Granite State Stuff : Rey Center

New England Fiddler Adam Boyce at the Rey Center

AskLisa — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:46:00 GMT

The Margret and H.A. Rey Center in Waterville Valley has received a grant from the New Hampshire Humanities Council Humanities To Go! Program to sponsor an entertaining musical program by Adam Boyce, titled "Old Time Rules Will Prevail: The Fiddle Contest in New Hampshire and New England." The program will be presented on Friday, August 28, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. at the Margret and H.A. Rey Center in Waterville Valley Resort's Town Square. This amusing and informative program is free and open to the public of all ages.

Fiddle contests evolved from being endurance events to playing a set number of tunes judged by certain specific criteria. Whether large or small, fiddle contests tried to show who was the "best," as well as preserve old-time fiddling and raise money for local organizations. In recent years, the fiddle contest has declined significantly in New Hampshire and Vermont due to cultural changes and financial viability. The greatest legacies of the fiddle contest are the recordings made during live competition, a sampling of which are played during the presentation, along with some live fiddling by the presenter.

Adam Boyce, a 10th generation Vermonter and fiddler in his own right, has been involved with nearly every aspect of fiddle contests in New England since 1994, including judge, piano backup, as well as competitor. He was the 2000 Vermont division champion at the Northeast Fiddlers contest in Barre, Vermont, and has placed in nearly every New England state. Adam is also an Eastern style square dance caller who fiddles and calls simultaneously, and also plays piano backup for other fiddlers throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. You can also find Adam listed as a Juried Artist with the Vermonts Arts Council.

Rey Center Gallery programs highlight visual and performing arts, featuring local and regional artists, and are typically scheduled for the last Friday of the month during the summer and winter seasons. Margret and H.A. Rey, authors of the Curious George children's book series and former summer residents of Waterville Valley, NH, were artists and adventurers, historians and naturalists, gardeners and stewards. Today their spirit lives on in the Margret and H.A. Rey Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the Reys' legacy through art, science, and adventure programs for all ages. To register for this program or for more information please contact the Margret and H.A. Rey Center at www.reycenter.org or 603-236-3308.

Old Time Rules Will Prevail is one of over 250 programs and exhibits available to organizations statewide, through the Humanities to Go! Catalog. For more information contact the NH Humanities Council in Concord at 603-224-4071 or on the web at http://www.nhhc.org.

Steve Schuch in concert at the Rey Center in Waterville Valley

AskLisa — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:08:00 GMT

The Margret and H.A. Rey Center of Waterville Valley, NH presents award-winning musician and storyteller Steve Schuch in a special concert, "Songs & Tales of the Earth", at 7:30 pm on Friday, January 30. With songs celebrating the season, humor and world-class Celtic fiddling and guitar, the performance promises to be a magical evening. For sound samples, visit www.NightHeron.com.

The concert is part of the Rey Center's unique arts and environmental outreach. "I'm especially appreciative of their combined local and global community vision," says Schuch. The concert will include several pieces accompanied by slides of his reforestation work in the Peace Corps.

Steve Schuch has performed across the U.S. and Europe. Fusing Celtic/Folk roots with classical and contemporary influences, his music reaches audiences on many different levels. Many of Schuch's pieces reflect his love for the natural world. Haunting violin and whale calls.... music and tales of Ireland.. a lively "cold-blooded love song" in honor of reptiles.... these are just a part of his wide-ranging repertoire.

Critics have praised Schuch's "warmth and storytelling magic" (The Los Angeles Times). The Boston Globe cites his "impeccable musicianship... Schuch brings as much intelligence and skill to folk music as he does to classical." Classically trained on violin, Schuch is also an accomplished singer/songwriter, author and guitarist. Honors include PBS soundtracks, five fiddling championships, and a Lifetime Artist Fellowship from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. His recordings with The Night Heron Consort are national best sellers. His musical story, A Symphony of Whales, received five national book awards and was featured on NPR's Performance Today.

"Music is a doorway to our spirits and imagination," says Schuch. "In my concerts, I'm always looking for that balance between moments of real beauty, some lighter songs and stories just for fun, and the deeper ones that draw us together."

