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Savoring Cider Season at Butternut Farm

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

Photo courtesy Butternut Farm

This time of year, as the foliage bursts forth and the apples are ready for picking, thoughts turn to pies and other treats. Those precious apples are great for baking and also for just plain eating, but the fruit is also the basis for cider.

The juice from all sorts of apples, when pressed, makes sweet, tangy, and delicious cider. Most pick-your-own apple orchards and farms sell a variety of apples, and many offer cider for sale. Sometimes the beverage is made on-site, and at other times, orchard businesses rely on others to press and turn apples into liquid gold.

During colonial times, the primary use of apples was to produce alcoholic cider, and more importantly, apple cider vinegar for food preservation and storage at a time when refrigeration was crude.

Giff Burnap, owner of Butternut Farm in Farmington, says when looking back at the history of cider making, “I’m sure the sweet cider was enjoyed by everyone on pressing days! It was, however, not shelf stable and therefore allowed to ferment into alcoholic cider, which was stable, especially if stored in an oak barrel.”

Burnap goes on to say, “Sweet cider is simply the juice of apples. The process to collect that juice first involves grinding the apples into a pulp and then squeezing that pulp and capturing the juice. It’s that simple! Cider-making

can really get interesting if you take it one step further by adding yeast to sweet cider and allowing time for it to ferment into alcoholic cider.”

Burnap should know about cider because his farm has an extensive apple orchard where visitors can have fun gathering their own apples. From

spring, when strawberries are offered for picking, to summertime with blueberries and other berries and peaches, to the autumn season with apples, there is something always growing and happening at the popular Butternut Farm. Anyone visiting Butternut can see immediately that it is a busy place,

making good use of a former working farm. Burnap explains, “In 1986 Ann and Howard Stevens bought an old dairy farm and had an idea of creating a PYO fruit farm. They succeeded and Butternut Farm has been going strong and continuing to grow ever since. It is well diversified with its crop offerings with small fruits, tree fruits and pumpkins. The farm is open with crops to pick June through early November.”

Among the most popular seasons at Butternut is autumn, with apple picking and cider. “Butternut Farm does not have the facility or equipment to grind and press our apples into sweet cider,” Burnap goes on to say. “We bring our apples to our friends at Giles Family Farm in Alfred, Maine, and they take care of that step for us.

“We do, however, sell a lot of sweet cider here by the glass and for takehome in pint, half-gallon, and gallon jugs. We have a Cider House where we ferment cider into alcohol and sell it directly to customers here at the farm. We got into selling cider, both sweet and hard, because it is popular with our customer base,” Burnap adds.

Cider pressing can be as simple as a rack and cloth with a hand crank jack, or a fancy hydraulic jack. A good variety of apples makes the best sweet cider. Says Burnap, “We like to use Macintosh; that variety of apple is aromatic and has plenty of sweet sug-

• Cider continued on page 4

ar. Heirloom varieties such as Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Northern Spy, and Ashmead’s Kernal are also great for both sweet and hard cider. Of course, for strictly hard cider making, it is great to add in some of the Bitter Sharp and Bitter Sweet cider-making varieties. Most of these apples came over on boats from the motherland and make a wonderfully sweet juice that is loaded with tannins and other polyphenols that ferment into a tasty, smooth cider with great body and mouth feel. These apples are not good to eat - very displeasing rather - but the polyphenolic structure of the apples adds to the alcoholic cider’s preservability, which is a big reason why they were used in hard cider making.”

As for the ciders at Butternut Farm, Burnap explains, “We currently have five on tap blends of alcoholic cider, bottles of the Cellar Series (dry and traditionally made), and sweet cider for sale.”

For those who want to enjoy a day of apple picking, there is a lot going on at Butternut Farm. The varieties available for PYO include Macintosh, Cortland, Macoun, Honey Crisp, Snow Sweet, Pixie Crunch, Fuji, Granny Smith, Jonagold, Empire, Mutsu, and Gala,

among others.

Celebrating apples and cider is a big focus at Butternut Farm. On October 17 from 5 to 8 pm, there will be an after-hours event featuring live music, PYO apples and pumpkins, food trucks, and of course hard cider. Also, some ticketed cider tasting events are being planned for late October. The cider store also sells a lot of donuts and locally made pies.

For those who want to learn more about cider and how Butternut Farm produces alcoholic cider, the tasting room is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (it is closed on Mondays.)

In olden times, people with orchards or farms had easy access to apples, and they put them to good use. The standard way to create a delicious drink was to use a cider press.

People everywhere liked cider, and even the religious order of the Shakers had a recipe for cider wine. They suggested adding one pound of sugar to a gallon of cider. The maker of the cider wine was then instructed to thoroughly scald the liquid. After cooling, it would be put into jugs and stored for future use. The recipe was used by the Canterbury Shakers, along with other recipes for wines made with blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and, oddly enough, even tomatoes.

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Special Program Plows into Meredith Farm Museum History

Field plowing, haying, apple-cider pressing and ice harvesting were all common chores in olden days. This month, the Meredith Historical Society will open its historic Farm Museum on Winona Road, where Jim Belcher will present a program about the these and other bits of rural history from the museum’s collection.

ist, educator and historian Jim Belcher of Laconia to help create a display and tell the story of Meredith’s old-time farms and farmers.

The program will take place Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 am to 12 noon at the Farm Museum located at 61 Winona Road. All are invited, and admission is free.

After moving from their old Winona Road headquarters to their new museum on Main Street in the 1990s, the society came into possession of a large collection of farming artifacts once owned by John Jacob Glessner, CEO of International Harvester, previously housed at The Rocks estate in Bethlehem, N.H.

“The estate was given to the Forest Society and subsequently became run down,” notes Meredith Historical Society board member Ceil Andrews. “Some of the buildings burned, and we became the proud owners of the collection. The Rocks landmark is now an educational facility and tourist destination with a permanent staff.”

After retrieving the old farm tools, former MHS President Harold Wyatt enlisted the help of Laconia art-

Using the vacated space in the society’s previous Winona Road headquarters, originally built in 1801 as the Oak Hill Free Will Baptist Church, Wyatt and Belcher arranged the tools into four seasonal displays, using Belcher’s sketches and display posters to help explain how the various tools were used. Now Mr. Belcher returns to retell the story to another generation.

A 1999 book on the Farm Museum written by Wyatt and illustrated by Belcher notes that “Meredith was a successful farming community with up to 23 large farms in operation.” Two survivors of those rustic agricultural days are still in operation today: Picnic Rock Farm on Route 3 and Moulton Farm on Route 25. Meredith’s Farm Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For a complete schedule of the Society’s 2025 Speaker Series, visit their website at www.meredithhistoricalsocietynh.org. Programs of the Meredith Historical Society help fulfill its mission to preserve, develop, and promote the knowledge and awareness of Meredith’s unique history.

By Chef Kelly

Hello, Foodie Friends. Although it’s been pretty nice out lately, things are cooling off out there, especially at night. Most of us start using the grill a little less now, as we start crawling into comfort food season. This time of year also has a few foods that scream fall cooking, whether you like them or not, such as apples and all of the squashes, especially pumpkins. Classic soups and casseroles are usually main players when it comes to fall and winter eating, and although I do have an outstanding soup to share with you, the rest is a hodgepodge of fun fall eating, as we’ll dedicate many of my future articles to the other goodies. Let’s start today by busting out the air fryer for a yummy appetizer or dessert.

This recipe is a classic done in a modern way, as air fryers have become a popular addition to the kitchen over the last several years. I was a little skeptical when air fryers hit the market, and I held out for a few years before I got one, but I’m very happy I did. It does give us all healthier options of some of our usual favorites, and this one is a classic example. This recipe is for some delicious and crispy airfried apple wedges that are dusted with cinnamon and sugar, accompanied by

a caramel cream dipping sauce. The kids in your families will love helping you make these; any time I can get kids involved in the kitchen is a win in my book. This recipe is for 6 large apples, and my usual choices are Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, but there are no bad apples. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do this in batches. Prep time is 10 minutes, as

is the cooking time. This has the autumn season written all over it.

