saturday Contradance, Tamworth Outing Club, 7:30 – 10 p.m., Tamworth Town House, 27 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, Amy Berrier 603-651-5800 or Teresa Fournier at 978-609-2181.
What’s UP
Dec. 12, Sip and Paint, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Pope Memorial Library, 2719 White Mountain Hwy, S. Main St., N. Conway, pre-register: 603-356-2961, www. popelibrarynh.org.
Dec. 13, Trees & Trimmings at Remick Museum, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., make a Victorian card, Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org
Dec. 15, Natalie MacMaster: A Celtic Family Christmas, 7 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.
Dec. 15, Trees & Trimmings, make a Victorian card, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-3237591, www.remickmuseum.org.
Dec. 15, Wreath Making class with Dutch Bloemen Winkel, 5 - 7 p.m., Pope Memorial Library, 2719 White Mountain Hwy, S. Main St., N. Conway, 603356-2961, www.popelibrarynh.org.
Dec. 16, Strafford Wind Symphony Holiday Show, 7 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.
Dec. 18, A Charlie Brown Christmas – Heather Pierson Trio, 7:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 36 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic. com.
ONGOING
ArtWorks Chocorua Creative Arts Center, gallery, workshops & events, open year-round with seasonal hours, 603-323-8041, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, www.chocoruaartworks.com
Believe in Books Literacy Foundation/Theatre in the Wood, Intervale, programs for children, 603-356-9980, www.believeinbooks.org.
Breakfast Buffet, 7 a.m. - 11 a.m., Wolfeboro Masonic Lodge, 35 Trotting Track Rd, Wolfeboro. Pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, sausage, omelets made-to-order, Eggs Benedict, biscuit and gravy, juice, and coffee. Served the second Sunday of every month. 603-569-4637. Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.
Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods, nature trails for hiking, 740 Mt. Israel Rd., Center Sandwich, 603-284-6428, www.chap.m.ansanctuaryvisnywoods.com.
Coffee Hour, 10 – 11 a.m., coffee, tea and snacks, Wednesdays, Effingham Public Library, 30 Town House Rd., Effingham, 603-539-1537, Effingham.lib. nh.us.
Cog Railway, 3168 Base Station Rd., Mount Washington, 800-922-8825, www.thecog.com.
Conway Historical Society, historical info., 603-447-5551, www.conwayhistoricalsociety.org.
Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Avenue, Conway, many learning experiences, 603-447-5552, www.conwaypubliclibrary.org.
Conway Scenic Railroad, train rides to White Mt. areas, reservations: 603356-5251, station located at 38 Norcross Circle, North Conway, www.conwayscenic.com
Fiber Arts Monthly Mingle, first Tues. of every month, 6 – 8 p.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org.
First Fridays Receptions, through Dec., 5-7 p.m., refreshments, conversation & art, ArtWorks Chocorua Creative Arts Center, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, 3238041, www.chocoruaartworks.com
Great Glen Trails, outdoor center/activities, Mt. Washington Auto Rd., Gorham, 603-466-3988, www.greatglentrails.com
In the Round, Sundays at 8:45 a.m., thought-provoking topics related to tolerance, Benz Center, Sandwich, 603-284-7532.
Jackson Historical Society, 23 Black Mt. Rd., Jackson, info./hours: 603-3834060, www.jacksonhistory.org
Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild, meets second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 115 Main St., Wolfeboro. A second group meets first and third Tuesday of each month at Community Center, 22 Lehner St., Wolfeboro, www.llqg.net.
Reach thousands of engaged readers who turn to our publication to discover local events, attractions, and businesses. In a world full of distractions, Along Route 16 puts your business front and center. With Along Route 16, you’re not interrupting—you’re connecting. With distibution from local hotspots to statewide welcome centers, your message reaches active, curious consumers looking for places to go, things to do, and a deal or two.
