Attitash and Wildcat Mountains gets help from Mother Nature’s storm cycles

If you’re keeping track, like I am, that is now #3 for weeks in a row where the storm cycle has swung in to the Mount Washington Valley and Pinkham Notch Thursday in to Friday. Despite a weary eye on warm temps and rain occasionally, we do keep getting snow weekly. And at this time, the weekly storm cycle deposited another 6” of mostly snow and then a sleet that still accumulated in to the afternoon here at Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain. I went out early for first chair with my marketing coordinator Laura Tuveson and Snow Reporter Max Gosselin (that’s a marketing meeting, right?) and happy to report the stoke factor was high after a few runs. Groomers were dreamy and creamy and even the trees and ungroomed trails held super, surfy snow. Laura sent some photos out earlier, but if you did not receive, they are attached to this email and below in Laura’s earlier email is a link to download hi-res versions. Here’s what’s up for the weekend of January 28, 2012:

Attitash Mountain Resort – Scheduled to spin 9 lifts and have 54 trails for the weekend (with possibly more trails & glades to be opened by Ski Patrol depending on what the backside of this storm delivers for additional snow and if we avoid any afternoon freezing rain and overnight freeze creating a breakable crust). For events, après & entertainment:
• Saturday, 1/28
o UNH Ski Team Alpine Racing Carnival – Men’s and Women’s Slalom events scheduled on Illusion trail at Bear Peak. Trail will be closed to the public.
o Ptarmigan’s Pub – Full Circle performs and is joined by Boston’s 100.7fm WZLX and Budweiser for promotional fun, prizes, and giveaways for skiers & riders age 21+
o The acoustic Den Sessions at Bear Peak features Al Schafner
o Nor’Easter Mountain Coaster open for weekend 10am – 4pm

Wildcat Mountain – Scheduled to spin 3 lifts and have 43 trails for the weekend (same thing, possibly additional trails & terrain to open depending on backside of this storm)
• Saturday, 1/28
o Wildcat Pub Party with Pat Foley with Budweiser prizes and promotions for skiers age 21+

• Sunday, 1/29
o Sunday Acoustic Chill in the Wildcat Pub with Bill Cameron. Also, $30 Sunday Funday afternoon lift tickets available at Wildcat & Attitash.

Looking ahead, we have a couple of upcoming special ticket promotions available at both Wildcat & Attitash Mountain:

• Sunday, February 5: Sunday’s Big Game $46 Lift Ticket Deal – Enjoy a full day of skiing and riding with plenty of time before kickoff. Cannot be combined with other offers.

• Tuesday, February 14: Valentine’s Day 2-for-1 $63 Lift Ticket Deal – Bring your loved one and purchase two full day lift tickets for just $63! Not applicable to Junior, Young Adult, or Senior ticket rate, cannot be combined with other offers.

Hope you have a great weekend, cheers! – Thomas

Thomas Prindle – Director of Marketing
Attitash Mountain Resort / Wildcat Mountain
Phone: 603-374-2605 / 603-466-3326 x216
Snow: 800-223-SNOW / 888-SKI-WILD
Fax: 603-374-1960 / 603-466-5813
Email: tprindle@ Web: attitash.com / skiwildcat.com

________________________________________

Wolfe’s Tavern and the Wolfeboro Inn develop volunteer crew for charity

Wolfeboro Inn & Wolfe’s Tavern have formed a troupe of energized associates identified as the “Wolfe Pack”, dedicated to volunteering their time once a month or so for charitable purposes throughout the community at large. “Our goal is to give a day or a few hours of our time to be of help to individuals or non-profit organizations in any way we can to make a positive difference in our community”, George Soderberg General Manager said.
“At Christmas we adopted two local families with nine (9) children between them. Besides the time spent organizing and shopping our associates and a number of our Generals Club members donated money as well which not only met the necessities of clothing requested by the parents but more than enough to buy toys and games for the kids as well!”, Jamie Partridge went on to say.
In January, Wolfe’s Tavern has joined forces with a local fund raising group to help raise awareness and money for a former associate Kim Lyons, who was paralyzed in a tragic car accident this past December. Donations are being collected at the main bar at the Tavern among other locations.
The Wolfe Pack has additionally, already committed to assisting the local food bank in May. If you are interested or know of a cause that could benefit from a small but dedicated group of volunteers, you can reach the Wolfe Pack at Wolfe’s tavern info@wolfeboroinn.com or call 603.569.3016 and ask for Jamie Partridge, Tavern Manager.
About Hay Creek Hospitality
Founded in 2005, Hay Creek Hospitality is a full service management company that combines veteran hospitality industry experience with fully integrated management systems that are
specifically designed for the small upscale property. Hay Creek specializes in the development and management of independent full service hotels, inns and resorts in the 35-225 room range throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States.
For more information and to view our fine collection of distinctive hotels, Inns & Resorts
Please visit:
www.wolfestavern.com www.haycreekhospitality.com info@haycreekhotels.com

Dates set for NH Restaurant Week

New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association Announces Statewide Restaurant Week
Restaurant Week in New Hampshire will be May 18-25, 2012

Mike Somers, president and CEO of the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, announced the date for the first annual statewide New Hampshire Restaurant Week. The 8-day event will start with a kick-off event on Main Street in Concord, NH, on Friday, May 18, 2012, and run through Friday, May 25, 2012.