Air-Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce

For the Apple Wedges

6 large apples, sliced into wedges

2 tbsp melted butter

4 tbsp granulated sugar

2 tsp ground cinnamon

Fall Flavors are Here: Cozy Recipes to Kick Off Autumn!

For the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce

1 cup heavy whipping cream

4 tbsp caramel sauce

2 tsp vanilla extract

Extra caramel drizzle, optional

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, toss the apple wedges with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the apples, coating them evenly. Arrange the apple wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the apples are tender and slightly crisp. For the sauce, in a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the caramel sauce and vanilla extract until well combined. Serve the warm apple wedges with the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce on the side and drizzle extra caramel over the top if desired. Watch the kids’ faces light up when they sink their teeth into the treats that they helped make.

Let’s talk soup, shall we? Seriously, this is so good. It’s incredibly easy, and using diced fire-roasted tomatoes puts the flavor over the top. Like most • ’Cue the Grill continued on page 6

soups, if you have some extra veggies to use up or want to remove an ingredient, it will still work. Satisfying, cozy, and comforting is the name of the game. I can usually make this to keep 8 people happy as a meal, so plan accordingly. Seriously, even if you are feeding 4, leftover soup rocks. Prep time is half an hour, as is cooking time.

Butternut Squash & Sausage Tortellini Soup

2 lb sweet ground Italian sausage

Kosher salt and pepper

2 tbsp olive oil, if needed

2 sweet onions, diced

6-8 garlic cloves, minced

5 cups cubed butternut squash

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 cans diced fire roasted tomatoes, 14 oz each

1-2 parmesan rinds

8-10 cups chicken stock

1 ½ cups heavy cream

6 cups chopped kale or spinach

20 oz cheese tortellini

Fresh shredded parmesan cheese, for topping

Crushed red pepper, for topping

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the sausage with a big pinch of salt and pepper. Break it apart and brown until it’s golden and cooked through, about 8 minutes. If you feel like you need more oil for the vegetables, add the olive oil. Stir in the onions, garlic, squash and another big pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions and squash have slightly softened, about 5-6 minutes.

Stir in the tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the color and flavor to deepen. Pour in the diced tomatoes, parmesan rind, and 8 cups chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce it to a simmer and cover, then simmer for 15-20 minutes. After 20 minutes, stir in the heavy cream, then the kale/spinach. Once well combined and the greens start to wilt, stir in the tortellini and cook for 5 minutes, until it’s tender and cooked through. This is the time to decide if you want to add more chicken stock. If so, add it in. Remember that the tortellini will soak up the liquid as it sits. Taste the soup and season additionally with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper for topping and I strongly recommend busting out some great crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.

Blue Cheese Pizza

For The Dough

1 1/8 cups warm water

3 tsp active dry yeast

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp olive oil

2 2/3 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp salt For The Rest

2 semi-ripe pears, thinly sliced

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp unsalted butter

¼ tsp salt

1/8 tsp nutmeg

2 tbsp brown sugar

6 oz fontina cheese, freshly grated

2 shallots, sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 or more slices prosciutto

6 oz blue cheese, crumbled

Balsamic glaze for drizzling

It’s pizza time, and my guess is this is one you have never thought of - and if you have, bravo! So many of us live in a food rut, so I love it when anyone thinks outside the box when it comes to cooking. This classic pie’s main ingredients are caramelized pears, prosciutto, and blue cheese. Truly amazing. This includes a great homemade pizza dough recipe as well, which will most definitely add to the prep time if you want to go that route, but of course, you can always buy a dough ball, which will cut your time in half, the choice is yours. I like using whole wheat flour when I make them, but all-purpose flour will be great as well. This is for a single pie, which will feed 2-4 as a meal. I can never make just one of these, so plan accordingly.

Caramelized Pear, Prosciutto, and

For the dough, in a large bowl, combine water, yeast, honey and olive oil. Mix with a spoon, then let it sit until it becomes foamy, about 10 minutes. Add 2 cups flour and salt, stirring with a spoon until the dough comes together but is still sticky. Using your hands, form the dough into a ball and work in the additional 2/3 cups of flour, kneading it on a floured surface for a few minutes. Rub the same bowl with olive oil then place the dough inside, turning it to coat it. Cover with a towel and place in a warm place to rise for about 1-1 ½ hours. While the dough is rising, heat a large skillet over low heat and add olive oil and butter. Add in the pears with the salt and nutmeg and cover, cooking for 15 minutes and stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat more if they

• ’Cue the Grill continued on page 8

Find

the Pumpkins & Enter to Win:

Follow the self-guided map to discover pumpkins around town. Find all for a chance at $100 in Chamber Dollars*, or find at least ten for a shot at $25.

* Spend them like cash at any member business of the Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce!

Vote for Your Favorite Pumpkin: Choose the pumpkin you love most and help crown the Best Overall Pumpkin of the inaugural hunt! A weekend full of fall

Bonus Fun:

Stop by the former railroad station on Saturday for special Pumpkin Hunt activities, and enjoy Sidewalk Sale Days, the Flower Festival, Fall Festival, Chili Challenge, Walk for Jim, James Montgomery Concert and the Winni Chase Regatta.

begin to brown too much. Stir in the brown sugar and cook for 5-10 more minutes until golden. Set aside. After the dough has risen, punch it down and place it back on the floured surface. Using a rolling pin or your hands, form it into your desired shape. Sometimes I use baking sheets and do rectangles or free-form pizzas. Place on a baking sheet, pizza peel, or pan. Place the towel back over the dough and let it sit in a warm place for 10 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Add about ¾ of the fontina on top of the dough along with the garlic and shallots. Spread the pears all over the pizza and cover them with the prosciutto. Crumble the blue cheese over top and add the rest of the fontina. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Remove and drizzle balsamic on top. I call this one a game-changer in the pizza world.

Let’s talk pot roast next, as that is a mainstay as we stroll into this time of year. When this recipe was first brought my way, it was accompanied by a sage brown butter cauliflower rice for it to be served over. I will include that recipe as well, but if you are more of a potato crowd, I am quite sure you know how to make that happen. As this is made, the main ingredients are the beef, onions, and butternut squash, but there is always room for spuds, carrots, turnips, apples, or whatever sounds good. The cider adds the perfect fall flavor, which I have been known to use year-round at times. This usually takes a half hour to prep and 3 hours to cook, and will feed 4.

Cider Braised Pot Roast with Caramelized Onions and Cauliflower Rice

For The Cider Braised Pot Roast

3 lbs choice chuck roast

Kosher salt and pepper

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 sweet onions, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

½ cup apple cider

1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed, 2+ cups

For The Brown Butter Cauliflower

Rice

4 tbsp unsalted butter

1 handful fresh sage leaves or ¼ tsp dried sage

2 bags seasoned riced cauliflower

Kosher salt and pepper

For the roast, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Heat 1 tbsp of the olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef all over with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and rub it on all sides. Place the beef in the skillet and sear it all over, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef and place it on a plate. Reduce the temperature under the pot to low and add in the remaining tbsp of olive oil, and the onions and garlic with another pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the apple cider and cook, stirring often, for another 15-20 minutes, until the onions are caramelized. Place the roast back in the pot, on top of the onions. Add the squash cubes in the pot too. Cover and cook for 2 ½ - 3 hours in the oven. About 10-15 minutes before the roast is ready to serve, if you want to use the cauliflower rice, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Cook until the butter begins to bubble, for about 1-2 minutes, then throw in the sage leaves. Cook for another minute or 2 until the butter begins to brown. Alternatively, if you do not have fresh sage, you can stir ¼ tsp ground sage into the brown butter,

but fresh is much better. Add the riced cauliflower and stir. Cook, stirring often, for about 3 minutes until the cauliflower is warmed through. You don’t want to cook much longer, or it will become mushy. Stir in a big pinch of salt and pepper. After 3 hours, remove the pot from the oven and shred the beef with a fork. Serve the beef with the caramelized onions and butternut squash over the cauliflower rice.

