Carrying on an Ancient Tradition: Creating Ukrainian Pysanky Eggs
Story and photo by Kathi Caldwell-Hopper
Imagining traditions that date back 5,000 years is difficult. Old customs would seem faded into time, but one that remains is “decorating” Ukrainian Pysanky eggs.
Creating the intricate designs on real – not fake wooden or plastic – eggs is a practice that takes patience and is a learned skill. It is not just for Easter but a year-round art form that not many people are doing any longer or even know much about the Pysanky traditions.
Indeed, respecting traditions are a vital part of crafting the colors and designs used for Pysanky eggs. One such creative person is Belmont resident, Ann Dutile. Her work is breathtaking, and customers call it “amazing” and “intricate” when they visit her booth at artisan fairs. She has honed the crafting of Pysanky eggs over time, using practice and patience, two things that are vital to making the designs.
“I was introduced to Ukrainian egg decorating by my high school art teacher. That teacher was into it and when I saw the finished product, I fell in love with it,” says Ann.
That was the start of a lifelong love of making Pysanky eggs. “We would get together after school and my art teacher worked with me, showing me how to ‘write’ on eggs.”
Ann goes on to explain that decorating the eggs is called writing vs. painting. “It was an instant passion for me.
Over the years, I would say I dabbled in it, but with children to raise and a busy life, there wasn’t always time to pursue it on a regular basis.”
Once Ann had retired and Covid hit, she found herself with more time on her hands and turned once again to creating Pysanky eggs. She says that by that time, with access to the internet and bigger art stores, the supplies were much easier to obtain. Thus, Ann was poised to dive into an art form that she loves and now shares with followers and new customers who may have never heard of Pysankey eggs.
All one must do is come across Ann at an artisan fair (a list of her upcoming fall fairs is at the end of this story), and it is impossible not to stop and gaze at the eggs. People ask questions of Ann and are eager to learn more. Their amazement grows when they are told that Ann makes the designs and creates each egg herself and that they are standing before an artist who is carrying on a very old tradition with dedication and skill.
When asked why she chose this art form, Ann says it is because it is relaxing and “meditative.” One can see why she gets lost in each design as the everyday world with all its stresses and tasks falls away. “I enjoy thinking about the colors and designs I will make. It is relaxing and a form of med-
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A variety of designs and colors in the Pysanky Eggs created by Ann Dutile. (Courtesy photo)
itation for me,” she explains.
To outline what these eggs are and how they are crafted, Ann says, “Ukrainian Eggs are hand drawn on real eggshells using a wax resist dye process. I draw on the eggshell with hot beeswax which comes out of a miniature brass funnel called a Kostka. The wax seals the color, and I work from color to color, often light to dark. When I’m finished, I melt the wax off against a candle flame and wipe the wax off with a tissue. The designs and colors are revealed.
She continues, “According to an old Ukrainian legend if pysanky (Ukrainian eggs) are being made, evil shall not prevail over the good in the world. Each symbol and color have meaning based on ancient traditions. The symbols and colors are many
and Ann mentions just a few, including birds representing fertility and fulfillment; butterflies the resurrection of Christ; deer and horses symbolizing wealth and prosperity; flowers for wisdom and elegance and beauty and poppies the most beloved flower in Ukraine (poppies often show up in designs.)
Colors can be, for example, red which symbolizes happiness and hope; white for purity; blue as the sky and good health, and orange for the sun. Ann says she uses these colors and weaves the design ideas into her work but goes beyond the traditional when she adds in further colors and creates her own designs.
And what about the eggs? To spend time and skill on the eggs, one would imagine Ann uses wooden eggs which would be durable, but that is not the case. Her egg choices come from local farms vs. the grocery store
“I use a variety of real eggs,” she
explains. “I use chicken eggs and sometimes others such as turkey eggs or even goose eggs. Chicken eggs are good for doing details and designs. They take me, on average, about six to eight hours to complete and can be quite detailed. A goose egg might take me the same amount of time while other types of eggs require a different time frame.”
The process of making an egg requires Analine dyes, which Ann says come in many colors, from the traditional, often used hues to her choices of additional colors such as various pinks, for example.
Beeswax is the only type of wax Ann uses when making Pysanky eggs. “My creations are done with beeswax and dyes,” she says. What sounds like a simple, straightforward “craft” is anything but easy and quick. It requires the talent of creating a design, drawing it onto the egg and then utilizing beeswax and colored dyes.
Should one wonder if the egg retains its yolk and white innards, Ann reassures she removes them for the simple reason that she does not want any undesirable odor to come from the eggs. She carefully blows out the innards before beginning to “write” a Pysanky egg.
“Is there a big learning curve if you want to make a Pysanky egg?” Ann says she is often asked. “The answer is yes, and no. One of the challenges is learning to paint on a round surface. Also, there is no erasing when making a Pysanky egg. It takes patience and practice and once you start a design
there is no turning back or erasing. I learned the process quite quickly within a week, but my designs back then were quite basic and simple.”
