Activities for everyone are available in the White Mountains; consider some of these options for your next trip.

• Alpine Adventures; off road tours, Zip lines and snowmobile 603-745-1919
• Cannon Mt Tramway; 80 passenger tram, Echo lake state park 603-823-8800
• Clarks Trading post; bear shows, gift shop train rides, ice cream 603-745-8913
• Flume Gorge: nature walk through chasms, under view waterfalls 603-745-8391
• Hobo Hills Adventures: Miniature golf, great fun for everyone 603-745-2125
• Loon Mountain Resort; climbing wall, state park, gondola rides 603-745-8111
• Lost River Gorge, Boulder caves, gem mining, boardwalks 603-745-8031
• Whales Tale Water Park, 17 acre park, wave pool and slides 603-745-8810
• White Mt. Motorsports Park; stock car racing summers only 603-745-6727

A host of year-round activities are available through local sporting goods retailers and at Loon Mountain it self these range from: Arts & Crafts, Bicycling, Cross Country Skiing, Fishing, Golf, Hiking, Horseback Rides, Ice Skating, Kayaking, Moose Tours, Paintball, Scenic Tours, and of course Down Hill Skiing.

More info on these activities; www.lincolnwoodstock.com Chamber of Commerce

A Manchester family of 6 whose home was destroyed in the floods of 2006 will have a new home built for them by “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” The Voisine family lost their Manchester home during the four days of rain that flooded much of southern New Hampshire. Federal Emergency Management Officials told them their home was uninhabitable, and tore it down.

To celebrate the outpouring of community involvement with the recent Extreme Makeover: Home Edition episode filmed in New Hampshire, Verizon Wireless Arena (located at 555 Elm Street in Manchester, NH) will host a special viewing of the New Hampshire episode when it premiers on Sunday, January 27, 2008. Doors will open at 6:00pm and admission to this viewing will be free.

In addition to the show, there will be special guests, raffles and other activities, including a behind-the-scenes documentary on the volunteers who made this happen.

Join us on Sunday, January 27th to celebrate the premier of the New Hampshire episode with many of the volunteers and people who made the project a success in the Granite State!

For more information feel free to contact: (603) 868-7300

Don’t miss the Chili Chllenge at Loon.

The first ever Chili Challenge held at the Village Shops

Saturday, January 19, 2008 (4 pm - 6 pm)

$2.00 per person for up to 10 samples.

Come & taste some of the area’s best chili from restaurant’s to community members! Don’t forget to vote for your favorite!

For more information on upcoming events pleae visit: http://www.lincolnvillageshops.com/vs_cal.htm

My favorite places to eat, drink and be merry (and some local knowledge) in the Lincoln Woodstock Valley. In No Particular order:

*Woodstock Station (and brew pub) my favorite summer outdoor lunch spot, great home made beer, and can you find local flavor (code for crazy people) and entertainment there www.woodstockinnnh.com 603-745-3951

*Gypsy café bar and grill, eclectic menu, try the specials, good wine list, great home made deserts (made by the owner’s mother) friendly staff, cozy bar great mid week for locals, make a reservation on the weekend or you wouldn’t get a seat. 603-745-4395

* Common Man / Lincoln, get there early if you want to find a couch and sit by the fire place, order the Lobster flat bread appetizer the prime rib is good and the lounge is very comfortable www.thecman.com 603-745-3463

*Gordi’s fish & steak house, Go to the bar after skiing, sports are on the tube, outdoor activities are talked about by people who actually do them (Gordi was on the US ski team) great western facing deck for late day liquids after a day of golf 603-745-6635

*Café Lafayette Dinner Train, limited schedule (no winters) a very cool way to see the country side, and river while having a gourmet meal 745-3500 www.cafelafayette.com

* Chieng Gardens oriental meals and take-out Main Street. Lincoln 745-8612

*Elvio’s Pizzeria great thin crust, excellent soup & salad bar Lincoln 745-8817

Many of the Local hotels feature their own on site restaurants and are open to the public as well for a more comprehensive list try the Lincoln Woodstock Chamber of Commerce

Take a train to the North Pole and visit Santa Claus before he departs for his around the world trip Christmas Eve. Trains leaving from the Hobo Hills in Lincoln NH, and tickets are still available. Proceeds benefit “Believe in Books Literacy Foundation”, young and not so young will enjoy the telling of the tales of the Polar Express. The elves will greet you and usher you to Santa’s Giant Igloo for gifts and hot coco, and make sure you listen for the Magic Bell.

