Granite State Stuff

Waterville Valley Resort Offers Chili Challenge

2008-05-09T22:48:00Z

Waterville Valley, NH- Waterville Valley Resort's 10th Annual Chili Challenge will heat up on Sunday May 25, 2008. Waterville Valley Resort restaurants will compete in the Town Square for the title of the best chili around. For a small fee for sampling, you can vote for your favorite chili. The event starts at noon, accompanied by a free outdoor concert in the gazebo until 3 p.m., when the winning chef gets crowned by the "King of Chili."

And, come enjoy the Valley with a Summer Unlimited Package, with two nights lodging, tickets to the chili challenge, $50 in "Town Square bucks," and Summer Unlimited activities. Prices start at $43 per person, per night (based on quad occupancy).

The Waterville Valley Summer Unlimited package includes all the fun people cherish in New England each summer: boating, mountain biking, tennis, golf, access to the White Mountain Athletic Club, use of the Waterville Valley shuttle, a scenic chair lift ride up Snow's Mountain, and access to the Waterville Valley Recreation's open gym program. In addition, families staying for at least three nights can send their children between the ages of six to 12 to one day of Kids Camp. With all the activities included in the price, guests who take advantage of this package will save at least 50 percent on their family vacation. It is also valid at the many summer activities at the Rey Center's Curious George Cottage, and productions of the North Country Center for the Arts Children's Theatre.

Waterville Valley Resort is hosting many events that will provide families an opportunity to spend quality time together in a location that encourages the exploration of nature, fosters creativity, and welcomes curiosity.

Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four seasons resort. Today in addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, cultural activities and summer theater, an indoor ice rink, boating, a skate park, and a host of outdoor activities. Dining options include traditional favorites and elegant dining. For more information, call 1-800-GO-VALLEY or visit http://www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

“Best of the Wurst” Festival Celebrate German Food and Culture

2008-05-07T23:33:00Z

DANBURY, NH – New Hampshire’s fifth annual “Best of the Wurst” celebration of German food and culture will take place over Memorial Day weekend from May 23rd to 25th at Alphorn Bistro at Inn at Danbury.

Join Chef Graf in the celebration of the Bistro’s most recent award 2008 “Best German Restaurant” from NH Magazine reader’s poll. This is the 4thyear in a row the Restaurant has been awarded a “BEST OF NH” title and this event will be a great opportunity to enjoy his award winning cuisine and meet the Graf family who were recently featured on ABC’s Wife Swap. Enjoy fresh Bratwurst & Schnitzels and an array of many German Beers and wines with live German Music provided by Mike Kaelin a strolling accordion player. In addition to German foods, and beer, the festival will hold Trachten contests and free German wine tasting(times TBA) Throughout the weekend, prizes will be awarded for best dressed German, Swiss or Austrian Trachten.

For menu and seating choices visit the Inn’s website at www.innatdanbury.com or call 603-768-3318

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE EVENT

*** FRIDAY, MAY 23 ***
Live German music throughout the night by Mike Kaelin, our strolling accordion player while you dine

*** SATURDAY, MAY 24 ***
1-1:30 PM seating #1
4:45 – 5:15 PM seating #2
7:15 – 7:45 PM seating #3

***SUNDAY, MAY 25 ***
12:00 – 12:30 PM seating #1
3 – 3:30 PM seating #2
5:30 – 6:00 PM seating #3

Guests may also take advantage of the wonderful “Stay & Fest” packages, starting from $145 to $195 per couple for one night stay. Call the Inn for details and availability

The Inn at Danbury and Alphorn Bistro is located at 67 NH Route 104, and can be reached at www.innatdanbury.com or 1-866-DANBURY or 603-768-3318.

CVS store to open in Concord

2008-05-07T23:21:00Z

Concord, NH – TRB Development Group, Inc. of Hooksett, NH, has just completed the new CVS Pharmacy at the corner of Water and Hall Streets. The store will be open for business on May 4, 2008. The Grand Opening ceremony, however, will take place at noon on Saturday, May 10, 2008, followed by a barbeque that will be open to the public. A raffle for two Red Sox tickets, with proceeds to benefit Easter Seals, will commence on May 10 and continue through June 6, the day after Easter Seals’ annual ‘Walk with Me’ fund raiser. Other health-oriented clinics will occur at the new CVS during the month of May.

