Karen’s Kare: Celebrating A Legacy of Love, Laughter, and Learning

By Trish Griswold

Karen Norcross, owner of Karen’s Kare, has been serving children and families in the North Haverhill area for the past 37 years. Karen’s Kare staff recently gathered for a group photo with current enrollees and a few local alumni on the lawn where so many children learned teamwork, cooperation, leadership, and good sportsmanship through group games and outdoor play. TBWS/Trish Griswold

North Haverhill, NH - In August, Karen Norcross, owner of Karen’s Kare in North Haverhill, NH, will close the doors to her home-based daycare; however, the legacy of love, laughter, and learning that she leaves behind will reverberate throughout the community and beyond, as Karen has been instrumental in helping more than 120 children learn and grow over the past 37 years.

“Few people possess the considerate, unselfish, unconditional, loving heart [Karen] has. She develops a relationship with her kids and her parents. She is honest and straightforward. She provides a ‘nest’ of comfort, belonging, safety, and learning,” remarks Diana Fadden, whose children and grandchildren have attended Karen’s Kare. “Whether it is structured or just in her every day, she has provided a place of teaching, playing, creating, and life lessons. Her expectations are just right! Good manners, discipline, strong values, and cooperation are instilled whether the kiddos realize it or not. None of this happens without love and caring… She raised my kids with me, and I will forever be grateful to her.”

When Karen graduated from Blue Mountain Union School in 1985, she set her sights on becoming an educator, attending the University of Vermont for her freshman year of college. “I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, but I was very much a homebody. I had a hard time being over there, so I decided to come home.”

Karen worked for three years as a customer service representative at Indian Head Bank, previously located in the unoccupied building next to Bar Harbor Bank and Trust in Woodsville. When her elder son was born in November of 1988, Karen opened Karen’s Kare. “My aunt and my mother-in-law were taking turns taking care of him, and then my aunt decided she wanted the summer off. I said, ‘I don’t know anybody else, and I don’t trust anybody else, so I have to stay home.’”

For the first 15 years, Karen ran her business as a private in-home daycare, which included her sons, Michael and Christopher, as well as a handful of neighborhood children. Karen had accrued a collection of toys and manipulatives to assist with the children's fine and gross motor development. She also planned a wide range of arts-n-crafts projects and other educational activities to help boost the children’s early literacy skills.

“Karen always provided such a safe and fun place for my children,” recalls Vicki Olsen, whose two sons, Ryan and Garrett, attended Karen’s Kare. “As a working mom, this gave me such comfort. I knew that she loved my children as much as she loved her own and gave them a safe, disciplined, and loving environment. She didn’t just ‘watch’ the children, but she engaged with them in countless crafts, activities, field trips, reading, group play, light preschool lessons, and lots and lots of hugs.”

In 2002, Karen went through the process of becoming a fully licensed daycare with New Hampshire’s Child Care Licensing Unit, specializing in children ages 5 and under. The daycare is currently open Monday through Friday from 7:15 am to 5:15 pm. Karen provides two balanced and nutritious meals as well as morning and afternoon snacks for the children. She is a member of the Early Care and Education Association (ECEA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides a partnership among childcare directors. Karen attends monthly Zoom meetings and participates in a variety of workshops centered around a broad range of topics, including but not limited to CPR/first aid, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention, administering medications, indoor and outdoor safety, swim safety, fire safety, and shelter-in-place protocols. She also utilizes a play-based preschool curriculum to help ensure that the children are ready for the social, emotional, and academic rigors of kindergarten. 

“It’s tricky when you’re doing all ages in a family daycare, but it’s fun. It’s a good challenge,” Karen says, explaining that she believes children learn best through play. “I have to do a lot of modifications because I want my two-year-olds to be able to do [projects] with us. We also do a lot of dramatic play, clay, and Play-Doh, which is really good for their fine motor skills.”

However, the best part of caring for the children, Karen says, is the children themselves. “It’s the connection I make with them. I just love them! I love seeing the excitement when we do things, and I like that they feel comfortable with me when they're injured or sad or anything.” 

