TheLaker_Fall_Home_23

The Parade of Homes, a project of the Lakes Region Builders and Remodeler’s Association, is an eagerly awaited event each October. It is a way to get home décor and design ideas by getting up close to the real thing versus studying photos in a home décor magazine.

If you want to tour wonderful homes and speak with the actual builders and designers, the annual Parade of Homes is an event you won’t want to miss. This year’s Parade is scheduled for October 7 and 8 (Columbus Day weekend) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days and includes a variety of beautiful homes located around the Lakes Region.

Says Brenda Richards, executive officer of the Lakes Region Builders and Remodelers Association, who present the Parade each year, “This event provides one-onone access to builders and their representatives at each showcase home, making it a mustsee event for anyone actively building homes now or thinking about building in the future.

“The Parade is two days this year instead of the three days for the event in previous years,” Richards continues. Last year,

there were around 950 visitors during the three days of the event. They were from 149 different zip codes. Richards says that attendance number is expected to repeat this year, because everyone loves to see beautiful homes, inside and out.

Those who want to take the tour purchase tickets and gain admission to tour the homes. Visitors are inspired with décor and construction ideas. If they are thinking of building a home, it is an opportunity to speak directly with representatives of the building company for each home on the Parade and often, with the interior designer or decorator.

“We have been presenting the Parade of Homes for 17 years. It started as a statewide event; the Lakes Region had a particularly good experience with the Parade and enough volunteers. The event works here because this is a concentrated area and homes are easy to reach,” explains Richards.

“The goal of the Parade of Homes is to showcase the talent of our builders, to show the public the latest trends and to offer an opportunity to home builders and tradesmen to be highlighted. As well as this, it

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showcases interior designers and craftsmen,” she adds.

Each year offers a variety of homes, and sizes ranging from large waterfront to modular units. All the homes, however, have one thing in common: they are attractive, livable homes with the latest features. Currently there are nine homes to be featured on the Parade of Homes, with a 10th home a possibility. The homes on the tour are located in Gilford, Sanbornton, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonborough, Tuftonboro and Thornton.

“This year homes range from 2,000 to 6,500 sq. ft.” says Richards. “There are many different styles, from a Winnipesaukee waterfront wonder, New England architecture with a modern vibe, a must-see custom modular, a water’s edge retreat to a modern farmhouse.

“Additionally, visitors get to explore three new options for those seeking a special second-home or year-round residence. There is a tremendous demand for new homes in the Lakes Region and White Mountains. There will be singlefamily homes and townhomes to tour with many additional opportunities to buy built or soon-to-be built homes.”

Adirondack is a popular style of home in the Lakes Region, especially for waterfront areas. That trend continues this year. According to Richards, another style, the popular modern farmhouse look, offers a clean design with black window trim. Modular homes are affordable with plenty of options and are quite well received by Parade goers.

Many of this year’s homes on the Parade are for sale. (Homes that are for sale during the Parade will be clearly marked.) There will be two townhomes, and single-family homes as well. Says Richards, “This year one of the homes is in Thornton, and we hope people will take the drive there to see it. It is right off the

highway and convenient to reach. This townhouse offers resort living. It is an open concept design and perfect as a second home for recreation-mind people.”

Builders will be on-site at various Parade locations, and it will make for an informative, fun event. Parade goers will have a chance to learn more about each home. Should visitors be interested in buying a particular home on the tour, they can get more information.

Following national design trends, visitors will see how homeowners and designers are moving toward warmer neutrals like beiges, creamy off-whites and rich browns. Watch for ‘old’ elements such as brick, antiqued copper accents and wood panel ceilings woven into contemporary designs and expect to see oversized doors and windows with sweeping views of the outdoors. State-of-the-art kitchen designs, appliances and products that help with flow and organization are also to be seen on the tour. Several of the homes highlight Luxury Vinyl Flooring for classic, which is hassle-free and available in popular styles and textures.

Visitors to the Parade homes are a mix of people, some there to purchase a home, while others are touring homes to get ideas and still others are there to simply view some beautiful homes while enjoying a drive during New Hampshire’s brilliant foliage season. “We have serious buyers from all over, such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Florida for example,” explains Richards.

To get tickets to view the homes on the upcoming Parade of Homes, visit www.lakesregionparadeofhomes.com. (You can download the free Parade “App” for home descriptions, directions and ticketing.)

How to Handle Selling a Home When Moving to an Assisted Living Facility

Families must make a number of important decisions when an aging relative decides the time is right to move into an assisted living facility. Such facilities help older individuals who are having trouble living independently. In addition to finding the right facility for a loved one, many families have to decide what to do with their aging loved one’s home.

Aging individuals with companions such as a spouse or a live-in partner may not need to sell their house if that person will not be moving to the assisted living facility with them. However, many partners choose to move as well, and family members may need to sell their current home in order to pay for their loved one to stay at an assisted living facility. The senior care experts at Caring. com note that selling a home when a loved one decides to move into an assisted living facility can present some emotional aspects that will not necessarily be present when selling one’s own home. In recognition of that and some additional difficulties associated with this unique situation, Caring.com offers the following tips to help families navigate the process as smoothly as possible.

• Consider assigning someone power of attorney. Individuals move into assisted living facilities for a number of reasons, so not everyone will do so because of diminishing cognitive abilities. However, Caring.com notes that selling the home of a loved one diagnosed with dementia can present unique challenges, as only a homeowner can transfer a home to a new owner. In such instances, someone may need to step in and assume power of attorney. Contact an elder law attorney to facilitate that process, if necessary. Such professionals also can provide insight into laws that can help families determine if it’s best to sell the home or

hold onto it if proceeds from a potential sale are not needed to pay for a facility. Arrange for power of attorney or even a guardianship prior to putting a home on the market.

• Discuss the situation and the sale. Aging individuals should be given ample time to process the idea of selling their homes before moving into an assisted living facility. Homeowners make untold sacrifices to buy and maintain their homes, so the decision to sell could elicit a range of emotions that aging individuals have a right to process before a “For Sale” sign is erected in the front yard. Caring.com recommends maintaining an open and honest dialogue about what can be achieved by selling the home and how their quality of life will benefit from moving to the assisted living facility.

• Sort through belongings. Caring.com notes the significance of allowing aging relatives to take special items with them into the assisted living facility. It will be impossible to take a lifetime’s worth of possessions into such a facility, but sort through belongings with your aging family member and do everything possible to ensure that especially meaningful items can make the move. Remaining items can be donated, sold, given to younger loved ones, or discarded.

• Make sure all relevant parties remain in the loop. If one person accepts power of attorney or a similar level of responsibility, that person should ensure all interested parties remain in the loop about the sale process. Aging adults without diminished mental faculties should be routinely updated on the sale process. Keeping all interested parties in the loop reduces the risk of objections or other problems when the sale is set to go through. ~metro

What’s Inside YOUR

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Fireplace Trends Help Create Attractive, Comfortable Rooms

Fireplaces are useful features in a home. Fireplaces are sources of ambient heat and also add style to indoor spaces.

Fireplaces can complement just about any interior style. Fireplaces can be traditional and burn wood or connect to a home’s natural gas supply for on-demand ambiance. What’s more, fireplaces may come in vented or ventless varieties, depending on homeowners’ preferences and what is allowed by community building codes. That means a chimney or flue may not be needed — expanding the list of rooms where a fireplace can be installed.

Certain trends have emerged among fireplace fans in recent years. Here’s a look at what’s getting consumers fired up about these home decor elements.

• Minimalist style: Many fireplaces are designed in neutral colors with minimal trim that directs focus on the fire and not the appliance. When the fireplace is not in use, it blends in with the surroundings and will not compete for attention with other design elements.

• Convertible fireplaces: Homeowners can choose between open or sealed fireplaces. A convertible fireplace enables homeowners to have the best features of these options. A convertible fireplace can be converted to wood from gas, or the opposite, in as little as 30 minutes.

• Nature-inspired materials: Natural stone continues to be a material of choice in fireplace surrounds. Light colors work well for a fireplace, and also fit with today’s lighter color interior design preferences. Natural stone also works perfectly with both contemporary and rustic decor.

• Vintage fireplaces: Vintage continues to be a buzzword in 2022, and the choice to go vintage also applies to fireplace styles. A room decorated in vintage elements can be complemented with a vintage fireplace or one designed to look vintage.

• Integrate into wall decor: Fireplaces that are built right into a wall save space. One can have a television and a fireplace on the same wall. These types of fireplaces work well in modern home designs. Other fireplaces may be built into bookshelves or other wall features.

Fireplaces can improve the appeal of a home. Various trends are popular this year, making fireplaces highly coveted features. ~metro

HVAC Technology: A Modern Spin on an Ancient Innovation

Atermwe hear a lot of people talking about is HVAC technology. What does this term mean and how long has it been around? HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. These systems are designed to keep us comfortable year-round and have enabled taller, larger structures to be constructed while still cozy to occupy. HVAC is a system that regulates the movement of air between indoor and outdoor areas, circulates heat and cool air indoors, while filtering indoor air, and maintaining a comfortable humidity level to support health.

If you’re like me, the term feels like it’s been around less than a decade. That simply is not true. The oldest form of HVAC is the Korean Ondol Method, which dates back to the Iron Age (1200-500BCE). That ancient system used an outside furnace, underfloor pipes, and stone that would retain heat well for long periods of time, before slowly releasing it. A similar system is still used in South Korea today. The ancient Romans (753BCE476AD) developed the hypocaust, an open area under floors heated by gas and smoke from fires below. The warmed floors could heat an entire room. Meanwhile, during China’s Han Dynasty (206BCE-220AD), cooling systems were invented using windmill fans.