For more information Visit: www.polarexpress.org, and remember you better be good for goodness sakes.

Some town’s assets aren’t as obvious as others. When I first moved from Concord - the Capital of NH, to Ashland - the small rural community located geographical in the center of NH (between the Lakes and Mountain Region) I thought I would have to go without some of the conveniences I had while living in a city. I am happy to say “I was wrong.” I was surprised to find that the quaint village of Ashland known as the gateway to the Squam Lakes had so much to offer.

Here are just a few of the businesses that I’ve noticed over the past few years. Please feel free to let me know if I’ve forgotten any:

ACCOMODATIONS
Comfort Inn
Glynn House Inn
Squam Village Guest House Bed and Breakfast
West Street Self Storage

AUTOMOTIVE
Auto Parts Store
Buskey Garage & Gas Station
Insurance Center
Irving Mainway Gas Station

EDUCATION
Elementary School (Voted #1 in the State 2007)
Ashland Library

GIFTS & FLOWERS
Mountain Laurel Flower Shop
Wholy Tara
Common Man Store

FOOD
Common Man Restaurant & Lounge
Johns Restaurant
Burger King
Dunkin Donuts
Green Dragon Chinese Restaurant
House of Pizza
Village Pizza
Mountain View Deli
Riverside Dairy Joy
Shur Fine Market
Cumberland Farms

LEGAL
Law office of John J McCormack
Gabriel Nizetic Law Firm

RECREATION
Nold Gallery of Art
Bernsen Gallery
Village Artist & Gallery
Family & Play Therapy Center
Popcorn n’ A Movie
Community Center
Science Center of New Hampshire
Whipple House Museum
Basket Ball Courts
Baseball Field

RELIGION
Baptist Church
New Life Church Parsonage
St Marks Episcopal Church
United Methodist Church

STATE OFFICES
Post Office
Water & Sewer
PSNH Electrical
State of New Hampshire Liquor Store

SUPPLIES
Ashland Lumber Yard
True Value Hardware
Custance Brothers Woodworking

When we were kids, going out with the family to find and cut down our Christmas Tree was one of the high points of the holiday season. I still enjoy going out and hunting for the “perfect” tree, and somehow I doubt I’ll ever convert to using an artifical tree - no matter how convenient they may be. Nothing beats the wonderful smell of a fresh pine tree or the ambience created by a beautiful, fresh cut evergreen.

Some tree farms now days offer their customers horse-drawn sleigh or hay rides, warm cider or coco and refreshments to creat a fun family outing for the whole family. Here is some Christmas Free Farms located in Grafton County:

PLYMOUTH:
Glove Hollow Christmas Tree Farm
Route 3, Plymouth
603-536-2334

LeBlanc’s Christmas Tree Farm
392 Texas Hill Road, Plymouth
603-536-1496

RUMNEY:
Blue Sky Christmas Tree Farm
797 Quincy Road, Rumney
603-786-9896

Jack O’Lantern Golf course Woodstock NH - A Family Affair. The Keating Family Traditions was handed over to the Ford Family when the course was sold last summer.

For over 50 years the Keating family ran the resort, which started at Rte 3, highway motel with cabins and a small restaurant. The family added a nine hole golf course which later expanded to 18 holes. The Cabins and the old restaurant came down to make way for Condominiums a recreation center with pools and tennis as well as a new restaurant and new pro-shop. As a resident of Woodstock I play the course as much as possible the two things that amaze me the most are how beautiful the terrain along the Pemigewasset River has remained throughout the years. And how many couples I meet that tell me they have been coming to the “JACK” from a fair distance for many years. A couple from Florida who was Looking to buy a condo there told me they had there Honeymoon here (35 yr ago) and still have adult children in New England that would ski there in the winter and they will use it in the summer to beat the heat of Florida. So this golf resort continues to have a family tradition of ownership and bringing together past and future family memories. I hope these traditions never go out of style. What a great place to PLAY even if you don’t golf.

