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.

Hackmatack Playhouse Turns 40

BERWICK, ME —
As they tie up the loose ends of their 2010 season, the Hackmatack Playhouse is beginning to plan for the summer of 2011: their 40th year!
It was 40 years ago this winter that Producer Michael Guptill and his father, along with many other volunteers, cleaned out the hay, cemented the floor, installed the seats and built the stage that would become the Hackmatack Playhouse.
The mission was to create a summer home for high caliber, live theater entertainment and education in a relaxed country setting. Then, as now, they did not rely on government and foundation monies, but rather on the generosity and support of patrons and local business.
And the Playhouse is in need. Their original lighting system consisted of tin can stage lights - some of which you can still see used above the audience seats - but they want to update to a more contemporary and efficient lighting system. Also on the to-do list are the installation of hot water in their bathrooms, and a thorough repainting of the chipping and peeling barn.
Many audience members who love the rustic and endearing charm of Hackmatack have asked them not to change a thing, but the proposed upgrades are clearly necessities as the Hackmatack Playhouse move forward into their big 4-0. Despite the changes, they promise never to change their style!
The Hackmatack Playhouse is accepting 40th Birthday donations in the suggested amounts of $40, $400, and $4,000, but any amount is greatly appreciated.
Donations can be made by check or online by visiting their secure donations page.
For more information, visit www.hackmatack.org.
Photo caption: Artwork by Dean Diggins, depicting the Hackmatack Playhouse in Berwick, Maine. (Courtesy photo)

NH Experiences Spectacular Foliage, Beautiful Weather, and Leaf Peepers

NEW HAMPSHIRE —
New Hampshire saw a steady stream of leaf-peepers this Columbus Day Weekend, making it a great success for the tourism industry. Traffic through the tolls for Friday through Monday was up 2% over last year’s Columbus Day Weekend, with more than 1.4 million people on the road. Many of the people who visited New Hampshire for peak foliage were from out-of-state, including Canadians and other international visitors.
“Blue skies, great weather and spectacular foliage really made the holiday weekend a huge success,” said Tai Freligh, Communications Manager for the Division of Travel and Tourism Development. “We heard from a lot of properties around the state that business was up over last year and in some cases, record-breaking” he added.
Here’s what members of New Hampshire’s tourism industry had to say about the Columbus Day Weekend...
Valerie Rochon, Tourism Manager, Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce said, “The weather in Portsmouth and along the Seacoast was spectacular this weekend, which brought many locals and visitors out to enjoy the many activities and events and, of course, the fall scenery. Our Visitor Information Kiosk in Market Square saw a 14% jump in visitors over last year, with the highest increase on Monday. The Visitor Center saw a 6% jump as well. Our lodging properties were almost completely booked in advance for Saturday night, with very limited availability for Friday and Sunday nights as we headed into the weekend. All in all, a superb way to wrap up this terrific summer season!”
While Kirt Schuman, Executive Director, Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce said, “Columbus Day Weekend was amazing in Dover, as our foliage peeked at the right time. Residents and visitors descended on our historic downtown to enjoy our shops, restaurants and attractions during the seasonably great weather over the course of the 3-day weekend. Our city parks and open spaces, including our new Dover Community Trail were awash in the typical hues of autumn and experienced a significant increase in utilization over the weekend as well. Attractions like the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire and the Woodman Institute Museum reported high traffic as well.”
To see a calendar of harvest and holiday events, suggested things to do and other planning tools for your trip to New Hampshire, go to the www.visitnh.gov home page. You can look at Yankee Dollar-Stretchers for lodging, restaurants and attractions and also find links to Travel and Tourism on Facebook, Twitter and Flicker. (MetroCreative photo)