The retail portion of this slab-on-grade, steel frame building is 10,000 SF with a spacious 1,000 SF pharmacy, 1,200 SF of back room, and 1,800 SF of storage area/mezzanine. The project cost $2 million, and in spite of the snowiest winter in many years, TRB completed it on time adhering to the seven-month schedule.

Masonry veneer featuring a herringbone pattern and EIFS accents adds to the overall appearance of the architectural style of this building, and the RubberGard^® EPDM roofing system will provide long-lasting protection against severe weather. The retail store has a one-hour photo lab and a material lift to convey products to the retail floor. There are two, convenient drive-up windows to the pharmacy and dual entrances and exits from both Water and Hall Streets.

Two new hiking books from PublishingWorks

2008-05-06T00:33:00Z

PublishingWorks is announcing the release of two new hiking
books: Haunted Hikes of New Hampshire, by Marianne O'Connor, and Loop
Year: 365 Days on the Trail, written by John Sheirer.

Haunted Hikes of New Hampshire is written by a Nashua native and
details the ghost stories associated with some of our great hiking
trails. These stories are family-oriented and intended to help
children want to get out into the great outdoors and go exploring.
Author Marianne O'Connor is heavily involved in No Child Left Inside
and Other outdoor recreation programs throughout the state.

John Sheirer has braved nor'easters, weathered summer scorchers,
and endured the bitter April rains. He has a lesson everyone can learn
from: the power of the hike. Sheirer set a goal to hike the McCann
trail in Somers, Connecticut every day for a year. During each trek,
he learned about himself, the human condition, and the environment. He
recorded his words of wisdom in daily entries. These experiences are
the essence of Loop Year.

Loop Year: 365 Days on the Trail

Haunted Hikes of New Hampshire

Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Currier Museum of Art

2008-05-06T00:31:00Z

MANCHESTER, NH – Looking for something unique to do with your mom, grandmother, daughter or other special lady in your life? Bring her to the Currier on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11 at 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m., and celebrate with a special guided tour of the Museum's collection. These tours will explore the "Women in Art: Celebrating Mother's Day" while highlighting some specific artists and items in the collection.

Tour members will learn about the Currier's recent acquisition by Marisol entitled The Family, explore some of the Madonna and Child images in the European gallery and see many other women in the Currier's collection.

About the Currier
The Currier Museum of Art (http://www.currier.org) in Manchester, NH is home to an internationally respected collection of European and American paintings, decorative arts, photographs and sculpture. New galleries showcase the collection of over 11,000 objects, including works by Picasso, Matisse, Monet, O'Keeffe, and Wyeth. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the engaging traveling exhibitions, a series of dynamic programs ranging from music to lectures to hands-on art-making, an expanded gift shop and an airy new café filled with light and equipped with WiFi.

The associated Art Center offers studio classes, art camps and intensive workshops for all ages. The museum also owns the Zimmerman House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, complete with the original furnishings and the owners' fine art collection. The Zimmerman House is the only Wright-designed house in New England open for public tours which are offered March – December. To book a tour or get more information, visit http://www.currier.org or call 603-669-6144, ext. 108.

"Kaddish" Performed To Sold-Out Audience

2008-05-06T00:28:00Z

Keene, NH --- The Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College was sold out May 3, 2008 for debut performance of "Kaddish," a major new work for chorus, soloists and chamber orchestra by New Hampshire composer Lawrence Siegel. Over five hundred guests, including Holocaust survivors from around the country, Holocaust scholars, and numerous dignitaries – including the widow of U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos, (CA) the only Holocaust survivor to serve in the United States Congress – attended the debut. Other dignitaries included former New Hampshire Governor Walter Peterson; U.S. Congressman Paul Hodes (NH); David Caruso, Antioch University New England President. The performance drew such interest that a public "simulcast" of the May 3 performance was added, with seating in the art center's Recital Hall. Following several standing ovations for the composer, the soloists, the orchestra and chorus, two hundred audience members attended a post-performance reception where they met the composer, the performers and Holocaust survivors. Keene State College President, Helen Giles-Gee called the evening "nothing short of remarkable."

