TheLaker_July_13_26

Bringing Music to Wolfeboro’s Cate Park

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

Wolfeboro is among the most charming of the towns in the Lakes Region, especially in the summertime when a variety of shops are open and visitors can stroll about the streets and enjoy an ice cream or meal. Many choose a spot to sit at dockside and watch the boats come and go.

One of the many wonderful things about Wolfeboro is Cate Park, directly in the downtown area. The park has a pretty greenspace and sits next to Lake Winnipesaukee. Many people sit in the park to socialize, read, have coffee, or simply take in the peace and beauty.

Established in 1941, the lower portion of the park was first developed on former dockside lands. In 1967, the park was expanded to its current footprint on the site of a former Esso Service Station and the old Ann Inn.

An attractive bandstand was added in 1995. (The bandstand was the dream of local musician Doug Cady who had the vision of bringing music to the spot.) At the time, the Friends of the Wolfeboro Community Bandstand began offering an outdoor summer concert series with a different musical act each week. It gained immediate popularity and was among the first outdoor music series in the Lakes Region. An eager audience gathered around the bandstand each week to hear rock ’n roll, country, and all sorts of music.

The goal of the bandstand is to provide free music to the public in per-

petuity. As a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, the Friends’ mission is to organize and fund free public concerts at the community bandstand.

The Friends of the Wolfeboro Community Bandstand has a nine-member board of directors that meets about three times a year. Board members start vetting bands in January for the following summer. It is a big but fun job, and Mike Chatigny, (president from 2015 to 2025) has been a driving force in choosing the bands for each summer schedule. Mike, with help from others on the board of directors, considers musicians represented by agents and those suggested by local people who may have heard someone perform elsewhere and enjoyed the music.

The board strives to provide a diverse

line-up each summer, offering rock ’n roll, concert bands, bluegrass, and country, for example. Bands are rotated, so the same groups don’t perform every year, and this keeps the line-up fresh.

Once the initial musicians are on a list for consideration, the board of directors weighs each choice and makes suggestions. Finally, the board members take a vote. When the definite choices are made, the band schedule is finalized for another summer of great music.

The Friends started doing concerts in 1995 and presented nine or 10 shows per summer at the bandstand. When the concerts began all those years ago, Annie and the Orphans, a local and very popular band, were among the first

groups to play at the bandstand. All board members are responsible for overseeing one concert per season, including welcoming the band as they set up, ensuring the bandstand is in good condition, introducing the band at the start of the show, and being on-site throughout to ensure everything goes smoothly. At the end of the night, that board member wraps up by filling out a critique sheet, answering questions such as what the weather was like, attendance, and anything that might be improved.

The Friends provide the maintenance for the bandstand, but it is owned by the town of Wolfeboro. With an average audience of over 200 people at each summer concert, the park sees large crowds no matter what the show. As a result, the bandstand must be kept in good condition for public use. (The board recently had the bandstand’s roof replaced and also installed new lighting.)

In addition to bandstand maintenance, another expense is paying the fees for the performers. The Friends raise funds throughout each year to pay for the musicians. For example, a donation bucket is passed through the audience at the concerts. Also, appeal letters are sent out each year asking for donations. In addition to these fundraising methods, there is an endowment fund, and the hard-working board

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members apply for grants. Because fewer people at the concerts carry cash these days, a QR code allows them to donate, and it works well.

Being a member of the board of directors of the Friends of the Wolfeboro Community Bandstand is a big commitment, and current president Diane Guerriere credits each board member and volunteers for their work and support. Every member is involved, from choosing a diverse concert lineup to talking with booking agents and working on the many projects involved in the summer concert series.

While the board of directors is not made up of musicians, the members all love music and want to bring a wide range of concerts to Wolfeboro. Nothing is more gratifying for board members than seeing the public singing along, clapping, and getting up to dance to the bands on a summer’s evening.

When asked what the most popular music is with audiences, board members agree that it seems to be music from the 1950s and 60s, such as Jimmy and the Jesters. Doo Wop, such as

Billy D & the Rock-Its or the vocals of Ball in the House, is also very popular. No matter the music or the year it was created, audiences of all ages appreciate the diverse sounds. For example, it is gratifying to see young counselors from local summer camps stopping by on their nights off and getting up to dance to oldies music; everyone enjoys an evening of music in such a beautiful spot. Added to the festive atmosphere are boats docked nearby whose drivers stop to enjoy the music from their spot on the water.

The 2026 summer concerts bring to fruition the hard work of (former) board of directors president Mike Chatigny and others in the Friends of the Wolfeboro Community Bandstand. (No organization runs smoothly without the secretary, treasurer, and board members.) The public, from yearround residents to vacationers, love the concerts and look forward to the shows each season; the Friends of the Wolfeboro Community Bandstand were among the very first organizations to present a free outdoor concert series in the Lakes Region, and they plan to continue.

For the board of directors of Friends of the Wolfeboro Community Bandstand, bringing the shows to the public is what it is all about. In the end, that is the heart of their work.

For more information, visit www. wolfeborobandstand.org.

This year’s schedule of shows includes July 18 – Soggy Po’ Boys; July

25 – Michael Vincent Band; August 1 – High Range; August 8 – Compaq Big Band; August 15 – Ball in the House; August 22 – Jimmy and the Jesters; August 29 – Eric Grant Band; and closing out the season will be Sept. 5 – Billy D & the Rock-Its. Bring a lawn chair for seating and enjoy the shows!

Record Bat Count at

Squam Lakes Natural

Science Center

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center recently recorded its highest bat count ever as part of the New Hampshire Bat Counts community science program, offering encouraging signs for one of New Hampshire’s vulnerable mammals.

Following a bat count training earlier this month, volunteers counted 802 bats emerging from the Science Center’s five bat houses, breaking the Science Center’s previous records. The largest bat house alone accounted for 656 bats, compared to about 450 bats counted there last year.

efforts across the state.

The public is invited to learn more during a free screening of The Invisible Mammal on Wednesday, July 22, at 6 pm at the Science Center. The award-winning, feature-length documentary follows an all-women team of biologists working to save bats from the devastating impacts of white-nose syndrome. The film premiered at the 2025 DocLands Documentary Film Festival, where it received the Audience Choice Award.

Based on the bats’ size, speed, and flight patterns, New Hampshire Fish and Game biologist Sandi Houghton and UNH Cooperative Extension Wildlife Conservation State Specialist Haley Andreozzi believe many may have been little brown bats, a species that declined by more than 99 percent in New Hampshire after white-nose syndrome emerged. Continued monitoring through programs like New Hampshire Bat Counts helps scientists better understand how bat populations are changing and informs conservation

Following the 90-minute film, Haley Andreozzi and Sandi Houghton will answer questions about bat conservation in New Hampshire before leading the Science Center’s second bat colony count of the season at approximately 8:15 pm. By late July, young bats will have begun flying, making it an ideal time to observe colonies as they emerge from the bat houses.

Guests are encouraged to bring camp chairs and snacks or dinner to the screening. Popcorn and beverages will be provided. The event is free, but advance registration is required. To register, visit nhnature.org.

The Caterpillar Lab Comes to Grey Rocks Conservation Center

The Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA) invites community members of all ages to a free, drop-in event featuring live New England caterpillars. The event will take place at the Grey Rocks Conservation Center, 178 North Shore Road in Hebron, on Wednesday, July 15, from 11 am to 3 pm.

Presented by The Caterpillar Lab, a New Hampshire nonprofit dedicated to fostering appreciation for local wildlife through live exhibits, education, and research, the program offers visitors the chance to observe native caterpillars up close. Featuring specimens from the organization’s own collection, along with species found in the landscape at Grey Rocks, the exhibit showcases the remarkable diversity of New Hampshire’s native insects.

Educators from The Caterpillar Lab will explore the wonders of metamorphosis and share incredible but true stories about the surprising adaptations caterpillars use to survive. Visitors will encounter species that resemble twigs

or snakes, others with brightly colored markings or stinging spines, and many more fascinating examples of nature’s ingenuity.

Guests are welcome to explore the exhibits at their own pace and are encouraged to enjoy the trails and natural beauty of Grey Rocks before or after their visit.

“Most people know butterflies, but very few have had the chance to really look at the caterpillars they come from,” said NLRA Education and Outreach Manager Mirka Zapletal. “This event is a fun opportunity to see these fascinating creatures up close and discover just how diverse, beautiful, and surprising they can be.”

The Newfound Lake Region Association protects and improves the health of the Newfound Lake Watershed through science-based conservation, education, and community engagement. More information about NLRA programs and events can be found at NewfoundLake.org.

There are shocking comments in the Zoom chat during Eureka Day. How will the members of the board handle it? Find out at The Barnstormers Theatre beginning Thursday, July 9. Pictured L to R: Kira Sarai Helper, Kate Middleton, Dale Place, Miyuki Miyagi, and Josh Evans. Tickets and information at barnstormerstheatre. org.

The Barnstormers Theatre Presents Razor-Sharp Satire Eureka Day

The Barnstormers Theatre is thrilled to present Eureka Day, a modern-day comedy that took Broadway by storm. The theatre’s second production of the season runs until July 18.

Written by Jonathan Spector, the plot focuses on a progressive private school in Berkeley, California, that must debate whether to mandate vaccines following a mumps outbreak. The unique staging brings Zoom meetings - and the ‘group chat’ comments - to the forefront in a hilarious way.

For longtime Barnstormers actor Dale Place (Don), the script brilliantly explores serious issues while being breathtakingly funny. “For my money, this play is the most accurate take on modern American speech I can think of,” Place said. “One scene in particular is the funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time.”

And while this is a comedy, for Director Dori A. Robinson, the heart of the play is in the deeply human characters. “I think audiences will relate to all of them at different times. They will

see themselves in these flawed, endearing, comical, and earnest people.”

Rounding out the talented cast are Josh Evans (Eli), Kira Sarai Helper (Carina), Kate Middleton (Suzanne), Miyuki Miyagi (Meiko), and Sierra Rein (Winter).

Joining Robinson on the production team are Shauwna Grillo (Stage Manager), Hazel Peters (Assistant Stage Manager), David McQuillen Robertson (Scenic Designer), Karen Perlow (Lighting Designer), Danielle Best (Costume Designer), and Kimberly O’Loughlin (Sound & Projections Designer).

Eureka Day won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. Content advisory: Eureka Day features big laughs and some equally big language. Recommended for ages 13+. Tickets are available at barnstormerstheatre.org or by calling 603-323-8500. Eureka Day will be showing through July 18 at The Barnstormers Theatre, 104 Main St., Tamworth.

Experience lakeside living at its finest at Langley Cove, a new residential community on Weirs Boulevard in Laconia, New Hampshire. Choose from charming single-family homes at The Cottages at Langley Cove, stylish apartments at The Residence at Langley Cove, or spacious townhomes at The Estates at Langley Cove. Here, you’ll discover a lifestyle centered around comfort, luxury, and community. Enjoy resort-style amenities and a prime location just minutes from Weirs Beach and downtown Laconia.

Property Amenities

Central Air Conditioning

In-Unit Washer/Dryer

Stainless Steel Appliances

Designer Flooring & Finishes

Electronic Thermostat

Fireplace *Select homes

Patio/Balcony *Select homes

Garage *Select homes

Fitness Center

Theatre Room

Community Room

Game Room

, or

Podcast Room

Pickleball Court BBQ & Picnic Area

&

Hikers Are Reminded to Be Aware, Prepared, and Responsible

July is one of the busiest times of the hiking season in New Hampshire. As you make plans for your weekends to get outside to hike or participate in another sport, such as kayaking or climbing, remember to bring the appropriate safety gear, be prepared for changeable weather conditions and fluctuating temperatures, and let someone know your plans.

