MWV Ice Fest Silent Auction Funds Kismet Student Scholarships; Intern Endowment Fund Established

Thanks to the generosity of local business IMCS/IME for making Kismet Rock Foundation the beneficiary once again of the Friday night silent auction proceeds at the ICE FEST. The evening included a slide show by world-class climber Steve House as well as a dry tool competition. The event was emceed by Freddie Wilkinson (who some argued can actually get away with wearing neon lycra tights in public).

Many thanks to Anne Skidmore for use of these images

Kismet Rock Foundation volunteers MIKE LACKMAN, PHIL THALHEIMER, NICKIE SEKERA and board member BRIAN POST worked the silent auction tables and were on hand to answer questions about the organization.

Quality climbing hardware and soft goods were donated to the silent auction, which raised more than $1,700  for the Kismet student scholarship fund.  Thank you to those sponsors: JULBO, ICEHOLDZ, LOWA, OUTDOOR RESEARCH, PRINCETON TEC, ASOLO, PETZL CHARLET, SCARPA, MAMMUT, MOUNTAIN  HARDWEAR, PATAGONIA, LA SPORTIVA, and BLACK DIAMOND.

Adding to an already memorable evening, Jim Shimberg, a longtime friend of Kismet, presented a check for $2,500 to establish a KISMET INTERN ENDOWMENT FUND, in memory of Jonny Copp, Micah Dash and Wade Johnson. Jim ‘passed the hat’ for nearly a year, collecting contributions from $1 up to $500 to create the fund. Kismet is honored to carry on the memories of those three men who were so loved and are so missed with this very special fund for Kismet graduates.

Contact Kismet to learn more about the fund.

Our gratitude and appreciation goes out to Ice Fest event directors Sarah Garlick and Anne Skidmore for a successful weekend, and of course to Rick Wilcox and Brad White of IME/IMCS for making the event possible.

Feb 5 MWV Ice Fest Silent Auction to Benefit Kismet

17th Annual Mt. Washington Valley Ice Festival
Steve House Slide Show and Dry Tooling Face Off with Silent Auction to Benefit Kismet Rock Foundation

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See photos from last year’s Ice Fest auction and slide show!


WHEN: Friday February 5, 7 pm

WHERE: Cranmore Family Fitness Center (climbing wall)


Thanks to International Mountain Equipment/Mountain Climbing School for making Kismet the silent auction beneficiary once again. Last year the auction raised more than $2,000 for Kismet’s education programs.

Don’t miss this line up of events on Friday.

Bid high and bid often!

7:00 PM: Doors open, silent auction begins. A climbing rope, ice climbing boots, backpack, jackets and more will be up for bidding from the Ice Fest sponsors. 100% of proceeds goes to the Kismet Rock Foundation scholarship fund.

7:30 PM: Steve House keynote slide show, followed by the 2nd Annual Indoor Dry-Tooling Face Off with MC Freddie Wilkinson.

Also look for a special presentation to Kismet from long time friend of the organization, Jim Shimberg.

Cost: $10 at the door

Clinics are still open! Visit the IMCS website or the Ice Fest Blog to learn more.

Caliente! Photos

A selection of photos from the 2009 Caliente! event. Thanks to Bruce Raymond for taking these!

Dutch Bloemen Winkel and Caliente!

We are so lucky to once again have the fabulous floral decor of Dutch Bloemen Winkel at our annual event – their arrangements will beautify our food and registration tables on November 7 at Caliente!

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Dutch Bloemen Winkel is a floral design studio with a reputation for high quality, ingenuity and personalized attention. Owner Carrie Scribner will work with you to create unique and stunning floral designs that reflect your style and work within your budget. In addition to flowers, they offer a wide range of other services like tent and ceiling decorations and rental of urns, arbors, and vases.

Carrie will provide friendly and honest support from the planning stages through the day of the event (we know this from experience!). Check out this video about the shop and its services.

Many many thanks to Carrie and Dutch Bloemen Winkel for your Gold Level sponsorship of Caliente!

Caliente! Silver Sponsors

Thank You, Silver Sponsors!

Check out the unique and generous businesses supporting Kismet Rock Foundation and Caliente!