A former Peace Corps volunteer and Audubon naturalist, Schuch lives on a New Hampshire farm with his wife and various creatures. Like a number of artists, he donates 10% of his book and CD profits to world hunger and environmental organizations. For sound samples, visit www.NightHeron.com

The performance will be held at the Rey Center Brookside Room in Waterville Valley's Town Square (on the main level next to the Post Office), with ample parking. The building is wheelchair accessible. A reception and CD/Book signing will follow the concert. Tickets at the door are $15. For advance reservations, call (603) 236-3308 or email register@reycenter.org.

The Margret and H.A. Rey Center provides a direct connection to the lives of Margret and Hans Rey, lives that were filled with continued learning and community service. The Reys were active in writing and illustration; astronomy; natural history; photography; environmental action (including calls for renewable energy); concern for animals; the simple joys of gardening, walking and bicycle-riding; and, of course, children's experiential learning. These life pursuits of the Reys form the basis for Rey Center programs. This mixture of art and science, the physical and intellectual, young and old, and ever-present curiosity, is the foundation for a multigenerational center for learning and exploration.

You can find us on the Web at: http://www.ReyCenter.org.

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.

Explore Fall Colors, Mushrooms, and Stars with the Rey Center

AskLisa — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:31:00 GMT

The Margret and H.A. Rey Center in Waterville Valley, NH is offering something for everyone this upcoming Columbus Day weekend with a full slate of programs for all ages. Join the Rey Center to enjoy the beautiful fall season with a family friendly hike, an Autumn Adventure for kids, a fall mushroom Walk-Talk, an evening of star-gazing, and more.

The weekend's events begin Friday, October 10 at the Rey Center Brookside Room in Waterville Valley's Town Square with an opening reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for the "A Brush with Nature" art exhibit featuring the work of three local artists. Following the reception at 7:30 p.m., the Rey Center is pleased to host naturalist David Govatski for a lecture titled "Land Above the Trees: Alpine Zone of the White Mountains." In his lecture, Mr. Govatski will describe the glacial geology, plant and animal life that make the Alpine Zone of the White Mountains so interesting to hikers and nature enthusiasts He will share how plants and animals adapt to high winds, low temperatures and heavy snowfall, and show pictures of wingless grasshoppers and birds that normally nest in the Arctic. Don't miss this opportunity to learn why the White Mountains are considered islands in the sky.

Saturday, October 11 begins with a family-friendly hike to The Scaur in Waterville Valley from 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Participants will be able to soak in the beautiful array of fall colors from the dramatic overlook provided at the rocky outcrop called The Scaur. Participants should bring lunch, plenty of water, and dress for the weather.

The younger crowd will enjoy a Saturday morning spent exploring the forests and meadows around the Curious George Cottage during the Curious Kids program titled "An Autumn Adventure" held from 10:00-11:30 a.m. During this program, families with children ages 3-6 will explore the seasonal changes taking place in the natural world through stories, outdoor activities and a craft. Children will also enjoy a visit to the Curious George Cottage Studio in Waterville Valley's Town Square where they can take home a poster size drawing done by Nat Scrimshaw in the style of H.A. Rey. The Curious George Cottage Studio is open on Saturday, October 11 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and visitors are welcome to drop in at any time during those hours.

The afternoon will feature a Walk-Talk titled "Finding Fall Mushrooms" led by author and mycologist Larry Millman from 1:00-4:00 p.m. The program will begin with an indoor introduction to the role of fungus in the ecosystem, followed by a walk to identify mushrooms growing in and around Waterville Valley. Fall is a wonderful time to explore forests, roadsides, gardens, and meadows to begin to learn to identify the variety of mushrooms that appear at this time of year.

Saturday will conclude with a Family Astronomy Night from 7:00-9:00 p.m. This program is a fun night of hands-on astronomy activities that will help the whole family gain an understanding of our solar system and beyond. An outside viewing session to see stars, planets, galaxies and more will follow the program, weather permitting.

Margret and H.A. Rey, authors of the Curious George children's book series and former summer residents of Waterville Valley, NH, were artists and adventurers, historians and naturalists, gardeners and stewards. Today their spirit lives on in the Margret and H.A. Rey Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the Reys' legacy through art, science, and adventure programs for all ages. Registration is requested for all programs. To register for programs or for more information, including program locations and fees, please contact the Margret and H.A. Rey Center at www.reycenter.org or 603-236-3308.