Check out our current listings at the Jack O’Lantern resort, nice features good potential rental income and the opportunity to start your own family tradition.

How many of you know what a Shoe Tree is? I have to admit until just about 7 years ago I didn’t. Apparently my grandfather had them and even my younger brother, so they had been in my family - right under my nose for years and I still didn’t know what they were. Until I was asked to cover a maternity leave as a Customer Service Representative for the summer at Ashland Shoe Tree. I had just retired from my position at Capital Region Health Care in Concord and was planning on enjoying my summer working only part-time doing Mary Kay, so since I had plenty of time on my hands I decided to accept the temp position.

Ashland Shoe Tree was only a quarter of a mile from my house and I didn’t even know what they did there. That summer gave me a chance to learn a lot. I learned that the company was founded by Edmund Bass out of Rochester, New York, and they have been in continuous business since 1922 - although their original factory in New York burnt. When they started they used hardwood for their shoe trees. They later experimenting with unfinished red cedar and invented the aromatic red cedar shoe tree. There are only a couple Shoe Tree companies around.

Every Shoe Tree is carefully crafted to achieve unrivaled form and durability that is necessary to keep shoes looking new and comfortable for the lifetime of the shoe. This restores the shape of the shoe to keep the fit and good looks. Shoe Trees keep your shoes looking good, feeling good, and smelling good so they are especially helpful with dress shoes, golf shoes, sneakers, boat shoes, etc.

Here’s a list of Farmers’ Markets in New Hampshire:

Amherst: Village Green; June 7-Oct.11; Thursdays, 2:30-6:30 p.m.; 249-9809

Barrington: Routes 9 & 125, across from Calef’s Country Store; May-October; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; 749-0377

Bedford: Wallace Road to Benedictine Park; June 19-Oct.17; Tuesdays, 3-6 p.m.; 472-5660, 472-6663

Canaan: Routes 4 & 118, on the park in downtown Canaan; June 24-Oct.7; Sundays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 523-4337

Canterbury: Canterbury Center; June-October; Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m.; 783-3321

Claremont: Broad Street Park; June-Sept. 27; Thursdays, 4-7 p.m.; 543-1296

Colebrook: Farmers Market on Main Street: Main Street; June 30-October; Saturdays, 8-11 a.m.; 237-4395

Colebrook: Colebrook Farmers’ Market: 84 Colby St; July-October; Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon; 237-4430

Concord: Capitol Street; June 2-Oct. 27; Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-noon; 753-4799

Contoocook: Main Street at Contoocook Train Depot; June 30-Columbus Day; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon; 746-2874

Cornish: Route 120, Meetinghouse Green, Cornish Flat; May-October; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon; 542-6323

Deerfield: Deerfield Fair Grounds; June-October; Fridays, 3-7 p.m.; 463-8812

Dover: Seacoast Farmers’ Markets, Henry Law Park; June 7-Oct.11; Wednesdays, 2:15-5:30 p.m.; 658-0280

Durham: Seacoast Farmers’ Markets, Pettee Brook Lane parking lot; June 5-Oct. 2; Mondays, 2:15-5:30 p.m.; 658-0280

Enfield: U.S. Route 3, Huse Park; late June to early-October; Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.; 632-7197

Exeter: Seacoast Farmers’ Markets, Swasey Parkway; June 8-Oct.12; Thursdays, 2:15-5:30 p.m.; 658-0280

Franklin: Unitarian Church parking lot, 206 Central St.; July-October; Tuesdays, 3-6 p.m.; 286-4214, 934-3229

Gilmanton: Academy at the Four Corners; July-late October; Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.; 267-7083

Hampton: Seacoast Farmers’ Markets, Sacred Heart School, Lafayette Road; June 6-Oct.10; Tuesdays, 3-6 p.m.; 658-0280

Hancock: In the horse sheds behind the church; mid-May to mid-October; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon; 525-3788

Henniker: Community Park, Main Street; July 11-Oct.10; Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.; 428-7490

