Grand Prize Shopping Spree Awarded

DOVER—
It’s never too late to shop locally. Just ask Amber Payne of Dover, who filled out an entry form for a purchase made on the last day before the Grand Prize drawing in the Dover Chamber’s “Shop Dover First”campaign. Ms. Payne’s entry was selected the very next day, making her the winner of the Grand Prize, a Local Shopping Spree consisting of $3,000 worth of Gift Cards to local businesses.
“I’m a huge proponent of spending locally, so I took notice of the Chamber’s ‘SHOP DOVER’ campaign right away,” said Payne, whose winning purchase was made at Dover Cyclery on Chestnut Street. “I’m thrilled to have won, of course, but I’m also pleased just to see people making the effort to support our local economy.”
The “Shop Dover First”campaign, which the Chamber has produced with sponsorship help from Federal Savings Bank, has been a huge success this holiday season, with entries totaling nearly $2 million in local spending.
“Judging from the feedback we’ve been receiving from local businesses, the campaign has really begun to change people’s mindsets and affect their buying behavior,” noted Chamber Executive Director Kirt Schuman. “We felt this needed to be done, and I’m gratified to see that the response has been so overwhelmingly positive.”
In fact, the Chamber decided to extend the campaign through the end of the year in order to build on the momentum that has already been generated, and to help local merchants finish the year as strongly as possible.
“Business has been good,” noted Dover Cyclery owner Wayne Richard, “and I really think the Chamber staff deserves a lot of credit. People see the “Shop Dover First”posters and entry boxes all over town, and sooner or later, the message begins to resonate.”
Chamber Marketing Manager Aaron Wensley added, “It’s important for people to understand that the message we’re promoting is ‘Shop Dover First,’ as opposed to ‘Shop Dover Only.’ Everyone’s going to do some online shopping, or make a special trip to an out-of-town favorite, and that’s OK. We just want people to consider looking close to home first, and then to use those other outlets to fill in the gaps. If every resident could just make that one change in their habits, that commitment to shopping the local guys first, it would make a world of difference.”
Ms. Payne heartily agrees. “Everyone likes having neat shops and a unique, vibrant community that people want to be a part of, but if we want our favorites to survive, we have to make the effort to support them.”
Photo caption: Amber Payne of Dover is presented with the Grand Prize in the Dover Chamber’s SHOP DOVER FIRST campaign, a $3,000 Local Shopping Spree. Pictured from left are: Grand Prize winner Amber Payne; Mike Beshey of Dover Cyclery; Wayne Richard of Dover Cyclery; Chris Caughey, fiancée of Ms. Payne; and Chamber Marketing Manager Aaron Wensley. On the counter is the winning purchase, a shiny blue BMX bike that was purchased for the winning couple’s son, David. (Courtesy photo)

Opening Scenes

By Chip Schrader
Movie Review Editor
The Tourist, starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, opens with surveillance equipment set within a van that oversees a Paris estate. Elise Ward, played by Jolie, struts through the gate of the estate, and the van slowly follows her seductive stride to a cafe in a populated square where she awaits breakfast and a note. Upon reading the note, she burns it, causing the agents to scramble after it.
From scene one, Jolie’s character is identical to numerous other roles she has played in the past. She mostly goes through the motions of the stock role of femme fatale in this updated noir. The character is somewhat convincing, but very Hollywood at the same time. Jolie’s makeup does a majority of the acting for her as she keeps the run of the mill stone faced performance. While Jolie fans will get what they expect, she does not contribute anything new to the screen.
Depp’s role, on the other hand, has some nuance. “Frank” is quite the gentleman, who hands people luggage off of a train for them, smokes electronic cigarettes, and teaches math for a small college in the Midwest. Depp plays a very serious role in this film, but in line with his signature style, he adds some fanciful humor to his body language and persona in suspenseful scenes.
One example comes during a chase where Frank is pursued among the terracotta roofs of Venice. Depp daintily flails his arms out like a juvenile ballerina wearing striped pajamas as he leaps and bounds across the Italian rooftops. His character also tries to speak Spanish with Italian officials after getting nabbed for dumping an officer in the canal. Long time Johnny Depp fans get another treat to his self-mocking style in this film.
The cinematography is exquisite, traversing from one European city street to another. The action takes place on foot, by car, plane, and by boat in the canals of Venice and are shot masterfully with the evening lights reflecting off of the water, and in the midday amongst the many exotic street sides and bridges. The gadgets and technology are a fun piece of the film, and the supporting cast does a crack job holding down a great deal of screen time playing as government agents and organized crime members.
Fans of classic Hitchcock’s mistaken man and espionage thrillers will enjoy this cliffhanger. The suspense is drawn out in believable ways that don’t appear as obvious devices to delay the story. Another notable element is the quotable dialog that establishes a playful chemistry between Depp and Jolie as they challenge each other’s intelligence. Some films also make the mistake of using dialog to make obvious cues as to what is happening, and what the conflict is. The Tourist is clearly written while viewers don’t depend on obnoxious story points made in the dialog.
The scenes are long, giving the film a deep attention span affording the audience to get acquainted with the intrigue that keeps them guessing until the last scene. Duplicity, twists, and action without gore make The Tourist a tasteful international thriller that is reminiscent of a weekend getaway in an Italian villa. There is a good reason this film brings Oscar buzz in Depp’s direction despite Jolie’s standard performance. 4 out of 5.
Photo caption: (Courtesy movie poster image for “The Tourist”)

Local Hockey Team Gives Back

ROCHESTER/SOUTH BERWICK—

Each year, the Berwick Academy Boys Varsity Hockey team sponsors a family through Rochester Catholic Charities to ensure that they do not go without for Christmas. This has proven to be a rewarding and worthwhile experience that these young men take very seriously and the sponsored families greatly appreciate their efforts. (Courtesy photo)

Berwick Academy Students Nationally Recognized for Musical Achievements

DOVER/BARRINGTON—
Berwick Academy Senior Frederick Diengott of Dover, NH and fourth grade student Kelsey Walker of Barrington, NH have both truly exemplified the musical prestige that Berwick Academy helps foster in its students. After working hard to each complete an audition tape characteristic of their singing abilities, both Frederick and Kelsey were accepted into elite national choir programs.
Frederick Diengott has been selected to take part in the 2011 American High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall in New York City. He will be participating in the Honors Choir, an honor designated only for extremely hard working high school performers. Frederick will join other finalists from both the United States and Canada for a special performance at Carnegie Hall in February 2011, and will have a chance to work with renowned conductor Dr. Eph Ehly.
When asked what Frederick looks forward to the most, he replied, “I really think that this is going to be an amazing experience. I look forward to being able to work with people from all over the country to help development my own singing abilities while also sharing with other students what I have learned at Berwick Academy.”
Frederick will work diligently over the next few months to learn the music provided to him by the program, described as a “nice mix between classical and spiritual styles with some patriotism,” and is extremely excited to see not only the choir he will be participating in, but the band and orchestra students who will also assemble at Carnegie Hall that same weekend to perform.
“It’s truly an experience that will be never be matched in my life. It’s a great honor and I can’t wait to represent Berwick Academy in the American High School Honors Performance in New York this February,” says Frederick Diengott.
Frederick studies music with a private instructor and is an active member of the arts at Berwick Academy. He has participated in the All-State choir program, the Maine District Music Festival, and was inducted to the Tri-M Music Honor Society during his time at BA. Most recently, he has been accepted to the 2011 Maine All-state choir. Additionally, Frederick is a member of the Boys Varsity Soccer team, 2010 Eastern Independent League Champions.
Kelsey Walker was also honored for her musical talents when she was recently awarded a place in the Organization of American Kodaly Educators’ National Conference Children’s’ Choir. After working closely with Maria Isaak, a certified Kodaly Specialist and music teacher at Berwick Academy, and Chorus Director Brenda LaForce before school and during recess, Kelsey was able to develop her singing talents to an unprecedented level.
Kelsey’s mother Diane commented, “Kelsey worked so hard to develop her singing abilities. Just creating an audition CD was a marvelous opportunity in itself so I am sure that performing in the choir will be an amazing experience for her.”
Kelsey’s mentors attribute the growth in her singing abilities to the Kodaly method, a teaching method geared towards instilling an inner appreciation for music and musical literacy. The Kodaly method, based on the beliefs of 20th century composer Zoltán Kodály, centers on the premise that music education helps expand students’ skills with singing, hearing, improvisation, intonation, listening, memory, phrasing and understanding form while also developing skill area foundations that students can base their education off of in the future.
Kelsey will continue to practice diligently to learn the music required of the performance and will have it memorized by the time she travels to Minneapolis in March to participate in three days of rehearsal prior to the final performance. The choir will be conducted by Jon Noyes, a music director and Choral Director of the Year for the Connecticut Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.
Both Frederick and Kelsey are active, hard working students at school and are thankful to participate in such amazing opportunities. Acceptance to these elite programs is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements they have worked so hard to develop at Berwick Academy.
Frederick will perform February 19, 2011 in New York City and Kelsey will sing March 19, 2011 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Both performances are open to the public and should be truly exceptional shows to attend. Berwick Academy is extremely proud of both Frederick and Kelsey for their accomplishments and look forward to their performances in the upcoming year.

