Today on The Morning Show, Clay played an interview that Gino Devaney had on our sister station, Magic 104,  with Conway Scenic Railroad Owner Dave Swirk via the phone and they discussed the Conway Scenic Railroad‘s Mountaineer Train and how they are adding another trip to their schedule. Dave also gave us a full rundown of how operation has changed at the train station due to COVID-19 and the guidelines they will be following to make sure everyone will be safe when riding with the Conway Scenic Railroad. Check out the interview below!

 

For ticket info and more details visit CONWAYSCENIC.COM

 

Regis Philbin Audio Tribute:

 

Regis Philbin, a legendary television personality who co-hosted Live With Regis and Kathie Lee for 15 years on ABC, has died at age 88.

In a statement, his family told People: “We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved Regis Philbin passed away last night of natural causes, one month shy of his 89th birthday. His family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him – for his warmth, his legendary sense of humor, and his singular ability to make every day into something worth talking about. We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss.”

Philbin died Saturday. He and Kathle Lee Gifford launched their show in 1988, and when she left after 15 years, the pair remained close. He went onto to host Live! With Regis and Kelly, alongside Kelly Ripa, from 2001-2011. Philbin also served as the original host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? from 1999 to 2002, Million Dollar Password, the first season of America’s Got Talent, hosted multiple Miss America pageants as well as a reoccurring co-host seat on Rachael Ray.

Philbin was born in 1931 and raised in the Bronx. He attended University of Notre Dame, served in the Navy, then began a career in Hollywood with a local San Diego show called The Regis Philbin Show.

Philbin won multiple Emmys, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. Philbin was married twice and his survived by J.J. Philbin and Joanna Philbin, whom he shared with his wife of 50 years, Joy Philbin. He was also shared Amy Philbin, with his first wife Catherine Faylen. Philbin and Faylen had another child, son Daniel Philbin, who died in 2014.

REACTION

In a statement posted on Instagram, Ripa and her current co-host, Ryan Seacrest, said they were “beyond saddened” by Philbin’s death.

“He was the ultimate class act, bringing his laughter and joy into our homes everyday on Live for more than 23 years,” the statement said. “We were beyond lucky to have him as a mentor in our careers and aspire everyday to fill his shoes on the show.”

CHECK IT OUT:

Read the Full Story: https://bit.ly/3jHhZcw

 

 

The 20th anniversary of Seek the Peak a success amongst challenging times 

 North Conway, NH –  The non-profit Mount Washington Observatory celebrated its 20th anniversary Seek the Peak(STP) hike-a-thon with over 300 hikers participating virtually around the country raising nearly $110,000 in pledges.  The events’ proceeds benefit the Observatory’s summit operations where observers take hourly weather observations 24/7 continuing in 87-plus year data set used in forecasting, education and science.

Participants were encouraged to hike from anywhere between July 1-20, 2020 and to share their hikes on the Seek the Peak Facebook group page to continue to inspire the Seek the Peak community and to ultimately be included in a video bringing together the STP participants in a virtual format. Additionally, participants were asked to send along a story/prayer flag reflecting their hike of choice and years of participation to be included in a collection of flags from participants spanning the 20-year event with a plan to ultimately fly from the summit tower on Mount Washington in celebration of 20 years of STP.

Hikers took the challenge to heart, trekking up peaks beyond Mount Washington. Some chose different massive mountains in the Presidential Range while others stuck closer to home in town forests, woodlands, and state parks. Long time participants the Nowicki family went up and down hills in their neighborhood to equal the elevation of the Ammonoosuc Trail. To keep their STP experience authentic they had candy and gifts sent from North Conway’s iconic shops Zeb’s and The Penguin to share after their outing. Robin Hirsch who has been involved with Seek the Peak since the beginning opted to finish her Sleeping Giant Mountain (CT) Master  certificate, totaling 50 miles of trail over several months, to round out her virtual STP event.