Woodsville High School standout Mikayla Walker is one of many area youth who have benefited from Karen’s love, compassion, and expertise. In fact, the Karen’s Kare alumnus currently works alongside Karen at the daycare. “It’s so sad [to see the daycare closing]. I’m just grateful,” Mikayla says, reminiscing about her childhood experiences. “I’ve basically grown up here. It’s my second home, and I get to work with someone who helped raise me.”

Karen’s Kare kiddos, past and present, rave about Karen and the care she has provided them over the years. Mikayla maintains that “Karen’s food is the best!” In fact, she says, her twin brother, Ryan, still talks about it. 

“And if you ask my children (even to this day), no one was better than Karen,” Vicki says. “Her cinnamon toast, her macaroni and cheese, and her cookies. It was always requested at my house. ‘Can you please make it like Karen?’ I’d always laugh and say, ‘But it’s toast!’ Apparently Karen‘s toast was always much better than mine. My youngest son even asked one year if Karen could come to our house and make macaroni and cheese and hotdogs for his birthday dinner. I was never offended but always laughed. I just love the connection that they had with her.” 

When asked what they love most about their daycare experience, the children’s answers are similar and range from cupcakes and birthday celebrations to arts-n-crafts projects, playing outside, napping, and spending time with friends. Eight-year-old Trent’s immediate, heartfelt response, however, is short, sweet, and to the point. “Her.”

Anyone who enters Karen’s Kare will see the children everywhere, laughing, playing, creating, and connecting with their daycare family. The love, the excitement, and the joy are palpable. Karen’s Kare is truly their home away from home. So why is Karen’s Kare closing after 37 years of incredible service to children and families in this community? 

“It’s been my life,” Karen explains, “but it's time to get my house back. I’m open 10 hours a day, but then you add the cleaning and shopping and all of the other stuff. It’s a huge commitment, but I have loved it. It’s been perfect for me because I just love the kids, but I’m also excited to maybe try to do something different.”

Karen is still considering her options, but substitute teaching and baking are among the possibilities. “…I like the idea of having the freedom to take my grandkids to things or stay home with them if one of them is sick so their parents can still work. I want all that, but I’m still looking for the perfect piece, I guess.”

As she ponders her next steps, Karen is working diligently to ensure that safe, loving childcare opportunities continue to be available to local children and their families in the future. According to Karen, the ECEA has asked her to serve as a mentor for childcare providers who are interested in opening new daycares and as a substitute in daycares throughout the area. Karen is committed to ensuring that two and three-year-olds have access to the socialization they need prior to entering kindergarten.

Whatever the future holds for Karen, one thing is certain. The profound impact she has had on area youth is beautifully woven into the fabric of this community. It can be seen in the bright, smiling faces of our kindergarteners on their first day of school; in the drive and determination of our high school athletes as they step onto the basketball court or baseball field; and in the hearts and minds of young parents who aspire to raise their children with the same love, safety, discipline, and family values Karen bestowed upon them.

“The happy childhood memories her daycare has given [to our children],” Vicki contends, “are priceless.”

Payton (L) and Lincoln turn their blank pieces of paper into colorful works of art as they imagine, share, and create ideas together. TBWS/Trish Griswold

Karen Norcross opened Karen’s Kare in 1989, but now that her children are grown and her grandchildren are attending school full-time, she is ready to embark on new adventures. Karen is pictured with her four grandchildren (L-R): Trent, Hayden, Payton, and Hunter. TBWS/Trish Griswold

Local VFW Post named one of five top posts in NH

Bernie Marvin

Courtesy Photo

North Haverhill, NH – Word has been received that the local Post 5245 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars has been selected as one of five top posts in New Hampshire in their outstanding programs of giving back to the community.

Post member Harv Keyes, himself a veteran of 32 years in the US Air Force and one of the active members, told The Bridge Weekly that because of the distinction of their busy schedule of giving to the community and to their fellow veterans, the organization has been named as an "All American Post." 

Keyes said recently that the post maintains a list of about 80 members, many of whom are active; others are unable to participate because of their age, work schedules, or availability. No matter, Keyes said, they all contribute what they can to make the post one of the top posts in the state and nation.

