Volume LXXII~ March 2024

Lake Sunapee Protective Association

Devoted to the Environmental Quality of the Lake Sunapee Watershed

A Flash Of The Beacon

Welcome to A Flash of the Beacon!

A quick look at what's happening

at the Center for Lake Studies,

highlights of current news and events,

plus what's going on outside in nature.

Harbor Happenings ~

The increase in daylight hours and the weeks of bright sunshine has the LSPA staff thinking spring and preparing for warmer days. The Center for Lake Studies wad a very busy place this past month with the new buoy’s arrival and its detailed assembly happening, scientists visiting, our newest volunteers working on limnology and Environmental DNA (eDNA) research, plus LSPA’s regularly scheduled monthly committee meetings and programs. Our days are full and exciting work is being done!

With spring and summer on the horizon upcoming events are being finalized. Plan ahead and check the LSPA events page for some great programing. Two natural occurrences coming up that we will be watching for as spring approaches are “ice out” and lake turnover, a vital occurrence in every healthy lake. As always, we continue to work diligently to serve the community in promoting the health of the watershed and preserving the water quality so important to the Lake Sunapee region. To learn how you can help protect this beautiful watershed and what volunteer opportunities are available, click here.

Pictured here in LSPA's Resource Room are volunteer Sage Fletcher, LSPA's Research Director, Dr. Kathleen Weathers, volunteer Vinny Leone, and Water Quality Assistant, Tehya Kloster.

Join us for our March Events ~

New Futures Training - Advocacy 101

Monday, March 4

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

at LSPA Center for Lake Studies (map ) and via Zoom

Join LSPA to learn about the legislative process and understand how to have a voice in this process. Advocacy is needed to help shape policies directly impacting our lives. This training teaches participants how to engage in state-level legislative advocacy efforts. It provides an overview of the NH state legislature and how a bill becomes a law, and discusses when and how to get involved by participating in public hearings, reaching out to legislators, using media, and other advocacy strategies. Participants leave feeling more empowered to take action and influence state policy-making decisions. This program will focus and identify key components such as: The Power of Stories, Legislative Events, NH Budget Process, Lobbying v. Advocacy and Policy Presentation.

Please register here.

Maple, New Hampshire’s

Medicine of Connection

Tuesday, March 12

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

via Zoom

Join LSPA for this presentation by Damian Costello who will explore how the practice of maple sugaring connects us to the land, our ancestors, and all that surrounds us. Few things evoke the identity and values of New Hampshire more than maple syrup. It also bridges the many divisions facing our communities.

Click here to register.

Presentation of the State Cyanobacteria Plan

Wednesday, March 20

3:00 - 5:00 pm

at LSPA Center for Lake Studies (map)

Dave Neils, Chief Aquatic Biologist with NHDES, will come to LSPA's Center for Lake Studies to give a presentation on the state's new cyanobacteria plan including the key strategies and goals to address the increase of cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire's lakes and ponds and eventually control them in our waters.

Click here to register.

Spring Seed Sowing Workshop

Friday, March 22

10:00 - 11:00 am

at LSPA Center for Lake Studies (map)

Join LSPA staff to learn about a unique early seed sowing method. Participants will learn all about native seeds and make their own mini-greenhouses and sow seeds to take home with them. This workshop will cover the benefits of germinating seeds through this method and the advantages it has over indoor seed-starting. The workshop will also cover how to plant the seedlings once they geminate. Come join the fun and learn all about how to sow your seeds in early spring!

Click here to register.

Lake Sunapee Lake Level Management

Thursday, March 28

5:00 pm

virtual presentation

The NHDES Dam Bureau regulates the repair, maintenance and operation of existing dams in New Hampshire. For Lake Sunapee's dam operation, as well as many others, they attempt to satisfy multiple interests using surface waters for boating, fishing, power generation, wastewater assimilation, aesthetics, irrigation and water supply. Challenges include extreme weather events, evaporation and multiple uses. Presenters, Corey Clark (Chief Engineer) and Dan Mattaini (Operations and Maintenance Engineer) from NHDES Dam Bureau will explain the operations for Lake Sunapee's Dam.