By Mark Okrant

There was a variety of breakthroughs and innovations during the 20th century. Nikola Tesla developed alternating electrical current motors which made oscillating fans possible. In 1902, Willis Carrier, a New York engineer, invented modern air conditioning that moved air through water-cooled coils. He created the centrifugal chiller twenty years later. The Buffalo Forge company created the first fan coil dehumidifying system as well as the first spray-style air conditioning; at about the same time, high-pressure steam heating systems

were being paired with fan systems. Other innovations soon followed. In 1918, the Electrol was introduced as the first oil burner with an electric ignition. Then, in 1924, Honeywell designed the first controls exclusively for oil burners. In the 1930s, General Electric created a self-contained room cooler that led to the first modern window air conditioning unit.

HVAC 101. The word furnace is derived from the Latin word fornax, meaning oven. A furnace is the indoor piece of HVAC equipment used to distribute heat throughout a home or business. This is accomplished by warming air and then forcing it out to each room. As the heated air is circulated, it raises the temperature until the thermostat tells it to stop. A furnace’s blower fan continues to push the warmed air throughout a home until the target temperature is reached. Once the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat turns off and stops the flow of warm air.

One of the greatest concerns for any home or business owner is air pollution. Leading sources are radioactive radon seeping in from the soil, smoke from old cigarettes, off-gassing from fireretardant materials, and cleaning product vapors. Also, there are the negative contributions of dust mites, mold, viruses, pet dander, and mildew. As we spend 90 percent of our time indoors on average, poor air quality has become a public health concern. Unknown to many of us, air inside the average home can be up to 100 percent more polluted than the air outside.

With homes becoming better sealed against the elements, the importance of having clean air increases. An air duct system can easily be contaminated with particulates that are harmful to its occupants. Each time the HVAC system turns on, it can circulate dust, dust mites, animal dander, pollen, and bacteria throughout the air.

Therefore, there are a number of benefits to be derived from upgrading the HVAC system, as well as installing a dehumidifier, humidifier, or air purifier. According to experts, these include eliminating: causes of respiratory irritation—which can lead to snoring—will help you sleep easier and wake feeling more rested; lingering odors and chemical smells; mold in a home’s HVAC systems that compounds conditions like asthma and emphysema; pet dander and artificial fragrances in the air that produce cold and allergy symptoms.

Energy experts tell us that this is a great time to upgrade one’s HVAC system, as the federal government’s Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 may make homeowners eligible for both a tax credit and a rebate on a new HVAC unit. While this act was primarily designed to lessen the impact of inflation, it also includes provisions that are meant to help combat climate change.

One of these provisions is that new high-efficiency electric heat pumps as well as some air conditioners, gas furnaces, and other HVAC units automatically qualify for a credit that can be applied against your next year’s taxes; meanwhile, this

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credit can help save quite a bit of money on purchasing a new unit. A new program, known as the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit, started on January 1, 2023 and will run until December 31, 2032, allows people to earn a tax credit of up to $3,200 a year. Homeowners can qualify for a tax credit worth up to $1,200 a year for installing high-efficiency air conditioners or furnaces and for making certain other upgrades to improve their home’s energy efficiency, such as adding insulation or replacing windows and doors. Note: The total tax credit cannot exceed more than 30 percent of the total cost of new HVAC units or any other upgrades made. New highefficiency furnaces and air conditioners also are capped at 30 percent or up to $600. Be aware that there are limitations about what equipment qualifies. Meanwhile, the Inflation Reduction Act also established the new High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate (HEEHR) program; potential benefits from this program warrant careful scrutiny.

New Hampshire is slated to receive $34,749,580 for the HEEHR program over the next ten years. Amounts to be received vary from $500 for installations to $8000 for a heat pump for space heating and cooling. Rebates will be offered depending upon modeled or measured energy savings, the income of the household, and whether it is a single-family or multi-family building.

For more information about HVAC funds, visit the state’s Home Energy Rebate Program page, Office of State and Community Energy Programs. To learn about HVAC services, consult the following businesses: Lakes Region Heating and Air Conditioning, Total Climate Control Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, Rowell’s Services, Heritage Home Service, Joyce Cooling & Heating, and Laconia Refrigeration.

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Tips Before Deciding to Do a DIY Demolition

Home improvement projects can range from relatively inexpensive undertakings to complex endeavors that cost homeowners thousands of dollars. In an effort to make expensive projects more affordable, homeowners may look for ways to pitch in, and do-it-yourself demolition is a common way to cut costs.

Due to geographical fluctuations in price as well as the scale of a project, it’s hard to pinpoint just how much homeowners can save by doing demolition work themselves. HomeAdvisor estimates that the average small interior demolition project costs just over $3,000, though more significant demolition projects can cost considerably more than that. Given the cost, it’s no surprise that so many homeowners volunteer to do demolition on their own. Though it’s possible to do so safely, homeowners can take steps to determine if it’s in their best interest to take on a DIY demolition or leave it to the professionals.

• Conduct a cost analysis. Demolition projects seem simple, but they often require the use of equipment most homeowners don’t have on hand. Rentals can be considered in such instances, but the cost of renting equipment can reduce the amount of money homeowners are saving by going it alone. For example, homeowners may be able to pull up vinyl or tile flooring on their own, but not all floors are installed the same. Some floors may have been glued more effectively than others, making it hard and/or time-consuming to pull them up by hand. A walk-

behind floor scraper can make it easier to remove such floors, but that equipment must be rented. A cost analysis comparing the contractors’ demolition cost estimate and the cost of DIY, complete with equipment rental projections, can give a more accurate picture of how much money homeowners will save by going it alone. If the savings of DIY are negligible, homeowners should probably let the contractor handle the demo.

• Speak with your contractor. Prior to saying they’ll do the demo work on their own, homeowners should speak with their contractors to get an accurate idea of what the project will entail. Demolition projects may seem simple enough, but contractors can illustrate the correct way to do things so as to minimize potentially costly damage. Some contractors may offer to help homeowners start the demo project and then leave them to their own devices once they get a knack for what to do. Once homeowners see what it will take, they can then decide if DIY is best for them.

• Enlist help. No DIY demo should ever be done alone. The risk of accident and injury is simply too great for homeowners to go it alone. Homeowners who can’t enlist some volunteers to pitch in should leave the job to the professionals.

DIY demolition can save homeowners a lot of money. But such projects are not necessarily as simple as they seem. Homeowners should take steps to see exactly what they’re getting into before they volunteer to take on demo duty. ~metro

A Beginner’s Guide to Fall Planting and Maintenance

Spring and summer are perhaps the busiest times of year for gardeners. However, fall also is a prime time to tend to gardens.

The tree and bare root retailer Bower & Branch advises that soil temperatures in many regions of the country may still be warm enough to encourage root growth well into the start of winter. Furthermore, fall is often the ideal time to plant, fertilize and keep a garden going or to get a head start on next year’s bounty.

Here are some tips to make the most of the fall gardening season.

• Think about fall annuals and bulb planting. Near the end of September, start planting cool-weather-loving pansies and violas for pops of color as summer flowers fade. Also, it’s a good idea to stock up on bulbs that will bloom in the months to come before they sell out in stores. Wait until the temperatures really cool down before planting them in desired spots for spring sprouts.

• Sow salad seeds. Lettuce, spinach, radishes, and arugula tolerate cooler temperatures. Try new and interesting lettuce varieties and enjoy salads well into the fall season.

• Take inventory of the sun. Positioning a garden carefully means maximizing hours of sunlight, which begin to dwindle in the fall. Experts say gardens grow best in sunny locations that receive six hours of direct sunlight each day. This is where container gardens can be helpful, as they allow gardeners to move plants into spots that will get ample sunlight.

• Fill in landscaping gaps. Some fall plants can add color around the landscape and brighten up homes to add curb appeal. In addition to pansies and violas, asters, kale and chrysanthemums are fall blooms. Keep in mind that mums can come back year after year. So take them out of those flower pots and get them into the ground. They can be enjoyed next year as well, sprouting in early spring and developing leaves and buds through late summer.

• Clean up unwanted growth. Fall is an ideal time to cut back spent vegetable plants and get rid of errant weeds. Rather than bagging leaves, mow them with a grass catcher and then add the mix to a vegetable garden as an excellent soil insulator. The nitrogen and carbon will fertilize the soil, enhancing growing possibilities and limiting weed growth.

• Propagate plants in the fall. As temperatures gradually begin to cool, start taking cuttings from perennials, gathering seed pods from azaleas and rhododendrons and dividing hardwood cuttings, says the resource Gardening Know How. Consult with a garden center or horticulturist on the proper ways to propagate stems using rooting hormone and other techniques.

• Continue to water plants. Water is essential in the fall and winter as roots can still be growing. Gradually reduce watering duration as plants go dormant.

Fall planting and maintenance can extend the gardening season and improve the chances of growing a healthy spring garden. ~metro

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Simple Ways to Incorporate Reclaimed Wood in Your Home

Homes come in many sizes and styles. But whether your home is a palatial postmodern masterpiece or a cozy farmhouse, reclaimed wood can be utilized to create an awe-inspiring interior.