“It was truly amazing to see the Seek the Peak community come together virtually through the Facebook Group and with emails to share their hikes and experiences and to inspire each other,” said Brand Manager Krissy Fraser. “We are so thankful for our participants and sponsors for continuing to make this event incredibly special and a successful critical fundraising event in support of the Observatory.”

Participants who reached a $200 fundraising goal were awarded with an exclusive Cotopaxi backpack provided by presenting sponsors Eastern Mountain Sports.  Leading fundraisers were awarded special prizes. Chris Nichols was the top fundraiser raising over $8,000 with 20-year participant Lee Eckhardt close behind raising a clever $6,288—that’s the elevation of Mount Washington.  Other 20-year Seek the Peak hikers Brad Griswold, and Pat and Brenda Daly were recognized for their dedication.  A special Brad Bradstreet Award recognizing a love and enthusiasm for STP and the Observatory was awarded to longtime volunteer coordinators of the event and 2020 participants Hank and Linda Dresch.

You can view the both the 20 year celebration video and the STP 2020 virtual hike videos on YouTube.  Donations are still being accepted and the option to earn the exclusive Cotopaxi pack will be available through the end of July. Visit www.seekthepeak.org to support the event and visit www.mountwashington.org for the  information on additional Observatory programs including a free virtual Science in the Mountains lecture series slated to launch on Tuesday, July 28, 2020.

Seek the Peak is made possible with support from presenting sponsors Oboz Footwear, Eastern Mountain Sports with additional support from The Mount Washington Auto Rd., Martini Northern, First Light, White Mountain Oil, Mason & Mason Insurance, Delta Dental and WMWV 93.5FM.

About Mount Washington Observatory:

Mount Washington Observatory is a private, nonprofit, member-supported institution with a mission to advance understanding of the natural systems that create the Earth’s weather and climate. Since 1932, the Observatory has been monitoring the elements from its weather station on the summit of Mount Washington, using this unique site for scientific research and educational outreach. For more information, call (800) 706-0432 or visit MountWashington.org.

 

ALBANY, NH– Today, Tin Mountain Conservation Center announced the well-deserving recipients of its annual awards.  Traditionally, these awards are presented at the Annual Meeting in May.  As with many events and awards, this year’s awards are being presented virtually.

“On behalf of the staff and the board of trustees, we want to thank and honor these folks for their many contributions.  We’re sorry that we aren’t able to present these awards and recognize these people and organizations in person,” said Lori Kinsey, executive director,  “We want them to know how much we appreciate all the time, talent and resources they have generously given to Tin Mountain. Since its beginning, 40 years ago this year, Tin Mountain has grown and thrived thanks to the tremendous support it has received from a strong and devoted group of volunteers, members, and businesses. The words Thank You often feel insufficient for the hours of time, seemingly endless energy, and resources generously offered and donated from our community.  Each year, Tin Mountain recognizes those people, businesses, and organizations whose efforts have gone above and beyond. This year more than ever, we feel the need to recognize the hard work and passion of these ‘shining stars.’”

 

There are five award recipients this year:

The Volunteer of the Year award recognizes an individual(s) who has supported Tin Mountain events and/or daily activities. This year, we recognize Victor and Karen Vitek, who worked tirelessly the past few years organizing and entering the hundreds of items donated for the First Season benefit auction. When the decision was made to move the First Season Auction online, Victor and Karen went to work to upload pictures, and add detailed descriptions into the software. They helped test the site and fine tune listings to make sure everything was ready to go. This year’s Inaugural Online Auction was made possible thanks to the tireless dedication of Karen and Victor.

The Exemplary Service Award recognizes a current Trustee of the Tin Mountain Board of Trustees who has worked hard to make a lasting contribution to the organization. Leslie Schomaker came to the board with a strong financial background and quickly took on the role of treasurer as well as the herculean task of streamlining the financial reporting and moving the system online. What first seemed convenient quickly became indispensable with the shift to remote work in mid-March.