“Simple” is not a word used to describe the intricate designs Ann now creates. She is a true master of her craft, as witnessed by those who are lucky enough to see her work at a local fair. Customers buy the eggs for gifts, with the upcoming holidays a favorite time to gift a Pysanky egg, to those who collect the eggs for themselves. To own an Ann Dutile created Pysanky egg is the goal of many who love and appreciate this traditional art form. (The eggs look great as a holiday tree ornament.)
Customers and creative types who find themselves drawn to making Pysanky eggs can contact Ann, who says she has taught the craft before and is open to doing it again. Once a student makes a Pysanky egg, they will likely know what Ann means when she says the process is deeply meditative. It is also a respectful nod to the distant past, dating back 5,000 years.
See Ann’s Pysanky eggs for sale at upcoming fairs, including the Belmont High School Fair on November 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Gilford High School Holiday Craft Fair on December 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information on taking a class or to learn more about an event where one might see the Pysanky eggs, email Ann at anniedutile@yahoo.com
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By Chef Kelly Ross
Hello again, my friends of food. Seriously, if you are not friends with food, you likely have many issues lol. Food is our friend, especially when cooked right and when the timing is right. Good food can turn the worst day into the best and a decent day into an epic one, not to mention bad food can make any day into one we would rather forget. Let’s give our taste buds a great reason to smile. I have an eclectic mix of recipes for you today: a great Mexican chicken enchilada dish, a jalapeno popper meatloaf, a smothered hamburger, and a pork schnitzel with a Dijon gravy sauce, and yes, I’m throwing in a fun dessert as well.
This first one, most of us have had at some point in our lives, and that is Salisbury steak. You know, a bunch of seasoned ground beef that is turned into large patties that are cooked on your stovetop and finished with a yummy brown gravy. It’s kind of a combo of a steak and a burger in that, yes, it is burger, but served more like a steak as it is served open-faced with an onion gravy and usually with mashed taters and veg. There is nothing difficult about this, plus it’s relatively easy on a
strict budget, where you will still get a very worthwhile comfort food dinner. You can have these made in 40 minutes. This recipe is for 2 lbs of ground beef that will feed 4-6 of you or more, especially if kids are in the mix.
Smothered Hamburger Steak
For the Hamburger Steaks
2 lbs ground beef, ideally 80/20 ratio
2 large eggs
2/3 cup breadcrumbs
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp salt
1 tsp onion powder
2 cloves garlic, minced 2-3 tsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Gravy
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 cups onions, thinly sliced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tsp seasoned salt
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, black pepper, salt, onion powder, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into thick, evenly sized patties, about 4-8 patties depending on your crowd. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the beef
patties in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become soft and golden brown. Sprinkle the flour over the onions in the skillet and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Season the gravy with seasoned salt or adjust to taste. Allow the gravy to simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Return the browned beef patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the patties simmer in the gravy for about 15 minutes, allowing
From Schnitzel to Sweets: A Fall Comfort Feast
the flavors to mesh. Serve the smothered hamburger steaks hot with a generous ladle of onion gravy over the top. Pair with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite veg for a classic, comforting meal.
Continuing with a ground beef theme, let’s talk about an outstanding meatloaf recipe that is far from ordinary. This one has a south-of-the-border mentality as it combines meatloaf with the fun appetizer, jalapeno poppers. For those not familiar with jalapeno poppers, they have been a restaurant appetizer mainstay for 25 years or more, being jalapenos stuffed with cream or cheddar cheeses, then breaded and deep-fried. The biggest issue with poppers is that everyone wants to
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bite into them as soon as they are delivered. Big mistake, as the filling is so hot that I have seen many blistered lips, tongues, and chins from the piping hot cheese. Luckily, that won’t be an issue when eating this meatloaf, but the best thing is that you will be rewarded with the flavor of the meatloaf and the poppers. This meatloaf is spicy, cheesy, and chock full of great flavors. Usually, poppers are served with anything from blue cheese, ranch dressing, or even sour cream; this meatloaf is accompanied by some BBQ sauce as well as a creamy ranch drizzle, which is perfect. This will feed 6 of you, prep time is 15-20 minutes, and cooking time is an hour.
Smoky Jalapeño Popper
Meatloaf with Creamy Ranch Drizzle
For the Meatloaf
1 ½ lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs, panko or regular
1 egg ½ cup milk
1 small onion, finely diced
2 jalapeños, diced, seeds removed for less heat
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4-6 oz cream cheese, room temp
½ tsp smoked paprika
¾ - 1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping
¼ cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 jalapeños, sliced for garnish, optional
For the Creamy Ranch Drizzle
½ cup ranch dressing
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tsp smoked paprika, optional, but adds a great smoky flavor
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease a loaf pan or baking sheet. In a large bowl, combine all of the meatloaf ingredients until just combined, but don’t overmix to avoid a dense meatloaf. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared
pan or on the baking sheet. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and add jalapeño slices as garnish if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. For the drizzle mixture, in a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, sour cream, and smoked paprika until smooth. Drizzle the creamy ranch sauce over slices of meatloaf before serving. Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp side salad, or whatever sounds great to you.
