Mud Bowl set for September 7-9

Mud Bowl, championships of mud football, celebrates “Mud Bowl, The Musical,” Sept. 7-9, 2012

NORTH CONWAY, N.H. — Mud Bowl, the world championships of mud football, is set for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 7 through 9, at Hog Coliseum behind the North Conway Community Center.

The 30th annual “Tournament of Mud Parade” is set for Saturday, Sept. 8, at 10 a.m. This year’s parade theme is “Mud Bowl, the Musical.”

Ten teams from throughout New England compete in three-day touch football tourney which benefits local charities.

Tickets: 3-day ticket $10; day tickets: $6 ages 14 and up, $4 ages 6 – 13; family tickets (two adults, two children) $15 per day.

For further information, call Jackie Howe at the North Conway Community Center at (603) 356-5213, Ryan Sommer at the North Conway Community Center, (603) 356-2096, or the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce at (603) 356-5701.

Newton’s Revenge Results!

NEWTON’S REVENGE – 7.6-mile bike race up the Mt. Washington Auto Road Newcomer Cogburn, veteran Shea dominate the field. July 7, 2012 – Pinkham Notch, N.H. Cameron Cogburn, a graduate student at M.I.T. who gave up professional cycling to concentrate on astrophysics, and Marti Shea, a New England bike-racing veteran with numerous victories in uphill races, shared the winners’ podium today at the 7th annual Newton’s Revenge, a grueling bike race to the summit of New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington. Cogburn, 26, of Cambridge, Mass., made his first-ever trip up the 7.6-mile Mt. Washington Auto Road (average grade 12 percent) by bursting ahead of the field at the start and steadily increasing his lead, reaching the 6288-foot summit in 55 minutes 59 seconds. The 49-year-old Shea, who has won the women’s side of this race every year it has been held, maintained her streak with yet another convincing performance, finishing in one hour 5 minutes 23 seconds, good for sixth place overall in the field of approximately 230 riders and more than nine minutes ahead of her nearest rival. Both winners, as well as everyone behind them, had to contend with Mt. Washington’s notorious weather. Temperatures at the summit were in the low 50s, with winds gusting up to 63 mph. “That wind – I couldn’t believe it!” said Cogburn a moment after he had crossed the finish line and wrapped himself in a blanket. “I was concentrating hard, to make sure I didn’t get blown over.” “I was on a fast pace today,” said Shea, “but then the wind slowed me down. I was thinking,, ‘It’s helping me – no, it’s not!’ But last year on a perfect day I did 64 minutes, so 65 today feels pretty good.” Despite never having seen the Auto Road before, much less tested his legs on it, Cogburn said he came into today’s race expecting to win. “I’ve ridden (the races up) Mt. Ascutney and Pack Monadnock,” he said, “and in 2009 I won (Mt.) Whiteface in New York State, so I had some comparison times.” On paper – and in fact — he was faster in uphill events than anyone else in today’s field. Tim Tapply, 37, of Sherborn, Mass., was the only rider to keep Cogburn in sight after the first half mile, but the gap between them was already 40 seconds and continued to widen, reaching more than a minute at two miles and three minutes by the end. Tapply finished in 58:59. “You go to enough of these races,” said Tapply, who placed fourth in Newton’s Revenge last year, “and you see someone go out hard and then blow up. But (Cogburn) obviously knew his condition. Hats off to him.” In 2009 and 2010 Cogburn competed on the Jelly Belly professional team, winning several races. Last year, however, as a graduate student at M.I.T., he found himself pulling all-nighters and missing training time, so he gave up his pro license and now competes as a Category I amateur. “I’ve had just a little over a month of serious training for today,” he said, adding that he expects to return to Mt. Washington on August 18 to race in the other event on the same course, the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb. So will Shea, who has 2010 and 2011 Hillclimb victories to go with her six wins in Newton’s Revenge. “It’s a matter of pride,” she said, with a smile beneath her wraparound sunglasses. “If I’m getting on my bike at the starting line, I’m going for the win.” No woman in the field could contest such a claim today. Liz Feeney, also 49, of Philadelphia, finished second in 1:14:37. Shea is also going for the 2012 championship in the Bike Up Mountains Point Series (BUMPS) competition, which draws a hard core of cyclists to ten uphill races in the northeast each summer. With Newton’s Revenge today, Shea has finished first in all four of the BUMPS races held so far this season. For their victories, Shea and Cogburn won $1000 apiece. Among the Mt. Washington veterans in today’s race, one of the most confident and well-prepared was 13-year-old Jonah Thompson of Albuquerque, N.M., who had previously completed the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb three times and will return for that race in August. Before today’s race Thompson commented, “I’m going to try to start out pretty fast, because it’s windy, and I know that will slow me down.” Aware that lightweight riders are particularly susceptible to being blown back by high wind, Thompson, who weighs just 72 pounds, carried out his plan intelligently. In the final yards – the steepest part of the Auto Road, a 22 percent grade – he smiled and stood on his pedals while passing yet another much larger rider on his way to the finish line. His time, 1:18:21, placed him 39th overall. The first finishers from New Hampshire were Douglas Jansen, 49, of Pelham (1:07:08) and Kori Preble, 40, of Bow (1:33:51). TOP MEN: 1. Cameron Cogburn, 26, Cambridge, Mass., 55:59 2. Tim Tapply, 37, Sherborn, Mass., 58:59 3. Chris Yura, 33, Bryn Mawr, Pa., 1:02:46 4. Gerry Clapper, 51, Avon, Conn., 1:03:44 5. John Bayley, 43, Watertown, Mass. 1:04:44 6. Erick Vandendries, 47, Chestnut Hill, Mass., 1:06:00 7. Douglas Jansen, 49, Pelham, N.H., 1:07:08 8. Gregory Bartick, 40, Gorham, Maine, 1:07:41 9. Gregory Larkin, 44, Hollis, N.H., 1:07:45 10. Matthew Sudduth, 41, Philadelphia, Pa., 1:08:55 TOP WOMEN: 1. Marti Shea, 49, Marblehead, Mass. 1:05:23 2. Liz Feeney, 49, Philadelphia, Pa., 1:14:37 3. Elizabeth West, 46, Westport, Conn., 1:16:51 4. Paula Brunetto, 46, West Cornwall, Conn., 1:19:00 5. Guylaine Mailloux, 35, Montreal, Quebec, 1:21:59 6. Margaret Thompson, 58, Clinton, N.Y., 1:22:13 7. Dominique Codere, 53, Montreal, Quebec, 1:24:43 8. Mary Hynes Johanson, 57, Belmont, Mass., 1:24:55 9. Kelley Fitzgerald, 45, Woburn, Mass., 1:25:18 10. Susan Lucek, 51, Tolland, Conn., 1:27:30 Cameron Cogburn Marti Shea