Reclaimed wood serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. Visually stunning, reclaimed wood also is a great way to make use of old-growth forest wood. Why is that significant? According to the United States Forest Service, just 3 percent of old-growth forest has survived into the second decade of the 21st century. Old-growth forest wood like that from longleaf pine trees has long been touted as excellent building material, but the pine utilized today comes from trees that are cut down when they’re young. Reclaimed wood taken from old or demolished homes built with old-growth forest wood offers access to this highly valued building material while also providing the environmental benefits that come with reusing existing materials.

Reclaimed wood can be incorporated into a home’s interior rather easily, and the results are often stunning.

• Accent wall: Transforming a wall into an accent wall with reclaimed wood is a simple project that won’t affect the existing design of a home’s interior. A living room or home office can be given a whole new look with the addition of an accent wall made from reclaimed wood. Homeowners who want their bedrooms

to give off the vibe of a rustic retreat can consider adding an accent wall made of reclaimed wood.

• Furniture: Reclaimed wood also can be put to use, or reuse, as furniture. A home office desk made from reclaimed wood can be both stunning and sturdy, while end tables and coffee tables made from reclaimed wood can add some unique character to a living room.

• Kitchen islands: Homeowners who aspire to have a farmhouse kitchen can consider reclaimed wood when creating their kitchen islands. Reclaimed wood can be used to make the body of the island, complete with cabinets and drawers, that sits beneath the countertop where cooks will prepare their meals.

• Storage beds: Guest rooms tend to be smaller than other rooms in the house, and that means little room for furniture like dressers. Rather than cramming lots of furniture into a small room, homeowners can utilize reclaimed wood to create storage bed frames. The frames won’t take up extra space in the room, reassuring guests that they won’t be spending a weekend in cramped quarters. And the rustic look of reclaimed wood storage beds can be an instant stunner when guests arrive.

Reclaimed wood can be incorporated into a home in myriad ways. This stunning, eco-friendly design choice can add instant appeal to any home. ~metro

You Deserve More!

Fae Moore

Wow! Forty-three years representing so many homeowners just like you in the Lakes Region. Thank you! I have acquired first-hand knowledge of state and local market conditions, zoning regulations, financing, infrastructure issues, schools, taxes, etc. This has proven valuable time and again to my many happy clients. I look forward to being of service to you. These are a sampling of properties I’ve recently sold for families just like yours.

The Most Likely Spots Where Mold Will Grow in a Home

Mold is a type of fungi that is found both indoors and outdoors. When mold grows inside, the health of people who spend time in the home or business where it grows can be in jeopardy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, moldy environments may cause stuffy nose, wheezing, red or itchy eyes, and even skin conditions. The Institute of Medicine reports there is sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with asthma symptoms, as well as hypersensitivity pneumonitis in certain individuals. Certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins, says the CDC. Though there are very few reports of toxigenic molds found inside homes, when present, they can cause rare health conditions.

No one wants mold in their homes, as it’s not only unhealthy, but also unsightly. The Environmental Protection Agency says there is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in an indoor environment. Certain rooms and spaces warrant careful inspection since they are more vulnerable to mold growth. Mold spores take root in areas where there is ample moisture. Controlling moisture indoors is key to controlling mold. Here are some mold-vulnerable spots that merit some extra attention on the part of homeowners.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms generate a lot of moisture through showering and bathing. Bathrooms need to be vented to the outdoors with an exhaust fan. If there is no fan, one should be installed. If that’s not possible, open a bathroom window to air out the room after bathing. Wipe down surfaces in the bathroom to dry them and keep mold at a minimum.

Laundry area

Clothes dryers are moisture-generating appliances that should

be properly exhausted to the outdoors. Homeowners also should make sure that washing machines and utility sinks are working properly and there are no leaks that can cause mold growth behind or underneath the structures.

Kitchen

Mold also may grow in kitchens. Look under the sink and by the dishwasher for any leaks and areas susceptible to mold Ventilating cooking areas can help reduce moisture in the area as well, says the CDC.

Basement

Homeowners who have basements or crawl spaces could be breeding mold down there unknowingly, particularly if the areas are unfinished. Moisture, warmth and darkness are prime conditions for mold growth. A dehumidifier can be utilized in the basement to help reduce the moisture saturation in this space. Also, check for leaky pipes or windows that may contribute to mold growth. Humidity levels in a home should be kept between 30 and 50 percent to help limit mold formation.

Attic

Although an attic may not be a spot homeowners frequent regularly, it’s a good idea to get up there and look for potential mold problems. According to the North Carolina Department of Health, in the winter when buildings are heated, mold often grows in cold, uninsulated exterior walls where building surfaces are relatively cold compared to the indoors. Attics without proper insulation could be vulnerable to mold growth. Roofs also may be compromised by weather, causing leaks into the attic.

Mold can be found anywhere in a home, but is more likely to grow in certain spaces. ~metro

New Hampshire boasts many noteworthy homes, known either for their architecture or for their historical significance. Some of them have both qualities — among them the Henry Whipple House in downtown Bristol.

Listed on the New Hampshire Register of Historical Places, the Whipple House is one of the few remaining authentic examples of the Queen Anne style of architecture, featuring a turret, fancy moldings, sculpted shingles, and stained glass. Now serving as a bed-and-breakfast lodging facility, its historical significance lies not only in its style but also in its origins as the home of the president of the Dodge-Davis Woolen Mills.

Dodge, Davis & Co. first operated a two-story mill on the Newfound River, a building originally known as the Holden mill. The company erected a three-story building in 1884, with

Whipple House Is ‘Absolute Gem’

By Thomas P. Caldwell

a storehouse and a dye and picker-house.

The company produced Shaker flannels, and Dodge-Davis employed 40 operatives to run five sets of machinery.

As the company’s owner at the turn of the century, Henry Chandler Whipple had the means to build an elegant home for himself and his wife, Lilly Josephine, in whose name the property was listed. He had the smaller house that sat on the property moved to make way for his more elaborate home. Built on a cut granite foundation, it would feature stained glass and one-over-one windows, five bronze fireplaces, extensive wood paneling and molding, and open-deck verandas on two sides.

There also was a porte-cochere and carriage house.

The family, which included daughters Fay and Margaret and son Ashley, moved into the house in May 1904.

603-986-8427

Henry Whipple was a prominent member of the community. Historical records show that he was a descendant of Matthew Whipple who, with his brother, John, emigrated from Bocking, Essex, England, to Ipswich, Massachusetts, in 1638. Among their descendants are United States presidents, social reformers, inventors, manufacturers, and explorers. William Whipple was among those signing the Declaration of Independence.

In addition to his duties as president of Dodge-Davis Woolen Mills — the major employer in the Newfound Lake Region — Henry Whipple served as president of the First National Bank of Bristol and was trustee of both the Bristol Savings Bank and the Minot-Sleeper Library.

Henry died in 1928, but Lilla continued to live there until her death on May 12, 1930, when daughter Margaret inherited the property.

Ownership has passed through several others since Margaret sold the property to Edward and Jeanne Bennett, owners of the Bristol Enterprise, on November 7, 1961. In addition to his duties as newspaper publisher, Bennett served as a state senator.

After just a year and a half, the Bennetts sold both the home and the newspaper to Lawrence and Marjorie Field on May 12, 1963. After Lawrence’s death, Marjorie and son Victor

operated the newspaper, and Marjorie remained at the home until her death in 1984.

Nancy Spears, who converted the property into Victorian Bed and Breakfast, purchased it on May 14, 1984. She removed the porte-cochere after it sustained damage in 1998, and she converted the carriage house into two apartments.

The current owners, Sandra Heaney and Clay Dingman, purchased the home 21 years ago, on May 20, 2002, and renamed it the Henry Whipple House in honor of its original owner.

In taking over the historic home, Sandra and Clay have done extensive renovation work, using materials and workmanship that are as close a match to the original as possible.

While the house has been remarkably well-preserved, Clay said they found that some of the structures had suffered from rot or other damage.

“We are doing some of the work on various parts of the house to try to resuscitate some structures that were failing or rotting away or just needed rehabilitation,” he said.

One characteristic of Queen Anne homes is the use of multiple colors, usually five or more. Sandra said it appears that the Whipple House had been painted a pale yellow and dark green, with black window frames.

“Paint colors were really hard to get; they’re expensive,” she explained. The standard colors of the day were red and white lead paint and yellow oxide. “Things like blue and any other colors were really hard to make, so they’re very expensive. That’s why you only see blue Federal houses; that was rich people, they were very, very pricey.”

In doing their restoration of the Whipple House, Clay and Sandra settled on the traditional five-color paint scheme.

The previous owners had done a good job of preserving the home’s characteristics, and Sandra said nothing was affected that could not be put back.

One of her “finds” was an over-mantel that had been removed from a downstairs fireplace. They found it in a shed.

“I figured out which fireplace was missing it because when I took the wallpaper down, you could see the shadow of where it

was,” Sandra said.

One of their early tasks was stabilizing the porch, which had rotted underneath, and they hired a carpenter to extend it, replacing the floorboard and the overhead ceiling. They also replaced the original railings to make them higher, and put in new bases for the columns.

The work also included completely redoing the widow’s walk, rebuilding a bay window on the second floor, and “over the past 20 years [we] scraped every bit of paint off the house and got it back down to the original wood.”

Another tedious job was replacing the sashes and reputtying the home’s 72 windows.

“That only took 10 years,” Sandra said.

She noted that the home’s one-over-one windows were another way of demonstrating wealth, because the larger panes of glass were more expensive to replace.

“These windows were a lot more expensive than the six-oversix [standard windows],” Sandra said. “I was wondering why the windows were so plain, but back then, that was desirable.”