Stuffing Stockings for Toys for Tots

SOMERSWORTH—
More than 50 students from Somersworth Youth Connection, teachers from the Somersworth Middle School, and Somersworth community members came together to stuff more than 100 stockings in less than 20 minutes at SYC’s 3rd Annual Stuff a Stocking Party for Toys for Tots. Students from grades 5 through 8 participated, stuffing stockings for both boys and girls. Five tables were lined up with assorted toiletries, treats and trinkets as students excitedly stuffed all of the items into stockings.
SYC greatly appreciates the SMS staff and families with their generosity and donations towards the event. SYC students participate in a variety of service projects throughout the year such as Thanksgiving baskets for the local food pantry, the Annual Spirit Up Somersworth Community Clean Up Day, the citywide Adopt-a-Spot program, and the planting of liberty elm trees in the community.
For more information on what SYC does in the Somersworth community, please visit our website at http://www.somersworthyouthconnection.org.
Photo caption: The Somersworth community came together, stuffing more than 100 stockings in less than 20 minutes for Toys for Tots. (Courtesy photo)

Dover Pools Boast New Logo

DOVER—
The Dover Pool Advisory Committee recently announced the winning design in its pool logo and motto contest. Ken Costello of Dover submitted the winning entry, “Dover Swims.”
“I read about the contest on the city’s website,” Costello said. “I had an idea, so I put it together. Having opportunities to swim is critical. (Supporting the pools) is a good cause. I don’t want to see the pools go.”
The design combines the familiar Dover wave with a swimmer.
A landscape architect by trade, Costello often uses his skills for recreational projects, including Dover’s new Community Trail. He regularly rides his bicycle. He swims at the beach and pools as often as he can.
“I used to spend summers at the beach and swam all the time,” Costello said. “Now I just swim for fun. When I go I say, ‘Ah, that was so good. I should do this more often.’ My five-year-old daughter is taking lessons now and she loves it. She also loves watching the other swimmers and divers. My two-year-old already loves the water.”
When asked if he had any special swimming stories to share, Costello noted he met his wife at a canoe race.
“That would not have happened if I wasn’t comfortable being on the water and knowing how to swim,” he said. “The quality of life in Dover is enhanced by the pools.”
Photo caption: Dover resident Ken Costello displays his winning “Dover Swims” design. The logo was submitted as part of a contest to find a new logo and motto to help promote Dover’s public pools. (Courtesy photo)

St. Thomas Aquinas High School Presents Christmas Concert

DOVER—
The St. Thomas Aquinas High School music program presents: A Christmas Tradition. Commemorating 50 years in the community in 2010, the St. Thomas music department has chosen a traditional Christmas theme for this year’s concert.
A concert for all ages, the program will make the entire audience want to sing along! There will be performances by the Concert Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Chamber Singers. Directed by music teacher Sara Ann Shea, audiences will hear some old favorites such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “The First Noel,” as well as some newer selections like “The Polar Express” and even a new spin to some of the classics.
Please join St. Thomas Aquinas High School for A Christmas Tradition on Wednesday, December 22 at 7:00 pm at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Dover.
Photo caption: St. Thomas Aquinas High School Concert Choir singing at their recent 50th Jubilee Mass. (Courtesy photo)

Children’s Museum of NH Hosts New Year’s Bash for Families

DOVER—
Children and their families are invited to ring in 2011 a little early at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s annual daytime Family New Year’s Eve Celebration, sponsored by Federal Savings Bank, on Friday, December 31.
This festive event runs from 10 am – 3 pm and includes three special “countdowns to midnight” held at 11 am, 12:30 pm and 2 pm. At each countdown, a glittering ball drops 30 feet from the ceiling as everyone counts down the last ten seconds of the year. Noisemakers, party horns and confetti create an atmosphere like Times Square, and ginger ale is served to all for the first toast of the New Year. Visitors are also invited to make their own sparkly party hats and write their wishes for the New Year on mini flying blimps that are launched at each countdown.
“The Children’s Museum has been hosting this tradition for more than 20 years, and it remains one of our most popular annual events,” explained Jane Bard, Associate Director of the Children’s Museum of NH. “Kids hear about the excitement of what happens at midnight and want to experience it for themselves. We create a fun party atmosphere in the middle of the day so they can feel like they’ve actually celebrated New Year’s Eve. Hopefully this makes for a more cooperative bedtime later that night.”
The Children’s Museum of NH is located in Henry Law Park on the Cochecho River in downtown Dover, making it an ideal day-trip destination. There is plenty of parking, the city’s public indoor pool is right next-door, and dozens of restaurants and shops are within an easy walk. More information on planning a trip to Dover can be found at www.dovernh.org.
Regular museum admission applies for this special event: $8 for adults and children, $7 for seniors age 65+, and free for children under one year old.
Photo caption: Families prepare for the mid-day “countdown to midnight” at the Children’s Museum of NH’s annual Family New Year’s Eve Celebration. (Photo by TARAPhotography.com)

Second Chamber Shopping Spree Awarded

DOVER—
Thanks to a recent purchase at Central Paint, Dover resident Beth Driscoll has been selected as the winner of the second “Local Shopping Spree” in the Greater Dover Chamber’s “SHOP DOVER FIRST” campaign.
The prize, which was the second of three being award by the Chamber throughout the holidays, contained nearly $900 in Gift Cards from local businesses.
“I’m thrilled to have won,” beamed Driscoll, adding “We’re working on some renovations to our home, so I’m sure some of these gift certificates will go toward that, I’ll use some for Christmas shopping, and some I plan to use on myself.”
Included in the winning package were Gift Cards from Papa Gino’s Pizza, Harvey’s Bakery, Jewelry Creations, Dover Bowl, Gene Paltrineri Photography, Kaleo Coffee, Dover Wine, Twice the Fun, Janetos, Ross Furniture, The Oaks Golf Links, Infinite Imaging, New Hampshire Coffee Roasting Co., Forty-five Market Street Bakery, LaFesta Brick & Brew, Nicole’s Hallmark, Red’s Shoe Barn, Philbrick’s Sports and Acorn Organic Salon.
“I think the ‘SHOP DOVER FIRST’ program has really made a difference this year,” noted Parker Humphrey, owner of Central Paint where the winning entry was submitted. “We’ve been telling customers all along to make sure they enter,” he said, pointing at the white entry box on the counter beside the register. “But you can tell that they’re starting to understand what it’s all about because more and more, they’re entering for themselves without being prompted. It’s neat to see one of them actually win.”
What will be even more dramatic will be to see who wins the Grand Prize Shopping Spree, which will be drawn on December 17th - just in time to do some last-minute holiday shopping – and is worth over $3,000.
“There’s still plenty of time to enter for a chance to win the Grand Prize, and people can submit as many purchases as they want,” said Chamber Marketing Manager Aaron Wensley, noting that area residents can enter local purchases online at dovernh.org, in person at the Chamber Visitor Center on Central Avenue, or on paper in at any of the various businesses throughout the community displaying a white entry box.
“The winning entry can be for any purchase made in Dover, whether it’s a haircut, a sandwich, a bottle of aspirin, or a new minivan. No matter what it is, someone is going to be awfully glad they took the extra couple of seconds to enter their purchase.”
Photo caption: Beth Driscoll of Dover is presented with the second of three Local Shopping Spree prizes being awarded. Left to right: Parker Humphrey of Central Paint, site of the winning entry; contest winner Beth Driscoll; and Chamber Marketing Manger Aaron Wensley. (Courtesy photo)