Civil War Presentation at Remick!!

Special Event–Civil War Presentation with Denis Hambucken, Chris Benedetto & Matt Payson

Saturday, June 30 (4:00PM-6:00PM)

TAMWORTH, NH–Denis Hambucken has co-written two books on the Civil War from both the Union and Confederate side (with Chris Benedetto and Matt Payson, respectively). Rather than dealing with politics or tactics, these books focus on the daily life of the men who risked their life in defense of their homes and ideals. All three authors will be at the Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm on Saturday, June 30, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm to present an immersive, highly interactive, and family-friendly program including information on New Hampshire’s contribution to the war effort. You will see a soldier from each camp in full uniform, but be careful–there may be actual musket fire (no bullets, of course), along with a number of artifacts on display. A few lucky youngsters will get a chance to try out some of the clothing and equipment. Weather permitting, this will be an indoor/outdoor event, with a Civil War campsite set up. This being the Remick Museum & Farm, we will, of course, have Civil War-era food to sample. Co-sponsored with the Cook Memorial Library, books will be available for sale and signing.

From the back cover of the Union Soldier book:
“As the year 1862 began, the war that most Americans thought would only last a few months showed no signs of ending. Hundreds of thousands of men across the divided nation enlisted in state volunteer regiments that poured into the sprawling military camps around Washington, D.C., Richmond, Virginia, and other strategic locations. Within a year, thousands of these courageous men had lost their lives on bloody battlefields or died in disease-ridden encampments. This book provides a glimpse of the lives, weapons, and
equipment of these soldiers through a collection of artifacts and exacting reproductions.”

This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, call us at 603-323-7591 (or toll free at 800-866-6117)
or email Linda Jones (ljones@remickmuseum.org).

Highlights from 2nd Annual Alton Weagle Day

 
  AN UNUSUAL SELECTION OF MT. WASHINGTON AUTO ROAD FIRST
ACSENTS ARE ALL ACCOMPLISHED DURING 2^ND ANNUAL ALTON WEAGLE DAY  

 

PINKHAM NOTCH, NH-The 2^nd Annual Alton Weagle Day on the Mt. Washington Auto Road turned out to be a great success and was proof positive that more than 150 years after it opened, the lure of being the first to do something on the Northeast’s highest peak is as compelling today as it ever was.