The performance was preceded by a dinner at the Spaulding Gym at the College, attended by over five hundred guests, and included an in-absentia tribute to the founder of the Cohen Center for Holocaust Studies, Dr. Charles Hildebrandt.

"Kaddish: Music of Remembrance and Hope" will be performed next at the Ted Mann Concert Hall in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in its professional world premiere with the vocal ensemble VocalEssence, under the direction of maestro Philip Brunelle. That performance is November 15, 2008, as part of the 40th anniversary season of VocalEssence, with ticket sales beginning July 1. VocalEssence is internationally recognized for the innovative exploration of music for voices and instruments and the world premiere of Kaddish continues that tradition.

"Kaddish" was commissioned by The Cohen Center for Holocaust Studies in Keene to mark its 25th anniversary. The composition was intended to use the power of music to teach about the Holocaust and to emphasize the responsibility we share in preventing future tragedies, according to Jan Cohen, executive producer. "Genocide is an ongoing global crisis," Cohen said. " The fact that the intentional and systematic destruction of entire cultures continues makes 'Kaddish' relevant to people of all backgrounds."

Siegel traveled to Poland and the Czech Republic and met with Holocaust survivors in North America to prepare his composition. The stories he collected were adapted, set to music and eventually became the 15-movement piece now known as "Kaddish." A "Kaddish" is a traditional Jewish prayer for the dead, yet it celebrates life.

The performance in Keene included soloists Peggo Horstmann-Hodes, soprano; Pamela Stevens, mezzo-soprano; Ryan Turner, tenor; and David Ripley, baritone, plus a chorus of 50 voices and a chamber orchestra.

The American Composers Forum awarded one of about 150 Continental Harmony grants to the composer to help underwrite the creation of Kaddish. Kaddish was also funded in part by a grant from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

More information may be found at http://www.kaddishproject.org or call 603-358-2300 To purchase tickets for November 15, 2008 performance, more information may be found at http://www.vocalessence.org.

Great Breakfast Recipes From New Hampshire B&Bs

2008-04-30T17:33:00Z

One of the greatest pleasures of staying at a country inn is the sumptuous breakfast that is served each morning. A wonderful treat given that for most of us breakfast usually consists of a cup of coffee and a bagel grabbed on the run.

Four of our clients, classic country inns located in Central New Hampshire, share their recipes for the signature breakfast dishes that keep their guests returning again and again. Now your readers can enjoy these delicious breakfast treats at home.

THE HIGHLAND LAKE INN

At the Highland Lake Inn in East Andover, where Owner and Innkeeper Pecco Beaufays received his chef's training at the Sacher in Vienna, the signature item is Teddy's Sweet Belgian Waffles, a recipe from Beaufay's Belgian grandmother.

At the 10-room Highland Lake Inn, which was originally a 1767 gentleman's farmhouse, the waffles are served with artesian coffee from New England Roasters and teas from Harney & Sons Fine Teas of Connecticut.

Teddy's Sweet Belgian Yeast Waffles
Makes 4 servings

1 package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Stir yeast and sugar into small bowl with water; let stand until foamy 3-5 min.

2 3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup butter
Warm in sauce pan until butter is melted (milk should not exceed 110 degrees)

3 cups flour
1 cup corn starch
Combine

3 egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
Mix with all the above and let stand until mixture is doubled in volume (1hour)

3 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
Whip eggs and sugar until firm peaks form

Carefully fold whites into batter using large rubber spatula than bake in Waffle maker on medium heat.

HENNIKER HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST

At the Henniker House Bed & Breakfast, a quintessential Victorian Inn overlooking the Contoocook River, Innkeeper Kate Bartlet's most requested recipe is for her apple pancakes called Dutch Babies.

Henniker House Dutch Babies
Makes 2 pancakes

Preheat oven to 350 - the oven must be hot when you put them in.

Peel, Core and Slice 2 apples, sauté in butter & liberal quantities of cinnamon for about 8 minutes.

Whirl the following ingredients a blender (leaving the center out of the top will put more air in the batter & fluff up the pancake):

3 eggs
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup milk
dash salt

Spray 2 oven safe dishes with nonstick cooking spray & put them on a cookie sheet so you can pull the dishes in and out of the oven without slopping. Put apples in bottom of each dish, pour batter over top.