He noted that the Veterans of Foreign Wars is America's oldest major organization of overseas combat veterans. VFW was established to secure rights, medical care, and benefits for service members returning from foreign wars.

VFW traces its roots back to September 1899, following the Spanish-American War; returning service members arrived home wounded or sick to a nation that had no veteran pensions or dedicated medical care system. To advocate for themselves, veterans formed local chapters across the country.

Today, the VFW operates as a huge advocacy network with over 1.5 million members across more than 6000 VFW posts throughout the world. Keyes said that Post 5245 is easy to join for veterans who qualify with overseas service. 

More information can be obtained from Commander Larry Elliott 802-249-5878; N. Haverhill, Steve Wheeler 603-236-2754, and Dale Pierson 603-616-7106. Both are in Woodsville.  In the North Haverhill area, there is Joy Henson 937-797-7471 and Gary Hebert 603-359-8830.  

Out in Mountain Lakes area, contact Bill Burroughs 603-787-2911, down in the Orford area Dave (Tim) Cole 603-353-4359 will gladly help.  Mike Conrad 603-989-5980 in Pike or East Haverhill, then down in Glencliff and Warren area is Eddie Ball 603-989-5528.  Or call Harv Keyes in Haverhill Corner 603-359-4030.

Harv Keyes says “Our motivation comes from the motto ‘No Man Left Behind’ and that translates into our dedication to our community through local support.  We invite you to join us if nothing more than just be with us through your membership.  Remember it’s not the cost of an annual membership but the ‘Sacrifice you’ve already made just to be eligible.’                                               

In reviewing some of the post's accomplishments that gained it the distinctive award recently, members sell $3000 to $5000 worth of lapel “Buddy Poppies” each year to help fund some of the community work they do. According to the records, members volunteered 2500 hours and drove 11,000 miles serving others.

He said the post also has provided honor guards and flag details for more than 15 funerals each year and cares for and pays for four Little League sports fields for teams that include 60 local kids, plus two soccer fields that host 1000 young players. 

The local Post 5245 members provide services for their care and rehabilitation. He said that members of the post have made 70 visits to area hospitals in support of veterans, and nearly 4,000 hours were given to veterans’ service programs.

He said that VFW members gave a total of about $117,455 to the community for school scholarships and financial assistance.

He said that the care and maintenance of the VFW Field in North Haverhill includes two ball fields, a playground, bathrooms, and a maintenance shed. Ball fields host over 17 local communities with more than 36 teams, with each team fielding nine to 15 players plus coaches and staff. 

At other times during the year, the ball fields are converted to soccer fields, with the average maintenance and mowing, plus upkeep and cleaning of the seals and bathrooms, requiring volunteer work of up to 22 hours weekly. All this is done by members of the post 5245 and its auxiliary at no cost to the taxpayers of Haverhill, Keyes said.

He said the post maintains no bar or alcohol facilities. The post's only income is from Wednesday night bingo programs. He said the post does have one annual raffle with the proceeds being dedicated to local youth activities.

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The North Haverhill Fair celebrates its 82nd year with perfect weather

Bernie Marvin

North Haverhill Fair directors and visitors lined up for the official ribbon cutting that opened the new Keith Office were, left to right Mike Perkins, Diane Ingalls, Gary Scruton, Jim Aldrich, John Aldrich, Linda Stoddard, Chris Dellinger, Hannah Leland, Executive Councilor Karen Liot-Hill, Debbie Bigelow, Linda Keith, President David Lackie, Bob Stoddard, Tim Clough and Amy Crocker. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin.

North Haverhill, NH – It was a rare weekend last week that allowed the North Haverhill Fair to be in town for five straight rainless, stormless days. It was perfect fair weather, and the crowds attending this 82-year-old North Country family tradition were happy with all they could see, eat, and ride on over the five days from July 11 to 26, 2026.

The 45-acre fairgrounds were first occupied by the fair and its associated buildings in 1982 after leaving its former home behind the present-day James R. Morrill Municipal Building on Route 10 just north of North Haverhill Village.

