Engines, Elegance, and Echoes of the Past: The NHBM Race Boat Regatta Turns 25
By Mark Okrant
Some of us underestimate the important role that New Hampshire has played in the world of competitive sports, both in the past and present. The Highland Games, NASCAR events at the Motor Speedway, Laconia World Championship Sled Dog Derby, as well as the Mount Washington bicycle and foot race competitions, all draw entrants from near and far. Close to home, there is a very popular event that takes place every two years in the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Spectators, drivers, and their crews all agree that the Wolfeboro Vintage Race Boat Regatta is one of the premier vintage race boat regattas in this entire country. In September 2025, the 14th biennial running of this prestigious regatta marks the event’s twenty-fifth anniversary.
The regatta is designed to recreate the spirit and excitement of historic boat races that were held during the 1920s in Wolfeboro Bay. During those times, it was common to see triple cockpit Gar Woods, Hacker Crafts, and Chris-Crafts plying local waters. Races were segmented into outboards and semi-speedboats, and the prestigious Irwin Cup was awarded to the fastest boat to complete the event’s multi-lap triangular course.
The idea to revive those events arrived in 1999, when a group of vintage and antique boating enthusiasts convinced the boat museum to play host to its first regatta in September of 2000. Almost immediately, it began to draw
participants from up and down the East Coast, parts of the Midwest, and Canada. This fun-filled two-day event takes place on beautiful, historic Wolfeboro Bay. It is presented by the New Hampshire Boat Museum and is sanctioned by the Vintage and Historic Division of the American Power Boat Association (APBA).
Perhaps owing to the fact that there is no charge to be a spectator, not to mention plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the two days,
the regatta has grown at a remarkably rapid rate. Today, it attracts crowds numbering in the thousands. One of the aspects that makes the regatta so popular is that visitors have several excellent perspectives to be spectators while drivers show off their spectacular vintage race boats that date from the 1920s – 1980s. Insiders have told us that the event is a haven for collectors of memorabilia and various souvenirs. There are also many ways to support this event through memberships, dona-
tions, and corporate sponsorships.
Sheep Davis Road • Concord • perrybrothersmonuments.com 603-225-6721 perrybrothersmonuments@gmail.com
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One of the most popular elements of the entire two-day event for spectators is the process of moving boats from land to water. During the regatta, vintage hydroplanes of all sizes—which must be handled very carefully—are managed in an area known as the “Hot Pits,” a secured section alongside the public town docks. When not in the water, hydroplanes must remain on their trailers due to their instability. Cranes consisting of two tall side frames, also known as travel lifts, carry each hydroplane up from its trailer, into the water, then reverse the procedure after racing. Each boat is specifically fitted with its own sling to ensure that it can be moved without damage. During this procedure, spectators remain behind a fence situated near, but not too near, to the hot pits.
Vantage points that are available along the course at Wolfeboro Docks provide optimal viewing opportunities. Thus, spectator participation is actively encouraged in four ways—by providing: up-close views of the actual racing, interactive ride opportunities, driver meet-and-greets, and a festive waterfront atmosphere.
The public portion of the 2025 New Hampshire Boat Museum’s Race Boat Regatta is scheduled for September 12 and 13. As spectators watch from the docks, drivers will demonstrate fly-bys according to their boat class. Here is • Regatta continued on page 4
the full schedule of events during this year’s regatta:
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
5 – 7 pm Welcome
Reception for sponsors, participants, and volunteers at Mueller/McLean Boatworks in Alton
Thursday, September 11, 2025
8:30 am – 5 pm Driver check-In at Back Bay Boathouse, Wolfeboro— participants finalize paperwork and preparations
6 – 8 pm Participants Dinner at Back Bay Boathouse, with special dinner discounts for regatta entrants
7 – 9 pm Hulls and Hops Lecture Series, featuring guest speaker Jeff “Nemo” Buckley (APBA Vintage & Historic Division Chairman), paired with offerings from Moat Mountain Brewing – held at the NHBM Moultonborough campus
Friday, September 12, 2025
8 am Opening Ceremonies showcasing the Triple Cockpit Runabouts at Wolfeboro Town Docks
8 am – 5 pm Vintage Race Boat Heats on the race course – with heats every 20 minutes
12:30 and 4 pm. Promotional boat rides – a “ride of a lifetime” for spectators and enthusiasts alike. These events offer a rare chance to take a spin aboard vintage race boats in action—definitely a worthwhile experience
5 pm Daily Closing Ceremonies wrap up the day’s action
6 – 8 pm Cocktail Party – location to be announced
Saturday, September 13, 2025
8 am Opening Ceremonies, again featuring the Triple Cockpit Runabouts at Wolfeboro Town Docks
8 am – 5 pm Vintage Race Boat Heats continuing with the same frequency of heats (every 20 minutes)
12:30 and 4 pm Promotional boat rides – a “ride of a lifetime” for spectators and enthusiasts alike. These events offer a rare chance to take a spin aboard vintage race boats in action—definitely a worthwhile experience
5 pm Weekend Closing Ceremony to mark the end of racing
6 – 9:30 pm The Barn at Inn on Main, with cocktail hour and buffet followed by presentation of awards to race boat drivers
As stated earlier, the public has an opportunity to come and appreciate this very special event. Lest you be concerned about the safety of any attendees, the organizers have taken full precautions. To summarize, these are:
1) Spectator access has been strictly controlled in the Hot Pits and other boat maintenance areas; physical barriers are in place; as have been liability waivers. 2) Volunteer patrol boats will be controlling all access points to the course and dock areas; boundaries will be under strict management.
3) All spectators in attendance at the regatta must stay 50 yards away from the water; should anyone ignore this regulation, authorities are prepared to halt the event as is necessary.
For more information, contact: (603) 569-4554 or museum@nhbm. org.
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603-569-5257 in NH 1-800-339-5257 FAX 603-569-5258
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Squam Lakes Association Adventure Ecology presents Beaver: The Wetland Weaver
Are you curious about North America’s largest rodent species? Beavers live all around us and fundamentally shape our wetland ecosystems. Join the Squam Lakes Association on Saturday, September 6, from 10 am- 12 pm, for a discussion about beavers and then a short kayak trip through Piper’s cove to observe the beaver dam. Participants will learn about how and why beavers make their dams and how these dams create important ecological niches for other wetland species. We will also discuss human/beaver conflicts and successes, including historic fur trapping and how ecologists are using beavers to restore degraded habitat. Participants should meet in the SLA building at 9:45 to fill out liability forms and then gather in the great room to talk about the basics of beavers. Next, we will go down to the docks and launch kayaks into Piper’s Cove, where we will explore our own resident beaver dam and take a closer look at how they are constructed. This will be about 0.5 mile round trip, but we will take our time and meander at the beaver dam, so it will be a very leisurely paddle. SLA will provide all boats, paddles, and life
vests. SLA members often spot these beavers in the cove, so hopefully we might see one while we are boating in! Participants should bring plenty of water, as well as snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray.