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Cafe Noche, located in Conway, New Hampshire, is owned by Thomas Kugel and proudly offers quality, authentic, delicious Mexican cuisine in a festive, fun and colorful atmosphere. Serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Cafe Noche will be serving up some tasty, signature dishes for Caliente!
www.cafenoche.net

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Mount Washington Valley local Doug Madara represents some of the best names in the climbing industry: LaSportiva, Metolius, and Sterling Rope. Look for him at climbing events throughout the country or at one of the many local crags located in the Mount Washington Valley.
www.sportiva.com
www.metoliusclimbing.com
www.sterlingrope.com

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Fryeburg Veterinary Hospital is a comprehensive facility that offers a wide variety of goods and services to it’s clients and their pets. With six veterinarians on staff, qualified technicians and a helpful reception desk, Fryeburg Veterinary Clinic is committed to you and your pet’s health and road to recovery. Check them out online for a full listing of services, staff, photos, and client education.
www.fryeburgvet.com

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Mountain Top Music Center’s mission is to enrich lives and build community by providing inspiring music education and by offering performance and listening opportunities throughout the Conway, New Hampshire area. For a complete listing of classes, concerts, and art exhibits check out Mountain Top Music on the web.
www.mountaintopmusic.org

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Mountain Yurt Yoga – Practice yoga with certified instructor Martha Davis in a peaceful setting on 30 acres on Allen Mountain in Denmark, Maine. Check out their blog to learn more about Mountain Yurt Yoga, Martha, and her motivation and philosophy for teaching and practicing yoga.
www.mountainyurtyoga.blogspot.com

Skt Ambitions, LLC

Sky Ambitions, LLC owned by Dave & Kristin Karl, representing outdoor gear companies: Petzl, Sea to Summit, Adventure Medical Kits, OBoZ Footwear, Ambler Hats, Julbo Eyewear.
www.petzl.com
www.seatosummit.com
www.adventuremedicalkits.com
www.obozfootwear.com
www.amblermw.com
www.julbousa.com

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Belray Asset Management – Passionate about managing money in a conservative manner, Belray’s goal is to provide you with a great investment experience. Located in Greenwhich, CT, Belray is a Registered Investment Advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
www.belrayam.com

Caliente! Food

The art of dining well is no slight art, the pleasure not a slight pleasure. -Michel de Montaigne

One of my favorite things about living in the Mount Washington Valley is the ample selection of great, independently owned restaurants. I consider them one of the Valley’s finest assets, after all, who doesn’t like food?

It seems there is always a place to go depending upon my taste for the day; I’ve found myself at the Bangkok Cafe more times than I count after a day of climbing. Or at Chef’s Market for lunch and Flatbread for a little post-work social hour and some healthy, organic flatbread pizzas. It’s a wonder I even make to the grocery store sometimes. You can imagine how pleased I was when I found out the above mentioned will be providing some signature hors d’oeuvres for Caliente!

They aren’t the only ones though, the often bustling May Kelley’s and Delaney’s Hole in the Wall will be there. And to beat the November cold, Frontside Grind will be providing coffee (arguably the best in town) and the award winning, ever-popular White Mountain Cider Company will have hot cider and doughnuts on hand.

The Shannon Door pub and Wildcat Inn & Tavern (with assistance from Horsefeathers) will be contributing a great selection of appetizers from the Jackson side of the Mount Washington Valley.

But could it really be Caliente! without some south-of-the-border flair? Nope, so of course Conway’s Cafe Noche will be there for all of you who prefer a little spice in your life. I hope you will join us for Caliente! and share in the experience of enjoying some of the best food the Mount Washington Valley has to offer.

Shaunna Richard – Kismet Event Coordinator

October 28, New food news: Look for tasty treats from the Shovel Handle Pub and Whitney’s Inn in Jackson…and some homemade items from Kismet volunteer chefs and bakers, including a birthday cake for Kismet (10 years old this year!), sushi, and a secret pumpkin flavored dessert that involves cream cheese filling.

Many MANY thanks to Anne Skidmore and the rest of our amazing events committee for getting out there to rally all of this wonderful food for you to eat on November 7 at Caliente!