Inaugural Elfingham Christmas Fair at Effingham Public Library
Save the date: Saturday, November 29, from 11 am to 4 pm; Santa will kick off the 1st Annual Elfingham Christmas Fair at the Effingham Public Library, 30 Town House Road in Effingham. Vendors, Events, Baked Goods, Soup Hut, Gift Wrapping, Cookie Dec-
orating, free photos with Santa, and so much more!
Enjoy a special kids’ table for our youngest shoppers. Join in for a funfilled day! For more information, call the library at 603-539-1537.
Christmas Fair at Conway Village Church
Join Conway Village Congregational Church, ‘The Brown Church’, at 132 Main Street in Conway, NH, on Saturday, December 6, for the annual Christmas Fair.
From 10 am to 4 pm, enjoy the Bake
Sale, Crafts, Christmas Greens, Picka-Prize Raffle, and more. Lunch will be served from 11 am to 1 pm, raffle drawings at 4:15 pm, and Caroling and Tree Lighting at 4:30 pm.
Trees & Trimmings at Tamworth’s
Remick Museum
Remick Museum has decked the halls and more! From 10 am to 2 pm, Saturday, December 13, sip on mulled cider as you enjoy a festive, relaxed holiday-time visit to Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm. Each area in the Museum Center features a uniquely trimmed Christmas tree inspired by the exhibit that surrounds it. Adorned with its own tree display, The Hearth Room is a cozy gathering spot. Tree decorations range from handcrafted to mid-century, from pop culture to sheer whimsy.Additional trimmings include nostalgic and fun holiday touches, plus…enjoy handcrafting at the make-and-take ornament station(while supplies last); participate in a Victorian Christmas Card Making Workshop presented by the Arts Council of Tamworth(preregistration is strongly suggested at www.remickmuseum.org/ event/trees-trimmings/; participation preference will be provided to preregistered attendees); listen to seasonal music as it plays in the background; sit for a moment to watch “The House Without A Christmas Tree,” a movie set in 1946 Nebraska, add a few pieces to a vintage-imagery puzzle featuring Santa Claus, savor a gingerbread cookie — recipe from the Remick-Made Cookbook (while supplies last); chat about Christmas memories stirred up by your visit; wish our newly-arrived
animals a Merry Christmas — stop by the outdoor pens of a pair of goats and two working steers; and enjoy store discounts!
This event is free and open to the public. For seating and supply purposes, preregistration is strongly suggested for the Victorian Christmas Card Making Workshop at www.remickmuseum.org/event/trees-trimmings/.
While you’re here, make a festive day of it in Tamworth village! Sameday village happenings include a Christmas Craft Fair at the Tamworth Town House, 9 am to 1 pm; a Holiday Open House at Cook Memorial Library, 11 am to 1 pm, make a simple craft, find a treat to eat, and listen to poems for the season beginning at 12 noon. Tamworth Bakery, 8 am to 2 pm, for bread, pastry, tea, coffee, and light lunch
Take a photo with the newly-installed Chinook statue on the front lawn of the Tamworth History Center, the Center is closed for the season. The Chinook is New Hampshire’s official state dog, bred to be an ideal expedition dog by Arthur Treadwell Walden of Wonalancet.
And just outside the village, visit the Holiday Makers Market, The Barn at The Preserve at Chocorua from 11 am - 3 pm.
What’s UP
Majestic Café, jazz, blues, and more, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, mountaintopmusic.org.
Makers Mill, variety of workshops, classes in arts and crafts and more, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org.
Making Strides, 8 – 9 a.m., daily drop-in walking for groups or singles, Ossipee Town Hall, no pre-registration required, 55 Main St., Center Ossipee, www.ossipee.recdesk.com.
Mt. Washington Valley Arts Assoc., 16 Norcross Circle, North Conway, 603356-2787, www.mwvarts.org.
Naturalist Led Hikes, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, space limited, registration/info.: 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org.
NE Ski Museum, ski exhibits, 2628 White Mt. Highway, North Conway, www.newenglandskimuseum.org.