Bake for 18 minutes - have a look at them - are they puffy and starting to brown? Might go as long as 25 minutes depending on your oven. Put a pad of butter and some cinnamon/sugar on the top. Put them back in the oven for 5 minutes & they'll puff up some more.

Serve quickly so they don't fall. Also note that warmed New Hampshire maple syrup will make these taste even better!

THE ROSEWOOD COUNTRY INN

At the Rosewood Country Inn where dining is such an intrinsic part of the guest experience that Innkeepers *** & Lesley Marquis have published two cookbooks, signature breakfast items include: Tomato-Basil Egg Frittata, a refreshing Honeydew Melon soup in the summer, and a praline sauce that is served over French toast and Belgian waffles.

The 11- room Rosewood Country Inn is an extraordinary treasure for the discerning traveler. Tucked snugly away on a meandering country lane, against a backdrop of rolling hills and fields, the Rosewood Country Inn truly reflects a gracious lifestyle and has hosted many illustrious guests throughout the years including Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, who have rooms at the inn named after them.

Tomato-Basil Egg Frittata
Makes 6 Servings

8 slices dense herb bread, cubed
1 teaspoon minced scallions
8 ounces grated cheddar cheese
8 large farm fresh eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
dash pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Paprika
Grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 420 degrees. spray six individual 8- ounce casserole dishes with non-stick cooking spray. Divide bread cubes, scallions and cheddar cheese among casserole dishes.

Place eggs, milk salt, pepper, basil and onion powder in blender. Blend on low. Pour over bread in casserole dishes. sprinkle with parsley, paprika and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in oven for about 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown. The center should be set.

THE BLUE ACORN INN

At the Blue Acorn Inn, a family-friendly farmhouse situated on 22 acres with sweeping views of Mt. Sunapee, the homemade granola is a guests' favorite and always offered at breakfast along with a selection of hot breakfast entrees.

Blue Acorn Granola
Makes 16-20 servings

8 cups of Oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups sunflower seeds
1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups walnuts
2 cups honey
2 cups slivered almonds
8 tablespoons cinnamon
2 cups coconut
1 tablespoon cloves
4 tablespoons nutmeg
2 tablespoons almond extract

Mix dry ingredients. Add oil and honey. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix well. Spread on cookie sheets and bake for 10-15 minutes s at 350 degrees.

Part of the New Hampshire Forum For Getaway Marketing, all four Inns are open year round, with each season offering its own unique charm and stunning vistas. A wide range of recreational activities are available year round.

Dartmouth Welcomes 16 Teams to 2nd Annual Formula Hybrid International Competition at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

2008-04-30T13:54:00Z

LOUDON, N.H. (April 29, 2008) - Founded and run by Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth, the 2nd Annual Formula Hybrid International Competition will take place on May 5 to 7 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H. The competition features high-performance hybrid race cars built by teams of undergraduate and graduate engineering students.

This year 16 teams will compete including Yale, Drexel, Embry-Riddle, and McGill University from Canada. Four of the teams, including Russia and Taiwan, have entered just the Presentation Event and plan to bring their cars next year.

Thayer School modeled its event after the Formula SAE(r) competition, in which Dartmouth students have competed for over 10 years. (This year, the Dartmouth Formula Racing team will continue fine-tuning the design of its 85% biofuel-powered turbo-charged engine.)

The main difference in the Formula Hybrid competition is that teams need to consider the additional factor of fuel efficiency in the design and construction of their car.

"In the Formula SAE(r) competition students can use as much gas as they want," Doug Fraser, Research Engineer and Director of the Formula Hybrid Project explained. "In the Formula Hybrid competition, students need to consider fuel usage. If the students have gas left over at the end of the competition then they've wasted it. Ideally, they want to run out of gas right as they cross the finish line."

Like Formula SAE(r), students must also consider the design, acceleration, handling, and endurance of their vehicle and abide by a long list of rules.

"The rules are always a work-in-progress," said Fraser, "because students keep asking new and different questions that lead to new rules and eventually to new technology."

Apart from the engineering component, teamwork plays a huge role within and amongst the teams.

"It's amazing," said Wynne Washburn, the project's Deputy Director, "in the garages you can hear the teams communicating among themselves-Yale asking Embry Riddle questions, Dartmouth asking Illinois questions. The students are really open to sharing technology, and that's what makes technology better."

