Apples, Birdhouses and Hayrides Hail Dave Moody’s Legacy
This tribute to a friend of Pike was put together by UVSC Director of Experience Bill Kearney who told The Bridge Weekly that Dave Moody was a talented man who performed many chores and tasks at the UVSC over the 40 years he had been part of the outdoor adventure.
Back 15 and 20 years ago, Moody was a big part of the old Pike Days programs that were organized by personnel of the Becket School under the auspices of the Becket Family of Services.
Bernie Marvin
The Upper Valley Stewardship Center held an Apple Cider \Open House last weekend and featured a popular hayride. Here it is as it passes by during the event. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin.
Pike, NH – Dave Moody, long a friend and associate of the Becket School and other activities within the 2000-acre Upper Valley Stewardship Center (UVSC) was honored last Saturday, September 19, 2026, with a traditional fall-is-in-the-air event that brought back memories of the popular Mr. Moody and his many skills, one of which was building birdhouses for kids.
This tribute to a friend of Pike was put together by UVSC Director of Experience Bill Kearney who told The Bridge Weekly that Dave Moody was a talented man who performed many chores and tasks at the UVSC over the 40 years he had been part of the outdoor adventure.
Back 15 and 20 years ago, Moody was a big part of the old Pike Days programs that were organized by personnel of the Becket School under the auspices of the Becket Family of Services.
When one mentioned Becket School, visions were immediately formed about chef-prepared foods, displays, hayrides, outdoor crafts, farm animals and bird house construction to mention a few Pike Day activities.
Last Saturday, on the grounds of the UVSC there were opportunities for visitors to enjoy fresh-pressed wild apple cider, a hayride, building birdhouses, and learning the intrigues of an on-site Arthur Eve Sports Center ropes course.
Plus, of course, the chance to take a long leisurely stroll around a large wildlife preserve and forested area that is now part of an outdoor sports layout that includes pristine fields, a ranging forest and the town’s highest peak over 2000 feet.
UVSC Director of Experience Bill Kearney told me during the Apple Cider Open House that they are hoping to establish a farming operation on part of the property that will feature a selection of farm animals and birds for visitors to observe and enjoy.
He noted that the original vision created by UVSC creators in the John and Joan Wolter Family, included a selection of wildlife, farm animals and the natural beauty that surrounds to area visitors can enjoy.
He said there will be future forums and programs established for the future that include Basic Tree ID by Forester Andrew Westerman, Forestry For The Small Woodlot Owner, Mountain Biking Trips and a Trail Works Day inside the Pike Glades winter ski area.
Ethan Sjolander, at left, assists Kaizen Sjolander, as they build a new birdhouse during the Upper Valley Stewardship Center’s Apple Cider Open House last weekend. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin.
Visitors to last Saturday’s Apple Cider Open House at the Upper Valley Stewardship Center stopped by a wild apple pressing operation to enjoy fresh cider. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin
A determined team of rope pullers assisted Rope Master Mike Adamkowski as he operated the Holy Cow Swing during the Apple Cider Open House at the Upper Valley Stewardship Center. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin
Members of the Murray family gathered around their dad, Andy Murray, at right, as water-based nature tattoos were transferred to their hands during the Upper Valley Stewardship Center’s Apple Cider Open House. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin