Granite State Stuff : Holidays

Meals on Wheels seeks holiday donations

AskLisa — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:40:00 GMT

St. Joseph Community Services, the provider of Meals on Wheels throughout Hillsborough County, is kicking off our Annual Holiday Gift Tag Program for our homebound participants.

Would you please help us bring some holiday cheer to your neighbors on our Meals on Wheels program? You can do this by 1) making a donation to provide meals (one week of hot meals is $35.00, two weeks of hot meals is $70.00, and one month of meals is $152.00) 2) donate gifts (gift suggestions include: hand sanitizer, lotion, shampoo, shower gel, soaps, facial tissues, washcloths, socks, crackers, cookies, chocolates, candies, tea, coffee, cocoa, coffee mugs, puzzle books, blank note cards, stamps, playing cards) or by 3) donating both meals and gifts.

If you would like to participate, please feel free to email Paula Telage, Special Events Coordinator at ptelage@sjcsinc.org or call 603-424-9967. http://www.mealsonwheelsnh.org.

‘Tis the season: This holiday season shop and enjoy special events in New Hampshire

AskLisa — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Concord, NH – This holiday season why not have some fun and take care of your gift shopping at the same time. Avoid the crowds at the mall by visiting the Currier Museum of Art, Waterville Valley Resort, or the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center for an interesting day or weekend trip and pick up your holiday gifts at the same time.

The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester is in the holiday mood with great events. The First Thursday event, Holiday Music and Art, is on Thursday, December 3 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The evening will feature live music and holiday art making. The Granite State Ringers, a handbell choir, and Renaissance guitarist Jack Nailor will perform in the museum. Stop by the Winter Garden for refreshments and make a beaded snowflake ornament to take home. Admission is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Price includes museum admission, live music, gallery talk, and drop-in workshop.

On Sunday, December 6 at 3 p.m. there will be a Focus Tour titled “Celebrating Winter: A Ramble Through the Snowy Scapes in the Galleries.” The tour will be led by Docent Jane White and is free with museum admission. On Saturday, December 12 from noon to 2 p.m. listen to the sounds of the season, when the museum hosts the Manchester Choral Society. The Manchester Choral Society performs under the musical direction of Dr. Dan Perkins. Come before noon to take advantage of free admission hours (Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon).

Before leaving the museum, stop by the Museum Shop to purchase unique holiday gifts including accessories & apparel, books, children's, gifts, items from the Currier collection and items highlighting the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, home décor, jewelry, media, novelty items, and stationery. To browse the shop’s collection online visit http://shop.currier.org/.

For more information, visit www.currier.org or call 603.669.6144 x108.

Waterville Valley Resort turns into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Located in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the resort is well known for its ski mountain, which features trails and activities for all ages and abilities. From Kids’ Venture Kamps to the Silver Streaks over-50 ski club, from alpine to Nordic, snowboarders and freestyle skiers, there is something for every level of skier. And, once you arrive in Waterville Valley, just park the car and relax. The Resort, just 1 hour north of Concord, has great events to get you into the holiday spirit.

On Saturday, November 28, 2009 the resort hosts its’ 19th annual "Santa Arrives by Dogsled" event at the Town Square. Santa and his team will arrive at the gazebo to greet the crowds at 3:30 p.m. Visits with Santa will take place in the Nordic Center in Town Square after the dogs are safely unharnessed, and will continue until Santa sees the last child. Each child will receive a small gift and candy from Santa and his elves. For a suggested donation of $5, photos with Santa will be available. All proceeds will be donated to the Be Positive for ChaD Kids Fund of the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth. Donors will also receive hot cocoa, cookies, and raffle tickets for an assortment of prizes donated by Waterville Valley area businesses. Shops and restaurants in the Town Square will be open during the event. At 7:00 p.m. Santa will light the tree in the courtyard in Town Square, signaling the annual fireworks display over Corcoran’s Pond. Lodging in a variety of family-friendly options is available starting at $43 per person per night based on quad occupancy. Also, beginning this weekend, the Waterville Valley Elementary school PTA will be selling Christmas trees and wreaths in Town Square outside of Dreams & Visions Gift Shop. They will have locally grown, freshly cut trees available for only $30 and locally decorated wreaths for $22.