It was about a mile from that spot that the fair was born, as the Pink Granite Grange Fair, in 1946, after being set up for a couple of years as a one-day agricultural event for local kids and their 4-H animals. Nothing has changed as far as that goes, but the entire fair management organization and its volunteer base have grown significantly to accommodate and host the annual North Haverhill Fairs, which draw hundreds of support personnel.

Over the years, under a series of fair directors, presidents, and other fair helpers, it has blossomed into one of the North Country's premier early-summer events, attracting thousands from across New England and beyond.

As I look back at my participation with the North Haverhill Fair, I actually began my commitment that has lasted from 1979 to the present, first as a member of the Haverhill Police Department, one of several officers walking the beat throughout the fair's presence in town. 

Back then it was only a couple of days in the early fall; then they added days here and there; now it is in session for nearly five full days. When you look over the schedule of exhibits, activities, contests, competitions, and other events, you sometimes wonder how they did it all in two or three days.

This year, the entertainment included Taylor's Story, a musical narration of Taylor Swift's greatest hits, as well as performances by the up-and-coming local hometown artist Karri Blood. Along with Thayer Stage entertainment, fairgoers enjoyed a truck show, a log-loading contest, a big-wig truck pull, many motorized events, daily animal-pulling contests, the ever-popular racing pigs, and live music shows every day.

Throughout the five days of the fair, visitors wandered through art and photography shows, crafts and collections, scarecrow art and Lego creations. There were a multitude of contests and shows, including the popular King Arthur baking contest, a classic car show, a demolition derby, a glowing competition, and other popular shows throughout the vast fairgrounds.

The animal programs are exciting for the public and for 4-H participants, with continued programs inside the Rutherford Building, one of the most popular structures on the fairground acreage.  

This year, as the new Farm Museum fills up with an amazing array of implements, tools, and early American farming machinery, it has proved to be a very popular area for fair visitors to visit, often at the same time as the Doc and Katharine Blaisdell Maple Museum.

The highlight of the fair was the construction and opening of the new Keith Office, a sterling building with ample space for the staff who manage the fair's activities. From the outside, it looks a bit like a long barn and is a handsome addition to the buildings already there that have been either moved there or built there since the fair relocated to that field in 1982.

Kevin Fagnant and crew built the new Keith office, which features a typical New England structure atop the roof amidships (in the middle), known by many as a cupola. As David Lackie will tell you, it is not a cupola; it is a belvedere.

He offered that Mr. Fagnant commented that it was a belvedere. Although it looks like a cupola, a belvedere is an Italian word meaning a structure on the top of a building that provides an elegant view. Of course, a view of the fairgrounds is an elegant view and will remain so for many years to come.

It was a happy occasion, with many of the Keith clan gathered to salute the family's involvement, along with many other families who have taken the time to volunteer for this very nice program, born and raised in North Haverhill, NH.

The actual cutting of the ribbon at the start of this year's fair on Wednesday evening came after some introductory words and a brief fair history. On hand for the event were many former directors and their families, friends of the fair, and a few others with connections to state government in Concord.

They included Executive Councilor Karen Liot-Hill and Haverhill resident Rick Ladd, who, for many years, was an education leader in Concord and served for 18 years as an elected representative. He announced his retirement earlier in the evening to the surprise of many. He was a friend of the Town of Haverhill, where he lives, and of the North Haverhill Fair.

Taking a little time to speak about the great weather and crowds who flocked to the fair over last weekend, are fair directors, left to right Gary Scruton, John Aldrich, Bob Stoddard, President David Lackie and NH Representative Rick Ladd. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Showing a new sign for the Keith Office that will be permanently displayed on a newly constructed administration building at the North Haverhill Fairgrounds are left to right, a Keith son, Tom, Fair President David Lackie and a Keith daughter, Debbie Bigelow at the North Haverhill Fair that was in town from Wednesday through Sunday last week. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

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Local Singer-Songwriter Karli Blood Headlines At North Haverhill Fair

By Trish Griswold

Karli Blood is the featured performer at this year’s 82nd Annual North Haverhill Fair. Karli is a Ryegate, VT, resident and a Blue Mountain Union School graduate. She is currently enrolled as a public relations major at Belmont University in Nashville, TN, where she is also pursuing a career in country music. - Courtesy photo