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.

Harvest Party at the Rey Center's Curious Gourds Garden

AskLisa — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:29:00 GMT

The Margret and H.A. Rey Center is pleased to announce their 3rd annual Harvest Party on Saturday, October 18 from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Curious Gourds Gardens on Sandwich Notch Road in Thornton, NH. The event begins with a potluck lunch followed by many family activities including pumpkin carving, apple cider pressing, scarecrow making, live music and more. This year's Harvest Party will also feature several special guests.

New Hampshire author and poet Rick Agran will be giving a reading from his book Pumpkin Shivaree. With it's lyrical text and colorful images that seem to jump off the page, this imformative and imaginative story captures the celebration of community and the cycle of life as seen from the eyes of a newly carved pumpkin. Following the reading, Mr. Agran will help children create unique and expressive jack-o-lanterns by guiding them through a pumpkin face drawing acitivity. Copies of Pumpkin Shivaree will be available for puchase and signing by Mr. Agran following the reading.

Garden consultant John Pino of Mooar Hill Farm and Greenhouses in Mt. Vernon, ME, along with Rey Center Gardens Coordinator Susan Schofield, will give a Walk- Talk on organic gardening practices while touring the Curious Gourds Garden. The day will also feature a blacksmithing demonstration by Joe Vachon of D Acres in Dorchester, NH and a display of his metal work forged using traditional methods.

Bring your family for this fun celebration of the season and share in the harvest of a tremedous growing year. Please bring a dish to share for the potluck lunch at noon. A donation of $10.00 per family is suggested. The Curious Gourds Garden is located one mile up Sandwich Notch Road off Route 49 in Thornton, NH.

Margret and H.A. Rey, authors of the Curious George children's book series and former summer residents of Waterville Valley, NH, were artists and adventurers, historians and naturalists, gardeners and stewards. Today their spirit lives on in the Margret and H.A. Rey Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the Reys' legacy through art, science, and adventure programs for all ages. To register for this program or for more information please visit www.reycenter.org or call the Margret and H.A. Rey Center at 603-236-3308.

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.

Celebrate the stars at the Margret and H.A. Rey Center's Star Party

AskLisa — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:37:00 GMT

The Margret and H.A. Rey Center in Waterville Valley extends an invitation to the first annual Rey Center Star Party. This fun family event will take place on Saturday, July 12 from 7:30-11:00 p.m. at the Curious Gourds Garden in Thornton, NH (located 1 mile up Sandwich Notch Road off of Route 49), with a rain date of Sunday, July 13.

Come view the stars as H.A. Rey loved to see them! Our Star Party will begin with a catered BBQ picnic dinner and dessert followed by an informative and interactive program introducing the basics of Astronomy. Once the sun has set, we will view stars, planets, galaxies and more through several telescopes. Star Guides will be on hand at each telescope to explain the wonders of the night sky.

There are many highlights of the summer night sky that Star Party attendees can view and enjoy. One prominent feature of the summer sky is the Summer Triangle, connecting three bright stars in different constellations: Vega in the constellation Lyra (the harp), Deneb in the constellation Cygnus (the swan), and Altair in the constellation Aquilla (the eagle). Together, these stars form this conspicuous triangle, which is visible throughout the summer. Star-gazers will also have the opportunity to view the planet Jupiter, which rises in the east as the sun sets and will be visible throughout the night. The constellation Scorpius, the scorpion, is another familiar site in our summer sky that people can easily learn to identify. These are just a few of the features that will party goers will be able to observe through binoculars, telescopes or even with the naked eye.

Margret and H.A. Rey, authors of the Curious George children's book series and former summer residents of Waterville Valley, NH, were artists and adventurers, historians and naturalists, gardeners and stewards. H.A. Rey was an avid astronomer and authored two popular astronomy books, The Stars: A New Way to See Them and Finding Constellations. Today their spirit lives on in the Margret and H.A. Rey Center, a non-profit organization in Waterville Valley, NH dedicated to honoring the Reys' legacy through art, science, and adventure programs for all ages.

Tickets for the Rey Center Star Party are $30 per person and can be purchased by contacting the Margret and H.A. Rey Center at http://www.reycenter.org or 603-236-3308. All proceeds benefit the education programs of the Margret and H.A Rey Center.