Washburn added, "One of the biggest excitements of the program is bringing together electrical and mechanical engineers. It's great to see two groups of people who study fundamentally different fields work together towards a common goal. The cross-disciplinary learning is invaluable."

But the purpose of the Formula Hybrid event goes beyond bringing engineers together and winning competitions. "We encourage teams to go further and really push the envelope of hybrid car technology," said Fraser.

The results should be impressive.

"The Dartmouth car is amazing to watch," said John Collier, Thayer School's Myron Tribus Professor of Engineering Innovation and Dartmouth hybrid team advisor. "The acceleration is incredible, and it's quiet!"

"Last year was the very first year of the competition," added Charlie Sullivan, Associate Professor of Engineering and another faculty advisor to the Dartmouth team. "Everybody was just starting to get things to work. I think this year we're going to see a lot more sophisticated design and creativity."

Registration begins the morning of May 5th. An educational program will run simultaneously with the goal of inspiring middle and high school students to take an interest in hybrid and other alternative technologies.

The acceleration and autocross events (which Washburn believed would be the most exciting events to watch) are scheduled for Tuesday May 6th. The endurance event will take place on Wednesday before the Awards Ceremony.

See the competition website at http://www.formula-hybrid.org for more schedule information.

Competition sponsors include the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Plug In America, Toyota, General Motors, and Chrysler.

May Bach’s Lunch Series: Schubert and the Piano’s Singing Voice

2008-04-29T01:18:00Z

The Bach’s Lunch Series continues on May 1 with a lecture by Daniel Beller-McKenna, entitled “Songs Without Words: Schubert and the Piano’s Singing Voice.” On May 8, Anita Yu, a member of the piano faculty at the Music School, will perform Schubert’s Sonata in B-flat Major in her Bach’s Lunch concert entitled “Poetic Majesty.” Bach’s Lunch programs are free, and take place in the Music School’s Recital Hall, 23 Wall St., downtown Concord, from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m.

The May 8 concert will include Schubert's B-Flat Sonata – one of his most hauntingly beautiful pieces. It was also one of his final three sonatas written in the last year of his life. Known for his exquisite lyricism, Schubert delivers a poignant melody that seems to arise from his very heart and soul. The theme in the opening of this sonata is both dreamy and resigned, but is interrupted suddenly by the ominous rumbling of a low trill, foreshadowing death as the rattling comes to a complete stop.

The Bach’s Lunch Series received a 2007 Best of NH Award from New Hampshire Magazine, named as an Editor's Pick - “best place to bring a brown-bag lunch.”

The Bach’s Lunch series is sponsored by The Duprey Companies; The Couch Trusts, TD Banknorth, N.A., Trustee; and The Timothy and Abigail B. Walker Lecture Fund. Call 603-228-1196 for information, or visit the website http://www.ccmusicschool.org.

Daniel Beller-McKenna is Associate Professor of Music at the University of New Hampshire where he has been on the faculty since 1998. He has published widely on the music of Johannes Brahms and (less widely) on John Lennon and the Beatles. Beller-McKenna is President of the American Brahms Society and performs in various musical ensembles in the New Hampshire seacoast region.

Anita Yu holds a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of British Columbia, and a master of music degree in piano pedagogy and performance from Westminster Choir College. She studied with Louise Goss, Phyllis Lehrer, and Ena Barton, and currently studies with Michael Lewin at the Boston Conservatory. Ms. Yu has performed many solo performances in Boston, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Vancouver. She is a former assistant musical director and accompanist for the Papermill Theatre, Lincoln, NH, and a former faculty member at the New School for Music Study and St. Paul’s School. She currently teaches at the Community Music Center of Boston, and the Concord Community Music School.

Vote for Your Favorite Design– It Could Wind Up on a T-Shirt

2008-04-25T21:12:00Z

For the second time in as many years, Breathe New Hampshire has teamed with Manchester Community College’s Commercial Design and Illustration Program for a contest involving students’ designs. One student’s work will be featured on the event t-shirts for the statewide non-profit’s Annual Seacoast Bike Tour on May 17 and 18. The winning design will be determined by online voting at the respiratory health organization’s website between Friday, April 25, 2008 and noon on Tuesday, April 29. The website is www.breathenh.org.