This year’s event found an eclectic group of first ascenders lining up at 6 am to begin their record setting attempts. Each was inspired to march to the beat of a quite different drummer, but together they created a morning on Mt. Washington like no other.

Jesse Lyman-The Fireman-In what was certainly the most physically demanding attire of the day, this 45 year old, 18 year veteran of North Conway Fire Department donned full bunker gear (pants, boots, jacket, gloves, hoodie, helmet and breathing apparatus) and made a successful ascent on what was an 80 degree day.

Andy Macleod-Star Wars Scout Trooper-This 27 year old Boston resident wore the easily recognizable white “armor” of the Scout Trooper from the Star Wars movie series. Carrying his “blaster” and in a full face helmet, Macleod made a stellar effort.

Leanne Lovell, Craig Newton-Recumbent Trikes-Climb Mt. Washington while laying down, now there’s an idea! These 37 year olds from Orange, Massachusetts rode their “lawn chair on wheels” (as they called their trikes), on a 1200 miles tour last summer, have done all the New England states in 36 hours and are currently planning a cross country trip.

Sean Doherty-Roller Skier Extraordinaire-In a performance that reminds the rest of us what true athletic excellence looks like, this 17 year old from Conway roller skied his way to the top of the Northeast’s highest peak in just one hour and 45 minutes Doherty, who is already revealing a stunning depth of ability as a biathlon skier, recently was one of only six teenagers from the United States invited to participate in the Youth Winter Olympics in Austria, where he won a medal.

Sue Wemyss-Nordic Walking-Proving that former Olympians can still kick your butt in most athletic endeavors, Wemyss, 52, powered her way to the top in just two hours five minutes. As Ski School Director and a paddling guide at Great Glen Trails she considers physical conditioning a way of life and shares her passion for fitness and the outdoors all year round.

Hans Bauer-Backwards, Barefoot, Jumping Rope-Returning to the Auto Road after making a successful winter ascent this past season on stilts with snowshoes, Bauer latest ascent was a tribute to the event’s namesake, Alton Weagle. It was Weagle, in various attempts throughout the 1950s, who eventually climbed the road barefoot, backwards, blindfolded and pushing a wheelbarrow with 100 pounds of sugar in it.

Steven Caming-Go Kart, in buckskins and coonskin cap-This eccentric character, who also serves as Media Director for the Auto Road, followed last year’s backwards drive up the road with this first ever go kart ascent. The 6 horsepower contraption featured antlers on the front, a leather wrapped frame and a bird house hanging off the back. While the 60+ mph winds, fog and rain on the summit made for a dramatic finish.

An awards ceremony in the newly dedicated Douglas A. Philbrook Red Barn Museum completed the festivities and then this group of newly minted Mt. Washington superheroes each went back to their day jobs, to await the next time Mt. Washington’s siren song lures them back to Pinkham Notch.

For more information about Alton Weagle Day or general operations at the Mt. Washington Auto Road call (603) 466-3988

Make Your Own Record on the Mt. Washington Auto Road on May 26th

Make Your Own Record on the Mt. Washington Auto Road on May 26th As Part of the 2nd Annual Alton Weagle Unusual Ascent Day   Mt. Washington, NH- The Mt. Washington Auto Road will be hosting the 2nd Annual Alton Weagle Unusual Ascent Day on Saturday, May 26th as part of the kick-off celebration for the Road’s 151st operating season. The event will commemorate the many unusual ascents made on the “Carriage Road” since it opened to the public in 1861. This spirit of fun and adventure was perhaps best captured by day’s namesake, the late Alton Weagle of Walpole. Weagle was a great advocate for safe and sustainable enjoyment of the White Mountains, who became known for awhile as “Mr. Mt. Washington”, thanks to his entertaining exploits during the 1950s. At various times he has run up the Auto Road barefoot, backwards and blindfolded (up and down) and he has pushed up a wheelbarrow with a 100 pound sack of sugar without setting it down; Weagle climbed up and down Tuckerman Ravine, along the Cog Railway and the Auto Road (30 miles) in 14 hours 28 minutes and even got married on the Cog Railway in 1955. All of this follows in a great tradition of remarkable Auto Road ascents throughout history, which will be further shared and celebrated on May 26th. “Mt. Washington has always drawn a unique assortment of characters in search of personal distinction-some have been more serious minded than others, of course,” said Howie Wemyss, Auto Road general manager. As part of last year’s festivities, several unusual “first ascents” were accomplished, including one person who made the climb on a unicycle, two on roller skis, one on rollerblades, a trio who Irish stepped danced their way to the top and one man who backed his vehicle from base to summit along the winding 8 mile road to the northeast’s highest peak. Several unique ascents are planned for 2012, including: 2 people riding tricycles; one Star Wars scout trooper; one man pogo sticking; a fireman in full fire fighter gear including SCBA and hand tool and a buckskin character going up in a go-kart, among others. Those members of the public who purchase passes and drive up the road on Alton Weagle Day are invited to participate by wearing funny hats and sending in a photo of themselves going up the mountain, which will be posted online and be eligible to win prize passes for a later visit. A special ceremony recognizing records set that day will take place at 1pm at the Glen House base building. Anyone else interested in participating with an unusual ascent of their own is required to contact the Auto Road at 466-3988 for schedules and more information.   To download images: Right click on image. Select View Image Right click on image and select Save Image.