SBA Growth Capital Program Provides Record $1.59 Billion in Financing

WASHINGTON, DC —
At a time when capital was scarce for small business, financing from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s growth capital program increased 23 percent in fiscal year 2010, providing a record $1.59 billion to help small businesses grow and create jobs, according to SBA Administrator Karen Mills.
The fiscal year 2010 volume is the highest single-year volume in the 50-year history of SBA’s Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) debenture program. Increased volume in the program is in part a result of changes made by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Those changes contributed to an increased number of new SBIC licenses, decreased license processing times, and initial capital to new funds rose dramatically.
“At a time when access to capital was tight, including from the traditional sources for growth capital, SBA helped fill some of that gap with a record amount of financing through our SBIC program,” Mills said. “Across the country, there are small business owners and entrepreneurs who are well-positioned to take that next step, grow their business and create good-paying jobs. Our efforts to strengthen our program efficiency and increase funding available through the SBIC program has provided another critical tool to help these small businesses get the capital they need and drive economic growth.”
The SBIC program was created to stimulate the growth of America’s small businesses by supplementing the long-term debt and private-equity capital available to them. SBA’s SBIC fiscal year 2010 results included the following:
Record High Financing to Small Businesses: Total financings to the SBA SBIC debenture program grew to a 50-year record high of $1.59 billion in fiscal year 2010 – a 23 percent increase over an average $1.29 billion in the four previous years. Debenture program obligations grew to $1.17 billion from an average $750.6 million, another 50-year record high.
More Licensed SBICs and Faster Processing Times: Twenty-one (21) new SBIC licensees were issued in fiscal year 2010, a 130 percent increase over the four-year average of 10 per year. Additionally, SBIC license processing time improved to just 5.8 months in fiscal year 2010, a nearly 60 percent decrease from an average of 14.6 months in 2009.
Record High Capital Commitment to Support Small Businesses: SBA capital commitments to new funds broke yet another 50-year record increasing to $1.23 billion in fiscal year 2010, a 135 percent jump from an average of $524.3 million in the four previous years. Equally important, the programs attracted record levels of private capital commitments, increasing to $615 million in 2010 from $262.1 million in previous years - another 135 percent increase. Combined total initial capital to new funds increased to $1.845 billion in FY 2010 from an average $786.4 million.
Since the SBIC program’s formation in 1958 through April 2009, it has invested approximately $56 billion in more than 100,000 small businesses in the United States. For more information about the SBA’s Investment Division and SBIC program, go to www.sba.gov/INV or call 1-800-U ASK SBA.

Frisbie Adopts iPhones for Point-of-Care Communication

ROCHESTER —
Nurses and other point-of-care workers at Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.H. will soon be using iPhones to improve their communication and increase efficiency, thanks to Voalté’s first-of-its-kind integrated communication solution.
The Voalté application consolidates voice, alarm and text on the versatile iPhone platform. The solution will enable the nurses and clinicians at Frisbie to send and receive presence-based text messages and make high definition voice calls across the hospital VoIP system, providing faster response to patient needs.
Frisbie’s selection of the Voalté solution was the result of a technology review and assessment that began more than one year ago.
“Antiquated communications solutions, such as voice-only devices, are no longer adequate in the hospital environment because both parties must be available in order to communicate,” said Sally Reeves, Frisbie’s Healthcare Project Director. “We evaluated all of these options and selected Voalté as the best solution to streamline our nurses’ needs.”
Frisbie Memorial is the first acute care hospital to implement the Voalté solution in the northeast and the fourth hospital in the country. The installation will be integrating to the hospital’s PBX and WiFi system thus leveraging existing infrastructure.
“Nurses are challenged with managing multiple patient requests, paperwork and other responsibilities,” said Trey Lauderdale, vice president of innovation at Voalté. “Oftentimes, performing their job successfully requires the ability to quickly communicate with other nurses, physicians and healthcare workers.”
“Innovative hospitals like Frisbie are recognizing the importance and value of smartphone technology and how it can improve patient care,” he said.
Photo caption: The Voalté application consolidates voice, alarm and text on the versatile iPhone platform. (www.voalte.com photo)

