Looking for something fun and different to do this weekend? This fun-filled two-day event takes place on beautiful, historic Wolfeboro Bay in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.

The event is presented by the New Hampshire Boat Museum and is sanctioned by the Vintage and Historic Division of the American Power Boat Association (APBA). This biennial event is a favorite for visitors to watch and for drivers to show off their spectacular vintage race boats dating from the 1920s – 1980s.

Vintage Boat Race Regatta

When: Friday, September 17, 2021 & Saturday, September 18, 2021

Time: 8:30 am  - 5:00 pm

Where: Wolfeboro Town Docks, Wolfeboro Bay

For more information:
Telephone: 603-569-4554
Web: www.nhbm.org/regatta

   

Food for Thought, Restaurateurs Take Notice!

A Colorado woman is revamping used gondolas to help restaurants stay afloat with outdoor dining.

By Sarah Kuta, FOOD & WINE Magazine

With cold winter weather on the horizon and ever-changing local COVID-19 rules limiting indoor dining, Wendy and Rich Tucciarone began worrying about the fate of their Steamboat Springs, Colorado, craft brewery and restaurant last fall.

In the summer, it was easy to spread out the tables on Mountain Tap Brewery's large patio and prop open the building's garage doors. But even with heaters and firepits, the patio would be a tough sell during the icy evening temperatures and frequent snowstorms in this Colorado ski town famous for its "champagne powder."

During one creative brainstorming session, their accountant suggested converting out-of-service ski gondolas—small, enclosed, cube-like spaces that transport skiers and snowboarders uphill—into private outdoor dining spaces. The Tucciarones are avid skiers and mountain bikers, so they liked the idea immediately.

But even in a mountain town, used ski gondolas are hard to come by. 

Lucky for the Tucciarones and other struggling restaurant owners across the country, one woman had been buying up entire fleets of used ski gondolas over the last few years, mostly on a whim, in the hopes of someday upcycling them into something else. 

The pandemic became that someday. Dominique Bastien owns The Gondola Shop, a small gondola refurbishment and repair shop with seven employees in Fruita, Colorado—and an unlikely star during the coronavirus pandemic. As summer turned to fall, with no end to indoor dining restrictions in sight in many parts of the country, Bastien and her team began converting old ski gondolas into novel, pandemic-safe, private dining spaces for panicked restaurant owners wondering how they were going to stay in business over the winter.

Mountain Tap Brewery installed three of Bastien's gondolas, which can each comfortably seat six adults and are available by reservation, on the patio in November. They've been booked ever since.

"The gondolas have saved us this winter for sure," said Wendy Tucciarone.

Like yurts, greenhouses, tents, igloos, and other pandemic pivots, ski gondolas are allowing restaurants to expand their seating and offer comfortable outdoor dining accommodations during the winter while adhering to local regulations intended to help prevent the spread of the virus. Each gondola can typically hold between four and six adults who, in theory, are all members of the same household or pandemic pod. Many restaurants are blocking off 20 to 30 minutes between seatings to sanitize, clean, and air out the gondolas, which are often equipped with lights, heaters, and Bluetooth speakers.

The Gondola Shop is a spinoff of Bastien's regular trade, which is polishing and repainting ski gondolas that are still in use at ski resorts around the globe. (Gondola windows and doors are typically plexiglass, which gets scratched, graffitied, dirty, and cloudy over time—Bastien says she runs the only company in the world, Sunshine Polishing Technology, that contracts with ski resorts to polish their in-service gondolas.)

Bastien's gondola maintenance work typically slows down in January and February, when ski resorts are operating at full blast. So three years ago, when she heard that Vermont's Killington Resort was replacing 55 older gondola cars, she took a huge risk and offered to buy them all.

A year later, she bought 95 gondola cars from nearby Steamboat Resort. 

"I don't know what came to my mind," said Bastien. "I had nothing in mind really."

Over the course of her 20-plus years in the gondola polishing business, Bastien occasionally heard from one-off homeowners who wanted a refurbished gondola for their backyard or event planners who wanted a gondola to help set an après-ski scene. She figured there might be broader demand for repurposed gondolas, which she and her staff could work on during their down months. They experimented with converting them into saunas and dog houses, but mostly, the 150 or so gondola cars sat in a field near her shop.

Then, the pandemic hit. In the blink of an eye, Bastien lost all of her gondola polishing contracts as ski resorts closed early for the season in March.

"I was slowly planning to go bankrupt—no joke," she said.

In September, Bastien's phone rang. The Town of Mountain Village near Telluride, Colorado, wanted Bastien to repurpose five gondola cars into private dining spaces that could be shared among the 12 restaurants at the base of Telluride Ski Resort. Within two weeks, they upped their order to 25.

Bastien and her team got to work, frantically tackling a year's worth of work in four months. They learned as they went, sometimes calling their vast network of ski area lift maintenance technicians for questions and troubleshooting.

The Gondola Shop delivered on its promise, and the Town of Mountain Village opened 25 private dining cars ahead of the Christmas rush. The picturesque gondolas quickly garnered attention on social media and in the press—and then Bastien's phone and email really began to blow up.

Suddenly, she was fielding inquiries from restaurants in Cleveland, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, San Francisco, Park City, Utah, and Sun Valley, Idaho. Her team, which includes a painter, welder, woodworker, and several other artisans, began churning out customized dining gondolas as quickly as possible.