Open Mic Night at the Medallion, 6 - 8 p.m., free, first Wed. of each month, Medallion Opera House, 30 Park St., Gorham, 603-466-3322, www.medallionoperahouse.org
Outdoor Nature Based Storytime for Young Children, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8510, www.tamworthlibrary.org.
Quilting Group, 1 - 4 p.m., meets every 2 weeks, Ossipee Public Library, 74 Main St., Ossipee, schedule/info: 603-539-6390
Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, events, tours, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.
Roller Skating Night, 5 p.m., Mondays, bring your own skates, for age 18 and up, Ossipee Town Hall, 55 Main St., Ossipee, info/updates: 603-539-1307, www.ossipee.org.
Second Saturday Contradance, Tamworth Outing Club, 7:30 – 10 p.m., Tamworth Town House, 27 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, admission charged, info.: Amy Berrier 603-651-5800 or Teresa Fournier at 978-609-2181.
Song and Jam Circle, 6:30 – 8 p.m., community created jams and song circle, 3rd Monday of each month, Runnells Hall, 25 Deer Hill Rd., Tamworth, free, bring your favorite instruments, Arts Council of Tamworth, 603-584-2712, www.artstamworth.org
Tamworth Farmer’s Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m. - noon, 30 Tamworth Road, Tamworth, info: www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org.
Tamworth History Center, 25 Great Hill Rd., Tamworth, info: www.tamworthhistorycenter.org.
Tamworth Townhouse Hoot – Bruce Berquist & Jim Alt, 1 – 3 p.m., Saturdays, 27 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, song circle, local musicians welcome to participate, bruceberquist@gmail.com.
The Recipe Club, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., meets monthly, Pope Memorial Library, 2719 White Mountain Hwy, S. Main St., N. Conway, 603-356-2961, www. popelibrarynh.org.
Thursday Night Book Club, meets fourth Thursday of every month for discussion of books; Mystery Book Club meets second Thursday of the month, White Birch Books, 2568 White Mt. Highway, North Conway, 603-356-3200, www. whitebirchbooks.com.
Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, programs, hikes, nature learning center, 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org.
Wednesdays, Little Angel Service Dog visit Gibson Center, 10:30 – 11:15, Gibson Center, 14 Grove St., N. Conway, 603-356-3231, www.gibsoncenter. org.
Wolfeboro Farmers Market, Thursdays, noon – 3:30 p.m., (through Dec. 19 with a break on Thanksgiving Day), Abenaki Ski Lodge, 390 Pine Hill Rd., Wolfeboro, email: nichole@wolfeborofarmersmarket@gmail.com, www. wolfeborofarmersmarket.com.
Wolfeboro Table Tennis meets every Wed. from 4 - 6 p.m., in basement of All Saints Church, Wolfeboro, all skill levels welcome, $5 admission charge each week, info: 603-520-5651.
Writer/Poetry Group, meets first Thurs. of each month through Dec. 2026, 4 p.m., Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Ave., Conway, 603-447-5552, conwaypubliclibrary.org.
Stay In...
Comfort Food, Italian Style: Cozy Dishes to Warm Up Your Fall Nights
By Chef Kelly
Hello Valley Friends! As much as I love the smell coming off the grill during the summer months, this time of year, cooking inside can create some of the best “food incense” to make a house smell delicious for days. I love having a few reliable meals that feel cozy, come together without a ton of fuss, and fill the house with that irresistible Italian aroma. From a hearty soup to some classic Italian dishes, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. What I love most is how easy it is to mix and match ingredients based on what’s in season or in my pantry. You can add extra veggies, swap proteins, or adjust the spices to suit your family’s tastes, and it still comes together deliciously. These recipes aren’t just about dinner; they’re about bringing hearty, flavorful meals to the table that make your meals a little easier to make and more satisfying while eating.