Live free and…

Last week New Hampshire tourism officials replaced our dud of a tourism slogan with one that captures the New Hampshire spirit and ought to prove a real draw for out-of-state travelers.

The old slogan picked in 2005 was the empty and meaningless, “New Hampshire. You’re going to love it here.” Love what here? The cold? The black flies?

If a tourist spent a week here and only liked “it” (whatever it happened to be), could she get her money back?

There was nothing in that vapid line to impart an impression upon travelers that New Hampshire stood out in any way from its neighbors, or any other place for that matter. Tacking the words “New Hampshire” onto an assertion that the vacation-goer is going to have a great time was a lazy effort. We are surprised the widely panned slogan lasted as long as it did.

The new one, though, has punch. It is simple: “Live free and…” It conveys the message that here is a place where you can craft your own adventures. Instead of asserting a questionable statement the way a used car salesman might — “you’re going to love this baby!” — it cleverly lets the potential tourist’s imagination take over.

Instead of running away from New Hampshire’s bold statement of individual liberty, it creatively transforms it into an expression of vacation-going values. New Hampshire is not just a place with low taxes and limited government, it is a place where your spirit is free to explore — and that has a huge variety of activities in which your adventuresome impulses can be fully expressed.

“This new campaign is very exciting because it encapsulates the scenic beauty that New Hampshire is renowned for, and combines it with our independent ‘Live Free or Die’ reputation,” Gov. John Lynch said last week. That’s about right. Well done, Division of Travel and Tourism.

(the above was a published editorial from our friends at the Union Leader)

Local Man Becomes First to Ascend Mt. Washington on Stilts

Climbing the Auto Road with a Heightened Perspective Local Man Becomes First to Ascend Mt. Washington on Stilts PINKHAM NOTCH, NH-Hans Bauer has become the first man to ascend the Mt. Washington Auto Road on stilts and the big question is: why? Some people just need to challenge themselves. Its part of their DNA…it’s how they get to know themselves and the world around them. For some, the challenge is professional or financial, for others it’s personal. Some need the accolades of many, while others require only the quietly competent knowledge that they did what they set out to do. Each challenge, each goal is uniquely tailored to the personality of the individual, as only they know what particular achievement will meaningfully validate the effort. You might think climbing the Northeast’s highest peak during winter, on stilts with snowshoes attached, would be a challenge…and you’d be right. But for Hans Bauer of Center Conway it was more of a whimsical adventure that didn’t quite get to the level of being truly challenging. Of course, Bauer is a man who’s already logged a few endurance miles along the way. He has biked through all six New England states in just 17 hours. In his “ultra-running” mode he has several grueling treks under his belt, including 100 miles in 17 hours, 5 minutes; 130 miles in 24 hours and 195 miles in 48 hours (it should be noted he is not satisfied with any of these times). He has run 7000 miles (including halfway across the USA) in one 18 month period and has biked more than 31,000 miles during five grand tours that have taken him through 11 countries and all of the lower 48 states…and he has done this all alone. Generally speaking, it’s not about speed and records for Bauer, but about endurance. He pushes himself to discover not life-threatening limits, but life-enhancing perspectives. A near fatal climbing accident on Cathedral Ledge this past year (falling more than 100 feet) further developed his philosophical position. “I could easily have been dead, so I enjoy what every day has to offer. Sure, I’ve been doing things that could be considered dangerous, but I don’t take it to that place. For me, it’s more just testing the limits of my endurance. I like to know that I’ve lived on THIS day,” he said emphatically. “It’s about seeing the world a certain way-as full of wonder and possibility and the chance to experience things we may have done before in new ways”. While many of his adventures have taken him around the world, Bauer finds plenty to test himself right here in the Mt. Washington Valley. After tackling his first 23 mile Presidential Range/Mt. Washington winter traverse (which goes from the Dolly Copp campground area in Pinkham Notch all the way across to the AMC Highland Center in Crawford Notch), he decided to step it up a notch, so to speak. The next time around Bauer did a one day solo winter double traverse, reversing his course and covering the 46 miles in just about 23 hours. Yes, this is what he does for fun… Bauer began what would become Mt. Washington’s first ever ascent on stilts at 6:00 am from the Auto Road base. He had attached a pair of snowshoes (with built in crampons) to the bottom of the construction stilts (he found those at a yard sale for $30) and began his ascent (alone again, naturally) in the quiet darkness of the pre-dawn morning. While not an imposing fellow physically (“I’m the same size as Napoleon!” he noted), Bauer does exude a certain quiet (and well earned) confidence in his abilities. Still, he never takes a cavalier attitude towards his wilderness adventures. As the winds gusted over 35 mph above treeline during his ascent of the Auto Road, he lowered his stilt height from three feet to two feet off the ground, to keep from being excessively blown around. “I was definitely afraid at times, but mostly of ending up in the paper for doing something dumb and getting hurt!” he said. For the record, Bauer never took his stilts off during the entire eight mile ascent and then skied back down the road to finish his long day. Tolstoy wrote that every man is three men: how he sees himself; how others see him and who he really is. Hans Bauer sees the world through the eyes of a man who challenges himself, challenges nature and challenges onlookers to question what they themselves may be capable of…If seeing the world from his heightened perspective (he stands over 7 ½ feet tall with the stilts fully extended) has broadened his horizons, it is a hard won view to a thrill. Upon his arrival at the summit, Bauer provided quite an unusual and unprecedented sight to those working at the Observatory and State Park…it was certainly an unexpected visit. As the summit crew looked up at the man who towered above them on stilts, one asked “How’s the weather up there?” Taking in his surroundings on the summit of Mt. Washington, his simple answer summed up his day “Just perfect”. Those who may be interested in coming up with their own unique way of ascending the Mt. Washington Auto Road can inquire about participating in Alton Weagle Day, scheduled for May 26th. For more information call the Auto Road at 603-466-3988 or online at mtwashingtonautoroad.com