“A Very Ida Christmas” Comes to Rollinsford

ROLLINSFORD—
Poolyle Productions presents “A Very Ida Christmas,” the “funniest holiday show in Maine. Heck, in New England!” Humorist Susan Poulin, creator of “Ida: Woman Who Runs With the Moose!” “Ida’s Havin’ a Yard Sale!” and writer of the popular Maine humor blog and podcast, Just Ask Ida at DownEast.com, spreads Ida’s good cheer as she celebrates Christmas in Mahoosuc Mills, Maine.
Ida just loves Christmas, and she has the inside scoop on everything: the Not-So-Secret Santa plan, the dos and don’ts of Holiday decorating and more! Come hear what Charlie and the boys are up to, and prepare to be dazzled by Ida’s latest craft project with her pals, the Women Who Run With the Moose. Ida is no Scrooge, though, so banish your bah-humbugs and come prepared to laugh!
Selected by Portland Magazine as one of the “Ten Most Intriguing People in Maine,” writer/performer Susan Poulin has been creating and touring her original theatrical productions since 1992. She was a featured performer in The Mirth of Venus and The Mirth Canal at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, and at The Maine Festival, the Minneapolis Fringe Theater Festival and Portland, Maine’s Cassandra Project. Her work has been supported by the NH State Council on the Arts, the Maine Arts Commission and the Maine Humanities Council. Susan is also a popular keynote speaker, and has brought her humor and insight to presentations for groups such as Seacoast Women’s Week, the American Cancer Society (New England Division), and the Personal Historians National Conference.
Working in collaboration with artist, musician and actor, Gordon Carlisle, Susan’s critically acclaimed plays, In My Head I’m Thin, Shutting Up Peggy Lee!, Spousal Deafness…and Other Bones of Contention, Pardon My French!, Ida: Woman Who Runs With The Moose (Seacoast Media Group 1998 Spotlight on the Arts Award for Play of the Year and Best Actress), Ida’s Havin’ a Yard Sale! (SMG’s 2005 Spotlight on the Arts Award for Best Original Script and Best Actress in a Play), A Very Ida Christmas! and A Visit With Ida have broken box office records throughout the Northeast, playing in theaters and colleges. Their plays have also been used as fundraisers for a wide variety of organizations.
Susan’s latest endeavor is a motivational speech and stage performance called “The Moose in Me, The Moose in You! by Ida LeClair, Certified Maine Life Guide.”
“A Very Ida Christmas” runs for three shows only, December 17-19 at Garrison Players, Route 4, Rollinsford, NH: Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm and Sunday at 3:00pm. Tickets are $15, $10 for students. To reserve, call 603-750-4ART or 800-838-3006, or visit www.garrisonplayers.org.
Photo caption: “A Very Ida Christmas” will be running performances from Dec. 17-19 only, at Garrison Players. (Courtesy photo)

Points in History

By Chip Schrader
Book Review Editor
“Decision Points” is former President George W. Bush memoir surrounding one of the most turbulent periods of American History. His presidency endured 9/11, two wars, and ended during an economic meltdown. As with any presidency during turbulent times, many of his decisions were questioned and criticized.
“Decision Points” is an attempt to get beyond the soundbites that satisfy the Television World’s attention span, and he details how his background, knowledge, friends and associates shaped his decisions. Rather than doing a chronological account of his presidency, he breaks the memoir up around pivotal issues he faced serving his term to allow for a clear extraction of incidents and anecdotes that lead to his decision.
While avid Bush supporters are sure to desire this read, critics will have plenty of interest in what Bush has to say. Some incidents, like his decision on stem cell research, or to go to war with Iraq will remain controversial after reading this. However, there is an opportunity for understanding why he made these decisions. Rather from shooting from the hip, as it appeared, Bush weighed every opinion regarding using stem cells.
Eventually, he decided to compromise and allow the current stem cells to be used, but after that, to allow research find another way to get these cells. As the current administration has learned, compromise only makes both sides angry.
One issue that takes up a bulk of the book, as it should, is the war in Iraq. Bush recalls the unilateral call to deal with Iraq after Afghanistan. He stated in a debate in 1999, in opposition to Gore, that nation building should not be a priority of our foreign policy. He admits that during the Afghan War, his opinion had switched upon seeing the liberated people rejoice and stand in line for their first free election. According to Bush, 80% of registered voters showed up to the poles facing threats from extremists.
While Iraq and Afghanistan were completely different situations, it’s apparent that Bush had the same vision for a free Iraq. This war began, Bush assures, after several sanctions Hussein failed to abide by, and using UN money intended to feed his people to build weapons. Whether one agrees with him or not, he lays out his thoughts, feelings, and knowledge of the issue so that skeptics can at least see it was a very difficult decision, and a great deal of reason was applied to the decision process. At the beginning of the book, Bush admits that time will tell with some of these decisions.
Decision Points is a forum where Bush uses Abe Lincoln’s advice to convince readers they’re his friends to make allies. His anecdotes are sensitive, funny, and told with colorful language at times. His writing is enjoyable, even when the reader doesn’t see eye to eye with all of his decisions. What he does achieve, though, is he paints himself as a compassionate, fiery, and caring person who spent a great deal of his time weighing the hefty consequences of his decisions. This book could well serve as a great document of our nation’s history beside the writings of Kennedy and Clinton. Recommended for righties and lefties!
Photo caption: Book cover for Decision Point by George W. Bush (Courtesy photo)

Dover Expanding Paid Parking

DOVER—
Starting in January, the City of Dover will expand paid parking onto Central Avenue and Washington Street. This decision is the result of numerous studies and extensive public deliberation. While it is recognized that a transition to paid on-street parking is a change for the community, it is also the next right step for Dover to address its parking challenges. This next phase and the entire parking program have been endorsed by the independent boards of the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce and Dover Main Street Program.
Once the hurdles of behavioral change are overcome, this system will achieve its goal of keeping parking spaces open for short-term (up to 3 hour) customers and clients of downtown businesses while providing long-term parkers with convenient off-street parking that is either free or very affordable. Paid on-street parking will be enforced Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm.
The lack of downtown parking is significantly hindering economic development activities to bring larger employers and companies into our downtown. These daytime downtown tenants are the lifeblood of our downtown economy. It is our hope that this transition allows the City to manage parking more effectively and better utilize the inventory that exists. Revenues created by the program are used to further enhance the parking amenities in the City to include, better signage, increased lot maintenance, development of new facilities and broader marketing of the system.
It’s important to note that consumers will be able to pay for on street parking in as small an increment as 20 minutes. Also, the City is implementing a discounted token program where token users can take advantage of up to a 20% discount on parking fees. Lastly, the Chamber and the Main Street Program encourage downtown shops and restaurants to adopt the token program as a way to give customers an incentive to return to downtown.
Dover, like many NH municipalities, faces significant pressures on its property tax base. The parking system has, and will continue to be, a self-sufficient function that derives no operating expense from property tax revenue. The operation of the system is made up from the user fees and fines collected, much like any other city utility like sewer or water.
Reflect for a moment about the successful downtowns in our area that have a high sense of place and a serious economic vibrancy – Portsmouth, Concord, Newburyport, and Portland. All of these communities have a parking system that has a combination of paid and free on and off street parking. Dover’s transition is to a similar system. Those who are willing to walk a little further still have access to many free parking opportunities.
This article was submitted by Kirt Schuman, Executive Director of the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce and Carrie Eisner, Program Director of the Dover Main Street Program.