For more information, or to sign up for this Adventure Ecology program, visit the SLA website (squamlakes.org) or contact the SLA directly (603-9687336). The SLA also offers other Adventure Ecology programs throughout the year. These free programs are open to the public and cover a variety of nature and conservation-related topics. The Adventure Ecology programs are presented by the LRCC AmeriCorps members at the SLA who perform important conservation work in support of the Association’s mission.
The Squam Lakes Association is dedicated to conserving for public benefit the natural beauty, peaceful character, and resources of the watershed. In collaboration with local and state partners, the SLA promotes the protection, careful use, and shared enjoyment of the lakes, mountains, forests, open spaces, and wildlife of the Squam Lakes Region.
Wolfeboro Friends Of Music Keep It Diversified
By Thomas P. Caldwell
The Wolfeboro Friends of Music has just announced its 90th Anniversary Season, bringing a diversity of genres to local venues, including bluegrass, classical, Celtic, Québecois, jazz, Parisian, and American music of the 1960s.
For the past 90 years, the group has been promoting an appreciation of music, beginning with New England-based musicians. Originally known as the Amy Beach Club, the organization has operated since 1981 as Wolfeboro Friends of Music. In 1991, it gained non-profit status, another step in advancing an appreciation of music and culture.
The Amy Beach Club came about after Wolfeboro resident Ella Lord Gilbert met and became friends with Amy Cheney Beach of Henniker, an acclaimed concert pianist and orchestral composer, while the two women were at the MacDowell Colony, an artists’
retreat in Peterborough.
For those unfamiliar with the MacDowell Colony, it is named after a couple that summered on a farm they purchased in Peterborough: Edward MacDowell, a composer, and Marian MacDowell, a pianist. Edward maintained that the peaceful summers they spent in Peterborough allowed him to compose his best music, and in greater quantity. When he became gravely ill, he told his wife of his wish to give other artists the same creative experience, and the “Peterborough Idea” appealed to prominent citizens such as Grover Cleveland, Andrew Carnegie, and J. Pierpont Morgan, who established a fund to make Edward’s dream a reality.
Ella and Amy attended the artists’ colony to present lectures and perform piano recitals promoting classical American music. Later, in 1935, Ella formed an American music association, which she named after Amy
Beach, and in 1941, she brought the Amy Beach Club to Wolfeboro.
“For much of its early history, the Amy Beach Club was an intimate concert association, often with concerts in private homes featuring New Englandor New Hampshire-based artists,” according to a history of the organization.
ferings to bring professional musicians and artists from around the world to Wolfeboro stages and to invest in improving the sound, lighting, and other technological resources for a more professional presentation.
“In 1960, the Amy Beach Club annual banquet was held at the Sunny Villa, Route 16, Ossipee, overlooking Green Mountain. The guest speaker was popular New Hampshire Governor Wesley Powell, who praised the association’s cultural contribution to the Lakes Region and the State of New Hampshire.”
The association began presenting more public concerts, featuring nationally touring artists and incorporating other musical styles, including jazz, blues, Broadway musicals, and pop.
The Amy Beach Club changed its name to Wolfeboro Friends of Music in 1981. Since gaining federal nonprofit status, which has allowed it to accept tax-deductible contributions, the organization has been able to expand its of-
An all-volunteer operation since its inception as the Amy Beach Club, Wolfeboro Friends of Music hired its first paid executive director in 202324. Bob Shea, who fills that role, had served for 14 seasons as artistic director and producer at The Barnstormers Theatre in Tamworth. He also had been artistic director of the Dana Center for the Performing Arts at St. Anselm College in Goffstown; Vice-President for Academic Affairs at the New Hampshire Institute of Art in Manchester; and executive/artistic director of the Palace Theatre in Manchester. Also among his accomplishments was founding a professional theatre company, New Art Theatre.
• WFOM continued on page 8
Wolfeboro Friends of Music (Courtesy Photo)
Board president is Carl Crosley, a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He had served as Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at the SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, and has sat on several not-for-profit boards before making Wolfeboro his permanent home.
The Wolfeboro Friends of Music schedules events at two local venues: the recently renovated Anderson Hall/ Grayson Performing Arts Center at Brewster Academy, and the sanctuary of the First Congressional Church, which serves as a concert hall for acoustic and chamber music performances.
Brewster Academy designed and renovated St. Cecilia’s Catholic parish to create its 332-seat Grayson Performing Arts Center, offering excellent acoustics and the ability to present a broad
spectrum of performing arts shows.
The First Congregational Church has concert seating for 250 patrons, along with a reception area behind the sanctuary.
The 2025-2026 season will open on Saturday, Sept. 20, with Buffalo Rome presenting the music of Laurel Canyon at Anderson Hall at 7 pm. Buffalo Rome has been nicknamed “the Crosby, Stills, and Nashville of the digital age,” recalling the west coast country rock music of the 1970s — Crosby, Stills, and Nash, the Mamas and the Papas, Joni Mitchell, and the Byrds — with an infusion of modern country sound.
That will be followed at Anderson Hall on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 7 pm with Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road presenting Appalachian Bluegrass from Deep Gap, North Carolina. Growing up less than a mile away from the legendary bluegrass guitarist Doc Watson, Leon Purcell was surrounded by Appalachian Old-Time and Bluegrass music from an early age. He formed the string band Cane Mill Road to bring that mu-
Dine In or Pig Out
sical tradition to modern audiences today.
The Wolfeboro Friends of Music partnered with the Wolfeboro Public Library for a new “Informance” series in music appreciation, combining discussion with demonstrations by guest musicians and scholars. Taking place at the Wolfeboro Public Library, the first topic will be “Understanding ‘Classical Music’” on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 6 pm. It will focus on the Romantic composers, from Brahms to Beethoven.
“North American Folk Traditions” will be the next topic, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 6 pm, covering Cajun to Appalachian, to the Music of the Maritimes.
On Wednesday, March 25, at 6 pm, “American Jazz Traditions” from Preservation Hall to Contemporary Improvisations will be the presentation at the library.
Meanwhile, continuing the 90th anniversary series of concerts, the Phaeton Piano Trio will appear at the First Congregational Church on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 4 pm. World classical trio masters from Wiemar, Germany, they feature Friedemann Eichhorn on violin, Peter Hörr on cello, and Florian Uhlig on piano.
Lúnasa, an Irish band, will offer “An Irish Winter Solstice” concert at the First Congregational Church on Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 pm.
Two groups from Canada will appear at the First Congregational Church on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 4 pm. Christine Tassan et les Imposteures preserve and continue the tradition of gypsy jazz as first composed by Django Reinhardt.
Cécilia, with Timi Turmel, Erin Leahy, and Louis Schryer, combines traditional, Celtic, and Québecois music with influences from contemporary, classical, jazz, and swing.
“Beethoven to Astor Piazzola” will be presented at the First Congregational Church on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 4 pm when the Dali Quartet brings Classical Roots, Latin Soul programming to the stage. “In addition to works of the masters from Haydn to Brahms and Amaya to Piazzolla, the group’s adventurous and entertaining programming includes new works for quartet with percussionist Orlando Cotto, and an ongoing collaboration with the Van Cliburn Competition’s gold-medal winning pianist Olga Kern,” according to the anniversary brochure.
