The Newfound Lake Area map project was developed by the local business organization Newfound Independence in 2020 as a fun and positive way to promote businesses in the communities around the lake. The group, which was the brainchild of Holly Kerouac of the Newfound Country Store and Garlyn Manganiello of Basic Ingredients, was formed to bring locally-owned businesses together and to promote the positive economic benefits of shopping locally. The Town of Bristol has been working with Newfound Independence recently to find ways to further support the business community.

The network of local small businesses includes the communities surrounding Newfound Lake, including Bristol, Bridgewater, Hebron and Alexandria.

Newfound Independence’s first endeavor was the 2020 Newfound Lake Area map. The group printed and distributed 10,000 maps to participating local businesses to help show both residents and visitors the wide range of businesses and services available in the area. For a $100 investment, businesses would get the place of business shown on the illustrated map, as well as an ad on the back. In addition, businesses that participate in the map are featured on the Newfound Independence Facebook page.

The map has also become a way to highlight local artists. The first map was created by artist Charles Kuizinas of Cosmic Moose Art, followed by artist Don Hundgen of Hundelrut Studio in 2021. This year, Newfound Independence has commissioned Meredith artist Richard Mundy to create the Newfound Lake Area map.

Volunteer members of Newfound Independence working group are: Holly Kerouac of Newfound Country Store, Garlyn Manganiello of Basic Ingredients, Denice DeStefano of Granite Group Realty Services, Barbara Comeau of Riverside Artisans, Dave Redman of Dave Redman Photography, and Carolyn Shulman of Granite Group Realty Services.

Newfound Independence is always looking for more volunteers to oversee and help coordinate the work of Newfound Independence and the 2022 area map. To get involved, contact Newfound Independence on its Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Newfound-Independence