Page 14 The Colebrook Chronicle Friday , January 6 , 2017
Around The Region
Caleb and Minnie Camapgna were out on the ice last weekend at the Sawyerville skating rink – Minnie clutching tightly to her big brother during her maiden voyage . Corey Bellam photo .
This group was seen working on their hockey skills at the Sawyerville skating rink last weekend . Corey Bellam photo .
NEW YEAR ’ S EVE AT BERWICK / LLOYD GARAGE
The garage of Barry Berwick and Nancy Lloyd came to life on New Year ’ s Eve at around 8 p . m . as Barry and Nancy welcomed in very close to 100 family and friends to their New Year ’ s Eve bash . This certainly brought the surrounding communities together and even brought people from south of the border up to party . The fun all kicked off at 8 p . m . with David McBurney and friends hitting the stage to provide good old country music for all , going well into the early morning hours of 2017 .
Barry and Nancy started holding this New Years party a few years ago now and it has grown into a Sawyerville tradition . The music was superb and the fun level was through the roof all night . 2017 came in with style .
– Corey Bellam
WREN FOOD AND FARM PROGRAM
Interest in locally produced food and “ agritoursim ” is soaring nationally — and so are visitors to the region . Over six million people visit the White Mountain National Forest annually . In response to these trends and the growth in members representing the local food and farm cluster , WREN is expanding their focus on supporting these enterprises . WREN already hosts farmers ’ markets in Bethlehem and Berlin and sell value-added products in the stores , so expanding the program is a natural fit .
With support that includes the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund , Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Foundation , New Hampshire Charitable Foundation , USDA Rural Development , and Wholesome Wave , WREN will be offering one-on-one coaching to farms and businesses , increasing access to fresh food for families , and participating in the development of the regional food system . This winter , WREN will host webinars in season extension , farm food safety , accessing new markets , and diversifying a farm operation .
The goal is to improve lives and livelihoods by helping farms and local food businesses grow and access new markets , such as tourists . Other benefits to this region include better diets for residents , preservation of farmland , job creation , and more dollars circulating in the local economy .
Some opportunities already exist , such as the farmers ’ markets around the region and the Littleton Coop . WREN is part of a group that is exploring providing locally grown food to hospitals . WREN helps farms evaluate new opportunities and bring them cutting edge technologies , resources , and market research . The University of New Hampshire is studying best practices for growing spinach in tunnels , for example . This type of research addresses the North Country challenge of a short growing season and lack of winter availability of produce .
Food-related businesses and farms can contact Food and Farm Program Manager David White to receive one-on-one business assistance , learn about educational opportunities , or sign up for WREN ’ s informative monthly newsletter . David can be reached
The new year was brought in with grand style by the musical talents of David McBurney , Willy Fisk , Terry Howell , Dareth Fowler and Janis Graham at the Berwick / Lloyd garage . Corey Bellam photo .
at 869-9736 or davidw @ wrenworks . org .
VISITING SAWYERVILLE ’ S SKATING RINK
Last weekend we stopped in at the Sawyerville Skating Rink to check out the action . We found Rink Master Jeff Cross hard at work , tying skates and ensuring all were safe . Out on the rink , a hockey game was going on with both young and old taking part . We always love to stop at this place for a visit with Jeff and the children . Jeff really goes all out for the kids , with hot chocolate brewing and treats on hand . Jeff makes a small rink out at one side where the beginners can practice before hitting the big rink – it is safer that way for all .
– Corey Bellam
This young man gave us a big smile as Jeff Cross , rink master at the Sawyerville skating rink , tied his skates on for a day of adventure . Corey Bellam photo .