Mount Washington Valley News Brought To You By Horsefeathers

U.S. Local Business Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., October 27, 2008 — Wildcat Inn & Tavern has been selected for the 2008 Best of Jackson Award in the Bed & Breakfasts category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

BROWNFIELD, Maine — The Stone Mountain Arts Center (1-866-227-6523) in nearby Brownfield, Maine, and the Salyards Center for the Arts  in Conway present a lively mix of art and entertainment all year long.
Stone Mountain’s fall lineup includes a Stone Mountain LIVE Variety Show Oct. 3, Kathy Mattea Oct. 16, country legend Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives Oct. 17 and 18, and Taj Mahal, Nov. 3 and 4.
Salyards is hosting its second annual art show presented by the Mount Washington Valley Arts Association Oct. 11 through 13.

It’s the ultimate winter vacation destination offering not only world-class alpine and cross country skiing but also snowboarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, snow tubing, horsedrawn sleigh rides, winter hiking and climbing. Located in New Hampshire’s scenic Eastern White Mountain region, the Mt. Washington Valley has it all:
*250 alpine trails
*Hundreds of kilometers of Nordic terrain
*200 Miles of snowmobile trails
*150 lodging properties, including grand and resort hotels, charming country inns and quaint Bed and Breakfasts *Over 75 unique restaurants and cafes
*200 outlet shops and boutiques, all offering tax-free shopping
* More than 25 family attractions live theater offerings and summer programs
* Eight scenic golf courses with more than 135 holes.

For alpine skiers, choose from Attitash, Black Mountain, Bretton Woods, Cranmore Mountain Resort, King Pine Ski Area, and Wildcat Mountain, all in New Hampshire, and Shawnee Peak in nearby Bridgton, Maine. Nordic ski areas include Bear Ski Touring, Bretton Woods Cross Country Center, Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, King Pine Nordic Center, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation and the MWV Ski Touring and Snowshoe Center.

There are several fitness centers and spas in the Valley and an indoor ice skating at the state-of-the-art Ham Arena in Conway Village. Outdoor skating can be enjoyed in Schouler Park in North Conway Village, or in a Victorian setting on Emerald Lake at Nestlenook Farm in Jackson. Ice climbing is popular in this region, with several local climbing schools and shops. For those interested in weather, the Mt. Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center in North Conway is a must-see while visiting the valley. It is the only museum totally dedicated to weather in the country. And for the younger set, the new Mt. Washington Valley Children’s Museum is the perfect place for inquisitive children up to eight years old, year-round.

M & D Productions presents ‘Rabbit Hole’

The community-based M & D Productions’ first-ever appreciation day party is slated for Sept 27 at 7 p.m. to thank everyone who over the past 10 years has supported the local troupe.
The party will be at the Willow Commons Mall in North Conway, only a few doors up from Bellini’s. There will be champagne, food, music, special guest singers and a wine tasting provided by Vintner’s Cellar custom Winery.
M & D Productions will present “Rabbit Hole,”  Oct. 23, 24, 25, and 30 and  Nov. 1, 7 and 8.
For more information call (603) 662-7591
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Arts in Motion presents ‘Fame’

CONWAY — Arts In Motion Youth Players will kick off the year and their second season with the motion picture and Broadway smash “Fame.” Based on the screenplay by Christopher Gore, conceived by David De Silva, and adapted to the stage by Christopher Sergel, the production will be presented Nov. 14, 15 and 16 and 21, 22 and 23 with a matinee and evening performance on Nov. 15 and 22, and matinees only Nov. 16 and 23, at the Eastern Slope Playhouse. Evening shows are at 7 p.m. and matinees are at 2 p.m.
The production will be directed by Glenn Noble and assistant directed by Laura Riddle. Music and vocals are under the direction of Susan Brinker. The choreography once again will be under the direction of local youths Shannon Reville, and Rebecca Sciola who are both juniors at Kennett High School.
Arts In Motion’s annual Chinese auction will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18. At John Fuller Elementary School in North Conway, doors will open at 4:30 p.m.
Arts In Motion is always looking for volunteers interested in any aspect of the performing arts, such as acting, singing, costumes and directing, or who just want to pitch in. A full schedule will be released in January. For more information visit www.artsinmotiontheater.com or call board president Gino Funicella at 383-9303.

