The Tip Sheet

Premier SnowSport Venue Dedication

Waterville Valley, NH, May 3, 2012… The East Coast’s premier Freestyle and Snowboard aerial jumping site – Phil’s Hill Training Center – will be officially dedicated on Saturday May 19, in Waterville Valley. WVBBTS Snowsports Educational Foundation is presenting the dedication, featuring athlete demonstrations, from 11am to 3pm at Snow’s Mountain off Boulder Path Road, and the general public is welcome. 

This new version of Phil’s Hill replaces a smaller venue originally located at the Resort.  Named in honor of Philip Holmes, a skiing enthusiast who tragically died young, this earlier venue helped many athletes hone their skills, but was dismantled several years ago.

Our new and improved site, built by reshaping the Snow’s Mountain ski hill, is a 220’ earthen ramp covered with high tech Neveplast artificial snow surfacing, and is the first of its kind in New England.  Another name from the Holmes family has been added to the site in “Sandy’s Way,” the path the athletes hike to get to the top of the venue.  Sandy Holmes was a dedicated volunteer and tireless in her support of young snowsports athletes reaching their dreams.  Sandy passed away in early 2011.

The Holmes Family has supported the re-creation of Phil’s Hill in many ways, and their generosity is truly appreciated as a new generation of athletes takes flight on this year-round venue. 

According to Nick Preston, Freestyle Director, “Phil’s Hill sets our athletes and BBTS apart by having a safety-first jumping site available all year.” 

Two jumps, to accommodate varying skill levels, send athletes soaring into the air as they perform complex grabs, flips and rotations before landing on the 12 foot high and 50 x 50 foot highly engineered BagJump airbag. 

According to Snowboard Director and former Olympian, Peter Thorndike, “The BagJump gives kids a confidence to explore and improve their skills in the air because the airbag cushions the landing.” 

CEO Peter Stokloza acknowledges, “We’d like to thank our corporate and individual supporters and are proud to honor Phil and Sandy Holmes with this site - a great example of our motto ‘Pioneering Snowsports and Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders.’”

Now, as we move into the warmer weather, Phil’s Hill is being prepped for spring, summer and fall programming.  No snow, no problem as the only year-round training facility in New England announces summer camps, a weekend training program and a full-time training program.  These offerings, in concert with the Burdenko Method workouts under the direction of Athletic Director Tom Barbeau and trampoline training at Freestyle America Training Center under Nick Preston create a complete first-rate training experience.

Please join WVBBTS/ SEF at the Phil’s Hill Training Venue on Saturday, May 19 to see the amazing skills of our student-athletes as they showcase their talents. Athletes will be demonstrating from 2 - 3pm following the formal dedication ceremonies and refreshments from 11am – 2pm.  RSVP to Krista Katz, Director of Advancement, at kkatz@wvbbts.org or (603) 236-4246 x 117 with the names of the individuals in your party or should you have any questions.

Visit our website for more information and to see videos of the site in use at www.wvbbts.org

Preservation Achievement Awards Celebration

Tuesday, May 8, 2012 4:30-6:30 p.m.; announcement begins at 4:45 p.m.

Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince Street, Concord

Sponsored by the N.H. Preservation Alliance

Cost: Free; donation optional

Register at www.nhpreservation.org or 603-224-2281

The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance will recognize nine projects for outstanding achievement in preservation at its annual announcement ceremony on Tuesday, May 8.  The awards recognize individuals, organizations and corporations for work or projects in the categories of restoration and stewardship, rehabilitation and adaptive use, compatible new construction and advocacy.  “We welcome this opportunity to recognize outstanding projects and people, offer thanks and inspire others,” said the Preservation Alliance’s executive director Jennifer Goodman.  

The Preservation Alliance has presented 171 awards during the past 22 years for achievements such as PSNH’s and PC Connection’s renovations of historic buildings for corporate headquarters, the restoration of the Acworth Meetinghouse, Gorham Town Hall and the Gregg Free Library in Wilton, the rescue of Daniel Webster Farm in Franklin and the Wentworth-by-the-Sea hotel in New Castle, the re-use of the Plymouth Railroad Station, the proactive policies of the Lighthouse Kids and the Troy, Moultonborough and Goffstown heritage commissions.