Outdoor enthusiasts are also encouraged to purchase a voluntary Hike Safe card for 2026. Card proceeds help defray the costs of training and of search and rescue equipment for Fish and Game Law Enforcement Conservation Officers, preparing them to come to your aid if the unexpected happens.

“People must always take personal responsibility as they head out by acknowledging their physical limitations, being aware of changing weather conditions, and knowing when it’s time to turn back,” said Fish and Game Law Enforcement Chief Colonel Kevin Jordan. “Extreme heat and severe summer storms can quickly turn a simple day hike into a rescue situation, and people have to acknowledge that the mountains will be there another day when conditions become unsafe. It is imperative that people enjoying New Hampshire’s natural resources exercise a high degree of caution and carry plenty of water and adequate gear. Dangerous and irresponsible behavior also puts first responders at risk.”

Colonel Jordan strongly recommends that hikers and outdoor enthusiasts be

prepared by carrying with them the 10 essentials for changeable summer weather conditions and unanticipated emergencies, which include:

Map

Compass

Warm clothing:

• Sweater or fleece jacket

• Long pants (wool or synthetic)

• Hat (wool)

Extra food and water

Flashlight or headlamp

Matches/firestarters

First aid kit/repair kit

Whistle

Rain/wind jacket and pants

Pocket knife

Read more about safe hiking at www.wildnh.com/outdoor-recreation/ hiking-safety.html.

2026 Hike Safe cards cost $25 for an individual, or $35 for a family, and are good for the calendar year ending December 31, 2026. The price is the same for both residents and nonresidents.

Cards can be purchased online at www.wildnh.com/safe and at New

Hampshire Fish and Game Department Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH.

Purchasing a hunting or fishing license also provides you with the same protection as a Hike Safe card. In addition to Hike Safe card revenues, Fish

and Game’s Search and Rescue Fund is supported by a $1 fee collected for each boat, snowmobile, and OHRV registered in New Hampshire. However, hunting, fishing, and trapping license fees do not contribute to these efforts.

It’s your responsibility to hike safe. Be sure to follow the hiker responsibility code by being knowledgeable about where you are going and what the local weather and terrain conditions will be, leaving your plans with someone, turning back in inclement weather or if you are running out of daylight, and planning for emergencies. Visit www. hikesafe.com for more information.

Neil Berg’s ‘60s Celebration Live in Moultonborough

Great Waters Summer Concerts is proud to present Neil Berg’s The 60’s – Peace, Love & Rock & Roll as part of its Concerts in the Clouds series on Friday, July 17, from 7:30 to 9 pm. Set beneath the signature acoustical tent at Castle in the Clouds, this electrifying, open-air performance will transport audiences back to one of the most influential decades in music history— all in one of New Hampshire’s most breathtaking mountaintop settings.

Created and produced by acclaimed composer and producer Neil Berg, this high-energy concert experience brings together a cast of Broadway stars and world-class musicians to celebrate the iconic sounds of the 1960s. Through a powerful combination of live music and fascinating storytelling, the show highlights the songs that defined a generation and shaped the era’s cultural landscape. Audiences can expect unforgettable performances of hits by legendary artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, The Who, Simon & Garfunkel, and more.

More than just a concert, Neil Berg’s The 60s offers a journey through a transformative time in American history, weaving together music with the stories behind the artists and the social movements that inspired them. With stunning vocals, dynamic musicianship, and engaging narration, the performance captures the spirit, energy, and lasting impact of a decade that continues to resonate today.

Set against sweeping views of Lake Winnipesaukee, the Concerts in the Clouds venue offers a truly unique summer concert experience. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy a full evening at the mountaintop venue. Food trucks will be on site serving a variety of options from 5:30 pm through the show, and the Castle bar will be open for beverages starting at 5:30 pm.

Great Waters Summer Concerts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing world-class music to New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, continues its tradition of presenting exceptional performances in extraordinary settings. Concerts like Neil Berg’s The ‘60s showcase the organization’s commitment to creating memorable, high-quality experiences that bring audiences together through the power of live music.

Great Waters is a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the Lakes Region. Special thanks to our leadership sponsors—Eastern Propane and Oil, Belknap Landscaping, Maxfield Real Estate, Paul Zimmerman, Fidelity Investments, and Lake Winni Team—for making this season possible.

The performance will take place at Concerts in the Clouds at Castle in the Clouds, 483 Ossipee Park Road, Moultonborough, NH. Tickets are available at www.greatwaters.org, by phone at 603-569-7710, or at the Great Waters office in Wolfeboro.

• e 1-hour Valley train is a classic trip and popular with families since 1974!

• e Mountaineer over Crawford Notch now runs twice a day at; 9am and 1:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and ursdays, plus Weekends!

• Now o ering summer season Crawford Station boarding options for the Mountaineer!

• See website for events and on-train performances including Murder on the Rails!

The New Hampshire Boat Museum: What’s New in 2026

By Mark Okrant

The New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) was founded in 1992 with the mission to inspire an understanding and appreciation for the boating heritage of fresh waterways (i.e., lakes and rivers) within New Hampshire, a vital element of this state’s culture. The waterways of the Granite State have played a significant role in shaping its economic and social character for hundreds of years.

Originally situated at 399 Center Street in Wolfeboro, the NHBM purchased a 24,000 square foot building and property at 130 Whittier Highway (Route 25) in Moultonborough during the early spring of 2022. The Moultonborough property has been undergoing renovation since that time, and the new museum displays its permanent collection of more than 2500 objects including vintage motorboats of varying lengths and engine-types, canoes, rowboats, rowing sculls, race boats, ice boats, sailboats, a steamboat, a “sneak” boat, plus engines (inboard and outboard), waterskies, multiple wooden boat models, half hulls, PFDs, artifacts from historic boats of various types,

other boating collectibles, and an art collection. So, for those of you who have experienced the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) in the past, the two sites now have divided the responsibilities formerly associated exclu-

sively with Wolfeboro. Moultonborough is now the museum’s main public campus, where most exhibits, events, classes, and the headquarters are situated. Wolfeboro is an appointment-only campus used for selected programs, workshops, and certain boating activities.

Upon entering the Moultonborough facility’s mezzanine, visitors are treated to an outstanding overview of the primary exhibit at the museum, which is situated on the floor of the NHBM below. A 3000-plus square foot ADA-accessible deck-style dock

and marina was planned by Museum Design Associates. It presents the visual history of boating in the state’s Lakes Region. Boats moored at the docks range in age from a 1927 CC Early Times Runabout and a 1927 CC Yacht Tender to a 1959 Century Coronado. Behind the docks, there is a beautiful sixty-five-foot photograph of a rural lake that depicts, in impressive detail, a shoreline reminiscent of the many views that residents

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and visitors to the area have shared throughout the years. The lower level also features exhibits that include a plethora of antique boat motors and a selection of 250 toy boat models from Fred Clausen’s private collection.

Much more than a museum, the new NHBM is an experiential learning center that inspires an appreciation of boating, lake life, and the irreplaceable fresh waterways of New Hampshire. There are classes and programs all around Lake Winnipesaukee, some hosted by NHBM and others through partners in the region.

The 2026 season will be an important one for the New Hampshire Boat Museum in Moultonborough, as the museum continues its transition into its expanded campus while introducing new exhibits, programs, and facility improvements.When the museum opened for the season on May 23, 2026, visitors were greeted with several new exhibits, including a waterskiing exhibit highlighting New Hampshire’s recreational boating history, a propulsion and motor shop exhibit focusing on marine engines and technology, and additional boats from the museum’s wooden boat collection.

The museum is continuing its “Charting Our Course” capital campaign. Ongoing as well as planned 2026 improvements include new exhibit installations in the Lower Exhibit Hall, continuing Phase 2 renovation of the main floor, and renovations to the exterior and Upper Gallery exhibits as fundraising continues.

The July 2026 calendar features numerous events and educational programs, including:

July 7-Sept 6—Goodhue Boat Company; on-water instruction for those seeking to refine and practice their boating skills. The goal is to provide students with the confidence to become safe boaters.

July 9-10—story hour partnering with the Moultonborough Public Library.

July 9-10—summer boat auction preview; an opportunity to view boats that will be auctioned on July 11.

July 9—An Evening with Sandy Martin; artist reception with longtime painter. Her work includes a Boston Skyline watercolor. Many themes revolve around life in a small town, especially the NH lakefront.

July 11-19—Boatbuilding; a handson opportunity for beginners, hobbyists, and families to build their own watercraft. Options are canoes and kayaks.

July 14-Sept 6—On the Water Instruction, for people who wish to refine and practice their boating skills.

July 15—Junior Skipper’s Lake Discovery Day, which concentrates on boat building with recycled materials.

July 22—Hulls and Hops Lecture Series, Presentation by award-winning writer Ernest Thompson.

July 25—Book signing with Children’s Book Authors, award-winning illustrators/writers Karel Hayes and Andy Opel

July 28—more On the Water Instruction.

Other opportunities provided by the museum: ride theNew Hampshire Boat Museum’s Millie B, a 28-foot replica 1928 Hacker-Craft wooden runabout that departs from the Wolfeboro Town Docks and cruises the Wolfeboro area of the lake. The cruise lasts 45 minutes and offers views of lakeside homes, boathouses, islands, wildlife, and the Loon Sanctuary. Advanced reservations are required. Enjoy the 50th Annual Alton Bay Boat Show on August 8; view dozens of restored vintage wooden and early fiberglass boats from 1975 and earlier. The Sasquatch Footy Regatta featuring model yacht rac-

ing will occur on August 15, on Back Bay. And on August 22, the Wheels & Waves Classic Car Day, an event at the Moultonborough site combining antique automobiles and vintage boats. The museum’s 2026 season runs through October 11. Admission includes access to the evolving exhibits at the expanded Moultonborough campus. For more information about the Moultonborough facility, the traditional boat building programs, and other events mentioned here, admissions, membership fees, and other opportunities, contact NHBM at 603-569-4554 ormuseum@nhbm.org.

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The Story of Old Moultonborough

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

Moultonborough was once a wild place, full of trees and mountains, with perhaps a pathway forged by native people. It was eventually visited by trappers and hunters, some just passing through and others stopping to hunt deer and other prey.

Today, Moultonborough is very different, with a year-round population and summer residents. At its start, it was a tiny community founded by two brothers from Durham, New Hampshire. It is unclear why Abraham and Israel Glines chose the area to settle, but they stopped at the base of Red Hill in Moultonborough, before the land had a name. They stayed because hunting and fishing were good. Eventually, they built a log cabin, and Israel brought his family there to live around the 1770s. According to “Moultonborough To The 20th Century,” a publication of the Moultonborough Historical Society Bicentennial Issue (1963) compiled by Helen Sturtevant Matthews, Israel is thought to have introduced apple trees to the area before the Revolutionary War years. Mount Israel in the Sandwich Range is named for him.

Others soon learned of the region, which was rich in soil and good for hunting game. In 1763, a group of Masonian Proprietors was granted territory that eventually became the town of Moultonborough. All such groups needed a leader, and that job was

served by Colonel Jonathan Moulton, who later fought in the Revolutionary War. A tale says that Moulton explored the area with some men, bringing with them a large, fierce dog. The animal helped protect Moulton and his men as they ventured into the wilderness. It did not take long for more people to arrive and settle in the area. A farm was started by the Clark family. They were followed by others until houses sprang up from the interior to the shores of Winnipesaukee. In 1765, Mr. Stephen Sanborn traveled to Moultonborough with his family; Ruth Sanborn, an early resident, was recorded as being born in the area in 1793.