To end the day, I bring you a great stuffed pork tenderloin dish. What may sound like a very intimidating dish to make will no longer seem intimidating once you give this a shot. There is so much flavor right here that you can impress anyone, even yourself. There should be enough filling left that you can serve a bit on the side, too. Obviously, you still want a few side dishes if you’re anything like me or most. Putting this dish together is just over a half hour, and cooking time is similar, although the pork should rest for 15-20 minutes before cutting into it. This is for a single tenderloin, which usually feeds 2 or 3.

Butternut, Apple, and Goat

Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

1 boneless pork tenderloin, about a lb

½ tsp salt plus more for sprinkling

½ tsp pepper plus more for sprinkling

1 cup cooked wild rice

4 slices bacon, chopped

1 shallot, diced

1 small apple, diced

1 cup cubed butternut squash

2 tbsp chopped fresh sage

2 garlic cloves, minced

6 oz fresh spinach

6 oz goat cheese, crumbled

Fresh herbs for topping

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a roasting pan or baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick spray. This is also the time when I prep

the wild rice. It usually only takes 15 minutes. Place the pork on a cutting board and get a sharp knife. I like to slice it twice to open it up so I have a lot of space to work with. I start at the bottom of the pork, about ¼ inch from the bottom, and slice it lengthwise, then continue to cut again and open up the pork. The goal is to butterfly the meat so that you have a flat surface of pork to work on. Season the inside with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy and the fat is rendered. Remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Add the shallot, squash, and apple to the bacon grease with a pinch of salt and pepper and stir. Cook until the squash starts to soften, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the chopped sage. Stir in the garlic and the spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts down. Stir in the cooked wild rice. Turn off the heat and stir in the goat cheese. Stir the bacon back in. Spread the mixture out on top of the pork, leaving an inch or two around the edges so you can roll it up. Tightly roll up the tenderloin and tie it together with kitchen twine. Season the entire outside with salt and pepper. Place it on the roasting pan or baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the inside is cooked and reads about 140145 degrees. Let the pork rest for 20 minutes before slicing. Slice and serve with the extra rice stuffing, any other side dishes that sound great, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

All my best to an outstanding fall season to everyone, and may your taste buds have a great autumn as well. If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out at fenwaysox10@ gmail.com.

Center Sandwich Fine Arts Gallery Holds A Place In History

By Thomas P. Caldwell

Of all the places in the Lakes Region where arts and crafts are revered, none can boast a greater role in supporting local artists than the Center Sandwich Fine Craft Gallery, located on the green at 32 Main Street. Originally known as Sandwich Home Industries, the organization gave rise to the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen with its series of shops in Concord, Littleton, Meredith, North Conway, and Hooksett, as well as the original shop in Sandwich.

In addition to providing gallery space for local artists, the Sandwich gallery offers classes in ceramic and stonework, fiber arts, glassmaking, jewelry-making, printmaking, and other crafts, including children’s craft classes, in keeping with its mission “to advance, cultivate, and champion excellence in fine craft”.

Through October 13, the Sandwich gallery will be open on WednesdaySaturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. Its classes are open to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, with scholarships available. (For more information and to request a scholarship, email Ralph Watson at sandwichcraftgallery@gmail. com.)

The story of the Center Sandwich Fine Craft Gallery began in 1926, when Mrs. J. Randolph Coolidge organized an exhibition of locally made rugs. She brought an expert from Boston to lecture on the practical aspects of making and marketing rugs.

Note that, like other women of the day, she was known by her husband’s name. Until the women’s liberation movement in the 1970s, many women even objected to being called by their own names. That tradition dates back to the Norman Conquest, when the concept of “coverture” was formally put into law. Under coverture, a woman lacked an independent legal identity, being considered to be under the

authority of her father until marriage, then under her husband’s authority.

Mrs. J. Randolph Coolidge was born Mary Hamilton Hill, and today we would refer to her as Mary Coolidge.

Growing up in Boston, Mary wed Joseph Randolph Coolidge in 1886. Her father-in-law purchased the Smith Farm on Squam Lake in Sandwich, and the Coolidges, with their eight children, spent their summers there. The Sandwich Historical Society’s “Our Women of Sandwich” recounted that, when J. Randolph retired in 1924, they made Sandwich their permanent home, and became involved in many local organizations, including the historical society and the Samuel H. Wentworth Library.

“Spending time with her Sandwich neighbors,” the history records, “especially the women, she became aware of two things. First, some were making, in their spare time, excellent rugs. Oth-

ers were making textile articles; both were marketable, if a market could be found.”

After Mary’s rug exhibition went so well, she and members of the historical society formed a cooperative venture and opened the Sandwich Home Industries shop in the summer of 1926, selling locally made handicrafts. That first summer, the shop was in a store in the upper square of town.

J. Randolph died in 1928, and three

years later, Mary created the J. Randolph Coolidge Memorial Foundation, donating land and a building on the south side of Main Street, along with $10,000, and it became the home of the Sandwich Home Industries and tearoom. The shop held a variety of local crafts, from baskets to wooden crafts and furniture, handwoven textiles, and

• Gallery continued on page 10

Examples of the items at the Center Sandwich Fine Craft Gallery. (Courtesy Photo)

The NH Wildlife Calendar Helps Support Granite State Schools, Clubs, and Local Businesses

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFG) offers an excellent resource for teachers, students, mentors, and small businesses—and this year is no exception. The 2026 New Hampshire Wildlife Calendar is an anticipated and effective fundraiser for schools, clubs, and community groups and it supports NHFG’s work conserving wildlife and wild places. This award-winning calendar features: gorgeous wildlife photography; important Granite State hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation dates; and wildlife-watching tips. The 2026 New Hampshire Wildlife Calendar is in stock and ready to ship or be picked up at NHFG Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord.

or business selling the calendars keeps $6.00 for each calendar purchased!(Retail price is $12.00.)

There is no risk: Students or group members simply take orders and collect payment. You write one check to NH Fish and Game for the total purchase (minimum purchase of 10 calendars required), and NHFG ships the calendars to you. Or, save on shipping by picking up the calendars at Fish and Game Headquarters in Concord.

At the Stove Barn, you’ll nd luxury replaces and stoves cra ed to elevate your home and tailored to your taste — like the Fire Nova 2, a modern, EPA-certi ed woodstove that delivers high e ciency with low emissions, serious heat output, 22-inch log capacity, and exible top or rear venting.

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We invite you to visit and explore stoves and replaces you won’t nd in every other store. Come see why we’re celebrating y years — and why we’re just getting started.

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People love wildlife: This beautiful calendar showcases New Hampshire’s wildlife, promotes outdoor activities, and helps conserve our state’s fish, wildlife, and marine resources.

Fantastic profit margin: The group

• Gallery continued from page 9

hooked and braided rugs. Sales, including income from the tearoom, amounted to more than $1,000 — not a small sum at the time.

After the “Great Fire of 1934” destroyed most of Sandwich’s business area, Sandwich Home Industries drew up plans for a new building, which opened in 1936 at the shop’s current location.

