Friday, March 8 – Visit the newly opened Museum of the White Mountains, created to “preserve and promote the unique history, culture, and environmental legacy of the region” as well as providing “learning resources serving researchers, students, and the public.” The Museum opened Feb. 23 at its location on the Plymouth State University campus. The first exhibit, entitled Passing Through: The Allure of the White Mountains, will employ “images, interpretive panels, films and interactive technologies to invite visitors to question the influence of time and space on human connections with nature.  Focusing on five distinct areas: Crawford Notch; Mount Washington Valley (eastern slopes); the Summit of Mount Washington; the Northern Presidential; and Franconia Notch. Visitors will think more deeply about the White Mountain region and the evolving human experience of it.”  We’ll have lunch at the Common Man Restaurant in Ashland before going to the museum. The bus will begin picking up residents on the Laconia campus at 10:45 a.m. (Moderate)

Monday, March 11 – “Stolen Moments: The First 100 Years of Jazz.” is a thoroughly captivating and informative multi-media program that introduces audiences to jazz music’s rich history and to the names, faces and music of some of its many masters. On a broader level, Stolen Moments also highlights the interplay between the jazz movement and the evolution of American culture throughout the 20th Century, emphasizing the ways in which jazz has acted as a unifying force, bridging cultural, ethnic and economic differences; stimulated cultural fusions and new stylistic idioms; exemplified democratic ideals; and influenced other genres of music, both in the U.S. and abroad.  The program is part of the Capitol Center for the Arts “School Program.”  Tickets are $7.  We’ve already ordered 16 tickets in advance, therefore, once you sign up for this trip you’ll own one of those tickets.  Bring your check (made out to Taylor Community) or the exact amount of cash with you on the bus.  After the program, we’ll enjoy lunch at the Red Blazer Restaurant in Concord.  The Red Blazer offers a wide selection of entrees and sandwiches.  The bus will begin picking up residents on the Laconia campus at 8:45 a.m. (Moderate)

Friday, March 15 – Steeplegate Mall Shopping.  The Mall includes Sears, Talbots, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, JC Penny, Bon Ton (for men and women) and many other specialty stores. We’ll drop off by Target, Best Buy and Ocean State Job Lots before heading over to the Mall. We’ll have lunch at Ruby Tuesday’s before shopping in the afternoon. The bus will begin picking up residents on the Laconia Campus at 10:45 a.m. (Moderate to Independent)

Saturday, March 23 – Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra. This concert features violinists Margaret Hopkins and Bozena O’Brien.  The program includes: Von Suppe’s  Fatenitza Overture Part 2, Mozart’s Concerto for 2 Violins and Orchestra, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony #2 “Little Russian.”  Tickets are $15. Sorry no refunds after March 8 when tickets will be purchased. The bus will begin picking up residents on the Laconia campus at 6:15 p.m. (Easy) 

 Saturday, April 6 – “Catch A Falling Star.”  Enjoy an evening of dinner and dancing to an 18-piece Big Band or just enjoy the music. Proceeds from this event will benefit P.I.C.K.S. (People Investing in Kids) Campership Program in the Lakes Region.  This event will be held at the Lake Opechee Inn and Spa Grand Ballroom. We hope to reserve at least two tables of eight. Tickets are $43.75.  We will need to order tickets in advance, therefore, once you sign up for this program you’ll own one of those tickets. Deadline to order a ticket is March 29.  The bus will begin picking up residents on the Laconia Campus at 5:30 p.m. (Easy)

Friday, April 12 – Museum of New Hampshire History. This museum offers exhibits on the state’s heritage as well as a variety of programs. The museum store features the state’s best selection of NH books, products and crafts. On our way home we’ll have lunch at Newick’s on Loudon Road. Tickets are $4.50 at the door. The bus will begin picking up residents on the Laconia Campus at 9 a.m. (Easy)

Friday, April 19 – Paul Revere Ice-Out Ride around the Lakes. Let’s hope for a nice Spring Day and that the ice has gone out.  We’ll stop for lunch at Walter’s Basin in Holderness and from there do the loop around Squam Lake to Wolfeboro and back home through Alton.  We’ll make a stop for dessert at Johnson’s. The bus will begin picking up residents on the Laconia Campus at 10:30 a.m. (Easy)

Friday, April 26 – Simon Pearce Glass Blowing Workshop and Store in Quechee, Vermont. Watch artisans creating hand blown glass and wheel thrown pottery.  Shop for unique housewares and decorative works of glass and clay including a selection of manufacturers’ seconds and glimpse a hydroelectric turbine at work. We’ll dine at the Simon Pearce Mill Restaurant overlooking an old mill stream and a picturesque covered bridge. The bus will begin picking up residents on the Laconia Campus at 8:30 a.m. (Moderate to Independent)