Hillsborough: Butler Park, corner of Central and Main streets; late June-Sept. 15; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon; 532-6561

Jackson: Snowflake Inn field; July 1-Columbus Day; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon; 383-9195

Keene: commercial parking lot off Gilbo Ave; May-October; Tuesdays & Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; 446-9474

Kingston: Seacoast Farmers’ Markets, The Plains, Main Street; June 6-Oct.10; Tuesdays, 2:15-5:30 p.m.; 658-0280

Laconia: Beacon Street East; June-October; Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-noon; 267-6522

Lancaster: Centennial Park; June-October; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon; 788-2669

Lebanon: Colburn Park; June-September; Thursdays, 4-7 p.m.; 448-5121

Lee: Old fire station, Route 155, Lee; Memorial Day-Oct.1; Thursdays, 3-6 p.m.; 659-9329

Littleton: Cottage Street, Senior Center parking lot; June-October; Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 444-777, 444-0248

Lyndeborough: Village Green, Route 31; mid-May-September; Fridays, 3:30-6:30 p.m.; 654-5362

Manchester: Concord & Pine streets; June-October; Thursdays, 3-6:30 p.m.; 679-8101

Meredith: Community Park, Main Street; July 5-Aug. 30; Thursdays, 2:30-5 p.m.; 279-9015

Milford: TD Banknorth lower lot, South Street; late June-early October; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon; 673-5792

Nashua: Main Street Bridge Farmers’ Market: 53-75 Main St.; May-October; Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 878-5700

Nashua: Farmers’ Market: 48 W. Hollis St., St. Louis de Gonzague Church parking lot; July 10-Oct.16; Tuesdays, 2-6 p.m.; 878-3437

New Boston: Town Common at the gazebo, Route 13; July-October; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon; 487-3577

New Durham: Depot Road, at the post office parking lot under the Pines; through mid-October; Fridays, 1-6 p.m.; 859-4251

Newport: On the common, North Main Street; June-October; Fridays, 3-6 p.m.; 863-4847

Nottingham: Blaisdell Memorial Library, 129 Stage Road; Memorial Day to mid-September; Sundays, 1-4 p.m.; 679-8484

Peterborough: Depot Square Park, Peterborough; May 23-Oct. 4; Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.; 547-2108

Piermont: Corners of River Road & Route 25; June 5-Oct. 30; Tuesdays, 3-7 p.m.; 802-222-4582

Pittsfield: Main Street, Dustin Park; June-October; Thursdays, 3-5:30 p.m.; 435-7260

Plymouth: 263 Highland St., Community Life Center of the Church of the Holy Spirit; July 2-Sept. 27; Thursday, 3-6 p.m.; 536-3823

Portsmouth: Seacoast Farmers’ Markets, City Hall parking lot, Junkins Avenue; May 6-Nov. 4; Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; 658-0280

Rochester: Pride Plantings Market: 4 Corners Antiques Store, junction of 202A, Estes Road & Meaderboro Road; June 7-Oct. 27; Fridays 3-6:30 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon. 332-9770

Sanbornton: Sanbornton Historical Society’s Lane Tavern, Route 132; June 29-Oct. 5; Fridays, 3-6 p.m.; 286-9995, 934-5086

Sandwich: Samuel H. Wentworth Library, under the Pines; June-Columbus Day; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon; 284-7163

Tamworth: Unitarian Church, Route 113 & Main Street; June 30-September; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon; 323-2392

Tilton: 5 Prospect St; Memorial Day-Labor Day; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon; 286-4007 ext. 222

Wakefield: Corner of Route 16 and Wakefield Road opposite of Palmer’s Motel; May 26-Oct.6; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; 473-8762

Warner: Davisville: 909 East Rte 103, Warner; June-October; Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 995-1345

Weare: Town Gazebo; June-September; Fridays, 3-6 p.m.; 529-0782

Whitefield: On the common; June 15-Oct. 15; Fridays, 3-6 p.m.; 837-8778

Wilmot: Wilmot Town Green; July-end of September; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon; 526-7729

Wolfeboro: 35 Center St. Clarke Plaza; June 2-Sept. 27; Thursdays, 1-5 p.m.; 539-4456

Woodsville: Lower Cohase Farmers’ Market, Route 302. June 13-Oct. 17; Wednesdays, 2-5 p.m.; 838-6425

I had the opportunity to work as the Assistant Director for the Parent Information Center - New Hampshire Coalition for Children. I took that opportunity to attend their classes so that I too could learn the “Do’s & Don’ts” of childcare. Although I don’t have children of my own, I do have nieces and nephews that I spend a great deal of time with and I was surprised how of this useful information I was able to use. One thing that I always remembered was the importance of keeping the negative impact of the “NEWS” down to a minimum – especially when children are around.