Meanwhile, Mary had been meeting with A. Cooper Ballantine, who represented a group in Wolfeboro that offered craft classes, and they formed a committee to promote crafts and training statewide. They gained support from Governor John Winant in 1931, and created the New Hampshire Commission of Arts and Crafts. That led to the creation of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen in 1932, with Mary Coolidge serving as president for the first 10 years and as honorary president until her death in 1952.

The shop in Sandwich is aligned with the League of NH Craftsmen, continuing to promote local artisans. It is open from mid-May to mid-October.

The education program continues, allying with the Sandwich Children’s Center to promote an appreciation of fine craftsmanship.

Each of the galleries that make up the League of NH Craftsmen offers its own unique selection of fine craft, created by League-juried artisans. Those who want to be part of the League have to pass a rigid screening process, presenting a cohesive body of work and

The NHFG is excited to work with local groups, businesses, and schools to help achieve their fundraising goals this fall! Final fundraiser orders should be placed by December 5, 2025 to allow time for delivery before Christmas. Orders are gladly accepted after this date, but please allow 2 weeks for shipping, or plan to pick up your calendars in Concord, Monday–Friday, 8 am to 3:45 pm.

Get a calendar sales kit or more information for your group or business today by emailing Jay Martin at Jay. Martin@wildlife.nh.gov.

sharing the process and inspiration for the pieces. The jury makes a formal evaluation, assessing technical proficiency, aesthetics, and the “Spirit of the Maker”. Jury sessions are in-person and last an hour, taking place in the spring and fall at League Headquarters in Concord.

While not all artistry is included in the League shops, the juried works include baskets, botanicals, calligraphy, clay, fiber (felting, knitting, crocheting, rug-braiding, rug-hooking, stitchery and surface design, and weaving), glass, knife making, leather, metal, metal and non-metal jewelry, metal casting, mixed media, Early American decoration, dolls, musical instruments, photography, polymer clay, printmaking, and woodwork.

Those wishing to serve on a jury must reside in New Hampshire or a town in Maine, Massachusetts, or Vermont that lies within ten miles of the New Hampshire border.

The League sponsors a major craft show at Sunapee State Park each summer. It also, along with the Maine Crafts Association, will hold a Capstone Exhibition at the Concord location, with an opening reception on Friday, November 7, from 5 to 7 pm, where participants in the Craft Apprentice Program will demonstrate their abilities.

From a small group of people dedicated to promoting fine crafts to a sprawling association of crafters throughout the state, what began as Sandwich Home Industries has made its mark on the Lakes Region and the entire Granite State.

Yesteryear

Settlement Hardships in Sanbornton and Gilmanton

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

Daniel Sanborn was a respected, community-involved man in his day. Sanborn was among the men to settle in the area that would become Sanbornton. Over his lifetime, he saw years of land disputing, dissention, and helped settle the town. The dissension eventually led to the Revolutionary War.

Those who think the War for Independence was fought by men far away, that assumption would be incorrect. Men from Sanbornton came forward and fought, and in some cases, gave their lives in a fight for freedom.

The start of Sanbornton (although it was not known by that name at the time) was in the 1740s (1748) when 60 men were granted land. These men did not visit or settle the land until 1762 most likely due to the French and Indian Wars.

In 1770, Daniel Sanborn, who was born in Hampton, New Hampshire, was sent to survey the land in Sanbornton and was the first to set foot in the area. He was to become a mover and shaker in the town-to-be and early on, chose the site for the first sawmill in the area.

Sanborn didn’t approve of the power the far-away proprietors who owned the land had over his neighbors after he

settled in the town. (Not one of the proprietors actually lived there.) Sanborn probably felt that someone living far away could not relate to the problems of the town.

Thus, he became an important spokesperson in Sanbornton. He was voted in as a Justice of the Peace for the town and by 1775, chosen to represent Sanbornton in the Provincial Congress.

(The Congress governed New Hampshire and enacted important legislation for the first Constitution of the state.)

Clearly, Sanborn was an important person in Sanbornton and acted as a surveyor, a mill builder, a founder of the first church in the community, a town clerk, and a captain of the militia. He was quite a respected man and the father of 16 children. He died at age 69 in the year 1800.

Backing up in time, New Hampshire’s Governor Wentworth had started a law that each male, age 16 to 60, in all Granite State towns was expected to serve in the militia. Wentworth unwittingly created military training and arms for the citizens who, down the road, fought in the War for Independence.

By 1775, Sanbornton was part of the 10th Regiment of Militia, which included Gilmanton, Meredith, Barn-

stead, and New Hampton. In that year, the Continental Army was put under the command of George Washington.

As the war raged, men from Sanbornton were involved in many battles, such as fighting at Bunker Hill, Valley Forge, and Ticonderoga. Men fought Burgoyne, and some knew Benedict Arnold.

The men who fought were from modest backgrounds and had inhabited Sanbornton for years. Area soldiers had been blacksmiths, farmers, and others who took up arms to gain independence, according to “Revolutionary Sanbornton” by the Sanbornton National Bicentennial Committee.

Although the proprietors were not well thought of overall, they did a few positive things. One suggestion for the town was that the citizens should start a church. The earliest church in Sanbornton was erected in 1771, and it was a Congregational house of worship. Baptist churches soon sprang up by the 1780s.

Over the decades, the idea for a library was considered but voted down every year at the Sanbornton town meeting. The reasoning was that Sanbornton was much too scattered, with its residents living over a wide area. People would have a hard time reach-

ing the library, no matter where it was located. In the town. At a 1903 town meeting it was pointed out that Sanbornton was one of just a few New Hampshire towns without a public library. Soon after, the library was voted in.

At first, the library was housed in a small room of the town hall, and later moved to the home of the librarian. In 1932, the town of Sanbornton bought a house in the village and eventually moved the library to the former Woodman Sanbornton Academy in 1949, as relayed in “History of Sanbornton, New Hampshire” by Rev. M.T. Runnels.

With a long history of fighting squatters, faraway overbearing proprietors, and the British in the Revolutionary War, Sanbornton struggled to settle. Eventually, their troubles ceased, and the town was on its way.

The nearby area that was to become Gilmanton was incorporated in 1727; Colonial Governor John Wentworth signed a charter on May 20.

As with Sanbornton, most areas in the Lakes Region were unsettled country, full of wild animals, thick forests,

• Yeateryear continued on page 12

and sometimes unfriendly native people (and who can blame them, given the poor track record of white settlers to live peacefully with the natives?) Still, as with all land in the new country, men were eager to stake a claim and try for a better life.

In the case of Gilmanton, the land was granted as compensation for 24 members of the Gilman family and 153 other men who fought in defense of the Colonies.

The conditions of the charter were that grantees must build 70 dwelling houses and house a family in each within three years of the charter. Also, they must clear three acres of ground for planting; each man must pay his portion of town charges, and a meetinghouse must be built for religious worship within four years. Additionally, the settlers had to build a house for a minister and another for a school. All these conditions were to be met if peace with the Indians lasted the first three years of settlement.

If any settler defaulted on those conditions, he would lose his share of the land.

As to why the town was named Gilmanton, the name Gilman appears time and time again in early records, and the family, originally from Exeter, had fought valiantly during wartime.

Because of the fear of Indian attacks, the original conditions were not met, and it wasn’t until 1749 and 1750 that settlers came to town to pick out lots and work the land. Even then, these men did not stay long for many reasons.

Over and over again, through the years to follow, the settling of Gilmanton was a stop-and-start affair, due

largely to the dangers from warring native parties. Town meetings for Gilmanton were held in the safety of Exeter, where most land proprietors lived.

If Governor Wentworth had given much thought to the land grants, he would surely have chosen a more populated area to gift land to settlers. While they may have fought valiantly in war times, most Exeter residents hailed originally from Massachusetts, or England. Massachusetts was already populated, with such cities as Boston echoing a taste of the fineries of life in England. The grant of land in Gilmanton may have been very unsuitable for the Exeter men.

