An easy hike of about two miles around hidden Hopkins Pond in Andover will be led by local outdoor enthusiast Lee Carvalho beginning at 9:30 a.m. July 9. Offered at no charge, the walk will begin and end in the small parking lot on Elbow Pond Road, just short of a mile beyond its intersection with Route 11 on the eastern outskirts of Andover Center. Plan on a leisurely two-hour walk along well-established trails and old woods roads with little elevation change. Heavy rain will cause cancellation, but light rain should not. Call 735-5135 or email andovercommunity03216@gmail.com with questions. Expect to see glacial erratics, loons, butterflies, dragonflies, wildflowers and evidence of beaver activity. Hopkins Pond is part of Proctor Academy’s campus, which is jointly managed by Proctor and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
Lakes Region Community College will offer introduction to swing dance and introduction to ballroom dance this summer. Swing dance lessons will be July 12, 19 and 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Ballroom dance lessons will be Aug. 9, 16 and 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The cost for all three lessons per genre is $36 per couple. They will be taught by Ron and Beth Blankenstein of South Stand Ballroom Dancing in South Carolina and will take place in the cafeteria of the Turner building. Call 366-5235 to register.
On Saturday, high school freshman Ryan Buchanan will host the annual “Save the Loons” lead-free fishing derby on Chocorua Lake. Poisoning from lead fishing tackle is the leading cause of adult loon mortality in New Hampshire. Buchanan is hoping the derby will raise awareness about the new law, which restricts the sale and freshwater use of lead fishing sinkers and lead jigs weighing one ounce or less, and the harmful effects of lead fishing tackle on loons and other lake wildlife. The fishing derby will start at the Narrows Bridge on Chocorua Lake. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the derby runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are four age categories and prizes will be awarded in each group. All proceeds from the fishing derby go to the Loon Preservation Committee and the Chocorua Lake Conservancy .
Twin Rivers Interfaith Food Pantry is now able to obtain fresh eggs through N.H. Food Bank but needs egg cartons in order to distribute the eggs. The pantry could also use pancake mix and regular bottles of maple syrup. Deliver donations to 237 Central St. or call 934-2662 to arrange delivery.
Got Lunch! Laconia will continue its partnership with Irwin Marine with its generous donation of a Sea Doo Spark 2 UP and trailer for GLL summer fundraiser raffle. The organization will be delivering a week’s worth of healthy lunches to more than 500 children this summer. Raffle tickets are $10 each or three for $25 with all of the proceeds going directly to GLL. Tickets are available at Irwin Marine, Laconia and Alton; All My Life Jewelers, Main Street; VISTA Foods and Tavern 27. The drawing to identify the lucky winner will be held Aug. 15 at 8:30 a.m. at the Congregational Church. Thanks, Bill Irwin and his team for their ongoing commitment.