North Conway among top 25 ski towns in the world

North Conway among top 25 ski towns in the world says National Geographic

North Conway, NH was named among the world’s 25 best ski towns by National Geographic, taking its place among other ski greats like Jackson Hole, Zermatt, Switzerland and Banff, Canada.  Chosen for its ski heritage, menities and of course its great skiing, North Conway, NH was one of just two towns in the Northeast named in the 25 top ski towns list. North Conway adds the placement on National Geographic’s Best Ski Town list to SnowEast Magazine’s distinction as the #1 skiers’ favorite destination and TripAdvisor’s designation of North Conway as the most affordable ski destination in the Northeast.

When asked what it takes to make it on to the list, National Geographic’s Aaron Teasdale said “It starts, naturally, with skiing and snowboarding so good they attract people like youth-bestowing fountains. Then add an inviting mountain burg steeped in ski heritage, amenities, and culture”. National Geographic turned to local luminaries to offer insider tips on skiing in each town, and the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce recommended they contact Tom Eastman, ski historian and ski writer.

According to the article, North Conway may be less well known than many of the towns on this list, but only a few towns in North America can rival its skiing heritage noting that North Conway offered one of the leading lights in American skiing for decades before Western resorts rose to prominence. They go on to say that the distinction for inclusion on the prestigious Top 25 Ski Towns list may have something to do with the fact that there are no less than seven different downhill areas with an easy drive of town (and six Nordic ones).

When asked to highlight some of the local favorites in North Conway, Tom Eastman offered a few great suggestions:

Best Digs

Budget: The Yankee Clipper Inn

Swank: White Mountain Hotel & Resort

Best Eats

Cheap: Horsefeathers is great for families, with good pizza, pasta, and seafood.

Gourmet: Maestro’s has incredible Italian dishes.

Best After-Ski Party Spot

Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub is a skiers’ hangout, with live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and an open mic on Mondays.

Best Rest-Day Activity

Head for the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center right on South Main Street, where kids can learn about meteorology and the peak’s record-setting wind speeds. Then go to Farm by the River Bed and Breakfast with Stables for a sleigh ride.

All of Mt Washington Valley’s ski resorts were also mentioned in the story too.

When it comes to winter vacations, winter enthusiasts and the media alike agree that Mt Washington Valley ranks among the top choices in North America and now the world!  For more information about visiting Mt Washington Valley and for complete vacation planning resources, go to www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364).

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 Photo of Cranmore skiing, taken in January, 2012 by April Deschenes.

Festive Holiday Shopping at Settlers’ Green

We are getting very excited for the holiday season!!!  There are so many fantastic places for North Conway, NH Shopping and all around the Mount Washington Valley!!  Settlers’ Green Outlet Village is no exception and they’ve got some specials running through December 24th!