Opening Scenes: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One

By Chip Schrader
Movie Review Editor
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One” begins with off-camera squeaking and whispering, setting an eerie tone for the very eerie penultimate installment of the legend. The first thing we see is a man’s eyes in a tight close-up shot, his voice saying, “These are dark times, there is no denying.” The image pans back revealing the voice belongs to the Minister of Magic, likely still stunned by Dumbledore’s assassination, just as the group of somber people he is addressing are likely feeling.
The most notable entry in the film is that of Professor Severus Snape slipping magically through the darkened gates of an ominous estate that is the meeting place for the Death Eaters, the clan that is after Harry Potter, and Voldemort is at the helm. The first half hour seems to be completely set in twilight, and the entire film is gloomy and overcast with muted colors.
The color has a tinge of blue throughout, and resonates with the emotion and anxiety that has overcome the characters. This effect alone creates great effect, but viewers are also treated to a high-speed chase that begins in the clouds and lands on the motorway in London, a wedding that Death Eaters invade, and a magical shootout in a cafe, reminiscent of gangster films. This is still just the first 45 minutes, or so.
The imagery is unbearably scenic as the three friends Harry, Hermione, and Ron traverse vast and barren landscapes that show how alone they are in fighting the immense evil that has ascended. Many scenes are reminiscent of the approach Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman used in the classic “The Seventh Seal,” where a crusader duels with the angel of death for his life.
Many scenes test the young actors’ – already veterans – dramatic skills, as the mountains and cliffs in the background oversee their delivery of somber and sober acting that is top notch. Not only is there fear, but at sixteen, their eyes are opening to matters of the heart. It is staggering to watch these scenes that seem to be in slow motion like in old European cinema, and the sound of the radio naming off names of the condemned half-bloods further shapes the uneasy aura of the film as the camera sweeps over an abandoned village.
The best scene comes when Hermione recites the tale of the Deathly Hallows, where viewers are treated to an animation sequence that seems to be shot in black and white film negatives heavily dosed with shadows and fog. Emily Watson’s delivery of the tale was spot on.
Bottom line, this film is likely the best installment of the series to date. The last two films were very good, but didn’t quite hit the spot. Not so with “The Deathly Hallows Part One.” As expected, the who’s who of British celebrity deliver great acting, the scenery is creepy and amazing, and the action and drama gets moments of comic relief when characters transform themselves into other characters.
The settings, shooting and pace of the film is the highest cinematic experience, and the story, or this half of it, is amazingly deep and dark. It’s hard to imagine Harry Potter without Hogwarts or Dumbledore, but it works like a charm. Beware; it is a frightening experience with plenty of dark creatures. 5 out of 5.
Photo caption: Movie poster for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One (Courtesy photo)

Natalie MacMaster Comes to the Rochester Opera House

ROCHESTER—
Light up your holidays with the fiery brilliance of virtuoso fiddler Natalie MacMaster in a Christmas in Cape Breton at the Rochester Opera House on Monday, December 6 at 7 p.m. MacMaster’s electrifying energy captures the audience with foot-tapping rave-ups, masterful step-dancing and phenomenal fiddling prowess. Her majesty with the bow commands her fiddle to sing rousing Celtic melodies, heart-wrenching ballads and Christmas Carols that have her audience clapping, stomping and hollering for more. MacMaster has appeared with legends Yo-Yo Ma and Luciano Pavarotti, released ten albums with multiple gold sales and has won numerous Juno and East Coast Music Awards.
This show is sponsored in part by Eastern Propane & Oil, L.Wynn Sound, Foster’s Daily Democrat, Waste Management, Bernier Insurance and Hourihane, Cormier Associates with Tim & Sally Fontneau. Reserve tickets online at www.rochesteroperahouse.com or call/stop by the box office (603) 335-1992, M/W/F from 10-5 and before the show. The Rochester Opera House is located in City Hall, 31 Wakefield Street, Rochester NH. The season continues with A Christmas Carol 12/17&18 and Cabaret 1/20-29. Tickets are $42 and $38.
Photo caption: Natalie MacMaster will perform at the Rochester Opera House on Monday, December 6 at 7pm. (Courtesy photo)

The Festival of Trees Comes to Dover

DOVER—
The Festival of Trees celebrates the joy of the holiday season on Friday, December 3 from 6 to 8pm at Dover City Hall, with 21 beautifully decorated trees by talented citizens and businesses from the seacoast area.
Enjoy live entertainment from The Sounds of the Seacoast, Parish of the Assumption Choir and The Dover High Chorus while you stroll among the trees in Dover’s City Hall.
Santa will be arriving and greeting the children, so feel free to bring your camera for photos with Santa. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and a festive fun-filled evening, while taking part in the silent auction of these beautiful trees. All trees will be auctioned off that night. Calling All Cargo will be available to deliver the tree to your home that evening.
Trees are being uniquely decorated by: The American Legion Auzuiliary, Artisan Electrical Contractors, Century 21 Central Falls (Kim Lielinski & Sheri Becker), Century 21 Central Falls (Paula Forbes), Cochecho Valley Humane Sociely, Dover Girl Scouts, Dover Main Street, Dover Public Library, Elizabeth Fischer, Federal Savings Bank, Holy Rosary Credit Union, Just the Thing, Loyal Order of Moose-Dover #443, Nicole’s Hallmark, Paint for Fun, Patti Kemen Re/Max Legacy (Dover Children’s Home), Sounds of the Seacoast, Southern NH Habitat for Humanity Restore, Sweet Meadows Flower Shop, St. Mary’s Academy, Tutor Doctor, and Wiggin-Purdy-McCooey-Dion Funeral Home (Peggy Purdy).
All contributions to the Festival of Trees will go directly to Lighting Up Dover and the Dover City Lights Committee. The committee is a collaborative effort led by the Dover Chamber of Commerce, Dover Main Street, The City of Dover Community Services, Dover Business owners and many residents of Dover. The committee is tasked with the logistical planning and fundraising to improve the festive lighting in the downtown and other parts of the city.
The Festival of Trees is a free event and open to the public. Do not miss this breathtaking event! For further information regarding this event, please contact Pam Simpson, Harvey’s Coffee Shop, Dover.

Flights of Imagination Exhibit Comes to Children’s Museum of NH

DOVER—
From the beginning of history, humans have been fascinated by flight and the possibility of exploring worlds beyond our own. The new Flights of Imagination exhibit at the Children’s Museum of NH showcases the fanciful work of three New Hampshire artists who share their otherworldly visions in this intergalactic artistic treat. This exhibit will be on display in Gallery 6 at the Children’s Museum of NH from December 3, 2010 – March 6, 2011.
David Random reclaims antique mechanical and architectural parts and transforms them into exquisite antique airships and retro rockets. Think Jules Verne and Buck Rogers with a uniquely “Random” twist!
The late Bill Oakes had a love of adventure. One night, he noticed a piece of rusted steel that looked like a moonscape. Thus inspired, he began a 5-year exploration of imaginary planetary surfaces, revealing the mountains and valleys of these worlds through painting and monoprints.
Nationally known for his murals, including two commissioned by the McAuliffe-Shepard Planetarium in Concord, NH, as well as for his graphics, illustration, and paintings, Gordon Carlisle offers his own wonderfully humorous depiction of space travel in a series of collages and paintings.
The Flights of Imagination exhibit in Gallery 6 can be viewed during regular business hours at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday noon – 5 pm. No admission fee is required to view the gallery only. Regular admission applies for families who wish to explore the rest of the museum.
About the Artists
David Random graduated in 1969 with a Fine Arts degree from Massachusetts College of Art. Since that time, he has been prominent in the Boston advertising community, and is currently retired from his position as Executive Creative Director at DiBona, Bornstein & Random, the advertising agency, which he co-founded in 1989. David is currently a resident of the New Hampshire seacoast area. His studio is at the Mills at Salmon Falls in Rollinsford, New Hampshire, a mid-nineteenth century mill complex with one hundred resident artists. More of his work may be viewed at www.davidrandom.com.
Bill Oakes was a celebrated artist, illustrator, art educator, inventor, and community activist. He held a Master’s Degree in Critical and Creative Thinking from the University of Massachusetts in Boston where he taught several creativity courses. Bill did numerous illustrations for The Franklin Library, “Time Magazine,” “National Geographic,” “Reader’s Digest,” “American Magazine,” “Yankee Magazine,” The Washington Post, The Christian Science Monitor, ABC News and CBS News. He was a courtroom artist for the historic Watergate hearings. He illustrated numerous books, magazines, and a record album as well as his own art instruction manuals and children’s books. Later in his career, Bill was inspired to explore paintings and constructions depicting imaginary planetary surfaces. He passed on in October 2005, but information about his art remains available at www.mindleaps.com.
Gordon Carlisle began studying art as a teen and has enjoyed a career that has included silkscreen printing, oil painting, set-building and more. He moved to Portsmouth in 1982 and set up a studio in the historic Button Factory. His work focus shifted to mural painting and decorative commissions, and he has completed projects for Fidelity Investments, NH Hospital, the NH Veteran’s Home and the NH Department of Fish & Game, among many others. In 1999, Gordon was awarded a NH State Council on the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship for his activity as a muralist. Additionally, he offers portraiture, graphics and illustration. More information about his work can be found at www.gordoncarlisle.com.
About the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire: The not-for-profit Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is located at 6 Washington Street in Dover and offers two levels of hands-on, custom-created exhibits for children ages 1-12. Children can explore a wide range of subjects, from dinosaurs, music and aeronautics to world cultures, art and natural history. Open year-round, the museum hosts a variety of live performances, workshops, classes and special events for families. For more information, please call the museum at (603) 742-2002 or visit www.childrens-museum.org.
Photo caption: Artist David Random creates rockets from found objects. His work will be on display at the Children’s Museum of NH from December 3 – March 6. (Courtesy photo)