Those were just some of the projects they have done since acquiring the Whipple Home, but now they say most of the large tasks have been completed and they will just need to do the ongoing maintenance.

The Whipple House now has five rooms to rent, with three suites in the Carriage House.

“It’s a lovely house, whoever gets it after us,” Sandra said. “They’re gonna have an absolute gem because we think this house will be around for hundreds of years. These nice old houses will always stand.”

For more information on the Henry Whipple House, see https://www.thewhipplehouse.com.

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How to Approach a Basement Remodel

A fully finished and functional basement is a dream for many homeowners. Such a space, when completed, can serve as an entertainment space, a man cave, an artist’s studio, or any number of additional functions.

Despite their usefulness, finished basements are something of a rarity. In an analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction, the National Association of Home Builders® found that only around 24 percent of single-family homes built in 2018 have basements. Homeowners who do not currently have a finished basement but are considering such a project can approach the remodel with a few key factors in mind. Careful consideration of these factors can ensure the project is budget-friendly and worthy of homeowners’ investments.

• Investment value: Conventional wisdom among home renovation and real estate experts suggests that a basement remodel is best if done to satisfy current inhabitants and not necessarily to appeal to prospective buyers once the home is put up for sale. Remodeling magazine reports that a midrange basement remodel costing around $70,000 will provide a return of around $49,000 (or 70 percent) at resale. Though that’s not a poor return on investment, homeowners who are remodeling a basement solely for the potential ROI at resale can find other projects that provide a greater return.

• Foundation: The foundation of the home must garner ample consideration before beginning a basement remodel. Certain foundation issues, such as soft concrete, cracked or curved outside walls and cracks in the flooring, are indicative of

significant issues with the foundation. These issues can be costly to address, and they must be remedied before the basement remodel can begin.

• Existing space: Some homeowners may have bought their homes with partially finished basements or even finished areas that they simply want to remodel. In such instances, a preremodel inspection from a licensed home inspector can save homeowners lots of money and heartache over the long haul. Partially finished or even aging finished basements might not have been renovated in adherence to codes, which could lead to costly violations down the road. An inspection in advance of a remodel can give homeowners an idea of what they will need to do to bring the basement up to code. Local officials also can provide a list of necessary permits and a detailed description of requirements to ensure the remodeled basement adheres to code.

• Soil: Soil surrounding the home should be tested prior to beginning the project. Radon is an odorless gas found in soil that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes can increase individuals’ risk for lung cancer. Radon can seep into basements and increase that risk even further if it is present at elevated levels in the soil surrounding a home. Radon tests are simple and inexpensive, and no basement remodel project should begin without first conducting such a test.

Finished basements are valuable spaces. Homeowners who want to finish or remodel their basements should consider a host of factors before beginning the renovation. ~metro

Prepare Your Garden for Winter’s Onslaught

Individuals who don’t live near the equator or in another warm climate know that winter will rear its chilly head this year. Cold temperatures and snowy conditions may be excellent for skiing and sledding, but gardeners recognize these conditions are not ideal for their plants.

The inevitable slowing of activity in the garden during fall marks a time to shift attention from constant plant care to preparing the landscape for next season. It may be tempting to simply let Mother Nature take over, but a little pre-winter TLC can ensure gardens make it through winter unscathed.

Remove spent plants

Decomposing organic material is the basis for compost and other fertilizers. However, vegetable plants that are left to sit can lead to decay in the garden. Decaying plants can serve as hosts for pest populations and diseases. Rotting vegetables also can drop unwanted seeds into the soil, which eventually can strip nutrients that normally would go to next year’s crops.

Ornamental plants and perennials can be cut back in fall. Cut down stalks and remove leaves.

Plant a cover crop

The gardening resource This Is My Garden recommends planting a cover crop to set the stage for a successful spring. A cover crop protects the soil and can return nutrients to it. When the soil is bare during winter, weed seeds can easily blow in and lie in wait, ultimately becoming a problem during the ensuing year. Cover crops can include clover or field peas, which will increase the levels of available nitrogen.

Amend the soil

Fall is a perfect time to add soil amendments, such as manure and compost. These fertilizers will add nutrients and break down gradually, enriching the soil over the winter.

Replenish mulch

Gardeners may have added mulch around shrubs and other areas of the landscape early in the season because it is attractive. But mulch also does much to reduce water loss and protect the soil from erosion. It may inhibit weed growth as well. Replacing mulch when the mercury drops can insulate the soil, which helps to regulate soil temperature. A thick layer of mulch around root vegetables left in the garden can offer protection against hard frosts.

Divide bulbs

Divide plant bulbs and plant them where you want flowers like daffodils and tulips to grow in the spring.

Prune dormant plants

Wait until plants are dormant to prune them and adjust their shape. Most shrubs and trees should be pruned in late winter, right before new growth.

Move potted plants

Bring delicate plants into a sheltered area, such as a greenhouse or indoor garage, so they can continue to thrive during the winter.

Fall and winter still provide opportunities to spend time in the garden. At this point in the year, gardeners can prepare landscapes for the next season. ~metro

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

If you love grilling in the summertime, you needn’t give up barbecued food when the snow flies. Gone are the days of a tiny charcoal grill that gets packed away until next summer. In today’s world, you can enjoy grilling outdoors all winter, from the first chilly days through deep snow and ice until the temperatures warm again.

If you assume grills and other outdoor equipment would rust and not work properly if used in the winter, that assumption would be wrong.

According to Morgan Cusano, store manager at Fireside Living in Laconia, “Outdoor grilling is a definite in the Lakes Region. Popular items are grills, smokers, and other items such as fire tables.”

Many features can be added to the list for further enjoyment and grilling convenience. Cusano says that smokers are extremely popular, with pellet smokers leading the way. “Smokers are a great way to cook briskets and turkey. You can smoke a turkey at Thanksgiving, and it will taste great. It is a different way to grill; chefs appreciate making food outdoors for their guestseven in colder weather.”

Thermal blankets are utilized when the grill is in use to prevent drastic temperature changes. When not in use a heavy canvas cover is best to protect the steel on the grill from direct contact with ice.

The world of outdoor grilling and smoking can greatly enhance a homeowner’s lifestyle. Many products, such as beautiful (and warming) outdoor fireplaces, make a definite statement in any area. “There are also indoor/outdoor fireplaces,” adds Cusano. “These are fireplaces where one side is inside the home, and the other is outside. Masons also build outdoor fireplaces to

Roofing

burn wood.” Burning wood creates a definite “gather around the campfire” ambiance to a home.

A fire table is a great addition to an outdoor area and especially welcome in winter. Homeowners can wear their boots and coats and socialize with guests by the fire table for hours. Many tables have a burner fueled by propane, which throws out a lot of heat. Those who want to enjoy the fun of gathering around the fire in summer can continue into the winter. A fire feature such as a fire table is the perfect way to do so.

Cusano points to an eye-catching, large fire table with Adirondack chairs on display in the showroom. The table and chairs are durable and made of recycled plastic, which lasts for years and is often the material decks are made of these days.

But how much maintenance does a fire table require in winter? Cusano explains, “Keeping it covered when not in use is the main thing.” Other than covering the table and shoveling snow from around it, homeowners can enjoy a durable fire table year-round.

Fireside Living offers Valor fireplaces (Valor is a well-known, solid company.). When crafting outdoor fireplaces, Valor makes stainless-steel burners, which are very durable. The glass front keeps pesky creatures such as rodents from entering an outdoor fireplace. There is no special care in winter for an outdoor fireplace other than keeping the surface clean. Suggests Cusano, “Dawn dish soap is good for cleaning. Also, keep food off any fireplace surface so mice are not tempted to enter.”

Fully equipped outdoor kitchens are popular year-round but especially appreciated by outdoor sports lovers. Cusano says many snowmobilers and ice fishermen like outdoor kitchens with a complete setup of grill, refrigerator, and other add-ons.

She says an outdoor kitchen is a must-have for people who like to gather outside, and they have even sell such units to fishermen who want to walk off the lake/ ice and have the convenience of grilling lakeside. It adds to the ease of lakefront gatherings.

Should one assume such conveniences as outdoor kitchens, grills and fire tables are only for wealthy homeowners with huge decks and outdoor areas, Cusano says that is not true. Even those with modest sized homes can enjoy a fire table and chairs or an outdoor grill or smoker. Costs for such products are surprisingly affordable and bring years of family enjoyment.

Upkeep is simple, but you must be consistent and keep outdoor products covered and free of snow and ice. According to Cusano, a heavy canvas cover protects steel from direct contact with ice when a grill is not in use. Although many products, such as grills, are constructed with durable and strong 304-stainless steel, which is the best

material to protect against rust, mid-grade stainless steel is also good.

A popular line at Fireside Living and indeed for many grill masters is Green Egg products. “It is a great grill line,” Cusano enthuses. “They make great smokers, and their patio tables can handle heavy heat; Eggs are also good for winter use, and they have solid, stainless-steel grates.” The Egg reaches cooking temperatures in mere minutes and grills, sears, smokes, roasts, and bakes at exact temperatures. The thermal efficiency of the Big Green Egg allows for wintertime cooking.

Fueled by charcoal, the whimsical egg-shaped grills are portable and have a ceramic liner. The Egg is extremely popular with grillers who want to make pizza or cook meat dishes with a smoker. The Egg’s flavor is unbeatable and will keep guests talking about that fun winter grilled meal.

The Big Green Egg comes in three to four sizes and is

A solid grill from Saber stands up to wintertime use.