Let’s start with a yummy tortellini soup. This creamy tortellini soup is a deliciously hearty meal filled with Italian turkey sausage, tender veggies, and a rich, flavorful broth that is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings and cozy dinners. Just like all of today’s recipes, this is as great a dish as you could find in your favorite Italian restaurant. Pair it with some breadsticks or crusty bread for dunking. As a meal, this will feed 4-6 of you and obviously more as an appetizer, but this soup is the ultimate dinner-style soup. Prep time is 10 minutes, and cooking time is usually 30 minutes.
Creamy Tortellini Soup
1 lb ground mild, sweet, or hot Italian turkey sausage or a combo
Drizzle of Olive Oil
1 small yellow or white onion, finely diced, about 1 cup
1-2 celery stalks, finely diced, about ¾ cup
1 large carrot, peeled and finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning
1 can tomato paste, 6 oz
½ cup all-purpose flour
5-7 cups chicken broth, start with 5 cups, and after you add the tortellini, you will likely want to add more because the pasta soaks up the liquid
14 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 cup half and half
1 cup heavy cream
Freshly shaved parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for serving
Add a drizzle of olive oil to a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Once heated, cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces. Once the sausage is nearly browned, add the onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies are tender. Stir in the garlic, spices and tomato paste. Sauté for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning. Stir the flour into the sausage. It’s normal for it to be sticky and dry. Pour in 5 cups of the chicken broth, stir to combine. Increase the heat as needed to bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. Add half and half, cream, and tortellini, then bring it to a low simmer. Cook just until tortellini are al dente, per package directions. Add more broth as needed to thin the soup. Serve with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese and crusty bread for dunking. If you
have leftover soup, you will want/need to add more broth when reheating because the pasta will soak up much of the liquid.
While the last recipe had pasta in it, it is still a soup, and not a traditional pasta dish per se, but the next 4 most certainly are! Without question, basic spaghetti and sauce with either a meat sauce or meatballs and/or sausage are the perfect go-to menu item, and here is my favorite version of Italian simplicity. You can have this meat sauce prepped in 10-15 minutes, and ideally, let it simmer/cook for at least an hour, and like most any spaghetti sauce or soup, we all know how letting it go for a while is never a bad thing. The sauce is a ground sausage sauce, which has much more flavor and spice than ground beef does, but the choice is yours. The sauce ingredients are a perfect Italian red sauce, which quite possibly could become your “go-to” down the road. I often make this in major bulk and freeze most of it in quart containers. This recipe is for quite a bunch, as I can usually get 8-10 servings from this. So good in its sim-
plicity!
Italian Sausage Pasta
2 lbs ground Italian sausage, mild or hot, or a combo
1 medium onion, diced
1-2 bell peppers, diced, optional 12 oz button mushrooms, sliced, optional
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 can diced tomatoes, 28 oz
2 cans tomato sauce, 15 oz each
2 cans tomato paste, 6 oz each
2 cups water
2 tsp dried basil
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried parsley
1 ½ tsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
¼ - ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper
¼ cup red wine, or ¼ cup tomato juice
1 lb spaghetti, or other preferred pasta
Parmesan cheese, fresh, shaved or shredded
• Cookout continued on page 12
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Fresh parsley to garnish In a large, heavy stockpot, brown Italian sausage, breaking up as you stir. Add onions, as well as peppers/ mushrooms if using, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until onions/veggies are softened. Stir in garlic and well combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, then add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, basil, oregano, parsley, brown sugar, salt, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Stir well and bring it to a low boil. Stir in red wine. Drop the heat to low, stirring occasionally, and simmer for at least an hour. Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Spoon meat sauce over drained spaghetti noodles and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. By no means is this dish rocket science, but it’s soooo goooood! Don’t forget the garlic bread!
There are a few great Italian sauces out there for some good old-fashioned pasta dishes, and for this one, we bust out the pesto. Basil pesto has such a fresh, distinct flavor that I fell in love with it from the first time I had it. I always thought the scent of fresh basil was awesome, so there was no mystery that when I first ate some, I said, “More, please.” When it comes to making meals with it, I love it “as is” or quite often in certain dishes, I make a pesto cream sauce, which is also delicious, although not as healthy. For those who like pesto in small doses, I always suggest making the pesto cream sauce. This dish again is quite easy and only takes 20 minutes or so to make.