Time-Honored Seacoast Tradition Returns to Strawbery Banke

PORTSMOUTH—
With nearly 7,000 visitors in attendance at last year’s event, Strawbery Banke Museum is gearing up to make its 31st annual Candlelight Stroll the best ever. The Stroll takes place December 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm on Saturdays and 4:00 to 8:00pm on Sundays. Candlelight Stroll is generously supported by the New Hampshire State Council for the Arts, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Lincoln Financial Group, the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, Darrell’s Music Hall, Bruce Mast & Associates, Inc., Northeast Credit Union, and Wentworth Greenhouses.
The Stroll showcases 350 years of seasonal and holiday traditions against the backdrop of the Museum’s furnished historic houses. On these weekend evenings, the Museum grounds glow with hundreds of luminaria, the houses are adorned in period-appropriate holiday finery of live greens and dried flowers, and the scents and sounds of the season abound. As visitors stroll from house to historic house, costumed role players demonstrate the traditions of times past, inviting guests to indulge their senses and sensibilities in a visit to simpler times.
The Museum’s annual gingerbread house contest will showcase the architectural confections of many talented individuals and groups and is a true “can’t miss” exhibit. Music of all kinds, past and present, will heighten the holiday mood throughout the museum. Visitors can stroll the candlelit Museum grounds on foot, or travel in style in a horse-drawn carriage. A toasty bonfire crackles throughout the event to warm frosty fingers and toes. Complimentary refreshments and hot apple cider are offered at the Cider Shed. Pitt Tavern – visited in its heyday by such luminaries as George Washington, John Hancock, and the Marquis de Lafayette – will serve savory hot soups and fresh baked goods throughout the evening. Traditional hearth cooking demonstrations, craft demonstrations, and winter crafts for kids provide interactive fun for young and old alike. Now an annual holiday tradition for many families, the Candlelight Stroll provides a charming, intergenerational return to the roots of America’s most treasured holiday activities and customs.
“The beautiful, lively, and festive atmosphere of the event combined with the rich history of the Puddle Dock neighborhood really make the Candlelight Stroll a unique way to celebrate the season with friends and family,” states Strawbery Banke Museum president Lawrence Yerdon. “It’s a magical holiday experience and we hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the 31st year of the Stroll.”
Avoid lines by purchasing tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.strawberybanke.org. Tickets are $20/adults, $10/children (ages 5-17), and $50/family. Group and corporate rates are available. Visitors who are concerned about parking for this popular event can enjoy all that Portsmouth has to offer hassle free with the free Vintage Christmas trolley connecting Strawbery Banke Museum, The Music Hall, the municipal parking garage on Hanover Street, and numerous free satellite parking areas. The trolley is generously provided by the City of Portsmouth as part of a Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth. The Vintage Christmas collaboration aims to highlight the rich seasonal programs of Strawbery Banke Museum and The Music Hall, and is the result of a fruitful collaboration among the City of Portsmouth, Strawbery Banke Museum, The Music Hall, the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, and local hotels and retail shops. For more information on scheduled activities and participating hotels, visit www.VintageChristmasNH.org.
Photo caption: The Strawbery Banke Museum will host its 31st Annual Candlelight Stroll in December. (Photo by David J. Murray)

Bridge Plans Move Forward

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist
PORTSMOUTH —
Projects to deal with two of the three bridges over the Piscataqua River that joins Maine and New Hampshire are proceeding.
Decisions have been made on replacing the Memorial Bridge that links downtown Portsmouth with Kittery, while three options are under study and consideration for the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge. These include rehabilitation, replacement with a low-level structure, or replacement with a hybrid structure that would allow some of the ships coming up the river to pass beneath it. It would, however, still be a drawbridge as it would lower as well for the railroad that runs under it.
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is taking the lead on the Memorial Bridge project, while the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) is leading the Sarah Mildred Long project.
“Right now New Hampshire is in the process of obtaining the permits and preparing the documents to proceed with Memorial Bridge,” Kenneth Sweeney, MDOT’s chief engineer said.
“Maine is taking the lead looking at the three alternates that remain on the table for Sarah Mildred Long and doing some more engineering work to determine which one of those remaining alternates we should proceed with,” Sweeney said.
A Tiger II grant of $20 million from the Federal Department of Transportation has been received “basically for that project,” for the replacement of the Memorial Bridge at its current site, according to Bill Boynton, a NHDOT spokesman. “That was a big deal. It certainly was a shot in the arm.”
The project is estimated to cost $90 million overall. The New Hampshire Legislature has earmarked $44 million for the project.
“Maine and New Hampshire are on the same page that we have to replace that bridge,” Boynton said, noting studies are under way to determine “how we’re going to pay for it. There are still some challenges here.”
In October Maine Gov. John Baldacci and New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch co-signed an executive order authorizing the creation of a task force charged with aggressively formulating plans that will allow the two states to develop funding for the projects, identifying joint financing options and proposing any necessary legislation to accommodate bridge construction. Among the two governor’s assurances is a commitment to a full vehicular replacement of the Memorial Bridge.
It is hoped that work on the Memorial Bridge will begin “next construction season,” Sweeney said, noting Maine “still has to go through the legislative process as to funding” for the project. The work is expected to take two years during which time the bridge would be closed to traffic.
Boynton said there is a 16-month waiting period for parts to that structure and some of the units needed would have to be brought in on the river.
Sweeney said work on the Sarah Mildred Long structure would not be done until the Memorial Bridge project was completed so traffic could use it while the other bridge is closed.
Estimates for the work on the Sarah Mildred Long span depends on which of the three projects is finally approved. Refurbishing would be the least expensive and the hybrid would be the most expensive, Sweeney said.
The Memorial Bridge is dedicated to the Sailors and Soldiers of New Hampshire who fought in World War I. It was constructed between1920 and 1923. It is the only bridge that has provisions for pedestrians and bicycles.
Boynton said a public hearing to discuss the replacement of the Memorial Bridge will be held Tuesday, Nov. 23, in the City Council Chambers at Portsmouth City Hall. That meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
Photo caption: Memorial Bridge, one of the three bridges connecting Portsmouth, NH and Kittery, ME over the Piscataqua River, will be rebuilt based on recent decisions including both states. (Photo courtesy www.nikiomahe.com)