Click here to register

LSPA Buoy News ~

There was a very exciting delivery to LSPA last month. Thanks to the generous support of LSPA donors, LSPA’s NEW Water Quality Buoy has arrived! High quality international science has become a foundation of LSPA’s work, enhancing scientific understanding of the special environment of the Lake Sunapee Watershed. Data collected from buoy sensors are key components of LSPA’s research collaborations and are shared with partners at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Virginia Tech, and the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON).

For more information about the LSPA buoy click here.

Adrienne Breef-Pilz, Sensor Technician from the Carey Lab at Virginia Tech spent last week at LSPA's Center for Lake Studies meticulously assembling the many, many components of the new buoy. Adrienne is testing and configuring some components back at the Carey Lab and will return in April for the buoy's first launch. The buoy will gather year round water quality and meteorological data that will be used by lake scientists around the world.

Winter Water Quality Sampling

Under the Ice 2024 ~

While summertime is by far our busiest time of year for water sampling, did you know that we sample in the winter too? Once per winter, our crew goes onto the ice at the deepest spot on Lake Sunapee and takes water samples at varying depths. This year LSPA's Watershed Director, Geoff Lizotte, Water Quality Lab Manager, Teriko MacConnell, Water Quality Assistant, Tehya Kloster, and volunteer Sage Fletcher trekked over the barely nine inches of ice for the through-the-ice sampling on February 12th.

In the summertime, lakes that are large enough (such as Lake Sunapee) will separate into 3 separate layers, known as the epilimnion, metalimnion, and hypolimnion, separated by differing water temperatures and therefore densities. Once autumn occurs, these layers will combine and mix together, creating a more homogenous mixture of water, during fall turnover. Taking samples in the winter allows us to make sure nothing out of the ordinary happened during the period of fall turnover.

We are happy to say that, upon testing our samples in our water quality lab, all parameters appeared to result as normal. Deep site samples on the lake are less likely to show drastic change over a short amount of time compared to samples from tributary (streams) or cove (nearshore) sites around the lake. These sites are more heavily impacted by stormwater runoff. These results will be compared to previous years to track long term trends in the water quality of Lake Sunapee. Sampling at the deep site in both winter and summer are key to making consistent comparisons in our year long data set. To learn more about water quality parameters and the equipment used to collect water samples, click here.

LSPA's Legislative Committee ~

In the Legislature

The 2024 NH legislative session is a busy one! More than 50 proposed bills with important water quality implications are working their way through the legislative process. Below are some updates and ways you can get involved. Anything from taking a brief minute to electronically submit your support online to showing up and testifying at a hearing can help to make progress on important water quality issues. And if you just want to learn more about the process, you can join us for an educational event on March 4th. Please register here.

HB 1360: Remember the high-water challenges of last summer? After the issues we experienced as we advocated for no wake orders on Lake Sunapee, LSPA worked with Representative Dan Wolf on a bill to “allow the Department of Safety to establish a safety and security zone, including the establishment of a no wake zone for a period not to exceed 10 days due to weather or environmental conditions, on any public or coastal waters of the state in case of an emergency requiring prompt action.” We are happy to report that this bill passed the House Resources, Recreation and Development Committee with a vote of 20-0. This is just the first step, but we are optimistic that it will be successful. Thank you to LSPA Board Member Larry Briggs for joining LSPA’s Executive Director Elizabeth Harper to testify in person in support of HB 1360, and to our friends at NH LAKES for their supportive testimony.

HB 1390: LSPA advocates for responsible wake surfing that minimizes impacts to water quality and lake ecosystems. We support HB 1390, a bill introduced by Representative Linda Tanner that promotes responsible wake sport activities. This bill would prohibit wake sports on bodies of water smaller than 50 acres, within 500 feet of a shoreline and in waters less than 20 ft. deep. Learn more about responsible wake surfing here on our website. The hearing for HB 1390 is scheduled for Wednesday March 6th at 1pm. If you are interested in testifying or showing up in support at the statehouse, please e-mail [email protected]. You can also submit your testimony online here.

Maximizing your impact

Keeping track of the issues and

knowing when and how to make your voice heard can be challenging with so much

going on in the legislature. Here are a few tips to maximize your impact:

1) Join us on March 4th for Advocacy 101. LSPA is hosting a training session provided by experts from New Futures Advocacy. Learn how the NH legislature works and how you can most effectively influence the policy decisions that matter you. This training is free and open to the public.

