Pelham Pathways

10/17/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Lynne Hildreth, 2026 Spirit of NH Award Recipient! 🎉

Pelham Pathways is proud to announce that our very own Lynne Hildreth, Director of Pickleball, has been selected to receive a Volunteer Service Award at Volunteer NH’s 2026 Spirit of NH Awards Ceremony.

Lynne’s impact on our community has been extraordinary. What began as an idea in 2022 has grown into a thriving pickleball community of nearly 500 players, thanks to her vision, leadership, and countless hours of volunteer service.

Before Pelham’s pickleball courts were even built, Lynne helped identify locations, presented the project to the Select Board, organized volunteers, raised funds, and helped turn the vision into reality. Today, she oversees lessons, tournaments, youth programs, winter play opportunities, and a dedicated volunteer team that welcomes players of all ages and skill levels.

More than just building a successful recreation program, Lynne has built a community. She has created opportunities for beginners, encouraged friendships, reduced isolation for many older adults, and made sure every new player feels welcome from day one.

As one volunteer beautifully said:

💚 “Lynne doesn’t just run a program, she builds a community where everyone belongs.”

Pelham Pathways could not be more proud of Lynne and this well-deserved recognition.

📅 2026 Spirit of NH Awards Ceremony
🗓 Monday, October 26, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Chubb Theatre at the Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord, NH
🎟 Free to attend

Please join us in congratulating Lynne and thanking her for the incredible difference she has made in Pelham. Her dedication, kindness, and service have touched hundreds of lives and continue to strengthen our community every day.

👏 Congratulations, Lynne! This honor is truly well deserved.

10/16/2026

Want to learn about different strategies for managing your land for the future? Join the Conservation Commission for a land owner information session on Wednesday, October 28th at 6:30pm to hear about several options that you have as a land owner. Hear from speakers about land conservation, land management, and forest management.

10/15/2026

10/14/2026

Join Us October 21: Breakfast, Community Pride, and State Government in Action

Come for breakfast. Stay to celebrate Pelham Pathways—and see your state government at work!

On Wednesday, October 21, the Governor and New Hampshire Executive Council will meet right here in Pelham. Councilor Janet Stevens has warmly invited all Pelham Pathways members to attend breakfast at 8:00 a.m. and the formal Council meeting beginning at 10:00 a.m.

During the formal meeting, Pelham Pathways will receive a commendation from the Governor and Executive Council recognizing our contributions to the community. This recognition belongs to you—our members, volunteers, donors, and partners whose dedication brings our mission to life.

Whether you have helped care for Celebration Park, joined a guided hike, supported our pickleball program, contributed to Harmony Park, or simply encouraged our work, we would love to have you there.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Pelham Town Hall, 6 Village Green, Pelham
8:00 a.m. — Breakfast
10:00 a.m. — Formal Executive Council meeting and Pelham Pathways commendation

Beyond celebrating together, this is a wonderful opportunity to see how New Hampshire state government operates in person. Breakfast offers a chance to connect with fellow members and, as opportunities arise, share your concerns and ideas with the Governor and Executive Council. Your perspective matters—from protecting our conservation lands and wildlife to creating welcoming outdoor spaces and helping residents stay active and connected as they age.

We are especially grateful to Executive Councilor Janet L. Stevens, whose advocacy helped make Virginia’s All Persons Trail possible. Her support helped open the outdoors to people of all abilities—a lasting example of what community partnerships can accomplish.

As Pelham Pathways looks ahead, we remain committed to preserving Pelham’s rural character, encouraging outdoor recreation and healthy aging, and caring for the natural places that make our town special. Your presence on October 21 will help celebrate that work and show your support for its future.

Please join us for breakfast, the formal meeting, or both. Let’s fill the room with the community spirit that makes Pelham Pathways possible!

Yvonne La-Garde
Chair, Pelham Pathways, Inc.

10/13/2026

Join Tim for a Halloween-season walk through one of Pelham’s most storied conservation areas.

As autumn shadows stretch across the trail, we will follow old stone walls left behind by farms where cows and sheep once grazed. Along the way, we will discover a historic stone foundation and venture through a “spooky” tunnel root cellar—an underground refrigerator used by early settlers to preserve food during harsh New England winters. The 1.6-mile loop concludes at Lovers Point, a quietly haunting landmark tucked into the woods and rich with local lore. Meet at the Aspen Drive parking area between 23 and 25 Aspen Drive. The terrain is mostly flat, with occasional moderate slopes, roots, stones, and step-overs. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Hannaford of Pelham will provide snacks and water.

Registration is required. Visit Pelhampathways.com, select the Community Trail Coalition tab, and then choose from the drop-down menu Guided Hikes & Registration. Questions may be sent to [email protected]. Registration is first-come, first-served. Both guided hikes will be cancelled if weather or trail conditions are unsafe. Please check the Events page at Pelhampathways.com for updates. ( Photo old foundation at Cutler- Spalding)

https://pelhampathways.com/guided-hike-halloween-walk-at-cutler-spaulding/

Community Trail Coalition Committee– a division of Pelham Pathways Checking availability…

10/10/2026

Tim Kennedy’s story will also be featured in Pelham Pathways’ forthcoming book:
Discover Pelham: A Guide to Trails, Wildlife, and Wild Places

Expected to be published around March 2027, this beautifully illustrated guide will introduce readers to Pelham’s trails, conservation lands, wildlife, natural history, and the people who have worked to protect these special places. We look forward to sharing more previews in the months ahead. For now, consider our October programs a chance to step inside the pages before the book arrives.

