Feel like exploring the trails and doing a little birding? Join Jeannie Dunn Tuesday morning at 8:00am at the Livermore/Depot Parking area and see who may be flitting about in our woods. Our beginner Bird Walk is for any age and experience level.
This weekend we'll be exploring and celebrating the longest day of the year. Friday evening come to our family friendly campfire, we'll have stories, s'mores and a conversation about the solstice!
Seeing the images to the left made me smile: Northern Folk Art and the mid-night sun. Gone is the cold light, the sun is bringing us some warmth now, but we have another month and a half of winter and so many ways to enjoy it.
The art is a reminder that we have a wonderful artist on staff, watch for "Art with Ashley," two times a month. Her art sessions are nature inspired and always open to all ages.
Today I'd like to remind all of you, particularly those of you who live in Waterville and surrounding communities, that Mark Decoteau, Waterville Town Manager, will be presenting at our regular Friday Night Speaker Series. His topic will focus on waste management, particularly issues around recycling. Please join us at the Waterville Valley Recreation Department's multi-purpose room Friday, February 15th at 6:00pm.
It's a day of melt, we're heading that way (though plenty of freeze-ups to come before spring actually hits). Hurray for a little more light! This is an early announcement of our Annual Meeting March 15th at 5:00pm. Our meeting will be followed with a special presentation from the Director of the New Hampshire Music Festival (NHMF) at 6:00pm. Join us for both to take a detailed look at the Rey Center in 2018 and learn more about the growing partnership between us and the NHMF. Members, please be on the lookout for a "Member Survey," your feedback is vital and we hope to have survey results for our Annual Meeting.
Did anyone besides Al & Dottie Larsson catch the Full Lunar Eclipse last night? An unexpected clearing gave Al the chance to capture the image above! I caught mid-night momentary view, maybe I can stay awake for the next one, in two years. Click here for more nightsky.org information. Thanks for the photo, Al!
As many people are not working today, I hope we all pause to recognize the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, I know I mentioned our Peace theme last week, but why not continue-revel some in kindness and compassion for all.
I was going to mention the weather again, because as I've said before, I do tend to orient my world around the immediate conditions. I was going to say that this weather gives us great opportunity to explore our planet, but maybe instead, I'll be kind and compassionate to the temperatures and sandblasting I encountered during my morning chores! Whether you're at work or at play today, take a moment to appreciate the elements.
And, our fun "Long Winter Raffle," fundraiser going on right now! $5 tickets (or 5 tickets for $20), gets you entered to win a great bundle of winter goodies, including a full color Collector's Edition of Laura Ingalls Wilder's, "The Long Winter,"lots of yummies, great gift certificates and cards, two unique art pieces and much more, valued at over $900! Click here to learn more and purchase your tickets. Tickets are also available at the Cottage, The Adventure (Nordic) Center, and the Golf Course Clubhouse. Drawing will be held at the end of February
I'm not on a total bird kick, but I must say, there's nothing like hearing winter songs on sunny days like today!
Maybe I am on a bird kick...Any birders out there who would like to come share some of your adventures and knowledge? There are so many of us who enjoy the simplicity of listening and watching and many more of us who would like to know what we're hearing and seeing-- Give a call, send an email, or stop by the Cottage if you're inclined! Today's bird is Picasso's Peace Dove, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and meant to represent the work and play we're doing this week around peace with our kids programs. Another Women's Writing Workshop series starts this week, if you're interested, let us know and come to the Cottage Tuesday's at 6:00pm for the next 6 weeks. Click here for details.There has been interest for general writer's workshop and the next session will be open to all!
And, our partnership with Squam Lakes Association (SLA) grows as, in addition to our regular programs, this week we have two evening sessions involving SLA. The first is showing the of the documentary, "Monkey Business," at SLA in Holderness and the second is at our Friday Night Speaker Series, when Rebecca Hanson of SLA, will be presenting on the health of Squam Lake at the Cottage. This special body of water faces many challenges and provides us with great beauty and resources, don't miss a chance to increase your understanding of this balance.
January 7th
Animals in Winter: Hibernation, Migration and Adaption. Learning about our environment and our place in it, is a constant joy for many of us. At the Rey Center this winter we are introducing kids to this aspect of our natural world through stories and woodland exploration. As adults we can remind ourselves by taking time to exercise our senses--Today the sun is out and even though I want to hibernate and migrate, my option is to adapt! So, I'll bundle up, breath the cool air, watch for winter birdies, keep an eye out for tracks, and listen for scratching coming from the subnivean zone, one of my favorite parts of the winter scape: just imagine all the creatures making their homes in the snow under our feet. Just like a Jan Brett illustration! The human animal is lucky enough to have choices and lucky enough to do something with our curiosity: study, learn and teach (ok, some other animals do this too...).
To review our year, below is a excerpt from our Annual Fund letter: This year we have endeavored to bring you and your family more of the programming we know you have enjoyed in the past, while opening the door to new initiatives that foster our mission. Nature-based Art and Science programs have been offered to children and adults at least twice a week and the popular Speaker Series has increased from Nine lectures to at least Twenty-Six annually!
Our family-friendly events such as Weekly Scavenger Hunts, MonthlyCampfire & Stories, Monthly Stargazing, Seasonal Nature Adventures,Seasonal Walk Talks with Dan Newton, the CommunityGarden and our two new Little Free Libraries, are being enjoyed by more residents and guests. Our desire to increase exposure to the wonderful world of music remains strong and brought two musical events to the valley this Summer: NHMF Music in the Mountains and Village Harmony youth singers.
With a generous grant from the Rey Foundation and many generous Waterville Valley Community members, the new “Rey Mobile Learning Center” van was purchased and outfitted with supplies. Our goal to bring nature-based art and science programs to school age children in underserved, local communities has been realized!
We expect to reach well over 4000 people this year with all these programs and events.
December 24th
Earlier this month, one of our children's programs included exploring winter holidays around the world--December has many and regardless of your religious affiliation, there are many reasons people come together in person or heart to celebrate. Without delving into overly personal and nostalgic times, I hope that some of you will take a moment and enjoy one of my favorites, "A Child's Christmas in Wales," by Dylan Thomas (poor quality, but wonderful audio link here). I count myself lucky to have been parented by a mother who loved her traditions! Though we celebrated at least two religious holidays during December, one of my fondest was every Christmas Eve listening to Dylan Thomas's voice-- in the dark, eyes closed and prone next to the glow of the fire. Though I have not carried on many of my mother's traditions, tonight we will gather and listen, "eternal, ever since Wednesday..." the reminiscence of a young boy.