Four White Mountain Treasures to be honored Nov. 1

By Tom Eastman / Conway Daily Sun
BARTLETT, NH — This year’s four recipients of the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual White Mountain Treasures Award are Joan Lanoie, Howie Wemyss, late Conway historian David Emerson, and the state Department of Transportation.

DOT personnel will be honored for their work in getting local roadways repaired after Tropical Storm Irene in time for the busy foliage season.

The honorees will be recognized at the joint annual meeting of the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Mount Washington Valley Economic Council, to be held at the Grand Summit Hotel and Conference Center at Attitash Mountain Resort Nov. 1.  The as-yet-unnamed recipient of this year’s Bob Morrell Award will also be honored by the Mount Washington Valley Economic Council at the dinner.

The treasures awards are sponsored by Woodlands Credit Union.
To make reservations for the event, call the chamber at 356-5701.

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N.H. Department of Transportation

Flooding from Hurricane Irene closed roads to the Mount Washington Valley just weeks before the start of autumn, but, says Mount Washington Valley Chamber events chair Mary Seavey, “N.H. Department of Transportation crews pushed the repair efforts into overdrive to reopen roads so that leaf peepers could view fall foliage as they have in past years.”

In an impressive effort, notes Seavey, who is also a Conway selectman, the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) connecting Conway to Lincoln reopened Sept. 11, a week earlier than estimated.  Additionally, the hurricane closed a section of Route 302 between Crawford Notch and Bartlett when damage to the Sawyer River Bridge near Bartlett made the road impassable and parts closer to the notch were washed out. The road re-opened to traffic Saturday, Sept. 17, a week ahead of schedule.  Seavey said DOT officials were pleased to be recognized.   “I called [commissioner Christopher Clement] and he was very touched to be notified about the award,” said Seavey last week.  In an appearance before the Mount Washington Valley Economic Council this month, Gov. John Lynch also applauded the department’s work, saying the DOT more than rose to the task at hand.  Lynch said it represented teamwork at its best.  “The fact,” said Lynch, “that the state Department of Transportation marshaled all the resources it did to get the Kanc and Route 302 opened is a testament to those people, pooling those resources and working with local people.”

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Joan Lanoie, community volunteer

Former awards chair for Dollars for Scholars, and director of volunteer services for Memorial Hospital, Joan Lanoie of Madison has long been active in public service in Mount Washington Valley. Originally from Holland, her family moved to New York and then Lexington, Mass. After meeting future husband Russ Lanoie, she joined him in Madison in 1971. They have three children — Julie, Peter and Jennie — and two grandchildren, Spencer, 5, and Ali, 2.  A talented violinist, Joan plays in the Mountain Top Music Center‘s community orchestra and Mountain Aire string quartet.  She and Russ host the MWV Green Team‘s community garden on their Tasker Hill property.   Both are active in community affairs, with Russ involved with the Mount Washington Valley Economic Council, his own construction design company, maker of the Front Runner grading device and other local alternative-energy products and events. He is also a member of the MWV Community Band.  Joan is a former Madison School Board member of nine years who was instrumental in forming SAU 13.  She formerly was known for many years as the Lamaze Lady for her work in childbirth classes for 16 years.  She was involved with what was then known as the Visiting Nurse Agency. She is now back on the board of the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Service of Northern Carroll County, which is planning to merge with Carroll County Home Care Services.

Joan formerly worked for the economic council as an administrative assistant, when she handled grant writing for the Tech Village.  In the mid 1970s, she was active for four years with local Girl Scouts.  She was a board member for the Mount Washington Valley Theatre Company for eight years.  “I think it’s important to give back to your community — it’s a way for you to be a part of your community,” said Joan.

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Howie Wemyss

Howard M. “Howie” Wemyss is the general manager of the Mount Washington Auto Road, which this year has been celebrating its 150th season.  The company also includes Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center.  Wemyss was born in Cambridge, Mass. and raised in Biddeford, Maine.  He attended Colorado State University, and received an honorable discharge from the US Army in 1971, after which he moved to New Hampshire.  Wemyss began working for legendary former general manager Doug Philbrook at the Auto Road as a stage driver in 1978 and was then promoted in 1987 to serve as general manager of the historic “Road to the Sky.”  Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center opened in 1994, offering an extensive network of cross country ski trails and mountain biking terrain at the base of the Auto Road.  After a fire destroyed the former base lodge on March 23, 2001, Great Glen rebuilt its base lodge on the east side of Route 16 by expanding existing facilities.  The road annually hosts bicycle races, foot races and uphill cross country ski competitions.  This past 150th anniversary season celebration was launched on New Year’s Eve with a spectacular fireworks display at the base of the Auto Road.  Other events included an “Alton Weagle Day” in May, during which people figured out alternative ways to travel the road to reach the summit, including going by unicycle, driving backwards, going barefoot and pushing a wheelbarrow full of sugar.

