Page 7 - APRIL2025

April 2025
NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM
Page 7
Community
WELCOME
continued from page 6
trace an American lineage back to colonial times, frequently swell the weekend attendance at Wellington State Park. Starting in the last half of the 20th cen- tury and especially evident these summer weekends, a new and distinctive ethnicity is enriching a visit to New Hampshire’s pre- mier inland beach.
Last summer, walking through the park’s picnic areas I was surrounded by an ambi- ence new to me. I could hear the rhythms of vibrant merengue and bachata music as I inhaled the seductive aroma of savory chimichurri burgers sizzling on numerous grills. Voices, espe- cially among the young, spoke with the passion of joy, and excitement. There was much laughter. These manifestations of apparent human celebration were expressions of traditional Dominican culture. Those who gave personal identity to these expressions were Dominican Americans, citizens either by naturalization or by having been born here in the United States. Seven decades ago, the first mi- gration of these expressive peo- ple came because of the violent political upheavals following the assassination of Raphael Tru- jillo. Subsequent generations took advantage of an immigra- tion policy that, unlike today, affirmed familial reunification.
Why after settling in urban Massachusetts (especially Law-
rence), has the Lakes Region become the desirable place for these Hispanic Americans to recreate? There are a few likely answers. New Hampshire is a less costly and more accessible destination than Cape Cod. For the older Dominican Ameri- cans, the mountain and lake views are reminiscent of the rugged Dominican geography. Perhaps there is magic in the name, ”Newfound” itself, for a
ready to share their celebration of life and leisure with weekend neighbors. With this insight, I exited the park feeling happy and proud that this area, always known for its physical beauty and now a place to experience the abundance of cultural diver- sity, is where my wife and I have made our home.
But exiting along the gate- house, I experienced a moment of melancholy realizing that I
JOIN US FOR
SUNDAY, APRIL 20
10AM - 1:30PM
GET TICKETS HERE
603 744 9111
1030 Mayhew Turnpike. Bridgewater, NH 03222
newfoundlakeinn.com
people who have lost their an- cestral home. I’d like to believe the hospitality of this region’s “natives” is a factor, local resi- dents whose open-heartedness is grounded in their awareness that their own ancestors at some point, distant in time, braved the Atlantic in search of oppor- tunity and sanctuary.
My weekend visit affirmed what Wellington staff had told me, that those on this most re- cent sojourn to New Hamp- shire were kindly and respectful,
would not see a wave from Edie Grout. So often, in times past, when entering the park, I had been greeted by Edie’s smile accompanied by her reassuring words (even once in the rain) that I had picked the best day to experience A Wellington Wel- come.
Reservations: nhstateparks.org
My thanks to the Wellington staff and the Bristol Historical Society.
NEWFOUND AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
FOR 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
If you have a child who will turn 5 years old by September 30, 2025 please call or email the school in the town in which you live for registration information.
If you live in Bristol or Alexandria, please contact Bristol Elementary School 603-744-2761 or jtehven@sau4.org
If you live in Danbury, please contact Danbury Elementary School 603-768-3434 or smmclean@sau4.org
If you live in New Hampton, please contact New Hampton Community School 603-744-3221 or adifilippe@sau4.org