This will feed 4, and it checks all the boxes in looking for the perfect dinner. If you want a few fun ingredient changes, sub shrimp for chicken, and instead of cherry tomatoes, add sun-dried tomatoes and/or roasted red peppers.
Pesto Chicken Pasta
1 lb pasta. I prefer farfalle, but any shaped pasta works
1 ½ tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper
¾ tsp onion powder
1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups milk
12 oz cream cheese, room temp
6 oz or more prepared pesto
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes
Fresh quality parmesan cheese
Cook pasta according to box directions. Drain, set aside. Season chicken with salt, pepper and onion powder and cook in a large skillet in the olive oil with the minced garlic until brown and cooked through and remove from the pan and set aside. To the same pan, add milk, cream cheese and pesto, and whisk to melt the cream cheese. Cook for 5 minutes until thickened. Taste the sauce and add more pesto if you like. Add in the cooked and drained pasta and toss until well combined. Add the chicken and cherry tomatoes and with a serving spoon, combine all ingredients so that everything gets well coated with the sauce. If there is no room for everything in the pan, skip the tomatoes and add them to the individual plates once the meal is plated. Bust out the fresh parmesan and top the dish with either shaved, shredded or grated. Finish it with some fresh cracked black pepper and attack it. Pretty good!
Another fabulous Italian sauce is arguably the most popular in the restaurant world, and that is Marsala sauce. Made with butter, garlic, mushrooms, chicken stock, heavy cream, and of course, Marsala wine. It’s near impossible to find any fine dining Italian restaurant that doesn’t have a chicken and/or veal marsala on the menu, and the chances are very good that they are the top 3 sellers on those menus. Marsala does have a very distinctive flavor: a blend of rich, nutty flavors with notes of dried fruit, brown sugar, and vanilla. You can find both sweet and dry versions of marsala out there, and I lean towards the dry when making this dish, whether with chicken or veal. Also, not to confuse you, but I suggest a dry Marsala as opposed to a cooking Marsala wine. I know we are cooking with it, but the actual wine instead of the cooking wine does make a much better Marsala dish. As upscale as this is, it is relatively easy to make, taking 15 minutes to prepare and 20 to cook. This is for 4 lucky eaters. I usually serve this over a bed of linguine or angel hair, but I’ve also known many who dig this over mashed potatoes. Although this recipe includes cream, you can eliminate it and just add more chicken stock.
Chicken Marsala
1 ¼ - 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, 4 lightly pounded 5-6 oz each
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1 tbsp butter
For the Marsala Sauce
1 tbsp butter
½ lb cleaned and thinly sliced button or crimini mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, minced, about 3 tsp ¾ cup dry Marsala wine, not cooking Marsala for best flavor
½ cup chicken broth
¾ -1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnish
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Coat the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Heat 1 tbsp of oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate, cover with foil, and keep warm. Do this in 2 batches as needed for space in the skillet. In the same pan, melt 1 tbsp of butter. Add the mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the Marsala and bring it to a boil, then add broth and cream, again bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it starts to thicken. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, garnished with fresh parsley. You won’t be disappointed.
I hope you enjoyed your trip into Italian cuisine for some great comfort food options as we trot into the cold weather seasons. Until next time, keep your taste buds happy and smiling, and if you have any questions or feedback, please reach out at fenwaysox10@ gmail.com.
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Yesteryear
November and December…In Days Gone By
By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper
As the last autumn leaves fall and the air becomes sharper, thoughts turn to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many years ago in the Mount Washington Valley, people were filling storage bins with the harvest of the summer, canning fruits and vegetables and of course, hunting for meat.
In the early 1900s, hunting brought in meat for local families who might have struggled for winter sustenance. For others, hunting was simply sport.