Travel was very difficult, with no real roads and mostly cart paths, and some people wanted better access. For reasons of his own, Governor Wentworth had built a road from Wolfeboro to Hanover, New Hampshire. His goal was to attend the first graduation ceremony at Dartmouth College. (The college was a special project of the governor). Although the reason for building the road seemed self-serving, it did offer an easier way for those who wanted to get to Moultonborough.

More settlers followed, bringing the Copps, Whithams, Whittens, Roberts, and the Hornes to live near the Lee family. Living in the Ossipee Park region required hard work, and the newer arrivals constructed modest homes and worked the land.

The community was self-sufficient, with residents tending their own cattle and making most of the household items they needed. Like many remote hamlets, contact with outsiders was rare. The community was close-knit, and neighbors pitched in to help one another. Just 15 children attended the school, and the teacher boarded with local families.

Eventually, B.F. Shaw, a wealthy, self-made man, came on the scene. He made his fortune by inventing the Shaw-Knit machine, which produced fine-quality stockings. Shaw had the money to purchase a summer home, and he chose the Ossipee Mountain area.

The Lee family and a few others still resided there, and many were willing to sell their land or portions of their property to Shaw. As a result, he envisioned a grand summer home in the area and bought about 350 acres in the 1870s and 1880s.

Following the Revolutionary War, people continued to arrive in the Moultonborough region. One of those places was a beautiful valley in the Moultonborough/Ossipee Mountains. The place became the Lee Settlement, named for the Lee family, among the first to arrive, according to “New Insights on the History of Castle in the Clouds.”

Shaw’s new vacation home was called Weelahka Hall, and it also served as a hotel. With fresh air, beautiful, tranquil countryside, and produce and meat from the Lee farm, it was a bit of Nirvana for Shaw and his city guests. The new summer home of the Shaw family was large and quite beautiful, with a two-story balustrade veranda on two sides with good views of the surrounding land.

The Shaws got along very well with the settlement’s year-round residents and were particularly fond of the Lee family.

The town has a distinct name and place in the history of Thomas Plant and his estate home, named Lucknow (today’s Castle in the Clouds). Before Lucknow was built, the area was Ossipee Mountain Park. There is no doubt that Plant brought his wealth and his name to the area, but the Lee family and later the Shaw clan were there before him.

Along with the summer home, Shaw built a lookout seat with a large roof for his guests and family. From here, the views were spectacular, and later

5th Annual Farm Day & Flax-Daughters of Liberty Spinning Bee in Gilmanton

On Saturday, July 25 (rain date July 26), 10 am to 3 pm, join the Gilmanton Historical Society as they celebrate our 250th with their 5th Annual Farm & Flax Day and Daughters of Liberty Spinning Bee at the Farm Museum at Tom Howe Conservation Area, 245 Meetinghouse Road, Gilmanton

During Colonial times, flax was grown and processed right here on this site. Today, members of the Flax & Linen Community will bring that history to life, demonstrating how flax

was transformed into linen more than 200 years ago. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, they will also host a spinning bee in the spirit of the Daughters of Liberty — a tribute to the women whose skill, resolve, and patriotism helped sustain the fight for independence. To learn more about the event or to register for the Spinning Bee, visit https://gilmantonhistoricalsociety.org. This event is generously sponsored by ArborTech.

The Story of the von Trapp Family

Presented by Bob Stafford

On Tuesday, July 21st, the Wright Museum will welcome Bob Stafford. This is the ninth program of the Wright Museum’s 2026 Education Series.

The film The Sound of Music made them household names, the music became part of our everyday lives, and now you can discover the remarkable true story that captured Hollywood’s imagination and helped make cinematic history.

Doors open at 6 pm, the program begins at 7 pm on Tuesday, July 21, at the Wright Museum’s DuQuoin Education Center, 77 Center Street

in Wolfeboro. Admission is $8 for members and $12 for non-members. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made online at https://wrightmuseum.org/lecture-series or by calling 603-5691212.

The region’s leading resource for educators and learners of all ages on World War II, the Wright Museum features more than 14,000 items in its collection that are representative of both the home front and battlefield. For more information about the 2026 Lecture Series or the museum, visit wrightmuseum.org.

• Yesteryear continued from page 12

Thomas Plant built Castle in the Clouds at this spot. The lookout was dubbed The Crow’s Nest, and it was part of the Ossipee Mountain Park that Shaw opened for public use. Perhaps Shaw was an early land conservationist, as he reportedly charged an admission fee of 25 cents to enter the park, with the money used to protect the property.

As the guest list grew, Shaw housed more visitors at a next-door property, The Lodge, which had room for about 35 people. Along with friends, business associates, and family, it later began to take in boarders.

After Shaw’s death in 1891, his family continued to manage the property. In the late 1890s, they sold it to Mrs. E. F. Pettingill, a New York transplant who operated the hotel until selling to millionaire Thomas Plant.

After much negotiating, Plant purchased the last remaining Ossipee Park property to complete his estate. The Lee family were the original settlers in the area and the last to leave, when aging Martha Jane Lee eventually sold her farm acreage to Plant, who began building his dream home, today’s Castle in the Clouds.

As the years passed, education for the children of the growing popula-

tion was needed. The Village School in Moultonborough served as a learning site for many years. In the early 1900s, a one-room school was located opposite the Moultonborough Town House. By 1913, the town had improved the school as the population grew. In the 1920s, an assistant teacher was hired, and the school was divided so that two regular teachers could be hired. In 1925, a new school was built and housed elementary school-aged children. In her book, “I Remember Moultonborough, New Hampshire,” Frances A. Stevens recalled being a student there in the late 1920s. “As I remember, when this school was first built, there was a big stove with a jacket around it in the back corner of the room. In the winter, when it was real cold, we would gather around the stove for our classes.”

With the expansion in population, the tourist industry grew as well, and vacationers found the Lake Winnipesaukee area to their liking. Some visitors built cottages and larger summer homes, and others decided to settle year-round in Moultonborough. Today, the town has both permanent residents and vacationers. For the town so many enjoy today, we can thank early settlers like Israel Glines and Colonel Jonathan Moulton, who led the way.

July & Aug., Yoga in the Woods, 8 am, held on select Sundays, Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, 1712 Lost River Rd., Woodstock, 603-745-8031, www.lostrivergorge.com.

Through Oct. 31, From Sails to Atoms: The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, exhibit about the history and impact of the shipyard,Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1212, www.wrightmuseum.org.

July 13, Discovery Walk with a Naturalist, 10 - 11 am, Grey Rocks Conservation Center, 178 North Shore Rd., Hebron, info.: 603-744-8689, www. newfoundlake.org.

July 13, Loon Cruise, 11 am, 1 & 3 pm, learn about loons, on canopied pontoon boats,Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Rt. 113 Holderness, 603-9687194, advance reservation required: www.nhnature.org.

July 13, Loon Day, 9:30 am - 5 pm, observe common loons, Loon Cruises on canopied pontoon boats,Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Rt. 113 Holderness, 603-968-7194, advance reservations: www.nhnature.org.

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

&

JOY Connection Wonder

New Hampshire Day

Spring 5/9, Fall 11/1

Member Solstice 6/24

Movie Night 7/22

Nature for Everyone Barn Bash 7/16

Animal Birthday Bash 8/12

Annual Meeting & Summer Social 8/6

Raptor Migration Celebration 9/19

Grandparents Day 10/3

Howl O Ween 10/24

New August BioBlitz events weekly!

Science Lecture Series

Live Animal Trail open daily

May 1 - November 1

Guided Squam Lake Cruises

Mid-May - Mid-October

Guided Discoveries Camps

April Break & Summer

July 13, Monarch Monitoring Mondays, 9 - 10:30 am, on Mondays, held at Pemi Oxbow Preserve, Holderness, program of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, 23 Science Center Rd., Holderness, pre-registration: 603-968-7194, www.nhnature.org.

July 13, Music Night, Jonathan Sarty performing, 5:30 pm, Carriage House Restaurant, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, reservations encouraged: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org

July 13, Story Time and Craft Hour, 11 am – noon, free, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), held near Shannon Pond, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org. (In partnership with Moultonborough Public Library)

July 13, The Traveling Wilburys Revue, 4 pm, Lakeport Opera House, 781 Union Ave., Laconia, 603-519-7506, www.lakeportopera.com.

July 13, Yoga on the Lawns of Lucknow, 6 – 7 pm, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), pre-registration required: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

July 14, Felted Rocks Class, make unique and useful paper weights, 10 am – noon, pre-register at ArtWorks CCAC, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, 603-3238041, www.chocoruaartworks.com.

July 14, Lecture Series: Randy Otto as Winston Churchill, 7 – 8 p.m., Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, admission/reservations: 603-569-1212, www.wrightmuseum.org.

July 14, Music Night, Mitch Alden performing, 5:30 pm, Carriage House Restaurant, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, reservations encouraged: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org

July 14, On the Water Instruction, 9 am – 3 pm, Goodhue Boat Company, program of NH Boat Museum, info/pre-register: 603-569-4554, www.nhbm. org.

July 14, The Hidden History of Lake Winnipesaukee, with Glenn Knoblock, 7 pm, free, Gafney Library, 14 High St., Sanbornville, 603-522-6713, www. gafneylibrary.org., www.wakefieldbrookfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

July 14-16, Drawing with Colored Pencils Workshop, 10 am - 3 pm, basic and advanced instruction, pre-register at ArtWorks CCAC, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, 603-323-8041, www.chocoruaartworks.com.

July 15, AM Gold Yacht Rock , 7:30 pm, Lakeport Opera House, 781 Union Ave., Laconia, 603-519-7506, www.lakeportopera.com.

July 15, Central NH Writers’ Group, 6 – 7 pm, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, 603-524-8813.

July 15, Coffee Hour with John Perrault – American Ballads, 10 – 11 am, Effingham Public Library, 30 Town House Rd., Effingham, 603-539-1537.

July 15, Granite VNA Hospice Home & Garden Tour, 10 am – 4 pm, tour gardens on Lakes Region properties, 603-244-4093, www.granitevna.org.

July 15, Little Sprouts – Hydroponics & Growing in Greenhouses, 10:30 am - noon, for children 4 to 9, must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult, Moulton Farm, 18 Quarry Rd., off Rt. 25, Meredith, purchase tickets at the farm market or: 603-279-3159, www.moultonfarm.com.

July 15, Music Night, Audrey Drake performing, 5:30 pm, Carriage House Restaurant, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, reservations encouraged: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org

July 15, Polliwogs: Into the Wild Outdoor Kitchen – Foraged Tea Making, 10 – 11:30 am, for pre-K with adult, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia, pre-register: 603-366-5695, www. prescottfarm.org.

July 15, Summer Lecture Series – Rooted in Research: Decades of Forest Discovery – The Disappearing Ash Tree: What Happens When a Forest Loses a Species?, by Matt Ayers, 6 – 7 pm,adult program, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Rt. 113 Holderness, 603-968-7194, advance reservation required: www.nhnature.org.

What’s UP

July 16, B. Snair & Randy Hunneyman, 5 – 6 pm, free, Marceau Park, Central St., downtown Franklin, 603-934-1901, www.franklinoperahouse.org.

July 16, Beginner Crochet Workshop, 3 - 5 pm, learn to crochet, beginner workshop, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, www. belknapmill.org.

July 16, Big Picture Band, outdoor concert, concessions, free, 19 Mile Beach, Rt. 28, Tuftonboro, 603-569-4539, ext. 125.

July 16, Christmas in July Craft Workshop, 4 – 6 pm, Effingham Public Library, 30 Town House Rd., Effingham, 603-539-1537.