The Outstanding Environmental Educator Award recognizes a teacher who in addition to working with and supporting Tin Mountain in the classroom, works to further exploration and environmental stewardship. Dylan Harry, a science teacher and Director of the OLRC at Fryeburg Academy, began working with Tin Mountain several years ago. From the beginning, he enthusiastically jumped in, often co-teaching classes and utilizing local natural areas to better connect his students to the environment. He has been a champion for Tin Mountain, advocating for greater integration into Fryeburg Academy Curriculum and lobbying for administrative support of Tin Mountain programming.

This year’s Business Volunteer Award is presented to an organization in the Mount Washington Valley that has consistently helped advance Tin Mountain’s mission and programs. Increasing awareness is essential to the success of Tin Mountain programs and events and there is no better way to be heard than through the Mt. Washington Radio & Gramophone group of radio stations including 93.5 WMWV, 95.3 Easy and Magic 104. The stations consistently promote Tin Mountain events, provide updates and program changes, and host Tin Mountain staff and Trustees for interviews on Drive Time. These stations are the voice of the valley and we appreciate it when that voice speaks for Tin Mountain and its programs and events. Roy Prescott of WMWV supports and participates in the Mt. Washington Century+ bike event, so we got him a very special bib number!

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual or organization who has been a champion for the environment and the community, not just for a year or two, but for the ‘long run.’ Upper Saco Valley Land Trust has certainly earned this distinction. Through thoughtful community projects such as the Pine Hill Community Forest, and agricultural and water initiatives, USVLT seeks not just to preserve land, but the Mount Washington Valley as a whole.

For more information about Tin Mountain Conservation Center go to TINMOUNTAIN.ORG

Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont! They plan to film episodes of the hit series American Pickers throughout the area in September. They understand that with the proliferation of COVID-19, we are all facing very uncertain times. The American Pickers are taking the pandemic very seriously and will be following all guidelines and protocols for safe filming as outlined by each state. While they plan to be in New England in September, they will continue to re-schedule if conditions change for the worse. Regardless, they are excited to continue to reach the many collectors in the area to discuss their years of picking!

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on History. The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, the Pickers want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. The pair
hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. Mike and Frank have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.

AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send them your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with
photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 1-855-OLD-RUST.

For more information about The American Pickers go to HISTORY.COM

Great Glen Trails‘ Event Director Lisa McCoy called Gino today on our sister station, Magic 104, and gave a full rundown all about their Kona Summer Mountain Bike Series that starts Tuesday, July 7th and will run through August 25th. Lisa explains that it is a fun and safe way to spend time with your family outdoors and a great opportunity to win some amazing prizes. Click below to listen to the interview and make sure to check out all the details.

Event Notes from GREATGLENTRAILS.COM

Kona Summer Mountain Bike Series
Tuesdays, July 7 – August 25, 2020

We are thrilled to be able to welcome you to join the Great Glen Trails summer weekly mountain bike series sponsored by Kona bikes!!

Come to Great Glen Trails each Tuesday anytime between 3:30 – 7:00 p.m. Choose your race course — long, short, or mini — and compete against the clock in this fun, easy going series. Open to all ages and abilities, this is the perfect socially-distant outdoor activity you can do with the entire family. This is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bike) event. Rentals will not be available for the race series.

Long course: 5.3 miles
Short course: 3.9 miles
Mini: 1.2 miles

All courses use the Great Glen Trails carriage roads and single track at the scenic base of Mt. Washington.

There will be a few additional parameters in place this summer due to COVID19 restrictions and recommendations:

– mandatory staggered start; at least 1 min apart
– please do not congregate at the starting line under tent
– children must be accompanied at all times by their own parent/guardian

Please follow CDC recommendations and do not come to Great Glen if you are feeling sick, have a fever, or have known contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID19. We kindly ask you to wear a mask when inside, wash your hands, and keep at least 6′ apart. 

We will have prizes each week in lieu of a potluck party and awards at the end of the series. We encourage everyone to sign up online in advance! 

Series Adult: $65
Series Child (17& Under): $40

One Race Adult: $14
One Race Child: $9

*One race rates are only available for purchase day-of, on site.

RIDE LOCALLY. BE SMART. BE HEALTHY. — Kona

To register go to GREATGLENTRAILS.COM