The Award program is sponsored by Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green, TMS Architects, The Common Man Family of New Hampshire, CMK Architects, The Duprey Companies, Preservation Company and Thurston Millwork.  

The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance is the statewide membership organization dedicated to preserving historic buildings, communities and landscapes through leadership, education and advocacy. Current priorities include providing assistance to community leaders and promoting the use of easements, barn preservation and tax incentive.

  

 

Find a Treasure at the Extravaganza Aution and Support the Restoration of the Dunbarton Town Hall

Dunbarton, NH... Saturday, April 21st is the day Dunbarton residents come together as a community to show their support for the restoration of the Dunbarton Town Hall.  The day begins at 10:00am with a preview of all the items and services from the area featured in the Live and Silent Auction.  Then promptly at 12 noon the gavel is dropped and the bidding begins.  Auctioneer and local resident Jim Cotter of Five Rivers Auctions has generously donated his services to host the day and move the bidding along.  Be prepared to find a wide array of interesting items in the auction.  Everything from antique furniture and pots made by NH Living Treasure Gerry Williams, to Cirque du Soleil tickets and even an exclusive evening for four guests at the historic Molly Stark House, including cooking lessons in the kitchen followed by a gourmet meal served in the dining room.  Additionally, local services donated for the auction include everything from electrical services, with a house generator as part of the package, to home care services for seniors and a valuable booklet of babysitting coupons.  “The number of residents contacting trustees to donate items for the Auction has been more than what we expected and a true sign of what living in a small town is all about.” says Tiffany Dodd, Chair, Dunbarton Town Hall & Theatre Restoration Project.

A few Dunbarton artists have been busy creating works of art reflecting their interpretation of this community landmark.  Local artist, Susan Jenkins painted the Town Hall on historic 100 year old roof slate and framed it in timbers from Flintlock Farm, and another long time resident and artist, Alison Vallieres used watercolors to paint the building on canvas recalling all the years she has spent growing up in Dunbarton and attending community events in the building. 

"The Dunbarton Town Hall is an asset belonging to the town of Dunbarton and many agree it is time we were able to use it again for community as well as town related events." says Dodd.  In 2009 a grass roots effort began and today that committee is an official non-profit charitable organization with a mission to restore the Town Hall for future generations and allow it to be the heart of our community again serving the needs of all residents. The project trustees are pleased to report that they received a matching grant of $4,500 from NH Preservation Alliance in Concord to hire an architectural firm to assess current conditions of the building and develop a design after careful consideration of the Town Hall’s current needs and up-to-date building codes.  The funds raised from the Live and Silent Auction will be used to match this important grant.  To learn more about the items up for bid, please visit Facebook.com/RestoreDunbartonTownHall or call Tiffany Dodd at 774-4801.

Following the Auction at the Dunbarton Extravaganza, the Dunbarton Historical Society will be hosting a “Gala Dinner” at 5:00pm serving a roasted pork dinner to 200 guests.  And then topping off the day's events will be a “Spring Concert” at 7:00pm held at the First Congregational Church of Dunbarton featuring Daniel vanKalken and friends including an exclusive slide show highlighting Dunbarton.  Limited tickets available for the dinner and concert, so call Ted Vallieres at 774-3681 today for tickets.

 

Astronaut RIck Searfoss to be Guest Speaker at Aerospacefest 2012

Aerospacefest 2012 will kickoff Friday evening, May 4 and continue Saturday, May 5 at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center.

CONCORD, NH – The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center will be hosting its third annual Aerospacefest 2012: X-treme Flight, an air and space festival on Friday evening, May 4 from 6:30-10 PM and all day Saturday, May 5 from 10 AM-5 PM. This year’s guest speaker is New Hampshire Astronaut and Space Shuttle Commander Rick Searfoss, Colonel, USAF Retired.