The summer schedule of festivities also included the return after a 10-year hiatus this past June of the “Climb to the Clouds” automobile hillclimb, during which rally car champion David Higgins of the Isle of Man set a new record of 6 minutes and 11.54 seconds, driving his 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI to the fog-shrouded top to shatter the old mark of 6:41.99 set by Canadian driver Frank Sprongl in an Audi S2 in 1998.  An Old Home Day was featured July 2, featuring old-fashioned games. That event was followed by a Carriage and Horses Only Weekend, July 16 and 17.  A 150th anniversary gala was held Aug. 6 at the base of the road, featuring costumed participants, antique vehicles and fireworks. The celebrations continued with a Muster in the Mountains colonial encampment re-enactment in September, and a Roaring ’20s benefit for Arts in Motion later in the month.  Wemyss presently serves as a board member for the Mount Washington Observatory, the Cross Country Ski Areas Association, White Mountains Attractions, and the Mount Washington Commission.  He has dedicated himself to learning, preserving and sharing Mount Washington history. Howie and his wife Sue live in Randolph, where they enjoy cross country skiing, trail running, mountain biking, birding, and photography. Howie and his former wife, Cathy, have a daughter Cory, who is a licensed massage therapist in the Conway area.  Asked about the at-times adventurous nature of his job, Wemyss this summer answered that it is always a challenge when you are dealing with Mount Washington’s notoriously fickle weather — but it’s one which he cherishes.  “It’s not just a job — at all! It’s really my privilege to kind of be the caretaker of the operation. There’s a lot more to it. It’s really a passion,” said Wemyss, adding, “Then you add the challenge of the weather! There’s a lot that goes on here that makes it interesting. I have always been interested in the history of the road, since my days as a stage driver.”

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The late David Emerson (1949-2009)

Remembered for his knowledge of local history, as well as for his civic contributions and irreverent wit, author and historian David Emerson is being honored by the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce as a White Mountain Treasure two years after his death from cancer in March 2009.  Honored as the 2007 Conway Business Person of the Year by the Conway Village Area Chamber of Commerce, Emerson was an author of several books on Conway history, director of the Conway Public Library‘s Henney History Room, executive director of the Conway Historical Society, and writer of a gardening column for The Conway Daily Sun.  He was married to Sun columnist Susan Bruce.  In a rare serious moment at his Conway awards dinner in 2007, he praised a trend in preservation that he had witnessed over the past decade or so.  “It used to be that in Conway, buildings were just torn down, especially in the 1950s and 1960s. But,” said Emerson, “in the last 15 years or so, the region had seen a change in that Conway’s older buildings are now being saved and renovated, and converted into new uses.”
  An example of one of those new uses, he said, is the old fire station across the street from the Salyards Center. The fire station is now being used by Mountain Top Music Center for classroom space, and the Salyards Center is a former Roman Catholic Church, which was purchased by the Conway Historical Society and converted into the Salyards performing arts center.
  Margaret Marschner, of Wolfeboro, who retired in June 2007 after nearly 30 years at the Conway library, said she worked with Emerson beginning in July 1993 after Ann Cullinan retired from the Henney Room.
  “He brought a lot to the post as he was also director of the Conway Historical Society’s Eastman-Lord House,” said Marschner Monday. “He knew so many people, and had read so much about local history.”  Emerson put his wit to work in composing the Conway Historical Society’s quarterly newsletters, in which he would make even the most mundane calendar listing sound intriguing — and humorous.
 The same held true in his “The Seedy Gardener” column.

In his Nov. 15, 2008 column, “Farewell to summer,” for instance, Emerson wrote:
“The door to summer has slammed shut with a resounding thump. Oddly, the imminent arrival of blustery winter days always takes me home to the much-heralded halcyon days of summers past. It was the edict of some parents in the sister cities of Stow and Chatham that children shouldn’t go shoeless until the last snows disappeared from the ledges of Mount Baldface. Because I would shed my shoes as soon as the ice was out of the bathtub, many of my fondest memories involve the feel of the earth against my feet. The cold, muddy soil of spring gave way to the lush greenness of June. I can close my eyes and feel the warm earth between rows of tall tomatoes. July brought the stubble of a mown hayfield. The banks of the Cold River offered a smorgasbord of mud, sand, clay, weeds and poison ivy. By mid summer, my soles were inured to the rough gravel of the dooryard. When school opened in September, I had to be live-trapped and hogtied before I could be shod. Can you blame my feet for not wanting to be insulated from the delights of the earth?”