As a good rule of thumb, children should not be exposed to ANY news (TV, Radio, or Print). Children can’t comprehend if the news is referring to something happening in their neighborhood, in their town, in their state, or where.

When a parent exhibits feelings of fear, anxiety, etc. children pick up on it and take it upon themself very easily. Therefore it’s important to ‘vent’ about stressful situations with another adult only when children are not near by.

Less is more when it comes to talking to kids about disasters. Sometimes not talking to them about disasters at all may be the best bet. Children are better off not knowing about emergency situations as they end up confused, frightened, and stressed. Children should feel protected, and know the world is a good safe place to grow up.

Hart’s has a unique and interesting background. In the late 1940’s, two brothers Russ and Larry Hart and their wives left New Jersey to begin farming in New Hampshire. Helen and Gerda helped their husbands in growing vegetables and apples; in addition the two couples sold chickens and eggs from a delivery truck. In 1953, they started raising turkeys instead of chickens, and a year later opened a 12-seat restaurant specializing in delicious Turkey Dinners.

Russ became the sole owner when his brother Larry passed away in 1960. In 1965, Russ phased out raising his own turkeys, discovering he could equal the high quality of his home-grown birds by selectively purchasing them from Turkey Farms that met his standards of quality. That step allowed him more time to perfect his skills as a chef and restauranteur.

During the past two generations, the ever-growing family of satisfied customers have encouraged Hart’s to expand the restaurant’s size many times and we they seat over 500 people. We have also extensively renovated the kitchen and storage areas to create one of the most spacious, modern and efficient kitchens in New England.

The restaurant has been a family endeavor from the start. Russ’ mother (Grandma-Mae) started what may be the world’s largest turkey plate collection which visitors can see displayed on the walls of our dining rooms. In 1986, Russ and Helen’s children, Lynn, Dale, Russell and Glenn, purchased the restaurant and continued their involvement in its daily operations.

Visitors and residents alike are using the Squam Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce’s new Information Center to find out what is going on in the area!

Here is just one (1) event that you would find on the Information Center “Calendar of Events”
Through the generous help of Holderness 2000 and the residents of the Town of Holderness another series of 8 FREE community concerts will be held at Curry Place in Holderness again this year.

Check out the Squam Lake Visitor Information Center located at at the corner of Rte 3 and Rte 175 in Holderness for more calendar events.

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a non-profit organization located in Holderness, New Hampshire. Their mission is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world. Plan to spend 3-4 hours in order to see all the Science Center has to offer. Spend the day hiking 1 or all 4 self-guided trails and interactive exhibits including the “Gephart Trail” with live, native New Hampshire wildlife in natural woodland enclosures. Hike the “Mt. Fayal trail” which takes you to the summit to see breathtaking views of Squam Lake. Be sure to leave time to visit Kirkwood Gardens.

The Science Center has a full calendar of exhibits, events and programs available. Here are a few listed below:

Solar Exhibit
Mountain Lion Exhibit
American Black Bear Exhibit
Raptor Exhibit
Moose Tours
Traditional West African Drumming Workshop
Herbs as Partners in Life
Autumn Festival
Halloween Hoot N’ Howl

A dedicated group of Onaway trustees founded the Circle Program in 1993, originally called “On-Our-Way.” The original program had 22 girls enrolled, thru volunteers and a staff members or two. The first camp session went without a mishap and the campers had the kind of expereince that would make the difference of their lives. Now, eleven years later, the Circle Program has grown to 36 girls in a two-year program, 28 girls in a Graduate Program, 45 volunteers, and a year-round staff of five. They served over 215 girls and are building a camp on Spectacle Pond. As we look back on how far they’ve come over the years, they are mindful that they would not be here today without the guidance and support of Camp Onaway.

