Santa came to Wilmot!

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Good little girls and boys had a chance to see Santa during a fun-filled afternoon on December 8 at the WCA Red Barn. A big thank you to Mary Kulacz of Wilmot who once again organized this very special event.

As with most successful programs, Santa’s visit to Wilmot drew on the creativity and hard work of many. First and foremost, a huge thank you to Santa for taking time away from his busy schedule to spend the afternoon in Wilmot. Photographer John Swindell from Kearsarge Studios did a beautiful job photographing kids and families with Santa. Photographs have been mailed out and thanks to John, the first copy is free! Families can contact John for additional copies or more information.

Assisting Mary was husband Brian who helped set up. Adam Glass, Brian McCarthy, Rachel Seamans and Barbara Wiggin joined the fun and kept the line of children waiting for Santa moving smoothly, craft tables busy and the refreshment table well stocked. In addition, we were delighted to have some of Santa’s younger elves on hand. Local students Sophie Anderson, Max and Hayden Brown, Elie McCarthy and Rose Patrick were a great help. With a lot of moving parts, they helped the program run smoothly.

Along with the visit with Santa, the children were kept busy coloring and making Christmas tree ornaments. Delicious home baked treats and hot cocoa ensured that bellies were warm and full before everyone headed home.

Happy holidays to all!

Thanks a million – WCA Holiday Craft Fair volunteers

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Thanks to more than three dozen hardworking volunteers, the WCA’s annual Holiday Craft Fair was a terrific success. Without their able assistance, it would be impossible to organize and present this important fundraising event.

We extend special thanks to Kathy Neuberger, chairperson of the craft fair, for her tireless work and to Rachel Seamans for organizing and staffing Rachel’s Café.

Our hardworking volunteers, bakers and cooks included Melissa Aubertin, Deb Beerman, Lisah Carpenter, Ann Davis, Marc Davis, Mary Fanelli, Rhonda Gauthier, Adam Glass, Mary Kulacz, Mike Lasonde, Linda Malecha,  Jim Malecha, Brianna Marino, Kristin McCarthy, Brian McCarthy, Lori Meding, Sandy Messer, Donna Miller, Heidi Nelson, Dave Nelson, Brian Neuberger, Howard Neuberger, Susan Nye, Sandy Rock, Clifford Rock, Jan Sahler, Kim Slover, and Barbara Wiggin.

The WCA is delighted to support local students with community service projects. We were happy to have Hayden Brown, Max Brown, Elizabeth Howard, Elie McCarthy, Ashley Neuberger, Rose Patrick and Jack Schwendler help out.

The fair was held December 7 at The Outing Club Indoor Center in New London.

Our sincere thanks to one and all!

Scarecrows were popping up all over!

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Thank you to everyone who entered Wilmot’s 10th Annual Scarecrow Contest! We were amazed and enchanted by the entries. A warm thank you to our illustrious judges Chris Jenssen, Nancy Large and Katherine Merrill and their junior sidekicks – Hayden and Gavin Brown.

The Wilmot Garden Club co-sponsors the contest. Lots of prizes were awarded. In case you missed them – here are the winners!The Hairy Scaries win Scariest Scarecrow – Thank you Kristin Ash and Niko Chertikhin

Garden Club Award goes to Brenda Gessner for Willy WIlmot – Great use of florals!
Jaimie and Aurelia Jusczyk win Best Nighttime Display for Miss Stevie – Wonderful!


Keith Seamans Cat & Mouse Game wins Scariest Group Ensemble
One more prize from the Garden! Thank you Shandi Elliot for the very cheerful Sweet Beginnings Daycare display.
Rachel Seaman’s New Yard Man gets the prize for Most Helpful!

Thank you to everyone who participated!

Thanks a million! It was a palooza of a day!

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Starting with a pancake breakfast and finishing off with a fabulous concert, it was nonstop fun. The Wilmot Community Association’s (WCA) second annual Wilmotpalooza held on Sunday, September 8. The weather was perfect and there was something for everyone.

Rachel Seamans and Amber Gove started the morning with a delicious pancake breakfast. They were ably assisted by Barbara Wiggin, C.C. Lewis and Donna Miller and student helpers, Eli McCarthy and Rose Patrick.