Bastien offers gondolas in various conditions. Some restaurants buy them as-is for around $4,800 and just stick a table inside. (Bastien doesn't recommend this practice but is happy to accommodate. "It smells like 30 years of use when you open the door," she said.)

For others, Bastien's team will fully disassemble, clean, sandblast, fix, repaint, reupholster, and generally spiff up the gondolas to the restaurant's specifications, a process that takes five or six weeks and costs between $15,000 to $20,000. She also rents fully refurbished gondola dining cars for around $500 a month.

Though the last six months have been chaotic, Bastien says she's just happy to be busy doing something that matters—and may ultimately help some restaurants stay in business—during the pandemic. 

"It just got crazy," she said. "Things turned out really weirdly but really well." 

Just outside of Cleveland, five après-ski-themed gondola cars are helping restaurateur John Owen keep the lights on at Rocky River Wine Bar and Market, two of the seven restaurants he owns in the region. 

Owen invested heavily in the outdoor dining spaces at both restaurants to keep his staff working and safe (servers pass food and beverages through the gondolas' open windows), but also because he believes many people will be uncomfortable dining indoors for the foreseeable future. He also views the gondolas as an investment in public relations and marketing—they're popular on TikTok and Instagram.

"It's allowed us to stay relevant and busy, enough to allow all of our employees to stay employed and not lose shifts—because when you lose seats inside (the restaurant), you have to lose staff," he said.

Restaurant owner George Eder is counting on a surge of pent-up demand this spring and summer, and he believes the two gondolas he rented from Bastien will help his restaurant Pizza Republica get by until then. But more than anything, they offer a tiny glimmer of what dining out used to feel like, before the pandemic.

"It's fun to see people's faces," he said. "If somebody cancels, it's, 'Oh, I can get a gondola.' They get excited. And that's what's missing right now from restaurants is that little bit of joy."

 

 

This may not be the holiday season any of us had planned for. The pandemic has canceled our parties, our group baking extravaganzas and our annual trips to feast with our families. If you haven’t visited your loved ones in a year or have only hung out socially distanced, forgoing a large family gathering can feel like another entry on the list of “Things I missed out on in 2020.” 

But there is joy to be found in a scaled-down celebration, and you still can make your holiday season festive whether you’re spending it with your immediate household or flying solo. 

Compliments of Zillow, Life at Home

Here are six ways to make the most of the holidays this year — and ring in a very eager toast to 2021. 

Deck the heck out of the halls

Just because you’re not having a large holiday gathering doesn’t mean that you should skimp on the decorations. If anything, this is the year to go big. Ever fantasized about being that yard or balcony — you know, the Clark Griswold-level one that everyone stops and admires? Now is your chance to be the star of the neighborhood. 

And don’t let the cheery decorations stop on the outside. Adorn your space with twinkle lights, pompom garlands, illuminated elves or items that remind you of holidays at your parents’ house, or wherever you feel most at home. You’ll be feeling like you’re in the middle of a Hallmark movie before you know it. 

Create new traditions

You might be missing the usual fare — your mom’s homemade candy, your grandma’s elaborate roast, even that work holiday party that you used to loathe. But this year, instead of thinking about how much you wish things were different (and, oh, how we do), try to focus on creating your own traditions that can live on post-pandemic. 

Usually a couch potato on Christmas morning? Implement a brisk holiday walk before you open your presents. Has your family always celebrated holidays in a fairly traditional American way? Research how other countries spend the holiday season. For example, Icelanders gift each other books on Christmas Eve and spend the evening reading alone in bed (not a bad setup for a pandemic holiday). 

Embrace hygge

The Danish concept of hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) or a feeling of coziness and warmth — marries well with being stuck inside for the entirety of the holiday season. Although it’s easy to miss the “going out” opportunities of the season like holiday concerts, movies, cocktail parties, ice skating or neighborhood gatherings, try to embrace the feeling of comfort and security of your warm home. 

How exactly do you achieve hygge in your home? Although there’s no wrong way to accomplish feeling cozy, your best bet is candles (and lots of them), a fireplace, your favorite blanket and a freshly baked batch of cookies. 

Pamper yourself

Spending the holiday solo this year? Having an entire day of self-care planned for when you would normally get together with family or friends will make it something you look forward to (and maybe even make a new holiday tradition). 

Take a long, hot bath or shower, exfoliate, do a deep conditioning treatment, paint your toenails, try out a new aftershave or manscaping regimen, or whatever other form of pampering you like to engage in. Create a pampering schedule on your phone or write it down in a notebook so it feels like an official day at the spa. Or, if your idea of self-care looks more like a good book, a group Zoom with friends, a refreshing solo hike or a day of classic movies and popcorn, make a schedule that’s right for you.

Organize a cookie exchange

Sure, you can’t bake together, but that doesn’t mean you can’t organize a flow of sweet treats to your door (and everyone else’s in the neighborhood). Have a select few neighbors or local friends sign up to bake a batch of cookies and do a drop-off on the front porch. You can even take pictures of all the finished products and have an online vote to see which cookie had the best design or flavor. 

Donate to a cause

One thing 2020 has made clear: There’s more need than ever before. With millions of lost jobs and an economy in trouble, people are struggling to make ends meet — and nonprofits and trying to help fill in the gaps. If you are financially able, one of the best ways to cap off the year is to research a charity and donate what you can. 

Churchill Downs' first spectator-less race.