The resort will host the Cookies & Snow Festival on December 12th. Visitors can shop and vote for your favorite fresh baked cookies and Candy Cottages. Festivities include Candy Cottage Workshops, Curious George Cottage Studio open house, and story time with Santa. At the Candy Cottage Workshop at the Waterville Valley Recreation Department, kids can decorate a Gingerbread House, and then meet Santa for a children's book reading at the Bookmonger Bookstore in the Town Square. Later, stroll through the decorated Town Square shops and sample a variety of cookies baked fresh by local restaurants. And, see the kids Candy Cottages on display at Town Square Shops as well, vote for your favorites and win prizes. End the day with holiday songs by the campfire.

For more information, visit http://www.visitwatervillevalley.com or call 800-GO-VALLEY.

Looking for an out of this world holiday gift? Visit the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord and take a trip to the stars while shopping for that unique, interesting, gift for that special someone. The Discovery Center is a lively science center, featuring 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, Earth and space sciences, a state-of-the-art planetarium and a variety of science and engineering programs. The engaging, robust educational programs are geared towards families, teens, seniors, students, community groups, and lifelong learners of all ages. Free telescope viewing is available at monthly SkyWatch events. After exploring, stop by the Science Store for your holiday shopping. Fun gift options include science kits, astronaut ice cream, meteorites, plane/shuttle models, globes & Planispheres, and NH Made crafts.

The Discovery Center is open seven days a week, and is located conveniently off I-93, exit 15E at 2 Institute Drive. For event information visit www.starhop.com or call 603-271-7827.

For a full a list of events, deals and travel ideas in New Hampshire log on to http://karnotrippicks.com.

Science Store Helping the NH Food Bank and Toys for Tots

AskLisa — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:55:00 GMT

The Science Store at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center will be collecting nonperishable food items for the NH Food Bank through December. The campaign is an extension of Patrick’s Super Food Bank Project, an initiative begun several months ago by 12-year-old Patrick Regan of Merrimack, NH after learning about the critical food shortage the NH Food Bank is experiencing this year. In addition, the Science Store will be campaigning for Toys for Tots with a second collection box for new, unwrapped toys throughout the holiday season.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item such as can soups or vegetables, peanut butter or dried fruit for the Food Drive. Toys donated to the Toys for Tots drive can be for any age, from infants through 14-year-olds. As an added incentive for donations, the Discovery Center will offer visitors $1 off their general admission fee for donating just one item. If a visitor brings in two items, they will also receive a 10% discount in the Science Store.

The Science Store is open 7 days a week 10 AM – 5 PM, Fridays 10 AM – 9 PM. In addition, the first 15 customers to spend $50 after all discounts in the Science Store on November 27th will receive a free gift bag (worth $20). Free gift wrapping will be provided for any purchase made in the Science Store on November 27^th and every following Saturday through December 19^th. The new Science Store provides a unique array of items, including science kits, meteorites, astronaut ice cream, NH made crafts, books, posters, planispheres, shuttle and plane models, and space pens. Donation boxes will be provided through December 22^nd, located by the front desk of the Discovery Center and in the entranceway of the Science Store.

The NH Food Bank’s mission is to feed hungry people by soliciting and effectively distributing grocery products, foods, and services through a statewide network of approved agencies; by advocating for systemic change; and by educating the public about the nature of, and solutions to, problems of hunger in New Hampshire. For more information on the NH Food Bank, visit http://www.nhfoodbank.org.

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. More information for the NH drive can be found at http://www.toysfortotslondonderry.org/.

The new McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is a lively science center, featuring 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, Earth and space sciences, a state-of-the-art planetarium and a variety of science, technology, engineering and math programs. The engaging, robust educational programs are geared towards families, teens, seniors, students, community groups, and lifelong learners. For more information, visit http://www.starhop.com.

The Perfect Christmas Tree Is Green

AskLisa — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:39:00 GMT

Worried about the economy? The environment? Go green by buying a local Christmas tree.