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
12-16 corn tortillas
28 oz green Chile enchilada sauce
Brokerage Specialists
Keeping with south-of-the-border flavors, let’s make some green Chile chicken enchiladas. Again, easy is a popular theme for this one as well. These are loaded with chicken and cheese and finished with a scrumptious green Chile sauce that will bring a bunch of smiles to your dinner table. I have always been a sucker for anything Mexican, whether truly authentic Mexican or Tex-Mex, and this one brings it all. You will need 12-16 corn tortillas to stuff but the actual amount will be dictated by how full you fill them. I will either cook off a whole chicken the day before and rip the bird apart before making the enchiladas, or sometimes I will buy a cooked rotisserie chicken to rip apart. Prep is in the 20-minute range, and baking time is more like 45 minutes. This will feed 6 on the norm.
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
3-4 cups cooked shredded chicken 3 cups or more of Monterey Jack cheese, divided ½ cup sour cream ½ cup onion, finely chopped
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl mix together shredded chicken, 2 cups cheese, sour cream, onion, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Wrap tortillas in a towel and microwave for 1 minute or you can heat them individually in a hot skillet for about 20-30 seconds per side. They need to be nice and warm so they don’t crack. Pour about ½ cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill each tortilla with about 1/4-1/3 cup of the filling. Roll and place seam side down into baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the enchiladas and top with any remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until hot and bubbly. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to set before serving.
My first job ever in a fine dining scenario was up at The Balsams Resort in Dixville Notch in 1979 and although I had worked in other fine restaurants prior to that, The Balsams was in a league of its own as it was a 5-star resort with the finest food I have ever been associated with in my 45 years in the business. The lineup of outstanding
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chefs was off the chart and although I did work in few other highly rated resorts over the years, The Balsams will always be the best of them all in my book. One of the many things I learned there was German cooking, as The Balsams was nicknamed “The Switzerland of America” as the architecture had European influence, as did the ever-changing menu. Pork Schnitzel is a very popular European dish, and it’s amazingly easy to make. In essence, it’s pounded pork cutlets that are breaded and sauteed and then topped with a sauce of choice and often with fried eggs. Today, we will focus on topping the schnitzel with a Dijon sauce, which is a perfect accompaniment. Not only is this pretty darn good, but it’s also a very inexpensive dish to make, which is never a bad thing. This dish is set up for 4 of you and can be prepped and cooked in 20-30 minutes.
Pork Schnitzel with Dijon Gravy
4 boneless pork chops, 6 oz each
½ cup all-purpose flour
2-3 large eggs
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ¼ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tbsp olive oil
For the gravy
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups chicken broth
¾ cups heavy cream
3-4 tbsp Dijon mustard depending on your preference
1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
Pound the pork chops to about ¼ inch thickness and season with salt and pepper. Set up three bowls with one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and paprika. Coat each pork chop in flour, dip in egg making sure there is no flour showing, and press into the breadcrumb mixture. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each pork schnitzel for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking constantly, then stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened. Pour the creamy gravy over the schnitzels and serve hot with a couple of fun side dishes. A classic dish for cozy
dinners!
To end the day, this dessert is not only a fall classic but one I like to make any time of year. Yes, pumpkin is most definitely a fall flavor, but this dessert will win many of your family and friends over in a big way. This dessert bar treat has the consistency of pumpkin cheesecake but also has some other amazing flavors involved, such as maple and gingersnap. These have been known to disappear in record time. While I absolutely love cheesecake, there’s no denying that it’s a lengthy process to make one from scratch. They are totally worth the effort, but between the long bake time, cool time, and chill time, sometimes you don’t get to taste your creation until the next day. These bars are the perfect compromise. They are essentially a pumpkin cheesecake filling, spiked with ma-
ple, and poured on top of a gingersnap crust, which means they can be thrown together quickly, but you can eat them as soon as they cool to room temperature. You can get as many as 24 bars from this although I cut them bigger. Prep time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 45 minutes but let them cool to room temp before diving in.
Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
For the Crust
42 gingersnap cookies, about 9 oz
2 tbsp granulated sugar
5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar
1 can pumpkin puree, 15 oz, about
2 cups
2 eggs
12 oz canned evaporated milk
2-3 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp kosher salt
Pinch ground cloves
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper so that it extends over each long side of the pan. For the crust, in a food processor, pulse together the gingersnaps and sugar until they become fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and pulse a few more times to incorporate. Press the crumbs evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. While the crust is baking, prepare the pumpkin filling
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by beating together the cream cheese and the brown sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed, about 3 minutes. Add the pumpkin and mix on low speed until completely incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well until fully incorporated and scraping down the sides of the bowl between each addition. Add the evaporated milk, maple syrup and vanilla, and beat until well combined, about 1 minute. Add the cinnamon, ginger, salt, and cloves and mix on low to incorporate. Pour the filling over the prepared crust and tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake until the
filling is set in the center, about 30-35 minutes. Remove from oven and set on a wire rack to cool. Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, you can cut and serve them, or you can refrigerate them and serve them chilled. Using the parchment paper overhangs, lift the bars from the pan and onto a cutting surface. Cut into squares and serve with whipped cream if desired. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, although I doubt that they will last that long.