(Courtesy photo)

wintertime efficient and durable; keep it covered and clean. With a stainless-steel cooking grate, the Egg is a breeze to keep in good condition.

“My family loves pizza,” Cusano says, “and we often make pizza on the Green Mt. Smoker.”

When asked what mistakes grillers make in wintertime use of any products from grills to fire tables, Cusano says, “Maintenance—not cleaning up after using the grill or other products like a fireplace or the surface of a fire table. Marinate used to flavor meats and vegetables can be very damaging to outdoor products. A good canvas cover is best to protect the steel from direct contact with ice.”

While Fireside Living does not do masonry work for surrounds or other stone needs, they are experts when it comes to outdoor grills and other products. They refer customers to quality masons who can install whatever is needed, from granite to river rock for outdoor fireplaces and bluestone for flooring, to name a few materials. “Many customers are going for harder stones versus softer these days,” adds Cusano.

Those who love grilled foods needn’t put away the grill or smoker come late autumn and into the winter. Smoke a turkey for Thanksgiving, treat New Year’s Eve guests to homemade pizza on the grill, and gather around the fire table or fireplace for a romantic Valentine’s Day celebration. Grills for outdoor use have turned the Lakes Region into an outdoor paradise –for winter and summer.

Visit Fireside Living at www.FiresidelivingNH.com. The showroom/store is located at 1203 Union Avenue in Laconia. Call 603-527-8044.

Protect Landscapes from Wildlife and More Over the Winter

Landscapes are vulnerable to the elements during the cold weather months. Everything from de-icing products to hungry animals to the weight of snow can affect trees, shrubs and other plants.

Just because certain greenery will go dormant during the winter doesn’t mean landscape maintenance ends when the mercury dips. Homeowners can take certain actions to winterproof their properties and safeguard landscapes so they recover more readily when spring arrives.

Utilize barriers and deterrents.

When resources are scarce, animals will be on the hunt for anything that’s edible, and that includes whatever greenery is growing on a landscape. Physical barriers in garden beds and around trees can help prevent damage caused by moles, voles and deer. Line the bottom and sides of garden beds with garden cloth to prevent ground-burrowing animals from getting in from beneath, suggests the gardening resource I Must Garden.

Wrapping shrubs in burlap or covering them in temporary netting can deter deer, who will seek accessible food sources over the winter. Erect fencing around new trees to keep deer away from the bark and lower branches.

Make the yard less attractive to deer and burrowers by opting for fat-based suet cakes to feed birds rather than loose seeds and berries in feeders, which herbivores will enjoy. Also, don’t overwater or mulch landscapes too early. The loose soil and warmth of the mulch may entice moles and voles and other rodents to stick around in those areas and feed on plants.

Use a safer melting product

Investigate options in snowmelt products, as traditional rock salt can injure buds and branches and kill lawns. In addition, avoid piling salted snow in one area of the landscape, as it will concentrate the salt in that spot. Spread out snow piles to help minimize the damage to delicate plants.

Secure saplings and juvenile plants

Harsh winds and battering snow can damage young plants. Use stakes and lattices to secure them so they’ll be better able to withstand the weather, suggests Total Landscape Management, a commercial and residential landscaping company.

Promptly remove snow from branches to help trees and shrubs; otherwise, the weight of ice and snow can break off branches and cause irreparable damage.

Erect a snow barrier

Prior observation tends to educate homeowners about which areas of the landscape are most vulnerable to snow drifts and blustery winds. During the winter, winds often blow in from a northeasterly direction, but each homeowner can make his or her own assessment. Put up a tarp between two stakes to serve as a “snow fence” that protects vulnerable areas of the landscape from blowing snow.

Keep plants cozy

Wrap plants in burlap, garden blankets and plant domes to insulate them from cold weather and some animals. Move container plants into a garage or shielded area for the winter.

Winter can place landscapes in peril. A few strategies can provide protection. ~metro

Traditional Fall Flavors

By Kelly Ross

Hello Friends. Welcome to my favorite time of year as I adore the autumn season in a ginormous way. For most of my life I’ve been up to my eyeballs in hot, sweaty kitchens of a busy summer and I welcomed autumn in a huge way. The kids are back in school, us kitchen sweat hogs would get a break for a

few weeks between the summer and the crazy foliage season, and I always welcomed it.

There is zero doubt the fall season is insane in any professional kitchen in the Lakes Region, but most of us are way OK with it in that usually the temps aren’t nearly as hot as the summer and we all can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Once foliage

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ends, us kitchen dudes/dudettes know we have a mellow break to catch our breath.

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All that being said, let’s think about some great autumn recipes if that’s cool with all of you. We will be talking about many items, for all courses, and with some incredible traditional fall flavors, in particular, apples, pumpkin and butternut squash. Let’s start with a couple of breakfast ideas.

One of the most obvious fall flavors is pumpkin, although that is sort of a love/hate thing with many. The lovers adore it, and haters despise it. I’m a monkey in the middle on this theme, but I do like it a lot in smaller doses. The pumpkin overkill can be overwhelming, especially when it starts during summer…ughh. Most pumpkin recipes, when done in moderation without a pumpkin overdose, can be incredible and so darn good, and I think these 2 breakfast treats will be perfect for you.

Let’s start with a great coffee cake. Bring you and your family the taste of the pumpkin season in this easy morning treat, especially when topped with a great brown sugar cinnamon streusel crumb topping. Absolutely delicious. Total time invested will be less than an hour and should feed 9 of you.

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Pumpkin Coffee Cake

For the Streusel Crumb Topping

¼ cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup light brown sugar

1 tbsp cinnamon

4 tbsp cold butter

For the Coffee Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp pumpkin spice, or 1 tsp nutmeg.

½ tsp each of ground cloves and allspice

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 cup canned pumpkin

½ cup canola or vegetable oil

½ cup brown sugar

Pellet

¼ cup milk

¼ cup maple syrup

For The Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp milk

¼ tsp vanilla extract

Dash of ground cinnamon, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×9 square baking dish with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice together until combined well. In a separate medium bowl, mix the pumpkin, brown sugar, oil, maple syrup, and milk together well. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined but do not overmix or coffee cake will be denser.  Pour the batter into the baking pan and spread evenly in the pan. In a small bowl, mix the dry crumb topping ingredients together and then add in the cold butter and press with a fork. Press until a crumb consistency is made and all is well combined. Sprinkle the crumb topping over on top of the batter. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Bake for another 5 minutes if the toothpick is mostly wet. Let sit for 20-30 minutes, then combine the glaze ingredients and mix well and drizzle over the cake. If you prefer to make muffins instead of a coffee cake, cook time will be more like 20 minutes. I suggest refrigerating leftovers.

Next, let’s go with a pumpkin banana bread theme, and let’s toss in some chocolate chips while we are at it. Isn’t that a great combo of flavors? I don’t think I need to elaborate a ton on this one, other than to tell you that this will also be prepped and

cooked in a little less than an hour and this makes two loaves of deliciousness.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

3 large eggs

½ cup milk

2 ripe bananas

½ cup vegetable or canola oil

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

¾ cup pumpkin puree

2/3 cup granulated sugar

½ tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

½ tsp allspice

¾ tsp salt

2 ¾ cup all-purpose flour

2/3 cup chocolate chips, plus extra for the top

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. In a second bowl, combine the next five ingredients, then add it to the wet and mix until the sugar is well blended. Next, add in the flour, about ½ cup at a time until well combined. Gently fold/stir in the 2/3 cup chocolate chips. Grease two 8×4 or 9×5 baking pans. Pour in the batter and add additional chocolate chips on top. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. This is awesome sliced and in the toaster, buttered and grilled, or just the way it is as there is no bad way or time to eat this.

It’s lunchtime boys and girls, and one thing the autumn

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screams is soup season. This one also has a pumpkin theme, is much healthier than the breakfast breads and the other main ingredient in this soup is black beans, which I love big time. This is scrumptious as well as a quickie. This should take care of 6 of you.

Easy Pumpkin Soup

1 tbsp olive oil

½ onion chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup half and half

1 can pumpkin, 15 oz

3 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp chili powder

⅛ tsp ground nutmeg

1 can black beans, 15 oz, drained and rinsed

Add the olive oil to a small skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the onions and garlic to all the other ingredients in a large pot and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until soup is heated all the way through. If you care to put on low and let simmer a bit, that works as well although you may want to have more chicken stock on hand to occasionally add as it will thicken up on you. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla chip strips.

Let’s add one more soup to today’s food equation, although this soup gets teamed up with an amazing but unique grilled cheese sandwich. This recipe is dedicated to my dear Gram

who I miss in a very big way. Whenever we would go out for lunch, it was almost a guarantee that she would order soup and a half sandwich, and both halves of this equation would have been right in her wheelhouse. The soup’s main player was one of her favorite flavors, butternut squash, and the grilled cheese sandwich has apples stuffed in between the bread and cheese. Quite the fall combo in my book.

The layering of the apple slices into grilled cheese sandwiches adds a yummy crunch to a favorite soup dipper. The creamy butternut squash soup also has fresh apples in the mix, as well as ginger, cumin and turmeric and is a nice change of pace from grilled cheese’s usual tomato soup partner. If you have a sensitive palate, you can cut back on the spices. Be sure to use seasonal squash for the best squash flavor. Serve the duo for a comforting and easy weeknight dinner for the family. The soup keeps well in the fridge, so save leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week. The total time is in the 45-minute range, and this will feed 4. Remember, soup is always at its best eating a day or 2

after to let the flavors gel with one another, but it’s still outstanding the day of. I usually double up on the soup recipe to enjoy for a few days.