As a class assignment, Instructor Ellen Wolper tasked the students in her Computer Illustration class with developing a graphic to be used on the event t-shirts earlier in the semester. The students enthusiastically embraced the assignment, which was left almost entirely to their creativity. The only instruction was to use Breathe New Hampshire’s logo and to develop a two color design that represented a bike tour.

Of the 15 designs submitted, three were selected as finalists and are currently featured online. Those designs belong to students, Brian Champagne, Angela Gianni, and Debra Good. “We would like to have as many people as possible vote,” said Beth D’Ovidio, Breathe New Hampshire’s Director of PR and Communications. “We are really pleased to be able to work collaboratively this way with the school. This offers the students the ability to get some practical experience with their designs. It is a win-win situation. We get a fabulous design for our event t-shirts, and the students are able to include a design that has been printed in their portfolio. The young lady whose design was selected last year actually received some job offers through the online exposure.”

“We were surprised by the huge response when we did this last year. There were hundreds of votes within a few hours of the posting,” according to Kelly Sicard, Dir. of Special Events and Volunteer Services for the non-profit. If you would like to weigh in on what design is selected, visit www.breathenh.org and vote.

The 23^rd Annual Seacoast Bike Tour is open to cyclists of all abilities and features both one and two day routes. Routes range from 25 to 100 miles in length. All routes begin in Portsmouth and extend to Ogunquit, Maine. The tour is a fully supported event with rest stops, Ham Radio Operators, Medics, Massage therapists, Bike mechanics and Finish line festivities with food and live musical entertainment. For more information or to make a contribution to a rider, contact Breathe New Hampshire at 800-835-8647 or visit www.breathenh.org.

The Seacoast Bike Tour receives support from Public Service of New Hampshire, Merrill Lynch and WXRV 92.5 The River.

NASCAR Fridays at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Will Be Heluva Good!®

2008-04-25T21:11:00Z

NASCAR Fridays at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Will Be Heluva Good!®

LOUDON, N.H. (April 24, 2008) - Heluva Good!®, a leading producer of real sour cream dips, cheese, and condiments, will sponsor the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pole Days and the NASCAR Camping World Series East races on Friday, June 27, 2008 and Friday, September 12, 2008 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Both Fridays will be designated as the "Heluva Good!® Pole Days". The NASCAR Camping World Series East events will be named the Heluva Good!® 125 in June and September.

"With such an enormous following and loyal fan base, teaming up with New Hampshire Motor Speedway was a perfect fit," said Lynne Bohan, Heluva Good!® spokesperson. "Whether it's just a few friends in your living room, or you're at the track among thousands of fellow race fans, Heluva Good! always makes the best parties even better."

"We are delighted this well-respected, New England-based company recognizes the marketing power of NASCAR racing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway," said Jerry Gappens, Executive Vice-President and General Manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "We look forward to working closely with Heluva Good! in this new partnership and helping them deliver their message to the hundreds of thousands of our brand-loyal race fans."

Tickets for the NASCAR events at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, including the June 29 LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and the September 14 SYLVANIA 300, are on sale and can be obtained online at www.nhms.com or by calling the ticket hotline at 1-603-783-4931.

At Home in the Georgian Period (1715- 1780)

2008-04-25T21:10:00Z

Historic New England presents a five-week lecture series At Home in the Georgian Period at the Governor John Langdon House on Wednesdays starting May 7.

Environment, politics, climate, religion, and material culture shaped the patterns of life developed in the early American colonies. In this mini-course, explore the many influences of the Georgian Period: the buildings, furniture and decorative arts developed during the period, the turbulent politics leading to the War of Independence and the impact of these influences on New England daily life. The Langdon House is located at 143 Pleasant Street and the lectures will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Registration for the course is required and is $50 for Historic New England members, $95 for non-members (includes membership).

On May 7, Christopher L. Pastore a PhD. Candidate at UNH in American history, will set the scene with a historical overview of the period, which ranges from 1715 to 1780. On May 14, Joseph Cornish, Senior Stewardship Manager for Historic New England, will explain the architecture of the era. This session may be of particular interest to seacoast residents who will recognize the building form, perhaps from their own street.