COURTESY OF COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE

Every year since 1946, the first Saturday of May has been dedicated to a beloved horse racing tradition known as The Kentucky Derby. And while the official Run for the Roses was unfortunately rescheduled from its original May date due to the coronavirus, the "first Saturday" tradition will live on this weekend on September 5. This Saturday, fans will be able to tune in to NBC to watch the 146th Kentucky Derby race, which will be held without any spectators at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. If you're used to participating in a little traditional gambling fun, you can even visit KentuckyDerby.com to place virtual bets on the horses you think will run away with this year's top prize. For additional how-to-watch info, head to the Derby's home page.

In the meantime, there's no better way to prep for an epic at-home celebration than with delicious food and drink recipes! From traditional thumbprint cookies and bourbon cocktails to cute craft and decorating ideas (did someone say vintage trophies?), Here are some ways to celebrate one of the most exciting days in horse racing—no matter where you're watching from. Alright, y'all, we're off to the races!

 

1 Bake Up Derby-Inspired Thumbprint Cookies

Featuring bourbon, homemade caramel, melted chocolate, and toasted walnuts, these butter cookies take inspiration from a famed Kentucky pie.

Get the recipe.

2 Serve a Classic Benedictine Spread

Invented by Louisville caterer and tea room-owner Jennie Carter Benedict, this cream cheese-cucumber dip is a century-old Kentucky classic.

Get the recipe.

3 Place Your Bets

This year, 13 horses will participate in the virtual race. For easy betting, give each guest four of their own color of washi tape–covered clothespins. Let them pick favorites by clipping the pins to the tails of paper prize ribbons. Set a per-bet amount (say, $2), and place cash in a trophy; distribute winnings accordingly. Or, this year, bet on who does household chores, like unloading the dishwasher or folding socks!

Get the Template

4 Fill a Trophy with Fresh-Picked Flowers

Pull out your collection of vintage trophies and fill them with blooms cut from your yard.

5 Set Up a Photo Booth

Smile and say “Eddie Arcaro” (one of the winningest jockeys) with a turf-backed photo booth stocked with props like paper prize ribbons, trophies, riding crops, and hats.

6 Whip Up Bourbon Cocktails

Dust off the punch bowl and stir up a Derby cocktail with bourbon, club soda, orange curacao, sweet vermouth, lime juice, and orange bitters. 

Get the recipe.

7 Dress Up Your Drinks

Trace a bow-tie pattern on craft paper; assemble. Cut a strip from color-coordinated paper, and wrap around glass; tape in place. Tape bow to strip, and let the “tie one on” jokes commence.

GET THE TEMPLATE

8 Make a Horseshoe Wreath

Source:  

The weather looks like it's going to be fantastic this weekend! Looking for something different to do outside?    The Nick is the venue for an arts and crafts fair. Best of all, it's free admission!!!

 

 

On The Green Arts & Crafts Festival

   

When: July 24-26

Where: The Nick, 10 Trotting Track Rd, Rt 28, Wolfeboro

Summer Vacation Arts & Crafts Fair: 10am-5pm, Sun 10-4pm Fine arts, crafts including wood furniture, food music, rain or shine under canopies, masks and social distancing required.  Free admission, Joyce's Craft Fair, held at Nick Recreation Park, More info. call 528-4014, www.joycescraftshows.com

Click Here For More Details

 

This weekend, Saturday, July 4th, marks the 244th anniversary of the birth of our nation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 4th of July will no doubt look bit different from previous years! Between parades, concerts and fireworks displays being cancelled across the country, we will be looking for other ways to celebrate. Though some shows are still on, it is important to be diligent when it comes to social distancing, washing hands often and wearing masks.

Here are some ideas you, your family and friends may want to try...

�

Hamilton movie, on Disney Plus July 3, gets you 'best seat in the house'. The Broadway phenomenon arrives on the small screen just in time for the Fourth of July weekend. Watch it online from your TV, phone or desktop.

If you're not subscribed to Disney Plus, you won't be able to use a free trial to see the show. Disney has recently shut down the free trial program, which means you'll need to watch Hamilton from a paid subscriber account.

Streaming�Hamilton on Disney Plus. The Broadway hit was filmed at New York's Richard Rodgers Theatre in 2016 over the course of three days. Lyricist and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, rapper Daveed Diggs and the rest of the original cast, including Okieriete Onaodowan, Phillipa Soo and Anthony Ramos, were still on stage telling the story of US founding father Alexander Hamilton.

Inspired by the book Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, Hamilton opened on Broadway in 2015. It went on to take home 11 Tony Awards, and won a Grammy for its popular soundtrack.

�

Nathans Famous 4th of July, Hot Dog-Eating Contest will go on.. with some COVID-19 changes.

When: July 4th at Noon, ET

Where: ESPN

�

If you are missing sports due to coronavirus and "relish" the chance to watch something competitive, we have good news for you.

Nathans Hot Dog Eating Contest will air as usual at noon, Fourth of July on ESPN.

The frank fest will be one of the first major televised post-COVID-19 competitive events to be held in the U.S.

The annual contest, which takes place on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York, will go on in a private location without fans.

There will only be five entrants this year, instead of the usual 15.

According to Nathans Famous Senior Vice President James Walker, 2020 has been a year for the history books, and the realization that this storied July 4 tradition would be able to occur, is a great feeling. With that being said, our country and our world has endured so much in the last couple of months, that we'd be remiss if we didn't use this moment to honor those that have done so much for each of us during this time.