Please register here.

2) Sign up for NH LAKES Advocacy Alerts – our partners at NH LAKES provide frequent and detailed information about the full range of bills working their way through the House and Senate. NH LAKES has a statewide focus. You can subscribe to their email list here.

3) Sign up for LSPA’s Advocacy Alerts – these alerts will be less frequent than those from NH LAKES and will focus on a subset of bills that LSPA is actively supporting or opposing. Members on this list will also receive alerts about local policy issues relevant to the environment of the Lake Sunapee Watershed. You may choose to receive alerts specific to your town, or for all towns in our watershed. Click here to sign up for LSPA's Advocacy alerts.

Use Your Voice! Vote!

March is town meeting month. There are several warrant articles that pertain to water quality in area towns.

Go vote and support your town's water quality and the health of your watershed!

Town of Newbury ~

The Town of Newbury’s Selectboard has a warrant article to adopt septic rules for all properties in the town. The Newbury rules recognize that all septic systems within the watershed impact water quality, not just those on properties abutting or near-surface waters.

Click here to read the full warrant article.

Town of Sunapee ~

The Town of Sunapee has several warrant articles to be voted on which apply to Georges Mills, greater Sunapee and our lakes, ponds and streams.

Read about them here.

Also the Perkins Pond Protective Association has a warrant article to approve accepting a loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to fund a watershed management plan for Perkins Pond.

Community Science Ice Project ~

Can you help LSPA collect ice data?

LSPA is looking for volunteers to help collect ice cover data to share with lake scientists. If you can see a navigation buoy from your property (or are willing to drive to a location where you can) you can participate by filling out a quick online form. All you have to do is tell us if your buoy is surrounded by ice or by open water. We will email a link to the form twice a month during the winter season. You don’t have to respond every time, only when it’s convenient for you. If you are interested in participating in our pilot study for the remainder of this season, please send an email to Susie at [email protected].

LSPA's 2024 Ice Out Contest ~

Do you have a guess as to when Ice Out is going to happen this year?

Before the end of March? Next month?

Fill out this simple form with your entry and if your guess is closest to the actual date, you will win a prize from LSPA.

Entries must be submitted by 5 pm on March 15th.

Watershed Wise ~

Don't forget to sign up for our Watershed Wise Program! Spring, according to the calendar, officially arrives this month. And although here in New Hampshire we don't experience true spring for another couple of months, now is the time to begin planning for landscaping, plantings, and gardens. Check out the resources on the LSPA website for ideas and alternatives. There are so many ways the Watershed Wise Program can help you! Sign up now to be on the 2024 schedule. This program encourages good land stewardship practices that protect the water quality of streams, lakes and ponds within the Lake Sunapee Watershed. Assessments are free. Working together we can protect and preserve this beautiful watershed. To learn more click here and become a Watershed Wise Partner!

Caring for our Watershed ~

Snow Runoff

As the snow melts, please be mindful of any large piles of excess sand, salt, or melting deicer products leftover. Much of these products can be recycled and reused for next winter if carefully collected. Salt and deicers if added to spring snow melt and runoff will eventually find their way into our lakes or groundwater.

Protect What You Love!

Dock De-icers

There are numerous sightings of dock de-icers working well and running effectively all around our area lakes. These de-icers make only a small space around the docks, show little disruption to the sediment, and create a safer environment for recreation use. When dock de-icers are used properly, with a thermostat and timer, they minimize the disturbance to the natural balance of the lake. LSPA appreciates everyone's efforts in helping to maintain the seasonal rhythms of the lake, which keeps it functioning in a healthy manner. Learn more about dock de-icers here .

Ice Safety ~

March is a finicky month with ever changing weather patterns. Please use caution as you venture out onto any ice covered waterbody. Rain and wind and inconsistent temperatures can have an effect on ice thickness. Ice doesn't freeze uniformly. So go prepared. Go with a buddy. Bring ice picks and keep them close. Carry a portable flotation device. This time of year, please use extra caution.

Process of Lighthouse Project ~

LSPA's Lighthouse Project continues to move forward. NHDES granted approval and the appropriate permits have been acquired. Progress is taking place as we check off one box at a time. For more information about Lake Sunapee's Lighthouses click here.