Seacoast Business Expo Taking Shape

STRAFFORD COUNTY —
The Seacoast Business Expo, the largest business networking event of the year. Formerly, known as the ‘Seacoast Schmooze,’ this event takes place on Thursday, October 21st from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Celestica Building on Pease Tradeport.
Each year this one-of-a-kind event brings together dozens of businesses and hundreds of contacts, giving all the opportunity to effectively connect with hundreds of potential business partners during the 3-hour event.
The Seacoast Business Expo is the first public event presented by the recently formed Seacoast Chamber Alliance that includes representation from the Dover, Exeter, Hampton, Portsmouth, Rochester and Somersworth Chambers and is designed to enhance membership value, to promote regional economic development, and to reduce expenses for the independent chambers by realizing economies of scale.
“We are excited to have the Alliance take center stage at the premier networking event on the Seacoast,” commented Portsmouth Chamber President Doug Bates. “Every year we see hundreds of people attend for an evening of networking and camaraderie. Business connections truly happen at the Seacoast Business Expo.”
Public Service of New Hampshire is the event underwriter, the event is sponsored by Daystar Computer Services, FairPoint Communications, Federal Savings Bank, Service Credit Union, Comcast Cable, D.F. Richard Energy and Unitil.
Exhibitor space is currently available for this event. Previous exhibiting local businesses have included including Infinite Imaging, Granite State College, DF Richard Energy, BayRing Communications, Staff Hunters, and William C. Huff Moving & Storage and the sponsor companies.
Partners include Clear Channel Communications and Gentle Giant Moving Company. Vital Design is the brand partner of the Seacoast Business Expo and the Seacoast Chamber Alliance and produced logos and collateral for the event.
A variety of local restaurants will provide hors d’oeuvres, and there will be a cash bar. Cost is $10 for pre-registered Chamber members, $15 at the door. To attend, register online at seacoastexpo.com.
Businesses interested in exhibiting are invited to contact Mike at the Exeter Area Chamber at 603/772-2411.
Photo caption: Seacoast Business Expo logo (Courtesy photo)

Jeffrey H. Taylor & Associates Recognized for Dover’s Form Based Code

CONCORD / DOVER —
Jeffrey H. Taylor & Associates was recognized recently during the Northern New England Chapter of the American Planning Association (NNECAPA) annual conference for its work with City of Dover, NH, on its Form Based Code. Dover is the first community in northern New England to adopt Form Based Code.
Form Based Code is a method of regulating land use that emphasizes community character and the public impact of development rather than exclusively focusing on building usage. A guiding principal behind the development of a Form Based Code is that buildings and physical alteration of land is more long lasting than the initial use for which a building is constructed.
Over the course of 18 months, Jeffrey H. Taylor & Associates led the collaborative project with the Dover City Planning staff and Architect Mike Lassel. The effort included extensive mapping and measuring of the downtown area, two design charettes, and ongoing public involvement. The Form Based Code was adopted in December 2009 and incorporated into the city’s zoning ordinance. Dover Planning Director Chris Parker was pleased with this effort. “Many consultants come into a community with pre-conceived solutions to local problems. Jeff Taylor and his team worked with us, listened to us, and collectively we created an exciting product that will serve Dover well for years.”
“Traditional zoning focuses on a building’s use rather than on its compatibility with its surroundings and most rezoning projects reinforce that way of thinking,” noted Jeff Taylor, President of Jeffrey H. Taylor & Associates. “The City of Dover demonstrated true vision by recognizing that they needed to promote the classic development characteristics found in its central business district. The Form Based Code will ensure that as development continues, those characteristics are reinforced and celebrated.”
Prior to receiving this regional award, The City of Dover also received the 2010 Project of the Year award for its Form Based Code work with Jeffrey H. Taylor and Associates by the New Hampshire Planners Association. For more information about the New Hampshire Planners Association visit www.nhplanners.org or about the Northern New England Chapter of the American Planning Association visit www.nnecapa.org.

