by David DeJohn, NHCLP
December 2022

Well, I can’t believe it’s already time to say Happy Holidays, but as I write Thanksgiving is just two weeks away and by the time this edition of the Newsletter comes out Christmas will be right around the corner, so Happy Holidays in advance!

I, for one, am not at all sorry to see 2022 in the rear view mirror, and now that the mid-terms are over I look forward to a slightly quieter, slightly calmer 2023.

Thank you to Andrew Pelkey and North Point Outdoors for hosting our “Let’s get Dirty” Engine maintenance and repair workshop. Chris Baker and Andrew Giampalo led a very lively demonstration and discussion on preventative maintenance and repair for chain saws, pole pruners, trimmers, blowers, and mowers. They discussed the common problems that crop up on a daily basis and the three most likely causes of the those problems — fuel, air, or spark. It was a perfectly-sized group for this sort of workshop, giving everyone who attended the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and talk to each other. All sizes of businesses were represented, but the issues of repair, preventative maintenance, cost of repairs, and efficiency are a common thread regardless of size of company.

The discussion continued through the pizza dinner provided by NHLA and Chris, and Andrew were very open generous in talking about the systems set up to run North Point and how the company has evolved over the last six years. Thank you again to Chris and Andrew, and thank you to everyone who attended.

We have several other events coming up, the next one being our January Dinner Meeting at the Puritan restaurant in Manchester on the 18th (snow date January 19) featuring John Forti. The topic will be “The Heirloom Gardener – Traditional Plants and Skills.” His talk draws from his new book of traditional plants and skills for the modern world. His PowerPoint shares inspiration from our long history of heirloom and native plant preservation, garden craft, and homestead lifeways that we can apply to our own gardens and landscapes. This is one not to be missed, so watch for more information and registration details.

In February Ben Huntington will tentatively be hosting a tour of the expanded growing operations and facilities at Pleasant View Gardens in Pembroke, and in March we have scheduled another Safety Day which will include DOS compliance rules and demonstrations as well as On-site First Aid. This will be a great way to start gearing up for a new and safe 2023 season .

Check out the Newsletter and website for more information on these and other events. We have lots planned for the coming year to keep employees and business owners alike informed and to help keep your businesses profitable.

Have a great rest of the season and Happy Holidays!