Butternut Squash & Apple Soup with Grilled Cheese & Apple Sandwiches

2 tbsp grapeseed or coconut oil, divided

1 cup chopped white sweet onion

2 tbsp fresh minced ginger

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground turmeric

¼ tsp cayenne pepper, plus more for garnish

5 cups of 1-inch cubed peeled butternut squash

1 can light coconut milk, 15 oz, plus more if desired as a drizzle for garnish

2 cups chicken broth or stock

2 apples, cored and thinly sliced

¾ tsp salt

1 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice

8 slices whole wheat bread

Butter for the bread for grilling

2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese

Fresh grind black pepper

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and ginger, cook and stir, until starting to soften, about 3 minutes. Add cumin, turmeric, and cayenne, stirring for 30 seconds. Add squash, coconut milk, broth, the slices of 1 apple, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in lime juice. Remove from heat. Purée the soup in the pan using an immersion blender or in batches in a blender. If using a blender, do so with caution when blending hot liquids. Butter all slices of bread on one side, lay on a slightly warm griddle/pan, divide cheese among the 8 slices, top 4 of the slices with apple slices, and turn the heat up to medium, making sure not to burn. As you can see the cheese melt on the slices without the apple, put those on top of the slices with

the apples and cook until bread is golden brown, flip if needed and the cheese is wonderfully ooey and gooey. Cut them in half. Garnish the soup with coconut milk drizzle, more cayenne and ground pepper, if desired.

For one more sammich today, we will bring in butternut squash once again, this time roasting the squash for what makes an outstanding vegetarian sandwich that any carnivore will enjoy as much as the vegetarian crowd. This roasted squash number is like autumn squished between baked ciabatta rolls. The combo of hearty, thyme-roasted butternut squash, rich white cheddar cheese, tangy pickled red onions, and zesty Dijon mayo creates a filling vegetarian sandwich, great for lunch or dinner. Plan on 45 minutes and this makes 4 sandwiches.

Butternut Squash Sandwich with Cheddar and Pickled Onions

1 medium butternut squash, about 2 lbs

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

8 sprigs of fresh thyme

2 garlic cloves, smashed

1 ¾ tsp kosher salt, divided

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup red wine vinegar

1 ½ tsp sugar

½ medium red onion, thinly sliced

¼ cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

4 ciabatta rolls

4 slices white cheddar

1 cup arugula

Arrange racks in the middle and upper thirds of a 450-degree preheated oven. Cut squash in half crosswise where the neck

and body meet. Peel and seed. Slice neck lengthwise into ¼ thick planks, about 2 ½ long. Slice body into ¼ inch slices. Divide squash, oil, thyme, garlic, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper between 2 rimmed baking sheets. Toss to combine, then arrange in a single layer. Bake, toss once halfway through and rotating trays, until squash is tender, 18–20 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring vinegar, sugar, remaining ¾ tsp salt, and ½ cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, then stir in onion. Let cool. Whisk mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl. Once the pans are out of the oven, remove thyme leaves from stems, then finely chop leaves and garlic, then stir into mayonnaise mixture. Slice rolls in half and toast in oven for 5 minutes. Spread 2 tbsp mayonnaise mixture on bottom halves. Top each with squash, cheese, 1 ½ tbsp pickled red onion, and arugula. If you care to prep the squash and onions in advance, the squash can be roasted as much as 3 days ahead by bringing to room temp, cover, and chill. Onions can be made 1 month ahead, also under refrigeration. Although you can eat the squash cold on your sandwich, I usually either lightly pan cook them or microwave them. It’s a perfect fall gem.

We’ve made some breakfast breads, a couple of soups and sandwiches, so let’s get down and dirty with some great entrée dinner ideas. This Alfredo pasta dish is one I use in all seasons, but it sure does scream autumn. The great part of this, especially for those avoiding gluten as much as possible, is that the pasta is butternut squash, after peeling into ribbons of sorts. The delicate veggie strands are a great base for any number of sauces and toppings, like this creamy and decadent Alfredo sauce with chicken, garlic, and spinach. So not only is the butternut a much healthier option than pasta, but the sauce here has no cream, so this will rightfully intrigue many. It has amaz-

ing flavor, will feed 4, and plan on 45 minutes or so.

Butternut Squash Alfredo with Chicken & Spinach

2 ½ lbs peeled butternut squash

1 cup chicken broth or stock

½ cup dry white wine

1 lb of chicken tenders, or breasts cut into tenders

8 cloves of garlic, peeled

8 cups baby spinach

1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese, plus 3 tbsp, divided

½ cup sour cream

3 tbsp unsalted butter

1/8 tsp fresh grind black pepper

Pinch of fresh grated nutmeg

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Put a large pot of water to boil. Using a spiral vegetable slicer or a julienne or regular vegetable peeler, cut squash into long, thin strands. You should have about 10 cups of squash “noodles.” Combine broth, wine, and garlic in a medium saucepan, bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer, add chicken, cover, and cook until the chicken is cooked through, and the garlic is soft, 10-12 minutes. Scoop chicken out and set aside to cool somewhat and take the sauce off the heat. Meanwhile, cook the squash noodles in the boiling pot of water, stirring often, for 2 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and stir in spinach. Drain in a colander for 3 minutes, then transfer to a serving bowl. Cover with foil to keep warm. Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board and chop it into bite-size pieces. Transfer the garlic and broth to a blender and process until smooth, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn yourself. Return the mixture to the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add cornstarch mixture, whisk until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Whisk in 1 cup Parmesan, sour cream, butter, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in the chicken and cook for 1 minute more. Pour the chicken mixture over the 4 plates of squash noodles. Serve topped with the remaining 3 tbsp Parmesan and parsley.

For the last dinner themed recipe today, this one, like the last, is a twist on a classic pasta dish. Instead of a pasta alfredo with a twist, this one is a pumpkin lasagna. The big difference between this one and the last is that one does include actual pasta, and the pumpkin is the main ingredient in the sauce. Swiss chard and onions are the veggies involved, and the only cheese is parmesan. This feeds 4 and prep/cook time is less than an hour, more than half of that as cooking time.

Pumpkin Lasagna

2 tbsp olive oil

2 onions, chopped

2 lbs Swiss chard, tough stems removed, leaves washed well and chopped

2 ¼ tsp salt

1 tsp fresh-ground black pepper

1 tsp dried sage

½ tsp grated nutmeg

3 cups canned pumpkin puree, one 28 oz can

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 ½ cups grated Parmesan

½ cup milk

9 oven ready lasagna noodles, about 6 oz

1 tbsp butter

In a large nonstick frying pan, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Increase the heat to moderately high and add the chard, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, ½ tsp sage, and ¼ tsp nutmeg. Cook, stirring, until the chard is wilted, and no liquid remains in the pan, 5-10 minutes.  Heat the oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups of the pumpkin, ¾ cup cream, ½ cup Parmesan, and the remaining 1 ¼ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, ½ tsp sage, and ¼ tsp nutmeg.  Pour the milk into an 8 x 12 baking dish. Top the milk with one third of the noodles, then spread half the pumpkin mixture over the noodles. Layer half the Swiss chard over the pumpkin and top with a second layer of noodles. Repeat with another layer of pumpkin, Swiss chard, and noodles. Combine the remaining 1 cup of pumpkin and ¾ cup of cream. Spread the mixture evenly over the top

of the lasagna, sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of Parmesan, and dot with the butter. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until golden, about 15 minutes more. Like any lasagna, let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Now for what seems to be most people’s favorite course, it’s dessert time. Two of these have apples as the main character and the last one is a pecan pumpkin pie. For starters, arguably the trendiest fall snack over the last decade or so is apple cider doughnuts, so for this one, we are taking that mentality and turning it into an amazing cake. It does include a “cheat” of sorts as we will be using a store-bought cake mix, but once finished with all of these tweaks involved, you’d never know the difference. This is very flavorful as well as moist and finished with the cinnamon sugar mix well associated with the inspiration doughnut associated with it. Total time is again right around an hour and gets you a dozen servings.

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake

For The Cake

1 box yellow cake mix, 15.25 oz

1 cup apple cider, NOT apple juice, at room temp

½ cup cinnamon smooth apple sauce

3 large eggs, room temp

¼ tsp cinnamon or more if preferred

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

For The Topping

2 tbsp cinnamon

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup melted butter

For The Dipping Glaze

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1 cup powdered sugar

¼ cup apple cider

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, beat the dry cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, water, and eggs. Add the cinnamon, brown sugar and vanilla to the cake mix batter. Pour mix into a well-greased & floured Bundt pan. Place the pan on center rack and bake for 40-45 minutes. Test with a toothpick by sticking it into the middle of the cake, if it comes out clean it is ready. Remove from heat and allow to cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes. While the cake is cooking, prepare apple cider glaze. Add powdered sugar and ¼ cup apple cider to a small bowl and whisk to desired consistency. In a separate bowl, mix cinnamon with sugar. Once the cake has cooled, brush the entire surface with melted butter. Rub cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. Serve with apple cider glaze dip or drizzle the glaze over the cake and enjoy! If you would prefer, you can make this in mini muffin pans. Just follow the instructions above but instead of putting it in the Bundt pan, put it in a well-greased mini muffin pan. Fill them just short of the top of the muffin cup top. Bake at 350 for about 14 minutes. To tell if they are done insert a toothpick in the center of a muffin and if it comes out clean, they are done. Let them cool for about 15 minutes and take a sharp knife to loosen the edges and they should easily come out. Brush the tops with melted butter and dip them generously in the cinnamon sugar.