Daniel Kelly, known as one of America’s great jazz pianists, will bring “Shakespeare in Jazz” to the First Congregational Church on Friday, April 17, at 7 pm. His music draws inspiration from literature, visual art, and journalism, making him “stunningly original” with “a visionary imagination”.
A Band Called Honalee will come to Anderson Hall on Sunday, May 17, at 4 pm, obviously inspired by the music of Peter, Paul, and Mary. They also perform the music of Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell, the Mama and the Papas, Joan Baez, The Weavers, and Judy Collins.
Shades of Bublé, a three-man vocal ensemble honoring the work of Michael Bublé, will close out the 90th anniversary season at Anderson Hall on Saturday, June 13, at 7 pm.
Camp Hale to Host Second Annual Plunge Fundraiser
For over 125 years, Camp Hale, located in Squam Lake in Sandwich, NH, has offered youth the opportunity to experience a sleepaway camp in the natural beauty of the White Mountains.
Camp Hale, a historic sleepaway camp on the shores of Squam Lake, will host its second annual Camp Hale Plunge fundraiser on Saturday, October 11, at 9 am to support the camp’s mission of providing accessible, enriching experiences for youth from diverse
backgrounds.
In its inaugural event in 2024, the Camp Hale Plunge raised over $30,000 through generous participants, peer-to-peer fundraising, and local sponsors such as Squam Lake Marketplace and Stephens Landscaping Professionals, LLC.
Plungers of all ages are invited to take a dip into Squam Lake’s fall waters. The morning will feature live music from The Caravan Band, plus
a light breakfast and hot beverages to keep everyone warm and energized.
To register or learn more, visit: https:// give.classy.org/CHPlunge2025
All proceeds directly support Camp Hale’s programming, helping ensure more young people, many from under-resourced communities, can access transformative, overnight camp experiences rooted in joy, belonging, and nature.
United South End Settlements
(USES) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering families through education, development, and community connections. USES offers a variety of programs, including early childhood education, afterschool programs, and financial workshops. By providing opportunities for personal growth and economic advancement, USES helps families build brighter futures.
Fleetwood Heart: A Tribute to the Legends Coming to Colonial Theatre
The Colonial Theatre of Laconia will present Putman Fund Presents Fleetwood Heart: A Tribute to the Legends on Friday, September 12, at 7 pm. Tickets are available at ColonialLaconia.com or by calling 1-800-657-8774.
In the realm of rock music, few bands have carved a legacy as profound as Fleetwood Mac, while the powerhouse duo of Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart has set their own stage on fire with unforgettable ballads and hard-hitting anthems. “Fleetwood Heart” is a tribute that brings together the mesmerizing sounds of these iconic groups, celebrating their timeless music and the powerful women behind the hits.
Fleetwood Mac emerged in the late 1960s, originally a blues band led by the visionary Peter Green. However, it was the addition of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham in the mid-1970s that transformed the group into one of the most celebrated bands in the world. Their 1977 album, “Rumours,” became a cultural phenomenon, thanks to its poignant storytelling and rich harmonies. With hits like “Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams,” and “Don’t Stop,” Fleetwood Mac’s sound resonates with raw emotion and universal experiences, capturing love, heartbreak, and the complexities of relationships.
Stevie Nicks, with her enchanting voice and mystical stage presence, stands as a symbol of rock royalty. Her poetic lyrics often draw from her personal experiences, weaving tales of love and loss through haunting melodies. Nicks’ iconic style,
characterized by her flowing skirts and shawls, has made her a fashion legend, while her powerful solos, like “Edge of Seventeen” and “Landslide,” solidify her status as a solo artist in her own right.
On the other hand, Heart burst onto the music scene in the 1970s with their unique blend of hard rock and folk influences. Led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, they broke barriers in a male-dominated industry. Their anthems, such as “Barracuda,” “Crazy on You,” and “Alone,” showcase their vocal prowess and exceptional songwriting skills. Ann’s powerful voice cuts through the noise, while Nancy’s harmonies and captivating guitar work bring depth to their sound.
Fleetwood Heart pays homage to these legends by blending their iconic styles, showcasing the emotional depth and storytelling that both bands are known for. This tribute brings audiences together, allowing fans to relive classic hits and discover the connections between these two iconic acts. In each performance, the spirit of Fleetwood Mac and Heart shines through, reminding us of the beauty of rock music and its ability to unite generations.
Tickets for Putman Fund Presents Fleetwood Heart: A Tribute to the Legends at the Colonial Theatre of Laconia on Friday, September 12, at 7 pm are available at ColonialLaconia.com or by calling 1-800-657-8774. The Colonial Theatre is located at 609 Main Street, Laconia.
By Chef Kelly Ross
Hello, Foodie Friends, I hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend. September in these parts is arguably my favorite month of the year, with weather that is still outstanding and everything a little quieter.
Today’s food theme is one I haven’t talked about in months: great sandwiches. Whether using your grill or hanging out in the kitchen, sandwiches have been a staple in our diets all our lives and will continue to be so. As kids, we ate grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and we
graduated to bigger and better as we grew up. The possibilities of a great sammich are endless, and I try to test drive as many new ideas as I can find when I go out to eat. I wouldn’t call these choices today as overly unique, as I’m sure many of you have tried a couple of these over time, but my hope is that these will peak your interest and if nothing else, bring back memories of a sandwich you used to love. This first one is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Back in the ‘80’s when I was a young line cook at Horsefeathers in North
‘Cue The Grill
4 slices of Swiss cheese
2 large eggs
3-4 tbsp milk
a few splashes of Grand Marnier, optional but recommended
a few shakes of ground cinnamon and nutmeg, optional ½ stick of butter or more, room temp, divided
Powdered sugar to dust over the sandwich when finished, optional
Warm pure maple syrup for serving time
Conway, I was first introduced to the Monte Cristo sandwich. The combo of ham, turkey, and bacon with Swiss cheese stuffed between two pieces of yummy French toast makes for one of my all-time favorites. Once finished, you slice it in half and dip the halves in warm pure maple syrup before each bite, and you will fall in love. There are alternatives for you to experiment with, but the recipe I am sharing is easily my “go-to” favorite of all the options. For the deli meats, ideally choose somewhat thin-sliced but not shaved. One thing to consider is that I cook these in a frying pan or skillet on medium heat for a longer time, as opposed to many who prefer a high heat. When the outside is done with high heat, the middles aren’t, and the result can be soggy, and the cheese may not be melted. Be patient and cook for that extra 5 minutes for the best results. This recipe is for 2 sandwiches, so bulk it up if making for more of you. Plan on 5-10 minutes for prep and 10-15 minutes cooking time.