That’s another chapter in the books, my 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.
Wolfeboro Friends of Music Presents Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road
Wolfeboro Friends of Music welcomes Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road for the second concert of their 90th season, on Saturday, October 18, at 7 pm, Anderson Hall, Brewster Academy. Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road twine innovation, tradition, and excellence into a unique musical experience. Though only in his 22nd year, North Carolina’s Liam Purcell has already established a name for himself in the world of American String Band music. Growing up less than a mile away from the legendary guitarist Doc Watson, Purcell was steeped in Appalachian Old-Time and Bluegrass traditions from an early age. Taking inspiration from the local Deep Gap legacy, Liam began writing, performing, and storytelling from an early age.
Entering the professional bluegrass circuit during his teenage years, Purcell formed the string band-supergroup “Cane Mill Road”. He would go on to lead the virtuosic ensemble through regional appearances, building a fanbase across the Southeast and bringing his homespun rapport to some of the most revered festivals in the scene. By the time Purcell was 17, the project had seen multiple entries on the Billboard Top 10 Bluegrass charts, performed in
25 states, and was recognized by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2019 as the recipient of their Momentum Band of the Year Award. Through this concert, Wolfeboro Friends of Music affirms its commitment to excellence in Traditional North American Music, “The real deal”! This is the second of nine concert performances comprising the current WFOM season running through June, 90 years of artistic excellence in service to NH’s Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley and beyond! The WFOM sponsors include Diana and Greg Jonas, Paul Zimmerman, Susan and James Scarborough, John Sandeen, The Kalled Gallery, Bradley’s Hardware, Carroll County Landscape, and YFI Custom Homes.
Tickets are available for $39.50 at the exciting new website: www.wfriendsofmusic.org, or by email at: info@ wfriendsofmusic.org, and at the door on the day of the concert. High School students with ID will be admitted free of charge. Children accompanied by an adult ticket purchaser will be admitted free of charge.
For additional information, visit us at: www.wfriendsofmusic.org.
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You’re Invited: Makers Mill Phase Two Celebration
Makers Mill is throwing a party—and you’re invited! On Sunday, October 19, from 3 to 6 pm, the community is warmly welcomed to join in celebrating the completion of Phase Two of Makers Mill’s building and gardens at 23 Bay Street, Wolfeboro.
This milestone marks not just the expansion of a building, but the continued growth of a community hub dedicated to creativity, learning, and collaboration. The celebration will feature a food truck, live music, guided tours, and the chance to see local makers in action, doing what they love most.
“We are filled with gratitude for everyone who has contributed to this project—our donors, volunteers, workers, visitors, and the wider community who continue to support Makers Mill,” said Josh Arnold, Executive Director
of Makers Mill. “This event is our way of saying thank you and inviting everyone to share in the joy of what we’ve built together.”
Makers Mill’s mission is to enrich lives and livelihoods through the power of making. Rooted in values of creativity, sustainability, community, and skill-sharing, the makerspace and vocation hub provides opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn new skills, connect with others, and bring ideas to life.
The October 19th event is free, family-friendly, and open to all. Community members are encouraged to come celebrate, explore the new spaces, and experience the unique spirit of Makers Mill.
To RSVP, please visit www.makersmill.org/celebrate.
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.
Or the show-stopping Urbana U33i-Tall, a clean-face gas centerpiece with a soaring viewing window and a full palette of customizable options and power-vent solutions — so the nal look feels architectdesigned and uniquely yours.
From nish selections to venting and control packages, our team will spec every detail so your hearth looks built in from day one. Come experience the ame in person, see true scale, compare nishes, and let us design a replace or stove that ts your home like it was made for it.
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.
Dine In or Pig Out
Photo by Terry Noack
Photo by John Gisis
Lakes Region Offers Drop-In Arts And Crafts
By Thomas P. Caldwell
Drop-in arts and crafts have a special appeal, in that they can be spontaneous and creative in a way that traditional classes are not. It is a chance to seek inspiration on the go, without preconceived goals or methods, using whatever happens to be available.
Of course, the locations offering drop-in classes have to anticipate what would be of interest, and have certain things in stock to help provide that inspiration. They often specialize in certain types of craft or a particular medium, opening the space for those who drop by to experiment and seek guidance in solving a particular problem they may encounter, or even to learn a new skill.