Save the Dates:

Landscaping for Water Quality ~

Thursday, April 4th

Friday, April 5th

Do you know a local landscaper who develops, maintains, or preserves properties in the Lake Sunapee region? Please encourage them to attend our Landscaping for Water Quality Workshop. During this 2-day workshop facilitated by UNH Extension and NH Department of Environmental Services, participants will learn principles and best practices for creating and maintaining attractive, functional landscapes while protecting water quality in local lakes and rivers. This workshop is designed for landscapers and others who develop, maintain, or preserve properties in and around the Sunapee Region, and includes presentations and practical sessions. New Hampshire Certified Landscape Professionals certificates of completion will be available and pesticide credits will be available pending state approval.

Click here for more information.

Charrette for Sunapee 2024 ~

April 12 and 13

A two day intensive planning charrette will be held on April 12 and 13, 2024 with a focus on Sunapee Harbor. A charrette is a lively brainstorming session where a team of professionals come together with town officials, civic members and the public. Together, all participants help craft recommendations addressing possibilities for the future. This charrette builds on the initial workshop Plan NH completed in 2007. The recommendations from that exercise inspired in large part the preservation efforts for The Livery in Sunapee Harbor.

For more information click here.

World Water Day ~

March 22nd

This year the World Water Day theme is ‘Water for Peace’, which focuses on the critical role water plays across the globe. In 2024 this special day sets the stage for all of us to create positive ripple effects – fostering harmony, generating prosperity and building resilience to shared challenges. We can all unite around water and recognize a healthy watershed as a catalyst for progress which can lay the foundations of a more stable and prosperous tomorrow. Let the ripple effect of this day be one of engagement with actions that support a healthy, balanced environment.

www.worldwaterday.org

LSPA Educators ~

LSPA educators have been visiting schools, hosting programs, and leading winter activities all throughout the month of February. The theme of what's "over and under the snow and ice" was explored, and students learned about that secret kingdom, the subnivean layer, under the snow. LSPA's monthly educational programming with many of the area preschools, Mount Royal Academy's 1st and 2nd grades, along with Richards School's kindergarten, 1st, 4th and 5th grades offers a diverse and wide range of ecological and environmental topics.

The Trout-in-the-Classroom tanks are housing the now hatching trout. Students are studying their trout's development and anatomy, observing all the amazing changes taking place. The Richards School's kindergarten class have been keeping a journal and highlighting what they see happening.

During NH's February vacation week, LSPA partnered with The Fells to hold an animal tracking program for families. Despite the lack of fresh snow, participants were able to investigate the many stories tracks tell and discover the variety of signs animals leave behind.

Nature Exploration Story Time

Tuesdays in March at 10:00 am

Come join LSPA environmental educators for nature themed activities on Tuesday mornings at LSPA’s Center for Lake Studies. Each Tuesday will offer a different theme and include a story, activities, a craft, and exploration. These programs are designed for young children and their caregivers. They are free and open to all! We look forward to welcoming you in the Discovery Room, a room full of fun ways to investigate the out of doors. In March we will explore the attributes of the beautiful bobcat, how foxes survive the long winter, and the seasonal changes in both the trees and animals around us. We look forward to seeing you!

Click here to download the Nature Exploration Story Time flyer.

LSPA's Newest Volunteer ~

Vinny Leone

Vinny Leone transferred to New England College during his sophomore year from Endicott College. He started as a Bioengineering major, but is now in Conservation Biology. He has had an amazing journey through school and has strengthened his passion for science in the process. Vinny has done research at New England College over the summer and presented his work at various conferences. He was even given the opportunity to do research in the waters of Belize recently. These opportunities have made it clear to Vinny that he wants to continue this type of work in the field as well as in the lab. Vinny is excited to be working with LSPA his last semester and looking into the water quality and combining it with eDNA work in the lab at New England College. Welcome Vinny!