In 1730, a committee of proprietors petitioned the Governor to allow a longer time to settle the town. In 1731 Edward Gilman and others traveled to Gilmanton and marked out boundaries. They didn’t stay long, as the French and Indian wars were about to begin. The Lakes Region, and Gilmanton, was a dangerous place for English settlers to inhabit. War parties used nearby Lake Winnipesaukee as a rendezvous for scouting parties, and any campfire smoke seen at settlements was an easy target for attack.

By October 1748, a peace treaty was signed and the French and Indian war parties retreated to Canada. Soon, the Gilmanton people could resume settlement.

Another snag in their plans happened around this time, when the deed of John Tufton Mason of Hampshire County, England (it is said New Hampshire gets its name from Mason’s home county) was brought forth. Mason held huge amounts of land in New England, and most was in New Hampshire. He had transferred his claim of the Gilmanton area land to friends in Portsmouth. This could be a real problem

for everyone, it was felt. Once again, the settlers refused to till the land and live in Gilmanton, when the land might not really belong to them.

The dispute was settled in 1752, and all seemed well for settlement of Gilmanton.

Once again, plans were shelved when the old French and Indian wars resumed. The wars were mostly about who owned what land. Unlike the previous war, the English decided to become aggressive to end the fighting. They staged attacks on unsuspecting French forts, and among the soldiers who fought bravely were men from Gilmanton.

After the war was finished, life returned to a sense of normalcy.

Progress in settling the new town finally took hold. By the summer of 1761, men had selected, cleared and begun building on their land. Among the first to live year-round in Gilmanton were the Mudgett brothers, John and Benjamin. After building houses, they brought their wives to Gilmanton.

According to “The History of Gilmanton” by Daniel Lancaster, Benjamin Mudgett and his wife, Hannah, traveled on snowshoes in deep snow and under very cold conditions to ar-

rive in Gilmanton from Epsom. They arrived at their new home on December 26, 1761, after snowshoeing a remarkable distance from Epsom in a short period of time. Hannah was among the first white female settlers in Gilmanton. Soon, John Mudgett arrived with his wife, and a friend, Orlando Weed followed with his wife.

Hannah Mudgett lived in Gilmanton until there were about 5,000 settlers. How different it must have seemed in comparison to her first winter in the wilderness of Gilmanton! In the last years of her long life, she lived with a son in Meredith and died at the age of 95. Her son Samuel was among the first male children born in the Gilmanton area.

In 1762, more families arrived and by 1767, around 45 families lived in Gilmanton. Soon, town meetings were held in Gilmanton instead of in Exeter. A physician arrived in the 1760s, and a minister also about this time.

Gilmanton was growing, and new and interesting people settled and built homes in the town. Years sped by as the town saw settlers come to build homes and live in the beautiful and tranquil town of Gilmanton.

Crochet Snowballs at Belknap Mill Museum

Looking for a fun craft that would make a great Christmas gift for the kids? Join our crochet class and learn how to make your very own soft, squishy snowballs - perfect for an epic indoor snowball fight! These handcrafted snowballs are warm, mess-free, and kid-approved. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just brushing up on your skills, this is a fun and easy project to get you into the festive spirit.

Saturday, October 11, from 11 am to 1 pm, you’ll learn basic crochet stitches, simple shaping techniques, and tips for making your snowballs extra fluffy and durable. Great for gifts, decorations, or just a little indoor fun. Don’t miss it!

Admission is $40, class occurs in the Riverside Gallery at Belknap Mill Museum, 25 Beacon Street E, in Laconia, NH. For details and registration, visit belknapmill.org.

The Jersey Tenors Bring ‘The Ultimate Tribute

Get ready to groove on Saturday, October 25, 2025, as the popular entertainment quartet, The Jersey Tenors, returns to the Lakes Region for a concert to benefit the Meredith Altrusa Club. Hosted by the We Care initiative of Temple B’nai Israel, this one-nightonly event will feature their brand-new show, “The Ultimate Tribute to the ‘70s.” Prepare to be transported back to the “Age of Aquarius” for a night of ‘70s nostalgia with a high-energy show celebrating iconic artists like Elton John, The Bee Gees, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. The Jersey Tenors are known for their dynamic voices and captivating performance style. For a sneak peek, you can watch a performance here: https://tbinh.org/we-careconcerts/. Prepare to be amazed!

The concert will take place at the

Inter-Lakes High School Community Auditorium, located at 1 Laker Lane in Meredith, on Saturday, October 25, beginning at 7:30 pm. Tickets are just $42 (no additional fees) and are available online and at select retail locations in the Lakes Region. Visit the temple’s

website, https://tbinh.org/we-care-concerts/, to purchase tickets and for more information. For those unable to attend, you can still show your support by purchasing tickets to be donated to senior citizens who are served by the Meredith Altrusa Club.

The We Care initiative has been “Lending a Helping Hand to Lakes Region Non-Profits” since 2013, raising more than $400,000 for various local agencies. We Care provides a readymade fundraising platform for local non-profits, allowing them to focus on their mission. We Care is proud to support the Meredith Altrusa Club (https:// www.altrusameredithnh.org/), a volunteer community service organization that provides essential programs for children, adults, and seniors throughout the greater Lakes Region.

We Care thanks its generous sponsors: Audi Nashua, Interlakes Family Dental, Miracle Farms Landscaping, and The Platinum Group of RE/MAX Bayside Realty, and advertisers in the TBI Lakes Region Business Directory.

Ongoing Programs This Fall at Sanbornville’s Gafney Library

The Gafney Library is excited to announce several ongoing programs throughout the fall. The library is located at 14 High Street in Sanbornville. In addition to the two shared here, a full schedule of events, classes, and programs can be found online at www.gafneylibrary.org.

100 Ways YOU Can Help Save the World On Thursday, September 25, at 5:30 pm, Dawn and Brad Marion will pres-

ent 100 Ways YOU Can Help Save the World! The Marions will share 100 practical and thoughtful ideas for living more sustainably and joyfully, with topics ranging from conserving resources and reducing plastic use to thrifty shopping, sustainable food preparation, and energy-efficient living. This engaging program encourages participants to reflect on the world they want to create— and the small, meaningful steps that

can make a big difference. Community Resource Coordinator Drop-Ins Once a month through December, a Community Resource Coordinator from Tri-County CAP will be available at the Gafney Library to meet with individuals who have questions, need help filling out paperwork, or want to learn more about available assistance. Services include fuel assistance, transportation, housing,

the free diaper program, free winter clothing, and more.

The first drop-in session will take place on Friday, September 26, from 9 am to 2 pm. No appointment is necessary.

For more information, call Library Director Amy Swanson at 603-5223401 or visit www.gafneylibrary.org. Library programs are free and open to the public.

Sept. 23, Lecture Series, Rev. David Lindsay – The Four Chaplains of WWII, 7 – 8 p.m., Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603569-1212, www.wrightmuseum.org

Sept. 23, Mysterious Realms and Odd Encounters with Lynne Nickerson, 6 – 7 p.m., Community Room, Rochester Public Library, 65 South Main St., Rochester, pre-register: 603-332-1428, www.rpl.lib.nh.us

Sept. 23, 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, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.

Sept. 23, Your Garden Can Save the Lake! Practical Storm Water Management, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, pre-registration: www.moultonboroughlibrary.org.

Sept. 23-Dec. 16, Made to Crave Satisfying Desire with God, Not Food, Tuesdays for 12 weeks, 1 – 2:30 p.m., Bradley Room at Wolfeboro Public Library, 259 South Main St., Wolfeboro, 781-640-5623.

Sept. 24, Batman, 6 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh.com.