The first-ever unofficial contest took place in 1916, when, legend says, four immigrants gathered at the very first Nathans Famous hot dog stand in Coney Island and made eating contest history, according to Nathan's Famous website. As the story goes, they were competing to see who was the most patriotic. How did they determine the winner? With a hot dog-eating contest, of course!

The contest is a 10-minute sprint in which competitors usually eat the buns and hot dogs separately, dunking the buns in water to help them consume them faster.

Last year, Joey Chestnut ate 71 hot dogs to win the mens side, while Miki Sudo downed 31 on the way to her sixth straight womens title.

Chestnut has�held the title of reigning champ a total of 12 times�eight consecutive years from 2007 to 2014 and from 2016-2019.

��

He holds the record for most hot dogs eaten: 74 franks in 2018. Three-time winner Sonya Thomas set the womens record of 43 in 2011.

by: Nexstar Media Wire

�

James Taylor at Fenway Park with special guest appearance by Bonnie Raitt!!

When: Saturday, July 4�https://bit.ly/2Bp5hhl

YouTube: 11am PT / 1pm CT/ 2pm ET
Facebook: 2pm PT / 4pm CT / 5pm ET�

Then spend the evening with a Taylor family favorite: The�Boston Pops! "A Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes" is a 3-hour concert extravaganza that will air July 4 at 8pm ET on�Bloomberg Radio�and�Bloomberg Television.�

�SHOW TO BE SIMULCAST ON BOSTONS WHDH-TV�too!

Boston Pops to present a "Boston Pops Salute To Our Heroes", paying tribute to the frontline workers in many fields and honoring those who have lost their lives during the current health crisis, while celebrating our diverse Nation's founding values of liberty and justice for all.�

A Boston Pops Salute To Our Heroes to feature newly created content from the Boston Pops and guest artists, as well as highlights from recent presentations of the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.

Live performance on the Charles River Esplanade will not take place this year, due to public health concerns related to the spread of COVID-19.

Instead, plan a socially distanced (with masks!) picnic with family and friends not more than ten! Better yet, organize a socially distanced watch party! Listen while you work or exercise and plan to post your photos and videos online! James's team will repost photos and videos during the concert and all day long.

When Is Father's Day in 2020? Here's Everything You Need to Know and how long you have to plan the perfect Father's Day for Dad.

By JENNIFER ALDRICH Editorial Assistant

Summer will be here before you know it, and along with it, a pretty important date for all the dads out there. You guessed it: We're talking about Father's Day. Although most sons and daughters don't need a specific date to celebrate the most important man in their life, every dad in the country does get his special day on the calendar. This year's celebrations might look a little different with our current social distancing situation, but you should still take the time to commemorate the day. If you're not able to dine together, maybe you can surprise him with a porch drop-off of some of his favorite Father's Day brunch recipes or even surprise him with a mail-order meat delivery so he can grill up his favorite meal.

It was never meant to be this way, but the annual holiday can surprisingly come with a considerable amount of stress when you're supposed to find the perfect Father's Day gift for the guy who insists he doesn't need anything. (And let's be honest, sometimes a Father's Day card alone just doesn't cut it.) You may now be wondering, "Well, when is Father's Day in 2020?" Here, we're telling you all you need to know about the holiday, including its history. 

WHEN IS FATHER'S DAY 2020, EXACTLY?

Before you start worrying about what to get your father for his day, you can relax a little, because there's still time to plan a Father's Day brunch or even put your crafty side to work with a DIY gift idea for dad. This year, Father's Day is on Sunday, June 21, 2020.

IS FATHER'S DAY ON THE SAME DATE EVERY YEAR?

Don't feel bad if this date is news to you; the celebration changes days year-to-year. If you ever forget, just remember that Father's Day always falls on the third Sunday in June, and then check the calendar accordingly. 

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF FATHER'S DAY?

Unlike Mother's Day, which has pretty somber origins, Father's Day has relatively light roots—and was actually created by a woman. According to History.com, back in 1909, a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, "tried to establish an official equivalent to Mother’s Day for male parents." She went around to local businesses to gather support for her idea, and on June 19, 1910, the state of Washington celebrated the first-ever Father's Day.

Although the event inspired President Woodrow Wilson and President Calvin Coolidge to urge Americans to acknowledge a day for dads during their administrations, it still wasn't an official holiday. Unfortunately, the enthusiasm for the commemoration didn't last long. During the '20s and '30s, people tried to do away with both Mother's Day and Father's Day and replace them with Parents’ Day instead.

Then, during the Great Depression, retailers made a push to commercialize the holiday in an attempt to make money during dire financial times. And as World War II started, people began to use Father's Day as a way to pay respect to American troops.  

Finally, several decades later, on May 1, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed Proclamation 4127, which declared Father's Day as a national holiday, with the first official celebration on June 18, 1972. "Let each American make this Father's Day an occasion for renewal of the love and gratitude we bear to our fathers, increasing and enduring through all the years," he wrote in the document.

 

Jennifer Aldrich was the editorial assistant for CountryLiving.com.

The Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce has requested we share the following information in regards to supporting local businesses this Wednesday... tomorrow and the following Wednesdays!!!

NH Gift Card Wednesday

Let your favorite business know you are thinking of them by purchasing a gift card on Gift Card Wednesday.  Gift Card Wednesday is a cooperative effort by New Hampshire Chambers of Commerce to encourage people to do what they can to increase revenue for local businesses. 