True drop-in spaces are rare because of that need to stock supplies. Galleries and workshops usually require advanced reservations to make sure there is enough material on hand, or to limit the number of guests who show up in order to ensure the space does not get too crowded. They also want to see that anyone needing help will have access to an expert. Often, there is a fee to cover the materials used.
Art Escape, at 636 Union Avenue, Laconia, is a true drop-in center, allowing people to walk in and paint ceramics, throw paint in a splatter room designed for messy fun, or work on a project, perhaps taking a class in glass-blowing or other specialized crafts.
Veteran-owned, Art Escape wel-
comes families, especially children who normally face strict rules about what is acceptable in creative play. Jeanie Cox, who opened the studio with her husband, Jim, said in an interview, “There’s no place for kids at home or at school to just kind of go wild and crazy and just have some fun.” At Art Escape, they are free to squirt paint on the walls of the splatter room. “So here is a place where we’re like, ‘Hey, the only rule is to have fun,’” Jeanie said. Open from 11 am to 7 pm on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with extended hours to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Art Escape is a place where people can simply drop in and go to it. The front of the studio has racks of canvases already carrying outlines of images that children can color in, as well as shelves of ceramics ready to be painted, with paints and brushes on hand to do so. Several tables are set up to allow walkins to sit and work on their art projects. People are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks and spend as much time as they like at the studio. It is a popular destination on rainy days and during school vacations, but it’s not just for children. There are adult classes in glass-blowing, fusedglass wreaths, pottery-making, and canvas-painting. The facility also is open for birthday parties, bachelor-
• Drop-In continued on page 13
The Splatter Room at Art Escape. (Tom Caldwell Photo)
Village Players ‘Sweeney Todd’ Tickets on Sale Now
The Village Players proudly announce the opening of Sweeney Todd at their Wolfeboro theater on Halloween night. Stephen Sondheim’s music and book by Hugh Wheeler soar under the stage direction of Paul Stewart and music direction of Amanda Morgan, telling the tale of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Winner of three Tony awards on Broadway and produced as an Oscar-nominated film starring Johnny Depp, the show leads the audience to gasp, recoil, and ultimately question, “To what length would I go to exact revenge if someone purposely and recklessly destroys the one I love?”
The show runs October 31 – November 9, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30
pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Black’s Paper Store in Wolfeboro, online at www.village-players.com, and at the door if not sold out.
Sweeney Todd is generously sponsored by Keith Lion and Linda Penney and Moderno Barbershop in Tilton. It is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com.
The Village Players is a non-profit community theater located at 51 Glendon Street, Wolfeboro, NH. It welcomes onstage and non-stage participants of all ages. Visit www.village-players.com to learn more.
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Ossipee Public Library Invites the Community to Explore the Paranormal This October
Things are getting a little spooky at Ossipee Public Library this October! In celebration of the season, the library will host Ronny LeBlanc: Paranormal Caught on Camera at the Bub Avery Gym in Center Ossipee on Thursday, October 16, at 4 pm. Ronny LeBlanc is a noted author, researcher, and television personality with a deep passion for the unexplained, particularly in the realms of Bigfoot, UFOs, and paranormal phenomena. He gained widespread recognition through starring on shows like Expedition Bigfoot on the Discovery Channel and Paranormal Caught on Camera on the Travel Channel, where he investigates strange occurrences with a mix of scientific curiosity and open-minded exploration. LeBlanc is also the author of Monsterland, a book (and its follow up Monsterland 2) that explores the strange and often interconnected reports of Bigfoot sightings, UFO encounters, and other unexplained activity in the Leominster State Forest area of Massachusetts—a region he has dubbed “Monsterland.”
In addition to his media work, LeBlanc is an engaging speaker and frequent
guest at conferences and events related to the paranormal and cryptozoology. He combines firsthand investigation with historical research, and his approachable style has helped bring broader public interest to fringe topics. Ronny’s work reflects a growing trend in modern research that considers the possibility of overlap between various phenomena, challenging conventional explanations and encouraging deeper inquiry into the mysteries that still surround us
“October is the perfect time to explore the unknown,” said Jenny Spofford, Director of the Ossipee Public Library. “This program is both fun and thought-provoking—it connects folklore, history, and science, while sparking curiosity about the world around us.”
The event is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring their questions (and perhaps their courage!). Appropriate for older kids and adults.
To learn more, visit www.ossipeelibrary.org or call 603-539-6390. Join us… if you dare.
Summer Issue Now Available Dining Out in the Lakes Region Available at Hundreds of Locations around the Lakes Region!
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ette events, Christmas parties, and team-building activities for business groups.
The studio also offers Art To Go projects, allowing people to work with ceramics or pre-drawn canvases at home.