Christmas tree farming is a legitimate local agricultural enterprise. Selling Christmas trees isn't just about chopping them down—it's also about growing them! Just think of all the carbon dioxide that's consumed and saved from the atmosphere by tree farms, and think of all the oxygen they give back. And for every tree that's cut down at a tree farm, up to three seedlings are planted in its place.

Sustainable tree production helps keep soils and water healthy, keeps land in current use, maintains open space, and provides important year-round habitat to wildlife such as deer, turkey, fox and countless species of birds.

How do we know if a farm is operating sustainably? We can simply ask, because we're lucky enough to live in a place where Christmas tree farms are family owned and operated.

These businesses often provide income for local farmers who would otherwise be looking for work during the cold months. Supporting them is good for the community to help increase the tax base and keep our neighbors employed. Plus, local businesses return more of their dollars to the local economy and give more to the community than chain stores, which is where you'd probably have to buy a fake tree.

That artificial tree would also be hauled long distances. While the shipping and trucking emissions are scary enough, the fake tree is also made at a factory that may not abide by environmentally friendly standards. That's a far cry from the trees that grow naturally on the land. Also, the artificial tree is likely made out of harmful, non-renewable materials such as lead, vinyl and other petroleum products, and when it breaks or gets ratty, there's nowhere to put it but the landfill. Real trees, on the other hand, can be chopped into wood chips that are used as mulch and/or composted.

If you've got an artificial tree already, by all means use it as long as you can to keep it out of the waste stream. But if you're still shopping for a tree this year and beyond, go green with a true New Hampshire Christmas tree.

If you're buying from a lot, look for proof that it's locally grown, like a tag from the New Hampshire Christmas Tree Promotion Board (www.nhchristmastrees.com) that identifies it as grown in New Hampshire.

Better yet, visit a local farm to cut your own or have one cut fresh for you. A partial list of farms that grow their own trees includes:

Lasting Legacy Farm in Barrington, 603-332-6328
Indian Hill Farm in South Hampton, 603-394-7520
Defiant Lobster Company in Hampton, 603-926-3910
Tonry Farm in Hampton Falls, 603-772-6213
High Meadow Farm in Strafford, 603-664-2934

An additional business opportunity for the holidays is tree delivery for elderly, handicapped, or just plain busy folks!

This awareness campaign is a joint initiative of Seacoast Local (www.seacoastlocal.org), Slow Food Seacoast (www.slowfoodseacoast.com), Seacoast Eat Local (http://www.seacoasteatlocal.org), and the Seacoast Growers' Association (www.seacoastgrowers.org).

Celebrate December with Cookies and Snow, Winter Solstice Hiking and Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides in Waterville Valley

AskLisa — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 21:01:00 GMT

Head your family sleigh to Waterville Valley, New Hampshire this December. Nestled in the White Mountains and decked out in holiday lights, Waterville Valley is the ultimate Currier and Ives setting full of family events to celebrate the season on and off the ski slopes. The month kicks off with a Family Holiday Tree and Ski package with free skiing for kids.

Family Holiday Tree & Ski - Kids Ski Free
Dec. 12 - 14, 2008
From $84 per person/weekend, quad occupancy lodging. Includes two nights lodging, a Saturday or Sunday lift ticket, and a horse-drawn wagon ride to pick out a tree at a White Mountains Christmas Tree Farm. Plus each lodge adds its own holiday remembrance to the Family Holiday Tree & Ski package. Kids 12 & under ski free (one free kid's ticket per adult ticket). You never know - there might be a Santa sighting on the trails.

Cookies & Snow - A Taste of the Holidays at Town Square
Saturday, December 13
Guests stroll through the shops to taste fresh baked cookies from local restaurants and vote for their favorite. Other festivities planned for Cookies & Snow include a coffee tasting, Candy Cottage Workshop and display, Chalk-Talks at the Curious George Cottage Studio, ornament making, kids book reading, and more.