Presenting “The Human Side of Human Spaceflight” at 2 PM on Saturday, May 5, Searfoss will share his experiences as a pilot astronaut on three Space Shuttle missions and his current work as test pilot for one of the leading commercial space companies XCOR Aerospace. His stirring multimedia presentation will focus on stories and examples of what it is actually like to train for, launch, and command a space mission, land the Space Shuttle, and test fly experimental technology development rocketplanes in support of private space exploration efforts. 

Following his speech, Searfoss will also present awards to the winners of the 2012 Alex Higgins Space Camp Scholarship and Astronomy Bowl VI. The Space Camp Scholarship Awards go to three New Hampshire students and covers the cost of tuition forSpace Camp in Huntsville, AL. Astronomy Bowl VI is a statewide competition for high school students and the top three winners receive scholarship prizes to be used towards higher education.

Aerospacefest includes helicopter rides, rocket launches, weather balloon launches, HAM radio demonstrations, telescope viewing, and – back by popular demand – planetarium show Attack of the Space Pirates, featuring space explorers flying out to save the universe from the schemes of space pirates. Visitors will also be able to see flying creatures of the animal kingdom with a visit from Squam Lakes Natural Science Center educators, enjoy Curious George activities with the Margret and H.A.Rey Center, and be mesmerized by extreme science shows by Mad Science. A full schedule of events and more information can be found at www.aerospacefest.com.

Aerospacefest 2012 is sponsored by the NH Space Grant Consortium, Associated Grocers of New England, Raytheon, and the NH Union Leader.

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center features 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, Earth and space sciences, a state-of-the-art planetarium and a variety of science, technology, engineering and math programs. The engaging, robust educational programs are geared towards families, teens, seniors, students, community groups, and lifelong learners. For more information, visit www.starhop.com.

 

Free Community Supper Hosted by Grace Episcopal Church

 Grace Episcopal Church/Merrill Park

            30 Eastman Street

            East Concord, NH 03301

Date: Friday April 20, 2012

Time: 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm

Description: Our April menu features Roast Pork, Scalloped Potatoes, Vegetable and   dessert. There is no charge but donations will be accepted and welcomed. Proceeds of donations will help to support The Take-A-Tote Ministry to feed Concord’s hungry school children.

Contact Grace Episcopal Church for more information at 603-224-2252 or visit www.graceeastconcord.org

MARATHON? THAT AIN'T NOTHING….

GILFORD, NH (April 16, 2012) – Maddog Fitness Challenge is a fitness obstacle race for mud-loving athletes who want a real challenge. On Saturday, June 2nd, 2012, 1,500 runners will head to Gunstock Mountain Resort to take on 11 challenging obstacles over 3.1 miles of extreme vertical terrain. After victoriously finishing the race, participants celebrate with friends and family during an all day party with live music, festivities, food and post-workout beer (Red Sox Fans welcome).

Fitness obstacle races have become incredibly popular and the Maddog Fitness Challenge brings the excitement to New Hampshire and offers an alternative to the traditional 5k road races.

The Maddog Fitness Challenge is also supporting a worthy cause that gives back to New Hampshire. A portion of every participant’s entry fee will be donated to Womenade of Concord.

For some families, one unexpected medical bill or emergency car repair is a big setback. Even back-to-school shopping can hurt those already close to poverty. For these families, sometimes a few hundred dollars is enough to avert a financial crisis, which is where Womenade of Concord helps 

The Maddog Fitness Challenge will test your all around strength, stamina, and mental toughness. The course is set up on the grueling uphill terrain of Gunstock’s ski slopes, with eleven challenging fitness obstacles sprinkled throughout the course.

The “Maddog Party” area will be the scene of greater celebrations with more food, drinks and post-race activities.

Maddog Fitness Challenge is an event that competitors and spectators will never forget and the combination of the scenic Gunstock Mountain terrain, mud, sweat and beer will make for a day participants and spectators will never forget.