Annual Somersworth Pumpkin Festival this Weekend

SOMERSWORTH –
For families looking for something memorable to do together, the 8th annual Somersworth Pumpkin Festival might be just right!
Organizers of the event have worked hard over the last few years to gear the festival toward children of all ages, offering activities that parents and children can do together, according to Festival Director Darryl Cauchon — All with one common theme — pumpkin, pumpkin, and more pumpkins!.
The event, set to take place on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will feature pumpkin carving, pumpkin painting, a pumpkin catapult, pumpkin smashing, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin basketball shooting, pumpkin putt putt golf, pumpkin masking making, scarecrow making, pumpkin pie eating contests, stage entertainment, a Pumpkin Parade, among a myriad of other activities.
With crowds continuing to increase dramatically over the past four years, Cauchon said they decided to double the number of pumpkins ordered over last year, double the amount of scarecrow making supplies, bump up the cookies and cupcakes for the pumpkin cookie/cupcake decorating area, just to name a few, in an effort to meet demands.
“There’s something for everyone at our Pumpkin Festival,” Cauchon said. “Families can carve a pumpkin together, make a scarecrow together, paint a pumpkin together, take a hay ride together, get their picture taken together with an autumn backdrop, march in the parade together.”
“Yet an older boy or girl can still have fun on their own by smashing a pumpkin, bowling with a pumpkin ball, triggering the potato launch gun or pumpkin catapult, or carving a pumpkin on their own,” Cauchon added.
The festival takes place in front of the Somersworth Plaza on Main Street, near General Electric and the Public Library and will be held rain or shine. All pumpkins and supplies are included within the cost of the $10 bracelet for children, with adults attending for free.
New this year will be the potato launch, a “Mummy Wrap” contest in which teams will try to wrap their “mummy” from head to toe with paper towels, and a bead necklace making area. Additional stage acts will also perform, including the Extreme Jump Roping Team, the Dance Envy dancers, the Murray Irish Dance Academy and the Country Clogging Express.
The Doug Mitchell Band will return to highlight the main stage, which will also feature local choruses from the Tri-City Christian Academy and Somersworth High School. Tricky Dick the Magician will perform at 3 p.m.
The popular Jack’s Dash will take place, allowing festival-goers to trick-or-treat at a number of participating downtown stores. Costumes are encouraged but not required to take part in this, as well as the Pet and Pumpkin Parade, which kicks off promptly at 3:45 p.m.
Amato’s Restaurant will be selling pizza and subs, and the Boy Scouts will be serving up hot dogs and hamburgers. The Lions Club plans to offer fried dough and other groups, primarily from the high school, will have cotton candy, nachos, chowder, and other items up for sale. Somersworth Girl Scout Troop 20095 will also be participating in the festival with a chili cook-off to raise funds for their group.
For the third year, the event will fall under the umbrella of the Somersworth Festival Association, which took over following the closure of the city’s Main Street Program. “The SFA helps out a lot, most of all by allowing the use of their large tents, stage, their tables, chairs, and a host of other equipment needed to make the festival run smoothly,” Cauchon said. “A strong contingent of their members also pitch in with volunteering throughout the day as well.”
Volunteers are still being sought to help out the day of the festival and anyone interested in lending a hand, even for an hour or two, should call Cauchon at 817-9751 or e-mail him at dcauchon@somersworth.com or Anna Houde at annahoude@yahoo.com.
Photo caption: The 8th Annual Somersworth Pumpkin Festival offers pumpkins galore! (MetroCreative photo)