Next, it was over to the Wilmot Ball Field for a meet and greet with members of the Dartmouth Hitchcock Advanced Response Team (DHART). Children had a wonderful time exploring the helicopter while their parents talked with the crew. Sincere thanks to DHART’s Paul Austin who helped set up the visit as well as Don Sieburg, Marja Makinen, Justen Stevenson and Ben Weinhold who flew in to spend time with everyone.

The fun then moved to the Wilmot Town Green. Bill Burris set up his wonderful games and Kristin McCarthy and son Duncan ran the field games. Meanwhile, Kathy Neuberger and her granddaughter Ashley tirelessly applied sparkly tattoos to one and all. Wilmot hosted its first Best Dog in Town Contest. Eager puppies and grand old canines strutted their stuff for judge Thea Lahti and her able assistant Sarah O’Connor.

The Wilmot Volunteer Fire Department set up their truck and hose to the delight of all. The young and young at heart could touch-a-fire-truck, visit with the fire fighters and net rubber ducks. The Watershed Warriors were on hand to share the work they do and offer a craft project to kids. The Friends of the Wilmot Public Library brought sweet treats as well as books and comfy chairs for anyone needing a break and children were invited to make a bookmark. Cub Scout Pack 71 Kearsarge / Sunapee were available throughout the day to help anyone in need. The boys also enjoyed the games and sold popcorn. Tiger Mountain Shotokan Karate provided demonstrations and Six Saplings Sugar House sold syrup.

The band Mach Turtle played a fantastic, get-up-and_dance concert. In case you didn’t get enough pancakes, the Wilmot Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary was on the Green with a cookout. Hot dogs and hamburgers were enjoyed by all.

Thank you to the Selectman and Town of Wilmot for their on-going support of this event. Chief David Zuger was on hand throughout the day to keep traffic flowing and everyone safe.

And finally, a special thanks to our sponsors – Mascoma Bank, Clayton Miller Plumbing, Rayno Construction, Gavin Campbell Construction, Bubba’s Restaurant& Grille, CWS Fence & Guardrail and Hannaford’s Supermarket. We couldn’t have done it without our fabulous volunteers, community partners and sponsors. Thank you to one and all.

Puppets in the park

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The WCA is sponsoring Restoring the Waters Puppet Theater’s premiere of A Tree Called Once. The free outdoor performance will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, August 23 at the WCA’s Timmy Patten Park on Tannery Pond on Shindagan Road.

Caroline Fairless and Jim Sims founded the puppet theater and this is their third production on Tannery Pond. In this new, original performance, a tree called Once holds the memory, energy and spirit of extinct and endangered creatures. The 35-minute show features music and humor and includes audience participation. A community effort, Wilmot residents of all ages are starring in and contributing to the show. Nicole Densmore and Sims will provide music throughout the performance.

Attendees are welcome to stay after the show and enjoy a swim or a bring-your-own picnic.

Rain date for the performance is Sunday, August 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the park.

A big thank you Black Fly Blitz volunteers and sponsors

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Thanks to the work of more than 40 volunteers, 54 sponsors and close to 160 runners and walkers, the WCA’s 15th annual Black Fly Blitz  was a resounding success. The region’s favorite 5K run/walk was held on Monday, May 27.

The father-daughter team of Sean (18:39) and Stephanie (20:09) Snow of Dunbarton took home the overall first prize medals for both men and women. Close to 160 runners and walkers finished the course. Gold, silver and bronze medals were handed out to men and women and boys and girls in nine age categories. All results are available online. Congratulations to all.

Held each year on Memorial Day, the Black Fly Blitz is the WCA’s largest fundraiser.  Race proceeds support the organization’s many free programs and events. The WCA owns and operates the Red Barn, a community center, and Timmy Patten Park, a beach and playground. In addition, the WCA donates  a portion of the race proceeds to the track and cross-country teams at Kearsarge Regional High School.

Every year, members of the KRHS track and cross-country teams assist with the race. Coaches, staff and parents assisting with the event included Peter Angus, Ernie Brake, Brian Pauling, Mary Anne Morcom, and Ed Rehor. Current and former students who lent a hand included: Leslie, Eleanor and Libby Angus, Hunter Burns, Serenity Cole, Mya Dube, Evan Pauling, Avril Prak and Sophia Reynolds.