Winter Solstice Day Celebration with the Rey Center
Saturday, December 20
Solstice Hike - 9:00 am - 12:00 p.m.
A Christmas Carol - 4:30-5:00 pm, Performed by Playah Theatre and local youth at the Rey Center Brookside Room in Town Square
Christa McAuliffe Planetarium Virtual Tour - 7-9 pm

Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides
The sleigh is pulled by a pair of Percheron draft horses and tours along the foothills of the valley, offering views of the surrounding mountain peaks along the way. Bring a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite beverage along on the 45 minute ride. Rides will start in late December and are offered Friday 7:00, 8:00, 9:00 pm, Saturdays 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00 pm and Sundays 10:00 and 11:00 am and 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 pm, subject to change due to weather conditions. Prices are $13 for ages 13 and up and $7 Ages for ages 2-12. Children under 2 can ride free on a lap. Treat the family or get a group of friends together for a private sleigh ride for $170. For reservations, information, and tickets, visit the Town Square check-in desk or call 603-236-8175.

Indoor Ice Skating & Holiday Ice Skating Party
The Town of Waterville Valley's Indoor Ice Arena is located at the center of activity in the Town Square. The Ice Arena offers daily public skating sessions with skate rentals. Skating Fees: Adults: $5, 12-under $4, Skate Rentals: $4. The Waterville Valley Recreation Department invites everyone to the Ice Arena on Saturday, December 20 to a Holiday Ice Skating Party from 1-3 pm with free skating & rentals at the Waterville Valley Ice Arena. Santa is expected to stop by as well so be sure to have your wish list ready. For more info, please call 236-4695.

New Year's Eve in Waterville Valley
Wednesday, December 31
Jewelry Making - Design a new piece of jewelry at I Dream of Beading to wear with your party outfit. Specialists on hand to assist until 5:30 pm.
Town Square Campfire 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Fireworks over Corcoran's Pond - 7:30 pm
Legends 1291 - New Year's celebration from 9 pm - 12:30.

Waterville Valley Recreation Department is throwing a party for the kids with music, dancing, crafts, food, and a New Year Count Down. Ages 4-6 from 5-7 pm ($15 charge per child), Ages 7-12 from 7:30 - 10 pm ($25 charge). Pre-registration required.

Updates and new New Year's activities will be posted at www.waterville.com.

Ho! Ho! Oh No! Ghostlight presents Jeff Goode's "Seven Santas"

AskLisa — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:31:00 GMT

Ghostlight Theater Co., New England's award-winning alternative theatre troupe, will be bringing in the holiday season with their presentation of "Seven Santas," on Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 at 8 pm in the Masonic Hall in Salem, NH.

"Seven Santas" is Jeff Goode's long awaited follow up to "The Eight: Reindeer Monologues" and presents another twisted Christmas tale with Santa at the helm. When Santa is sentenced to rehab for a traffic violation, he is forced to examine his psyche under the supervision of an estranged Mrs. Claus and let his mutiple personalities duke it out for control of his mind. The production is directed by Lisa DeFazio and stars many local favorites including Peter Saati, Mike Wood, Craig Ciampa, Mark Morrison, Chuck Emmons, Joe Pelonzi, Cory Cocchiaro, Laurie Torosian and Mathieu Peloquin.

Director Lisa DeFazio said, "Seven Santa's offers a deliciously twisted and humorous departure from your typical holiday fare" and that "the most challenging aspect of putting on a show like this is trying to keep a straight face during rehearsals". She warns that this dark comedy is for adult audiences only.

General admission to the performance is $12 and students (with student id), seniors and NHCTA members (with member card) will be admitted for $10. Tickets can be purchased online at www.myspace.com/ghostlight for a reduced rate of $10/$7.

ABOUT GHOSTLIGHT THEATER CO. OF NEW ENGLAND - Ghostlight, NH's award-winning alternative theatre troupe, strives to stretch the boundaries of what is standardly considered "community theater." From Machine-Gun Shakespeare to Zombie epics, Ghostlight creates theater for people willing to approach the artform as an evolving and exciting tool of communication. To join the madness, sign up at www.myspace.com/ghostlight.

Celebrate New Year's at the Woodbound Inn with "Frost Heaves"

AskLisa — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:29:00 GMT

The Woodbound Inn will host its first New Year's Eve Gala since its transformation into a full-service, four-season resort in 2008, with dinner, dancing, and a special performance from the hit new variety show, "Frost Heaves."

"We're very excited about our first New Year's event," says chef Aylmer Given, owner of the highly-acclaimed Aylmer's Grille, which is located in the Inn. "We're also happy to be featuring a performance of Ken Sheldon's 'Frost Heaves' as part of the evening's entertainment."