July 16, Kids Nature Exploration, 10:30 – 11:30 am, Grey Rocks Conservation Center, 178 North Shore Rd., Hebron, info.: 603-744-8689, www.newfoundlake.org.

July 16, Rebecca Turmel, Bristol Summer Concert Series, 6:30 pm, Kelley Park, 41 North Main St., Bristol, free, public welcome, bristolevents@bristolnh.gov.

July 16, Squam Lakes Artisans Red, White and Blue Open House, Squam Lake Artisans, 23 Main St., Center Harbor, 4 - 5:30 pm, www.squamlakesartisan.org., 603-253-9525.

July 16, Traditional Hot Dog and Bean Supper, 5:30 – 7 pm, Hotchkiss Commons-Reunion Grange, 81 Main St., Union, tickets on sale at 4:30 pm, 603-4732727.

July 16-26, Hello, Dolly!, Interlakes Theatre, 1 Laker Lane, Meredith, 603707-6035, www.interlakestheatre.com.

July 17, Band Concert, Center Harbor Town Band, 7 pm, free, downtown Center Harbor, 603-785-2921.

July 17, Concerts on Canal, Donaher, 5 – 9 pm, Canal St., Laconia, all ages welcome, held rain or shine, 603-527-8124.

July 17, Garden to Table Series, Making Dairy & Non-Dairy Ice Cream, 10 am – noon, ages 6 – 14, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia, pre-register: 603-366-5695, www.prescottfarm.org.

July 17, Loon Cruise, 3 – 4:30 pm, observe common loons, on canopied pontoon boats,Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Rt. 113 Holderness, 603-9687194, advance reservation required: www.nhnature.org.

July 17, Neil Berg’s the 60s Peace, Love & Rock ‘n Roll, 7:30 – 9 pm, Great Waters Summer Concerts/Music Festival at Castle in the Clouds, 483 Ossipee Rd., Moultonborough, 603-569-7710, www.greatwaters.org.

July 18, 64th Annual All Saints Church Summer Fair, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm, All Saints Episcopal Church, 258 South Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-3453, www.wolfesaints.com.

July 18, Creating Watercolor Pencil Mono-Prints, 10 am – 3 pm, age 16 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia, pre-register: 603-366-5695, www.prescottfarm.org.

July 18, FORTUNE Band – Classic Rock , 8 pm, Lakeport Opera House, 781 Union Ave., Laconia, 603-519-7506, www.lakeportopera.com.

July 18, Friends of Effingham Public Library Bake Sale, 9 am, Effingham Public Library, 30 Town House Rd., Effingham, 603-539-1537.

July 18, Gemstone Sterling Cuff Bracelet Class with jewelry artist Deborah Ryan, 10 am – 3 pm, League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, pre-register by July 15, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920.

July 18, Granite Kid Triathlon, 8 – 11 am, Brewster Beach, Clark Rd., Wolfeboro, 603-569-5639.

July 18, Homemade Dairy & Non-Dairy Ice Cream, 11 am – 2 pm, age 16 & up,Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia, pre-register: 603-366-5695, www.prescottfarm.org.

July 18, Maintaining Annuals & Perennials in Summer – a Free Gardening Workshop, 10 – 11:30 am, suitable for gardeners of all experience levels, Moulton Farm, 18 Quarry Rd., off Rt. 25, Meredith, purchase tickets at the farm market or: 603-279-3159, www.moultonfarm.com.

July 18, Petting Zoo Weekend, 10 am – 4 pm, free, animals from Foxx Run Farms, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), pre-registration encouraged: 603-4765900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

July 18, Soggy Po’ Boys, 7 – 9 pm, Cate Park, South Main St., Wolfeboro, www.wolfeborobandstand.org.

July 18, Soul-Full Lavender Sense Retreat: 10:30 – 11:30: How to Integrate Meditation into our Daily Lives, Loving-Kindness Meditation, other workshops throughout the day until 6 pm, ticketed event, 603-453-4186 or visit lavendersenseretreat.com.

July 18, Summer Concert Series, 7 – 9 pm, The Visitors, oldies, classic rock, Alton Bay Bandstand, Alton Bay, 603-875-0109.

July 19, Animal Encounters Series: Animals With Bad Reps, 10 – 11 am, free, Lower Level of Town Square, Waterville Valley, 1-800-993-3149.www. waterville.com

Grab breakfast or lunch at e Farmer’s Kitchen. We use only the freshest ingredients for our homemade creations. Come by today to try our:

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July 19, Petting Zoo Weekend, 10 am – 4 pm, free, animals from Foxx Run Farms, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), pre-registration encouraged: 603476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

July 20, Discovery Walk with a Naturalist, 10 - 11 am, Grey Rocks Conservation Center, 178 North Shore Rd., Hebron, info.: 603-744-8689, www. newfoundlake.org.

July 20, Loon Cruise, 3 – 4:30 pm, observe common loons, on canopied pontoon boats,Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Rt. 113 Holderness, 603968-7194, advance reservation required: www.nhnature.org.

July 20, Monarch Monitoring Mondays, 9 - 10:30 am, on Mondays, held at Pemi Oxbow Preserve, Holderness, program of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, 23 Science Center Rd., Holderness, pre-registration: 603-968-7194, www.nhnature.org.

July 20, Music Night, Colin Hart performing, 5:30 pm, Carriage House Restaurant, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, reservations encouraged: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org

July 20, Story Time and Craft Hour, 11 am – noon, free, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), held near Shannon Pond, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org. (In partnership with Moultonborough Public Library)

July 20, Yoga on the Lawns of Lucknow, 6 – 7 pm, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), pre-registration required: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds. org

July 20 & 24, Loon Cruise, 3 – 4:30 pm, observe common loons, on canopied pontoon boats,Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Rt. 113 Holderness, 603968-7194, advance reservation required: www.nhnature.org.

July 21, Lecture Series: The Story of the von Trapp Family presented by Bob Stafford, 7 – 8 p.m., Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, admission/reservations: 603-569-1212, www.wrightmuseum.org.

July 21, Music Night, Tim Hazelton performing, 5:30 pm, Carriage House Restaurant, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, reservations encouraged: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org

July 21, On the Water Instruction, 9 am – 3 pm, Goodhue Boat Company, program of NH Boat Museum, info/pre-register: 603-569-4554, www.nhbm. org.

Wolfeboro

July 21, Summer Lecture Series – Rooted in Research: Decades of Forest Discovery – Lights, Camera, Acoustics: Studying New Hampshire’s Most Misunderstood Mammals by Jessica Jones, PhD Student, Dartmouth College, Ecology, Evolution, Environment and Society,6 – 7 pm,adult program, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Rt. 113 Holderness, 603-968-7194, advance reservation required: www.nhnature.org.

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July 22, Bat Count, 8:15 pm, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, 23 Science Center Rd., Holderness, pre-registration: 603-968-7194, www.nhnature. org. Followed by bat count at 8:15 pm.

July 22, Coffee Hour with Mark Monroe – Driving Toward Zero, 10 – 11 am, Effingham Public Library, 30 Town House Rd., Effingham, 603-539-1537.

July 22, First Annual “Movie Classics at the Clark Feature Film” Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, 7 – 9 pm, Clark Museum Barn, Wolfeboro Historical Society, 233 South Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-4997, www.wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org.

July 22, Fuchsia Cascade Watercolor Workshop, 10 am – 2 pm, with artist Stephanie McQuade, League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, pre-registration by July 19 required,279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920.

July 22, Movie Night: The Invisible Mammal and NH Bat Populations Q&A, 6 – 8 pm, ages 12 & up, free, documentary, free admission, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Rt. 113 Holderness, 603-968-7194, advance reservation required: www.nhnature.org. Question and answer to follow with the second bat count of the season to take place at 8:15 pm.

July 22, Music Night, Another Story performing, 5:30 pm, Carriage House Restaurant, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, reservations encouraged: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org.

July 22, Polliwogs: Wild Makers - Little Movers Nature Obstacle Adventure, 10 – 11:30 am, for pre-K with adult, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia, pre-register: 603-366-5695, www.prescottfarm.org.

July 22, The Mammoth Road: NH Folk Tales, talk by Erin Moulton, 7 pm, Lake Winnipesaukee Museum, 503 Endicott St. North, Laconia, 603-3665950, www.lwhs.us.

July 22-Aug. 8, Antique & Vintage Toy Display at the Barn, Clark Museum Barn, Wolfeboro Historical Society, 233 South Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-5694997, www.wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org.

July 23, Douglas Thompson concert, 5 – 6 pm, free, Marceau Park, Central St., downtown Franklin, 603-934-1901, www.franklinoperahouse.org.

July 23, Guided Hike, 10 am – noon, Brook Walk via Old Auto Road, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org

What’s UP

July 23, Health & Wellness: Herbs at Medicine, 4 – 6 pm, Effingham Public Library, 30 Town House Rd., Effingham, 603-539-1537.

July 23, Kids Nature Exploration, 10:30 – 11:30 am, Grey Rocks Conservation Center, 178 North Shore Rd., Hebron, info.: 603-744-8689, www.newfoundlake.org.

July 23, Ricky & the Giants, outdoor concert, concessions, free, 19 Mile Beach, Rt. 28, Tuftonboro, 603-569-4539, ext. 125.

July 23, Summer Lecture Series – Rooted in Research: The Consequences of New Hampshire’s Changing winters by Caitlin Hicks Pries, Associate Professor, Dept of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College,6 – 7 pm, adult program, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Rt. 113 Holderness, 603-9687194, advance reservation required: www.nhnature.org.

July 23, Voices Against Violence – Dancing with the Stars, Bristol Summer Concert Series, 6:30 pm, Kelley Park, 41 North Main St., Bristol, free, public welcome,bristolevents@bristolnh.gov.

July 24, Band Concert, Center Harbor Town Band, 7 pm, free, downtown Center Harbor, 603-785-2921.

July 24, Chanticleer – Our American Journey, 7:30 – 9 pm, Wolfeboro Friends of Music & Great Waters, First Congregational Church, 115 South Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-7710, www.greatwaters.org.

July 24, Garden to Table Series, Making Herbed Butter & Homemade Tortillas, 10 am – noon, ages 6 – 14,Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia, pre-register: 603-366-5695, www. prescottfarm.org.

July 24, Live Animal Presentation, Critter Communities, 10:30 am, with Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Naturalist, at Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, free with Gorge ticket, 1712 Lost River Rd., Woodstock, 603-745-8031, www.lostrivergorge.com.

July 24, Loon Cruise, 3 – 4:30 pm, observe common loons, on canopied pontoon boats,Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Rt. 113 Holderness, 603-9687194, advance reservation required: www.nhnature.org.

July 24, Lucknow Sound Bath, 6 – 7 pm, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), pre-registration required: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

July 24, Moondance – the Ultimate Van Morrison Tribute Concert, 7:30 pm, Lakeport Opera House, 781 Union Ave., Laconia, 603-519-7506, www. lakeportopera.com.

July 24, Movies on the Hill, Top Gun Maverick, 8:15 pm, Wolfeboro Parks & Recreation, 390 Pine Hill Rd., Wolfeboro, Abenaki Hill in front of lodge, 603569-5639.

July 24, Summer Art Show Opening Reception, 6 - 8 pm, Runnells Hall, 25 Deer Hill Rd., Chocorua. Refreshments, music and art, regional show sponsored by ArtWorks Chocorua Creative Arts Center, 603-323-8041, www.chocoruaartworks.com.

