The latest from the Gang ... 

We returned to the Silver Fox Inn for the second year and weren’t disappointed. Thirty-three folks traveled from near and far to share in the fun. We kicked off the week with our welcome pizza party. Among the group were recent and long-time members reconnecting with the gang. We welcomed the new members with our usual flair…starting with lots of introductions, sharing the history of the gang, and ensuring they
enjoyed plenty of snacks and refreshments.

Every day, people chose their preferred winter activity…some outdoors such as x-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, or downhill. And for those who wanted to stay warm, there was the Waterville Valley Athletic Club with a swimming pool, hot tub, and workout equipment. Reading a book by the roaring fireplace was also an option. No excuse to stay in the hotel room!

The downhill skiers enjoyed well-groomed trails and even some fresh snow. The snow was even better if you were the brave (or crazy) few who took the T-bar to the top of the mountain. Reports were also favorable for the x-country and hiking trails. Seems like everyone took good advantage of their ski passes and gear.

We shared stories over the ample buffet breakfasts and dinners at the Inn. After indulging in the delicious dessert selections, no one went to bed hungry. While playing the game Chronology, a hard-core group exercised their brainpower to remember the dates of obscure world events. There was keen competition, and a few rematches occurred throughout the week. Thanks, Karen Sch, for bringing the game with you and thanks to Tom J. for emceeing!

By the end of the week, everyone agreed we should make the Silver Fox Inn an annual destination!

Unfortunately, Bob G. couldn’t join the trip due to a family emergency. We send his family our best wishes and hope to see him soon. And Bob would like to thank Elizabeth B. for taking over and running the trip in his absence.

Elizabeth B and Bob G

Dottie A, Joan S, Cyndy T, Joe C, Ines A, Maggi C, Maureen D, and taking photo Marco A.
Not in the photo: Elaine M and Joe M and Carol H.

A delightful lunch was enjoyed by 12 members of the South Mystery Group at One Bistro in Norwood, MA. The restaurant is aptly described as "Upscale Yet Casual.” Best of all, was seeing and catching up with some friends over drinks and delicious food. We look forward to our next lunch in February.

Joan S

Mt. Snow was a very pleasant surprise!  Tuesday, January 17, was our first day of skiing there and it was sunny, warm, and enough snow to make us happy!  It was so warm, we actually ate lunch outside at the base of the mountain!  Imagine, eating outdoors in the middle of January in New England!  Amazing!  Not every run was open, but many were and we took full advantage of those that were.  

Wednesday started out with a light rain, turned to a light snow, then the sun appeared once again!  Not bad!

Thursday was checkout day, not everyone skied but those who did, enjoyed it.

The Mountaineer Inn is under new ownership and management, so it was run differently from the past.  Our breakfast was continental style and dinner was from a bar-type menu, so we tried it the first night, then went out to other restaurants the other nights.

The new manager, Patrick, was also the receptionist, housekeeper, chief cook and bottle washer!  He does everything!  Works very hard and definitely aimed to please us.

We had a very enjoyable few days and everyone voted to come back next year

Maryann D

A new hotel…new dining options…different amenities…along with the typical unpredictable New England weather made for an exciting trip! Twenty-three Gang members braved the rain, fog, ice, and finally (on Friday!) beautiful snow to ski The Beast and to gather, play games, and feast on après-dinner cookies. 

The Gang stayed at The Mountain Inn, which is a stone’s throw from the Ramshead and Snowshed lodges. Monday night, we enjoyed a private champagne and hot hors d’oeuvres reception, where we caught up with Gang friends and welcomed 2 new members: Rose H and Peter V. Throughout the week, we took advantage of the wonderful on-site restaurant, bar and distillery, large and comfortable gathering space, and heated pool.  

Each day’s ski adventures along with yummy snacks were shared at the après ski happy hours. We all agreed the Habanero cheese was a nice thought, but leave it home next time, Nora. Game Master Tom J kept us playing and laughing with a variety of games and jokes. Kent Schreiber recorded many in the group with his Go Pro and posted on his YouTube channel.  