Another drop-in site is the Belknap Mill at 25 Beacon Street in Laconia. In addition to its museum and gallery space, the Belknap Mill has family craft days on the first and third Saturday of each month. Coming dates are October 18, November 1 and 15, and December 6 and 20. The two-hour events run from 11 am to 1 pm Eagle Aerie, at 31 North Main Street, Franklin, offers classes in fiber arts, along with knitting, felting, and spinning supplies. The farm takes in raw sheep and alpaca fleeces and processes them for spinning, dyeing and blending their own fibers. It also serves an outlet for a selection of gifts made by local artisans. It is open on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm.
For more formal classes, the League of NH Craftsmen offers instruction in various disciplines through a prepaid, reservation-based system. Most classes take place at the studio of the Meredith Fine Craft Gallery. Juried artists and local instructors teach students how to make their own unique items, with supplies provided. There are classes in basketry, fiber, jewelry, glass, printmaking, broom-making, mixed media, and leather, and the shop says it will do its best to add other classes of interest.
Class sizes are limited to ensure there is individualized instruction. For more information or to pre-register for a class, call 603-279-7920 or email meredithfinecraft@gmail.com
A modern option for painters and crafters is the Wolfeboro Makers Mill,
developed by Global Awareness Local Action (GALA). The Makers Mill has space for rent at 23 Bay Street, Wolfeboro, for leatherwork, metalsmith and jewelry-making, mixed media crafts, stained glass, woodworking, digital design and fabrication, electronics and robotics, fiber arts, and fine arts.
GALA was established to foster ways for communities to thrive in the face of economic, environmental, and social challenges. Its Makers Mill serves “to enrich rural lives and foster fulfilling livelihoods by bringing people together to discover, cultivate, and share their unique gifts and skills.”
In addition to offering the space for people to pursue their interests, the Makers Mill offers special events, such as a Paint Your Pet class on the second Saturday of each month. Jennifer MacLean, a member of Makers Mill and the Lakes Region Art Association Gallery, leads the class in learning to paint on glass with “no art skills required”. Limited to between three and five people, the class is geared to those 18 and older, with a registration fee of $40 for non-members and $35 for members, and a $10 materials fee per painting for the supplies and framed glass.
Other offerings include a monthly Fiber Arts Mingle on the second Monday of each month, where people can bring their own project, including sewing, weaving, embroidery, quilting, leather-working, macrame, and basket weaving. The free class is open to anyone 15 years or older, although youths between 15 and 17 must have waiver signed by a responsible adult.
A full list of events at Makers Mill is posted at www.makersmill.org/events.
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
Through Oct. 26, Birches & Boats, exhibit at Tanger Outlet, Suite 300, Tilton, info./hours: 603-998-0029.
Through Oct. 31, Art Exhibit, retrospective of the photography of Susan Trayes, Boston, Beauty and Baseball, Gafney Library, 14 High St., Sanbornville, 603-522-7123, email: gafney@gafneylibrary.org.
Through Nov. 24, Adult Learn to Play Hockey, for age 18 & up, Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center, 90 Pine Hill Rd., Wolfeboro, pre-register: 603-569-5639.
Oct. 14, Sandwich Fair, 7 Wentworth Hill Rd., Sandwich, 603-284-7062, www. thesandwichfair.com
Oct. 13, Watercolor Workshop, noon – 2 p.m., led by artist Pat Edsall, Castle in the Clouds, 586 Ossipee Park Rd., Rt. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration required: www.castleintheclouds.org.
Oct. 13-Nov. 1, Young Frankenstein, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com
Oct. 14 Breaking the Ice: The First Winter Scientific Expedition on Mt. Washington, 6 - 7 p.m., Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, pre-registration: www.moultonboroughlibrary.org.
Oct. 14, Fall Film Series: Hocus Pocus, 7 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets/info.: 603-335-1992.
Oct. 14, Knit a Headband Workshop, 1 - 5 p.m., knit a cabled headband, ArtWorks Chocorua Creative Arts Center, pre-register for details.: 603-3238041, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, www.chocoruaartworks.com
Oct. 14 & 18, Nature Station – Amazing Leaves!, 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.
Oct. 15, Movie: Final Destination Bloodlines, 6 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie & Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, tickets/info: www.flyingmonkeynh.com, 603-536-2551.
Oct. 15, Mystery Makers with Sisters in Crime, 4 – 6 p.m., Laconia Rotary Hall, fast-paced, fun improv game, Laconia Public Library, 695 N. Main St., Laconia, 603-524-4775.
Oct. 15, Newfound Science Pub – Mosses Living Fossils of the Plant World, 5 – 7 p.m., held at Newfound Lake Inn, 1030 Mayhew Turnpike, Bridgewater, by Lake Region Assoc., pre-register: www.newfoundlake.org, 603-744-8689.
Oct. 15, Polliwogs – Barn Dance (2nd Annual), 10 – 11:30 a.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www. prescottfarm.org. Pre-registration: 603-366-5695.
Oct. 16, Birding on the Strait of Gibraltar, 7 p.m., Loon Center, Lee’s Mill Rd., Moultonborough, presented by Bob Quinn, by NH Audubon Society, 603476-5666.