North Haverhill, NH - On Saturday, July 25th, Ryegate’s very own Karli Blood will light up Thayer Stage at the North Haverhill Fair with her positive energy, musical talent, and country vibe. For the 20-year-old college student, this opportunity is one she never thought possible. “Growing up, I never imagined I’d get the chance to take the main stage at such a special event,” Karli says, “and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”

Karli’s passion for music began at an early age, giving private performances for her family. Ironically, however, it was the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 that sparked her drive to create music. Like many people, Karli found herself struggling with the lack of social interaction outside her immediate family, so she turned to music as an outlet. Karli set up her dad’s old DJ equipment in a loft above her parents' garage, a cozy little space she fondly dubbed “the barn,” and began belting out a myriad of well-known hits from country to pop, rock, and even theater music. She started teaching herself to play the ukulele and began writing songs as an emotional escape, transforming her negative feelings into something more positive.

“[The pandemic] was definitely a hard time,” Karli says, reflecting on the perils of quarantine. “I found that music really helped me through that. It was definitely an outlet for me to express how I was feeling, and I was able to put some of those feelings into lyrics.”

A few years later, at age 16, Karli gave her first public performance—a duet at her school’s spring concert. In August of that same year, with her dad running sound and lights, Karli gave her first solo performance when she opened for Bad Horsey at Sunset Rock RV Park in Isle La Mott, VT. “I couldn’t have done it without my parents, brother, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends,” Karli says. “They never fail to show up and support me. Without them being there, I probably wouldn’t have the courage to get up on stage.” 

From that moment on, Karli’s music career blossomed. Bryce McNall, the lead singer of Bad Horsey, connected Karli with a producer, who is originally from Vermont but travels back and forth to Nashville helping find up-and-coming talent and assisting them in the process of producing tracks with in-studio bands. This introduction was a catalyst for what came next.

In October 2022, during her sophomore year of high school, Karli ventured off to Nashville, the heart of Music City, where she recorded her first original song, titled “What We Used To Be.” The following February, Karli played her first official gig with a backing track and her guitar at the Iron Rail in Woodsville. She continued to perform locally at bars, campgrounds, and various community events before returning to Nashville three months later to record “Nashville Cowboys,” one of her most popular songs to date. According to Karli, “Nashville Cowboys” was released in September 2023 as part of an extended play mini-album with a collection of songs from her two recording sessions. To date, Karli has released eight songs in total.

When asked to choose her favorite original song, Karli ponders for a moment. “I think ‘Nashville Cowboys’ because it’s fun to dance to, and that’s the kind of music I’m hoping to release if I ever get more opportunities to record. But I also like ‘Doin’ Good.’ Those are probably my top two.”

Without question, Karli Blood’s music career has skyrocketed since those early years of belting out KIDZ BOP-type playlists for her family. Following her graduation from Blue Mountain Union School in June of 2024, Karli moved to Nashville, where she currently attends Belmont University while simultaneously forging her path in the music industry. Karli originally enrolled as an education major, as she was uncertain about her long-term career aspirations. “I needed to start somewhere,” she remarks. “I thought that might lead me into music education or becoming a teacher, but I went into it knowing that I was probably going to change my major.”

While networking with other students through various organizations that she had joined, Karli learned about public relations (PR). “I didn’t even really know that was a thing when I was searching for majors in high school, and then I talked to a lot of other students who spoke so highly of the program and the professors and explained what PR was. I said, ‘I need to try this.’”

At the beginning of her sophomore year, Karli switched majors and is pleased with her decision. “I had a reflection moment of, ‘Why am I in Nashville spending so much money for an education degree when I can do that anywhere for a lot cheaper?’ I feel like I should be taking advantage of the connections and the professors and the programs related to music.” 

Though PR is not an official major within Belmont’s School of Music, Karli explains, public relations is certainly an integral part of the music industry. “PR is important from an artist’s perspective with the age of social media, but there’s so much that you can do with PR even beyond music. If I wanted to learn how to promote myself or other artists and stay in the music industry, I 100% could, but if my goals in life change, I will have job security in other parts of the workforce because PR is so broad.”