Tom Eastman
Reprinted from The Conway Daily Sun

CONWAY — Staci Blair and David Rudewick have been named the new co-chairs for the Young Professionals of Mount Washington Valley, according to Janice Crawford of the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce and Jac Cuddy of the Mount Washington Valley Economic Council.
The latter two organizations are the sponsoring agencies for the Young Professionals group, which is an affiliate of the chamber and the economic council.
The Young Professionals engages young professionals to explore educational opportunities, community connections, and possibilities for mentorship. They aim to encourage and empower the next generation to contribute their best to the greater Mount Washington Valley community. The Young Professionals offer support, education and networking opportunities for young people of the Mount Washington Valley.
Rudewick is the executive director for the Mount Washington Valley School to Career Partnership, serving SAU 9 and 13. He has run the School to Career Partnership since November of 2007.
“I hope my work with the Young Professionals will help connect young leaders and businesses from the economic council and chamber of commerce with teachers and schools to encourage student aspirations,” said Rudewick, who serves on several boards and task forces and said he is looking forward to new possibilities from the network of associations he has forged.
Blair is currently the manager of Flatbread Company in North Conway, where she has worked since 2003. Earlier in the year she received the Respect Award from Valley Outreach, honoring Flatbread and her, as manager, for their “commitment to progressive policies and family friendly practices.”
“Flatbread is incredible to support me to lead the Young Professionals and shows other businesses how important it is to support your employees and your community,” said Blair, who was an active student leader throughout her years at Kennett.
Crawfordand Cuddy both praised the young leaders’ enthusiasm for getting involved in worthwhile causes in the valley.
“Both Staci and David were graduates of the inaugural class of Leadership Mount Washington Valley this past spring and together make a terrific pair,” said Crawford.
Leadership MWV is the primary program of the Young Professionals and is a nine-session long seminar program that provides mentorship from existing community leaders, educates participants about how to serve on local boards and committees, and empowers young leaders to act effectively to help solve local problems. Modeled after similar programs such as North of the Notches and Leadership NH, Leadership MWV had 13 graduates in June 2008 and will be offered again January of 2009 with applications available Oct. 15.
The Young Professionals on Nov. 6 are scheduled to host a five-minute networking session at Tuckerman’s Tavern in Intervale. Based on the popular “speed dating,” it will maximize time to allow participants to meet their business complement based on criteria selected during registration. The Young Professionals group is offering this free to the first 40 people who register.
To learn more about the Young Professionals or any of the programs mentioned, contact Rudewick or Blair at chair@mwvyp.com. “The Young Professionals members range in age from 18 to 40s, but young at heart are always welcome,” said Rudewick, adding that prospective members do not need to be a member of the chamber or the economic council to join.
For more information, call the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce at 356-5701.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC AVENTURE named North Conway Among the Top 30 action packed regions of the country. Add that to distinction as “Coolest Multi Sport Town” making Mt. Washington Valley a Mecca for outdoor adventure.
North Conway, at the heart of Mt. Washington Valley, NH has been recognized for years as the ideal place for outdoor adventure. The newest among its long list of distinctions is inclusion in National Geographic Adventure’s list of 30 Action Packed Locales. The article named North Conway as one of six outdoor Meccas. Add this to the town’s distinction as one of the Top 10 Coolest Mountain Towns in the USA from Men’s Journal and its inclusion in the “100 Best Towns” guidebook by David Vokac, and it sums up what has drawn more people to the area than any other part of New Hampshire over the last few years. The outdoor adventure and the retailers, resorts, guides and infrastructure to support it make Mt. Washington Valley a clear winner for those who love outdoor adventure. Through the years, North Conway has been named one of the best places in the country to retire, one of the top ski towns in the US and many more accolades.

In its article, National Geographic Adventure explains that North Conway is the Northeast’s only true mountain town. “Its residents celebrate Mount Washington – site of some of the most volatile weather in North America – by paddling the Androscoggin River, ice climbing in Huntington Ravine and tallying Presidential accents,” states the article. Whether it’s North Conway or the surrounding Mt. Washington Valley, it’s clear that this corner of New Hampshire is the best outdoor recreational region in the Northeast.