Sept. 24, Adult Watercolor Workshops with Pat Edsall, 1 – 3 p.m., Lakes Region Art Association, Tanger Outlets, Laconia Rd., Tilton, sign up: 603-2867880, www.lakesregionartgallery.org

Sept. 24, Driving Towards Zero with NH DOT, 4 – 5 p.m., Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, pre-registration: www.moultonboroughlibrary.org.

Sept. 24, Fused Glass Fancy Fall Landscape with artist Verne Orlosk, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., pre-registration required by Sept. 22, League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-2797920.

Sept. 24, Polliwogs – Wild Woods Art, 10 – 11:30 p.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm. org. Pre-registration: 603-366-5695.

Sept. 25-27, Book Sale by Friends of Meredith Library, 9/25 & 26: 10 a.m.4:30; 9/27: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 91 Main St., Meredith. Additional parking on High Street entrance. Wheelchair accessible, 603-279-4303, www.meredithlibrary. org

Sept. 26, A Band of Brothers, Ultimate Allman Brothers Experience, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh.com.

Sept. 26, Granite Orpheus, 7 p.m., by Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative, 8 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.

Sept. 26, James Montgomery concert, Wolfeboro Inn, 90 North Main St., Wolfeboro, info.: 603-569-3016.

Sept. 26, 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. 26, Sugar Mountain, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com

Sept. 26-27, Wolfeboro Sidewalk Sale Days, 9 a.m., sales all over Wolfeboro, 603-569-2200, www.wolfeborochamber.com.

Sept. 26-28, Wolfeboro’s Great Pumpkin Hunt, Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce, 603-569-2200.

Sept. 27, Artisan Fair, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Canterbury Shaker Village, Shaker Rd., Canterbury, 603-783-9511, www.shakers.org

Sept. 27, Be a Hero 5K Run/Walk, 1 – 2:30 p.m., for NH Humane Society, takes place at Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, www.nhhumane. org.

Sept. 27, Blizzard of Ozzy and Everybody Wants Some, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com

Sept. 27, Button Up Home Energy Workshop, 1 p.m., free, but pre-registration required, Nichols Memorial Library, 35 Plymouth St., Center Harbor, 603253-6950, www.centerharborlibrary.org.

Sept. 27, Fall 2025 Concert, 4 p.m., Union Congregational Church, 80 Main St., Union, refreshments following the concert, benefits Church Fellowship Missions, 603-473-2727.

Sept. 27, Farming History, 10 a.m. – noon, program by James Belcher speaking on olden times field plowing, haying, cider pressing and ice harvesting, Meredith Historical Society Farm Museum, 61 Winona Rd., Meredith, free, 603-260-7493.

Sept. 27, Felted Turtles with Rachel Benson, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., pre-registration required by Sept. 23, League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920.

What’s UP

Sept. 27, Funny Women of a Certain Age, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www. flyingmonkeynh.com.

Sept. 27, Intermediate Soap: Layered Soap, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www. prescottfarm.org. Pre-registration: 603-366-5695.

Sept. 27, Winni Chase Regatta, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m., Pinckney Boathouse at Brewster Academy, Lake Winnipesaukee, 80 Academy Dr., Wolfeboro, 603-5697189, email: winnichase@brewsteracademy.org.

Sept. 27-28, 10th Annual Fantastic Forage Mushroom Festival, 10 a.m., walks, talks, workshops, kid’s activities and more, 2075 Parade Rd., Laconia, www.fantasticforage.com, mushrooms@fantasticforage.com

Sept. 27-28, 2nd Annual Flower Festival, 65 Federal Corner Rd., Tuftonboro, 603-569-1347, www.branchandbloomnh.com.

Sept. 27-28, River Otters, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., for all ages, learn about otters, cost included in trail admission, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Holderness, www.nhnature.org, 603-968-7194.

Sept. 28, Cormac McCarthy, 7 pm, Feel the Barn Concert Series, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand.net

Sept. 28, Porchfest, all day event, free outdoor music festival around downtown Rochester, over 50 local bands, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com

Sept. 28, Wildcrafting: Herbal Tea, 1 – 2:30 p.m.; 4 – 5:30 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org

Sept. 28-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.

Oct. 1, Polliwogs – Field to Feast, 10 – 11:30 a.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org Pre-registration: 603-366-5695.

Oct. 1-31, Community Pumpkin Art Exhibit, Riverside Gallery, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.

Oct. 1, Alton Market on Main, farmers market, noon – 3 p.m., 115 Main St., Alton, complete schedule: www.altonmarketonmain.com, 513-519-8264.

Oct. 1, Movie: Hocus Pocus, 6 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh. com.

Oct. 1-3, Mutiny on the Mount, Winnipesaukee Playhouse, 33 Footlight Circle, Meredith, 603-279-0333, www.winnipesaukeeplayhouse.com

Oct. 2, Cyril Neville, The Uptown Ruler, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www. flyingmonkeynh.com.

Oct. 2, Vira Slywotzky and Pianist David Slywotzky at the Loft at Hermit Woods, 7 p.m., Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery, 72 Main St., Meredith, ticket reservations a must: 603-253-7968, www.hermitwoods.com

Oct. 2-26, Birches & Boats, exhibit at Tanger Outlet, Suite 300, Tilton, info./ hours: 603-998-0029.

Oct. 3, Corn to Crumb: Abenaki Flint Corn Adventure, 10 a.m. – noon, for ages 6-14, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Pre-registration: 603-366-5695.

Oct. 3, iLuminate, 7:30 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, 800-6578774, www.coloniallaconia.com.

Oct. 3, Pink Talking Fish, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, 603-536-2551, www.flyingmonkeynh. com.

Oct. 4, Antique and Vintage Fair, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., in case of rain fair is cancelled, Clark Museum, 233 South Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-4997, www. wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org

Oct. 4, Autumn Watercolor Class with Anne Xavier, 10 a.m. – noon, pre-registration required, Nichols Memorial Library, 35 Plymouth St., Center Harbor, 603-253-6950, www.centerharborlibrary.org.

Oct. 4, Autumn Wreath Making, 12:30 – 3 p.m., age 16 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www. prescottfarm.org. Pre-registration: 603-366-5695.

Oct. 4, Castle Car Show, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., antique cars & motorcycles, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, vehicle pre-registration: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org

Oct. 4, Craft Fair, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Union Congregational Church, 71 & 80 Main St., Union, 603-473-2727.

Oct. 4, Donor & Member Appreciation Day, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., celebration with art projects, donuts and cider, animal encounters and more, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Holderness, www.nhnature.org, 603-968-7194.

Meredith, NH - Modern & convenient living at Brook Hill. Desirable end unit townhome is immaculate, and sited on the corner of the lot, offering additional privacy. Main level is designed for ease and comfort with a first-floor primary bedroom/ensuite, laundry, and direct entry from the garage. Upstairs there is a loft space overlooking the living room, an additional bedroom with separate access to the full bathroom, another room that is currently set up as an additional bedroom, and a huge den/media room! MLS #5061406 $649,900

Contact us today to learn more about the market in your neighborhood and for all of your real estate needs.

Contact:

Badger Peabody & Smith Realty 850 US Route 3 Holderness, NH 03245 603-968-7615

We’re Local, We’re Global®

Oct. 4, Harvest Time on the Farm, NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www.nhfarmuseum.org.

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, 513-519-8264.

ArtWorks Chocorua Creative Arts Center, gallery, workshops & events, open year-round with seasonal hours, 603-323-8041, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, www. chocoruaartworks.com

Art & Coffee Club, Thursdays, 9 – 11 a.m., Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.

Oct. 4, Squam in Fiber, 2 – 4 p.m., fiber felting class, Squam Lake Association, 534 U.S. Rt. 3, Holderness, 603-968-7336, www.squamlakes.org BadgerPeabodySmith.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.

Braiding Group, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 4th Sat. of the month, Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, 603-662-6501. Also meets every Tues. at 1 p.m.