“Wolfeboro area businesses make the community what it is,” reflects Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mary DeVries.  “Let us do what we can now to help keep them here for the future”. 

Many are still waiting on federal assistance and struggling to keep their doors open. When you support a local business, you support a local family and their employees. If we all do a little now they will still be here for years to come, adding color, life and valuable services to our local communities. 

Already the Wolfeboro area is experiencing community support by people shopping and dining locally with curbside pickup, takeout and delivery.  Gift cards are another opportunity to show your support. 

You are encouraged to make a purchase with any area business.  www.wolfeborochamber.com is a resource for finding some of them.

Post a photo with your gift card and #ShopLocalNH to help give our beloved local businesses and #GiftCardWednesday even more visibility. PLEASE SHARE! 

 

 

 

If you haven't done so already, it's not too late to start your very own Victory Garden!  I recall watching Crockett's Victory Garden originally hosted by James Underwood Crockett on a local Boston station with my Dad back in the '70's.  It was then I gained my gardening knowledge and shared countless hours bonding with my Dad. Funny thing, I never realized the true meaning behind the name "Victory Garden" until now.

Victory gardens were first popularized during World War I when Americans at home, away from the battlefield, were urged to contribute to the cause by growing vegetables in every flowerpot and patch of land available. These victory gardens resurged during World War II, and they're making a comeback amid the coronavirus pandemic. These gardens can be big or small, sprawling across yards and rooftops or tucked in several small pots. Even with a small amount of acreage, homeowners are able to grow large gardens—and these assets can reduce the number of trips to the grocery store and reduce your odds of contracting the COVID-19 virus.

There's no breakdown of the national food chain to prompt these victory gardens. Instead, they’re trending to help limit trips to the grocery store and bring a little light and exercise to those who have extra time during shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders. Planting your own garden is perfect timing right now, because the weather is getting better, and you can even sow some seeds inside and then transplant them to the ground later on. You can definitely use containers, a windowsill, or even grow bags, which are another type of container, if your space is limited. And if you have a balcony or access to a roof, try growing them there.

Some of the quickest plants to grow include leafy greens like arugula, bok choy, and Swiss chard, as well as zucchini, cucumbers, and many herbs like thyme, oregano, chives, and parsley.

WMUR is partnering with iHeartRadio for a fundraiser to help the New Hampshire Food Bank keep up with an incredibly high demand and feed local families in response to the COVID-19 efforts.

PROJECT CommUNITY: NH Together from Home

Join WMUR from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. TONIGHT, April 17 on ABC for "Project Community: New Hampshire Together From Home.”  See the one-hour special on WMUR and streaming live on WMUR's website.

WMUR’s Erin Fehlau and Sean McDonald will join iHeartRadio’s Greg Kretschmar to host the special. The uplifting hour will feature performances from Granite State artists and words of encouragement from New Hampshire athletes and celebrities, all while raising money for the food bank.

See performances from:

• Adam Ezra Group

• Alex Preston

• Evelyn Cormier

• Gary Hoey

• Jordan Tyrell Wysocki

• Mairead Nesbitt

• Recycled Percussion 

Also, there will be appearances by:

• Adam Sandler

• Victoria Arlen

• Geo Baker

• Tom Bergeron

• Matt Bonner

• Ken Burns

• Matty Cardarople

• Ryan Day

• Jimmy Dunn

• Ryan Griffin

• Bob Marley

• Juston McKinney

• Seth Meyers

• Mike O'Malley

• Triple H

• Fritz Wetherbee

 

THE NEED:

The New Hampshire Food Bank is currently responding to a very high demand -- 44% higher than this time last year -- with so many people out of work.

Donations to the food bank are down after some third-party events that would have benefited the food bank were postponed or canceled. 

TO DONATE:

You don't have to wait until tonight to donate, you can do so by accessing the following:

• Visit www.nhfoodbank.org/projectcommunity

• Text NHunity to 76278

 

 

 

Yes, we are open for business!

Following an appeal by NH Realtors, real estate transactions are now included in the state’s list of essential businesses allowed to function as a result of Gov. Christopher Sununu’s stay-at-home order. 

In our effort to abide by the guidelines in the prevention of the spread of the Coronavirus, we request the following:

 

• Call us at 603-569-4488 if you wish to speak with an Agent.  

• Meetings: Meetings between brokers/agents and clients (or prospective clients) cannot take place at a real estate brokerages’ physical offices, but may take place with social distancing or remotely by phone, video or other electronic means.

• Virtual Tours: If you wish to schedule a showing of a property, you can do so by calling us and we can set up a viewing via virtual tour or Facetime.

• Closings: Real estate closings can continue either through remote means or with social distancing for any in-person transactions.

• Inspections: Property inspections and appraisals may continue with appropriate social distancing.

• Delivery Personnel: You may enter our lobby area but we request you keep a minimum distance of 6 feet between yourself and our Agents and Administrator. 

 

Please follow these preventative measures to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the coronavirus:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Stay home and avoid public places as much as possible

• Avoid close contact through social distancing, at least 6 feet from anyone.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve then immediately throw the tissue away and wash your hands as soon as possible.

 

Stay Healthy & Safe Everyone!  We're all in this together!

 

Melanson Real Estate, Inc.

www.melansonrealestate.com

Mobile: 603-651-7228

 

 

The world is on fire—at least that’s how it feels. Concern over the coronavirus (along with overwhelming, 24-hour media coverage) has resulted in long lines at grocery stores, empty shelves, and general feeling of “what’s next?” Here are 7 things you can start doing now to remain healthy and to help others.