When it comes to the autumn season and apple desserts,

other than making an apple pie, arguably the most popular apple dessert is a classic apple crisp. As much as I love any crisp recipe regardless of the fruit or berries involved, this combo of apples and caramel makes this an easy top 3 recipe for me during the fall and winter seasons. This treat is made in an 8-inch baking dish using 2 lbs of apples. Depending on how quickly you can peel the apples will dictate time somewhat, but under an hour is a safe bet. This will serve 8-10 of you. Don’t forget the vanilla ice cream to top it with.

Extreme Caramel Apple Crisp

2 lbs cleaned up fresh sliced apples, or 2 lbs frozen apple slices, or 2 cans sliced apples, 20 oz each

½ cup plus 3 tbsp granulated sugar, divided

2 tbsp cornstarch

½ tsp ground cinnamon

20 soft caramel candies, unwrapped

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ tsp salt

4 tbsp butter, softened

3 tbsp heavy cream

½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine apples, ½ cup sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and caramels, mix well then pour into baking dish. In a medium bowl, combine flour, remaining 3 tbsp sugar, salt, butter, and cream and mix until crumbly.

Sprinkle over apple mixture. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and top is golden. In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly. Drizzle over crumb topping and let cool slightly.

Lastly, 2 very popular pies during the season, as well as at Thanksgiving, are pumpkin and pecan.  This recipe is sort of a combo of them both. Admittedly, I’m not a huge pumpkin pie fan, but I love this one. The combo of the creamy pumpkin and the crunch and flavor of the pecans makes this an outstanding marriage and extremely decadent. As opposed to the rest of the recipes today, this one takes longer to cook and should sit for 4 hours before diving in. Prep time is 20 minutes or so if you use a store bought 9-inch pie crust, obviously longer if making your own, which is always better, and cook time is 1 ¼ hour and will get you 8 slices of yumminess.

Pumpkin Pecan Pie

For The Pie

2 large eggs

1 can pumpkin puree, 15 oz

1 cup evaporated milk

14 oz sweetened condensed milk

½ tsp kosher salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground ginger

½ tsp ground cloves

For The Pecan Topping

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup light brown sugar

2 tbsp cornstarch

¾ cup light corn syrup

4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

½ tsp kosher salt

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 ¾ cups chopped pecans

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and place 9-inch-deep pie crust/dish onto a cookie sheet. In a large bowl, combine eggs, pumpkin, the milks, salt, and spices. Whisk until completely combined. Pour the pumpkin pie mixture into the pie crust. Bake for 15 minutes, then turn the oven down to 350 degrees and bake for another 50-60 minutes, or until the pie is set around the edges and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before placing it into the fridge to cool, 4 hours to overnight. For the topping, combine the sugars, corn starch, corn syrup, butter, salt, and eggs in a medium saucepan. Stir until combined and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and 1 ½ cups of the pecans, reserving ¼ cup for garnishing. Pour the pecan pie mixture into a bowl. Let the mixture cool on the counter for 10 minutes and then refrigerate for 1 hour. Once the mixture has thickened and the pie has cooled completely and set, scoop the pecan pie mixture onto the top of the pumpkin pie and even out with a rubber spatula or whatever works best for you, then sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped pecans on top. Serve and enjoy as I know you will.

I wish you all an outstanding season of fall, foliage, leaf raking, Columbus Day, and beyond. If you have any questions or feedback regarding these recipes, please reach out to me at fenwaysox10@gmail.com

Wood Floor Cleaning Guide

Wood floors are coveted for a number of reasons, not the least of which is their aesthetic appeal. Many people prefer wood flooring because dust and dirt do not become trapped as they would in carpet fibers, seemingly making wood flooring easy to clean. Most floors endure a lot of wear and tear. However, with care, wood flooring may last for decades. Part of that care includes understanding how to properly clean and maintain wood floors so they look their best. The following are some steps for keeping wood floors as pristine as possible.

• Remove shoes. It’s a good idea to remove shoes, particularly heels, when walking on wood floors. Sharp heels, cleats and other shoes can scratch or dent wood flooring. All shoes can track in excess dirt, which can contribute to a lack of luster as well.

• Sweep or vacuum frequently. The experts at The Spruce suggest sweeping, vacuuming or dust mopping wood floors daily. Dirt and dust make floors more slippery, and dirt or sand particles can lead to scratches on the floor.

• Learn your flooring type. Wood flooring is broken down into three main categories: solid hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring and laminate wood flooring. Traditional hardwood is made of planks or strips of any hardwood covered in a wood stain. Engineered flooring is manufactured by gluing together several thin plies of hardwood. Laminate flooring looks like wood but generally is a veneer or a photographic image of wood covered by a thick layer of melamine resin over fiberboard.

• Skip harsh cleansers. Regardless of flooring type, most are covered by a sealant that can become streaky or dull if the wrong cleanser is used. Avoid chlorine bleach, ammonia, pine oil, or undiluted vinegar. Instead, choose a cleanser that is specifically recommended for the flooring type. Do not allow water or solutions to sit on the floor, as that can contribute to staining and warping. With laminate flooring, avoid wet mopping unless the flooring is specifically marked as being able to be wet. The underlayers of laminate flooring can warp if it gets wet.

• Damp is better than wet. When cleaning wood flooring, use a damp rather than a soaking wet mop. Better Homes & Gardens says standing water can damage wood surfaces.

• Use the hard floor setting. When vacuuming, adjust the vacuum to a hard flooring setting, which will not engage the brush rollers on the vacuum head. Rollers can scratch wood and laminate flooring, advises The Home Depot.

• Use repair products as needed. Scratch and repair kits can fill in small scratches. Wood floor polish and wood waxes also can revitalize worn floors. Again, check that the product is safe for your particular flooring before use.

Wood floors bring warmth to a home and are very popular. Cleaning them correctly can add to their appeal and longevity. ~metro

Room

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Since the pandemic, people have been moving to the Lakes Region to escape city life. They might have planned to be here for a while but discovered reasons to stay, the biggest being the proximity to Lake Winnipesaukee. Along with the pandemic, there are many reasons why people are moving into the area.

For one Gilford family, John and Cathy (last names not given as per the couple’s request), the reason was quite simple: they have family in the area and are nearing retirement age, so they decided to move in the spring of 2020. It had less to do with escaping the pandemic than finding a forever

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

home they could visit often in their pre-retirement years. With three grown children spread around the country, John and Cathy wanted a relaxing, fun place to share when their kids and extended family visited.

They searched for the right home for quite some time but did not find what they wanted. Ready to put aside their dream of a Lakes Region home, John and Cathy agreed to one last showing via their realtor. She had found a little gem of a home in Gilford and thought it would be worth a look. It checked off all the boxes for the couple, with a wooded property and a deceptively small yet charming house.

John and Cathy were honestly tired of looking but agreed to take a tour, but their expectations were low. They were pleasantly surprised when touring the home, which was spacious inside yet designed to be cozy. The house has three floors, with four bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, a laundry room, a beautiful kitchen with breakfast nook, and a large dining room/ living room.

After their offer was accepted, John and Cathy moved into their second home and began to enjoy all the area had to offer.

Although the house had everything they wanted, plus a gazebo, a large deck, and even an outdoor seating area with a fire pit, it lacked one thing: a garage. Having already improved a few things in their second home, they put off building a garage for a while. (Improvements included paving the driveway, minor improvements to the home’s interior, and adding a whole-house generator to ensure electricity to power and heat the home when they were not on site, and a storm might cut the power.)

Eventually, their life changed. After enjoying their second home whenever they could, Cathy retired. It was time to sell their Massachusetts home and move to their Lakes Region house full-time. The move was bold and ahead of their original plan to wait until retirement for Cathy and John to live

full-time in New Hampshire. The revised plan was for the husband to spend his working days staying with family in Massachusetts but commute from New Hampshire as often as possible. Eventually, he would retire and live full-time in the Lakes Region.

Like most Boston-area homes, their house sold rapidly, and they began to pack up for a move to their Lakes Region home. The headaches of the move were compounded by a decision to build the garage. However, the build’s stress was significantly reduced when they hired a take-charge construction company –Revolution Building & Design LLC – from Belmont, New Hampshire. Revolution owner Jake Dahlborg would act as the general contractor and handle everything from the actual build to conferring with John and Cathy and suggesting trusted subcontractors, such as an electrician, painters, drywall workers, a plumber, insulator, and HVAC.

Says John, “The home never had a garage in the past, but we saw it as a good addition. We dreamed about it but weren’t ready to undertake such a big project in the past. A friend, Lyle, knew we wanted a garage and kindly designed one for us. (Lyle is a former architect.)”

The couple have the original plans on display in their home and will always keep this piece of their history. The

Stacey Morin

Ron Morin

design was perfect, with a two-stall car area on the main floor and an apartment on the second floor. The exterior would echo the color and design of the main house, and a breezeway would connect both structures.

It might seem like a simple project, but due to its size (26 by 30 ft.), such a build was time-consuming. Builder Jake of Revolution Building & Design kept them on track and gave frequent reports on the progress each step of the way. “The project took about a year, from start to finish,” says Dahlborg. “We broke ground in November, and the site work was easy.”

According to Dahlborg, the build sequence was surveying the property, working with town ordinances, excavating, building the foundation, framing the garage, putting on the roof, and continuing the job from there. “We always knew there would be an apartment above the garage,” says Dahlborg.