Restaurant Week in New Hampshire will encourage everyone to get out and “Try Something New!” at participating restaurants. Diners will visit www.RestaurantWeekNH.com and search for restaurants by city, region, cuisine and pricing. Participating restaurants will offer 3-course prix fixe menus for lunch and/or dinner.

“The NHLRA is spearheading the first ever statewide Restaurant Week in NH. Restaurants from all over the state are invited to participate in this event, which will encourage people to get out and experience the fine cuisine available throughout New Hampshire,” said Somers. The event will be sponsored by some of the most prestigious businesses throughout the state. It is presented by Great New Hampshire Restaurants and The NH Liquor and Wine Outlet. Supporting sponsors are Coca-Cola and Horizon Beverage. Contributing sponsors are American Express, Stella Artois, and Laconia Savings Bank. The event is also funded in part by NH Division of Travel and Tourism.

Restaurant Week in New Hampshire will spotlight all participating restaurants and will also provide the opportunity for lodging businesses to offer special restaurant week “stay and dine” packages. There will also be 10 Celebrity New Hampshire Chefs that will provide their insight into restaurant offerings throughout the state as well as provide recipes and tips to diners. “This event showcases the great culinary talent New Hampshire has to offer and we encourage everyone to try something new,” Somers states.

Any restaurant or lodging facility may participate in this event by visiting www.RestaurantWeekNH.com, or by calling the NHLRA at 603.228.9585. The NHLRA is at 341 Loudon Road, Unit 3, Concord, NH 03302.

February Fashion Show at the Corner House Inn

On February 8 at 6:30 pm, the Corner House Inn teams up with well-known area businesses and craftspeople Wholly Tara, Yike’s Gallery, Lupine Blossoms, Ashley Bullard and the Cascade Spa to create a fun evening of fashion, jewelry, accessories, and spa luxury in Center Sandwich. The evening begins at 6:30 pm with hearty hors d’oeuvres and unfolds with a runway fashion show, cosmetic make-overs, massages, discount coupons, and goodie bags, along with festive cocktails created especially for the occasion.
Just back from NYC with all new goodies, Wholly Tara, a clothing, jewelry, art and gift shop in Ashland will be orchestrating a runway fashion show, with all clothes and jewelry available for try on and purchase. Personal shoppers and discount coupons will also be available.
Also participating in the fashion show will be Sandwich craftspeople Jen Elliott of Lupine Blossoms, specializing in fiber arts and knit wear, and Ashley Bullard with her custom-made jewelry.
Yike’s Gallery of Center Harbor adds to the fun, featuring great jewelry and accessories.
And the Cascade Spa from the Inns at Mill Falls in Meredith completes the evening with complimentary hand/chair massages and cosmetic make-overs – including individual colors done for your skin type.
Don’t miss this fun evening of fashion and jewelry, accessories, and spa luxury. The cost is $15 per person, plus tax & gratuity. Seating is limited so make your reservation today! For more information and reservations contact the Corner House Inn in Center Sandwich at 284-6219 or online at info@cornerhouseinn. com.

NEW HAMPSHIRE-VERMONT-MAINE RECIPROCAL SNOWMOBILE WEEKEND THIS WEEKEND

NEW HAMPSHIRE-VERMONT-MAINE RECIPROCAL SNOWMOBILE WEEKEND THIS WEEKEND

Concord, NH, January 27th, 2012 – Snowmobile riders from Vermont and Maine will have a chance to enjoy New Hampshire’s trail system this weekend. The three states are holding a New Hampshire-Vermont-Maine Reciprocal snowmobile weekend from January 28-29.

“We are excited to welcome riders from Vermont and Maine this weekend to experience New Hampshire snowmobile trails,” said Chris Gamache, Bureau Chief for the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails. “Riding conditions in the northern part of all the states are good to great,” he added.

All snowmobiles legally registered in Vermont and Maine will be able to operate on New Hampshire trails during the three-day open weekend. All other New Hampshire laws and rules regarding the operation of snowmobiles must be adhered to, such as speed limits, youth operation standards, etc.

Snowmobiles legally registered in New Hampshire will be able to operate in Vermont and Maine during the reciprocal weekend. All other Vermont and Maine snowmobile laws and rules must be complied with, including Vermont mandatory liability insurance, youth requirements, and safety card requirement for those born after July 1, 1983.

In addition to a law that passed in 2010 for the Vermont/New Hampshire reciprocity weekend, a new law passed in 2011 includes Maine in the three-day weekend, which will occur annually on the fourth weekend in January (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) provided that our neighboring states continue to participate.

For information and conditions on snowmobiling in New Hampshire visit www.nhtrails.org, for information and rules for Vermont, visit www.vtvast.org/VAST/VT-Snowmobiling/Vermont-Laws.html and for Maine, visit www.maine.gov/ifw/laws_rules/snowlaws.htm.

ABOUT NEW HAMPSHIRE DIVISION OF PARKS & RECREATION
The Division of Parks and Recreation is comprised of the Bureau of Park Operations, Bureau of Historic Sites, Bureau of Trails, and Cannon Mountain. The Division manages 92 properties, including state parks, beaches, campgrounds, historic sites, trails, waysides, and natural areas. The Division of Parks and Recreation is one of four divisions of the Department of Resources and Economic Development. To learn more, visit www.nhstateparks.org or call 603/271-3556.

