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Janice U
Maureen, Joe, Elsie, Cathy, Chuck, Sue, Maggie, Joan
A delightful and special Sunday brunch was enjoyed by eight members of the South Mystery Group at the Union Straw restaurant in Foxboro, MA.
What some of the members may not have been aware of was the historical background of this location. The Union Straw Works was the largest straw hat manufacturer started in 1884 and employed 6,000 people. Many women were drawn to Foxborough for employment. In addition to those who worked in the factory, there was a large “cottage industry” where women braided and sewed straw at home. The women in the factory were socially active, raising money to purchase the gates at Rock Hill Cemetery. They also put notes of support and encouragement in hats being made for the troops during the Civil War.
Joan S.
Fourteen enthusiastic members of the North Mystery Group attended a get-together in Portsmouth on February 19th. Lunch was at Café Espresso before the big event. The restaurant buzzed with lively conversation. It was a great opportunity to get to know those who were new to the group and to catch up with the old.
Just up the road was our destination, the New Hampshire Theatre Project where we were treated to the play “Gobsmacked”. It was written, produced and performed by the lead actor, George Hoskey Bouley, and a very talented cast of characters. They say laughing helps digest your food, and we sure had our share of belly laughs at this production!
Jane B and Judy T
The breakfast at the Inn was delicious as were the dinners. Wednesday night we were treated to karaoke but, while none of this group sang, we did have dancers!
Consensus was we had a great week!
Ellen W
This was a trip to remember! The weather was perfect, the snow ideal, and the company stimulating. Trip participants x-country skied and snowshoed at ski centers and free trail systems in the area, BUT, this trip had more than its share of excitement and unexpected events. The first night, while enjoying the “fruit of the grape” and appetizers, we were suddenly plunged into darkness. Paul McHugh, one of our gracious hosts at the Club, flashlight in hand, checked the fuse box. No problem there he reported. We soon learned that a car had hit a telephone pole and knocked out service in the area. The gang members, being who they are, took it in stride and, by the light of the propane fireplace and a few emergency lights, carried on with happy hour! We took that opportunity to tell a bit about ourselves since there were quite a few new members present. Instead of the planned potluck that night, with no electricity, we quickly shifted to “Plan B”—pizza, the meal planned for the second night! After calling in the order, a small group headed to the kitchen to make salad with light from flashlights and cell phones! Without heat, everyone went to bed fairly early just to stay warm. The radiators started heating up again around 11:00 p.m. But the excitement wasn’t over! One guest came down with a mild case of COVID the next day. Eight of the 18 members left, but 10 stayed, enjoying the postponed potluck supper. Paul did a great job of sanitizing and cleaning to make sure the Club was safe, and no one else has reported a positive test. The Lawrencian also generously refunded the charge for the second night’s stay to those who left early. Problems like these could spell disaster, but not with TOHG members who “go with the flow” and “roll with the punches!” Thanks to everyone who took everything in stride. You make planning events easy!
Judy T
Those who did not abandon hope were rewarded by the arrival of snow just in time to ensure that we had the best skiing conditions in years at Craftsbury. The trails and slopes were well groomed so we sailed along on our skis and snow shoes every sunny day. The hardiest among us made the annual cross country ski trip to Craftsbury Commons and returned in just time for lunch. Good friends enjoyed good food in the newly redesigned dining room.
We took a vote. We decided to return. Save the last week in February, 2024.
Sue B
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.
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!
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
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