Community Connections

Libraries: Effingham.lib.nh.us, gafneylibrary.org (Wakefield,), Moultonboroughlibrary.org, Wolfeboropubliclibrary.org, Ossipeelibrary.org, Meredithlibrary.org, Tuftonborolibrary.org, Tamworthlibrary.org, chocorualibrary.org Parks and Recreation: Laconia (laconianh.gov), Gilford (gilfordrec.com), Meredith (meredithnh.gov/200/Parks-Recreation), Moultonborough (moultonboroughnh.gov/221/Recreation-Department), Wolfeboro (Wolfeboronh.us), Tuftonboro (tuftonboronh.gov/parks-recreation-commission), Belmont (belmontnh. gov), Center Harbor (centerharbornh.gov/pages/parks-and-recreation), Bristol (ttccrec.org), Plymouth (sites.google.com/pemibaker.org), Tilton (tiltonnh.org), Gilmanton (gilmantonnh.gov), Alton (alton.nh.gov), Ossipee (ossipee.org/ossipee-parks-recreation

Farmer’s Markets – Barnstead (Saturday, 10 am – 1 pm), Gilmanton (Sunday, 11 am – 2 pm), Weirs Beach (Saturday, 10 am – 1 pm), Tamworth (Saturday, 9 am - noon), Conway (Tuesday, 3:30 – 6:30 pm), Wolfeboro (Thursday, 11:302:30) Alton (Wednesdays, 12 – 3 pm)

Historical Societies: Laconia Historical & Museum Society(laconiahistory. com), Lake Winnipesaukee(lwhs.us), Meredith(meredithhistoricalsocietynh. org), Wolfeboro(wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org), Moultonborough(moultonboroughhistory.org), Alton (altonhistoricalsociety.org), Belmont (belmonthistoricalsociety.org), Center Harbor(centerhrabornh.gov), Plymouth(plymouhtnhhistory. org), Tilton (tiltonhistoricalsociety.com), New Hampton(newhamptonhistory. org), Sandwich(sandwhichhistorical.org), Holderness(holdernesshistoricalsociety.org), Ossipee(historicalsocietyofossipee.org), Gilmanton(gilmantonhistoricalsociety.org), Tamworth(tamworthhistorycenter.org).

Museums: American Classic Arcade Museum, Laconia (classicarcademuseum. org), New Hampshire Boat Museum, Moultonborough & Wolfeboro (nhbm.org), Wright Museum of WWII, Wolfeboro (wrightmuseum.org), Belknap Mill Museum, Laconia (belknapmill.org), New Hampshire Farm Museum, Milton (nhfarmmuseum.org), Canterbury Shaker Village, Canterbury (shakers.org), Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, Tamworth (remickmuseum.org), Ashland Railroad Station Museum (ashlandnhhistory.org)

Special Interest & Fiber Arts Groups: Bridge Players, Wednesdays at Holderness Library (603-968-7066), Country Village Quilt Guild, monthly in Moultonborough (countryvillagequilters@gmail.com), Fiber Arts Monthly Mingle, Tuesdays at Wolfeboro’s Makers Mill(makersmill.org), Fiber Arts & Spinning Club, Tuesdays at Laconia’s Belknap Mill(belknapmill.org), Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild, Wednesday in Wolfeboro (llqg.net),

Ashland Railroad Museum, 69 Depot St., Rt. 132, Ashland, 603-707-2683, www.ashlandnhhistory.org.

Back Bay Skippers, Glendon St., Wolfeboro, info./schedule: www.backbayskippers.com, www.nhbm.org.

Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, gallery and textile museum, events and programs, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.

Bingo, doors open at 5 pm, game begins at 6:30 pm, presented by Lion’s Club, held at Moultonborough Function Hall on Tues. evenings, 139 Old Rt. 109, Moultonborough, 603-477-8868.

Breakfast Buffet, 7 - 11 am, Wolfeboro Masonic Lodge, 35 Trotting Track Rd., Wolfeboro. Served the second Sunday of every month, 603-569-4637.

Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Rd., Canterbury, tours, programs, 603-783-9511, www.shakers.org.

Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

Day & Evening Cruises, M/S Mount Washington, Weirs Beach, 603-366BOAT, www.cruisenh.com.

Discover Squam Cruises, guided 90-minute cruises, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Holderness, 603-968-7194, www.nhnature.org.

In the Round, 8:45 am, Sundays, thought-provoking topics related to tolerance, Benz Center, Sandwich, 603-284-7211.

Indoor Pickleball, 5 - 7 pm, Sandwich Elementary School gym, Sandwich, Tues., Thurs. Friday, 603-387-2180, parksandrec@sandwichnh.org.

Kirkwood Gardens, free, open to public year-round, Rt. 3, Holderness, tour the gardens, www.nhnature.org, 603-968-7194.

Lake Winnipesaukee Museum, 503 Endicott St., North, Laconia, 603-3665950, www.lwhs.us.

Lakes Region Art Association, exhibits and classes, Suite 300, Tanger Outlet, Rte. 3, Tilton, 603-998-0029, www.lraanh.org.

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, 183 Lees Mill Rd., Moultonborough, 603-4765666, www.loon.org.

Makers Mill, variety ofworkshops, arts and crafts classes and more, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org.

Millie B., cruise on Millie B., a replica of a 1928 Hacker-Craft, 45-minute tour, info/tours: NH Boat Museum, Wolfeboro, www.nhbm.org, 603-569-4554.

M/S Mount Washington, day and evening cruises, Weirs Beach, 603-366BOAT, www.cruisenh.com.

Newfound Lake Association, programs, classes, discovery walks, exhibits, Eco Tours, lake activities, Grey Rocks Conservation Area, 178 North Shore Rd., Hebron, 603-744-8689, www.newfoundlake.org.

New Hampshire Boat Museum, 130 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603569-4554. Second location: 399 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-4554, www. nhbm.org.

New Hampshire Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-6527840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org.

Newfound Lake Association, programs, classes, discovery walks, exhibits, Eco Tours, lake activities, Grey Rocks Conservation Area, 178 North Shore Rd., Hebron, 603-744-8689, www.newfoundlake.org.

Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, programs for adults and children, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Call ahead for event information and to inquire if program pre-registration is necessary: 603366-5695.

Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.

Squam Lakes Association, 534 US Rt. 3, Holderness, 603-968-7336, www. squamlakes.org.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, live animal trail & events, Rt. 113 Holderness, 603-968-7194, www.nhnature.org.

Wright Museum of WWII, exhibits and lectures of life on the home front during WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1212, www.wrightmuseum. org

Sounds of New Orleans Next Up in Cate Park Summer Concert Series

The Friends of the Wolfeboro Community Bandstand’s free summer concert series will welcome Soggy Po’ Boys to the bandstand in downtown Wolfeboro on Saturday, July 18, for the second concert of the summer.

The Soggy Po’ Boys include Jim Dozet on vocals and guitar, Shaina Schwartz on vocals, Eric Klaxton on clarinet and soprano sax, Josh Gagnon on trombone, Nick Mainella on tenor sax, Mike Effenberger on piano, Brian Waterhouse on drums, and Scott Kiefner on bass.

The group formed in 2012 to shake the walls of a club on Fat Tuesday, and since then have honed their sound and become more of a Mardi Gras centerpiece. The group explores the vast musical traditions of New Orleans and has expanded its repertoire to look beyond the New Orleans jazz to include traditional Caribbean tunes as well as funk, soul, and brass band and street beat music.

Though native to New England, the Soggy Po’ Boys are spreading the good news of New Orleans music across the Northeast and beyond, playing at concert halls and street corners, music festivals and burlesque festivals,

bars, libraries, and wherever the party requires, as New Orleans music is celebrated and appreciated wherever it goes.

The Soggy Po’ Boys are eager to explore what makes the music of New Orleans so special, and those attending their show will hear the heavy influence of the New Orleans sound across the band and in the stories told by their original tunes

The Friends of the Wolfeboro Community Bandstand concerts take place each Saturday night in July and August, weather permitting, in the bandstand, located in Cate Park in downtown Wolfeboro on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

If weather should cause the concert to be cancelled, signs will be posted at the entrance to Cate Park, and a notice will be posted on the Friends of the Wolfeboro Community Bandstand Facebook page and at wolfeborobandstand.org.

The concerts will begin at 7 pm and run for two hours, with a short intermission, at which time a pass-thebucket offering will be held to support the free concert series.

Newly Protected Sandwich Property Expands Conservation and Public Access

Squam Lakes Conservation Society has completed its most recent land protection project in Sandwich, protecting 22.85 acres of forest and wetland while also making the land open to the public, strengthening an important and expanding mosaic of conserved land in Sandwich. Bordered by the White Mountain National Forest, Chapman Wild Bird Sanctuary, and other conserved lands, this bargain-sale fee purchase from the Davies family includes more than 1,000 feet of frontage on Mt. Israel Road, over 400 feet along Jake’s Brook, and a rich mix of hemlock-hardwood-pine forest, northern hardwood-conifer forest, maintained shrubland, wet meadow-shrub wetland, and northern swamp wetland. We are deeply grateful to the Davies family for choosing conservation and helping ensure that this land will remain protected for generations to come. Although the property will not have trails or parking right away, it will remain open to the public, offering another opportunity for people to connect with the lands and waters that make this region so special. SLCS is evaluating future access opportunities in a way that protects the land’s natural

resources and respects the character of the property.

The Davies’ decision to protect this property reflects their deep connection to the Squam Lakes region, the area’s history, and the neighboring historic home. In 1999, the Davies purchased the Jonathan Beede House, thoughtfully and carefully restored it, and operated it as a bed and breakfast until they sold it in 2020.

The house is named after Jonathan Beede, who settled here in 1787 and later built the home. Before constructing the house, Beede built a smaller cottage closer to Jake’s Brook; that structure was later moved uphill and became the kitchen of what is now known as the Jonathan Beede House.

In the late 1800s, Jonathan Tappan purchased the house and rented boarding rooms. His children, who likely spent time exploring the surrounding land, are said to have named the nearby stream “Jake’s Brook” after a neighbor, Jacob Masefield.

More information about the house and surrounding lands can be found on the Sandwich Historical Society’s Annual Excursions publications and on the website foreversquam.org.

Online Caregiver Connection

Granite VNA is offering an online caregiver group on Thursday, July 23 at 10 am. This program is on the fourth Thursday of each month.

Caregiver Connection is an opportunity for family caregivers to support one another and connect with our staff professionals. We look forward to providing a safe space to connect with other caregivers facing similar challenges.

Registration is required. To register, call 603-224-4093, ext. 85664 or visitwww.granitevna.org. Once your registration is confirmed, you will receive a link to the program. Technical instruction is available to participate in

the group. This program is offered at no charge.

About Granite VNA:Granite VNA is a not-for-profit licensed and certified home health and hospice care provider. The agency serves people of all ages in 72 communities across the Greater Capital Region and Central New Hampshire by providing home care, hospice care, pediatric and maternal child health services, and wellness programming. The agency has offices in Concord, Laconia, and Wolfeboro. Granite VNA has served New Hampshire since 1899. For more information about Granite VNA, visit www.granitevna.org.

National Treasure Movie Day at Meredith Public Library

teur cryptologist searching for a lost treasure, once protected by the Knights Templar and hidden by the Freemasons during the early years of the United States.

As the second-to-last event in the library’s America 250 lineup of programs, the movie National Treasure will be shown in the library’s Function Room on the large flat screen TV on Saturday, July 18, at 11 am. Admission for the movie is free, and there will also be popcorn and movie candy available at no charge, courtesy of the Friends of the Meredith Library.

Nicolas Cage stars in this action/adventure thriller (rated PG) as Benjamin Franklin Gates, a historian and ama-

A coded map on the back of the Declaration of Independence points to the location of the “national treasure,” but Gates isn’t alone in his quest. Whoever can steal the Declaration and decode it first will find the greatest treasure in history!

The Meredith Public Library is located at 91 Main Street, Meredith.