The gala evening will begin with hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, followed by a grand buffet featuring the creative American cuisine that is the trademark of Aylmer's Grille. During the dessert buffet, diners will be treated to humor and music from Frost Heaves, "the most underappreciated town in New Hampshire."

Fred Marple, the unofficial spokesperson for the town of Frost Heaves (and alter ego of humorist and musician Ken Sheldon) says, "This is more excitin' than the time Herb Cullin slipped the applejack into the punch at the bingo playoffs. I'm going to have to wear my fancy dress suspenders for this one."

The evening will include a champagne toast at midnight, balloon drop, and dancing to rock 'n' roll favorites from the '60s, '70s and '80s by the Speed Bumps band from Frost Heaves. The price for the evening is $125 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. Room packages, including the gala evening plus an overnight stay at the resort, a New Year's Day brunch and late checkout, begin at $399, double occupancy.

The Woodbound Inn, nestled on the shores of Lake Contoocook in Rindge, New Hampshire, is a full-service resort hotel offering outdoor recreation and fine dining year-round. Aylmer's Grille is among New Hampshire's "Hottest New Restaurants" according to New Hampshire Magazine, which featured one of Aylmer's creations on the cover of its November '08 issue.

For more information on the New Year's Eve event or the Woodbound Inn & Resort, visit http://www.woodbound.com or call 800-688-7770.

Family Holiday Tree & Ski package lets kids ski free at Waterville Valley

AskLisa — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:54:00 GMT

The holiday spirit comes early this season at Waterville Valley Resort, located in New Hampshire's White Mountains. The Family Holiday Tree & Ski package offers visitors a chance to cut their own Christmas tree and gives the kids free access to the Resort's skiing. The package includes two nights lodging, a Saturday or Sunday lift ticket, and a horse-drawn wagon ride to pick out a tree at a White Mountains Christmas Tree Farm. Each hotel will offer visitors a holiday gift as well.

Kids 12 and under ski free, with one free child lift ticket for each adult paid ticket. From $84 pp/weekend, quad-occupancy. Valid weekends of November 28 to 30, December 5 to 7, and December 12 to 14, 2008. Includes access to the White Mountain Athletic Club, which has an indoor pool, Jacuzzis and steam rooms, and use of Waterville Valley Resort's shuttle bus.

Waterville Valley resort is well known for its ski mountain, which features trails and activities for all ages and abilities. From Kids Venture Kamps to the Silver Streaks over-50 ski club, from alpine to Nordic, boarders and hot-doggers, there is something for every level of skier. And, with these new ski packages – the cost to ski is affordable, and just a 2-hour drive from Boston. Once you arrive in Waterville Valley, park the car and relax. Stay 3-nights and receive a $30 gas voucher – then enjoy the walkable resort or take the free shuttle bus.

Waterville Valley Resort offers 250 skiable acres with snowmaking ability on every trail. The ski area peaks at 4,004 feet, with a vertical drop of 2,020 feet, 52 trails and 12 lifts. But for those who like their skiing with a little less altitude, Waterville Valley's Nordic Center features 75 km of wide-groomed trails with terrain for every ability level, groomed daily for both skate and classic skiing styles. Skiers take off from the Nordic Center in the Valley's quaint Town Square, or just step out the door of their vacation rental--the trails are only steps away from most of the accommodations in the resort. Once on the trail, you'll enjoy incredible views of the surrounding White Mountain National Forest. Stop for a rest and a snack at the warming hut along the trail, or return to the Nordic Center and sit by the fire.

New Hampshire has many towns that naturally grew around the state's travel and tourism industry--particularly around its many ski mountains. But only one, Waterville Valley, was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four seasons resort. 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.

Celebrate the Holidays at the Currier Museum of Art First Thursday – Happy Holidays

AskLisa — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:44:00 GMT

Celebrate the holidays at the Currier Museum of Art with a festive evening featuring live music and a winter-themed scavenger hunt. On Thursday, December 4th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. the museum will offer a night of fun for all ages.