Black Mountain supports Kismet and Caliente!

Looking for a great wedding or event space? Dreaming of hitting the slopes with your family? Imagine walking along trails, on horseback, as the sun sets over the White Mountains! If you are nodding your head then you need to check out Black Mountain.

For over sixty years, Black Mountain resort has added the perfect family adventure destination to the heart of Jackson, NH. Nestled above the quaint town center, Black Mountain is a great place for beginner to advanced skiers. Those who would rather enjoy a book by the fire, can head to The Whitney Inn or find a great meal at The Shovel Handle Pub. In the warmer seasons enjoy horseback riding adventures of all sorts.

If you are planning a special event, Black Mountain can offer you a fabulous space for up to 300 guests with activities galore in a magnificently beautiful setting.

Kismet Rock Foundation is thrilled to host their 10th anniversary celebration, Caliente!, at Black Mountain. Thoughtful and knowledgeable staff, flexible scheduling and the friendly atmosphere made planning the organization’s largest annual event a real treat. Come check out Black Mountain on November 7th during Kismet’s grand event or book a vacation when the snow flies. You will not be disappointed.

Thanks to Black Mountain for supporting Caliente! and Kismet Rock Foundation.

Check out Black Mountain today at www.blackmt.com!

Black Mountain summer photo

Black Mountain trail map

Rovettidesign and Kismet

Do you know Stephen Rovetti?

If you’ve seen our brochures, notecards, or our Caliente! invitations you’ve seen his work. Stephen is the think-tank behind Rovettidesign, a graphic design, photography and interactive/web design company based in Madison, NH. Aside from being a totally awesome guy, Stephen is a totally awesome designer committed to providing you with the best possible work at price that you’ll like. His style is clean and straightforward, providing a product that is both streamlined and engaging. Check him out on the web at www.rovettidesign.com and while you’re there be sure to sign up on his mailing list for a chance to win 500 free business cards…awesome!

Many thanks to Rovettidesign for supporting the upcoming Caliente! event as a Gold Level Sponsor.

Some samples of Stephen Rovetti’s work:

Caliente!:
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Outside of Kismet Rock Foundation Brochure (photos by Rob Vandegrift):
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Inside of Kismet Rock Foundation brochure (photos by Rob Vandegrift and Brian Post):
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Caliente! and the Nereledge Inn

Where do you stay after a rockin’ night of Salsa dancing? The Nereledge Inn!

Located on River Road in North Conway, the Nereledge Inn is a charming and historic bed and breakfast with a cozy atmosphere. The inn offers a great location and you can easily walk to the Saco River. Nearby North Conway Village is host to various shops, pubs, a movie theatre, and park. Not to mention that Cathedral and Whitehorse ledges are minutes away.

Built in 1787 by the Randall Family, the Nereledge is one of the oldest farmhouses in the area. A cozy place to sit and back relax; staying at the Nereledge is like having a whole house to yourself. Enjoy one of its many bedrooms, living room, game room, guest pantry, and quiet porch. Start your day with breakfast in the sunny dining-room overlooking the perennial garden. Breakfast, generally served from 7:30 – 9:30, offers your choice of pancakes, french toast, an omelette, or eggs any style. Coffee, tea, juice, muffins and fresh fruit are available as well.

The Nereledge is offering a 10% discount to Caliente! party-goers who book at least two nights. They will be hosting our awesome band, Los Sugar Kings, as well. The Nereledge is the perfect place to unwind after a night of salsa dancing, socializing, and listening to some great music.

For rates, photographs, and more information on the Nereledge Inn please visit their website: www.nereledgeinn.com.

Los Sugar Kings to play at Caliente

Check out Los Sugar Kings – a rockin’ band from Boston specializing in Afro-Cuban Son, Salsa and Rumba-Flamenca. Los Sugar Kings draw their influence from all over the world though, mixing melodies and harmonies sure to peak your attention and make you move. You can see Los Sugar Kings at our Caliente! event November 7th at Black Mountain ski area in Jackson, NH. In the meantime check out their website to hear their sounds and learn more about these talented musicians.

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