,

Ski New Hampshire Ignites The 2018/19 Ski Season With The Ski 603 Winter Kickoff

Representatives from ski areas, breweries, Ski NH, and the NH DTTD came out to celebrate the start of the ski season at the Ski 603 Winter Kickoff Saturday December first. ~ Photo courtesy of Ski NH

 

Manchester, NH – Ski New Hampshire kicked off the riding season with a giant Apre Ski style kick off event. At the event held at the McIntyre Ski Area New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development revealed projections for winter visitation and visitor spending, as well as its winter marketing campaign. Speakers highlighted the New Hampshire ski industry while discussing tourism’s critical role in the New Hampshire economy.

Ski NH said that the aim of the event was to provide a festive and relaxed atmosphere where ski areas could mix and mingle with guests to share information about 2018/19 ski area capital improvements, events, and products. Ski areas shared booths with New Hampshire breweries, distilleries, and wineries.

Representatives from Mount Washington Valley breweries, distilleries, and Ski areas hosted booths to give out samples and show off what they have planned for this season.

 

Multiple ski areas from the Mount Washington Valley in attendance including Black Mountain Ski Area, Cannon Mountain, Cranmore Mountain Resort, Great Glen Trails XC,  Jackson Ski Touring Center XC, and King Pine Ski Area.

Participating NH Beverage Companies included the Valley’s own Hobbs Brewery,Moat Mountain Brewery, Tamworth Distillery, Tuckermans Brewery, in addition to many other NH breweries, meaderies, and distilleries.

During the speaking part of the night, Taylor Caswell, the commissioner of the state Department of Business and Economic Affairs, announced the winter tourism forecast that more than 2.5 million overnight travelers are expected to spend $1.1 billion in the 2018-19 season.

Vicki Cimino, Director of the New Hampshire Department of Travel and Tourism, unveiled the 18/19 winter creative strategy for the Granite State. Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig—who learned to ski at McIntyre Ski Area—welcomed the crowd of more than 200 to what she hoped would become an annual event.

Jessyca Keeler, Executive Director of Ski New Hampshire, reported that the snowstorms of March left skiers and riders with a great finish to the 17/18 season, so people were excited about the 18/19 season starting. The constant snow storms this month and cold weather have elevated the excitement levels and those ski areas that were open for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend anecdotally reported that they saw great business levels. This most recent storm dropped over 15” at some ski areas.

With the early season natural snowfall throughout November and forecasts looking favorable for snowmaking in the coming weeks, the ski season in New Hampshire is off to a great start. Most alpine resorts are already open, as are several cross-country ski areas, and the remaining alpine areas are slated to open over the next few weeks.

Ski New Hampshire is the statewide association representing 32 alpine and cross-country resorts in New Hampshire. For more information on conditions and upcoming events at Ski New Hampshire’s 32 alpine and cross-country ski area members, visit SkiNH.com.

, ,

Mo-Shave November

 

Our very own News Director Christian Mower took up the task of no shaving for the entire month of November to show his support for the Kevin Peare Memorial Skate Park. The Organization held their 2nd annual Grow A Beard for KP competition this past month with beard growers competing for four different categories; Glorious Beard, Red Beard, Viking Beard, and Perfect Beard.

Mower decided he would throw away the razor for a month to help spread the word about this great cause in the Mount Washington Valley.

You can see his transformation from baby smooth 12-year-old looking Mower to burly bearded Mower below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mower Took a selfie every weekday during the month to document his beard-formation, which you can check out in the Gif. below.

 

 

The Kevin Peare Memorial Skate Park has all sorts of great and creative fundraisers happening all the time. The next one they have is a Holly Jolly Christmas event on December 9th at the Albany Town Hall. They are also looking for artist in the valley to participate in their Annual Skate-Art Show.

So far the Skate Park has raised almost $25,000 and there’s still a long way to go! For the latest information on all the great fundraisers the Kevin Peare Memorial Skate Park has going on, visit the Kevin Peare Memorial Skate Park Facebook Page!