In a November 1907 issue of The Reporter, it was written that in the Whiteface area near Conway, parties of hunters were having great results. A group of seven men from West Lebanon, New Hampshire were hunting in the Whiteface area and bagged six deer. The same article relayed that a local doctor and his friends camped in the mountains, hoping to get deer, but were met with a snowstorm. (Perhaps the group returned to hunt when the weather cleared?)
As the holidays approached, relatives and friends from elsewhere were checking the train schedule to travel to and from the Mount Washington Valley area. The November 14, 1907, issue of The Reporter had a complete schedule which listed the Boston and Maine Railroad traveling through In-
tervale, North Conway, Conway, Madison, West Ossipee, Wakefield, Sanbornville and Rochester, with many of these lines ending in Boston.
Fast-forward to November 11, 1937, and readers hoping for useful Christmas presents could find appliances through ads in The Reporter. Three specials were offered by the Public Service Company of New Hampshire. These included an electric toaster in “many models in the sales showroom” as well as a Dominion Sandwich Grill which could toast sandwiches, grill chops and bacon and was “fully guaranteed.” Public Service also had a motor-driven vacuum cleaner with adjustable nozzle and even a headlight. All this was priced at a mere $29.95. (Although this price was considered higher in the 1930s, in today’s world, we surely would not find a vacuum cleaner for $29.00!)
Winter sports was on the minds of many when The Reporter ran a frontpage story in the November 18, 1937, issue titled “Ski Trail Fund Assures Good Slopes.” The funds needed to develop the local mountains for the hundreds of ski enthusiasts expected to visit the area had been raised. Work could commence on Sunset Mt. Slope, along with the North Conway Slope, which was said to be in “fine condition.”
Work was also underway on the Cranmore Mountain Slope. The article further stated, “When the crowds arrive we can show them that all the facts broadcast by the Eastern Slope Ski Club are a reality.” The story finished with a list of the many subscribers to the Ski Trail Fund.
In the November 17, 1938 issue of The Reporter, movie fans could refer to a sizeable ad listing upcoming pictures at the Majestic and North Conway Theatres. On the list was “Suez” with Tyrone Power and Loretta Young; “Brother Rat” with Priscilla Lane; “Girls’ School” starring Anne Shirley and Ralph Belamy, and on Thanksgiving Day, “Out West with the Hardy’s” starring Mickey Rooney and finally “Hard to Get” with Dick Powell and Olivia de Haviland.
Housewives and chefs were likely pondering the Thanksgiving menu and many shoppers headed to the local Clo-
ver Farm Store for supplies. They were in luck no matter where they lived in the Mount Washington Valley area, because Clover Farm had stores in the Conway vicinity as well as in Bridgton, Maine. The stores carried stuffing (12 cents for a six oz. package), Dromedary Peels for 19 cents, Mince Meat for just 29 cents and coffee for 29 cents a lb. A sirloin roast was 26 cents a lb. and you could also order your Thanksgiving turkey well ahead of time.
An Annual Thanksgiving Dance at the Intervale Playgrounds was held on November 23, 1938, with music by Johnny Howard and His Crystal Ballroom Orchestra. Readers who were considering attending were urged in an ad to “have a good time and follow the crowd.”
On November 24, 1938, townspeople in the Conway area could mark • Yesteryear continued on page 14
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their calendars for a fun evening of dancing and socializing at the Thanksgiving Ball. The event had music by Singing Smith of Parsonfield, Maine and also door prizes aplenty as an added enticement. Dancing was on the bill until midnight, and the event was held at the K. of P. Hall.
at the store included toiletries, dresser sets, perfumes, soaps and stationery. For the “gents” there were toilet sets, travel kits, shaving brushes, cigars and cigarettes and playing cards.
luxury of the IGA Foodliner where a newspaper ad assured “Faster Checkout” and “Friendly Service.” An added bonus was S&H Green Stamps being available at the store.