The life-changing opportunities afforded to Karli in Nashville, both personally and professionally, have been plentiful. As part of Dolly U, a partnership between Belmont University, Dolly Parton and CTK Enterprises, Karli recently took a class called “Dollyology: Branding, Leadership & Strategic Communication to Customer Relationship Management in the Dollyverse.” This course focused exclusively on Dolly Parton’s branding as an artist and her journey in the public eye.

In addition to a rigorous course schedule, Karli is a member of Phi Mu, the second-oldest female sorority in the United States, as well as Towering Traditions, an orientation council that supports incoming Belmont University freshmen on move-in day and throughout the school year. She co-leads the Belmont Boulevard Team, a small group of students who create all of the social media content for Belmont’s Instagram and TikTok pages. Karli also spent 16 days with a group of fellow PR majors traveling through Europe, starting in Madrid, Spain, with additional stops in Lisbon and Porto, Portugal. 

In her spare time, Karli is on stage in Nashville. In April 2025, she auditioned for the Honky Tonk School, a highly acclaimed training and development organization. Karli earned a spot filling in for singers who perform on Broadway. She plays consistently with a multitude of bands on the “Tootsies Circuit,” a network of venues that include Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Kid Rock’s Big Honky Tonk, Honky Tonk Central, and Rippy’s Honky Tonk. Karli performs at various times of day and in different environments. She also “runs the bucket,” taking song requests and accepting tips from the audience. “It has been a great way to connect with people in the music industry in Nashville and artists that are chasing the same dream that I am.”

Karli’s journey into the music spotlight is beyond inspirational. She is ambitious, passionate, humble, and kind. She is also a positive role model and a beacon of inspiration for those who have the courage to dream big dreams. Karli’s advice to budding young artists is simple and genuine. “Keep going if music is something you truly love. It won’t always be easy, but it is so much better to take the chance than to look back years later wishing you'd been brave enough to try.”

While Karli is chasing her dreams in Nashville during the school year, she spends her summers in Vermont with her family, pursuing those same dreams here at home. Karli recently opened for Waterbury, VT, native Jamie Lee Thurston at The Dispensary in St. Johnsbury. Other venues on her summer tour included 98 Mill, McIndoes Academy Community Center, Sunset Rock Lake Shore, and Kingdom Campground, with her final stop being Thayer Stage at the North Haverhill Fair. 

“I feel nothing but pride to represent my community and put on a really fun show for everyone who shows up and supports me,” Karli says. “I think it’s going to be a great time, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Karli Blood (second from left) has received unwavering support from her family throughout her musical journey. Her dad, Scott (far left), is her lighting and sound technician. Her mom, Melissa (far right), is her manager, and her younger brother, Kason (second from right), helps Scott with set-up and tear-down.“It’s definitely not a one-woman show, even if it appears that way,” Karli says. - Courtesy photo

Karli Blood serves as a “fill in” for singers who perform on the “Tootsies Circuit,” a collection of honky- tonks in Music City. She is seen singing on stage at the legendary Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on Broadway.- Courtesy photo

Recognizing Dairy Farms!

By Lydia Clough

Rambling Rivers at the North Haverhill Fair 2024 - left to right Elise Sanders, Amy Vaughan, Mackenzie Pearl, Bryn Nelson, Lydia Clough, Lizzie Vaughan (Courtesy Photo)

As we close the month of June, which is known as Dairy Month, and summer begins, let us take a moment to remember the dairy farms in our community and to recognize all that they do. From providing us with ice cream in the summer to keeping the land healthy, dairy farms do so much more than meets the eye. 

Most people enjoy some milk in their coffee or tea in the morning and the occasional bowl of ice cream or some cheese and crackers. Yogurt and cereal are popular breakfast foods, and who doesn’t like a glass of milk with their warm cookie? Dairy products are in so many foods, but how often do we stop to think about the people who work so hard to provide us with the milk? Sure, the milk comes from cows who do the actual job of producing milk, but who feeds them, plants and harvests food for them, cleans up after them, milks them, and pours their entire lives into the farm? Dairy farmers. 