The Circle Program provides a community in which each girl is a valued and contributing member. Within the context of that community, the Circle Program provides new opportunities for the girls to develop new skills, explore new interests, give back to their larger communities, and be involved in a supportive, positive environment. They do this on several different levels, each of which emphasizes the concepts of responsibility and connection.

The girls who are referred to the Circle Program are ages 9 through 11 and live in the Plymouth, Laconia, Concord and Lebanon areas. They are referred to the program by teachers, guidance counselors and social service agencies. Most of the girls are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. The Circle girls are bright, smart, talented kids with tremendous potential who need better opportunities to develop their potential.

The Circle Program is an independent non-profit organization that belongs to the New Hampshire Lakes Region United Way and Upper Valley United Way.

Located in Woodstock, already one of the most populare attractions in the White Mountains, guests who go aboard the Cafe’ Lafayette Dinner Train - Talk about a restaurant with a constantly changing view of the Pemigewasset River areas.

I had the privilege of dining on the Lafayette about 5 years ago and have bragged about it ever since. It’s two (2) hours that flies by while you travel twenty (20) miles, being waited on hand-and-foot. They serve you an amazing five (5) five course meal that was truly a “fine dining” experience. I need to make time to get back up to North Woodstock, NH before the summer is over and do it again.

The train only runs from May through the end of October so don’t miss your opportunity on the Lafayette.

Located in the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes and Mountains, The Glynn House Inn is a large, meticulously restored and maintained Victorian residence. A beautiful, adjacent Carriage House compliments the Main Inn. The Glynn House is also perfectly situated for those who want to take advantage of the wealth of recreation opportunities that abound throughout the area. Guests recieve genuine New England hospitality complimented by impeccable service and gourmet cuisine with an international flavor.

Our grounds are beautifully landscaped, with sweeping porches as well as pleasant areas to relax and enjoy the fresh country air. A five-minute walk brings you to the quaint village of Ashland (Center of NH) where you’ll find numerous charming restaurants, scenic driving tours, covered bridges, museums, delightful galleries, shopping, etc.

We are conveniently situated to enable our guests to enjoy the best of the White Mountains and Lakes Regions. Local Alpine ski resorts include Tenney, Loon, Waterville and Cannon mountains. Cross country trails, ice-skating, sleigh rides, ice fishing, snowmobiling and New Hampshire’s most attractive lakes are only minutes away.

In warm weather, you can fish, canoe, kayak, sail or swim at delightful local lakes such as Squam. Enthusiasts can also enjoy horseback riding, golf, cycling and numerous hiking trails including beautiful Franconia Notch.

No, I’m not talking about getting ready for New Hampshire’s fall weather when I say 55 Degrees. I’m referring to a contemporary restaurant housed in the historical down-town Morrill building in Concord, NH, owned by Shannon Drake.

This restaurant has been completely restored to its original condition from the 1800’s and reborn into an amazing culinary experience you would expect to see in Boston or San Francisco. Sharron and her partner began renovating in December 2003, tearing through 4 layers of walls before finding… BRICK. They couldn’t believe it. Then another true gift was found… a beautiful wall-safe with fine 19th century hand painted decorations on it was preserved behind the 4 layers of walls. They decided to leave it in the brick wall where it was discovered for everyone to enjoy. In 2005 “55 Degrees” won Best Restoration for Concord New Hampshire.

When you step into “55 Degrees” you’re stepping into a cultural experience unlike anything else Concord has ever been able to offer. Rather you’re favorite part of the evening is the epicurean delight, marveling the art works of NH’s local artists such as Barbara Filleul, or appreciating the fine craftsmanship of restoring the original doors and Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors. All that will matter is that you won’t forget your visit and that you will be anxious to return. You never know who you’re going to run into as it seems to be turning into just about everyone’s favorite restaurant… even Bob Tewksbury (a Penacook native that played for the NY Yankees).

As Shannon Drake says: “follow your dreams” and see the possibilities.