To learn more about the Maddog Fitness Challenge visit www.MaddogFitness Challenge.com, or contact Brian Silfies at (603)-738-5579.

 

Waterville Valley Resort Combines Fishing and Chowder this Memorial Day

Waterville Valley, NH- Memorial Day weekend signals the opening of the waterfront in Waterville Valley, with paddle boats, kayaks, and canoe rentals, a youth fishing derby, outdoor concert, and annual chowderfest. 

On Saturday May 26, 2012 from 8 to 11 a.m., the annual Casting for Kirby Youth Fishing Derby will have scores of kids trying to catch Corcoran Pond’s legendary Kirby. Prizes will be awarded across age groups. The first 100 entrants get a t-shirt and cup of bait.  In addition, there will be pond ecology programs, a casting contest, bounce house, and other activities for kids’ enjoyment. This event is sponsored by the Waterville Valley Departments of Recreation and Public Safety. 

On Sunday, May 27, 2012, the 23rd Annual Chowderfest & Brews will take center stage in the Town Square. From 12 to 2 p.m., local area restaurants will be serving up their chowders at outdoor chowder booths with the hope of winning the coveted “Golden Clam Award.” A $7.50 admission offers guests ample-sized tastes of each chowder and a ballot to vote for their favorite concoction.   Chowder tickets are on sale all morning.  The first 50 guests to return a completed ballot will receive a voucher for a free chairlift ride.  In the brew tent from 12 to 4 p.m., New Hampshire seasonal ales from Smuttynose bBrewery will be on tap.  A free outdoor concert in Town Square by the band ‘Nobody’s Fault’ will entertain the entire family.

The Waterville Valley Summer Unlimited lodging package includes boating, mountain biking, tennis, golf, bike rentals, access to the White Mountain Athletic Club, use of the Waterville Valley shuttle, and scenic chair lift rides up Snow's Mountain. With all the activities included in the price, guests who take advantage of this package will save at least 50 percent on their family vacation.

Waterville Valley was designed and planned as a self-contained, four-seasons resort. Today, in addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, cultural activities and summer theater, an indoor ice rink, boating, and a skate park. Dining options include both traditional favorites and elegant eateries. For more information, call 800-468-2553 or visit www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

 

 

Endowment for Health Awarded More than $2.4 Million to Health-Related Projects

 

The Endowment for Health, New Hampshire's largest health foundation announced 2011 total giving of more than $2.4 million to support a variety of healthrelated

projects with a focus on reducing economic, geographic and social cultural barriers

to health, as well as improving the mental health of New Hampshire’s children and

Families.

Five Rivers to Receive Grant Award

Concord- Five Rivers Conservation Trust has been awarded a grant for a land conservation project in Gilmanton.  The grant was given by the Wagner Family Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

The grant will be used for the fundraising campaign, “Gilmanton’s Greatest Views- For Everyone, Forever!” a land conservation project that involves the acquisition and protection of four properties.  In addition to Five Rivers and landowner George Twigg III, the project also partners with Gilmanton Conservation Commission and the Gilmanton Land Trust. 

Five Rivers Conservation Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of central New Hampshire’s picturesque landscape.  The organization works as an active land trust doing its part to help keep those special places intact for future generations.  Five Rivers currently holds conservation easements more than 43 properties totaling 2,700 acres within Concord and 16 surrounding communities. 

www.5rct.org

 

The Black Fly Triathlon Festival Returning to Waterville Valley in July

Waterville Valley’s Town Square will be a-BUZZ July 6-8, 2012, as the Black Fly Triathlon Festival returns for its fourth year.  The three-day festival includes a Bike Time Trial Friday evening, the International Triathlon and “Little Bugger” Kids Triathlon on Saturday, and a Sprint Triathlon on Sunday.  For those looking for the ultimate tri weekend, there is the “Lord of the Flies” Challenge, competing in all three events.  A new addition this year is the Mini Midge Youth Obstacle Run for pre-school aged children.  It’s a weekend geared toward the entire family.