Four Revolution carpenters were working on the job throughout the winter. However, before the building could start, the first order of business was to move a gazebo on the property. “It was, unfortunately, in the area where the garage would sit; it had to be relocated elsewhere,” recalls the couple.

“We initially thought of selling the gazebo but decided to

keep it. We found All-Aspects Construction Experts, LLC, owned by Joe Harder, on a local Facebook page. The company is in Gilford, so it was convenient, and they did a great job. Excavator Emery Roberts, used a large Lull forklift to move the gazebo, and it was a simple job.”

Laughing as she looks back on the October day the gazebo was moved, Cathy recalls being nervous as the structure was raised via forklift from its former location across a lawn area and eventually reset on the other side of the house. It was a quick and easy job for the forklift operator.

With houseguests recently sleeping in the gazebo due to an overflow of visiting family, John and Cathy are glad they decided to keep the screened structure for just such occasions. “Also, it’s a great, relaxing place to sit and enjoy coffee outdoors,” adds Cathy.

Because there is limited space on the property, the couple had initial concerns that there would be room for the garage. They learned by a trip to the town of Gilford that any building would need to be 25 ft. from the property line, and they were within those measurements and could begin the build.

“The garage would be 26 by 30 ft.,” says Cathy. “From the start, we wanted an apartment above the garage. It would give us extra space when we have visitors, and we could use it as a primary bedroom in the future should we decide to

do so.”

With many sub-contractors to be scheduled and carpenters from Revolution Building & Design on-site, the project might have been a mishmash of workers. However, Revolution’s owner, Jake, kept the project on schedule, and the homeowners say the process was more straightforward than they initially assumed.

Along the way, they chose accessories for the apartment, such as door handles for kitchen cabinets, wall lights, flooring, and subway tile for the kitchen, to name but a few of the areas. Ceiling fans and a sconce were also chosen for the apartment. “We worked with Jake on the overall design, and he steered us to good subcontractors. We shopped a lot to find the right fixtures and the sink, refrigerator, stove, bathroom sink, and shower to fit the space and our needs. Such special features as a modern lighted mirror above the bathroom sink are quite helpful when used,” says Cathy. “I saw it online and had it delivered.”

The couple wanted a wall-mounted fireplace for the living room section of the apartment and began a search for a suitable fire feature as the project neared completion. The fireplace would be mounted under a large, flat-screen TV on the wall. An attractive background would be a soft and

light gray shiplap wall. Such touches as the shiplap wall add a unique character to the apartment, making it a special space.

Shopping for the fireplace unit they desired, the couple took their time, knowing it would be a significant and permanent part of the overall design of the living space. They eventually found an electric fireplace that successfully warms the room while creating a cozy ambiance.

Cathy smiles as she says, “The original TV we chose was too small for the space; we didn’t realize it until it was installed. We returned it for something larger that fits the space.” These little mistakes are to be expected when undertaking such a large project.

Mariah of Norfolk Kitchen and Bath handled the design for the kitchen area. While the kitchen is small, workflow considerations and where appliances would fit were vital. The result is a thoughtful, successful design where a meal can be prepped and served. The homeowners know they will not be cooking a big Thanksgiving dinner in such a modest space, but they could do so in the main house.

The countertops in the kitchen are of attractive quartz, and the backsplash is in a subway tile design.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring runs throughout the apart -

PROTECTING

ment to create a light and cohesive look that will be durable for years.

A breezeway connecting the main house to the garage is of particular interest. Jake and his team could have built a standard connector between the house and garage but crafted the area with attractive yellow pine flooring. The breezeway can be used as a mudroom, where boots and outdoor things can be stored.

The garage will shelter the homeowners’ vehicles and be appreciated in cold and snowy New Hampshire winters. Add-ons in the garage include a charging station for the couple’s hybrid car. They searched for the charger they wanted and found it in a Charge Point product.

The project is nearing completion as of press time (late summer of 2023). Many of the major, necessary things are done, such as connecting the whole-house generator to the garage and installing propane tanks.

Also finished are the central air/heating for the garage and apartment. The kitchen and bathroom are completed, the walls painted, and finally, the reddish brick color of the main house exterior is matched and painted on the garage, seamlessly tying the two structures together.

Explains Cathy, “We also want to put an epoxy finish on the garage floor so we can use the space as a rec room if we wish.”

“We are thrilled with the finished project, and we can’t wait to use the garage and welcome guests to our forever home,” concludes the homeowners.

Autumn is all about strengthening your green space for the offseason. From nourishing your soil to pruning and fertilizing, our services can help keep your trees and shrubs healthy during the changing weather.

Robyn Ross: Lakes Region’s Chair Caning Artist

By Mark Okrant

Each time Robyn Ross painstakingly restores a beautiful cane chair, she is propagating an art form that is many centuries old. At the same time, the Laconia resident is continuing a tradition that has been in her family for several generations. The proprietor of one of a handful of chair caning businesses in the Granite State, Ross is the third generation in her family to perform the craft. Ross learned caning from her mother, Louise Sawyer, who, in turn, was taught by her father.

So, how did chair caning evolve? In all probability, the earliest cane work was done in ancient China. At some point in very early times, the technique made its way to Egypt. We know this because caned chairs have been found in Egyptian tombs dating to 1300 BCE, more than three thousand years ago.

The earliest evidence of the craft in Europe dates to 1500 AD, where seat caners and weavers in England and France were given the name, “bottomers.” Meanwhile, those who specialized in weaving fiber rush were called “matters” for their skill in creating floor mats by hand. Written evidence indicates that caned bottom chairs were very popular among affluent Europeans during the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. Later, with the onset of the Industrial Revolution, a relationship developed between industry and the arts. During the 1830s and 1840s, factories produced quality wooden furniture that was turned over to artisans who wove seat bottoms as a cottage industry enterprise. By the 1890s, machines were incorporated into the process, creating woven sheets of cane that were pressed into a groove in the chair’s frame. This

method still exists today, creating an alternative to the hand woven seat bottom.

There are a number of misconceptions about chair caning. One of these is that most chairs are made from woven rattan. Rattan—or pressed cane—is a very long vine from the rattan palm, calamus rotang, that grows in the rainforests of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and China. The very flexible vine snakes its way along the forest floor before climbing up through the trees in search of sunlight. These vines, which can grow from one to six hundred feet in length, are miserable to harvest and work with. First, thorns and joints need to be removed; next the bark must be separated from the core and processed into strips. Creating rattan chairs has been described as tedious, time consuming, and very hard on the weaver’s hands.

So, what types of caning are most popular among caners in this part of the world? The leaders are splints weave, fiber rush, pressed cane, shaker tapes, and pre-twisted natural rush. If you’re like me, these terms might as well be Klingon in origin. Splints weave utilizes ash splints that come in widths ranging from one-half to one inch. These are handstripped from timber, then woven into an attractive herringbone pattern. Fiber rush is constructed from tough, twisted paper—that’s right, paper—ranging from 4/32 to 6/32 of an inch in width. Some people may laugh at the notion of sitting on a seat bottom made of paper. However, be advised that the stuff is very durable. Pressed cane is made from rattan palm. Most US weavers eschew its use for reasons described above. Some weavers use reeds imported from Madagascar or China;

however, these artisans principally produce baskets. Finally, the Shaker tape technique is derived from the Shaker communities that were at their peak during the mid-nineteenth century. Shaker tapes are one inch wide and are produced in a variety of colors. The resulting chairs are characterized by very attractive two-tone checkerboard patterns.

In an effort to learn more about weaving in the Lakes Region, we were fortunate enough to interview Robyn Ross, proprietor of Robyn’s Chair Caning in Laconia, for a second time. In the true tradition of a cottage industry, Ross operates a caning business inside her Moulton Street house. We were interested to learn whether chair caning—much like the region’s vital tourism industry—has a peak season. Ross explained that the high-season for caning chairs closely matches the time period when summer visitation is at its zenith. Ross depends substantially on summer visitors arriving at houses and cottages they own or rent in the area. Therefore, the time between May and October, into November, provides most of her business. Once Thanksgiving passes, demand for caning services is dramatically reduced.

Many people believe that caning is an activity wherein Ross and her colleagues produce brand new chairs for clients. In reality, Ross has not produced a single new chair during more than thirty years as a caner. Rather, she does much of her work for antique dealers and furniture repair businesses that have acquired worn or damaged chairs in need of doctoring. Many of these proprietors have worked with Ross for years, having evolved a symbiotic relationship between businesses.

With rare exceptions, Ross does all of her repair work in her home. When asked how often she needed to repair the same chair a second time, her response was, “Never.” Cane chair seats last thirty years with normal wear and tear. Now,

more than three years after our initial interview, her work continues to last. Recently, Ross decided to give resin wicker (or “plastic”) a try, as it is preferred by a growing audience. Contrary to popular belief that it will last forever, she found that it does not hold up anywhere near as long as traditional wicker.

Antique dealers, furniture repair businesses, and owners of wounded chairs can reach Robyn’s Chair Caning by contacting Ross in advance. Call or text her at 603 520-4450, or email robyn@chaircaningnh.com. This past August, she did demonstrations at the Hopkinton Fair. The venture proved worthwhile, as she picked up a number of clients there.

Other New Hampshire-based chair caners include: Viviers Chair Caning in Manchester (603 497-3751), the Caning Corner in Bristol (781 844-5186), Thelemarck Chair Weavers in Albany (603 622-2135) and New England Porch Rockers in Rochester (603 393-6451).