Monte Cristo Sandwich
4 slices bread, ideally a thicker bread
4 slices cooked ham
4 slices cooked turkey
4 slices of cooked bacon
Start by laying the bread slices out on your kitchen counter. On 2 of the slices, in this order, lay a slice of cheese, half the ham on each, 2 slices of bacon on each in diagonal form forming an X, then divided the turkey over both and finish with the last 2 slices of Swiss over the turkey, then the last 2 pieces of bread and gently push down on the final sandwich. Beat eggs and milk in a shallow bowl until well combined with the Grand Marnier and spices, if using. Lightly grease a skillet over medium heat with a couple pats of butter or more. Dip the whole sandwich carefully into the egg wash for 1-2 seconds
• ‘Cue the Grill continued on page 13
• ‘Cue the Grill continued from page 12
on each side and place them in the hot pan. Cook until golden brown on each side and each side is no longer soggy and has a bit of crispness to them and the cheese is melted. I usually cook for 3 minutes per side at a time, usually a total of 6 minutes per side. Pour the maple syrup into individual small bowls or ramekins and cut the sandwiches diagonally so when dipping the sandwich as they will dip easier as triangles and not rectangles. Sprinkle the sandwiches with powdered sugar if preferred, and dig in and enjoy.
Next, let’s dive into a great variation on a steak sandwich. As much as I love anything steak-related, a steak sandwich can be hit or miss. As a sandwich eaten by hand, if the steak is tough, it’s a major pain. That is not a problem with this Greek steak pita pocket sandwich with caramelized onions and sliced and sauteed portabella
mushrooms with a simple and delicious horseradish sauce. What really makes this easy to eat is that you cut the steak into bite-sized pieces before seasoning and sauteing. There will be no tug-of-war between you and this sandwich, I promise. This recipe will give you 4 pockets of goodness. You can have these finished in half an hour, as the caramelized onions will take 2030 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Greek Steak Pitas with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
1-1 ½ lbs top sirloin steak, cut in thin strips
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp all-purpose Greek seasoning
½ tsp each of salt and pepper
2 large onions, sliced
8 fresh baby portabella mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp butter
5 tbsp olive oil or canola oil, divided
¼ cup mayo or Greek yogurt
2 tbsp or more prepared horseradish
½ tsp fresh ground black pepper
2 large pitas, cut in half
For the onions, heat a skillet on medium-low heat. Add the butter and 2 tbsp of oil. Once the butter has melted, throw in the onions. Stir frequently. The onions should cook down for close to 30 minutes. You may need to adjust the temperature if the onions begin to brown too soon. The key is low and slow, and you may have to add a little more butter or oil. Make the sauce by combining the mayo or yogurt with the horseradish and black pepper and refrigerate if you make this well in advance. While the onions cook, start preparing/cooking the steak. Combine the sliced steak, oregano, Greek seasoning, salt and pepper in a ziploc bag. Shake the bag well until the seasoning has evenly coated the steak pieces. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the sliced steak in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, depending on how you like your steak cooked. Do not over-crowd
the pan. Add another tbsp of oil if the pan gets too dry. Once the steak is cooked and pulled from the pan, throw your mushrooms into the pan and sauté until tender with more oil and/or butter. I usually lightly microwave the pitas, then stuff them with the steak, onions, mushrooms, and sauce, and enjoy. In what is the healthiest option of the day, this grilled eggplant parmesan sandwich uses tender, smoky grilled eggplant instead of fried, so it has a fraction of the fat and calories. I usually serve this dish open-faced with a single piece of focaccia bread underneath it, but you can easily put a piece on top and make it a handheld. Regardless of how you choose to attack it, you’ll love it. Use your favorite marinara/spaghetti sauce for this, or canned fire-roasted small, diced tomatoes also work great. I suggest using fresh mozzarella as opposed to bagged and shredded, but
• ‘Cue the Grill continued on page 18
Through Sept. 2, 85th Annual Members Exhibit, Lakes Region Art Assoc. Gallery, Tanger Outlets, 120 Laconia Rd., Tilton, 603-998-0029, www.lakesregionartgallery.org.
Through Sept. 9, The Artwork of James Belcher, Upper Exhibit Gallery, Laconia Public Library, 695 N. Main St., Laconia, 603-524-4775.
Sept. 2, Lecture Series: Drama Vachon – Unfaltering Courage – the Diaries of TSGt. Raymond Vachon, World War II Army Air Corps. Flight Engineer, 7 – 8 p.m., Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1212, www.wrightmuseum.org
Sept. 2, Main St. Museum Open House and tours, 5 - 7 p.m., Main St., Museum, 45 Main St., Meredith, 603-279-1190, www.meredithhistoricalsocietynh.org.
Sept. 2, Spinning and Fiber Arts Gathering at Belknap Mill, 10 a.m. – noon, bring a fiber arts project to work on, free, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-5248813, www.belknapmill.org. (Also on Sept. 9, 16 & 23.)
Sept. 2-20, The Long View: Paintings by Marcia Santore, opening reception: Sept. 5 from 5 – 8 p.m., Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org
Sept. 3, Alton Market on Main, farmers market, noon – 3 p.m., 115 Main St., Alton, complete schedule: www.altonmarketonmain.com, 513-519-8264.
Sept. 3, Jaws, doors open 5 p.m., show at 6 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh.com.
Sept. 4, Furniture Masters: Exhibit Opening, 5 – 6:30 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd., Moultonborough, admittance info.: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org
Sept. 4, Meet the Artists Reception, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., artists from Gallery at 30 Main, takes place at NH Boat Museum, 130 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603-569-4554, 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org
Sept. 4, Steve McBrian, music, 6 – 9 p.m., The Taphouse Lake Winnipesaukee, 18 Main St., Center Harbor, 603-250-8029, www.thetaphouse.net
Sept. 4, Volcanoes and Cellar Holes: the History of the Land, 1 – 2:30 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, 586 Ossipee Park Rd., Rt. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: www. castleintheclouds.org.
Sept. 5, Dakota Smart, music, 6 – 9 p.m., The Taphouse Lake Winnipesaukee, 18 Main St., Center Harbor, 603-250-8029, www.thetaphouse.net
Sept. 5, SOCK HOP with Rockin’ Daddios & classic car show, 6 p.m., free, bring a lawn chair for seating, Rotary Park, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-5248813, www.belknapmill.org.
Sept. 5, Skerryvore, 8 p.m., with special guest Skye Darling, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com
Sept. 5-7, Leaf Peeper Hockey Tournament, Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center, 90 Pine Hill Rd., Wolfeboro, 603-569-5639.
Sept. 6, An Evening with Clay Cook, 7:30 p.m., Lakeport Opera House, 781 Union Ave., Laconia, 603-519-7506, www.lakeportopera.com
Sept. 6, Basket Making, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Call ahead for event information and to inquire about program pre-registration: 603-366-5695.
Sept. 6, Beginner Stained Glass, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., with instructor Sue Ries, pre-registration required by Sept. 3, League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920.
Sept. 6, Free Fall Garden Workshop, 10 – 11:30 a.m., Moulton Farm, 18 Quarry Rd., Meredith, 603-279-3915, www.moultonfarm.com.
Sept. 6, Leaf Peeper Hockey Tournament, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Pop Whalen Ice & Arts Center, 390 Pine Hill Rd., Wolfeboro, 603-569-5639.