Oct. 16, Fused Glass Fancy Fall Landscape Class, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920. Pre-registration by Oct. 13 required.
Oct. 16, Newfound Conservation Hike: Cardigan Mt. via West Ridge, 8:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., Lake Region Assoc., pre-register: www.newfoundlake.org, 603-744-8689.
Oct. 16, Wangari Fahari, 7 p.m., Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery, 72 Main St., Meredith, ticket reservations a must: 603-253-7968, www.hermitwoods.com
Oct. 17, A Farewell to Kings – Rush Tribute, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie & Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, tickets/info: www.flyingmonkeynh.com, 603-536-2551.
Oct. 17, Pumpkin Walk, 6 – 7:30 p.m., family friendly event, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration encouraged: 603-476-5900 or castleintheclouds.org/event/pumpkin-walk-2025/, www.castleintheclouds. org. (Rain date: 10/18.)
Oct. 17, Wilderness Builders: Debris Hut Adventures, 10 a.m. – noon, ages 6-14, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Pre-registration: 603-366-5695.
Oct. 17-18, Haunted River Walk Invasive Species, at Mill City Park, program of Franklin Opera House, www.franklinoperahouse.org.
What’s UP
Oct. 18, 11th Annual James W. Foley Freedom Run, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., James W. Folley Community Center, 150 Wakefield St., Rochester, www.foleyrun.org.
Oct. 18, Antique & Vintage Car Show, 10 a.m., vintage cars on display, music by The Honeybees, local handcrafts, village tours and more, Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Rd., Canterbury, www.shakers.org., ksandler@shakers.org
Oct. 18, Art Exhibit Meet and Greet with David Gibson, husband of Susan Trayes, 10:30 a.m. – noon, retrospective of photography of Trayes, Boston, Beauty and Baseball, Gafney Library, 14 High St., Sanbornville, 603-522-7123, email: gafney@gafneylibrary.org. (Exhibit on view for month of Oct.)
Oct. 18, Beginner Stained Glass with Sue Ries, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920. Pre-registration by Oct. 15 required.
Oct. 18, Fall Pastries, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., age 16 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm. org. Pre-registration: 603-366-5695.
Oct. 18, Family Halloween Movie Marathon, 9:15 - 12:30 p.m., family-friendly event, popcorn served, Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, pre-registration: www.moultonboroughlibrary.org.
Oct. 18, Hike Upper and Lower Bridle Paths, 8 - 11 a.m., Castle in the Clouds, 586 Ossipee Park Rd., Rt. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration required: www.castleintheclouds.org.
Oct. 18, Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie & Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, tickets/info: www.flyingmonkeynh.com, 603-536-2551.
Oct. 18, Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road, 7 p.m., by Wolfeboro Friends of Music, held at Anderson Hall, Brewster Academy, 80 Academy Drive, Wolfeboro, tickets: www.wolfeborofriendsofmusic.org, 603-569-2151.
Oct. 18, Masters of Illusion, 7:30 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.
Oct. 18, Nature Station: Amazing Leaves, 10 a.m. – noon, held at Grey Rocks Conservation Area, 178 N. Shore Rd., Hebron, for all ages, ,free, no registration required, program of Newfound Lake Region Assoc., www.newfoundlake.org, 603-744-8689.
Oct. 18, Saturday Morning Cartoons: Bugs Bunny, Bullwinkle and Big Business in the 1960s, 1-2:30 p.m., free, pre-registration required by Oct. 16, Nichols Memorial Library, 35 Plymouth St., Center Harbor, 603-253-6950, www.centerharborlibrary.org.
Oct. 18, Waterfall Photography Workshop, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., held at Castle in the Clouds, presented by ArtWorks Chocorua Creative Arts Center, pre-register for details.: 603-323-8041, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, www.chocoruaartworks.com
Oct. 18, 25-26, Winnie the Pooh, Winnipesaukee Playhouse, 33 Footlight Circle, Meredith, 603-279-0333, www.winnipesaukeeplayhouse.com
Oct. 18 & 19, Leaf Peepers Craft Fair, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., 10/19: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; exhibitors, handmade items galore, Joyce’s Craft Shows, free admission, held under tents, friendly, leashed dogs welcome, held at Schouler Park, 1 Nor-
ONGOING
Art & Coffee Club, Thursdays, 9 – 11 a.m., Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.
ArtWorks Chocorua Creative Arts Center, gallery, workshops & events, open year-round with seasonal hours, 603-323-8041, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, www. chocoruaartworks.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.
Bridge Players, gathering, 1 – 4 p.m., meets Wednesdays year round, Holderness Library, 866 U.S. Rt. 3, Holderness, 603-968-7066.
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.
Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods, nature trails open for hiking, 740 Mt. Israel Rd., Center Sandwich, 603-284-6428, www.chapmansanctuaryvisnywoods.com.
