SUMMER OF 2020
In this summer of 2020, we are continually on the hunt for the silver linings like those we all search for to find some kind of balance in an era that is off-kilter. And they are here. We pick up the skein and braid them together to wear a daily life that in some ways feels no different, and in other ways feels like an alternate universe. We’ve learned to embrace the solitude of a summer without the traditional entertainments… festive large gatherings, the steady flow of visiting family and friends from afar.  Instead, we found solace in the riches of nature, indulged in gardening with a purpose and are now reaping the rewards of fresh produce... have caught up on that stack of ‘must read’ books and focused on projects that have long been on the list that we somehow never got around to.
SIGNIFICANT PAST EVENTS
Two significant events in the history of our country are being observed and reflected upon this week. The 100th anniversary of ratification of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote references a name quite familiar on Lake Sunapee, “Armenia White”. The 650 passenger steamship that brought visitors to the grand hotels and private cottages a century ago bore that name in honor of one of the earliest suffragists from New Hampshire, who was instrumental in the fight for equality. Lost in History
This is also the sobering 75th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which essentially ended WW II. The wisdom of that decision and the lingering scars that action has left on the world, serves as a universal warning of “never again”. That world shaking event spawned two movies, “Godzilla” and “Dr. Strangelove, Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love The Bomb”. Film makers in Japan and the US, each made a statement of judgement on that point in history… understood more clearly in retrospect.
FAMILY FUN
We look forward to seeing you at ‘Movies Under the Stars’

Ben Mere Green in Sunapee Harbor

Movies start at dusk
(approximately 7:30 pm)
(weather permitting)

Bring chairs and/or blankets to make yourselves comfortable and snacks to enjoy during the show!

Please follow the protocols to make ‘Movies Under the Stars’ a fun family event for everyone:

PRE-MARKED SPACES provided for appropriate social distancing

MASKS required when moving, but not within your designated space

RESERVATIONS appreciated with additional seating available on movie night (as NH guidelines allow)
CUE THE MUSIC
Music lovers and Stargazers take note: we’ve recently witnessed a 7,000 year old comet, a full Strawberry moon and this week, the beloved Perseid meteor shower will be resplendantly visible in the sky. There’s a good chance it will be visible toward the end of tonight’s concert by “The Flames” at the Ben Mere Bandstand in Sunapee.  John Lovejoy and The Flames are perennial favorites in the region, having played at several community bandstands, Cabaret night at The Livery and at Project Sunapee’s Gatsby-esque Gala, “Flights of Fancy”, where people danced into the late night hours and were still reluctant to hear “Goodnight, Irene”.
This mesmerizing video of “STRUM” by the Catalyst string ensemble is a excellent example of a 21st Century composition. Enjoy the music and video.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Town of Sunapee needs YOU!
There are currently openings on the Energy Cmte., Recreation Cmte. and the Zoning Board. Volunteers willing to share their experience and dedication to serve our community should stop in at Town Hall or call Town Manager, Donna Nashawaty at: 763-2212 for further  information.
Voting is your right and responsibility as a citizen of this country.
State Elections are September 8th and the National Election is November 3rd.

Dates for the ‘virtual’ Presidential conventions are:
Democrat: August 17~24.
Republican: August 24~28.
LETS GET ARTSY
Since we can't gather together at Colby Sawyer College this summer for our annual gala, we are bringing it right to your home!

Enjoy our online gala performance! The link to the performance will be live on social media and our website Sunday August 16th at 7pm and will be available for the whole week until the end of the day (11:59pm) on Sunday, August 23rd.

Performing are some of your favorite Barnie alums including "All Star" Alumni Kennedy Caughell (Beautiful National Tour), Colton Ryan (Apple TV+, Little Voice), Talia Susukauer (Wicked National Tour) and many more!