Sept. 6, Lee Sykes, music, 6 – 10 p.m., The Taphouse Lake Winnipesaukee, 18 Main St., Center Harbor, 603-250-8029, www.thetaphouse.net
Sept. 6, Plymouth Town Wide Yard Sale, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., sales all over Plymouth, info.: sheila@coppertoppe.com
Sept. 6, Skerryvore, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh.com.
Sept. 6, The Best of the 70s – Dizzy Fish & the Uptown Horns, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com
Sept. 7, Belknap County Safety Day, Gunstock, 719 Cherry Valley Rd., Gilford, 603293-4341, www.gunstock.com
Sept. 7, Bird Walk, 8 – 10 a.m., Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd., Moultonborough, admittance info.: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org
Sept. 7, Gunstock Ascension Race, Gunstock, 719 Cherry Valley Rd., Gilford, 603-2934341, www.gunstock.com
Sept. 7, Sonny Landreth and Cindy Cashdollar, 7 pm, Feel the Barn Concert Series, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand.net
Sept. 7, Timbear Daley, music, 6 – 9 p.m., The Taphouse Lake Winnipesaukee, 18 Main St., Center Harbor, 603-250-8029, www.thetaphouse.net
What’s UP
Sept. 8-30, 2nd Annual Nature Inspires Art Exhibit, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org., 603-3665695.
Sept. 9, Lecture Series: Linda Matchett – The American World War II Home Front in 29 Objects, 7 – 8 p.m., Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603569-1212, www.wrightmuseum.org
Sept. 9, Spinning and Fiber Arts Gathering at Belknap Mill, 10 a.m. – noon, bring a fiber arts project to work on, free, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-5248813, www.belknapmill.org. (Also on Sept. 16 & 23.)
Sept. 9 & 13, Nature Station – Amphibians and Reptiles!, 10 a.m. – noon, free, open to all, Grey Rocks Conservation Area, 178 N. Shore Rd., Hebron, program of Newfound Lake Region Association, www.newfoundlake.org, 603-744-8689.
Sept. 10, Footloose, doors open 5 p.m., show at 6 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh. com.
Sept. 10, Furry Neighbors, a Student Conservation Assoc. program, 1 – 2 p.m., see furs from our animal neighbors, Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323--
Sept. 10, Polliwogs – Little Foragers, 10 – 11:30 p.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Call ahead for event information and to inquire about program pre-registration: 603-366-5695.
Sept. 11, Bobby Freedom, music, 6 – 10 p.m., The Taphouse Lake Winnipesaukee, 18 Main St., Center Harbor, 603-250-8029, www.thetaphouse.net
Sept. 11, Hops and Hulls Lecture Series, 7 - 9 p.m., guest speaker: Jeff “Nemo” Buckley, NH Boat Museum, 130 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603-569-4554, 603569-4554, www.nhbm.org
Sept. 11, The Bacon Brothers, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh.com.
Sept. 12, Adam Ezra Group, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh.com.
Sept. 12, Beatlemania Again, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com
Sept. 12, Fleetwood Heart: A Tribute to the Legends, presented by Putnam Fund, 7 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia. com.
Sept. 12, Jim Tyrrell, music, 6 – 9 p.m., The Taphouse Lake Winnipesaukee, 18 Main St., Center Harbor, 603-250-8029, www.thetaphouse.net
Sept. 12, Lucknow Garden Tour, 10:15 – 11:15 a.m., Castle in the Clouds, 586 Ossipee Park Rd., Rt. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration required: www.castleintheclouds.org.
Sept. 12, Opening Ceremonies for Regatta, 8:30 a.m., takes place at Back Bay Boathouse, 51 Mill St., Wolfeboro by NH Boat Museum, 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org
Sept. 12, Putnam Fund Presents Fleetwood Heart: A Tribute to the Legends, 7 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.
Sept. 12, Potatoes: From Dirt to Delicious, 10 a.m. - noon, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Registration: 603-366-5695.
Sept. 12 & 13, Vintage Race Boat Heats, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wolfeboro Town Docks, event by NH Boat Museum, 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org
Sept. 13, Author Luncheon with Sy Montgomery and Matt Patterson, 11:30 a.m., takes place at Camp Belknap, 11 Chase Point Rd., Mirror Lake, program of Tuftonboro Free Library, info.: 603-569-4256.
Sept. 13, Comedian Bob Marley, 5 & 8 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh.com.
Sept. 13, Dirty Deeds: The AC/DC Experience, 8 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.
Sept. 13, Felted Funky Chicken Class with Patsy Frasier, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., pre-registration required by Sept. 10, League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920.
Sept. 13, Granite State Street Rodders, classic cars, refreshments available for purchase, NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www. nhfarmuseum.org.
Sept. 13, Harvest & Rust – Neil Young Experience, 7:30 p.m., Lakeport Opera House, 781 Union Ave., Laconia, 603-519-7506, www.lakeportopera.com
Sept. 13, Harvest Festival, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. free admission, fun on the farm, 603-366-5695.
Sept. 13, Start Making Sense: Talking Heads Tribute, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com
Sept. 13-14, 4th Annual NH Pagan’s Faire, 10 a.m., Belknap County Fairgrounds, witchy artists and makers, crystals, singing bowls, musical performances, and more, 174 Mile Hill Rd., Belmont, www.nhpagansfair.weebly.com.
ONGOING
Alton Market on Main, farmers market, every other Wed., through Oct. 1, noon – 3 p.m., 115 Main St., Alton, complete schedule: www.altonmarketonmain.com, 513-5198264.
ArtWorks Chocorua Creative Arts Center, gallery, workshops & events, open yearround with seasonal hours, 603-323-8041, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, www.chocoruaartworks.com
Barnstead Farmers Market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturdays, 1 Parade Circle, Barnstead, email: nhbarnsteadfarmersmarket1@gmail.com, www.barnsteadfarmersmarket.com.
Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, gallery and textile museum, events and programs, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.
Breakfast Buffet, 7 - 11 a.m., Wolfeboro Masonic Lodge, 35 Trotting Track Rd., Wolfeboro. Pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, sausage, omelets madeto-order, Eggs Benedict, biscuit and gravy, juice, and coffee. Served the second Sunday of every month, 603-569-4637.
Bristol Open Air Market, Saturdays until Oct. 11, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Mill Stream Park, 507 Lake St., Bristol, www.BristolNH.gov.
Canterbury Shaker Village, tours, programs, walking trails, Shaker Rd., Canterbury, 603-783-9511, www.shakers.org
Castle in the Clouds, tours, hiking, programs, concerts, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, 603476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.
Community Breakfast, 2nd Sat. of each month, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m., Masonic Lodge, 18 Pleasant St., Bristol, donations welcome, 603-744-3060.
Country Village Quilt Guild, meets twice monthly, Public Safety Building (back entrance to Police and Fire Dept.), Rte. 25, Moultonborough, countryvillagequilters@ gmail.com.
Cruise Night, 5 – 7 p.m., Thursdays, 50/50 raffle, prizes, Tilt’n Diner, 61 Laconia Rd., Tilton, 603-455-7631.