Discover the Sweet Taste of Maple in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region

Explore working sugar houses and tasty breakfast spots in central NH

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so the best ingredients are key. Topping a stack of pancakes or a fluffy Belgian waffle with world-famous New Hampshire maple syrup is the ultimate in breakfast indulgence, according to the Lakes Region Tourism Association.

Planning a visit to the Lakes Region during maple sugaring season is a must, say the tourism experts at LRTA. Seeing buckets or tubes protruding from maple trees is common toward the beginning of each year, as maple producers get ready to collect the clear sap that runs out.

Producers bring the sap into sugar houses, where it is boiled down until it becomes maple syrup. Visitors who watch syrup being made at this time will immediately also notice the maple smell, a sweet aroma that’s unmatchable outside the region.

Sugaring season in New Hampshire typically lasts from February to April – though weather may increase or decrease the length of the season each year. In the Granite State, around 90,000 gallons of maple syrup are produced each year, according to the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association. Maple is also used in other original products, such as maple candies, creams, sugars, barbecue sauce and baked goods, among others.

New Hampshire Maple Weekend 2012 is scheduled for March 24-25 – an ideal time to learn more about this special Granite State industry. Whether visitors are looking for a weekend-long education experience or would prefer to discover their own sugar shacks in the region throughout the season, a getaway inspired by maple is the perfect way to see the Lakes Region at this time of year, say the LRTA tourism experts. For more information on accommodations during maple sugaring season, visit the LRTA’s Where to Stay page on its website.

Once visitors have learned all there is to know about maple syrup, the next step – and the best step – is to taste it, of course!

If you don’t want to break into your own stash of syrup while you’re still in the Lakes Region, fear not! A number of eateries offer homemade breakfasts perfect for covering in sweet maple. A full listing of area restaurants can be found on the LRTA’s Where to Dine page on its website.

The Heritage Farm Pancake House in Sanbornton is all about the pancakes. With meals served family style, everyone at the table gets to chow down on the exact same thing – including the restaurant’s own pure homemade maple syrup for covering Heritage’s made-from-scratch pancakes.
Heritage Farm Pancake House is at 16 Parker Hill Road, Sanbornton (603-524-5400, HeritageFarmPancakeHouse.com).

While the Kellerhaus in Weirs Beach may be known for its homemade ice cream and candies, it also has something not found in too many places – a waffle bar! This sweet shop offers a waffle breakfast buffet of sorts, and a number of toppings await customers’ wildest dreams.
Kellerhaus is at 259 Endicott St. North, Weirs Beach (603-366-4466, Kellerhaus.com).

Zero in on the pancakes on the enormous menu at Kitchen Cravings in Gilford. There’s the standard short and long stacks, but also the X-tra Long Stack (four pancakes) and the Animal Shape Pancake. Syrup hasn’t been as fun as it is with an animal pancake – create a mane for your horse or a big tail for your bunny.
Kitchen Cravings is at 15 Airport Road, Gilford (603-528-0001, KitchenCravingsNH.com).

At Morrissey’s Front Porch in Wolfeboro, visitors may want to set their sights – or their appetites – on the French Toast Sandwich. This meal combines two pieces of French toast, two sausage patties and home fries. Think syrup is only good on pancakes or toast? Think again! Breakfast sausage is commonly combined with maple in the area.
Morrissey’s Front Porch is at 286 S. Main St., Wolfeboro (603-569-3662, FrontPorchDining.com).

At The Common Man’s Route 104 Diner and Tilt’n Diner, keep up the classic theme with an old-school Belgian waffle, which comes with either strawberries or blueberries. Syrup and waffles are the perfect combination: Each of the pockets atop the waffle hold the ideal amount of maple, ensuring the optimal syrup-cake ratio.
The Route 104 Diner is at 752 Route 104, New Hampton (603-744-0120, TheCMan.com).
The Tilt’n Diner is at 61 Laconia Road, Tilton (603-286-2204, TheCMan.com).

To indulge in some serious sweetness, try the Candy Counter Cakes at Laconia’s Union Diner. Bring your kids – or bring out your inner kid – by pouring maple syrup onto pancake combinations such as the Yummy Nutty (walnuts, pecans and almonds) or the Fluffernutter (peanut butter chips and marshmallow).
The Union Diner is at 1331 Union Ave., Laconia (603-524-6744, TheUnionDiner.com).

For something a little different, order one of the varieties of French toast at the Water Street Café in Laconia. An order of maple walnut, orange cranberry or cinnamon raisin includes three pieces – plenty to let the syrup flow freely over the plate.
The Water Street Café is at 141 Water St., Laconia (603-524-4144, Water-Street-Cafe.com).

Not only do plenty of foods taste better with the addition of maple syrup, but even more taste fabulous when they’re fried. The Apple-Cinnamon Fritters at Wolfe’s Tavern at Wolfeboro Inn in Wolfeboro are similar to small pieces of fried dough. Drizzle on the maple syrup, dip in the accompanying vanilla sauce and get ready for a flavor explosion.
Wolfe’s Tavern at Wolfeboro Inn is at 90 N. Main St., Wolfeboro (603-569-3016, WolfesTavern.com).