Breakfast Buffet, 7 - 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.

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, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

Coffee Hour, 10 – 11 a.m., coffee, tea and snacks, Effingham Public Library, 30 Town House Rd., Effingham, 603-539-1537, Effingham.lib.nh.us.

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.

First Friday 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, 603491-1687, www.gilmantonfarmersmarket.com

Guided Tours, history and machines of the historic Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, pre-register: jill@belknapmill.org, 603-524-8813 to schedule a tour.

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, 603-3665950, 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. Loon Center, walking trails, loon exhibits, 183 Lees Mill Rd., Moultonborough, 603-476-5666, 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.

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, 603-569-4554. Second location: 399 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-5694554, 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: 603-6527840, 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.

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.

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

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 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

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.

Wolfeboro Table Tennis, meets Wednesdays, 4 – 6 p.m., in basement of All Saints Church, Wolfeboro, all skill levels welcome, $5 admission charge each week, info: 603-520-5651.

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

Favorite Hidden Hiking Gems

By Thomas P. Caldwell

New Hampshire boasts a number of hiking trails, all of which are well worth visiting. Many, however, have become overcrowded, with loud conversations disrupting the quiet wilderness. For those who value the peacefulness of nature and want to seek out less popular trails, they are in luck, for the state also has a number of hidden hikes to nice locations where encounters with others are rare.

One such hike is to Welton Falls in Alexandria, not far from the popular Mount Cardigan. While the Cardigan AMC Lodge attracts hikers from across the country, most focus on the trail to the summit, rather than the Manning Trail leading to Welton Falls, often described as the “hidden gem” of the Lakes Region.

There is an alternative to the long route to Welton Falls from Mount Cardigan: taking the trail from a parking lot on Fowler River Road. Unless you’re also planning to make other hikes on the mountain, parking in the small lot and crossing the plank bridge to the trail is a better option. It is important to stick to the trail, marked by yellow blazes, to avoid trespassing on private land.

The trail follows closely along the Fowler River until it reaches Welton Falls, an eight-foot cascade that then drops 15 feet into a narrow hole carved in the rock.

While it may be tempting, it is not a good idea to try diving into the pool,

surrounded as it is by solid rock with swiftly flowing water. In fact, there are posts with protective cable to deter that risk and keep people from accidentally falling over the edge.

Those who really want to get into the water are better-advised to head upstream, where water rushing over a long ledge falls into several safer pools, suitable for wading. With flat, moss-covered ledges alongside the river, it is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch and simply to lie in the sun.

Another quiet hike leads to Carr Mountain, one of the longest single-mountain ridges in New Hampshire, extending nearly 10 miles from the Baker River Valley to Mount Kineo. The main trail does get some use during certain parts of the year, but I prefer to take the hidden “unofficial” trail that is less-maintained, making it more private. Either trail leads to the ledgy summit where four large cement footings indicate where a fire tower once stood.

To get there, take Route 25 to Rumney, and proceed along Main Street, which turns into Stinson Lake Road, until reaching the parking area, which is on the left, about three-quarters of a mile beyond the north end of Stinson Lake.

The hike begins on Three Ponds Trail, passing a junction with Mount Kineo Trail. The next junction is Carr

• Hikes continued on page 19

Welton Falls (Tom Caldwell Photo)

Mountain Trail, on the left. There is a significant descent before crossing Sucker Brook and beginning a long, angling ascent, with easy to moderate grades. The trail swings to the left, then makes a switchback, and it is there that the unofficial trail continues straight ahead, while the main trail curves away.

The views from the top include Mount Moosilauke, the Benton Range, and even Vermont to the west, with the White Mountains, including the Franconia Range and the Bonds, to the north, and the Osceola-Tecumseh area, along with much of the Sandwich Range, to the east. Tree growth has obscured most points to the south.

Another hike I consider “hidden” because it is not in heavy use is Mount Mexico. It is a longer hike than Welton Falls or Mount Carr, but still qualifies as a day hike.

Mount Mexico is a 2,000-footer in the southern White Mountains, accessible off Route 113A in Tamworth. The trailhead is on the north side of the road, 7.1 miles from the junction with 113 in North Sandwich and 6.2 miles from the junction with 113 in Tamworth. Parking is on the side of road immediately after a bridge over the Wonalancet River.

Start on the Cabin Trail until reaching a fork where Big Rock Cave Trail heads to the right. Follow that trail up Mount Mexico, which begins with an easy grade before steepening and narrowing. The climb leads into the Sandwich Range Wilderness and the top of Mount Mexico. After that, the trail leads down along the west ridge of Mount Paugus, to the most difficult section of the trail. It descends gradually, then steepens again.

After descending for half a mile, the top of Big Rock Cave comes into view. The trail descends alongside a large rock wall until reaching the bottom of the cave, which has a triangular opening. It offers a chance to walk all the way around and through it, and is large enough for a couple of people to fit inside.

Other “hidden hikes” include Sanguinary Ledge at Dixville Notch State Park and the Mountain Trail at Pawtuckaway State Park.

The Sanguinary Ridge Trail starts at the Dixville Flume and passes five scenic cliff outlooks on the north side of Dixville Notch. From the parking area, a spur trail leads down to the Dixville Flume, which is a 20-foot cascade through a small gorge, leading to several pools. The Sanguinary Ridge Trail takes off on the left of the flume and heads into the woods, gradually heading back uphill. The trail has several

outlooks, not all of them spectacular, but others offering views of the cliffs of Table Rock, Dixville Peak, and Maine’s northern Mahoosucs. The trail leads steeply down the other side to end at the access road to The Balsams.

The Mountain Trail at Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham leads to South Mountain, which is the most-traveled of the three sister peaks, making it difficult to call the trail a “hidden hike”. However, there is an operational fire tower at the top that offers views of Boston, the Portsmouth coastline, and the Lake’s Region, making it a must-

see destination. There is limited parking at the trailhead, so park at the main parking area and hike down Pawtuckaway Road for about a quarter of a mile. The trail is on the left side. Just past the gate, keep going straight, rather than taking the Woronoco Trail, and follow the sign for Mountain Trail. Ignore the South Ridge Trail on the right and take the left fork until reaching Tower Road, which ends at the fire tower.

Fall into Fun Community Connection Programs at Prescott Farm

Have you started planning your fall schedules? You can now register for Prescott Farm’s September through December Community and Connection Programs. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, spend time outdoors, or simply make new connections, Prescott Farm has programs for everyone! Check out their September and early October programs today:

Intermediate Soap: Layered Soap: September 27, 10 am - 1pm, Cost: $40 Non-Members, $25 Members

Metal Embossing with Up-Cycled Materials: October 4, 10 am - 12pm,

Cost: $25 Non-Members, $10 Members

Autumn Wreath Making: October 4, 12:30 – 3 pm, Cost: $30 Non-Members, $15 Members

Intro to Compass and Navigation: October 4, 1- 3pm, Cost: $15 Non-Members, FREE members

Additional programs are also available, including Homeschool Programs, Polliwogs for younger explorers, private workshops for businesses, organizations, or groups; and much more. For details and information, visit prescottfarm.org.

Share the Forest – Hiking and Outdoor Recreation During Hunting Season

Autumn is the perfect time of year to be in the woods: the leaves are changing, the weather is cooler, and the biting bugs are gone. There is also plenty of opportunity to see and experience wildlife as those animals that remain in New Hampshire during the winter, and those species that migrate south, prepare for their cold-weather transitions. September 1 marked the beginning of fall hunting seasons in the Granite State, and as we progress into the popular deer season, here are some tips to help all outdoor enthusiasts have a safe and enjoyable fall:

1. Be aware of your surroundings. This seems like common sense, but remembering and acknowledging that it is hunting season will improve your awareness. Know the dates of hunting seasons in your area by looking them up online in the annual NH Hunting and Trapping Digest by visiting www.wildlife.nh.gov/huntingnh/dates-and-seasons. Many hunting seasons, especially firearms seasons, are much shorter in duration than most people realize.