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, June through Dec., 5-7 p.m., refreshments, conversation & art, ArtWorks Chocorua Creative Arts Center, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, 603-323-8041, www. chocoruaartworks.com
Franklin Farmers Market, Thursdays from 3 – 6 p.m., through Sept. 11, Marceau Park, Central St., Franklin, 603-934-2118, email: franklinmarketinfo@gmail.com.
Gilmanton Farmers Market, through Oct. 12, Sundays, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., local vegetables, flowers, plants, crafts, baked goods, live music and more, 1385 NH 140, on lawn of Gilmanton Year Round Library, Gilmanton Iron Works, 603-491-1687, www.gilmantonfarmersmarket.com
In the Round, 8:45 a.m., Sundays, thought-provoking topics related to tolerance, Benz Center, Sandwich, 603-284-7211.
Indoor Pickleball, 5 p.m., Sandwich Central School gym, Sandwich, every Tues., Thurs. & Fri., parksandrec@sandwichnh.org
Kirkwood Gardens, free, open to public year-round, Rt. 3, Holderness, tour the gardens, www.nhnature.org, 603-968-7194.
Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., meets second and fourth Wednesday of each month, First Congregational Church, 115 Main St., Wolfeboro, www.llqg.net
Lake Winnipesaukee Museum, displays of historic Lakes Region artifacts and information, souvenir postcards, plates, paperweights, memorabilia, summer camp historical information and more, open Wed. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., through Columbus Day weekend, 503 Endicott St. North, Laconia, 603-366-5950, www.lwhs.us
Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association, youth and adult sailing lessons, sailing competitions, Gilford, www.lwsa.org, 603-589-1177.
Lakes Region Art Association exhibits and classes, Suite 300, Tanger Outlet, Rte. 3, Tilton, 603-998-0029, www.lraanh.org
Lakes Region Curling Association, winter leagues, matches at Pop Whalen Ice & Arts Center, Rt. 109A., Wolfeboro, Sundays 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., 603-569-5639.
Live Music, Friday nights, 5 – 8 p.m., free, Mill Falls Marketplace brick courtyard, 312 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, www.millfalls.com
Loon Center, walking trails, loon exhibits, 183 Lees Mill Rd., Moultonborough, 603476-5666, www.loon.org
Makers Mill, a variety of workshops, arts and crafts classes and more, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org
Making Strides, 8 – 9 a.m., drop-in walking for groups or les, Ossipee Town Hall, no pre-registration required, 55 Main St., Center Ossipee, takes place various times: www. ossipee.recdesk.com.
Market on Main, farmers market, every other Wed., through Oct. 1, noon - 3 p.m., 115 Main St., Alton, complete schedule: www.altonmarketonmain.com, 513-519-8264. Meredith Community Market, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m., 1 Burton Drive, off Rt. 104, Meredith, free admission, 603-409-2871, www.meredithcommunitymarket.com.
Model Yachting, 1 – 3 p.m., Tues. & Thurs., Back Bay Skippers at Bridge Falls Path, Wolfeboro, watch radio-controlled model yachts, NH Boat Museum, schedule: www. nhbm.org.
Molly the Trolley, take tours/rides of Wolfeboro area aboard the fun trolley, info/schedules: 603-569-1080, www.wolfeborotrolley.com
M/S Mount Washington Cruises, narrated cruises of Lake Winnipesaukee, day & evening cruises, M/S Mount Washington, 211 Lakeside Ave., Weirs Beach, 603-366-BOAT, www.cruisenh.com
New England Racing Museum, open Saturdays, 922 NH Rte. 106 N., Loudon, www. NEMSMUSEUM.com
NH Boat Museum, events and exhibits, 130 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603569-4554. Second location: 399 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org.
NH Farm Museum, seasonal (summer & fall) old-time farm events, gift shop, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, contact for open hours/dates: 603-652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org
Newfound Classic Car Show, every Friday through Labor Day, 5 – 8 p.m., free, Village Local Kitchen, 825 Lake St., Bristol, www.ttccreg.org.
Newfound Lake Eco-Tours, informative/scientific tours of Newfound Lake, through mid-Sept., Newfound Lake Region Association, www.newfoundlake.org, call for hours/ dates of operation: 603-744-8689.
Ossipee Historical Society Grant Hall Museum, open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – noon until Sept. 30, 52 Rt. 16B, between First Congregational Church buildings, lmsween@roadrunner.com.
Outdoor Nature-Based Storytime for Young Children, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8510, www.tamworthlibrary.org.
Plymouth Historical Museum and Memory House, Saturdays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., through November and by chance or appointment, exhibits, research information, Old Webster Courthouse, One Court St., Plymouth, 603-536-2337, info@plymouthnhhistory.org.
Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Call ahead for event information and to inquire if program pre-registration is necessary: 603-366-5695.
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, farmstead events, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.
Roller Skating Night, 5 p.m., Mondays, bring your own skates, age 18 and up, Ossipee Town Hall, 55 Main St., Ossipee, info/updates: 603-539-1307, www.ossipee.org
Sailing Lessons, youth & adult, Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association, 25 Davis Rd., Gilford, schedule/pre-register: 603-589-1177, www.lwsa.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 at 603-651-5800 or Teresa Fournier at 978-609-2181.
Squam Lake Cruises, family/educational cruises to look for loons, & wildlife, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Holderness, www.nhnature.org, call for hours/dates of operation: 603-968-7194.
Squam Lakes Association, programs, hikes, 534 US Rt. 3, Holderness, 603-968-7336, www.squamlakes.org
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, exhibits, nature trails, events, cruises, 23 Science Center Rd., Holderness, 603-968-7194, www.nhnature.org
Tamworth Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m. - noon, Saturdays, 30 Tamworth Road, Tamworth, www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org
Tamworth History Center, 25 Great Hill Rd., Tamworth, 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 Market at the Weirs, Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., through Oct. 4, fresh produce, meats and artisan crafts, through Oct. 5, Weirs Community Park, 49 Lucerne Ave., Weirs Beach, email: bamm-nh.org., www.themarketatweirs.com
Tilton Farmers Market, Tuesdays, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m., next to Police Dept. building, 45 Sanborn Rd., Tilton, Rt. 132, free admission, 603-409-2871, www.tiltonfarmersmarketnh.com
Tuftonboro Country Bluegrass and Gospel Jam, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Tuesdays, donation requested, Old White Church, Rte. 109A, Center Tuftonboro, across from Tuftonboro General Store, 603-569-3861.
Wolfeboro Farmers Market, Thursdays, noon – 3:30 p.m., The Nick Recreation Park, 10 Trotting Track Rd., Rt. 28, Wolfeboro, email: wolfeborofarmersmarket@gmail.com, www.wolfeborofarmersmarket.com.