David Zuger, Wilmot police chief and members of the Wilmot Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) FAST Squad were on hand throughout the morning to ensure a safe event. The FAST Squad members Scott, Carpenter, Sean Cushing, Dave Herr, Kim Hill, Tom Jenssen, Jonathan Jusczyk, Phil Nicholson, and Stanley Rayno were ready to assist with any medical emergencies. The Wilmot Ladies Aid Society loaned their tables. The Wilmot Highway Department provided road barricades to ensure safe passage for runners at intersections along the course.

At the end of the race, runners and  walkers were rewarded with delicious home baked cookies as well as water, oranges and bagels. Cookie bakers included Melissa Aubertin, Jan Baker, Lisah Carpenter, Ann Davis, Chris Jenssen, Jan Sahler and Rachel Seamans.

Once again, Bill Burris set up his wonderful handmade games. He was ably assisted by Bill and Margaret Doody. Lori Meding and Brian McCarthy applied temporary tattoos – in a black fly motif – to the delight of children and adults. In addition to the beautiful weather, live music by Mark Aldrich kept everyone smiling.

Other volunteers included: Hayden and Max Brown,Jenny Santora, Will Santora, Jim Santora, Keith Seamans, and Adam Glass. Marc Davis assisted with sponsor recruitment. Susan Nye photographed the event.

A special thank you goes out to our wonderful sponsors. Fifty-four generous race sponsors ensured the financial success of the Black Fly Blitz.  Rayno Construction contributed at the super platinum level. Platinum sponsors included: Echo Communications, Kearsarge Property & Landscaping, Lakes Region Tent & Event, Tom Conway Tree Service and Woods Without Gile.

Sponsoring the event at the gold level were: Clarke’s Hardware, FloorCraft, Frank Anzalone Associates, Gutgsell & Phipps Dentistry, Huckleberry Propane & Oil, InterTown Record, Northeast Delta Dental, Perkins Landscaping, Pizza Chef of Andover, Scott Carpenter Construction and Walker Automotive Services.

Silver level sponsors included: Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Barton Insurance Agency, Belletetes, Better Homes & Gardens Milestone Real Estate, Byron’s Septic Service, C.A. Miller Plumbing & Heating, Chadwick Funeral Service, Cherry Pond Fine Furniture, Colby Insurance Group, Colonial Pharmacy, Cornelio Law Offices, Four Seasons Sotheby’s Realty, Grounds, Hubert’s of New London, Kearsarge Veterinary Clinic, Marathon Landscaping, Marshall’s Garage, McCrillis & Eldredge, Nathan Wechsler, O’Halloran Group – Keller Williams Lakes & Mountains, Park N Go Market, Philip Nicholson Builder, Pleasant Lake Veterinary Hospital, Spring Ledge Farm, Sugar River Bank, Terhune Family and Walco Mechanical.

Sponsoring the event at the bronze level were: Bow Family Dentistry, Dr. Donna Reed, Dunkin Donuts, Hannaford – New London, Joan Marie’s Beauty Boutique, Market Basket – Warner, Morgan Hill Bookstore, Promotional Solutions, Village Sports and Woodcrest Village.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the Black Fly Blitz a fabulous event!

Sincerely,

Ann and Marc Davis, race directors, WCA Black Fly Blitz

Thanks a million! The Mystery Dinner was a grand success!

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The WCA’s Red Barn was jumping on Friday night, April 5. Happily, the ice and snow held off for a few days so everyone could come out for a night of mystery, mayhem and delicious food. The sold-out event incorporated a festive fund-raising dinner with a fun mystery game.

The WCA is indebted to the many volunteers who gave their time and talents to make this wonderful evening happen. Heaps of applause go out to event chairperson, Amber Gove. The evening was her brainchild. Amber says, “A huge thank you to everyone involved. I could never have done it alone!”

Rachel Seamans led the behind-the-scenes, set-up and kitchen crews. The workers included a great group of hardworking students. We were delighted to have Sophie Anderson, Max and Hayden Brown and Rose Patrick in the kitchen and on the floor. The foursome did a fabulous job serving, busing tables and cleaning up.