FOR SALE BY OWNER

1944 GMC Duck Boat, VIN: 402266079: e Duck (DUKW) boat is a six-wheel drive amphibious modi ed 2 ½ ton truck originally used by the US military in World War ll. Designed in partnership between GMC and Sparkman & Stephens, they were used to transport goods and troops over land and water. ey were intended to only last as long as the demands of combat but have found a popular use in tourism post-war. Formerly bright yellow, the exterior was painted army green by the previous owner.

is Duck Boat is a true 1944 WWll survivor that has been given a second life. is “stretch boat” was built in Hawaii, then found its way to Key West before ending up in New England. is Duck Boat is Coast Guard veri ed and had an original public cost of $140,000 in 1944. Power is provided by the 6.2-liter GM Diesel motor that is mated to a Turbo 350 automatic transmission, with a redesigned full cooling system that includes two large custom aluminum radiators.

Work over the past three years has xed the steer-assist which was done by All ings Diesel in Ossipee, replacing the bus style seats with new pontoon boat style seats and cleaning up the bilge. A similar duck recently sold at auction for $71,000. is ne specimen is o ered at $68,000 and was redone in memory of the owner’s uncles. US Marines who were killed in action during WWII and the Korean con ict. Would consider trade for Class B motor home or RV or muscle car of similar value. FMI Call 603-520-1002.

A Natural Way to Celebrate a 60th Anniversary

By Thomas P. Caldwell

For half a century, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness has been promoting an understanding of New Hampshire’s flora and fauna through live animal exhibits, ecology programs, and other events that teach about the importance of the natural world. Now celebrating its 60th year, the science center is planning special events to mark the occasion.

Local residents simply call it “the science center” but the full name reflects its setting by the Squam Lakes — Little Squam, at 410 acres, and Big Squam, at 6,381. The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is situated on more than 200 acres of fields, forests, streams, ponds, and gardens, and it is much more than a traditional zoo.

At the heart of the operation is the Live Animal Exhibit Trail, a self-guided three-quarter-mile packed-gravel path that goes past black bears, bobcats, mountain lions, river otters, and raptors. There are hands-on exhibits documenting animal habitats and adaptations, and the state’s changing landscape.

The Live Animal Exhibit Trail is stroller-accessible with an ADA Recreational standard grade of 1 in 12, with difficult spots due to loose gravel. The science center offers four-wheeled motorized scooters upon request, and it is a Certified Sensory Inclusive facility byKultureCity to improve its ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs.

The wild animals at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center are selected based on their being native to New Hampshire, and most are orphans, injured, or unable to survive in the wild.

At the science center, those non-releasable animals find lifelong homes and serve as teachers in naturalistic habitats. A veterinarian checks out all of the science center’s guests, and the staff is trained to recognize when something is wrong and will call in a vet when necessary.

Visitors also have a chance to visit Kirkwood Gardens, and Blue Heron School, a nature-based Montessori early-learning center, which teaches the importance of the natural world. There are other hands-on environmental education programs, along with guided lake cruises led by naturalists who offer close-up views of common loons and bald eagles while speaking about the lake’s ecology.

Squam Lake Cruises have proven particularly popular, taking passengers off-site for 90-minute pontoon boat rides past the rocky shores, islands, and historic homes on Squam Lake where the film “On Golden Pond” was filmed. Movie locations such as the place near the entrance to Big Squam Lake where Norman is seen gassing up his boat are among the cultural highlights that add to the experience.

In this 60th anniversary season, the science center anticipates welcoming its two millionth visitor and has a number of special programs scheduled, including a Bioblitz series for the month of August that allows visitors to capture the flora and fauna on the grounds using the iNaturalist mobile app.

To highlight the science center’s history, the staff dug deep into its archives to design a series of panels along the trail that feature photographs and details over the years, culminating in a visual timeline along the Gordon Chil-

dren’s Center.

New resident animals in 2026 include Jackson, a young bald eagle; two white-tailed deer named Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee (Pemi and Winni for short); and a crayfish named Buzzell. Other native animals include Herps, the painted turtle; an American toad, and a gray tree frog; fish such as large and small mouth bass and brown bullhead; birds and raptors, including a pair of black-crowned night heron, barred owl, American kestrel, and hawks of many kinds. Mammals include the coyote, fisher, red fox, bobcat, mountain lion, and black bear. (The center’s new river otter exhibit is under construction and may be completed before the end of the season.)

Halfway through the trail is the Gordon Interactive Playscape, where children can climb on rocks and logs, scramble through tunnels, and balance on branches. At the raptor exhibit, they can fly like a raptor on the Migration Flyway zipline.

Special events for the 60th anniversary include the Nature for Everyone Barn Bash on Thursday, July 16, featuring dinner, dancing, and celebration at the Willoughby Ridge Barn, 60 Willoughby Ridge Road in Holderness. The funds raised will go toward ensuring that the science center’s outdoor nature-based activities and education programs remain accessible and continue to inspire joy, connection, and wonder.

The event is for those 21 and over, with each ticket including Up Close to Animal interactions; cocktails and hors d’oeuvres; the debut of the “Day in the Life of the Science Center” video; special programming and the Boat Captains’ Auction; dinner by Sensational Paella; and live music by The Pulse

There is limited seating, so purchase tickets online at https://tinyurl.com/3hvaa5fn. For more information, call Nicole Verspyck at 603-968-7194, ext

124, or email nicole.verspyck@nhnature.org.

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center’s annual meeting and summer social will take place on Thursday, August 6, with the annual meeting running from 5 to 5:30 pm. At that time, the science center will present this year’s Horizon Award to recognize an individual’s outstanding service and contributions. A special anniversary program and commemorative video will highlight six decades of connecting people with nature.

The summer social immediately follows, with wood-fired pizza from Gusto Italian Food Truck, a tasting experience with Tamworth Distillery, and other local vendors. The event is free to attend, but donations in support of the science center’s mission and future programs are welcome. (RSVP so the center can plan appropriately for food and beverages.)

Also, as part of the science center’s 60th anniversary, it has partnered with the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation to present a summer lecture series highlighting decades of environmental research and education. Scientists working at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in North Woodstock will share insights on topics ranging from invasive forest pests to bat acoustic monitoring and scientific illustration. Other special events this season are: Movie Night: The Invisible Mammal 7/22, Loon Day 7/13, Animal Birthday Bash 8/12, Raptor Migration Celebration 9/19, Grandparents Day 10/3, Howl O Ween 10/24.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is located on Route 113 in Holderness, with public trails open daily from May 1 through November 1, and educational programming continuing throughout the year. Squam Lake Cruises run daily from mid-May through mid-October. For further information, call 603-9687194 or visit www.nhnature.org.

Gemstone Cuff Bracelet Class with Deb Ryan on July 18

Join the League of NH Craftsmen – Meredith Fine Craft Gallery on Saturday, July 18, from 10 am to 3 pm for a Gemstone Sterling Cuff Bracelet Class with jewelry artist Deborah Ryan.

Join jeweler Deb Ryan for this one-day metalsmithing workshop where students will make their own skinny silver cuff bracelets with a gemstone bezel. You will create the bezel for a cabochon (flat-backed gemstone), fabricate the stamped sterling cuff from 8g half-round wire, attach your bezel, and then learn how to set the stone in your new cuff. The final product makes for a gorgeous, hand-crafted gift for a friend, a loved one, or yourself!

Tuition is $55 per student, plus a $50 materials fee to be paid in cash or check to the instructor on the day

of class.

Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Those who wish to take the class MUST sign up by Wednesday, July 15.

To register for this workshop, call the League of NH Craftsmen – Meredith Fine Craft Gallery at 603- 279-7920 or visit the Gallery at 279 Daniel Webster Highway in Meredith.

For more details, visit our website at http://meredith.nhcrafts.org/ classes/ and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nhcraft/

The League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery is located at 279 DW Hwy, Meredith, and is dedicated to the education and support of NH’s fine craft tradition since 1932.

Fuchsia Cascade Watercolor Workshop with Stephanie McQuade

Join artist Stephanie McQuade at the League of NH Craftsmen - Meredith Fine Craft Gallery on Wednesday, July 22, from 10 am to 2 pm for a Fuchsia Cascade Watercolor workshop.

Hone your watercolor painting skills with local artist and instructor Stephanie McQuade in this focused half-day workshop. Students will paint a vibrant, cascading fuchsia floral painting. Stephanie will provide the 12 x 16 watercolor paper and the preliminary drawing for each student to flesh out with their paints and brushes of choice.

This relaxed yet productive session offers dedicated time to work on a lovely floral composition while receiving personalized guidance. Perfect for intermediate watercolor painters looking to strengthen their skills in a supportive environment.

Tuition is $80 per student. Students will need to bring their own watercolor paints and brushes.

Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Those who wish to attend MUST sign up by Sunday, July 19.

To register for this workshop, please call the League of NH Craftsmen –Fine Craft Gallery at 603-279-7920 or stop by the gallery located at 279 Daniel Webster Highway in Meredith, NH.

For more details, visit our website at http://meredith.nhcrafts.org/classes/ and our Facebook page at http://www. facebook.com/nhcraft/.

The League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery is located at 279 DW Hwy, Meredith, and is dedicated to the education and support of NH’s fine craft tradition since 1932.

The Unique Art of Making Shoes

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

The average person owns everyday shoes, sneakers, dress shoes, and some women love high heels. Over a lifetime, they might not stop to consider the design of their shoes, their construction, or even what the footwear is made of.

Molly Grant, the owner of the Cordwainer Shop in Canterbury, has made shoe construction and design her life’s work. Her handmade shoes are a testament to the skill she learned from the best in the business: her husband, Paul Mathews.

Paul was a skilled master craftsman when it came to making shoes. The Cordwainer Shop was founded

by Paul’s father, Edward F. Mathews, in the 1930s. Son Paul was the shop’s main footwear designer, and after a stint in World War II, he returned and carried on the business as his life’s work.

Paul’s wife, Molly, continues the shoemaking tradition (Paul passed away in 2009). He taught her well.

Speaking with her in the cozy Canterbury studio where she makes fine shoes and teaches small groups, it’s clear Molly knows a great deal about shoemaking.

She starts by explaining what the word “cordwainer” means, since some people have never used it or heard it.

“It simply means shoemaker or some-

one who makes shoes,” she says. “The term came to be in Cordova, Spain, and it is defined as a cobbler who fixes shoes.”

Molly grew up in Bedford, New Hampshire, and has been sewing since age 13. When she was 20 years old, Molly’s mother gave her a piece of leather, which was the start of her career.

“I began to make handbags from leather,” she says. “I worked in a shop in Portsmouth and sold my work there. At age 28, I was juried into the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen,” Molly says.

An avid attendee at the yearly prestigious League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair at Sunapee, Molly first saw Cordwainer Shoes when she was 10 years old. She became a juried member in 1989 and participated by showing her line of handbags.

display.) His shoes were finely crafted and went way beyond anything Molly had previously seen. She wanted to meet him, and as luck would have it, she ran into Paul and they talked about shoe making, “His were the most beautiful shoes I had ever seen,” she recalls. “I was just a 28-year-old member making handbags, but I appreciated his skills. I was lucky because he offered me a job, and it was then that I began to really learn the craft of shoemaking.”

Eventually, the pair married and shared a life making shoes, traveling to craft shows, and taking custom shoe orders.

Molly and Paul ran a fine craft gallery in Bedford, featuring many United States artists. When Paul passed away in 2009, Molly’s life changed as she adjusted to her loss. “I did some craft shows on my own, and a friend suggested I might like to teach cordwaining. It turned out to be popular, and I

• Shoes

continued on page 25

At the Sunapee League fair, she had the opportunity to meet Paul Mathews, owner of the Cordwainer Shop. (Molly admired Paul’s work, which was on

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Shoes continued from page 24

continue doing classes at my Canterbury studio,” Molly explains.