1. Wash your hands. The best way to prevent getting and spreading this virus is to wash your hands. Oh, and don’t touch your face. Simple and effective. Don’t forget to use those Clorox wipes (when you can find them in stores) and clean off your phone. It has a ton of germs on it.

2. Social distancing. Keep yourself away from others—at least 6 feet if you’re in public—and say no to attending large events where there’s potential for exposure. Don’t become a hermit; just be smart. Help end this pandemic by keeping your distance.

3. Order food to-go and tip well. When you get take-out, be sure to tip more than normal. Your servers need the income as they are hurting like everyone else. Order food to-go or delivery and eat at home. You can still support the local businesses and eat a meal you didn’t have to cook yourself.

4. Buy gift cards. Buy gift cards from your favorite local stores and restaurants so those small business owners continue to have income. When the pandemic ends, you can go cash in those gift cards.

5. Look out for neighbors. While some people have the opportunity to work from home, others may be left without work or paychecks due to coronavirus measures—especially in light of school closures and lack of childcare options. Be on the lookout for your neighbors and see if you can help provide groceries.

6. Spring cleaning. Some of you may find that with cancellations and social distancing, your schedule is a little freed up. Don’t just Netflix and chill all day. (The Netflix release of Outbreak last week was an ironic timing.) Use this time to be productive. Take the next week or two and spring clean your house. I’m talking a couple of hours a day after work—you don’t have to miss your favorite rerun of The Office to do it. Tackle one room a day. It’s a great time to get your office organized as well. Get rid of clutter, make digital copies of what you can, and get rid of paperwork. You’ll feel accomplished and able to focus better on work.

7. It’s all going to be okay. You can’t fix it, stressing won’t help, and over-buying toilet paper is not the answer. Try to go about life as normally as you can while taking precautions along the way. Life will go back to normal—or a new normal. You can do this without stressing out to the max. Just focus on these 7 steps and continue on.

By Jef Conn: Jef Conn, CCIM, SIOR, is a commercial agent specializing in industrial, office, and investment properties with Coldwell Banker Commercial in Lubbock, Texas. 

There's much to do this weekend! Whether it's a home show, sportsman show, chili fundraiser or celtic music, there's something for you! Enjoy and have a great weekend!

 

Friday, March 6 - 8

53rd Annual New Hampshire State Home Show

THE LONGEST RUNNING SHOW NORTH OF BOSTON

When:   Friday, 1 PM -  8 PM
             Saturday, 10 AM - 6 PM
             Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM

Where: Doubletree Hotel, Downtown Manchester, 700 Elm Street, Manchester, New Hampshire

WITH OVER 300 VENDORS and Exhibitors covering all aspects of the home building/remodeling industry plus items in the New England Made concourse.

Other highlights of the Show include the Junior Lego Build Competition, seminars and demonstrations.

Produced by the professionals at the New Hampshire Home Builders Association this is the one show of the year to attend and interact with builders, remodelers, decorators, landscapers, and all types of home solutions providers. The latest in home-related products and services will be showcased – everything from mortgages to landscaping, hot tubs to custom home builders, and custom closets to fabulous kitchens and baths.

$6.00 discount parking is available in the Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Manchester parking garage. Validation machine is located inside the Expo Center, or at the check-in booth located in the Armory Concourse. 

Admission Fees:

Weekend Pass: $15.00

Adults: $10.00

Seniors 62 and over: $7.00

Children 12 and under: FREE

MILITARY DISCOUNT
With Military I.D.: $6.00

DISCOUNT: $3.00 discount with
donation of non-perishable food
items or toiletries.

Click on the Home Show logo above for more information!

 

NH Outdoor Expo

Hosted by Lake Life Brand

When: Friday, 1 PM - 8 PM

           Saturday, 10 AM - 7 PM

           Sunday,   10 AM - 5 PM

Where: The Hampshire Dome, 34 Emerson Road, Milford, New Hampshire

Free parking!

Adults: $12

Children 12 & under: FREE!

Click on the Outdoor Expo logo above for more information!

 

Saturday, March 7

Chili & Beer Tasting Fundraiser

Hosted by Castle in the Clouds

Where: Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd, Moultonborough, New Hampshire 

When: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Castle in the Clouds hosts its third annual Chili and Beer Tasting fundraiser inside the Carriage House. Guests can enjoy sampling chili and beer from nine local Lakes Region restaurants and breweries, plus spirits from Tamworth Distilling! Enjoy two hours of tasting, mingling and music on the first floor of the Carriage House. Relax by the large hearth fireplace or on the lake-view terrace to let that delicious chili and beer settle. 

Admission for the Chili & Beer Tasting is $25 and includes a Castle in the Clouds tasting glass. The Fair Market Value of each ticket is $5, resulting in $20 of this cost being a tax-deductible donation which will be reflected on your ticket receipt.Tickets are limited and must be purchased by March 6, so be sure to reserve yours soon! All sales are final. Please be sure to have a valid photo ID on you during the event.

This event will be held rain or shine and will only be cancelled in the event of extreme weather. If cancelled, your ticket purchase(s) will be refunded.

Click on the image above for more information!