Wright Museum of WWII exhibits and lectures on life on the home front during WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1212, www.wrightmuseum.org
that choice is also yours. Plan on 4045 minutes to
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich
1 large eggplant, 1¼-1½ lbs, cut into 12 rounds, ¼ inches thick
Canola or olive oil cooking spray
¼ tsp salt
4 tbsp finely shredded Parmesan, or Asiago cheese
½ lb fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
or buy shredded mozzarella
4-8 smaller pieces focaccia bread, or rustic Italian bread
2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
5 oz fresh baby spinach
1 cup of your favorite marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted
3 tbsp chopped fresh basil, divided
Preheat grill to medium-high. Place eggplant rounds on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and sprinkle them with salt. Coat both sides lightly with cooking spray. Brush both sides of the focaccia, or bread, with oil. Place spin-
ach in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and punch several holes in the wrap. Microwave on high until wilted, 2-3 minutes. Combine the sauce or tomatoes with 2 tbsp basil in a small pan and heat on low-medium heat until hot, 4-5 minutes. Place all your ingredients on the baking sheet with the eggplant and take it to the grill. Grill the eggplant slices until brown and soft on both sides, 2-3 minutes per side. Grill the bread until toasted, for about 1 minute per side. Return the eggplant and bread to the baking sheet. Reduce grill heat to medium. Place 1 eggplant round on top of each slice of bread. Layer 1 tbsp of sauce or tomatoes, 1 tbsp wilted spinach, and 1 tsp parmesan cheese, then 1-2 slices of mozzarella on each slice of eggplant. Repeat with the remaining eggplant, sauce, spinach, and cheeses. Sprinkle each stack with some of the remaining basil. Place the baking sheet on the grill, close the lid and grill until the eggplant stack is hot and the cheese melts, usually 4-5 minutes. If you want these close-faced, add a remaining piece of grilled focaccia or rustic bread on top. Wicked good! If you have never heard of one, let me introduce you to the Muffaletta sandwich - what I have always considered to be the sandwich to end all sandwiches. The Muffaletta is somewhat of a twist on the Italian, but on steroids. It can be made on a 2-foot loaf of classic
Italian rustic bread or on a large round loaf, at least 10 inches in diameter, but 12 inches is best. My introduction was by a fellow chef 25+ years ago as he made a half dozen for a Super Bowl party. Once made, he wrapped the sandwiches tightly in plastic film, placed them on a sheet pan, and topped them with heavy pots and pans. The bread was thick and crusty, which absorbed the weight, and as a result, the flavors truly gelled right into the bread. For this version, I am only making one of them on a smaller round loaf, and I usually wrap and put a small pot on top with a few canned products inside the pot to weigh it. The next day, it’s truly amazing, although you can still eat this right after making it, and it will still be really good. Once you slice it and serve it, you can feed as many as 6-8 if you have other food to be served with it. You can make this in 15 minutes. If you feel the need to substitute some of the meats for others, go for it, as I often use deli-sized pepperoni.
Giant Muffaletta Italian Sandwich
1 large round loaf of Italian bread, 10-12 inches in diameter
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
½ cup green olives, chopped
• ‘Cue the Grill continued on page 19
contact belletetes.com or stop in at
½ cup black olives, chopped
½ cup jarred roasted red peppers, sliced
¼ cup capers
¼ cup pickled jalapeños
½ lb deli-sliced salami
½ lb deli-sliced mortadella
½ lb deli-sliced ham
erator and put a weighted pot on top of it until ready to serve. It’ll hold well for a couple of days, but I usually take it out after 24 hours. Slice it into portions and serve. Enjoy the hearty and flavorful layers in every bite.
1 cup sauerkraut, drained, heated if desired
sides of buns. Place bratwurst in buns and top with cheese, then the bratwurst and end with the sauerkraut. These are incredibly simple and oh so yummy! That’s another chapter in the books, my foodie friends. Until next time, keep those taste buds of yours happy and smiling, and if you care to touch base with any questions or feedback, please reach out at fenwaysox10@ gmail.com. •
½ lb deli-sliced provolone cheese
½ lb deli-sliced mozzarella cheese
¼ cup fresh basil leaves
Begin by making the olive salad. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped green and black olives, roasted red peppers, capers, pickled jalapeños, and a pinch of oregano and garlic powder. Add the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Stir everything together and set aside for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Slice the Italian bread loaf horizontally in half, creating a top and bottom. Layer the bottom of the bread with the salami, mortadella, and ham, followed by slices of provolone and mozzarella cheese. Generously spread the olive salad mixture on top of the cheese layer. Add fresh basil leaves on top of the salad mixture. Close the sandwich with the top half of the bread and press down gently to compact it. On an open table, lay out a long slice of plastic film and do your best to place the sandwich in the middle of it and wrap the ends as tightly over and under it as you can. Lay down another sheet, and this time place the sandwich upside down on it and wrap as tightly as possible. If you need a third sheet, do it to make sure it is completely wrapped 100%. Place in your refrig-
My last recipe today is a big favorite of mine. Back in my younger years, I became good friends with a cook from Wisconsin, who turned me onto a good old-fashioned bratwurst fest he would hold every year, and I was hooked from that moment. Although my good friend Al passed away some years back, I think of him every time I get a hankering. He proved to me that brats must be cooked/boiled in beer first before they hit the grill, and although I’ve always been big on adding peppers and onions to any sausage sub, Al used a Reuben sandwich mentality by using rye sub rolls, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and Swiss cheese. Since he was a diehard, proud of his Wisconsin tradition and heritage, I am proud to continue that mentality. He used to make a day of his brat parties with a huge pot of brats marinating in the beer until grill time, but if preferred, you can have these made in just a half hour. This recipe is for 4.
Grilled Reuben Brats
1 can or bottle beer or nonalcoholic beer, 12 oz
4 uncooked fresh bratwurst links, about 1 lb
2 tbsp or more of Thousand Island dressing
4 rye or whole wheat bratwurst buns, split ½ cup or more shredded Swiss cheese, 2-4 oz
Heat grill to medium-high heat. In 2-quart saucepan, heat beer to boiling on your stovetop or a burner on your grill. Add bratwurst, reduce heat to low and cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Drain bratwurst. Place on grill over medium heat. Cover the grill and cook for 5-10 minutes, turning once, until brown. Spread dressing on cut
Stepping into a World of Beauty: The Paintings of James Belcher
By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper
“I try for my paintings to not be cute,” says James Belcher, a Laconia, New Hampshire artist. If that statement might seem odd coming from a successful painter, James is saying he strives to make paintings that are both beautiful and professionally done, rather than “cutesy.” Some artists try too hard to make something saleable, and they fall into that trap when striving to capture the scenic splendor of New Hampshire’s many beautiful outdoor locations.
James’s oil paintings, on view until September 9 at the rotunda area at the Laconia Public Library, will cause the viewer to stop short when entering the room. The work is large – a can’t-missit group of paintings ringing the rotunda space. The scenes glow throughout the room, beckoning the viewer to step in and take a visually stunning tour of incredible artwork.
Scenes from the Lakes Region and north to the White Mountains (as well as Boston) are favorite spots for James. “We live in a beautiful area and there are so many subjects to paint,” James points out.
He explains, “The Lakes Region has been my full-time home since 1995, but for well over 40 years, I have been inspired by the beauty of the region. God’s natural beauty doesn’t get any better for subject matter to paint and draw. For the observer of my paintings, I try to instill a peaceful and enduring quality. My goal is for you to have a feeling of well-being by enjoying the peaceful scenery.”