Mt. Washington Valley is home to more than 250 alpine ski trails at seven resorts including Attitash, Black Mountain, Bretton Woods Resort, Cranmore Mountain, King Pine Ski Area, Shawnee Peak and Wildcat Mountain. Cross country skiers will be treated to more than 450km of trails at six XC centers including Bear Notch Ski Touring, Bretton Woods Cross Country Center, Great Glen Trails, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, King Pine XC Center, Mt. Washington Valley XC and Snowshoe Center. Once again this year, the thirteen ski areas will offer a midweek interchangeable lift ticket, available through participating lodging properties. In addition, there are literally hundreds of acres of terrain available for snowmobilers along with guided tours and rentals throughout the Valley. Mt. Washington Valley is also renowned for its ice climbing terrain, and the highly respected outfitters and climbing schools located right in North Conway. More than 770,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest land surround Mt. Washington Valley, offering up endless options for hiking, biking, waterfalls, natural swimming holes and much more in the summer. Fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, rafting and wildlife tours are all easily found, making this region ideal for those who love the outdoors.

For more information on winter adventure in Mt. Washington Valley, visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364) to request a free guidebook to the region

Tom Eastman
Reprinted from the Conway Daily Sun

CONWAY — In this day and age of rising fuel prices and dwindling natural resources, have you taken the Mount Washington Valley Climate Challenge?
According to Rob Burbank, chair of the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Green Team, and Melody Nester, the chamber’s representative to the group, as of late August, a total of 54 individuals or businesses had signed on to the Climate Challenge, which hopes to reduce the community’s carbon footprint.
“We’re pleased with that response, and we hope to reach our goal of having 500 join us our first year,” said Burbank, director of public affairs for the Appalachian Mountain Club and a resident of North Conway. “That would translate into 5 million pounds of carbon that could be saved in just one year,” added Burbank.
With summer on the wane, Burbank and Nester — membership director of the Mount Washington Valley Chamber — are hoping others will join them in their efforts to reduce the region’s carbon footprint by taking the challenge.
“It’s still a new effort, so we are still getting the word out,” said Burbank, who said that the local Green Team is using the Granite State Carbon Coalition’s “Carbon Calculator” as a way to teach others and to measure ways to reduce their carbon footprints.
Burbank and Nester said conservation not only improves energy efficiency — it saves money.
“If people can use the Carbon Calculator, they will be able to see how they can improve their energy efficiency and improve their carbon efficiency and save money all at same time. This is a good time to check in and see if your house is weather tight and see if the heating system is in good working order,” said Burbank.
He said the Climate Challenge was launched at the chamber’s annual Business to Business Expo at the Mount Washington Hotel May 5.
The Green Team was formed at the urging of Janice Crawford, executive director of the chamber. He said the Green Team has partnered its efforts with the New Hampshire Carbon Coalition.
That organization has worked to make presidential candidates campaigning in New Hampshire to address global warming and climate change, and has initiated grassroots efforts to put global warming on the front burner of New Hampshire politics by placing articles on town warrants in recent years.
The chamber has set up a town-by-town climate challenge among the 22 towns in New Hampshire and four in western Maine served by the organization.
The coalition has launched a town-by-town challenge in the state and border towns to reduce carbon impacts. Burbank reported from the coalition’s Web site that three valley communities are in the Top 10 for having the most homes sign on to take the climate challenge. The current town rankings for having the most homes take the challenge in the last 30 days are:
• 1. Madison
• 2. North Conway
• 3. Exeter
• 4. Conway
• 5. Hancock
• 6. Plaistow
• 7. East Kingston
• 8. Dover
• 9. Kittery, Maine
• 10. Stratham
Burbank said the Climate Challenge takes little time to undertake.
“It’s easy to do. Most of the people whom we have talked to say it is quite eye-opening, as it shows how we can all make changes in our daily behavior and make positive, significant differences in the environment,” said Burbank.