Opening Scenes

By Chip Schrader
Movie Review Editor
“Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” opens with a stack of files and papers slammed onto a desk and voice naming the contents that is being laid down. A money clip with no money, and an old cell phone the size of a shoe are among the items that Gordon Gekko is given back upon his release from prison. This sets the tone for the follow up story of a man who was free and very wealthy during a whole different era booming from Reaganomics, and now yesterday’s news.
In this sequel to Wall Street, Oliver Stone draws inspiration from the market crash, credit swaps and defaults that have plagued our economy for the last few years, and it is perfect fodder for Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) who just got out of prison for the same reason this crash occurred. The central character is greed, and Oliver Stone delivers a devastating upper cut to our banking industry that is all too true and fully exposed in this film.
Michael Douglas’ portrayal of Gekko is nothing short of Genius. To witness Gekko’s evolution alone, this film is worth watching in spite of the fact Douglas plays second billing to Shia LeBeouf as Jake Moore. While LeBeouf’s acting talent is budding, it is hard to take a movie where seasoned heavyweights like Douglas and Josh Brolin play beneath LeBeouf. Brolin and Douglas have a menacing edge to their characters, they are weathered and gritty while LeBeouf at times, seems like Hello Kitty in a Lions’ Den.
While Jake is a sympathetic and idealistic character, he is too child like on the outside to make him a believable Wall Street up and comer. His soft side, which is vital to his character, is still too pronounced. At times, LeBeouf look frightened and weak when he is face to face with Josh Brolin in the film’s key moments.
The biggest flaw is in the writing, Jake Moore is not an interesting enough character to carry the film for the first hour. He would be better named John Doe as he doesn’t stand out or really grow as the story progresses. There are several scenes with Jake trading on the market floor that are dazzling visually, but blur the storyline. Furthermore, while the dialog is amazing and clever, there is no momentum to the story. The viewer enjoys the ride even though it is merely a leisurely stroll through Central Park.
On the other hand, those interested in Gekko will find the last third of the film satisfying as Douglas takes over more of the scenes, and the rare appearances of Susan Sarandon playing as Jake’s mother, is arguably the best performance in the film.
The bottom line, Oliver Stone shot this film understanding the beauty of New York as a back drop, and the camera angles and movement were breath taking. The acting is brilliant, and very quotable, the best was Gekko telling Bretton James (Brolin) “Stop telling lies about me, and I’ll stop telling the truth about you.” The bad side, the writers needed to keep the camera and action around Gekko instead of scenes like that of a motor cycle race between Bretton and Jake that randomly finds its way into the film.
Even with the flaws, the film is gorgeous to watch as each scene is staged with lavish background scenery, and the intrigue is infectious in spite of the lack of suspense or urgency to drive the story. The acting and directing is top notch, the writing is flabby, but “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” still nudges into the “must see” category, transcending most sequels. 3.5 out of 5.
Photo caption: Movie Poster for “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” (Courtesy photo)