This evening is part of the Currier's First Thursday series. On the first Thursday evening of each month, the museum is open late and provides programming designed to inspire visitors to learn or enjoy something new. Admission to the event is included with museum admission.

Visitors can discover the highlights of the Currier's collection on a guided tour at 5:30 pm. There will be live music by Grammy-nominated guitarist Lester Hirsch in the museum's historic courtyard. A winter-themed scavenger hunt will take visitors through the galleries to find specific works of art – find them all for a chance to win a prize.

The Winter Garden Café will offer holiday-inspired food and drinks, and the beautiful sounds of harpist Piper Runnion-Bareford. The Museum Shop offers holiday cards and a variety of holiday gift items, including drawing kits, construction sets, art books, jewelry, tote bags, glassware and hard-crafted ceramics. A free Moat Mountain art poster or DeBray paperweight will be provided with purchase.

About the Currier
The Currier Museum of Art (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 Warhol. 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.

White Mountain Holiday Magic Light Park to Open Thanksgiving Weekend at Branch Brook Campground

AskLisa — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:07:00 GMT

For the fourth year, the Holiday Magic Light Park, along with local non-profit organizations, will welcome guests and turn winter's darkest days into a lighted winter wonderland. Ride through the Branch Brook Campground for nearly a mile of animated light displays and a dazzling cascade of holiday lights. The thousands of white lights on the trees would enchant even Scrooge himself. Simple traditions like a visit with Santa, a family portrait, a wagon ride, holiday shopping, or just a cup of hot cocoa and a sweet treat near the fire will make the White Mountain Holiday Magic Light Park a "must do" on your holiday list.

The park will open to the public on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 27, and will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. through December 28. The park will also be open Wednesday, December 31 for New Years Eve. Tickets are $15 for a carload, $30 for vans (11+ passengers) and $60 for a bus. Bulk tickets are available by contacting Branch Brook Campground at (603) 726-7001. More information on the light park can be found online at http://www.holidaymagiclightpark.com.

The Holiday Magic Light Park is a part of the Yuletide Magic New Hampshire Holiday Celebration designed to encourage vacation travel to the Lakes and Mountains Regions during the holiday season. Yuletide Magic New Hampshire showcases holiday events during the months of November and December, with easy to access information on accommodations, attractions, shopping and dining opportunities, sample itineraries, photos and more. Visit Yuletide Magic at http://wwwyuletidemagicnh.com. Yuletide Magic NH is an initiative of the Lakes Region Association (http://www.lakesregion.org) and the Waterville Valley Region Chamber of Commerce (http://www.watervillevalleyregion.com) in partnership with the New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism (http://www.visitnh.gov).

Branch Brook Campground is a family-owned, full-service campground with 200 sites on 155 picturesque acres in Campton, New Hampshire at Exit 28 off I-93 With over a mile of waterfront on the Pemigewassett River, the campground offers family activities such as a recreation hall, arcade, acres of open fields, nature trails, planned activities, rentals and amenities available. See http://www.campnh.com for more information or call (603) 726-7001 for a full-color brochure.

NHPR celebrates the holiday season

AskLisa — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:08:00 GMT

To spread holiday cheer New Hampshire Public Radio will air special programming beginning Sunday, December 23rd. Listeners will be treated to holiday songs from different places and cultures, as well as poetry, and interviews. The seasonal programming will feature a variety of holiday celebrations and traditions from around the nation and world.

On December 23rd special programming will begin at 1p.m. and air through the evening. From 1 to 2 p.m. Robert Aubry Davis will host "Lessons and Carols from Washington National Cathedral." The service combines Biblical readings that chronicle the story of Jesus' birth with age-old and all-new carols. "New Traditions from NHPR" will follow with Andrew Walsh cooking up a two-hour spicy holiday music stew. Next, Bill McGlaughlin will host "Footprints to Paradise: A Mediaeval Christmas 2007" featuring the unique vocal artistry of New York Polyphony, an elite quartet of solo male voices. The program "The Pleasures of Winter" will follow as a live special hosted by folk duo Jay Ungar & Molly Mason. The music will range from lively, seasonal offerings to deeply moving pieces that reflect the more thoughtful and reflective side of winter and the holiday season.