Raising and caring for cows is not as easy as it may seem. From the time they are born, they must be carefully monitored both health-wise and diet-wise. As they grow, their diet must continue to change to accommodate their development and maturity, which requires moving them to different groups and tracking each cow’s health and growth to ensure they are thriving. Once they themselves have had a calf and are in milk, it becomes even more crucial to keep an eye on them as they are now production animals. Even with the help of professionals in agriculture, including veterinarians and nutritionists, farmers still have their hands full managing the farm 24/7. Increasing restrictions on farming from the state and federal governments also provide stumbling blocks for farmers as they must continue to run their farms efficiently while complying with the new legislation. 

We have already mentioned the most popular dairy products, but let’s take a minute to think about the nutritional aspect of dairy. It has 13 nutrients altogether, some of which are calcium, protein, vitamin D, phosphorus, vitamin A, many of the vitamin B’s, zinc, selenium, potassium, and iodine. This just goes to show how much of a positive impact consuming dairy products can have on the body. 

In conclusion, as we move forward in the year and into the busyness of summer, let us take a moment to remember the hard work and dedication of the dairy farmers in our area and around the country. Next time you stop for an ice cream cone or a maple creamie, think about all of the work that went into producing the milk for that delicious treat, and whenever you get the chance, thank a farmer for everything they do to provide food for the community. 

To Learn More:

Rambling Rivers 4-H dairy club, based in Newbury, Vermont, currently has six members who are passionate about agriculture and cows. Not all of the members in the club have their own animals, so they lease show heifers from neighboring farms, including Harkdale Farms in Newbury, run by the Carsons, and Scotchburn Farm located in Ryegate and run by the Nelsons, which allows them to have the opportunity to see how different dairy farms are run. When we are not showing at the fair or working with our animals, we participate in State 4-H activities such as dairy quiz bowl, dairy judging, and learning about dairy products through club activities. We also have club officers, which allows us to get a glimpse of how governments and democracies are run. Our goal is to live by the 4-H pledge, which encourages us to pledge our head, heart, hands, and health to better living for our club, our community, our country, and our world. Lydia Clough of Ryegate, the author of this article, is a member of the club. 

Rambling River club at the North Haverhill Fair 2025: left to right starting in the middle- Mackenzie Pearl, Anna Clough, Lizzie Vaughan, Amy Vaughan, Bryn Nelson, Lydia Clough (Courtesy Photo)

Rambling Rivers at the Vermont County Dairy Quiz Bowl 2024 - left to right Lizzie Vaughan, leader Judy Vaughan, Elise Sanders, Bryn Nelson, Amy Vaughan, Anna Clough, Lydia Clough (Courtesy Photo)

The club’s cow at North Haverhill Fair 2025 (Courtesy Photo)

Delivering Holiday Cheer By The Truckload

By Trish Griswold

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Members of the Woodsville High School Class of 2026 helped unload, set up, and tag trees on opening weekend of tree season. Pictured (L-R) are: Makayla Walker, Katie Houston, Ryan Walker, Gabe Roy, Michel Plachetzki, Morgan Crocker, Jillian Roy, Cowan Kimball, and Dylan Marshall.

NORTH HAVERHILL - For the Lackie family of North Haverhill, NH, delivering goodwill and holiday cheer is a tradition that spans many generations. “It's just what we do,” remarks David “Peanut” Lackie, a retired truck driver who has been transporting Christmas trees to the area for decades.


According to Peanut, he took over the family business in 1989 when his father, Leslie Lackie, passed away. For many years, Leslie transported cargo, including Christmas trees from as far away as Canada and as close by as northern New Hampshire. “Mountain Star Tree Farm in Swiftwater (formerly known as the Olsen Tree Farm) - that’s where Dad got started,” Peanut recalls. “He hauled trees for 15 years before I took over. Actually, he went to Wisconsin and got the first tree baler that was in this area.”