Dover Main Street Announces Award Winners

DOVER —
Dover Main Street hosted their Annual Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Trolley Tour of Dover on Monday, September 27, 2010. This event was proudly sponsored by DF Richard and Federal Saving Bank along with support from Red Hook Brewery. The gathering brought together the Board of Directors of Dover Main Street, City Officials and many of the dedicated volunteers of Dover Main Street.
The festivities started with a gathering at the Café in the Cocheco Mills to announce new board members, a brief overview of the State of Dover Main Street and an awards ceremony. Then all attendees were invited to board the chartered trolleys for a historic tour of Dover. The tour included stops at local restaurants to pick up food samplings. The supporting restaurants included Rebel Chef Catering Co., Kelley’s Row, Harvey’s Bakery, Christopher’s Third Street Grille, La Festa Brick & Brew and the Orchard Street Chop Shop.
There were five awards given to individuals or organizations that exemplified the spirit of Dover Main Street. The first award was presented to Kathie Frobes in honor of her father, Joe Parks, in recognition of his valuable contributions to creating the Vision of Downtown Dover.
In 2007 Dover Main Street board of directors voted unanimously to name the Chestnut Street/Central Avenue Riverwalk project area in honor of Joe Parks. Mr. Parks donation of plant materials and his offer of unlimited access to his gardens served as both an impetus and a foundation for solicitation and support of transforming an overgrown area into a unique specimen garden in the center of our downtown. This award was given as a thank you to the Parks family for their dedication to making Dover a beautiful place to live and for having the vision to make it a pleasant place for many generations to come.
The second award was given to the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce in recognition of their valuable contributions to the community through Adaptive Re-Use of a Building. In April of 2009, The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce proudly moved into the former Unicel building at the corner of Central Avenue and Sixth Street. Because of this move they were able to add “Visitor’s Center” to their name to emphasize the new information center that is now a much appreciated feature of the offerings at the Chamber. The re-use of this building has made the Chamber the destination for all visitors to the area, the place where the weekly farmer’s market is held, where a multitude of non-profits hold their meetings and a hub of activity.
The third awarded was presented to Centrix Bank & Summit Land Development in recognition of their valuable contributions to the community by having the Best New Construction Project. In June of 2009, Centrix Bank opened its doors to the new property that enveloped the look and feel of Dover. The property kept the historic look of what Dover so proudly boasts but also added a feeling of something new and a standard by which all new development should look to. Their use of space is the model that National Main Street promotes with mixed use and multi levels. Dover Main Street and the area merchants appreciate that Centrix Bank chose Dover to create such a beautiful building in and appreciate how much they support of the Dover community.
The next award was given to Connie Roy in recognition of her valuable contributions to Building Partnerships in Dover. Connie is the immediate past president of the Chamber and has assisted on many Dover Main Street projects including the Reveals, the Riverwalk, the Joe Parks Gardens, Clean-up Days, and with the Dover Girls’ Soccer teams. The Dover Dines posters, the tear off maps, the Taste of Dover posters and signage, the Clean-Up day posters and so many other promotional pieces, Connie designs them all. She sets the bar high as an example of what one person can do for an organization.
The final Dover Main Street award presented was to Thom Hindle in recognition of his valuable contributions to the Preservation of Downtown Dover. Thom was honored for his dedication to preserving the history of Dover. He is a noted Dover historian, he is the Woodman Museum’s curator who has almost single-handedly managed that facility for many years, a local history author, documentary photographer and Dover memorabilia collector. The preservation of Dover’s history through photographic restoration has been a passion of Thom’s and much appreciated by future generations.
Dover Main Street is a not for profit downtown revitalization organization that operates under the auspices of the National Main Street Center, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The mission of the organization is to “preserve the past, promote the present & facilitate the future...”. For more information about Dover Main Street or to become a volunteer please call 603-740-6435, email director@dovermainstreet.org or visit www.dovermainstreet.org.

Kamilah Fucci crowned as Miss Strafford County 2011

STRAFFORD COUNTY —
Jazz Dancer Kamilah Fucci won the Miss Strafford County Crown on Saturday, Sept. 18 at the Portsmouth Christian Academy Theatre, winning a $2,500 scholarship and advancing to the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program that will be held in April 2011. Fucci is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and recently completed an internship at Rehab 3 in Somersworth.
“I am so happy and excited,” said Fucci. “This was such a fun experience to share with incredible finalists. I am honored to be representing Strafford County as Miss N.H. in 2011. This is a dream come true!”
The Miss Strafford County and Miss New Hampshire Programs are a part of the Miss America Organization which is one of the nation’s leading achievement programs and provider of scholarships for young women. It is a not-for-profit organization with a tradition of “empowering young women to achieve their personal and professional goals, while providing a forum in which to express their opinions, talent and intelligence.”
Judges consider the finalists talent, interview, evening wear, lifestyle and fitness in swimsuit, and an on-stage question in various competitions. Many additional, local young women achieved recognition during the contest. Brianna Hill, a Senior at Somersworth High School won the Swimsuit Award and was named First Runner-up. Meghan Loring, a Graduate of Spaulding High and the University of New Hampshire won the Interview Award and was named Second Runner-up. UNH Graduate Student Kacie Ferraro won the Overall Talent Award. University of New England’s Samantha Kelly of Rochester won the People’s Choice Award. Finalists Crystal Blair-Prince, a senior at Spaulding High, Devan Collins, a sophomore at UNH, and Kiki Frudikis, a senior at Dover High, also received scholarship awards.
Special guests at the ceremony included sailors from the USS Oklahoma, Portsmouth Christian Academy’s Grace MacLeod who performed the National Anthem, and Senator Jacalyn Cilley who presented a Service & Leadership Award to Aimee Hanson, a student at Empire Beauty School. The Senator also recognized Miss Strafford County 2010 Lissa Silk for her year of service to the community. Justin McIsaac of WHEB served as host and Miss New Hampshire 2010 Krystal Muccioli made a special appearance.
Fucci continues to aspire as she recently took part in the MS Walk on Sept. 26 in Keene, in honor of her father who has suffered with the disease for the last 20 years. FMI: www.missnh.com.
Photo caption: Newly Crowned Kamilah Fucci (left) is congratulated by Lissa Silk (right), the prior Miss Strafford County (Courtesy photo)

Apple Harvest Day to Feature Chefs’ Challenge

DOVER —
If there is one thing that most can agree on, it’s that we have all become more aware of and passionate about food. Don’t believe me? Take one minute to concentrate on nothing but food. Try to ignore the rumbling in your stomach... Now write down quickly all the various food brands, grocers, local farms, restaurants and celebrity chefs that come to mind. See! It’s mind blowing. Food is a fundamental need so it should be no surprise that we all seek different ways to enrich and enjoy it.
If you are a passionate foodie, then October 2nd The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce and The Communication Mill present a unique, live cooking event for you; The Seacoast Chef Challenge.
Much of the event format is based off of Food Network’s successful cooking show, Iron Chef America. Rather than a fully equipped stadium filled with exotic fruits, vegetables and mushrooms from all the world, we are providing these local chefs with only the bare essentials and support from local markets and distribution channels such Favorite Foods and M. Saunders Inc. These chefs will demonstrate creative cooking techniques and recipes featuring Apples as a featured ingredient.
At the Seacoast Chef Challenge there will be three rounds of competition. Chefs will compete one at a time starting at 9:30 am, 11:30 am and 2:00 pm. Each chef will have an hour to cook and plate their dishes before presenting to our judges. Chefs will be judged upon taste, uniqueness and plating using the same point scale as Food Network’s Iron Chef show. All dishes must put apples at the forefront of presentation and palate. The points will be tallied and the chef team with the most points at the end of the day wins.
The debut of the Seacoast Chef Challenge event will feature the talents of Chef Evan Hennessey of Flavor Concepts, Chef Jeremay O’Dette of Dante’s Pasta & Vino, Chef Brent Morrill along with JP’s Catering.
The Seacoast Chef Challenge was developed as a community event to create food and restaurant awareness, boost fan followings and improve business for local chefs, restaurants and food merchants.
Our sponsors this year have all been non-monetary and have lent their passion, expertise and energy simply to improve our local food economy and present local talents to broader audiences. The Seacoast Chef Challenge thanks its outstanding support from sponsors such as FIRA, Favorite Foods, M. Saunders Inc., Independent Restaurant Supply, Taste of the Seacoast Magazine and WXGR 101.5 FM (Who will broadcast a live ‘Gourmet Lounge’ from the event at Apple Harvest Day).
We encourage all attend this Apple Harvest Day on October 2nd because it will be fun for all ages. Who knows, you might just discover a new trick for your next dinner party!
For more information regarding Apple Harvest Day please visit dovernh.org.
Photo caption: Flavor Concepts, Evan Hennessy is one of the Chefs participating in the First Ever Seacoast Chefs Challenge on Apple Harvest Day on October 2nd. (Courtesy photo)