My assistant and I attended the Squam Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours from 5-7pm at the Longhaul Farm in Holderness, NH, last night. We had a chance to talk with a lot of nice Squam members.

Longhaul Farm is a USDA certified organic farm located on 33 beautiful acres. This is an organic farm that produces a wide variety of vegetables and herbs that are available at the farmstand, May through October.

Longhaul Farm’s Pavilion is the newest addition to their property. This buetiful building sets back into the lovely wooded landscape of Longhaul Farm, featuring a spacious open-aired meeting room and a fully-functional, commercial-sized kitchen with wall-to-wall stainless steel appliances and counter tops. Longhaul’s NEW 2007 Pavilion is nestled in the woods and provides a quiet gathering space for functions, private parties, small weddings, company outings, etc.

Well then you will LOVE Mojohnson!

My family (mom, dad, sister, cousins, boyfriend, etc.) took me out to celebrate my week-long birthday (that’s how we do it in my family) and we ran into some friends of both my parents and mine. Gary Stewart the Lead Singer & Guitar Player and Rick Lee the Base Player for the band “Mojohnson.”

It was such a great birthday present to see them. We have known each other for 20 years… eeks I can’t believe it’s been that long. Gary Stewart and his wife Nancy owners of the “Sandwich Depot” on Hall Street in Concord and have been friends with my parents since I was a child. Rick Lee worked with me along with a group of other friends at Wendy’s in Concord. There was my ex-Andre, Chester, Erik, David, and me (Bobi)… just-one of the guys. We all took good care of each other. It brought back a lot of fun memories seeing them. That’s what birthday’s are all about - remembering good times

Shakespeare In the Valley will be performed by PLAYAH (located at 39 Alden Drive in Campton, NH)

PLAYAH is a Non-Profit Theatrical Corporation that illuminates, invigorates and educates, helping grafton area youth participate in a fun, healthy, growth-oriented activity.

Many patrons are from within a 60 mile radius of Campton, with the rest being second home owners and visitors from southern NH, the Boston area and New York. This year PLAYAH is offering 4 performances a week to an anticipated audiences of 5,000 people.

100% of the net revenue goes to fund scholarships for area youth age 8-16 to attend our Reach for the Stars CAN DO Youth Theatre Camps. Last year 8 children from the area received scholarships and we were able to offer several free performances for kids because of sales revenue.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE VALLEY invites all to come out and see what the Boston Globe declared to be, “Shakespeare as Willy himself intended”

Located at the beautiful Theatre Under the Stares outdoor stage adjacent to the Waterville Valley Elementary School, this “lean, mean Shakespeare machine” presents three evening Main Stage and 2 FREE Town Square Family Matinees (Tues and Sat at 4pm) each week: The lush, vibrant music-filled romance “As You Like It”(G) and its “texts, thugs and rockin roles” Main Stage counterpart, “Romeo and Juliet”(PG13) which play in alternating repertory Thurs-Sat through August 18th. House opens at 5:30 pm for pre-show BYO picnic/beverage, curtain is at 6:30 pm. The third Main Stage show is a world premiere of the original spoof comedy “Making Sonnets by Moonlight”(PG13). It’s a “no holds Bard”, politically incorrect romp through Shakespeare’s oeuvre and features for actors playing of 40 different roles in gothic melodrama as well as skits mixing famous Shakespearean plays with pop culture. It plays as a Sunday matinee through August 12th on the indoor stage. Indoor house/outdoor theatre (for pre-show picnics) open at 1 pm, curtain at 2pm (All shows are approx. 1 1/2 hours with a 15 minute intermission) DUE TO AN INDOOR STAGE, ALL SHOWS ARE RAIN OR SHINE!

FOR MORE INFO GO TO WWW.SHAKESPEARINTHEVALLEY.COM OR CALL 603-726-0098

To stand out in an increasingly competitive real estate market and serve their community, one New Hampshire real estate agency has made it its mission to provide more than just a list of available properties around Loon Mountain, Waterville Valley, and the stunning White Mountain region.

CAMPTON, NH, and LINCOLN, NH – As of May 1st, 2007, Alpine Lakes Real Estate, which specializes in Waterville Valley and Loon Mountain property, is donating $50.00 to charities in the Grafton County area for every property bought or/or sold through their agency.