 

High Time-Celtic Trio

Presented by Wolfeboro Friends of Music

When: 7:30 PM — 9:30 PM

Where: Anderson Hall, Brewster Academy, 205 S. Main Street, Wolfeboro

St. Patrick’s Day begins a week early in Wolfeboro with this spectacular young Celtic trio from Connemara. High Time features combinations of harp, guitar, flute, whistle, bodhran and voice to create a rich and exciting sound. Each of the three lifelong friends performs multiple instruments: Ciarán Bolger on guitar and vocals, Connall Flaherty on flute, whistles and vocals, and Séamus Flaherty on Celtic harp, whistle, bódhran drum, and vocals, plus Irish dance. Their music exemplifies the best of today’s Celtic music scene, crafting energetic modern arrangements of traditional folk melodies.

Click on the image above for more information!

 

Sunday, March 8

Don't forget, daylight saving time begins!  

 

What's a better time to celebrate Wolfeboro's Winter Carnival than on Leap Year Weekend! Yes, for those of you wondering exactly what a leap year means... well, here goes!  A leap year is a calendar year that contains an additional day added to keep the calendar year synchronized with the astronomical year or seasonal year.  February 29 is a date that usually occurs every four years, and is called leap day. So, Happy Leap Day everyone!!!  Following are the fun things happening this weekend for you and your family.  

Wolfeboro Winter Carnival Schedule of Events

Sponsored by the American Legion, The Friends of Abenaki and Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation!

Thursday, February 27th

American Legion Skating Party

The American Legion will be on hand to hand out free Hot cocoa and Hot Dogs. Skating for this event is FREE, but Ice Skate Rentals are $5.00 if needed. Bring the entire family and skate to some good music with great people!

When: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Where: Pop Whalen Ice & Arts Center, 390 Pine Hill Rd, Wolfeboro

Telephone: 603-569-5639

 

Friday, February 28th

Little Air/Big Air Competition

  

When: 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Where: Abenaki Ski Area, 390 Pine Hill Rd, Wolfeboro

5:00-8:00 PM  –  Bonfire  Abenaki Ski Area

8:00 PM – Snowsnake Torchlight Parade  Abenaki Ski Area

 

Telephone: 603-569-5639

Saturday, February 29, 2020

 

Join Friends of Abenaki for their Annual Pancake Breakfast. They'll have pancakes, maple syrup, bacon, eggs, juice, and coffee. There is no cost for this event, but donations are accepted and appreciated. All of the money raised will go to Friends of Abenaki and put back into the Ski Area!!

When: 7:00 – 10:00 AM  

Where: Abenaki Ski Area

 

Winter Carnival Festivities in the Great Hall at Wolfeboro Town Offices, 84 S Main St, Wolfeboro include the Mad Science show and BINGO!

Family BINGO immediately following the Mad Science Show. There will be prizes available to win. This event is FREE. 12:15 PM – 1 PM 

 

ENJOY!!!

 

 

 

Friday & Saturday, February 21st & 22nd

Looking for something really fun to do this weekend?  Well, search no more... below are a couple of ideas to keep in mind. The weather looks perfect for outdoor activities too.  Enjoy the weekend!

2020 Fire & Ice Festival

  Hosted by the Wolfeboro Inn

Celebrate winter at our annual Fire & Ice Festival outside on the gazebo lawn! Three ice bars, two bands each night, fire pits, free s'mores fixings. Just $5 to get in. Complimentary town car transportation from 5 public parking lots from 5pm to 10pm each night. 

Big music news for this year's Fire & Ice Festival! On Friday Copilot will be opening at 5pm. Following Copilot will be the The A-Beez with Aaron Bellamy, Amy Bellamy, vocalist Melissa Bolling, Will Nelson and drummer Peter MacLean of the Maceo Parker Band.

On Saturday the A-Beez lineup will be joined by DJ Mister Rourke, Jeff Lockhart the legendary guitartist and professor at Berklee, and Sam Kininger on saxophone. 

This year's sponsors are Harpoon, Jameson and Barr Hill.

This is an outdoor event, please dress appropriately. 

 

Sunday, February 23nd 

Learn to Curl

Hosted by Wolfeboro Parks & Recreation

Where: Pop Whalen Ice and Art Center, 390 Pine Hill Road, Wolfeboro 

When: 2:30 PM – 4 PM

Lakes Region Curling will be on hand to to give you a demonstration on the sport of curling. Participants will get hands on lessons and learn the basics during this FREE program. Participants must be at least 16 years old to participate. Those under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver on site.

Friday, February 14th

Dueling Pianos Valentine's Day Dinner

Hosted by the Wolfeboro Inn

When: Tonight 7 PM – 10 PM

Where: The Wolfeboro Inn, 90 North Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH

For Valentine's Day, enjoy dueling pianos over a three course dinner.

Dueling Pianos, the best of Boston. 

Dinner starts at 7pm, show starts at 8pm.

Start With: Glass of Champagne

First Course: Bacon & Corn Ravioli with Roasted Pork Belly, Snap Peas, NH Mushrooms and Pecorino Cheese. A vegetarian option is available.

Second Course: Surf & Turf with Braised Short Ribs, Pan Seared Halibut, Pommes de Terre Gratin and Glazed Baby Carrots with Beurre Rose. A vegetarian option is available.

Third Course: No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jars

Cash bar. 

Ticket price includes tax and gratuity.

For more information, click on View Map

 

Saturday, February 15th

Alton Winter Carnival

When: 10 AM – 3 PM

Where: Alton Bay, NH

Please come join the Alton community on the ICE for some outdoor WINTER fun!