Molly’s studio/workshop is a cozy second-floor room with “a place for everything and everything in its place.”

“I give workshops with a limited number of students, and I particularly love one-on-one classes,” she says, because it gives her time to really teach the craft of shoemaking.

What interests Molly in making shoes? She smiles as she replies, “It’s the leather. I like the feel and the texture, and leather is easier to work with than fabric. I have made shoes for over 40 years. I get leather from a Boston manufacturer, places in Maine and

Massachusetts, and the Tandy Leather Company. I hand-pick the leather.”

She goes on to explain that the upper leather on each pair of shoes is cowhide, while the soles are leather as well.

When one sees the beautiful shoes Molly makes, it is immediately clear that this is the work of a skilled artist. She says that making shoes means each in the pair must be exact to its mate. “It is a very precise craft,” she asserts. All parts of the shoes are hand-sewn or machine-sewn. Molly does not accept custom orders; visitors to the studio can choose from the in-stock inventory.

To show just how precise and detailed a shoe can be, Molly brings out her most cherished possession: a shoe Paul made quite some time ago. The

stitches are amazingly tiny, so much so that the eye can barely discern that it is a row of fine stitches vs. a straight line. It shows the work of a fine craftsman, and he passed that skill on to Molly.

“I have grown more particular over time,” she explains. “I respect fine craftsmanship, and I try to practice it in my shoe making.”

To share the craft with others, Molly has written a book called Pathfinder, a brief history with instructions for making Pathfinder shoes.

According to www.cordwainershop. com, The Pathfinder: The Shoe that Built the Cordwainer Shop is a detailed instruction book for making Pathfinder shoes and also tells the story of the business, which began in the 1930s. It is available as a digital download.

For those interested in making their own shoes but hesitant to try, Molly assures it isn’t all that difficult. “But it is best to have a teacher helping you; it isn’t as easy if you try to do it on your

own.” The workshops run for four days, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Molly offers all kinds of leather-related workshops, so anyone interested in leather and making things can, for example, make a pair of shoes or a leather handbag. Sign up for a workshop and become immersed in an oldtime craft that continues on by just a few select cordwainers.

For those who want to make a pair of shoes, Molly says the process includes measuring the feet, picking a shoe style and leather, and then working with Molly every step of the way to ensure a great pair of shoes.

Molly plans to travel in the future and continues to make handbags and teach her studio classes. She epitomizes the definition of a cordwainer; surely her husband, Paul, would be proud that she is carrying on the tradition that was his life’s work and his passion.

Visit www.cordwainershop.com for information.

July10:JonNolan&GoodCompany

July17:DiasporaRadio&LightheadedCollective

July24:SneakyMiles&CoyoteSmoke

July31:WheelofAwesome

August7:CaitlinPiper&Foxglove

August14:TheSpeedofSound

July14:SeacoastScienceCenter

July21:BrysonLang

July28:WildlifeEncounters

August4:BJHickman

Allshowsare FREE andareheldatthe RotaryArtsPavilionin HenryLawParkinDover.TheFridaynightshowsarefrom6:30 to8:30p.m.andtheChildren’sSeriesshowsare at10:30a.m.

Alex Ray: the man, the entrepreneur, the humanitarian

By Mark Okrant

Back during the 1980s, I entered the first of many road races. There was nothing notable about my run that day, other than meeting one of New Hampshire’s most interesting persons. As the race was about to start, a man in his early thirties approached the starting line with a fiddle and bow, determined to start us off in a memorable fashion. When I asked a fellow competitor who the dude with the fiddle was, he looked at me as though I’d just arrived from Mars. “That’s Alex Ray,” he informed me, “...I can’t believe you don’t know him.” Over the years, I was to learn that Alex Ray was among the most exceptional Granite Staters I would meet, a list that includes governors, U.S. Senators, and many artisans.

Alex moved to North Conway at the age of fourteen, where he attended Kennett High School while working as a cook at Cranmore Mountain Ski Area’s “The Eatery”. In November of 1971, four years after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Alex opened the first Common Man Restaurant on Main Street in Ashland. The restaurant, which was on the first floor of Alex’s home, could serve a maximum of 35 people in its cozy front dining room. There wasn’t a waiting area or lounge, so patrons would line up outside–even during the winter–and wait for an open table. By 1974, the restaurant needed more space, so he converted the carriage house out back into a dining area. In 1977, Alex and his young family moved out of the rooms above the main restaurant, and that space was converted into The Step Above Lounge. This, as it turned out, was only the beginning.

The next Common Man location was established in October of 1985, when a family home in Lincoln was purchased, and an old barn was moved to the site, renovated, and then attached for additional dining space. Next, in 1987, the former Howard Johnson’s Restaurant in

Concord was purchased and renovated, keeping the old-style counter service and turning it into a real old-fashioned 50’s style diner. The Capital City Diner became a popular local hangout and a must-stop on every local and national politician’s tour of the state. Then, in December 1991, the Pike Family sold Ray the parking lot adjacent to their company headquarters just off exit 20 off I-93 in Tilton. Here, Ray located a 1950 steel diner that he had purchased several years before, opening the Tilt’n Diner in May of 1992. One year later, he opened the Italian Farmhouse in Plymouth which soon became a favorite for locals and visitors alike. A large glass greenhouse was added behind the restaurant, and became a favorite spot for weddings and other celebrations. Ray was just getting started.

In 1994, Alex partnered with Meredith entrepreneur Rusty McLear to create the Inn at Bay Point and a new, upscale-dining concept called Boathouse Grille. The restaurant was in a renovated bank building located right on Meredith Bay. In the fall of 2003, the Boathouse Grille was transformed into LAGO, an authentic Italian Trattoria. Twenty-five years after opening the original Common Man Restaurant, the Common Man family opened Common Man Windham, in 1996, in a renovated barn. Also in 1996, the Common Man Company Store was opened in the converted Ashland Post Office building, selling New Hampshire and New England-made merchandise. In 1998, the Common Man family again teamed up with the Inn and Spa at Mill Falls to create the Camp restaurant, located within The Chase House at Mill Falls in Meredith. In 2000, the decision was made to replace the Capital City Diner in Concord with a Common Man restaurant. The old structure was torn down, and a new, charming, New England home and barn were built in its place. During 2001-02, the Common Man renovated a 60,000 square foot defunct wood mill

in Plymouth, and transformed it into the 38-room Common Man Inn & Spa, Foster’s Boiler Room restaurant, and event facility. Next up was opening Lakehouse Grille in Church Landing at Meredith’s Mill Falls in 2004. During July 2005, Merrimack’s Hannah Jack’s Tavern was purchased, and a restaurant opened in the historic structure. In December of that year, the Airport Diner on Manchester’s Brown Avenue, was opened. In June 2009, Ray again teamed with Rusty McLear to create a second Common Man Inn and restaurant in Claremont. Next, in October 2009, the Common Man family opened the 104 Diner in New Hampton. In 2010, Ray reopened a defunct movie theater on Main Street in Plymouth as The Flying Monkey Movie House and Performing Arts Center. Ray was now ready for one of his biggest initiatives yet. In October 2013, The Common Man broke ground on an innovative public-private partnership with the State of New Hampshire, to transform the dated New Hampshire Welcome Centers on Interstate 93 in Hooksett. After just 15 months of construction, the ribbon was cut on the northbound facility in March 2015, with southbound following shortly after. The success of the Hooksett Welcome Centers and Common Man Roadside model led to the construction of smaller versions, each called Common Man Roadside Market & Deli, in Plymouth in 2019, Manchester in 2020, Epsom in 2023, and Portsmouth in 2024. A cafe and dine-in restaurant was opened in Manchester’s Millyard in partnership with Tru Hotel in 2022. Always thinking locally, Ray transformed a defunct storefront on Main Street in Plymouth into New Berry’s on the Common in March 2022. New Berry’s is a gift shop featuring local art, hand-crafted goods from local makers, vintage finds, and more. It is a modern revival of an old Main Street favorite, J.J. Newberry’s department store, pop-

ular in the 1940’s-70’s. Never one to pass up a classic 50’s style diner, Alex purchased an antique diner car which formerly served as the Monarch Diner in Dover in the ’50’s and ’60’s and later Roger’s Redliner Diner in Portsmouth. The car was carefully transported in November 2024 from storage in Bow to its new home in Lincoln, right next door to The Common Man Lincoln. The Lincoln Diner opened in June of 2025.

While the number of Common Man locations has grown over the years, so too has its commitment to local communities by inspiring all of its employees to follow the mantra of “Doing Well by Doing Good.” Each location is charged with holding community fundraisers, and employees are given paid time off to volunteer with non-profit organizations that are important to them. Over the more than five decades of being a hospitality leader in New Hampshire, the Common Man family has donated hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars in sponsorships, food, and in-kind donations to local, national, and international organizations. Ray has personally traveled across the United States and the world to assist in recovery efforts and deliver humanitarian aid to victims of natural disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes, as well as victims of Russia’s war in Ukraine. In recognition of Ray’s decades of commitment to charitable and humanitarian efforts at home and abroad, he was named the 2024 New Hampshire Citizen of the Year by the state’s largest newspaper, the New Hampshire Union Leader At last count, the Common Man family consisted of more than twenty locations and growing. This includes 15 restaurants, 3 diners, 4 inns, 1 company store, 1 movie house, and 7 roadside locations. With initial evidence to the contrary, Alex Ray is someone who simply doesn’t fiddle around.

Savoring The Bakeries of The Lakes Region

By Joel Bocko

The towns of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region have many attractive features, with summertime tending to promote outdoor attractions. A number of popular bakeries, however, can be appreciated inside or out. They provide residents and tourists with tasty treats to enjoy in their home or car, while relaxing in the sand or picnicking in the grass, or - in some casesinside the bakeries themselves. Here are ten highlights from the area... BATTER UP BAKERY • 229 Chocorua Mountain Highway in Chocorua Nestled within the first floor of the NH Country Store, a renovated 18th century barn, this bakery will be opened its take-out window on Memorial Day. Delighted customers can share their rave reviews in the “Sweet Talk” section of Batter Up’s website, where the breakfast sandwiches receive especially high praise. Custom cakes are offered (with pre-orders recommended for two weeks if not a full month ahead of time) alongside a slew of sandwich options as well as rotating pastries which are updated daily on Facebook. Canolis can be filled and dipped upon request. THE BORO BAKING COMPANY • 377 Whittier Highway in Moultonborough

With an emphasis on creating a comfortable environment with lots of seating, this establishment invites patrons to linger after ordering and even accepts reservations. Open Thursday through Monday from 6:30 in the morning, the crowd is particularly buzzing at breakfast time. Signature servings include the Boro BLT as well as Black Cat and Underdog Sandwichs. Local artists are featured along the walls, while owner Jennifer Clifford’s own artful Instagram displays won her a spot on the Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship. CUP & CRUMB • 1040 Whittier High-

way in Moultonborough

Located at the cozily named Berry Pond Corner, this eight-year-old business is operated by owner Madeline Long and head baker Emily Swingle (the playful website also lists the canine Crosby as “Official Mascot” and “Remote Employee of the Year”). The menu changes daily, rotating through a variety of scones, coffee cakes, bars, and more, in addition to selections from their “Grab & Go Fridge”. Open most mornings and early afternoons, they only take Monday off. Custom cakes are often booked days in advance, so make sure you order early! FROM SCRATCH BAKING COMPANY • 36 Center Street in Wolfeboro

Focused exclusively on baked goods to go, with several premiere items intended to be ordered ahead of time, these bakers sell cookies, pastries, cupcakes, bars, and truffles in the store on Thursday through Saturday, with Wednesday a pick-up day for online or phone orders, and Tuesday available by appointment. Their event specialties include not just cakes but entire dessert tables, with a num-

ber of selections and pricing options depending on the size of the crowd.