Rollinsford Parade Ushers in the Season

ROLLINSFORD/
SOUTH BERWICK, ME—
Saturday, November 27 at 4:00 pm is the kickoff for this year’s holiday parade. The parade route commences in Downtown Rollinsford, winds into Downtown South Berwick, and wraps up on outer Academy St. at the Great Works School. Parade line-up will begin at 2:30. Judging begins at 3:00, with best-in-category awards being presented prior to the parade start. The Mayor of Whoville, wearing the traditional lighted Grinch sweater, will present the “Cup of Good Cheer” to the neighborhood group that creates this year’s “Judges’ Choice” for best overall float. These awards will be proudly displayed by the winners as they file past large crowds of festive on-lookers.
Keeping with this year’s parade theme “Christmas through the eyes of a Child,” groups and neighborhoods are encouraged to gather on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, for float-making parties. Float rules and application forms are available at the South Berwick Municipal Building and at P. Gagnon and Son on Main St. Groups for both floats and marching units are encouraged to reply to the e-mail addresses on the application to declare their participation. Another year of spectacular creations is expected.
Again this year during the parade, the South Berwick Fire Department will be collecting new unwrapped toys for local needy children. Your donations will be very much appreciated.
As line-up takes place, the South Berwick Strawberry Festival Committee, this year’s parade sponsor, will be handing out hot cider and cookies in front of the SB Town Hall. Richard Goulet, long-time and recently retired, parade chairman, will be this year’s Grand Marshall. Other anticipated parade participants include a contingent of sailors from the USS Helena, local Boy and Girl Scouts, the Marshwood High School Marching Band, and numerous local organizations with floats, trucks, equipment, and marchers of all ages.
No holiday parade would be complete without Santa making an appearance. This year, he will park the sleigh and reindeer and will hitch a ride on a fire engine supplied by the South Berwick Fire Department. Always a favorite with the kids. Set aside some time with the whole family on late Saturday afternoon to come see and enjoy this Holiday kick-off event.
Photo caption: A marching band in last year’s Holiday Parade. (Courtesy photo)

Dover Resident Wins Shopping Spree in “Shop Dover First” Promotion

DOVER—
It pays to shop locally. Just ask Karen Traversy of Dover, whose name was chosen in the first of three prize drawings that are part of the Dover Chamber’s ongoing “Shop Dover First” campaign.
Ms. Traversy’s winning entry was from a purchase made at The Herbal Path on Central Avenue in Dover, and earned her a local shopping spree valued at approximately $700. Included in the prize were Gift Certificates from Red’s Shoe Barn, Harvey’s Bakery, Jewelry Creations, Nicole’s Hallmark, Papa Gino’s, Dover Wine, 45 Market Street Bakery, Gene Paltrineri Photography, The Oaks Golf Links, Dover Bowl and Ross Furniture.
“I’m thrilled,” beamed Traversy, who added, “My husband owns a small business, so I really understand and appreciate the ‘Shop Local’ mindset that this program is trying to create.”
Ron Stock, owner of The Herbal Path where Traversy’s winning entry was submitted, agreed. “It’s great to see a customer being rewarded for their loyalty to our business, and for supporting local businesses in general. The Chamber is doing a fantastic job of trying to create awareness and excitement in the community, and their efforts have a tremendous positive impact, not just for local businesses, but for the quality of life for our residents as well.”
For those who haven’t yet gotten involved, it isn’t too late. Two more Shopping Sprees will be awarded in the weeks to come, one on December 1st, and the Grand Prize, which will be awarded on December 17th and is valued at over $2,500. Area residents can enter their local purchases online at dovernh.org, at the Visitor Center on Central Avenue, or at any local business where a “Shop Dover First” entry box is on display. One needn’t be a Dover resident to participate, and everyone is encouraged to enter as many times as they like.
“The real challenge for us is not in putting the program together, but in getting people to buy in to what we’re doing and to get themselves involved,” said Chamber Marketing Manager Aaron Wensley. “It’s a lot like voting, in that you have to overcome the ‘my vote doesn’t make any difference’ mentality and get people to understand that if everyone pulls in the same direction, we can collectively make Dover a better, more prosperous place for all of us.”
To enter your local purchases, or for more information about “Shop Dover First,” including answers to frequently asked questions and a list of participating businesses, please visit the Chamber website at www.dovernh.org.
Photo caption: Karen Traversy of Dover is presented with the first of three local Shopping Sprees that will be awarded throughout the holiday shopping season as part of the Dover Chamber’s ongoing “Shop Dover First” campaign. Pictured from left are: Chamber Marketing Manager Aaron Wensley; Karen Traversy; and Ron Stock, owner of The Herbal Path where the winning entry was submitted. (Courtesy photo)

St. Thomas Canned Food Drive Nets More Than 17,000 Cans

DOVER—
St. Thomas Aquinas High School of Dover recently held a canned food drive with a school goal of collecting 10,000 cans. To some, this was a lofty goal, but not for the community of St. Thomas. It was a challenge -- and not only did the community step up to the plate, they hit a grand slam.
The school met and exceeded all expectations, collecting more than 17,000 cans in just two weeks. 

Homerooms were challenged to bring in as many cans as possible, with the group bringing in the most cans winning a special breakfast and bragging rights. The fact that this effort helps thousands of people in need is, of course, the biggest reason that students support this program so whole-heartedly, but a little friendly competition certainly makes it more interesting.
The top homeroom averaged 81 cans per person. 

The cans and other non-perishable food items were transported via the cars and vans of parent volunteers to area food banks. Led by Theology teacher Mr. Randy Wolter, the majority of the cans were delivered by a group of student volunteers to Lazarus House Ministries in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The students got busy unloading, sorting, and organizing the food items in the Lazarus House food pantry. They also worked with the Lazarus House staff to help cook and serve a meal to those who visited the shelter.
“I am still overwhelmed by the support that Lazarus House Ministries received. The students, parents and staff of St. Thomas Aquinas High School once again reflected a potent example of one community helping another,” said Ken Campbell, Food Coordinator for Lazarus House Ministries.
Since 1983, Lazarus House Ministries has helped the poor and homeless by providing hot meals, temporary shelter, job training, child care, emergency food, clothing, outreach and advocacy.
Making a difference speaks to the heart of the mission of St. Thomas Aquinas High School. The school would like to recognize the remarkable efforts of its students, teachers and families who helped make the food drive such a tremendous success.
Photo caption: St. Thomas students Faith Schwoerer ‘11, Nathan Cook ‘11, O’Shane Morgan ’12, and Jocelyn Winter ‘12 help serve food at Lazarus House In Lawrence, MA. (Courtesy photo)

Winter Farmers’ Market Season Opens

ROLLINSFORD—
You’ll thank your local farmers for a delicious holiday meal! Just in time to set your Thanksgiving table with local food, 50+ farmers and food producers will be offering their own farm-grown food on November 20 from 10am-2pm at Seacoast Eat Local’s 4th annual Holiday Farmers’ Market indoors at the Wentworth Greenhouses in Rollinsford. Wentworth Greenhouses is located at 141 Rollins Road, a mile past Red’s Shoe Barn of Dover.
A holiday cornucopia of locally grown foods! Area farmers and food producers will be selling everything you need for your holiday table, from cheese, wine, and apple cider, to pie pumpkins, apples, and cream for dessert. Potatoes, carrots, winter squash, onions, beets, leeks, broccoli, parsnips, turnips, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and salad greens will be in abundance, ensuring plenty of wholesome vegetables on your holiday table. There will be eggs, honey, and maple syrup, alongside special finds like sweet potatoes, wheat flour and dried chili peppers.
Farms are taking pre-orders for turkeys (see website for details). A wide variety of beef, pork, poultry and seafood will also be for sale. Dinner rolls, pre-baked pies from locally grown fruit, bread for stuffing, and a host of other foods will round out your shopping and your meal. Area food producers have pledged to a high standard of localism this year and will be offering ready to eat meals, soups and stews, jams and jellies that all contain locally grown ingredients.
Purchasing locally grown food directly from area growers helps ensure our farms stay in business - keeping open space and good food growing in the seacoast. You can find a full list of participating vendors and the products they will be selling at www.seacoasteatlocal.org
As sweet as pie, your own homemade pumpkin pie! Folks who make their pumpkin pie from scratch – from pumpkins – swear by the flavor, quality, and texture of the finished product. It’s an easy and worthwhile step to roast or steam your pumpkin. These folks also develop firm allegiances to particular pumpkins. The three most popular pie pumpkins, Long Island Cheese, Maine Long Pie Pumpkin, and Sugar Pie will all be for sale at the Holiday Market on November 20 at the Wentworth Greenhouses in Rollinsford.
The Long Island Cheese pumpkin, an heirloom variety, has pale bronze skin and a squat ribbed shape, resembling a giant wheel of cheese. They are very sweet with smooth, dense flesh that isn’t stringy, making for an exceptionally creamy, delicious pie.
The Maine Long Pie Pumpkin, also an heirloom variety and featured in Slow Food’s Renewing America’s Food Traditions project, is picked green and then ripens to orange. Because of their long, tubular shape, they are very easy to peel and prepare. The flavor is intensely pumpkin, the flesh stringless, and pies made from it are swooned over!
The Sugar Pie is the classic pie pumpkin, shaped just like a small orange pumpkin. They are thin skinned, sweet, with bright orange, dry flesh, a desired quality for firmly set pies. These pumpkins are widely available.
To prepare whole pumpkins for pies, you first need to cook them. Pumpkins can be either baked or steamed. To bake, cut the pumpkin in half or pieces, remove the seeds, cover with foil and bake at 375 for 1 1/2 hours or until tender when poked with a knife. Allow to cool, then scoop out flesh. To steam, peel pumpkin and cut into chunks, set aside seeds for roasting. Place in a saucepan with 1-2” of water. Steam over high heat until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain, allow to cool, then mash with a potato masher. Your pumpkin is now ready for your favorite pie recipe!
Share the harvest. As in year’s past, each Seacoast Eat Local winter farmers’ market will feature an area food pantry collecting donations of food. You are encouraged to purchase fresh foods to donate; pantries are seeing a sharp increase in demand for their services and those in need are also eager to eat wholesome foods. Potatoes, carrots, onions, salad greens – any product available for sale at the market would make a welcome donation. Farmers generously donate hundreds of pounds of foods at each market and the combined efforts of shoppers and farmers makes a significant positive impact in our community.
For more information, including a complete schedule of area Winter Farmers’ Markets, visit www.seacoasteatlocal.org.