10/06/2026

Climbing the Ladder Tournament-

Our annual tournament will be held Saturday, October 17th, with a rain date of Sunday, October 18th beginning at 10:00am and 1:00pm at the Hobbs Courts. Feel free to share this with your pickleball friends.

We will need many volunteers for each tournament. Please sign up on SUG under Volunteers for am, pm, or both.

The morning tournament will be Beginner-Intermediate level individual players playing in randomly assigned and changing teams. The afternoon tournament is for Competitive-Advanced level constant teams.

The tournament fee is $35 from each individual player. We are limiting the tournaments to 16 players in a.m. and 8 teams of 2 players in p.m.

Between the two tournaments we will have a luncheon for both groups. Thank you to Nancy Kalil for volunteering to coordinate the lunch. She could use a couple volunteers to help her that day. Dessert cookies would be appreciated from our Pelham Picklers.

Players should register now as individuals for the morning tournament and as teams for the afternoon by using Sign-up Genius (10/17). Then Venmo $35 right away to venmo.com/PelhamNHP noting ‘AM or PM tournament’ or give cash or check

made out to Pelham NHP (in an envelope) to Lynne Hildreth or Gretchen Brunelle. You are not fully registered until payment is received.

The tournaments will begin at the above times. All warmups must be done before starting times.

All players and teams will play 5 games to 11 points (no win by 2) or to a maximum of 12 minutes. There will be no byes.

Players should expect an email a couple of days before the tournament to confirm your registration and explain some rules. Please come prepared.

Just what is a ladder tournament? Click here.

We will also have a nice “Serving up Pickleball” gift basket to raffle off at the end. If you would like tickets in advance, speak to Gretchen, Lynne, or Jory.

For questions, please contact [email protected].

10/04/2026

Guided Hike at Gumpus Pond
Saturday, October 10 at 1:30 PM 57 Hinds Lane Pelham
Follow peaceful forest paths into the wetlands of Gumpus Pond Conservation Area and learn how nature’s master builders—the beavers—shape the landscape. During this approximately two-hour hike, Tim will help participants identify signs of beaver activity, including gnawed trees and flooded meadows, while discussing the important role beavers play in creating habitat for other wildlife. The hike is moderate and limited to 15 participants. Wear sturdy walking shoes, dress in layers, and bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Snacks and water will be provided by Hannaford of Pelham. Registration is required. Visit Pelhampathways.com, select the Community Trail Coalition tab, and then choose from the drop-down menu Guided Hikes & Registration. Questions may be sent to [email protected]. Registration is first-come, first-served. ( Photo by Steve Carson- Beaver Dam at Gumpus)
https://pelhampathways.com/guided-hike-gumpus-pond-home-of-natures-master-builders/

10/03/2026

Volunteers Needed at Celebration Park

If you prefer to spend an October day helping one of Pelham’s most treasured community spaces, we need at least six volunteers at Celebration Park, 8 Nashua Road, on: Saturday, October 17

Two volunteer shifts are available:
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
1:00–3:00 PM

A complimentary pizza lunch will be provided to all volunteers from 12:00–1:00 PM. Volunteers will help install a drip irrigation system in the park’s gardens. Instructions will be provided, so no previous experience is necessary. Once completed, the system will deliver water directly to the plants and greatly reduce the amount of hand-watering required from volunteers. To volunteer for either shift—or both—please email [email protected].

October offers many ways to enjoy and care for Pelham’s special places. Come explore beaver habitat, walk through history with Tim Kennedy, or help us make Celebration Park more sustainable.

We would love to have you join us.
https://pelhampathways.com/pelhams-celebration-park/

09/27/2026

Meet Tim Kennedy Guardian of Pelham’s Forests

Our October 10 and October 25 guided hikes will be led by Tim Kennedy, one of Pelham’s most dedicated trail stewards. Tim quietly cares for more than 23 miles of trails throughout Pelham’s town forests. He clears fallen trees, repairs bridges, installs water bars, hauls lumber, and fixes whatever needs attention—often working alone, by hand, and without seeking recognition. His connection to the outdoors runs deep. A Vietnam veteran, Tim began hiking in 1968 and found that the woods gave him a sense of peace. He went on to serve as an Appalachian Mountain Club trip leader for 45 years, leading winter hikes throughout New Hampshire’s mountains.

In 2025, after turning 80, Tim completed all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks—an extraordinary achievement that made him one of only a small number of hikers over age 80 to complete the challenge. Tim believes that hiking belongs to everyone and that movement keeps us connected to life.

His advice is simple: “Get out there. Move. Hike. Make living worthwhile.”

You can do exactly that by joining Tim on one—or both—of his October hikes.

https://pelhampathways.com/guided-hike-gumpus-pond-home-of-natures-master-builders/

https://pelhampathways.com/guided-hike-halloween-walk-at-cutler-spaulding/