On December 24th special programming will begin at 9 a.m. and air throughout the day. The programming will include the following programs: "I Saw Three Ships: From Jamestown to the World," an hour-long holiday special on the settlement of Jamestown as a pivotal historical marker for contemporary times will be hosted by Dan Roberts and joined by actors Dorothy Holland and Michael Goodwin. The program "Carols for Dancing" will showcase instrumental music and reveal the fascinating and often unexpected stories behind familiar carols. "Jazz at Lincoln Center: Red Hot Holiday Stomp" hosted by Wynton and Ellis Marsalis with Roberta Gumbel, Herlin Riley, Wycliffe Gordon, Don Vappie and friends rattle the rafters with holiday classics swung with Crescent City style. "Putamayo New Orleans Christmas" will invite listeners to join in on Christmas New Orleans style with Louis Armstrong, Topsy Chapman, Charmaine Neville and many more of the Crescent City's finest. "Peter Ostroushko's Heartland Holiday Concert 2007" will celebrate the spirit of the season from a multi-cultural perspective. Also airing is the "St. Olaf Christmas Festival," one of the oldest and most cherished celebrations of the holidays in the United States since 1912.

The Festival is a worship service of hymns, carols, choral works and orchestral selections that celebrate the birth of Christ. Additionally, "A Baroque Christmas" will include music from Bach's "Christmas Oratorio," sonatas from Schmelzer and Biber, plus a festive European sampler of popular carols from centuries past.

On December 25, Christmas Day, holiday programming will begin at 9 a.m. and air throughout the day. The programming will include the following programs: "The Rose Ensemble 2007" will feature the Twin Cities-based group recognized for its ability to reawaken the ancient through imaginative performances of vocal music celebrating Christmastime in the age of Queen Elizabeth I. The "Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" service will be aired featuring stereo music and a spoken-word broadcast from the chapel of King's College in Cambridge, England. "Welcome Christmas!" is the annual Christmas concert from VocalEssence, recognized internationally as one of America's premier choral groups. John Birge is the producer and host of this one-hour special. "The Retro Cocktail Hour Christmas Special" will feature instrumental pop and rare jazz and bossa nova and Latin-flavored Christmas tunes. "Echoes of Christmas" will bring together Dale Warland and host Brian Newhouse who will mix old and new treasures for listeners looking for Christmas inspiration. "Christmas with the Philadelphia Singers" with host Ed Cunningham will share seasonal sounds with cherished favorites old and new. Also airing will be "Fear Not: For Behold" hosted by Timothy Kunau, including works by Jean Berger, Healey Willan, Knut Nystedt, Will Todd, John Rutter, Pierre Villette, Mack Wilberg, Säde Rissanen, Paul Tschesnokoff, René Clausen.

In the days following Christmas, more special programs will air. "Chanticleer Christmas" celebrating the mystery and wonder of Christmas with an elegant blend of traditional carols, medieval and Renaissance sacred works, and moving spirituals, hosted by Brian Newhouse. "A Celebration of the Winter Solstice 2007" is an all-new program that is a delightful compilation of country dance tunes, carols, songs and motets excerpted from nine unique Revels celebrations performed across the country in 2006, hosted by Elaine Kennedy.

"A Season's Griot 2007" is public radio's only nationally syndicated Kwanzaa program. Hosted for the last 15 years by acclaimed storyteller Madafo Lloyd Wilson, this annual one-hour special captures the tales and traditions of African American and African peoples. Additionally, "Watch Night" is a vigil kept on the last night of the year in services that are thoughtful, solemn, soulful, joyous and celebratory. The program will showcase this observance and highlight its unique, historic meaning for African American churches, illuminating and personalizing the significance of the service using interviews, music, poetry and song.

For more special program information, visit the station online at www.nhpr.org.

NHPR broadcasts in Concord and Manchester at 89.1 FM, Nashua at 88.3 FM, Keene at 90.7 FM, Littleton at 91.3 FM, Plymouth at 97.3 FM, Hanover at 91.3 FM, Jackson at 99.5 FM, Portsmouth at 103.9 FM, Dover at 104.3 FM, Gorham at 107.1 FM, Colebrook at 105.9 and on the Internet at www.nhpr.org.