When it’s time to return home after a trip to the Lakes Region, don’t forget the maple syrup! The sweet stuff is sold year round at area farms, shops and restaurants, and it’s a thoughtful gift that friends and family of all appetites will enjoy. For more information on shops in the region, visit the LRTA’s Where to Shop page on its website. And for more information on upcoming events in the Lakes Region, visit the LRTA’s Event Calendar.

The Lakes Region Tourism Association is the official tourism board of the region, representing close to 100 communities, 273 lakes and ponds, and more than 400 businesses in central New Hampshire, including area attractions, restaurants, retail establishments and accommodations. For more information or visitors guides, visit LakesRegion.org, facebook.com/NHLakesRegion or follow on Twitter. The LRTA office is at Exit 20 on Route 3 in Tilton, and it can be reached by calling (800) 60-LAKES.

Surge in Sales for NASCAR Races at NHMS Sign of Economic Recovery

NHMS Ticket Sales Soaring in 2012: Surge in Sales for NASCAR Races Sign of Economic Recovery

The new year is off to a fast start at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. As the deadline for season ticket renewals closed, “The Magic Mile” has seen a spike in sales from 2011 for both the July and September NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2012.

“We haven’t seen this level of sales activity this early in quite some time. We are up an average of double digits between the two races,” explains Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway. “Our fans and our families have been struggling for quite a while in this economy. I take this as a sign that the recovery is underway.”

According to Susan Colby, the vice president of guest services at NHMS, ticket sales for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 for July are up 4% from last year. Sales for the SYLVANIA 300 in September are up 19%.

“When times are tight for fans, one of the first things people cut from their budget is vacations and summertime extras. We are thrilled to see them coming back in big numbers,” said Colby.

Colby noted sales for camping spaces and pre-race pit passes are a good sign that fans have more discretionary funds this year than in the previous few seasons.

The encouraging stats are also a result of the harder work being done at venues like NHMS to attract fans back through the gates. Speedway management ran off-season ticket sales a lot like a campaign, with mailers and email reminders to regular customers, as well as aggressive public relations efforts to keep Loudon in the spotlight for locals and fans.

“Strong sales don’t just happen,” explains Gappens. “In this environment, you have to work that much harder to bring fans to the speedway. We use every tool at our disposal, from traditional media and mailers to social media. We are thrilled with the results and hopeful the trend continues. I believe we are a barometer for economic activity and this is certainly a hopeful sign of recovery.”

While NHMS is pleased with the spike in sales, there are still plenty of tickets for both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events. If you have a favorite seat, please call the tracks ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931 by Feb. 1 to ensure your spot. After Feb. 1 all seats will be released to the public. Guests can also visit www.nhms.com for tickets and more information.

Plan the Perfect Winter Getaway in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region

Have fun both indoors and outdoors during chilly February in central NH

Lakes Region, NH – Winter is in full force by February. Snow has piled up, and temperatures tend to remain below freezing. And while many Lakes Region vacation regulars may be looking ahead to the warmer months, there’s no reason to wish for the end of winter yet when there are so many great events happening in central New Hampshire, according to Lakes Region Tourism Association staff.

While downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice fishing and snowshoeing continue to make up the majority of reasons people visit the region in the winter, those looking for slightly less adventure are surely able to find that, as well. Arts, sports, history and more offer plenty of excuses to stay in the Lakes Region over the winter, say the experts at the LRTA. Below are a few February highlights; many others can be found on the LRTA’s Events Calendar on its website:

- 3rd Annual New England Pond Hockey Classic: Feb. 3-5. Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith. Check out this annual tradition of outdoor hockey as hundreds of teams gather over one weekend to play one of New Hampshire’s favorite sports on its largest lake.
- Meredith Rotary Club Derby Weekend: Feb. 11-12. Lake Winnipesaukee. More than $63,000 in prizes are up for grabs as visitors try to catch cusk, pickerel, white perch, yellow perch, rainbow trout, lake trout and black crappie.
- “Voices from the Front: New Hampshire Soldiers in the Civil War”: Exhibit opens Saturday, Feb. 18. New Hampshire Historical Society, 6 Eagle Square, Concord. Get a taste of Granite State history as this exhibit opens. Adults, $5.50; seniors, $4.50; children 6-18, $3; $17 family maximum; NHHS members, free.
- Winter Fest: Saturday, Feb. 18. Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia. A bonfire, sleigh rides, sledding, snowshoeing, crafts and a snow-sculpture contest create the ultimate family event. Members, free; nonmembers, $3; families with 2+ kids, $10; ages 3 and younger, free.
- Paula Poundstone: Saturday, Feb. 18. The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center, Plymouth. This critically acclaimed comedienne is ready to make audiences in the Granite State laugh once again. Tickets start at $27.50.
- Super Snowflakes: Sunday, Feb. 19. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, 23 Science Center Road, Holderness. Explore the world of snowflakes and create your own snowflake craft. Be ready for an outside adventure. Adults must accompany children. Members, $7; nonmembers, $9.