A hardy group of skiers braved the elements and went out daily. A few took time to explore locally.  Elizabeth B, Marge C, Ann Marie S and Tom J took a trip to Quechee for lunch and a glass blowing demonstration at Simon Pearce while others visited the shops and cafes in Woodstock. Thursday evening, 18 folks ventured out for dinner at Casey’s Caboose. Friday brought snow and better trail conditions for those who chose to ski. A fantastic ending to a fun week!

As co-leads for the Killington trip, Elizabeth and I want to extend special thanks to Helgard K and Bob G for gallantly accompanying Elizabeth on the hotel scouting runs. Just another wonderful Gang outing made possible by our volunteer forces!

Nora McK

Lisa, Peter, Tina, Ellen, Carleen.

Fifteen TOHG members - old and new - ushered in the 2022-23 ski season with lots of fanfare and camaraderie at the AMC Highland Center, located at Crawford Notch, NH. Most skied for the full 3 days, taking advantage of modest amounts of man-made snow on the few groomed trails Bretton Woods had to offer. Some also spent time hiking nature trails near the AMC property.

The meals were great and there was plenty of time left for puzzles and lively games of ping pong and UNO. Our prayers for snow were finally answered, albeit on the day we had to travel back! All managed to arrive back safely and looking forward to the next ski adventure.

Allen G, Laney O, Chris B, Karen L, Carol B and Meredith P. Photo by Robert R.

Eight members of the group attended the Merrimack Repertory Theater to see the Christmas Classic, Scrooge.  

After our encounter with the Christmas ghosts, we dined at a local Thai restaurant.

Chris B

Ninety members attended our favorite dress-up holiday brunch at the stunning Pleasant Valley Country Club. In the cheerful atmosphere, we enjoyed good food with our friends, met new ones, and shared stories about events, trips, and plans for the New Year. We also appreciated the attendance of one of our founding members, Joan Stafford.

Special thanks to Mary Weinert for contributing beautiful table centerpieces. These all found homes with our members.

While organizers and volunteers make our events possible, participating members make them memorable. Thank you all.

Marco A

Don S Mary Beth S, Ines A, Maggy C, Stephanie O, Nonie L, Jan G, Lawrence R, Susan R, Maureen D, and Marco A. Taking photo: Miriam.

Twelve members joined for 4.3 miles of a pretty forest hike on quiet trails. The hike included the Audubon Society Sanctuary and the Trustees of Reservations land where the former Sharon Sanatorium for Pulmonary Diseases operated. Only three of the five original buildings remain standing.
After the hike, members sat at the picnic tables to socialize and share snacks. Once again, Stephanie delighted the group with her delicious oatmeal, white chocolate chip, and cranberry cookies.

Stephanie O

Elsie L, Linda M, Maggie C, Joan S, Joe C, Nonie L, Stephanie O, Cathy P, 
Maureen D, Hyman and Sandy S 

The South Mystery group enjoyed a nice get together with 11 members who attended. The weather was great for a walk, with blue skies and cool temperature. We gathered at Big Bear Hole Pond at Massasoit State Park for a brief talk about the history of the park followed by a walk past the location of the old factory that over the years served as a cotton mill, a grist mill, and a manufacturing facility for board boxes.  We continued along one side of Middle Pond and walked to Lake Rico for a view of that beautiful lake. After the walk we were ready for lunch and adjourned to the Stoneforge Tavern for food and socialization.  

Elsie L

Deb G, Linda M, Anne H, Judy T, Karen S, Mary I, Pam K, “Smitty”,
Barbara M, Dawn M, Nancy C and Carole B

The North Mystery Group enjoyed a very interesting tour at a museum in New Hampshire that is privately owned by a friend of Carole B's family who started the remarkable collection as a hobby. There were three barns filled with antique trucks, milk trucks, tractors, and signs galore, all in pristine condition. Memories flooded back for all of us as we viewed display cases filled with candy, gum, and a wide variety of nostalgic memorabilia from days gone by.

Carol B