Joanne Tulonen along with Amber and Rachel created a fun-filled supper club, complete with disco ball. A delicious Italian dinner was prepared by Susan Nye and Ann Davis. Some of Wilmot’s best cooks and bakers donated garlic bread, cupcakes or a vegetarian option for dinner. Many thanks to Darlene Delano, Mary Fanelli, Chris Jenssen, Kristin McCarthy, Michelle Robinson, Jesse Schust,  Helen,and  Barbara Wiggin. Additional thanks to Marc Davis for dashing out for more chicken for the sold-out audience and ticket-taker Adam Glass for manning the door.

Laugh-filled mayhem was the order of the evening after a “murder” was discovered at the Drop Dead Disco. A talented troop of local actors kept the suspense high and the questions coming. Thank you to all of the players – Kendall Buck, Jeff Gill, Jesse Schust, Joanne Tulonen, Helen Wickham and Barbara Wiggin.

Thank you to all who came out and enjoyed the evening.

Meet the Wilmot Candidates – February 21

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WCA hosts candidates’ night.

Would you like to learn more about your neighbors who are running for town office in Wilmot’s March 12 election? If yes, then plan to attend a candidates’ night hosted by the WCA from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 at the Red Barn, 64 Village Road.

You’ll have an opportunity to meet the people who are seeking elected office in an informal setting and learn why they want to serve the town. Candidate who have agreed to attend include: Chris Wells, three-year term, selectman; Mary Kay Huntoon, two-year term, town clerk/tax collector; Chris Jenssen, three-year term, cemetery trustee; Jan Baker, one-year term, trustee of the trust funds; Bill Doody, three-year term, trustee of the trust funds; Judy Hauck, two-year term, library trustee; and Barbara Wiggin, three-year term, library trustee.

Light refreshments will be served.

A big thank you to WCA volunteers for a delicious success

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The WCA’s Red Barn was packed with smiles on February 1. A great crowd joined us on a bitter cold night to enjoy the WCA’s inaugural Mac & Cheese Supper. People came from far and wide to help the WCA launch this new fundraiser and soon-to-be favorite winter tradition. Organizers Amber Gove and Rachel Seamans would like to thank everyone who attended the fundraiser as well as the many volunteers who made it possible.

Some of the region’s best cooks prepared delicious Mac & Cheese to delight every taste bud plus salads and beautiful desserts. These fine chefs and bakers included Shandi Allen, Denise Curtiss, Ann Davis, Darlene Delano, Mary Fanelli, Rachel De Thomas, Margaret Doody, Amber Gove, Chris Jenssen, Ginny Lasonde, Donna Miller, Margaret Monto, Kristen McCarthy, Lori Meding, Rachel Seamans, De Segerson, Kimberly Slover, Brooke Smith, Christine Stewart, Susan Ware and Barbara Wiggin.

Amber and Rachel were ably assisted by a superb group of kitchen and dining room volunteers. The WCA welcomes student volunteers and were happy to have Sophie Anderson, Max Brown, Rose Harper and Ethan Thompson on the crew. Ann and Marc Davis and Susan Nye were also on hand to help.

The WCA is grateful to everyone who helped at and supported the Mac & Cheese Supper.

Fall into Art

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The WCA is delighted to announce Fall into Art. Featuring a wonderful mix of local artists, this art exhibit and sale will take place November 9 and 10 at the WCA’s Red Barn, 64 Village Road in Wilmot.

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The show will include the works of Byron Carr, Penny Koburger, David Tibbetts, Sue Finney, Grace Schust and her daughter Lindsey, Rosemary McGuirk and Marc Beerman and his son Jared and Leslie Ward.

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The art exhibit and sale will open with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 9. Wine and cheeses will be served and a $15 donation per person is suggested. During the reception artists will be on hand to discuss their work and techniques and answer questions. They will be back on Saturday, November 10 from 9 a.m. to noon.

“We are pleased to host a show that features so many of our very talented local artists,” said Chris Jenssen, co-chair of Fall into Art. Co-chair Penny Koburger added, “There is a great mix of art. The works include many beautiful watercolors, oil paintings, collage and photographs.”

This fundraiser benefits the WCA. Throughout the year, the WCA offers many free social, recreational, and educational programs and activities. In addition, it owns and operates the Red Barn, a community center on Village Road, and Timothy Patten Park, a beach and playground on Tannery Pond in Wilmot. Both facilities are available for rent.