2. Pick the right trail. During the fall, stick to established hiking trails. Hunters generally avoid heavily used hiking paths because activity in the woods usually frightens game species. As a result, hunters will be situated deeper in the woods.

3. Pick the right time. Legal hunting times in New Hampshire for most game run from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. Wildlife, and consequently hunters, are most active at dawn and dusk. Midday hikes when light conditions are optimal are

best for the fall. You are also much less likely to run into a hunter during midweek hikes because the majority of hunting takes place on weekends.

4. Wear hunter orange. Anyone who enjoys the outdoors in New Hampshire should already own a piece of bright “blaze” orange clothing, and fall is the time to wear it. An orange hat, handkerchief, vest, or shirt is a must for this time of year. This will make you more visible to anyone in the woods. Don’t forget to also put some orange on the family dog, and consider putting them on a leash at all times for their safety.

5. Make some noise. Talk, sing, or whistle to make your presence known in the woods. Chances are good that anyone in your vicinity has already heard you, and the singing will make you more noticeable. This is great advice for any time of year, and placing a bell on your dog’s collar is another excellent way to make continuous noise during a hike.

6. Hike safe. Be sure to follow the hiker responsibility code by being knowledgeable about where you are going, what the local weather and terrain conditions are, leaving your plans with someone, staying together, planning and preparing for emergencies, and turning back in inclement weather, if you are running out of daylight, or if you are too tired. Visit www.hikesafe. com for more information.

Fall is a great time to get outside, and with these tips, we can all enjoy and share the outdoors safely. For more information on hiking, visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/get-outside/hiking-safety.

Squam in Fiber: Felted Landscape Workshop

On Saturday, October 4, from 2- 4 pm, the Squam Lakes Association (SLA) will be hosting an art program where participants will learn new strategies of felting together. The class will look out at Pipers Cove and try to capture the landscape. The program will be held rain or shine. If it turns into a beautiful, wet fall day, the class will move inside to the facility’s great room.

Squam Lake is beautiful in every form. Come capture the landscape this fall by felting. An introductory workshop on all things felting will be provided. Lakes Region Conservation Corps member Emma Murray will lead this deep dive into fiber. All necessary materials will be provided; register early as participation is limited. This event will take place at the Squam Lakes Association (SLA) main building, looking out at Piper’s Cove. Everyone will come away from the program with a felted image to take home.

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.

Wild Encounters Await: Science Center

Continues ‘Species

This early fall, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center invites visitors to engage deeply with New Hampshire’s native wildlife through its new Species Spotlight series. Each week highlights one species in the Science Center’s care. Docents and staff will share their unique stories and discuss daily enrichment, which includes novel items engaging the animal’s natural senses and abilities.

“Every animal has a story,” says Iain MacLeod, Executive Director. “Our ambassadors can’t survive in the wild, but through their stories, visitors develop empathy and a stronger connection to nature.”

The schedule is:

Weekend of September 27–28: River Otter – Watch playful River Otters and hear their stories.

Weekend of October 4–5: Black Bear – Learn about Black Bears and their enrichment activities.

Each spotlight includes an explanation of daily animal enrichment, docents to share stories and answer questions, plus engaging facts and displays.

Spotlight’ Series

All activities are included with trail admission; last entry at 3:30 pm.

Visit nhnature.org for details. Join us and connect with the wildlife that makes New Hampshire’s natural world extraordinary.

The mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world. Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, guided Squam Lake Cruises, public gardens, and a nature-based Montessori early learning center, the Science Center has educated audiences of all ages since 1966 about the importance of our natural world. The Science Center is Sensory Inclusive Certified by KultureCity. Located on Route 113 in Holderness, it’s an easy drive from exit 24 off I-93, and public trails are open daily from May 1 through November 1 with programming throughout the year. For further information about the Science Center, call 603-968-7194 or visit www.nhnature.org.

Whole House Water Treatment Systems

Jimmy Dunn Comedy All-Stars Coming to Colonial Theatre of Laconia

Spectacle Live is proud to present Jimmy Dunn Comedy All-Stars at the Colonial Theatre of Laconia on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available at ColonialLaconia.com or by calling 1-800-657-8774.

Best known for his role as “Moose” on the hit reboot of FRASIER, Jimmy Dunn is a Boston-based stand-up comedian and actor with decades of experience making audiences laugh. He got his start performing in bars in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and has since appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, CONAN, the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, and Denis Leary’s Comics Come Home in Boston. Dunn was also featured as Sean McCarthy on the CBS

sitcom The McCarthys and has written for television, including co-writing episodes of Loudermilk with Academy Award winner Peter Farrelly. He’s also a regular on Greg and the Morning Buzz

Joining Jimmy Dunn for the 2025 Comedy All-Stars showcase are fellow comedic powerhouses Tony V, Paul Gilligan, Kristy Keilbasinski, and Jason Cordova—each bringing their unique flair to what promises to be a night of nonstop laughter.

The Colonial Theatre is located at 609 Main Street, Laconia; details and additional information about the theatre and its shows can be found at coloniallaconia.com.

We can no longer take the safety of our water for granted. When you turn on your faucet, bathe your child, water your lawn, or flush your toilet, you want to know that your water is safe and clean. We will test and explain your water chemistry in a way that is easy to understand and then recommend the most efficient, effective and economical water treatment solution, custom fit to your needs.

Gunstock Prepares For Winter With More Improvements

As summer turns to autumn, Gunstock Mountain Resort’s operations team has its sights set on improvements for the winter of 2025/2026, and beyond.

Gunstock is planning to invest heavily in resort upgrades over the next few years. More than $3 million is earmarked for lifts, $2.5 million for snowmaking and grooming equipment, and more than $4 million for general infrastructure improvements that include electrical systems.

Refurbishing the Panorama quad lift, anticipated to be a two-year process, began in the spring with upgrades to key components starting with the communication lines that transfer critical safety information between operators at the terminals and at every tower along the line.

The computerized chair-spacing system that resulted in a disruption in lift service last spring has been replaced.

These upgrades are critical elements of a larger investment in the full renovation of the Panorama lift. The lift will include further enhancements to include new lift structures to house lift components, and shelter lift attendants at the base and summit.

The haul rope has been replaced on the Ramrod lift. Gunstock’s Pistol lift gear box was newly upgraded for the season ahead. Tiger, Pistol, and Ramrod lift drive replacements are scheduled to be completed when Gunstock opens for the season in early December. In addition, resort electrical systems have been inspected and upgraded as needed to ensure reliability.

Snowmaking improvements for this winter include the installation of 24

new energy-efficient HKD Impulse tower guns that provide high production output of quality snow through a wide range of temperatures, and Klik hydrants that improve snowmaking utility and efficiency. When it comes to managing the snow surface, Gunstock will reinforce its reputation for superlative conditions with the help of two new grooming machines – one equipped with a winch for managing the snow on Gunstock’s steepest terrain.

Winter enthusiasts who prefer to earn their turns will be happy to learn that Gunstock is extending uphill access hours this winter and has joined Uphill New England, a local non-profit organization that has created the first-ever multi-mountain pass, building a community of engaged, responsible, and empowered uphill enthusiasts. In addition to offering Gunstock-only uphill-access season passes, the resort has joined 21 resorts to offer a multi-mountain uphill season pass. More information about Gunstock’s ongoing improvements can be found at gunstock.com.

Summer Issue Now Available

Dining Out in the

Lakes Region

Available at Hundreds of Locations around the Lakes Region!

Courtesy Gunstock Mountain Resort