Seacoast Storyteller makes first Corner House appearance

Seacoast Storyteller makes first Corner House appearance
After touring the country for years, NH Seacoast writer and stand-up storyteller Pat Spalding makes her first appearance at the Corner House Inn’s Storytelling Dinner Program on Thursday evening, January 26th. Pat mines her stories from life experience and delivers them with compassion, wit, and humor. Formerly a puppeteer, now a writer and monologist, Pat has made her living as a performer for over 30 years.
With a repertoire ranging from hilarious to heart-rending, Pat tells original monologues and classic and contemporary tales. Among Pat’s favorite topics are stories of mother/daughter relationships delivered with humor and poignant edge of insight; adventurous tales of middle-age mediocrity; and Native American tales.
“Pat is an amazing storyteller. Her keynote grabbed everyone’s hearts while tickling their funny bones. We laughed. We cried. And we laughed again!”
- Barbara Dunsford, Seacoast Women’s Week Founder
Welcome Pat Spalding to the Corner House Inn’s Storytelling Dinner program on Thursday evening, Jan. 26th. Dinner begins at 6:30 pm, and the price is $19.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For more information and reservations contact the Corner House Inn at 284-6219, or online at info@cornerhouseinn.com.

JOE OUELLETTE PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR OF SALES AT THE INNS & SPA AT MILL FALLS IN MEREDITH, N.H.

JOE OUELLETTE PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR OF SALES AT THE INNS & SPA AT MILL FALLS IN MEREDITH, N.H.

The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls in Meredith, N.H., has announced the promotion of Joe Ouellette to Director of Sales. Ouellette, who has been with the Inns at Mill Falls since April 2004, was most recently Sales Manager.

Ouellette previously worked as Senior Sales Manager at The Margate in Laconia, and was Director of Marketing and Advertising for the NASWA Resort.

“Joe brings exceptional leadership and salesmanship to the Inns,” said Gail Batstone, General Manager of The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls. “He is a constant source of motivation, level-headed thinking, and he strives to take the sales team effort and the Inns to new levels. We wish him much continued success.”

A resident of Laconia, Ouellette has two sons, Cameron and Nicholas.

10th Annual LRUW Sweetheart Auction

Every year, just before Valentine’s Day, Patrick’s Pub & Eatery in Gilford hosts the Lakes Region United Way Annual Sweetheart Auction. Local businesses and individuals donate items, and the bidding led by volunteer auctioneer P.K. Zyla is fast and furious. Over the past nine years, this auction has raised over $146,000. This year the Sweetheart Auction is Tuesday, February 7 at Patrick’s Pub & EateryPreview and bidder registration starts at 5 p.m., with the live and silent auction from 6 to 9 p.m. Donate an item and promote your business or products by contacting Auction Chair Judi Taggart at 524-6864 x104 or judi@lruw.org. Preview of early donations are posted at www.lruw.org.

 

Best Read Guide NH announces Promotions and Additions to Team

Steve Ainsworth of Meredith, formerly the distribution manager for Best Read Guide magazine, has been named to head the magazine’s advertising sales program in the Lakes Region area and throughout the I-93 corridor in the White Mountains. The announcement was made by Mitch Hanson, sales manager for Best Read Guide.
Peter Muse, also of Meredith, has taken on Ainsworth’s distribution duties. Both men have extensive experience at businesses in the Lakes Region. Also added to the distribution staff is Paul Dickey of Boscawen, taking on the seasonal distributor position.
Ainsworth owned Fermentation Station, a Meredith business, for over 10 years. He was responsible for all aspects of the business from marketing to inventory control to management. Most recently he was employed by Lakes Regional Community Services in Plymouth.
He and his wife, Grace, have four children, two of them students at St. Michael’s College. He is a graduate of Inter-Lakes High School and NH Vocational-Technical College in Laconia with a certificate in Small Business Management.
Peter Muse has been a Lakes Region resident for the past 15 years. He began his career in this region as transportation coordinator for J. Jill Group from 1996 to 2008 and was then named facilities coordinator, a position he held for two years.
Prior to moving to this area he worked for the Harvard Cooperative Society in Cambridge, MA. He and his wife, Lori, have two adult children.
Best Read Guide is one of the state’s largest distribution magazines featuring places to go and things to do in the White Mountains, Lakes Region and NH and Maine Seacoast. Nearly one million magazines a year are distributed in these three areas. Best Read Guide publishes three summer magazines, one each for the Mountains, Lakes and Seacoast, one in the Fall serving all three areas, and a Winter book serving the Mountains and Lakes area.
Best Read Guide is one of only two companies authorized by the NH Department of Tourism to deliver brochures of NH businesses to the State’s tourism centers. It is also the official distributor of brochures and magazines for the Lakes Region Tourism Association and many of its members. For $1770, or $295 a month, they will distribute your summer brochures for six months to all 13 State Welcome Centers, LRTA Members and 40+ brochure racks throughout the region. The Guide also provides distribution of regional business brochures through its network of racks throughout the Lakes Region and White Mountains.
For additional information about Best Read Guide contact Mitch Hanson at 651-7477 or Steve Ainsworth at 707-1412.

Attitash & Wildcat Mountain Support National January Learn a Snow Sport Month

Attitash & Wildcat Mountain Support National January Learn a Snow Sport Month
Learn to Ski or Snowboard Free January 7 through January 13, 2012

Bartlett & Pinkham Notch, NH – Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire join SKI NH and several other ski areas across the nation taking part in the snow sport industries collective campaign to introduce people to winter sports. As a special offer to support January’s Learn a Snow Sports Month, both Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain invite “never-evers” to sign up for a free Learn-to-Ski/Ride lesson package, including rentals and novice lift ticket, during the week of January 7 – 13, 2012.