Nancy Carlisle, Curator for Historic New England will present on the furniture styles of the period on May 21. On May 28 noted educator, write and scholar Elizabeth Garrett Widmer will conclude the lecture portion of the series by speaking on interior finishes and decorative arts found during the Georgina period.

The series closes on June 4 with special tours of the Governor John Langdon House (1784) and the Warner House (1716). Each of these homes represent the high style of Georgian architecture and design, at the beginning and end of the era.

Call 603-436-3250 or visit http://www.historicnewengland.org/things/calendar/Events.asp to register for the course.

About Historic New England

Historic New England is the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive regional preservation organization in the country. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the lives and stories of New Englanders through their homes and possessions. For more information visit Historic New England online at www.HistoricNewEngland.org.

Loon Mountain posts record season and looks forward to summer

2008-04-25T20:58:00Z

Lincoln, NH - New Hampshire's Loon Mountain wrapped up its 41st ski season Monday, and announced it had a record year for snowfall and skier visits. This season, Loon received 127.5 more inches of snow, and hosted 30% more visits than last season.

Loon opened the $13 million first phase of its new South Peak terrain last December, adding 50 acres of new terrain that included three trails and two new lifts. Construction is already in progress of two additional trails to open next season on South Peak.

"It has been an incredible year here at Loon,"commented General Manager Rick Kelley. "With a strong start, more consistent weather throughout the season and record snowfall, we were able to offer our guests even more terrain variety, with terrain parks and pipes opening sooner and the gladed areas open for much of the season. Plus, were able to extend the season by a week. Guest reaction to the new South Peak terrain has been very positive and the new terrain we will be opening there next season will rival terrain on North Peak in terms of pitch and challenge."

Not only is Loon Mountain New Hampshire's most popular winter destination, Loon also offers plenty of activities for families vacationing in the White Mountains in the summer and fall. Loon operates New Hampshire's longest scenic gondola skyride, and offers glacial caves, a mountaintop playground, a self-guided nature tour, an observation tower, miles of hiking trails, mountain bike rentals and tours, and an ourdoor climbing wall.

For those looking for more a relaxing day, the mountainside Viaggio Spa is open year-round with a full lineup of massage therapy and spa treatments.

The towns of Lincoln and North Woodstock are great vacation bases for families. The lodging selections are endless - a slopeside hotel, in-town hotels, motels, condos, country inns, bed & breakfasts, plus a number of campgrounds in the area.

Many lodges are within walking distance of downtown Lincoln and offer family stay-and-play packages that include Loon's Gondola Skyride. Other "don't-miss" area activities include hiking in the White Mountain National Forest, spending the day at the Whale's Tale Water Park or driving over the Kancamagus Highway, a National Scenic Byway, to North Conway, NH and tax-free outlet shopping.

Cambridge Trust Company of New Hampshire names new President

2008-04-25T20:55:00Z

Bow Resident Todd Mayo Joins Wealth Management Company

Concord, New Hampshire (April 23, 2008) – Cambridge Bancorp (OTCBB: CATC) and its subsidiary, Cambridge Trust Company, announced the appointment of Todd D. Mayo as president of Cambridge Trust Company of New Hampshire.

Mayo, an attorney and thought leader in trusts, estates and wealth management, brings more than 15 years of estate planning and legal experience to the company. Prior to his retirement in June, President William Morrison, who opened the New Hampshire offices more than ten years ago, will work closely with Mayo to ensure a seamless transition. Following that period, Morrison will remain with the company in an advisory capacity.

A nationally and locally recognized authority on trust and estate matters, Mayo will lead Cambridge Trust Company of New Hampshire’s growth and continued development as New Hampshire trust and investment laws evolve. Mayo will be based in the Concord office.

“Todd is a valuable addition to our team,” said Michael A. Duca, executive vice president, wealth management. “His extensive knowledge and experience with tax and financial ventures will be invaluable for our clients, and address the specific needs of growing our New Hampshire wealth management business.”

Mayo previously served as a director at Cleveland, Waters and Bass, P.A., in Concord, New Hampshire, where he counseled high net worth individuals and families on trust and estate matters, and advised individuals, privately-held businesses and tax-exempt organizations on federal and New Hampshire tax matters. Mayo began his career at Mayo Associates, Inc. and has extensive planned giving, charitable giving, estates and trust, and general counsel experience.

