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.