(Information provided by archives from the Conway Public Library.) •
In the December 4, 1947 issue of The Reporter, readers with children were made aware that Santa was coming early to Conway. The Santa Claus Special Train would arrive on December 13 around noon time. The jolly old fellow would disembark from the train and head immediately to Hunt’s Ben Franklin Store. Children could share with Santa their wish list for Christmas presents. A microphone would be offered so children could announce their gift wishes to everyone!
If you were an art lover, you could attend an arts and crafts exhibit at the Conway Home Industries on December 7, 1947. The exhibit was held at the Community Center building in North Conway. The most interesting aspect of the evening was to be a “demonstration of craft work methods by many craftsmen.” The exhibit offered townspeople a chance to get a jumpstart on their holiday shopping and mingle with area artists and craftspeople.
At one time (1947) there was a store across from the high school in Conway. The store was Stone the Druggist, and the proprietor ran an ad in a December newspaper issue offering a list of Christmas gifts anyone could buy at the business. Ladies gifts available
Advertisements peppered the pages in The Reporter’s December 4, 1947 issue, with Public Service offering the Bendix automatic washer for busy housewives, nylons from Penney’s, and in Gorham, Thomas Gill, Florist was on duty and at the public’s service since 1900.
In the December 11, 1947 Reporter, shoppers saw an ad for Labnon’s of Conway, where they could choose Skiwear and Sportswear and Bass shoes and ski boots. These wintertime sports clothing and equipment options were appreciated in a town where skiing was becoming a pastime enjoyed by many.
The Bartlett Playhouse was presenting “Copacabana” with Groucho Marx and Carmen Miranda in December of 1947 and beautiful Hedy Lamarr in “Dishonored Lady.”
By the time 1950 rolled around, The Reporter, in a November 23 issue, ran a front page story titled “There’s More to Thanksgiving Than Eating Turkey.” A large ad in the same issue informed readers that The Log Cabin, a store in Gorham, would be offering many items that would be great gifts, from Indian Slippers, Women’s Hand Woven Gloves, Golden records for kids, as well as cowboy and cowgirl suits, school supplies, toys and games. The store seemed to carry just about anything the shopper could want.
By December of 1960, shoppers in the Conway area could enjoy the
The Songsters, students at Kennett High School, were directed by Miss Jean Henning, music supervisor. An article in the paper reported that the Songsters would be entertaining the Conway Clubwomen. Members of the club were urged to bring holiday gifts
to be sent to the Veteran’s hospitals. These snippets and stories are innocent and charming and show how people celebrated the holidays years ago. Their world centered around family, community and the joy of the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas. The simple celebrations of long ago live on in the traditions of today.
Volunteer for the Journey to the North Pole!
Want to help thousands of kids in Northern New Hampshire and Western Maine build a love for reading? Volunteer with the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation for their biggest fundraising event of the year – the Journey to the North Pole!
Volunteers’ time and enthusiasm directly support the foundation’s literacy programs, bringing free books and reading adventures to children across the region.
There are many volunteer opportunities in conjunction with foundation events and programs. Volunteers are needed throughout the year for a variety of literacy and educational projects and programs.
Believe in Books Literacy Foundation looks for volunteers year-round, but especially towards the holiday season. Being a part of the Journey to the North Pole™ event is a very rewarding experience. From November 28 to De-
cember 23, the looks of joy on the faces of our guests, young and old alike, are guaranteed to keep you coming back... some of the volunteers have been with the foundation since the beginning! Whether this is your first season or you are a veteran, the foundation is glad to have you on its team and looks forward to sharing this season with you.
Volunteers are needed for Stage Elves and On-Train Chefs. Stage Elf shifts are available from 4 – 9:15 pm, and include choosing an elf name, making toys, singing songs, and dancing when guests are visiting Santa’s workshop. Chef volunteers are needed for shifts from 3:45 – 9:30 pm, and include riding on the train, greeting guests, passing out bells, Santa letters, and candies. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call 356-9980 or email kate@believeinbooks.org, or visit journeytothenorthpole.org.
