ISSUE NO. 387 / January 31, 2024

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Community Support for Residents

Impacted by the January 18th Fire

A very different sort of missive here today… one of a somber nature but with hope and the best of community woven into it. On January 18th, there was a fire at Sunapee Manor on Prospect Hill Road in Georges Mills. Credit to efforts of Sunapee & neighboring Fire Departments, everyone was safely evacuated. 

However, 19 residents lost their homes, possessions and mementos they held dear. Project Sunapee is joining other community wide efforts to assist those in need. Any help you can share will be deeply appreciated.

THANK YOU to everyone for supporting residents impacted by the January 18th fire! The entire region has rallied to support our residents. We are grateful.

Friday, February 2nd is the day when NOAA, AccuWeather Radar and TV predictors the country over, step aside and defer to Punxsutawney Phil to determine if we’ll have six more weeks of snow, ice and frigid temperatures, or possibly, sunshine will prevail and daffodils will pop up to welcome an early Springtime. (Before you place any bets… do take note: that feisty groundhog only has a 40% rate of accuracy.)

Tomorrow night, Cecil Abels and The New England Bluegrass Band (always a favorite at The Livery) will be at the Flying Goose Pub. 

THURSDAY, Feb 1, 7:30 pm

Playing on the main stages of major Bluegrass festivals around New England, European World of Bluegrass. (Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and the UK) Led by frontman Cecil Abels, a native of Mississippi, a powerful vocalist and rhythm guitarist who was brought to the region courtesy of a career in the U.S. Navy. Cecil aka “Mr Sippy” has assembled a crackerjack band that has opened and shared the stages with the giants of the music, including Del McCoury, Ralph Stanley, Doc Watson and many many others. The band plays original songs and exceptional songs from a deep well of bluegrass and Americana. It’s just a fun group to spend the evening with!

Next week, Feb. 8th, Mark Erelli will take the stage at The “Goose”.

Soon after, a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a degenerative eye disease, would bring some answers, but it also yielded new questions. Does diminished eyesight correlate with lesser insight? Does your songwriting change when your perception of the world around you changes? These questions, and Erelli’s hunt for creative agency, are at the heart of his new album Lay Your Darkness Down (due Feb 3 on Soundly Music). READ MORE

JOSA continues their 30th year of Jazz concerts at Eastman.

Sunday, February 4th: Mary Fagan at JOSA

“ ...Billy Holiday in bell bottoms…" - Summit Daily News

"...Her voice will knock you off your chair!…" - Charlotte Observer

In her early years, with influences like Billy Holiday, Fats Waller, and Duke Ellington, Mary traveled much of the U.S., soaking up diverse musical styles all along the way. From New York to California, to Texas and New Orleans, she developed a style that is both gritty and pure. 

Learn More

Whether or not Phil casts a shadow Friday morning, New London is the place to be that evening.  CFA’s First Friday Gallery Stroll in 2024 extends a warm invitation to visit five local Micro Gallery Openings. and… it’s also the first night of the Annual Winter Carnival!

PS: next weekend Newport invites everyone to their traditional Winter Carnival.  

In this deliciously funny comedy, all is going well for Della. Her North Carolina bakery is legendary and she's just been cast on her favorite television baking competition. But when the girl she helped raise comes back home to North Carolina to get married, and the fiancé is actually a fiancée, Della’s life gets turned upside down. She can’t really make a cake for such a wedding, can she? For the first time in her life, Della has to think for herself. 

January 18th thru February 4th in WRJ at the Briggs Opera House

shakerbridgetheatre.org

PURCHASE TICKETS

Northern Stage: “Constellations” opens on January 24th.

What if you'd made a different choice? What if you'd said the thing that popped into your head just after you walked away? Nick Payne’s Olivier Award-winning modern romance Constellations follows Roland, a beekeeper, and Marianne, a scientist, from their first meeting through a multitude of possible futures, from marriage to heartbreak, through sickness and health, and back again, in a play that reveals the vast universe of possibilities in our lives.

LEARN MORE

LOH@100 Housewarming Party

Presented by Lebanon Opera House

Wednesday, February 7, 4:30 pm

We’re back, baby! Following a five-month closure for a transformative renovation, we’re throwing a housewarming party to celebrate our reopening — and you are invited.