Photo caption: Hackleboro Orchard Apples (Courtesy photo)

Mystery Author Rosemary Herbert to Speak at Dover Public Library

DOVER—
The Dover Public Library is pleased to host a visit from award-winning mystery editor and new mystery novelist Rosemary Herbert on Monday evening, November 15 at 7pm in the Library’s Lecture Hall.
Herbert is an Edgar-nominated editor-in-chief of “The Oxford Companion to Crime and Mystery Writing,” co-editor with the late Tony Hillerman of “A New Omnibus of Crime,” and also worked for ten years as the book reviewer for the Boston Herald. But from the age of nine, when she read Nancy Drew novels under the covers with a flashlight, Rosemary wanted to become a mystery writer. With the publication of “Front Page Teaser: A Liz Higgins Mystery” (Down East Books, 2010), she has finally made her dream come true.
Her experience in the newsroom as well as her career in academic and public libraries were used to great advantage to create Liz Higgins, a gutsy reporter for Boston’s scrappy tabloid newspaper, the Beantown Banner. Liz rails at being assigned only light and community news stories that, at best, receive front-page teasers leading to articles buried deep in the newspaper. When a devoted mom goes missing from Liz’s community news beat, the reporter vows to discover the truth about the disappearance and nail front-page news in the process.
In a reading and book talk leavened with humor and entitled “From Nancy Drew to Dream-Come-True,” Rosemary will tell readers why her first novel is a love song to the news-reporting life, as well as a tribute to librarians. She will also reveal how Boston’s lively Irish music scene was useful to her as a mystery writer, and discuss the roles of romance and the holidays in mystery fiction. Rosemary is currently hard at work on the 2nd Liz Higgins Mystery.
Mystery readers will surely enjoy this “behind-the-scenes” explanation of how a mystery novel is researched, and how story lines are developed and connected. This program is free and all are welcome. For more information, call the Dover Public Library at 516-6050.
Photo caption: Mystery author Rosemary Herbert will speak at Dover Public Library on November 15. (Courtesy photo)

PCA Eagle Girls’ Cross Country Makes History

DOVER—
Mike Shevenell, Cross Country Head Coach at Portsmouth Christian Academy at Dover, approached this season with his girls’ team knowing that something special could happen. While the entire season has been a pleasure for him, that something special did happen in the form of a Granite State Conference Championship, the first title for the girls in school history.
While the Championship is the most recognized and rewarding part of the season so far, Coach Shevenell has enjoyed the dedication and spirit of the girls throughout the entire season. “The girls on the team have worked hard for many years,” stated Shevenell. “They have been faithful during the season and in the off-season. The improvement we have seen in our girls over these years has just been amazing. I’m so impressed by their work ethic and their enthusiasm.”
The team accomplished the title on the basis of four finishers in the top ten, at 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 9th, with the fifth and sixth runners finishing in 20th and 23rd place respectively in the 11 team Division IV race. Senior Kylie McCoy was the overall winner on the 3.1 mile Newmarket course, followed by Melissa Hiatt in 3rd, Erin McGovern in 5th and Emma LaMontagne in 9th. Both Erin and Emma set personal records on the perfect race weather day, a sign that the team’s training schedule worked to perfection.
The win qualified the girls for the Division III State Meet on Saturday, October 30 in Manchester, where they made history yet again. The girls placed fifth in the Division III meet of about 30 teams. McCoy won the race in 18:16, a new course record for a Div III female athlete, while Hiatt placed 12th in 21:08, a great personal record.
The entire team earned a spot in their first ever NH Meet of Champions
 on November 6. The Meet of Champions brings all of the best high school teams from across the Granite State to one single race. They are all looking forward to what the Saturday race will bring.
Portsmouth Christian Academy is located at 20 Seaborne Drive, Dover. Directions to the school can be found on its website, www.pcaschool.org. For more information, please call 603-742-3617.
Photo caption: Portsmouth Christian Academy Cross Country fans had much to cheer about at the recent Granite State Conference Championship held at Newmarket on Oct. 19. The PCA at Dover Girls’ Cross Country Team took the title for the first time in the school’s history. Shown in front (left to right) Melissa Hiatt, Courtney Harrington, Erin McGovern, and Emma LaMontagne. Shown in back (left to right) Brent Crystal, PCA Assistant Coach, Kylie McCoy, Rachel Cole, Eva Moulton, and Naomi Crystal, PCA Assistant Coach. Not present at time of photo, Mike Shevenell, PCA Cross Country Head Coach. (Courtesy photo)

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Come to the Capitol Center

CONCORD—
Famed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with nine-time Grammy Award winner Wynton Marsalis will present a very special night in celebration of the Capitol Center for the Arts’ 15th Anniversary on Wednesday, November 10 at 8pm in Concord, New Hampshire. Ticket cost $25.
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra comprises 15 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today, and has been the Jazz at Lincoln Center resident orchestra since 1988. Featured in all aspects of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s programming, this remarkably versatile orchestra performs and leads educational events in New York, across the U.S. and around the globe.
In concert, Wynton Marsalis and the 15-piece JLCO offer a window on some of history’s most influential jazz artists as well as the finest musicians playing today. In 2009, Marsalis delivered the 22nd Annual Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts and Public Policy at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He focused on the importance of arts and culture to the American identity and featured performances by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
The phenomenally talented Wynton Marsalis has recorded more than 70 jazz and classical albums, which have garnered him nine Grammy Awards--the only artist to win both classical and jazz Grammys in the same year. He has been awarded numerous honors including the Pulitzer Prize in music, France’s Legion of Honor, and honorary doctorates from universities and colleges throughout the U.S. His compositions include works for the New York City Ballet, the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, PBS, the Berlin Philharmonic, and many more. He is the creator of the video series “Marsalis on Music,” the radio series “Making the Music,” and five books. In 2001, Mr. Marsalis was appointed Messenger of Peace by Mr. Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and has been a driving force in aid efforts following Hurricane Katrina. He is the artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center and music director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra appear Wednesday, November 10 at 8pm at the Capitol Center for the Arts. Tickets are available at the box office by calling 603-225-1111, or online at ccanh.com. Sponsored by Bank of America.
Photo caption: Wynton Marsalis will perform with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at the Capitol Center in Concord on Wednesday, Nov. 10 as part of the Center’s 15th Anniversary celebration. (Courtesy photo)

Garrison Players Youth Theatre Presents “Dreamcatchers”

ROLLINSFORD—
Garrison Players Youth Theatre group, under the direction of Autumn Allen, will present “Dreamcatchers,” an original musical by David Kaye, on November 6, 7, 13 and 14, at the Garrison Players Arts Center, Route 4 in Rollinsford. Show times are 11 a.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets are $8 and are only available at the door. For more information, please contact Miss Autumn at 603-516-4919 or email info@garrisonplayers.org.
Garrison Players is a nonprofit, volunteer-based community theatre group dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the area by presenting high-quality theatrical performances geared for family audiences. Established in 1953, the players encourage people of all ages to enjoy and participate in the many facets of the performing arts, and to help maintain the new Garrison Players Community Arts Center. For more information about Garrison Players, call (603) 516-4919 or e-mail info@garrisonplayers.org. Visit the website at www.garrisonplayers.org.

