The latest from the Gang ... 

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

Chris B, Jan G, Cindi A, Carol B, Jane P, Meredith P. Photo by Robert R

The weather on November 4 was spectacular for a walk around Gates Pond in Berlin, MA. It was also a great place for folks who walk at different paces. We followed the outdoor activity with lunch on the patio at the 110 Grill at Highland Commons, just around the corner from the new L.L.Bean store that was having its grand opening that day! Needless to say, we all enjoyed being outside in early November!

Cindy A

Carol B, Lainey O, Chris B, Meredith P, Jan U (Al G taking picture)

October 22 was a beautiful fall day on which 6 of us went to the Addison Gallery of American Art on the campus of Phillips Academy in Andover. We viewed the Scottish born photojournalist Harry Benson’s black and white four stories from the 1960’s era: Building of the Berlin Wall; The Beatles First American Tour;The James Meredith March Against Fear; and, The assassination of Robert Kennedy. All of which captured defining moments of this tumultuous period in history. Afterwards we walked the beautiful trails behind the gallery followed by lunch at The Bartlett Andover.  We all agreed the day was fun and it was so nice to get together.

Carol B