Clients of Alpine Lakes Real Estate get to choose which of seven (7) local charities will receive the $50.00 contribution. Those groups include:
Adolescent Drug & Alcohol Prevention Tools (ADAPT), Grafton County Senior Citizens Council, Campton Historical Society, Lions Club, Listen Community Services, North Country Center for the Arts, and Whole Village.

“I can’t take credit for the idea,” said Bobi Bigelow, Marketing Administrator for Alpine Lakes. “I’d heard about the concept on a real-estate-related program, and I thought that would be perfect idea for Alpine Lakes.”

In March, Bobi compiled a list of non-profits from the Grafton County area to involve in the new program, and created the additional forms and documentation to include with their closing documents. The program officially started May 1st, and the first donation went to Grafton County Senior Citizens Council.

And in the past, buyers and sellers working with Alpine Lakes have received a “Thank You” packages after their closing. Now, those packages also include a form letting the client chose their $50,00 donation by on behalf of Alpine Lakes.

“We’ve been deeply involved with the Grafton County community over the past 20 years, and we all contribute in our own individual ways,” said Joe Macord, Managing Broker of Alpine Lakes’ Campton Office. “But when Bobi came to us with this idea, we were all very excited by it.

“The donations come out of our expenses, so there’s no increase in closing costs to our clients. They’ve been very receptive to this idea so far, and we hope to raise thousands of dollars for these local charities in 2007.”

Alpine Lakes Real Estate has been building long-term relationships in the White Mountains for almost 25 years. Their extensive real estate expertise is enhanced by their vast knowledge of the entire building process, regional history, and area heritage. With offices in Lincoln serving the Loon Mountain area and in Campton serving the Waterville Valley Region of NH, Alpine Lakes Real Estate offers friendly and experienced guidance, assistance with IRS 1031 “like-kind” exchanges, and even the Design-Build services of their in-house architect. For more information about Alpine Lakes Real Estate and the stunning White Mountains region they call home, go to www.AlpineLakes.com

After 3 months of renovation we moved up into the 2nd floor on Tuesday, May 29th. Cargill Construction’s crew did an amazing job renovating what was once just white walls and worn out carpet into now a one of a kind display room and 4 beautiful office suites. They have managed to fill every inch of space with only top quality material and fine craftsmanship. There are great remodeling ideas as soon as you walk through the doors. You should make a special trip to just to see the custom design murals that Marcy Yerkes from “Southern Accent Design” has done in our 2nd floor waiting room. She is well know for her fine art designs in the Lakes Region areas. I love Marcy’s work. She makes it look so easy although I completely appreciate the talent that Marcy puts possesses as I can’t even draw a straight line - lol. Cargill Construction hired Marcy to do a faux finish for a customer’s ‘powder room’ and they loved it (as well as everyone else that has seen it)! It’s original, yet you’d almost think it’s wallpaper. If you’re looking to do something ‘out of the ordinary’ that will have all your guests raving about check out Marcy’s website at: www.southernaccentdesigns.com

The Little Church Theater on Squam Lake in Holderness celebrates their 4th season.

For more information visit: www.littlechurchtheater.com

I rented “Night at the Museum” from Popcorn and A Movie in Ashland, NH - what a hilarious family movie.

Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) accepts what appears to be a menial job as a graveyard-shift security guard at a museum of natural history. During Larry’s watch, extraordinary things begin to occur: Mayans, Roman gladiators, and cowboys emerge to wage epic battles; in his quest for fire, a caveman burns down his own display; Attila the Hun pillages his neighboring exhibits, and a T-Rex (Rexy)… well you’ll just have to see it. Amid the chaos, the only person Larry can turn to for advice is a wax figure of President Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams).

Night at the Museum is one of the funniest PG films I have seen in a while. Owen Wilson & Robin Williams make special appearances in the film as well as Dick Van Dyke plays Cecil the old guy who hires Ben Stiller. The Special Effects in Night at the Museum actually made the dinosaur look amazing.

Overall If You Like Ben Stiller or Great Family Comedy’s this movie’s for you.