GOODY GOOD DONUTS • 235

Union Avenue in Laconia

This donut shop encourages early visitors, as the baking begins before dawn and doors open at 5 am. While online orders can be scheduled ahead of time, fresh donuts go quickly and the store closes each day after selling out all goods. A variety of flavors are on offer, from classic staples like jelly and honey dip to the Flintstones-in-

spired Bedrock (glazed and coated in Fruity Pebbles). Donuts are fried rather than baked, and customers can order coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to wash down the morning desserts.

GUSTO ITALIAN CAFE • 23 Main Street in Center Harbor

Offering an unusually ethnic spin on the bakery experience for this area, Gusto is heavy on sandwiches and pasta rather than pastries. On weekends, evening dining is available and a pizza truck can be reserved for special events. The restaurant cultivates the feel of a Tuscan home, with the owners emphasizing their origin story which began on a train near Florence. A library corner and weekly cooking classes are provided to encourage an interactive experience. In addition to the carbs, a juice menu offers items like the Vesuvio (red apple, pineapple, and beet juice) or Lago Di Garda (banana, almond milk, nutella, and cacao smoothie).

LACONIA VILLAGE BAKERY • 660 Main Street in Laconia

Placing a premium on freshly-baked bread (both quick and yeast) as well as pies - with a selection ranging from traditional apple to as far afield as ma-

LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Earns Best of the Lakes Region Awards

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is proud to announce that it has been recognized with two top honors in the Laconia Daily Sun’s Best of the Lakes Region 2026 awards, earning gold for best museum and silver for best family attraction.

Since its founding in 1966, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center has inspired generations through up-close animal encounters, immersive outdoor experiences, and hands-on environmental education. In the first summer season, the science center offered lectures in the barn auditorium next to the Holderness Inn and featured two trails on Mt. Fayal. Today, visitors can explore the live animal exhibit trail, encounter native wildlife including river otters, mountain lions, foxes, raptors, and black bears, enjoy Squam Lake cruises, and participate in programs that foster a deeper understanding of ecology and conservation.

In addition to its exhibits, the science center continues to expand opportunities for lifelong learning and community engagement. This summer, the science center is hosting a series of special events and programs, includ-

ing a bioblitz that invites participants to document local biodiversity, and the summer lecture series presented in partnership with Hubbard Brook Research Foundation, featuring scientists and experts sharing current environmental research and insights.

“We are deeply grateful to our members, guests, and the entire New Hampshire community for this recognition,” said Iain Macleod, executive director of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. “These honors reflect the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters who make the science center a place where families can learn, laugh, and grow together in nature.”

As a nonprofit organization, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center relies on community support to provide accessible, educational experiences for all. The Best of the Lakes Region Awards celebrate the joy, connection, and wonder that visitors experience on the trails, during cruises, and through the science center’s educational programs and events.

To learn more about the Science Center, visit nhnature.org.

• Bakeries continued from page 27

ple squash - this spot also provides breakfast pastries, a diverse lunch spread, and a variety of other menu items. Dozens of cake combinations are available if ordered outside at least 48 hours in advance. Opened 33 years ago by Ellen Giguire, the bakery has been operated for the past 10 years by Rachael Marsh, who describes its small town charms and communal feeling as a dream come true. Sundays are the only days they’re closed.

MELLO MOOSE COFFEE HOUSE • 136 Daniel Webster Highway in Meredith

Step inside to pick up your baked goods alongside coffee, espresso, or tea, and then enjoy them at outdoor tables now that Mello Moose has reopened for Wednesday through Sunday, following a mid-spring hiatus - although the owners continued to update their page with teasers and greetings while traveling the Southwest. The bakery is eclectic (including creative quiches, mini-muffins and buns, and hearty sandwiches) and full of personality, engaging their customers on Facebook with daily puzzles and photos of a playfully posed moose mascot.

WINNI BAGELS • winnibagels. com or Facebook.com/winnibagels (no physical location this year)

Boasting “not just any bagels” but “real bagels” and underscoring their New York origins, these bagel connoisseurs are now planning to take orders exclusively online after operating

a camper last summer. Pre-orders for designated pick-up days are encouraged by Friday at noon to take advantage of their Saturday-only schedule. THE YUM YUM SHOP • 16 North Main Street in Wolfeboro

Many of the bakeries on this list first opened in 2018, but that late date is when the beloved Yum Yum re-opened. While temporarily closed in 2017, a customer campaign garnered news coverage by installing neon signs pleading for a return of the beloved institution. The pastry shop’s history goes much further back, with the German-American Lotte Kelly establishing Yum Yum in 1948 and running it for decades before subsequent generations took over. Today it is once again open seven days a week for twelve hours a day, starting at 6 am. Gingerbread cookies are a primary attraction - the logo is even a smiling gingerbread man making his trademark dash - and over time the location has expanded to include an ice cream parlor and gift store.

Last alphabetically but first chronologically, the Yum Yum has now cheerfully presided over an array of regional bakeries for nearly eighty years. Take your pick from that array...but why choose just one?

These ten bakeries represent just a sampling of what the Lakes Region has to offer. From classic donut shops and family bakeries to artisan cafés and specialty bakeries, there are many more local businesses serving up freshbaked favorites. Exploring them is part of the fun—and one of the tastiest ways to experience the region.

Granite VNA Promotes Year-Round Mental

New Hampshire has the second-oldest population in the United States. According to a report from the New Hampshire Alliance for Healthy Aging, 19% of Granite Staters are age 65 or older, and about one-quarter of that group lives alone. As the state’s population ages, a growing but often overlooked challenge is emerging: mental health concerns among older adults.

Although we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month each May, mental health issues persist year-round. Granite VNA, New Hampshire’s largest nonprofit home health and hospice agency, emphasizes the importance of ongoing awareness and support. The organization is sharing tips and resources to help older adults, caregivers and loved ones recognize signs of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, and take steps to address them.

Unlike younger people, older adults are less likely to report emotional distress, leaving conditions such as depression and anxiety underdiagnosed and undertreated. Older adults may quietly experience depression and anxiety linked to loneliness and social isolation, grief over the loss of a spouse or loved one, loss of independence, or cognitive decline. Left unaddressed, these challenges can lead to worsened chronic conditions, reduced quality of life, increased hospitalizations, and poor recovery and symptom management.

“Aging affects mental well-being just as much as physical health,” said Granite VNA Chief Strategy Officer Julie Stone. “Older adults and caregivers must manage both together to support a healthy, fulfilling aging process. It’s critical to recognize potential mental health concerns and their warning signs, and to take action.”

For individuals managing chronic or terminal illness, mental health is especially important. Untreated depression and anxiety can contribute to poorer health outcomes and diminished overall well-being.

Tips for older adults to support men-

tal health include:

• Stay socially connected through phone calls, visits, and community activities

• Maintain a daily routine

• Engage in regular physical activity

• Talk openly with loved ones, caregivers and health care providers

• Explore hobbies and interests

Community and senior centers in many areas offer ways for older adults to connect and engage with others, and some even provide transportation.

Granite VNA offers programs such as Healthy Steps for Older Adults, A Matter of Balance and StrongerMemory throughout the region to support active aging and independence by promoting physical and mental wellness.

Caregivers and family members also play a vital role. Granite VNA recommends they:

• Check in regularly, especially with those who live alone

• Watch for signs of depression, such as withdrawal, appetite changes, or fatigue

• Offer practical support, including transportation, errands and meal preparation

• Encourage participation in social and community activities

• Help connect loved ones with health care providers and support services

For those who may need additional support, Granite VNA offers community programs such as grief support and bereavement services, caregiver support, and support for those who have experienced the loss of a child.

Additional resources include:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988), available 24/7

• NH Rapid Response (call or text 833-710-6477)

• New Hampshire community mental health centers (nhcbha.org)

• New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services–contracted peer support agencies (www. dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/mental-health/peer-support-agencies)

Health Awareness for Older Adults

Primary care providers 911 for emergencies

As New Hampshire’s population continues to age, addressing mental health among older adults is essential.

By recognizing the signs, starting conversations and connecting people with support, families and communities can help improve quality of life for older residents across the Granite State.

Art at the Gafney Fundraiser Returns for 14th Year

The Gafney Library is thrilled to announce the return of its 14th Annual Art at the Gafney fundraising event! Featuring both new and returning artists, this beloved community tradition transforms the library into a vibrant showcase of creativity, talent, and inspiration. From stunning paintings and photography to unique handcrafted pieces, there is something to capture the imagination of visitors of all ages. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a longtime supporter, or simply looking for a beautiful and inspiring experience, Art at the Gafney promises to be an event you won’t want to miss!

Each artist has generously donated at least one piece of art to raffle off and another piece to show or sell, with works represented in a wide variety of mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, fiber, mixed media, photography, prints, sculpture, books, and more. Art at the Gafney awards will be presented to participants across all mediums.

Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the summer, until the closing reception, which will be held on August 15 from 2 to 4 pm. Raffle tickets are 15 tickets for $10, six tickets for $5, and a single ticket at $1 each. Each ticket may be placed on a donated item of choice – over 85 items to choose from. All proceeds will go to the Gafney Library.

The Gafney Library encourages visitors to come, explore, and experience the many unique and diverse artistic talents that flourish within the region.

The exhibition is open during regular library hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 1 to 7 pm, Friday 9 am to 2 pm, and Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm. For

more information, call Library Director Amy Swanson or Peter Abate at 603522-3401.

Artists in this year’s show include: Peter Abate, Darlene Bean, Jeanne Berthiaume, Amy Bintz, Steve Brown, Alanna Callendrello, Renae Chrystal, Ashley Churchill, Pam Clark, Jennifer Cole, Martina Cyr, Susan Dansereau, Bob DeMario, Kiara DeMontier, Malori Denley, Ken Eason, Craig Evans, Daniel Faia, Peggy Farrell, Beth Felipe, Grace Ferguson, Fred Foley, Ron Fountain, Beth Fox, Frank Frazier, Jacqueline Garland, John Girouard, Gigi Gobbi, Maryann Goblick, J. P. Goodwin, Jillian Green, Henry Grover, Nancy Grover, Lauren Hammond, Renee Hardy, Ron Harrison, Patrick Hartnett, Linda Hefner, Holman, Sue Houde, Mary Antoinette Jackson, Frank Jedrychowski, Kenneth Jeffery, Charles Kartsonis, Josef Keller, Sean Kessler, Kathleen Kingston, Gary LaPierre, Karen Lord, Jeanne Loughan, Heather MacLeod, Rebecca Marella, Maureen McCarthy, Bridget Mellow, Dina Moise, Phillipe Moise, Anita Muise, Pat Nash, Raya Nepomuceno, Kate Niewenhous, Evelyn Nitzberg, Shawn Norris, Shawn Pelech, Martha Pike, Susan Raban, Norman Royle, Alysha Russo, Cheryl Shanahan, Suze Shaw, Mary Sheehan, Erin Slingsby, Gabe Smith, Liz Stefano, Rick Surette, Amy Swanson, Sharon Theiling, Susan Trayes, Tracie Turransky, Phil Twombley, Mary Ulinski, Joel Veillard, Jill Vendituoli, David Waller, Anne Willet.

The Gafney Library is located at 14 High Street in Sanbornville. Learn more at gafneylibrary.org