This performance is free, but we appreciate all donations by visiting our website! WATCH HERE
Tho we’re missing the Barn Playhouse and theaters across the land are dark for the time being, check out “Broadway HD” streaming on all devices for the best of the Broadway stage brought into your home.
Museums are offering Virtual Tours of their treasures… 15 museum curators are having some competitive fun. READ STORY
LOONS
We love the Loons that summer on New Hampshire’s lakes!  We’re attentive to ‘Loon Cams’... watch the chicks hatch and follow their growth until they return to the ocean shores for the winter. The distinctive call of a Loon across the water on moonlit night is enchanting. Unfortunately, sometimes they are the victims of fishermen unaware of the dangers that can befall the Loons when they come in contact with old lead tackle. Please read the following from LSPA and the Loon Preservation Committee:

We're sorry to share this sad news but an immature loon (1-2 year old) was collected near the Blodgett's Landing boat ramp earlier this week. A necropsy, performed by a Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) veterinary intern, confirmed the loon had lead tackle in its gizzard. It also had fishing line tangled around the bill and tightly wrapped around its neck, preventing it from swallowing. This loon died from lead poisoning and starvation due to entanglement.

Here are some tips for safe fishing practices from our friends at LPC:

  • Use only non-lead fishing tackle. Lead poisoning from ingested lead fishing tackle is the #1 cause of documented loon mortality in NH. See below for more information about the lead tackle buyback program.
  • Do not cast your line toward a loon or in the general area of a loon. They are active predators and may strike at your line and go after your lure.
  • Take your line with you when you are done fishing. If you see any discarded line floating in the water or on shore you can also collect it and dispose of it properly so loons or other wildlife do not get tangled.

LSPA would like to extend our thanks to everyone who was involved in reporting and collecting this loon. It is important that we continue to protect and respect all of the wildlife on and around Lake Sunapee. As we often say, "Protect What You Love!" That goes for the lake, the watershed surrounding the lake and all of the critters that call our area home.
TAKE A HIKE
Feeling a little bit on edge
during the pandemic days?
One of the greatest ways to combat stress and anxiety is to exercise. Get moving and crank out those endorphins with a hike on one of ASLPT trails.
It's is hard to believe that August is already here! We hope that you have been able to get out and explore our region's lakes, ponds, rivers, mountains, trails and views. If you've been thinking that it would be fun to hike a new trail or take in a new view, we have just the thing! In lieu of the hikes we generally lead this time of year, we have put together a hiking guide with eight hikes in eight different towns in our region. Pick a time that works for you and go! We urge you to take pictures while you're out on the trails and send them in to kheath@ausbonsargent.org! We'd love to hear your feedback! Finish all hikes before December 31, 2020 and receive a special gift from Ausbon Sargent!
MILESTONES
Project Sunapee sends Best Wishes to Shirley Sargent (102 years young) and David Sargent (89) who recently celebrated Birthdays.

The Sargents are longtime residents, having lived in their Garnet Street home for 62 years.
AWARDS
Congratulations to Prospect Hill Home!

NH Magazine reports this Sunapee shop was Voted No. 1 for Antiques & Art in the state. Best of NH 2020
Sanctuary Dairy Farm

Sanctuary Dairy Farm, the ice cream dream come true of Beck Johnson, once again wins Best Ice Cream in the Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region! Best of NH 2020
RECIPE
Leaving you this week on a sweet
S’mmertime note. Yummy S’mores! 
Summer isn't summer without the essentials. Sun and water are de rigueur. Creemees and heirloom tomatoes will absolutely be required. But these vital seasonal building blocks pale next to the most necessary accessory of all. Because s'mores are s'mandatory. Without the holy trinity of marshmallow, chocolate, and cracker to fill it, summer just crumbles into a mess. All of which explains why Monday, August 10 is National S'mores Day, the moment when our country honors it's most perfect union and we, the people, squeeze together with (this year) 6-foot sticks to get our s'mush on. There's just one sticky wicket--many of us lack both camp and fire, and that last prerequisite is as indispensable as s'mores themselves. Not to worry. Sandwiched inside this hopeful how-to from Lake Champlain Chocolates are 14 Tips for hosting an indoor s'mores bar party. But why stop there? There's also a made-in-Vermont recipe for s'mores cupcakes that puts perfection in the palm of your much tidier hand. Either or, it makes no difference. No matter how you marshall your mellow, with s'mores on the s'menu, life's woes just melt away. S'mm-mm, good.
UNTIL NEXT WEEK
May the weather be fair, you all stay healthy and safely masked & distanced to enjoy summertime.
Wednesday’s email “SUNAPEE HAPPENINGS”
highlights a selection of events in our community each week.  

For complete details on everything happening around the
Lake Sunapee area, check out the
Project Sunapee Community Calendar at:

 You too, may submit all nonprofit and civic events
to that same calendar for posting.