Memorial ~

LSPA was saddened to hear of the passing of longtime LSPA member Midge Cross (Marjorie Bethell Cross). She passed away on January 30 at the age of 94. Midge and her husband Court (1926-2018), residents of Worcester, MA, came to Lake Sunapee in 1963, first purchasing a lake summer home in Newbury, then one on Garnet Hill in Sunapee, and finally one in Herrick Cove (New London). In 1980, they moved to Herrick Cove full time. The Crosses were very involved with LSPA for over three decades. Court was LSPA President from 1982-1989, and Midge, an accomplished gardener and cook, hosted many LSPA meetings, large and small, at their home, over the decades. The Cross family renovated the Herrick Cove lighthouse and crib in 2003-2004, in memory of a daughter, Ginger Cross Shaw. Midge is survived by two children and many grand- and great-grandchildren. Many Lake Sunapee friends of Midge and Court remember their habitual late afternoon or early evening slow cruises, patrolling the lake for which they did so much. These friends refer to Midge as someone who always “sparkled.” Midge's obituary can be viewed here.

LSPA is honored to have been named a recipient of donations in memory of Midge Cross.

Resources ~

Check out LSPA's Resource Page! This page has resources for teachers, Homeschool groups and remote learners offering access to a myriad of sites all pertaining to outdoor education with science based curriculums and tools. It also has a list of activities for families that encourage, excite and engage in the natural world with all its awe and wonder. There are also maps and historical and current data available to check out!

LSPA's Winter Discoveries page has an abundance of resources for adults to explore the local area during these beautiful winter days. Following LSPA's theme of "discovery, learning, and research" you'll find this page shares information not only on what and where to explore safely, but wildlife links, webinars, courses and much more!

This winter season LSPA Kid's Ecology Corner page highlights a wide variety of activities. Find out about the amazing adaptations animals have to protect themselves in winter, how plants survive the freezing cold, plus some fun winter science experiments. March is a wonderful time to explore the outdoors!

In the News ~

Sunapee Cruises ~

The MV MT Sunapee II was lifted out of the water for an inspection and maintenance on February 6th. The M.V. was soon encased in protective wrap and last week sandblasting started. The Town of Sunapee inspected the containment area, making sure all was secure, and the sandblasters were tested to ensure the environmental safety of the area. The boat will be back in the water around April 12th. LSPA is grateful to Sunapee Cruises for reaching out to us and NHDES for guidance to ensure that best practices are used to avoid environmental impacts during the maintenance process.

Upcoming Events from Partner Organizations ~

Taking Action for Wildlife

This webinar series will provide Conservation Commissioners and other town volunteers with information and resources related to conservation actions they can take for wildlife in New Hampshire.

Wetlands for Wildlife

Wednesday, March 6

4:00 - 5:15 PM

This workshop will help you distinguish between wetland types and discuss the wildlife species associated with each. A special focus on at-risk turtle species will be covered and the conservation actions and management practices being conducted in the state. Other topics will include beaver management, buffers, Best Management Practices, land protection, environmental review, and funding. Register here.

Town Lands for Wildlife

Wednesday, March 20

4:00 - 5:15 PM

Town-owned lands offer great opportunities to benefit a diversity of wildlife species. Town lands can also serve as a model for environmental stewardship and provide educational opportunities by showcasing wildlife habitat enhancement opportunities. In this session, we will discuss some of the actions communities can take to create, manage, and restore important habitats to support wildlife.

NH LAKES Webinar ~

Surviving the Cold:

An Inside Look at Loons in Winter

Wednesday, March 6

7:00 - 8:00 PM

Join NH LAKES to explore the incredible journey that loons undertake during the winter months, and how climate change is affecting their migration habits. They will also discuss the challenges that loons face during the winter months, including the threat of being stranded on frozen lakes and the efforts of dedicated rescuers at the Loon Preservation Committee to save these birds.

Presented by Caroline M. Hughes, Biologist and Outreach Coordinator, Loon Preservation Committee

NH Butterfly Monitoring Trainings 2024

Online training sessions:

March 6, March 13, March 20,

March 27, April 3, and April 10

via Zoom 6:30 – 7:30 PM

New Hampshire Audubon is excited to partner with New Hampshire Fish and Game (NHFG) for a second year to collect long-term data on butterflies in the Concord region and beyond. Sightings will provide valuable data on how species ranges are changing over time. Your data will help support butterfly conservation across the state. NHFG and partners will host a six-part series of butterfly ID trainings over the next few months – both online and in the field. Butterfly experts from across the state will be our guides. This is an amazing opportunity to learn and participate in butterfly conservation.

Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet

Thursday, March 7

5:30 - 6:30 PM

via Zoom

Presented by the Harris Center for Conservation Education

Roads are so ubiquitous that they’re practically invisible to us, but wild animals experience them as entirely alien forces of disruption. Join us for a special evening with award-winning environmental journalist and author Ben Goldfarb as he discusses his newest book, "Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet."

Otter Country: An Unexpected Adventure in the Natural World

Tuesday, March 26

5:30 - 6:30 PM

via Zoom

Presented by the Harris Center for Conservation Education

Whether you love otters or are simply curious to learn more, join us for a deep dive into the lives of these mighty mustelids with Miriam Darlington, author of the new book, "Otter Country: An Unexpected Adventure in the Natural World."

New Hampshire Maple Weekend is coming! March 16 - 17

Follow your favorite sweet treat from the trees of the sugarbush to your table: get out for Maple Weekend in New Hampshire! Support your local sugarhouses all month long!

From our trees to your table: Pure New Hampshire Maple

Click here to find a sugarhouse near you.

Winter Turkey Flock Survey

New Hampshire Fish and Game

January 1 - March 31

This is an ongoing community science experience. Report sightings of turkey flocks in the winter months to assist in determining the effects of winter weather on turkeys. NH Fish and Game collects simple information about each flock sighting through an on-line form.

Click here for more information.

Sullivan County Conservation District Spring Plant Sale!

Order Deadline is March 31, 2024

Customers will pick them up in Unity, NH on May 3 & 4, 2024.

The plant sale is held every spring and features a variety of quality plants at good prices - shade trees, fruit trees, berry bushes, wildlife plants, and flowering plants.

This is an annual fundraiser that supports local conservation activities throughout the year, including public workshops, school education programs, and projects. All of the plants offered are hardy, healthy, and adapted to our growing conditions. Please order through their ONLINE STORE.

Outside Observations

March is a wonderful time to get outside and look for signs of spring! It is characteristically an incredible season of change. Mother Nature teases with delightfully warm spring days and then she turns around and blasts us with a nor’easter and a foot of snow. This winter will most likely turn out to be one of the warmest on record. The lack of seasonal snowpack and the changes in our climate are having a critical impact on plant and animal life. According to scientists this trend is looking to stay with us for some time. (See Michael J. Caduto’s story, “How Ebbing Snow Cover Affects Plants and Animals.”)

Outside the signs that spring is on its way are numerous, subtle, and startling. It’s always a delight to see a butterfly, but especially in March! Look for the amazing mourning cloak butterfly who overwinters as an adult and is one of the first to rouse from hibernation as the weather warms. The ermine (aka the weasel) and the snowshoe hare respond to March’s longer days by beginning to lose their white winter coats and changing into their summer coats of brown. Usually male robins and bluebirds are a clue warmer weather may be on the horizon. They come early to stake out territory and good nesting habitats, but some have been sighted all winter! You may see them eating sumac berries, their least favorite food, which they saved for last. Other birds to listen for are the unique calls of the woodcock and the grouse. The grouse’s drumming is often mistaken for an engine of some sort. Many owl and hawk species begin nesting in March. Their calls and increased activity can be noted near woods and meadows. Where there is open water, there will be waterbirds; some on the way north, others getting a jump on beginning a new family here. Many of the migrating waterbirds we see are resting and refueling for they travel mostly by night.

Other tell-tale signs of spring are the subtle changes in the tree buds. Look for them to get fuller and fuller. Tree sap is running and the maple sugaring businesses are boiling around the clock. Humans are not the only ones who love their maple syrup! According to journalist Jerry Davis, "woodpeckers of all types, nuthatches, tufted titmice, and many more will drink the sap or peck at the sapcicles that sometimes form over night or on a cold morning." Squirrels, opossums, skunks, porcupines, and raccoons, all who love the sugar content and need the energy it offers, find ways to lap up the sugary sap.

In March we move our clocks ahead on the 10th and celebrate the Vernal Equinox on the 19th. This is a time of celebration of more sunlight, longer days, and the awakening from winter’s dormancy. It is a turning point in our year, a time when we can pause, reflect on nature’s lively renewal and all the gifts that the newness of life brings. May you delight in them all!

To read more about what’s going on during this time of year check out