,

Late Night Call Triggers Massive Police Search In North Conway Village

 

North Conway, NH – Police from multiple departments scoured the North Conway Village after a caller claimed to have shot his girlfriend.

According to Conway Police at 10:46pm Wednesday the Conway Police Department Dispatch Center received a call from a male, who would only identify himself as Michael, stating that he had shot his girlfriend and that he was armed with a shotgun.

Authorities said that the caller also mentioned possessing explosive devices.

Michael stated that he was located in an apartment above a North Conway Village business then hung up.

Conway, Madison, and Bartlett Police Departments were joined by  State and Carroll County Sheriff’s deputies as they conducted a comprehensive search of several buildings in the area.

During the search “Michael” called three more times, each time disconnecting before dispatch personnel could obtain any specific information as to his true identity or exact location. “Michael” stated that he was going to shoot at officers and vehicles as they passed by his location.

Officers canvased the area for approximately 2 hours but no evidence of a crime was discovered.

Authorities are in the process of completing a number of search warrants in an attempt to identify the male caller.

Conway Police Lt. Christopher Mattei said that they do not believe there is any credible threat to public at this time.

 

,

Loon Echo Land Trust Receives Anonymous $50,000 Matching Gift Grant for Peabody-Fitch Woods

Hikers access Peabody-Fitch Woods from Bridgton Historical Society’s Naramissic Farm. ~ Photo courtesy of Loon Echo Land Trust
 

An anonymous Foundation made a very generous donation to the Loon Echo Land Trust to help the protect the Peabody-Fitch Woods. The Loon Echo Land trust said the foundation who wished to remain anonymous donated a $50,000 grant to match donations made for the acquisition of the land in South Bridgton. The conservation effort forever protects the Bridgton Historical Society’s historic Narramissic Farm from development encroachment. The LELT said that the acquisition of 252 acres of land surrounding the 18th century farm reunites the original property and keeps its character intact. They said that gifts of any amount to the project will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the grant funds from now until December 31st, 2018. To date, donations totaling $13,185 have been matched. LELT has received approximately 67% of the funds for the project and Loon Echo needs another $107,000 to complete the purchase. An information session about the project will be held next Thursday, December 6th at 6:30 pm at the Loon Echo Office in Bridgton. For more information or to make a donation go to lelt.org.

Loon Echo Land Trust has received a generous $50,000 grant from an anonymous foundation to match donations received for the acquisition of the Peabody-Fitch Woods, located in South Bridgton. This conservation effort forever protects the Bridgton Historical Society’s historic Narramissic Farm from development encroachment. The acquisition of 252 acres of land surrounding the 18th century farm reunites the original property and keeps its character intact. The land will create a new community space for recreation and educational programming, and protect valuable natural resources.

 

Quarry located on the proposed Peabody-Fitch Woods Property. ~ Photo courtesy of Loon Echo Land Trust

 
“The Peabody-Fitch project is one of great significance to the community,” says Loon Echo’s Stewardship Manager and South Bridgton resident Jon Evans. “It connects two large tracts of conserved land, ensures continued public access, and protects some of the region’s important cultural features. The Peabody and Fitch families left an amazing legacy and we are proud to not only protect their land, but honor their pioneering spirit in the process.”

Gifts of any amount to the project will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the grant funds from now until December 31st, 2018. A $10 donation towards the purchase becomes $20. A $50 gift becomes $100.  A $1,000 gift turns into $2,000.  To date, donations totaling $13,185 have been matched. LELT has received approximately 67% of the funds for the project and Loon Echo needs another $107,000 to complete the purchase. With a deadline for acquisition of December 31st, 2018, Loon Echo is seeking to raise the remaining funds from private individuals, public resources, and additional grants.

Donations to support Peabody-Fitch Woods can be sent to Loon Echo Land Trust, 8 Depot Street Suite #4, Bridgton, ME 04009 or made online at www.lelt.org/pfw.