He then closed the end-of-season gardening column by noting, “You’ve earned a few hours to sit by the fire dreaming about summers past and gardens future.”  At a recent Conway board of selectmen meeting, selectmen met with interim curator Jim Arnold and Ken Rancourt of the Conway Historical Society to begin planning for the town’s 250th birthday celebration, set for 2015.  Selectmen chair David Weathers opined that it’s too bad that Emerson is no longer with us, saying, “He would have been perfect” to be part of the celebration.  Selectmen are seeking community members to serve on the committee — and to carry on Emerson’s love for local history.

Opening Ceremony of the Mountain Division Trail in Fryeburg.

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Opening Ceremony of the Mountain Division Trail in Fryeburg.

On Friday, October 14 we will be celebrating the opening of the Mountain Division Trail in Fryeburg with a ceremony and ribbon cutting.
Location: Maine Visitor Center on Route 302 West of Fryeburg Village.

Time: 3:00 PM

This 1 ½ mile trail, built beside the Mountain Division Rail Corridor, connects the Maine Visitor Center on Route 302 to Porter Road south of the village. Another section of trail is scheduled to be constructed in the summer of 2012 and will continue from Porter Road 2.5 miles to the Airport Road near the Brownfield town line. The town of Brownfield has also submitted an application for funding to construct a section of trail that will connect to Fryeburg.

Currently there are 6 miles of the Mountain Division Trail connecting Windham, Gorham and Standish. This section of the MDT has been extremely well received and is well used by families and individuals, visitors and local residents, some of whom use the trail every day. Engineering for another 5 mile section that will connect Windham and Westbrook is being conducted this fall.

Funding for this project comes from Federal funds that are dedicated for walking and bicycling projects. The Fryeburg trail project represents six years of planning by the Town of Fryeburg, MaineDOT and the Mountain Division Alliance.

In recent years, Fryeburg and the Mount Washington Valley area have become a bicycle tourist destination and the trail will help attract more visitors to town as well as provide healthy recreation and a safe place to ride, run and walk for local residents.

When completed, the Mountain Division Trail will connect nine communities between Portland and Fryeburg with a 52 mile recreational trail that will also serve as an alternative transportation corridor and a safe route for school children. Studies show that when bike trails are built, the cities and towns they pass through benefit greatly from bike tourists and quality of life. The MDT will bring new visitors, business and a new sense of community to each of these nine towns.

For more information please call 207 935-4283 or 207 272-4213

Muster in the Mountains September 9-11th

“Muster in the Mountains” Colonial Encampment Returns to Mt. Washington Auto Road Base Area-

Public Welcome to See New Hampshire History Come to Life, Sept. 9-11

PINKHAM NOTCH, NH – One of New Hampshire’s most dramatic and colorful time periods (1750-1850) will come to life on September 9-11, as the Autumn Muster in the Mountains returns to the base area of the Mt. Washington Auto Road on Route 16 in Pinkham Notch.

This colonial encampment will recreate the historic gatherings where early settlers traded goods and services, often traveling great distances for the annual rendezvous. Groups representing Northeastern Indians, frontiersmen, militiamen, British soldiers, French Marines and mountain men will set up period tentage, tipis and wigwams.

Artisans will offer handcrafted items ranging from leather goods and clothing to period beadwork, knives, guns and rare books. Planned activities include musket and cannon firing; tomahawk and knife throwing competitions; a mock battle; weaving; woodcarving; gunsmithing; coppersmithing; blacksmithing; period music; candle dipping; basketmaking; quillwork; period cooking; woodcraft; archery; 18th century games and more!

Saturday will be competition day, with cannon fire, a shooting range and woods walk/mock hunt and Sunday at 1 pm will feature a reenacted battle.

“This Muster in the Mountains is a spectacular opportunity to experience yet another time period in Mt. Washington’s history. Our 150th birthday celebrations this season have included events which have spanned the centuries and now we’re time traveling to the colonial era!” observed Howie Wemyss, General Manager of the Mt. Washington Auto Road and Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center.

For more information on the upcoming Muster in the Mountains call the Mt. Washington Auto Road at 603-466-3988 or online at: Mt. Washington Auto Road

Pictured in Photos: Historical reenactors participating in a previous Muster in the Mountains at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road on Route 16 in Pinkham Notch.

For More Information
Call: Steven Caming
(603) 466-3988