Those steps include:
• Switching light bulbs to compact fluorescents.
• Increase insulation.
• Make sure weather stripping is in place and in good order.
• Make sure your heating system is in good order.
• Use the fresh outdoors in the form of a clothesline instead of an electric dryer to dry your laundry.
• Use cold water to wash your laundry.
• Be sure to recycle.
• Pledge to drive fewer miles per week by using alternative modes of transportation, such as bicycles, carpooling and public transportation.
“Probably the biggest thing that people can do — not the biggest but certainly having a lot of impact — is to plug your electronic devices such as your stereo, TV and computer into a power strip,” said Burbank. “When you are not using them you should turn them off as it will save a lot of power. And, again, money.”
Being careful to turn off electric lights when one leaves a room is also a good idea.
Burbank urged one and all to go to go to www.mtwashingtonvalley.org and click on the Green Team logo. The online calculator helps estimate the carbon reductions and energy savings that can be realized with a few changes in behavior.
He said the Green Team has set up subcommittees to address such issues as: community/sustainable agriculture, communications and media; recycling and conservation, legislative issues, fund-raising, education and outreach, and local energy and the steering committee.
Burbank said the committee members would very much like to make presentations to local civic groups about the Carbon Calculator, the Climate Challenge and other issues.
Organizations may contact Burbank via email at rburbank@outdoors.org

The “Lost Ski Areas of New England” is the subject of an ongoing exhibit through March at the New England Ski Museum in Franconia, and now it’s the focus of a new book by Jeremy Davis, founder of the Web site for the Lost Ski Areas of New England (www.nelsap.org).
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are world renowned for the array of skiing opportunities offered to every skier, from beginner to gold medal Olympian. Today over a dozen resorts entice tourists and locals each year with their well-manicured trails, high-speed lifts and slope-side lodging. But scattered throughout this region, the ghosts of former ski areas can still be found. In the White Mountains alone, 60 ski areas have closed since the 1930s.
Author Davis has compiled rare photographs, maps and personal memories to ensure that these beloved ski outposts, cherished by generations of skiers, are given recognition for transforming the White Mountains into a premier ski destination.

Davis is a Senior Meteorologist at North Country Weather and the On-Air Meteorologist for TV8 in Glens Falls, N.Y.  During family ski trips to the White Mountains as a high school student, Jeremy began his fascination with lost ski areas.
In 1998, as a college student in Vermont, he founded NELSAP (the New England Lost Ski Area Project) to celebrate and preserve the history of over 500 lost ski areas throughout the East Coast. His Web site www.nelsap.org has an active message board of skiing enthusiasts eager to connect with other skiers to reminisce and share memories and photos.

Several no longer operating local areas include Spruce Mountain, Tyrol, Thorn Mountain and Gile’s, all in Jackson; Mount Whittier in West Ossipee, and Mount Stanton in Bartlett.

In September of 2000, when Jeremy was 22, he was elected to the New England Ski Museum Board of Directors, the youngest person ever to serve. In addition, he has consulted with the Vermont Ski Museum, as they develop a summer camp curriculum based on Jeremy’s lost ski area project.

The History Press, based in Charleston, S.C., and Salem, Mass., brings a new way of thinking to history publishing by producing regional history titles by historians and striving to make these books available to a wide audience.

For further information, email Katie Parry of the History Press at katie.parry@historypress.net.

Davis is to appear at White Birch Books (356-3200) in North Conway Oct. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The New England Ski Museum on Route 3 at the base of Cannon Mountain in Franconia is featuring an exhibit on lost ski areas of New England through March. The museum is open daily 10 a.m. o 5 p.m. Admission is free. For further information, call 823-7177 or go to www.skimuseum.org

The Resort Players of Mount Washington Valley will present Edgar Allen Poe’s classic thriller, “The Fall of the House of Usher,” Oct. 3 through Oct. 12 at the Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse in North Conway.
Director Mary Bastoni-Rebmann and choreographer Jeanne Limmer, bring to life this Steven Berkoff adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe’s spooky tale of two siblings cursed and constantly punished for the evil of their criminal ancestors.
The Resort Players are offering two matinee performances on Oct. 5 and Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. Evening performances on Oct 3, 5, 10, and 11 are at 8 p.m. A special morning performance for school groups is also being offered on Friday, Oct. 10 at 10 am. Reservations are available by calling the Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse at 356-5776 or tickets can be reserved online at www.resortplayersmwv.com.

Popular Kearsrge Inn innkeeper Lucy Van Cleeve was saluted by Rane Peterson (above) and fellow staff members at the Wildcat Inn and Tavern’s Hoot Night Tuesday, Sept. 30. Lucy is leaving the inn to pursue new adventures. She will be missed! Thanks for all the hard work, Lucy! (TOM EASTMAN PHOTO)