In the early 1990s, Peanut’s brother, Norman “Smiley” Lackie, started a small tree stand at the Lackie homestead on the corner of Dartmouth College Highway and Route 116. Peanut’s daughters, Amy (Lackie) Crocker and Jennifer (Lackie) Barkley, kept the tree stand going from 1994 to 1996 before passing it along to the Woodsville High School (WHS) ensemble band as a fundraiser for their trip to Annapolis, MD, to participate in a regional competition. Over the years, many other school groups and local non-profit organizations have been recipients of the fundraiser, including the WHS Class of 2000, the North Haverhill Fire Department, the Haverhill Area Youth DC Trip, the WHS Class of 2023, and the WHS Class of 2026. All of the aforementioned school-related groups, Peanut says, have included a member of the Lackie family.


“We’ve never made a dime on the trees. I buy them, bring them down, and sell them to whatever group at the same price I bought them for. We sell the trees at cost and never charge a penny to truck them.”


The Lackies also donate trucking and provide trees at cost for holiday decorating efforts in North Haverhill and Woodsville, NH, and in Wells River, VT, spreading holiday cheer on both sides of the Connecticut River. “We’ve always donated our time and trucking, and we’re happy to do it,” comments Peanut’s wife, Leslie (Pierson) Lackie, who has supported her husband in continuing both the family business and the tree stand.


The most recent recipient of the tree stand fundraiser is the WHS Class of 2026. “There are really no words that can express how appreciative our class is for the Lackies/Crockers. For the past three years, our success has been rooted from their efforts, and we couldn’t be more grateful for them,” remarks Class President Makayla Walker. “They’ve given us the Christmas tree and craft fair fundraisers that have played a significant role in making prom and our class trip possible, but it has also given us the opportunity to give back to those who have given so much to us.”


“Apart from the financial opportunities,” Makayla continues, “their generosity has brought our class together; freshman year, when we didn’t have these fundraisers, fundraising participation was absent. Now, I’d say close to 75% or more are participating. It’s obvious how committed they are to our class, and we are forever indebted to the Lackies for guiding us, supporting us, and ultimately handing us success; it’s going to be difficult figuring out how to pay them back.”


Managing the Christmas tree stand, which was relocated in 2023 to the parking area at Augie’s Rest Stop is more labor intensive than one might think. “It’s a lot of work,” says Amy, who, together with her husband, Todd Crocker, took over Peanut’s trucking company in June of 2022 and has continued the Lackie family’s time-honored traditions. “You have to set up the racks, hang the lights, bring the trees into town, unload them, set them up on the racks, cut the strings, and price them.”


Equally time-consuming is maintaining the trees after every snowstorm. “You have to shake them off every time it snows. Some years when it was down to Mother’s, we had some serious snow,” Peanut recalls. “In fact, one year we got rain, and the trees froze so we had to take some up to the fire station, thaw them out, and bring them back down. It can be a challenge.”


Except on the weekends, the tree stand is set up to use the honor system, which “works for the most part,” Amy says. “Most people are honest, and it all evens out. Some people put extra in, and some don’t. People’s generosity covers what doesn’t get paid for.”


In fact, some members of the community donate faithfully every year, including Harley Vance of Groton, VT, who purchases two trees, one for himself and one for his mother, Betty Oakes, also of Groton. “We like to support local youth organizations. Plus, they have a wide selection, the trees are well-trimmed, and the prices are more than reasonable.”


When asked about the future of the tree stand, Leslie explains that, in June, their granddaughter, Morgan, a member of the WHS Class of 2026 and this year’s recipient of the tree stand fundraiser, will graduate from high school. The Lackie family will need to decide which school group or community organization will inherit the tree stand project next. “We’d like it to continue to go towards fundraising, a scholarship, or benefit the community in some way. That is what it’s all about. The kids and the community.”

Christmas trees nestled in whiskey barrels outside Robert Lawrence Salon & Spa in Woodsville provide a festive glow during the holiday season. The Lackie Family provides more than 100 trees at cost to businesses in Woodsville and North Haverhill, NH, and Wells River, VT.

The Lackie Family tree stand located at Augie’s Rest Stop just south of Hatchland Dairy in North Haverhill provides a wide selection of balsam fir at an affordable price.

The Lackies have been delivering Christmas trees to the North Haverhill area for decades. They donate the trucking fees and provide the trees at cost to a local school group or organization for fundraising purposes. Pictured (L-R) are David “Peanut” Lackie, Leslie Lackie, Amy Crocker, and Todd Crocker.