To register for the free Learn-to-Ski/Ride lesson package, participants must visit http://www.skinh.com/deals/learntoskiandsnowboardmonth.aspx to register online now and download a required Learn-to-Ski/Ride coupon; registered participants can then call the specified phone number on the coupon for the resort of their choice and to make a reservation for a limited number of available lesson times for the promotion period. Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis after persons have registered online with SKI NH.

In addition, for those that do sign up and complete the free first lesson package at Attitash or Wildcat, participants will have the opportunity to upgrade and purchase two additional lesson packages for a discount price and for use at the resort where purchased. As an added bonus, when persons complete their third Learn-to-Ski/Ride package lesson, they will receive a free Vertical Value Card, valid for use at Attitash or Wildcat. The Vertical Value Card includes one free lift ticket and then discount savings for 10-50% off lift tickets valid every day of the 2011/12 season. The free Learn-to-Ski/Ride and 3-lesson package programs are available for first-time skiers & snowboarders only ages 13 and up. Reservations are required and space may be limited.

###

Attitash Mountain Resort, located in the Mount Washington Valley, has most recently been ranked amongst the East’s top ten ski resorts for grooming, weather, accessibility, and off-hill activities by readers of SKI Magazine. Offering two distinct mountains, Attitash and Bear Peak, and one of New England’s most advanced snow making systems, Attitash is known for its signature terrain parks, ski school and children’s programs, open-glade terrain, après entertainment, family value, the year-round mountain coaster attraction, and quality slopeside accommodations featuring the Attitash Grand Summit Hotel. For further information, please visit www.attitash.com or call 1-800-223 SNOW.

Wildcat Mountain, a year-round destination located 100% within the White Mountain National Forest in Pinkham Notch, is home to New Hampshire’s most powerful quad summit chair lift and is renowned for its high summit elevation over 4,000 feet and greater than 2,100 vertical feet of skiing and riding; longest novice trail in the state at just under 3 miles; and proximity to Mt. Washington that contributes up to 200 inches of snow and a long winter/spring season annually. Wildcat Mountain has consistently been rated #1 Scenery and Top Ten in the East for Snow, Terrain Challenge, and Value by readers of SKI Magazine. For further information, please visit www.skiwildcat.com or call 1-888-SKI WILD.

NH TOURISM PARTNERS WITH THE CONCORD COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT FOR JANUARY-FEBRUARY VISITNH FAN BENEFIT

NH TOURISM PARTNERS WITH THE CONCORD COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT
FOR JANUARY-FEBRUARY VISITNH FAN BENEFIT
Facebook Fans and Twitter Followers can “Ski, Stay & Save”

The New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism Development (DTTD) has announced the January-February VisitNH Fan Benefit with the Concord Courtyard by Marriott: A “Ski, Stay & Save” package that includes a pair of lift tickets for Pats Peak, snow tubing, overnight accommodations, cookies and hot chocolate, and breakfast for two for the package rate of $167 (plus 9% tax). Anyone who “likes” VisitNH on Facebook or “follows” VisitNH on Twitter is eligible to receive the benefit. Complete package details are available on our Facebook page.
“We are so very excited for the opportunity to work with NH Travel & Tourism and be able to offer such a great package to fans visiting our beautiful state!” said Jessica Jenkins, with the Concord Courtyard by Marriott. “We are happy to partner with Pats Peak Ski Area which is such a fantastic local attraction. We can provide guests visiting the Concord area this winter the chance to enjoy the snow at the mountain, as well as some relaxation time and dining with us at the Courtyard by Marriott.”
According to DTTD, almost 55,000 fans and followers are eligible for the Fan Benefit. Fans and followers can receive benefits each month from New Hampshire properties and attractions and get access to the latest info, including events, photos, videos, links to news articles and other interesting activities going on in New Hampshire.
“Our exclusive VisitNH fan benefit is a great opportunity to stay in the capital city of Concord and enjoy skiing, tubing, lodging and breakfast for two at a great low price,” said Tai Freligh, Communications Manager for DTTD. “New Hampshire was the first state in New England to launch an exclusive social media benefit program. We’re happy to be able to offer this to our Facebook and Twitter followers for a two-month period now to help visitors plan their New Hampshire trip.”
To take advantage of this special offer, call Courtyard directly at 603-225-0303 to make reservations, and mention the “VisitNH Fan Benefit Package” after you have liked or followed VisitNH.
For more information about the Concord Courtyard by Marriott, visit www.courtyardconcord.com.
Freligh added that more than 20 lodging properties, including restaurants and attractions, have participated in the VisitNH Fan Benefit initiative since its inception, with most reporting a notable call volume increase, resulting in higher sales.
DTTD is actively involved on several social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

ABOUT THE DIVISION OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
The Division of Travel and Tourism Development, as part of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, works with the state’s seven travel regions to increase visitation, travel and visitor expenditures in order to expand business activity and employment throughout the state. The division is responsible for domestic and international advertising and public relations, literature publication and distribution, www.visitnh.gov administration, grant administration and research to monitor and measure the impact of travel and tourism to the state. For more information about New Hampshire tourism, call 603-271-2665 or visit www.visitnh.gov.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway Celebrates Sweet 16: NASCAR’s Best will Race to Loudon Twice for 16th Consecutive Year

New Hampshire Motor Speedway Celebrates Sweet 16: NASCAR’s Best will Race to Loudon Twice for 16th Consecutive Year

Tony Stewart needed New Hampshire Motor Speedway to clinch his championship run in 2011. In 2012, he’ll have two tries at “The Magic Mile” to defend his title, when NASCAR roars back into Loudon for more exciting action in just six months.

