Spring Alive with a Visit to NLRA’s Grey Rocks Conservation Area
Here in Newfound, the deep snow and the Cockermouth River (shown right) are starting to melt, and we are changing winter for spring. Our feathered friends are returning to Newfound, making this time of year perfect for birdwatching.
A beautiful place to welcome wildlife is the Grey Rocks Conservation Area. Easy trails lead to three viewing platforms, where you can set up your camera and observe nature. Bring your binoculars to scan for the bright red plumage of pileated woodpeckers searching for food, and watch for beaver activity and deer.
Please be respectful of the native critters and keep your distance. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are allowed, but owners are responsible for removing pet waste. Please remember, Grey Rocks is a Leave No Trace, carry-in/carry-out property.
NLRA Business Member Spotlight: West Shore Marine
NLRA is proud to work with Newfound area businesses. Since introducing this column in 2017, we’ve enjoyed sharing stories about our wonderful watershed partners. With so much to share, our Perfect Day series now includes in-depth interviews with local business leaders. This month, the spotlight is on West Shore Marine located on 315 West Shore Road in Bristol, NH. NLRA Membership Director Karen Bemis recently visited owner Greg Wagner to learn more about his connections to the Newfound watershed, and his story is summarized below. Please contact Karen via email to add your business to our growing NLRA community!
As a kid, West Shore Marine Owner Greg Wagner lived in several New England communities — and even across the pond in Olde England — returning to spend summers at his grandmother’s home on Lake Winnepeasaukee. Eventually, his family settled in New Hampshire. After graduation from Newfound High School, Greg joined the US Army and was stationed in Washington state for four years. Greg then returned to New Hampshire, where his natural mechanical ability led to a job at a marina on Lake Winnisquam. To build his skills, he enrolled at the Laconia Technical Institute, and later became an adjunct professor.
In 2001, with only a small shelter, his tools, and a phone to start, Greg opened West Shore Marine. His reputation for quality service and a can-do attitude spread rapidly and business boomed. To keep up with the demand, he hired his first employee, Pat (a mechanic), soon followed by Billy and Dennis (two more mechanics), with Nikki running the front desk. Teak, his nine-year-old dog (shown right), is always in the shop and spends time welcoming visitors, laying in the sun, and chasing mice. As is often the case with a small business, staff are like family, and the camaraderie in the shop is tangible.
West Shore Marine is especially busy from April through December. Starting in early spring, boat sales pick up and all day long, Greg receives requests to prepare his 1,200 customer boats for the summer season. Do business with West Shore Marine and you will see why Union Leader readers have voted them Best Marina in New Hampshire for three years in a row.
In his limited spare time, Greg (shown left) enjoys restoring old cars, and biking and hiking around the Newfound watershed. Each year, he and his daughter Kayla run (yes, run!) the Elwell trail from Cardigan to Wellington, a distance of about 16 miles. Greg has been an NLRA Business Sponsor since 2001, and keeps our EcoTour boat, the Madelaine, in top shape. He contributed substantially to Madelaine’s purchase a few years ago, and adding her to our public education and outreach toolbox has made Newfound EcoTours our most popular program. The NLRA is proud to have Greg as a member of our Board of Trustees since 2005, and deeply grateful for his service to the Newfound watershed community.
Call West Shore Marine at (603) 744-2900 for all your boating needs!
Kathleen’s Cottage — Your Destination for Irish Food & Music in Newfound
Discover the rich traditions of the great pubs of Ireland right here in New Hampshire at Kathleen’s Cottage, 90 Lake Street in Bristol (603-744-6336 or visit website). This is the New Hampshire destination for Irish music, live entertainment, freshly prepared Irish favorites, and creative contemporary cuisine.
Guests will experience an authentic “pub house” experience – a fun, friendly and exuberant atmosphere. All recipes are prepared on the premises, using only the finest ingredients. Kathleen’s is devoted to serving traditional Irish dishes and the perfect pint. They also have the state’s largest selection of Irish whiskey.
Kathleen’s Cottage is open Wednesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner, or stop in for a pint and a game of darts.
Upcoming Events
The NLRA proudly partners with the Tapply-Thompson Community Center (TTCC), whose mission is to help youth develop life skills that will enable them to grow into productive adults with a strong sense of volunteerism. Based on that partnership, we are pleased to help promote their events. For more details about the TTCC, visit www.ttccrec.org
Check out some of these fun community events. For more details, visit the Tapply-Thompson Community Center (TTCC) website.
March 31, 1:00 pm: Easter Egg Hunt at the TTCC, featuring face painting, Easter bunny, entertainment, egg hunt, and family fun
March 31, 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm: 2nd Annual Mud Season Mixer at the Old Town Hall, with a live band and cash bar