At a Theater Near You

By Chip Schrader
Movie Review Editor
Ben Affleck’s “The Town” opens with an aerial shot of Metropolitan Boston, and cuts to a busy street that is about to be the epicenter of a bank robbery. The masked villains charge inside the bank dumping Blackberries into a fishbowl to be drowned in water after the standard “get on the floor” commands. As a shaken Bank Manager named Claire Keesey tries to get the combination right, one of the robbers consoles her with a touch, reassuring her to take her time.
The thief with a delicate touch is Doug MacRay, played by Ben Affleck, who also shares the screenwriting credit for “The Town.” Doug is a lifer in Charlestown, Massachusetts, the Boston suburb famous for being a breeding ground for bank robbers, and like McKray, survives within the stranglehold of the Irish Mafia.
Afleck plays a gritty role with a strongly understated charm. But, from the first scene, we are dared to consider him to be the good guy, while the manipulative FBI agent and his felonious brotherhood are swimming in sleaze. The tough guys are out muscled by the women who often suffer at the hands of these men, namely Blake Lively’s portrayal of Christa Coughlin.
While the story is strong and engrossing, the romance that brews between villain and victim is ultimately forgettable. There are few clever lines or tender moments that convince viewers that MacRay and Keesey have any chemistry. The film at the forty five minute point holds a solid three and a half out of five rating carried by the acting and anticipation of the next action scene.
The turning point for the film is a car chase that follows an armored car heist. This chase scene rivals those from any Steve McQueen’s or Al Pacino’s film, and begins the neck breaking ride. The near misses and near hits are puzzling, brutal, and riveting. From here on, the audience is in the front seat with MacRay as his back story fills out to a complete character.
Many good films have twists, but the best films give you details that develop into sharp turns that are both logical and unexpected. MacRay’s life is a story that unfolds, it doesn’t twist, and his depths are endless as are the conflicted emotions of his love interest Keesey.
Every caper must end with a big heist. MacRay’s crew is slated to heist Boston’s crown jewel, Fenway Park. This coup de grace of heists presents one of the many elements in “The Town” where cinema hasn’t taken us. As the heist proceeds, there is much to go wrong, and old ties scorned. And the details that were once delivered as casual conversation turn into lynch pins that will make or break this plot of plots.
Bottom line. The romance, as stated was forgettable, it needed more memorable moments that brought MacRay and Keesey together, and to show more of Affleck’s charming side. The police had to take some stretching leaps to get their suspects, but this was a forgivable detail. Some of the supporting cast needed some entertaining quirks to reveal what makes them tick, and to bring some more lively dialog. However, the flaws really end there.
While the dialog doesn’t pop, it is realistic and it serves the story with staunch loyalty. The characters and imagery are dank and gray, but the story of Charlestown and its people is hardly rosy, so the muted colors and gritty shots fit the story. The action and suspense are so good they suffocate, and the conclusion just might be classic.
The story is tight and every scene has a purpose, there is no flab or filler to carry the film to two hours.Jeremy Renner’s Cagney-like portrayal of Coughlin adds some color, and the previously mentioned Blake Lively’s portrayal will draw attention to her as we might see her move closer to top billing in future films outside of the adolescent themed “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and “Gossip Girl” series.
As far as Affleck, he needs to keep the goatee shaved and ditch the schmaltzy Hollywood roles to write his own material suited to his stone face delivery. Hack job cinema like Armageddon and Gigli will not do Affleck justice. “The Town” will make every Ben Afleck naysayer reconsider, and may put the name “Gigli” out of their vocabulary once and for all.
Rating: 4 out of 5, and will likely get better ratings with multiple viewings.
Photo caption: Movie poster of Ben Affleck’s “The Town” (Courtesy photo)