“Cambridge Trust Company of New Hampshire enjoys a reputation for being the trusted partner in wealth management, and I am excited to join that tradition,” said Mayo. “What makes the company different is our understanding of the New Hampshire market and our commitment to clients – providing exceptional personal service and professional money management.”

A member of the New Hampshire Bar Association since 1993, Mayo serves in the American Bar Association’s Section of Taxation and its Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law. He manages an ABA-sponsored discussion group on issues affecting nonprofit organizations. In addition to his pro bono work for various charities, he has served on the boards of directors of Beaver Brook Association and Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce, and he has served on the board of advisors of Peabody Mills Environmental Center.

Mayo earned his B.A. in economics and history from Georgetown University and his J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. He also received his LL.M (taxation) from the University of Florida College of Law. Mayo currently lives in Bow, N.H.

About Cambridge Trust Company of New Hampshire

Cambridge Trust Company of New Hampshire, a division of Cambridge Trust Company, offers wealth management services at two New Hampshire locations, Concord and Exeter. Cambridge Bancorp and its subsidiary, Cambridge Trust Company, is one of New England’s leaders in wealth management with more than 117 years of experience and $1.5 billion in assets under management. For more information, please visit www.cambridgetrust.com/trust.

Harbor Light Stage announces web site and details for May Production of "The Pavilion"

2008-04-25T20:53:00Z

Harbor Light Stage, southern Maine’s professional theater company bringing provocative, contemporary American theater to the Seacoast, announces the launch of its Web site, www.harborlightstage.org. There, details can be found for the company’s first full-production in its new Maine Stage series: “The Pavilion” by Craig Wright, coming to Kittery for a three-week run May 9-25.

With or without high school reunion scars of their own, audiences will not want to miss the Seacoast premiere of this Pulitzer-nominated poignant comedy, set at a high school reunion in a small Minnesota town and hailed by critics as “an ‘Our Town’ for our time.”

The enchanting 19^th century barn at the Brave Boat Harbor Farm in Kittery, Maine, will host the 20^th reunion of Pine City’s Class of 1988. Special seating is being constructed for the occasion, and “The Pavilion” is the only theatre production to take place at the farm.

Class members (ie: the audience) will be transported to “The Pavilion” by a complimentary six-minute ride on the Seacoast Trolley from Cap’n Simeon’s overflow parking lot across from Frisbee’s Market, 88 Pepperell Ave., Kittery Point. (On-site parking at the barn is restricted to handicapped audience members only, and should be requested when ticket reservations are made.) Upon arrival, by the gilded marsh of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, the audience will be greeted by reunion organizers and ushered into the imaginary lakeside pavilion, where they will become part of “a simple story with cosmic underpinnings.”

Three Seacoast actors, directed by Harbor Light Stage’s Founding Artistic Director Kent Stephens, will then unfold a tender and incisive comic gem about love, forgiveness, and the tyranny of time. Peter (Chris Curtis) is intent on winning back his sweetheart, Kari (Kristan Raymond Robinson), but Kari now has a husband – and a long, bitter memory.

As the sounds of Cyndi Lauper and U2 echo across the water under the revolving stars, Peter and Kari arrive at a most unusual reconciliation – helped by a compassionate, virtuosic narrator (Susan Poulin) who, in a rare female performance of the role, also plays all their other classmates.

The reunion closes under the sparkling mirror ball, where cast and audience members alike will take the stage for the play’s signature “sweetheart dance.” The trolley will then provide complimentary return service to the parking lot.

On Friday evenings, the bistro-style restaurant Anneke Jans, at 60 Wallingford Square in Kittery Foreside, will offer a special dinner-theater package.

For reservations, email harborlight@bitstream.net or call (207) 439-5769, extension 1. Seating is general admission. Maine Stage tickets are $25 for Friday evenings and Sunday matinees; $30 Saturday and Sunday evenings. Students with school-issued I.D. can buy a ticket for any performance for $15, but should be sure to reserve in advance. For more information, visit www.harborlightstage.org.

“The Pavilion” is sponsored by Kennebunk Savings Bank, York Hospital, Harbor Realtors, and The WIRE.