An information session about the project will be held on Thursday, December 6th at 6:30 pm at the Loon Echo Office, 8 Depot St, Suite 4 in Bridgton. Staff from Loon Echo will also lead an informational snowshoe walk of the property on Saturday, December 8th from 9:00 – 11:00 am, with a weather date of Saturday December 15th.  Meet at Narramissic Farm, 46 Narramissic Rd, Bridgton, ME. Please bring your own snowshoes. Snowshoes are available, free of charge, by request. Email membership@lelt.org or call 207-647-4352.

The 252 forested acres of the proposed Peabody-Fitch Woods are contiguous with the 1,617 acre Perley Mills Community Forest to the west. It is also in close proximity to five other conserved lands: Five Fields Farm, Bald Pate Preserve, two Town of Bridgton woodlots, Sebago Headwater’s Preserve, and Lakes Environmental Association’s Holt Pond Preserve. The purchase of the Peabody-Fitch Woods property by Loon Echo will preserve an extensive trail network that connects these conserved lands.

Loon Echo has plans to rehabilitate and expand the existing trail network located on the property. The property will be a haven for the public to forever enjoy traditional recreational opportunities including hunting, walking, and nature observation. This project will also allow for enhanced educational and recreational opportunities for the community’s residents and area children.

Loon Echo currently protects nearly 6,700 acres of land and manages 31 miles of multi-use trails in the northern Sebago Lake region. Its mission is to work with the local residents to conserve the region’s natural resources and character for current and future generations. Loon Echo serves seven towns including Bridgton, Casco, Denmark, Harrison, Naples, Raymond and Sebago with an area of 320 square miles located directly north of Sebago Lake. Loon Echo works within its service area to safeguard water quality, preserve scenic locations such as Bald Pate Mountain, Hacker’s Hill and Pleasant Mountain, and provide outreach and fun educational programs to the public. Loon Echo assists landowners to take steps to ensure future generations will benefit from the preservation of their lands. Member support is what enables Loon Echo to carry out their mission and provides funding for their land conservation and stewardship endeavors.

For more information about upcoming events or ways you can support Loon Echo Land Trust, visit their website www.lelt.org, call 207-647-4352 or visit their office, 8 Depot Street, Suite 4, Bridgton, ME Monday – Thursday, 8:30 – 4:30.

 

Story contributed by:
Maggie Lynn, Membership Manager
Loon Echo Land Trust

,

AAA Expect Highest Thanksgiving Traveler Volume In 12 Years!

Image courtesy of AAA.com

 

The coming holiday weekend is set to see the highest volume of travelers in a dozen years.

AAA projects 2.4 million New Englanders will travel 50 miles or more away from home this Thanksgiving, a 5% percent increase over last year.

Drivers in New England are forecasted to exceed the national average and see an increase of 5 percent from 1.99 million to 2.09 million

Experts believe the 2018 holiday weekend will see the highest Thanksgiving traveler volume since 2005, with 115,000 more people taking to roads, skies, rails and waterways compared with last year.

Motorists can expect to pay the highest Thanksgiving gas prices in four years, with a national average of $2.65 as of November 15, 9 -cents more than a year ago. New Hampshire’s average price is $2.66 per gallon, 14 cents higher than one year ago. In Maine the average price is $2.63 per gallon, 6 cents higher than one year ago.

Pat Moody, manager of public affairs for AAA Northern New England said “Consumers have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season: higher wages, more disposable income and rising levels of household wealth. This is translating into more travelers kicking off the holiday season with a Thanksgiving getaway, building on a positive year for the travel industry.”

,

Cancellations & Delays For Tuesday November 20th

school-closings2

Cancellations

 

Schools

 

MSAD 61 Bridgton Maine – Cancelled

 

 

To Report a Cancellation or Delay contact our Office at 603-356-8870

Cancellations and Delays are brought to you by:

 

 

Granite State Glass