He started his art career when he opened a gallery at the Lowell National Historic Park in 1987. “That is when I decided to pursue art full-time,” James comments.
When he observes various landscape settings, James might see a scene he
particularly likes and will stop to take photos. These photos, taken at any time during the four seasons, are later used for reference. This allows him to work on a summer scene, for example,
during the winter months. James says, “The winters can be very long in New
• Paintings continued on page 21
James Belcher stands by one of his paintings in the current exhibit of his work at the Laconia Public Library. The exhibit is up until September 9 and then moves to other New Hampshire locations. The painting in this photo is a scene of Mount Chocorua.
Hampshire, and painting is a great way to fill in those days.”
He also makes sketches on-scene for reference, looking back at them later for composition, lights, darks, and more. Each painting takes about a month to complete.
“I strive first of all to capture the enduring peace I find in New Hampshire,” he points out. James certainly delivers on evoking the atmosphere in each painting. The viewer can stand before a large painting of summer atop Rattlesnake Mountain and imagine the warm sun as they would at the end of a hike or experience a late winter’s day near the lake, with the fog lifting from a background mountain and thin ice pushing against the shoreline.
One visitor to James’s Laconia Library exhibit explains, “I feel like I’m right there on a warm March day with the snow melting and the thin ice still on the water. Or hiking on a nice fall day in the White Mountains.”
James is an expert at evoking strong emotions in his viewers, and he has spent a lifetime honing his skills and enjoying the creative process. Laughing as he remembers, he says, “I sold my first work of art when I was in sixth grade. I think it was a landscape.”
A native of Massachusetts, James attended Suffolk University and later Harvard, where he obtained a master’s in education. When working in Boston’s stressful high-tech industry, James suffered a life-changing heart attack at age 43. Life-changing is the only phrase James can use to explain the health issue he had; his diet is now very healthy, and he avoids stress whenever he can.
Thus, after James and his wife, Linda, moved to the Lakes Region he began to paint in earnest. He has a studio at his Laconia home where he relishes the time he paints, feeling the peace that comes from the process.
The upcoming months will see James exhibiting his work at some New Hampshire libraries and historic places. (See the list at the end of this article.) He is eager to gain more awareness of his paintings and drawings and to share them with the larger public; the upcoming exhibits will help him meet that goal.
When asked what his favorite places to paint would be, James ponders and then answers, “It is hard to name just a few places, but I would say New Hampshire is my favorite state to paint, and I love doing fall scenes. Perhaps my favorite spot is Bald Peak.”
To reach the stunning and scenic places that James portrays in his paintings means traveling around the state, often with his wife, who will say, “Stop the car!” when she sees a view that might make a good painting. Inspiring scenes come while James and Linda are hiking, kayaking or driving around any given area of the state. For example, while driving on Shaker Road (near Canterbury Shaker Village), Linda spied a glorious scene and asked James to pull over. The result of that stop is a pastoral painting of a field and foliage-dappled trees against the sort of blue sky we have all marveled at during autumn.
Viewers will be treated to scenes they recognize when attending the Laconia Library exhibit, such as Lake Wicwas, Lake Winnisquam, Squam Lake, White Oak Pond, and Franconia Notch.
“Most of my paintings are 24 x 30 inches,” James explains. “I also do pen and ink and work with colored pencils.”
James creates detailed pen and ink drawings, and a few years ago drew Laconia’s historic buildings, such as the library and the Belknap Mill, when the Laconia Historical and Museum Society invited him to create a calendar depicting landmark scenes in 2020. The project was very successful, and over 200 calendars were sold.
In the future, James will exhibit his
paintings in public places and market his work online. (His paintings can be reproduced as wall art, for home décor, apparel, bags, greeting cards, and much more.)
There is still time to catch the exhibit at the Laconia Public Library because the show is on view until September 9 and then travels to many other locations (mostly libraries) around New Hampshire. “There will be about nine upcoming shows,” James says.
Future shows will be at the following public libraries in New Hampshire: Newington — October 2025; Candia — November and December 2025; Plaistow — January 2026; Hudson — March and April 2026; Lincoln — May and June 2026; Moultonborough
— August 2026; Rochester — September 2026, and Effingham — March and April 2027. If you plan to attend, please call the library of your choice to confirm dates and opening times. With vibrant, emotion-provoking paintings of scenes we recognize, and some works depicting hidden coves, unique views, and wooded paths few have seen, the paintings are the memorable work of a true artist. Cutesy or amateurish has no place in a description of the art of James Belcher. Visit www.1-james-belcher.pixels. com or email belcherkjames@gmail. com.
Eileen Ivers Brings Spirited Holiday Celebration to Laconia’s Colonial Theatre December 19
The Colonial Theatre of Laconia will present Eileen Ivers on Friday, December 19, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are currently available at ColonialLaconia.com or by calling 1-800-657-8774.
For years, Eileen and the band have been celebrating the glorious story of Christmas, thoughtfully, uniquely, and with pure, unbridled joy! Eileen’s Irish and American roots shine throughout the evening’s beautiful mix of traditional, story-filled, age-old Wren Day songs, poems, and of course, foot stomping and hollerin’ roots music. Eileen and the ensemble’s plethora of instruments and voices weave throughout the evening, coupled with Ivers’ signature warmth, inviting listeners in for a tuneful, soulful celebration capturing the true spirit and joy of the season.
Tickets for Eileen Ivers at the Colonial Theatre of Laconia on Friday, December 19, at 7:30 pm, go on sale
Friday, July 25, at 10 am at ColonialLaconia.com or by calling 1-800-6578774.
The original owner of The Colonial Theatre, Benjamin Piscopo, was from Italy, and the theatre featured a fire curtain depicting Venice as seen from the water. In August of 2002, the theatre closed after 87 years of operation. On June 15, 2015, the City of Laconia announced a partnership with the Belknap Economic Development Council (BEDC) to purchase, renovate, and reopen the Colonial. The newly reopened Colonial Theatre has a seating capacity of 750 and plays host to a wide range of performances, including music, theatre, comedy, and civic events. The Colonial Theatre is managed by Spectacle Management and is home to the Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative. The Colonial Theatre is located at 609 Main Street, Laconia; learn more at www.coloniallaconia.com.
Relive The Glory Days of Square Dancing
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Swing your partner –dosey doe at the Wakefield-Brookfield Historical Society’s next get together on Tuesday, September 9! Here’s your chance to relive those days when square dancing was all the rage in this area. Trails End on Lovell Lake would be full of dancers every Wednesday and Saturday night throughout the summer season – the music and happy chatter were heard across the lake. The Happy Times Squares will be there
to show us all how it’s done. This meeting will be held at the Town House in Brookfield, 265 Wentworth Road (Route 109), starting at 7 pm. After all that dancing, you’ll be ready for the snacks and social time to follow! Everyone is welcome to come to watch or join in. It’s great exercise and lots of fun, even if you have two left feet. For more information and directions, call Nancy at 802-498-5729.