Chamber launches “Shop Dover First” Holiday Campaign

DOVER—
The “Shop Dover First” campaign is an effort by the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce to promote and quantify local spending. With every local purchase, consumers can enter to win one of three local shopping sprees, valued at up to $2,500.
This campaign is underway now through the end of December, with corporate support from Federal Savings Bank, and creative services for point-of-sale materials provided by Lucy’s Art Emporium.
Shoppers are encouraged to enter all purchases, regardless of dollar amount, for all purchases made in the Dover area. Consumers can submit entries at any local business displaying a white “Shop Dover First” entry box, or online at the Chamber’s website, dovernh.org.
“Local business owners invest in the community and have a vested interest in the future of Dover,” said Kirt Schuman, Executive Director of the Chamber. ““Shop Dover First” is an effort to support them. Each and every dollar spent at a local business is spent about a dozen times before it leaves our community. By patronizing local businesses, you are helping to keep your favorite establishments open while contributing to the vitality of the Dover economy.”
Eligible local purchases are not limited to retail products, but also include everyday expenses such as gasoline, groceries, coffee, prescriptions, meals and dining, as well as services such as dry cleaning, haircuts, vehicle registrations, doctor’s office visits, and ATM fees.
To encourage consumer participation, three “shopping spree” gift packages will be given away during the campaign. These packages contain gift certificates for an extensive array of products and professional services that have been graciously donated by Chamber member businesses. Prizes will be awarded on November 1st, December 1st, and the Grand Prize drawing, worth over $2,500, will be held on December 17th, with winners being notified by phone or email after each prize drawing.
Any local businesses that would like to get involved with the “Shop Dover First” campaign are highly encouraged to contact the Chamber for more information.
Photo caption: The sign at the Chamber Visitor Center says it all. (Courtesy photo)

UNH Museum of Art Opens Two New Exhibitions

DURHAM—
Two new exhibitions of local interest, The Shape of Color: Carol Aronson-Shore and Fusion: Merging the Arts in PCAC, are opening at the Museum of Art at the University of New Hampshire beginning November 6. The Shape of Color presents recent paintings inspired by two New England locations, Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Monhegan Island off the coast of Maine. Fusion spotlights 50 years of fine and performing arts studies, exhibitions, performances, and events which have taken place within the University’s cultural center, the Paul Creative Arts Center. A preview reception will be open to the public on Friday, November 5 from 5-7 p.m. in the Museum of Art. Both exhibitions will be on view through December 16 (closed November 11 and 24-28). The Museum of Art and its programs are open to the public free of charge.
The Shape of Color: Carol Aronson-Shore features over fifty works, including smaller gouache color studies for the larger oil paintings, by the renowned professor emerita of the University of New Hampshire and resident of Portsmouth. The artist began her exploration of the relationship of color and light in a series of architectural landscapes painted on Monhegan Island, Maine, and more recently, her landscape painting has focused on the museum village of Strawbery Banke, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This historic site has provided compelling views for her primary subject—the way color shapes pictorial light and space. In these paintings, color captures and defines those privileged moments during the day when light first appears or disappears, creating in these scenes an experience of time, place and memory.
Ms. Aronson-Shore’s work has been exhibited in over one hundred and fifty one-woman and group shows and is in numerous private, public and corporate collections. The White House Historical Association selected her to represent the state of New Hampshire and commissioned a painting for the 2000 Bicentennial celebration of the White House. This painting is part of the permanent collection of the White House. Reproductions of her work are included in New Hampshire: The Spirit of America, Responsive Drawing (Third Edition) and in Painting Portsmouth: A Brush with the Past. A 36-page catalogue accompanies the exhibition and is available for sale.
Fusion: Merging the Arts in PCAC is presented in conjunction with the campus-wide celebration of the fine and performing arts at the University of New Hampshire, Durham. Included in the exhibition are special visual presentations by the Museum of Art and the Departments of Art & Art History, Music, Theatre and Dance and the Celebrity Series recognizing the role of the arts within the University of New Hampshire and the Durham community. It follows chronologically the development of the Paul Creative Arts Center from its construction and dedication in October, 1960 to recent initiatives. Highlights of the many performances, exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and special events which have taken place over the past 50 years will be accentuated by a spotlight on the Museum of Art’s most recent acquisition an important painting by American Expressionist Hyman Bloom. The work, Pink Leg, was purchased by the Museum in honor of Vicki C. Wright, director of the Museum of Art, UNH from 1986-2008.
A special section of Fusion will be dedicated to the donors and supporters of the Center, including Isabel Paul of Newfields, NH. Ms. Paul and her sister Harriet were world-travelers and collectors, widely recognized for their support of their community and the arts. Other notable supporters include: Eldon L. Johnson, former president, UNH; Karl Bratton, professor of Music, UNH; Winthrop L. Carter, former president, Nashua Corporation; William G. Hennessy, director of dramatics, UNH; Harold H. Scudder, professor of English; and Lewis Churchill Swain, bandmaster.
The Shape of Color: Carol Aronson-Shore and Fusion: Merging the Arts in PCAC are presented as part of Arts for Life, a year-long celebration of the fine and performing arts in the Paul Creative Arts Center, UNH.
The Museum of Art is open during the academic year: Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; closed Fridays, University holidays, and November 11 and November 24-28. Guided group tours for schools and other organizations are available with advance reservation by contacting Catherine A. Mazur, education and publicity coordinator, at catherine.mazur@unh.edu or 603-862-3713.
For more information, contact the Museum of Art at 603-862-3712, museum.of.art@unh.edu, or visit www.unh.edu/moa.
Photo caption: Hyman Bloom, Pink Leg, Hyman Bloom, Pink Leg, 2000, oil on canvas, 32” x 70”, collection of the Museum of Art. (Courtesy photo)

Lynch, Shaheen, Shea-Porter Formally Announce $20 Million for Memorial Bridge Upgrade

PORTSMOUTH—
On Wednesday, October 20, Governor John Lynch, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter joined with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and members of the Maine delegation to formally announce $20 million to replace Portsmouth’s Memorial Bridge. These funds were issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation under its TIGER II program.
“I’m thrilled to announce that we are committing $20 million to replace the deteriorating Memorial Bridge, keeping open a crucial river crossing for cars, trucks, cyclists and pedestrians. The Memorial Bridge replacement project is vital to the region’s economy, not only because it will create jobs, but because it will also eliminate barriers to freight movement and improve access to the region’s transportation network,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
“The Memorial Bridge is in critical need of replacement and that is exactly what we are going to do. As Governor, I feel we should not and we cannot wait any longer to address this transportation priority,” Governor John Lynch said. “That is why New Hampshire has taken the lead in ensuring we replace this bridge as soon as possible. Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to our goal of replacing the Memorial Bridge and ensuring the Seacoast has the strong transportation network it needs.”
“Memorial Bridge is critical to the Seacoast economy, connecting the commercial centers of Portsmouth and Kittery, as well as helping ensure access to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard,” said U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen. “This project is a smart investment of Recovery Act dollars: it will save New Hampshire money in the long run and will create many much-needed construction jobs. It is also an example of what is possible when we put aside party labels and come together in a bipartisan way to get things done for our communities.”
“We have to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure in New Hampshire and around the country,” said U.S. Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. “This is a jobs issue and a safety issue. This funding will benefit the local communities in both Maine and New Hampshire and I am very pleased that the New Hampshire and Maine delegations were successful in securing this funding.”
The announcement took place at 1 Harbour Place in Portsmouth. Governor Lynch, Senator Shaheen, Congresswoman Shea-Porter, and members from the Maine delegation had all worked together with Secretary LaHood to secure the TIGER II grant.