Officials at New Hampshire Motor Speedway announced the track’s major event schedule and for the 16th consecutive year the Granite State will host two coveted Sprint Cup Series dates with the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on Sunday, July 15, and the SYLVANIA 300 on Sunday, Sept. 23.

The speedway’s 2012 season is once again sure to be filled with close wheel-to-wheel excitement from some of the world’s greatest drivers, as four NASCAR sanctioned events and the American-Canadian Tour highlight the year.

The LENOX Industrial Tools 301 weekend will begin on Friday, July 13, and will include the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Whelen Modifed Tour.

NASCAR’s version of the playoffs race back to Loudon during the SYLVANIA 300 beginning Sept. 21 through Sept. 23. This action-packed weekend will feature an exciting short track tripleheader on Saturday, with NASCAR’s K&N Pro Series East, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the American-Canadian Tour. On Sunday, the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup will heat up the 1.058-mile oval with the best drivers in the world going head-to-head for the 2012 championship trophy.

On May 10-13 the 22nd Annual Vintage Racing Celebration will return to the Granite State. Classic car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see vintage midgets, sprint cars, champ cars, roadsters, NASCAR stock cars, sports cars and formula cars competing on the 1.058-mile oval and 1.6-mile road-course.

On June 15-17, the oldest motorcycle event in North America returns to New Hampshire Motor Speedway with the 89th running of the Loudon Classic. Many of the world’s top two-wheel racers will be in action on the challenging 12-turn road course as the weekend features over 20 races.

Tickets for the 2012 season are on sale now. Purchase them by calling the NHMS ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931 or by visiting www.nhms.com.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway 2012 Major Event Schedule

May 10-13: 22nd Annual Vintage Racing Celebration Oval Days Vintage midget, sprint car, champ car, roadster and NASCAR stock car racing on the 1.058-mile oval and 1.6-mile road course

June 15-17: 89th Annual Loudon Classic
American SportBike Racing Association, Loudon Road Race Series, Sidecar Racers Association

July 13: FansFirst Pole Day
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice and qualifying, NASCAR Nationwide Series practice

July 14: Saturday Doubleheader
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice, NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying and race, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race

July 15: LENOX Industrial Tools 301

Sept. 21: FansFirst Pole Day
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice and qualifying

Sept. 22: Tripleheader Short Track Saturday NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race and American-American Canadian Tour race

Sept. 23: SYLVANIA 300
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race

CHURCH LANDING AND CONNESTON CONSTRUCTION, INC. TAKE MADE IN AMERICA CHALLENGE

CHURCH LANDING AND CONNESTON CONSTRUCTION, INC. TAKE MADE IN AMERICA CHALLENGE
WITH CHURCH LANDING PHASE II EXPANSION

Project will be 95% Made in America Without Significant Increase in Cost

The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls in Meredith, in conjunction with Conneston Construction, Inc. (CCI), of Gilford, have taken on the Made in America Challenge with the Church Landing Phase II expansion project. The Made in America Challenge, an initiative of ABC-TV’s World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer, is based on the simple concept of buying products that are made in America and help put Americans back to work.

“ABC World News Tonight and Diane Sawyer have been touting the virtues of this idea on the show for some time and it sparked our interest here in Meredith as we are in the construction phase of the Church Landing expansion,” said Rusty McLear, president of The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls. “We thought ‘Wouldn’t it be great to take this challenge, make this construction project Made in America, and help create jobs for Americans?’”

CCI began construction this Fall on the Church Landing expansion, which features two new buildings with a total of 17,000 square feet of guest rooms, lounges and an indoor-outdoor pool.

“In a construction meeting in October, we went around the room and asked ourselves ‘Would it really be that hard to make sure as much, if not all, of the project was in fact manufactured in this country?’,” said Ross Currier, Vice President of CCI. “We wondered that maybe a lot of what we’re already buying meets the definition of being Made in America. So that’s just what we did.”

According to Currier, all subcontractors were tasked with analyzing every single material to be used in the construction project to determine if everything being used is Made in America.

“If we determined it wasn’t Made in America, we asked ourselves, can we switch to a product that is domestically made? Is there an option to buy it in the US? If there is, will we have to pay more?,” said Currier. “These were the questions we asked ourselves, and what we discovered is that this expansion project could be 95% Made in America.”

McLear hopes this effort will help to serve as a blueprint for others looking to take the Made in America Challenge and help put Americans back to work.

“While it has taken some effort, this initiative has been well worth the time spent,” said McLear. “We are proud to say this project is 95% American made. Everything from the nails, the steel, the staples, the lumber and the bathtubs are domestically made. The remaining 5% that we weren’t able to buy American included the limited access elevator that we plan to install. That particular type of elevator is just not made in the U.S., but we are working with a manufacturer in Canada to supply that. Additionally, a small amount of the electrical panels, breakers and other switching gear, as well some of the screws, nuts and bolts are made outside the U.S.”