Chocorua Lake Basin View Lot, mountain views, benches for seating, free, www.chocorualake.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. (Runs weekly until Oct. 30)
Exhibit: Lucknow’s Laborers: The People Who Built and Cared for Tom Plant’s Estate, Castle in the Clouds Carriage House (gallery), Rt. 171, 455 Old Mountain Rd., Moultonborough, www.castleintheclouds.org
Family Crafts at the Belknap Mill Museum, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., third Saturday, drop-in event, free, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.
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 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
Frank Bolles Nature Reserve, walking trails, off Rt. 16 to Chocorua Lake Rd., Chocorua, www.chocorualake.org.
Freedom Village Store, variety of goods from artisan items to baked goods and more, 11 Elm St., Freedom, call for info/hours: 603-539-3077, www.freedomvillagestore.org.
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.
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
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.
Laverack Nature Trail at Hawkins Brook, nature trail on boardwalk, free, trail starts to the left of Meredith Village Savings Bank, Rte. 25, Meredith, 603279-9015.
League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, handmade crafts and art for sale, workshops, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920. 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 individuals, Ossipee Town Hall, no pre-registration required, 55 Main St., Center Ossipee, takes place various times: www.ossipee.recdesk.com.
Meredith Public Library Bookstore, run by Friends of the Meredith Library, open weekly: Wed. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thurs. & Fri. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., lower level, Meredith Public Library, 91 Main St., Meredith, 603279-4303, www.meredithlibrary.org.
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
Outdoor Nature-Based Storytime for Young Children, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main St., Tamworth, 603-3238510, 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
Rug Hookers, 10 a.m., meets Tuesdays, Tuftonboro Free Library, 221 Middle Rd., Rt. 109A, Tuftonboro, 603-569-4256.
Sculpture Walk, tours of outdoor sculptures around downtown/lakeside areas of Meredith, free, Greater Meredith Program, maps: 603-279-9015.
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.
Small Business Advising, first Wed. of every month, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., until Dec. 17, sign up at www.NHSBDC.org., Maker’s Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, pr-register: 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org.
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 Association, programs, hikes, 534 US Rt. 3, Holderness, 603968-7336, 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
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.
Creative Workshops This October at the League of
This October, the League of NH Craftsmen – Meredith Fine Craft Gallery invites you to explore your creativity with three exciting handson workshops led by talented, juried artists. Whether you’re looking to try your hand at stained glass, learn the fundamentals of screen printing, or design your own earrings, these classes offer a fun and educational experience for all skill levels.
On Saturday, October 18, from 9 am to 4 pm, join artist Sue Ries for Beginner Stained Glass, a fast-paced workshop perfect for those new to the art of stained glass. Students will learn the essentials of glass cutting, copper foiling, soldering, and framing, all in one day. Participants may select a design from patterns supplied by the instructor or bring one from another source (limited to 12 glass pieces or fewer). By the end of the class, each student will leave with a beautiful, finished stained glass
panel ready to hang. Tuition is $55 per student, with a $50 materials fee paid by cash or check to the instructor on the day of class. Students must bring a corkboard (at least 16x20”), masking tape, apron, scissors, thick latex gloves (not disposable), safety glasses (or regular eyeglasses), casual clothing, closed-toe shoes, and zip-lock bags for storage. Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, October 15.
On Sunday, October 19, from 12 to 5 pm, discover the art of screen printing with juried artist William Mitchell in his class, Screen Printing Basics. Ideal for beginners and those looking to expand their skills, this workshop will cover the history and techniques of screen printing. Students will learn to paint directly onto screens using Speedball drawing fluid and screen filler, creating a permanent stencil for printing on paper or fabric. Participants are welcome to bring a simple sketch
(no larger than 5x7”) to use in preparing their screen. All materials will be provided, though students are encouraged to wear old clothes or bring an apron. Tuition is $65 per student, with a $10 materials fee paid to the instructor on the day of class. Pre-registration is required by Thursday, October 16.
On Saturday, October 25, from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, join juried artist Joy Raskin for Earrings in a Day, a creative and engaging workshop where students will design and make their own unique earrings. Using wire, sheet metal, and beads, students will learn to create French ear wires, hoops, dangles, and other styles using just a few basic hand tools and their imagination. Materials will include silver-plated, sterling, gold-filled, and copper wires. By the end of the session, students will take home several completed pairs of earrings to wear, gift, or enjoy. Tuition is $75 per student, with a $30 materials
fee paid in cash or check to the instructor on the day of class. Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, October 22. All classes will be held at the League of NH Craftsmen – Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, located at 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, NH. Space is limited for each workshop, and pre-registration is required. To register, call the Gallery at (603) 279-7920, or stop by in person.
For additional details, visit our website at meredith.nhcrafts.org/classes/ or find us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/nhcraft.
The League of NH Craftsmen –Meredith Fine Craft Gallery has been proudly supporting and promoting New Hampshire’s rich fine craft tradition since 1932. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from expert craftspeople and create something truly unique this October!