This is a FREE admission event and is sponsored by the Alton Business Association! Local businesses sponsor events and provide raffle + prize items!! Be sure to stop at the ABA booth to purchase raffle tickets.

Featured Events Include:
• Chowder-Fest (local restaurants will be on the ice for you to sample + vote on the best chowdah!) Sponsored by TD Bank, Alton, NH.
• Crazy Hat Contest- Most creative wins a prize!
•Bob House Decorating Contest, Sponsored by Cyr Realty Group
• Horse Sleigh Rides - Nothing like a dash across the ice to embrace the season. (A charge does apply for this event.) Sponsored by TDS!
• Bed Race Contest - Feeling creative + competitive, then bring your best built bed contraption to race across the ice! Team of 5 required (four pushers and one rider). Sponsored by Meredith Village Savings Bank and Future Business Leaders of America/Prospect Mountain High School! Email us on how to register for this event.
• Helicopter Rides - Curious what the aerial view of The Bay is like in the winter? Take a ride and see for yourself! (A charge does apply for this event.) This service is offered by CR Helicopters.
• ”Yoga on the Ice” -This is a breathtaking experience! This event is sponsored by Breathe Yoga NH, registration and detail information will follow on this event page.
• ABA Food & Drink Booth - Sausage & peppers, burgers, french fries, fried dough, water, sodas, coffee, hot chocolate and more.
•Food Vendors - Speciality food from The Lodge at Smith Point and Dockside restaurants. * NEW this year!!
•Caricature Artist!! NEW this year!!
• Kids Games, Music, Scavenger Hunt, Skating, Hockey Puck Shoot, S’mores Roasting and more!
• There will also be vendor tents & local small businesses on the ICE too!!

See event page for updated event information + the Winter Carnival schedule https://altonbusinessassociation.com/

Hope to see you on the ICE for this fun outdoor WINTER community-building event!

 

Hosted by Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation

Saturday, February 8th

When: 6 PM - 11:00 PM

Where: Abenaki Ski Area 

390 Pine Hill RdWolfeboro, New Hampshire 03894

The Annual Progressive XC Ski Dinner is held on the Abenaki X-Country Ski Loop Trail. Participants will strap on skis, snowshoes or good winter boots and progress out on to the candle-lit 4 Kilometer XC Ski Loop starting at Abenaki Ski Area. Skiers and hikers will stop at warm bonfires along the 4K trail and be treated to a delicious multi-course Italian dinner served at various stations along the way. Appetizers and a small warming fire will greet participants at the first table, followed by a delicious Italian main course at the second station a kilometer or two down the trail, followed by the dessert station in Pikes Pasture, complete with s’mores, ice cream sandwiches, cookies, cocoa, coffee and more.

In between stations, participants ski or hike through the tranquil woods of the Abenaki Loop Trail, lit by hundreds of candle-lit luminaries.

Local restaurants, cafe's, and chefs contribute their expertise to provide a simply delicious meal, served to you under the stars. Participating restaurants in the past have included Garwood’s, Wolfeboro Inn, Nolan's, Harvest Market and Hunter’s Shop N' Save It is truly a magical event that is sponsored by Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation and Wolfeboro Lions Club all to raise funds for the Friends of Abenaki. All skiers/hikers must have a ticket that is available to purchase for $25 for adults, $15 for youth.

We recommend bringing the following items for your enjoyment of the experience: headlamp, warm layers, appropriate gear for being outside at night in February, a sense of adventure and an empty stomach! Limited to 125 participants, this event typically sells out prior to the day of the event.  As of today, tickets are still available!!!

I found this article written by Aimee Tucker with Yankee Magazine.  I agree with her, this dessert brings back many childhood memories.  Although, my memories go back a lot earlier than Aimee's - about 15 years earlier!  So if your math calculates properly, you'll see that this yummy dessert has been around for a long time.

Friendly’s Jubilee Roll combines two kinds of ice cream with fudge, nuts, and sprinkles into the ultimate take-home treat.

Founded in 1935 by the Blake Brothers of Springfield, Massachusetts, Friendly’s is a New England-based family dining restaurant chain that’s mostly known for its ice cream. Whenever I meet someone that has never heard of Friendly’s, I describe it as being “like Howard Johnson’s was, only without the motels.” Casual dining (think burgers and melts) with an emphasis on friendly service, and always dessert. Today, there are nearly 400 Friendly’s locations throughout the eastern United States, most of them in the Northeast.

If you prefer to enjoy your ice cream at home, however, Friendly’s also offers take-home options, including cartons of ice cream, sundae cups, ice cream bars and cones, and novelty ice cream “rolls” like the Jubilee Roll. Popular and affordable (Friendly’s packaged ice creams are New England’s best-selling brand in grocery stores) they’re permanently linked to fond childhood memories for most former New England kids, including me. Out of the box, it looked as elegant as I remembered from nearly every Christmas (and sometimes Thanksgiving) dessert table of my 1980s childhood. A chocolate ice cream center surrounded by chocolate chip ice cream, topped with fudge, chopped almonds, red and green candy chips, and what Friendly’s refers to as “an ice cream ribbon.” I just call it “the pink part,” aka “the best part.” It tasted like ice cream and frosting had a party, but that might have just been my imagination working overtime.

Could there be a more attractive, delicious way to both celebrate the holiday season and indulge in a little local pride? I don’t think so.

Sliced, served, and maybe even topped with more hot fudge and a little whipped cream, it’s ice-cold Christmas on a plate.