Help us kick off our 2024 Centennial Celebration at this open house-style event.

From 4:30-6 pm, guests are encouraged to take a self-guided tour of the new LOH. Marvel at the big changes we’ve made in our lobby, theater, and backstage artist support spaces. Meet LOH staff and board members and learn more about our plans for LOH’s 100th birthday.

Music will be provided by DJ Sean and Salt hill Pub will be on hand with a cash bar. We’ll offer complimentary refreshments and a few surprises throughout the evening.

At 6 pm, there will be brief remarks from the stage followed by a dance party under our new stage lights. LEARN MORE

This is a free event and you don’t need to have a library card to watch with us! Don’t miss these cinematic celebrations – it’s more than just movies; it’s an award-worthy experience!

Richards Free Library

Join talented musicians to experience the music, instruments and evolution of Celtic Folk music. Learn about the ancient foundations and journey of Celtic music styles. See how the instruments work – and – even try the bagpipe, Irish whistle, and Bodhron yourself! Open to all ages! See you on Sunday, 4th of February, from 2-4pm at the Newbury Veterans Hall. 

Visit our website for our full calendar of events

Whether your town observes the long standing New England tradition of an all encompassing Town Meeting or has changed to divided meetings with a Deliberative Session in February to determine budgets, planning & zoning regulations etc. and a Balloting Day in March to elect members to serve on governing Boards & Commissions in our communities… residents now have an opportunity to have their voices and opinions heard.  Participate.

Now is the time for Sunapee residents to volunteer to serve their community by filing for office before Feb. 2nd.

• Sunapee School Board Deliberative Session: Monday , February 5th @ 6-8pm at the SMHS Gym
• Sunapee Town Deliberative Session: Tuesday, February 6th. @ 7-10pm at the SMHS Gym
• The community is invited to attend the annual Candidates Forum, sponsored by Project Sunapee, on Wednesday, February 21st @ 6:30 at the United Methodist Church.
• Balloting Day is March 12th, 8am-7pm at the Sherburne Gym.

SUNAPEE SCHOOL DISTRICT

NOTICE OF FILING PERIOD FOR CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICES

Notice is hereby given by the Sunapee School District that the filing period for Open Elected Positions in the Sunapee School District for Tuesday March 12, 2024 School District Election begins on January 24, 2024 and ends on February 2, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Sunapee registered voters can sign up at the Sunapee School District SAU Office, located at 70 Lower Main Street during regular business hours and until 5:00 p.m. on the last day of filing. For additional information call 603-763-4627.

The following offices are due for re-election:

School District Moderator 1 Year Term

School District Treasurer 1 Year Term

School District Clerk 1 Year Term

School Board Member 3 Year Term

Written declarations of candidacy must be filed in person by, but no later than, 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 2. 2024 in order for the name of the candidate to appear on the ballot.

Forms may be obtained at the Superintendent’s Office,

70 Lower Main Street, Sunapee, NH.

No person may file a declaration of candidacy for more than one position. Any registered and qualified voter domiciled in Sunapee is eligible to file for candidacy for one of the open positions to be elected at such election.

Join Us for a Community Forum with Sunapee Recreation Committee

We are excited to invite you to a special Community Forum with the Sunapee Recreation Committee! This is your opportunity to discuss and shape the future of our town's recreational activities and strategies.

Date: Sunday, February 4th

Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Location:  Sherburne Gym 

This forum is a great platform for you to voice your ideas, suggestions, and concerns about the recreational opportunities in Sunapee. Whether it's about parks, sports, community events, or any other recreational activities, your input is invaluable in helping us plan for a vibrant and engaging future.

We'll be offering free coffee and doughnuts for all attendees!

We hope to see you there!

Sunapee Recreation Committee

Read more

Congratulations to each of the people & the businesses recognized at the Lake Sunapee Region Chamber’s Annual Awards event!  Project Sunapee was honored to be voted “Nonprofit of the Year” for their sponsorship of the Sunapee Farmer’s Market! A hearty “Thank You” to the leadership & organization of the Market Committee, all participating local farmers and growers, craftsmen, musicians, and special appreciation to the greater Sunapee community for gathering on the Ben Mere Green each summer Saturday morning, to shop, socialize & support the Market vendors.

Hannaford Supermarket in New London, NH to reopen tomorrow morning at 7 am!