Currier added that the team was able to realize that in some instances products were the same price, yet provided better quality

“By creating awareness of this effort, we have been able to create a Made in America development, and have not added substantially to the total budget, just $4,000 or so to overall cost,” added McLear. “Even though certain goods are more expensive, in total, the cost of the project is nearly identical – an effort well worth the time, awareness, and minimal increased expense, especially if we can contribute to putting Americans to work.”

McLear noted that while several New Hampshire projects receiving federal stimulus funds are required to buy American made products, this construction project is the only privately funded project in New Hampshire to be Made in America. According to findings on ABC-TV World News, if every builder bought just 5 percent more American materials it could create 220,000 jobs.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Offers Wild Winter Walks

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Offers Wild Winter Walks: Guided Tours of the Gephart Exhibit Trail
These guided tours allow visitors to see the animals at the Science Center in their winter splendor.

A staff naturalist guides the walk along the Gephart Exhibit Trail, a three-quarter mile long nature trail featuring animals in natural enclosures. The naturalist discusses the many ways native animals are well-adapted for winter life in New Hampshire. Participants will see how animals like Red Fox, Bobcats, Mountain Lions, raptors and other native species adapt to winter weather. If weather conditions permit, participants will snowshoe along the trail. Snowshoes are available at no extra cost or participants can bring their own.

Participants can make a full day of winter fun with a Wild Winter Walk and lunch at Longhaul Farm. Longhaul Farm will offer a 10% discount on lunch to all Wild Winter Walk participants on the day of the event (lunch begins at noon).

Pre-registration is required for all Wild Winter Walks by calling 603-968-7194 or email info@nhnature.org. Cost for Wild Winter Walks: $10/member; $12/non-member

Winter 2012 Wild Winter Walks:
January 14, 15, 21, 29
February 4, 12, 18, 25, 26
March 2, 3, 4
For details about this event, including tour times go to www.nhnature.org or call 603-968-7194.

NHMS Collects Over Five Tons of Food for Local Food Pantry

New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s Gift of Lights event joined in the effort to end hunger this holiday season, by donating more than 11,000 pounds of food to the Loudon, N.H. Food Pantry this week. That’s equal to the weight of three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars racing around the 1.058-mile oval.

Thanks to the 8,000 cars that have driven through the electric wonderland of light displays and brought food, “The Magic Mile” is bringing Christmas cheer to those who need it most.

“We know that there are many people who are less fortunate throughout the great state of New Hampshire,” said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway. “Thank you to all of our wonderful fans who have visited the Gift of Lights and contributed. It is because of you, families in the community will have a brighter holiday this year.”

All of the food that is collected throughout the light show will service residents in Belmont, Canterbury, Chichester, Epsom and Loudon.

“It really is terrific to get so many donations during the holiday season,” said Sue Houck of the Loudon Food Pantry. “We feed about 100 households a week, but what many people don’t know is that the donations we receive now will carry us throughout the entire year.”

Open nightly, the hours of operation for the Gift of Lights show will be Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. until Jan. 1, 2012. The cost is $15 per vehicle or $13 for those who donate three non-perishable food items.

New on site presentation highlights American Restoration’s work on Funspot Sea Skate ride

See Us On The Big Screen!

New on site presentation highlights American Restoration’s work on Funspot Sea Skate ride  Our Sea Skate kiddie ride is now world famous after being professionally restored on the popular History Channel show American Restoration. To celebrate we’ve installed a brand new 47″ screen over the Sea Skate. It highlights all the work the American Restoration team put in.

Stop by and see the presentation today and be sure to bring the kids for a ride!

 

 

Bureau of Trails Forced to Cancel 2012 RTP Grant Round

Bureau of Trails Forced to Cancel 2012 RTP Grant Round

The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation’s Bureau of Trails announces that it is forced to cancel the 2012 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant round due to the Federal Highway Administration(FHWA) making “technical corrections” to its funding formula. The FHWA notified the Bureau last week that it had made recalculations to the federal funding formula for the years 2009-2012 and as a result $678 thousand dollars was taken back from the New Hampshire trail program. All of the 2012 funds, $677 thousand dollars, have been rescinded.
“This is a major disappointment to New Hampshire’s trail community and trail projects that were planned for 2012,” stated Bureau of Trails Chief Chris Gamache. RTP funding is the only source available to non-motorized trails in New Hampshire and a major component of the motorized trail system also. There were 55 organizations that were awarded grants in 2011 and the 2012 grant round was underway with a grant deadline in mid-January. “We are completely stunned at the sudden email from FHWA and this loss of funding,” said Gamache.
The FHWA administration made the announcement to the Bureau of Trails via email last week. “We are working with New Hampshire’s Congressional Delegation to determine how this formula change was made and the timing of the rescission of our trails funds,” commented Gamache.
The Recreational Trails Program is a federal grant program which is funded by gas tax of off-highway vehicle use nationally. The funds taken back from NH do not impact projects approved and funding in 2011, but all projects planned for 2012.

About the Division of Parks and Recreation
The Division of Parks and Recreation is comprised of the Bureau of Park Operations, Bureau of Historic Sites, Bureau of Trails, and Cannon Mountain. The Division manages 92 properties, including state parks, beaches, campgrounds, historic sites, trails, waysides, and natural areas. The Division of Parks and Recreation is one of four divisions of the Department of Resources and Economic Development. To learn more, visit www.nhstateparks.org, follow NH State Parks on Facebook and Twitter, or call 603/271-3556.