The Artists of Salmon Falls Mills Hold Spring Open Studios

ROLLINSFORD—
It’s spring and the art is in bloom! The Artists of Salmon Falls Mills in Rollinsford open their studios to the public on the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend, May 8th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enter a world of beautiful landscapes, mesmerizing sculptures, colorful crafts, quirky comics, and even retro rocket ships! The free event annually draws families, art lovers, and adventure-seekers of all ages. Both the Upper Mill and Lower Mill will be open, and participating artists include painters, photographers, bookbinders, furniture makers, sculptors, fabric artists and many more. Live entertainment will be provided for your enjoyment. Get your kids to be creative and participate in the kid’s art stations where they can make artistic gifts for Mom.
“Even though these artists are in an old factory building, the work is hardly mass produced,” said Johanna Finnegan-Topitzer of Selkie Bindery, “You can visit studios, ask questions, and get quality items made right in your own community. Both the upper mill and lower mill will be open, as well as many downtown local businesses. We’re expecting a good showing this year. It’s a great way to celebrate local art and community.”
Many of the mill’s residents are teaching artists, so the event can be a good way to explore the possibility of taking a class in painting, drawing, and even flamenco dance. New to the Mills this season is nationally known oil painter Dennis Perrin. Along with artist Alan Amman, Perrin has started a new painting school in the mill. Called The New Studio School, the classes will offer instruction in the fundamentals of oil painting. There will be a class in session from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. during Open Studios and the public is welcome to observe.
For more info and directions, go to www.MillArtists.com or join the Artists of Salmon Falls Mills fan page on facebook.
Photo caption: An oil painting of a floral scene by Dennis Perrin. (Courtesy photo)

Somersworth Chamber Announces Award Winners

SOMERSWORTH—
René Philpott, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Greater Somersworth Chamber of Commerce, recently announced the Chamber’s 2010 annual award recipients. The Business of the Year award will go to Bascom Wealth Management, located at 32 Market Street in Somersworth. Longtime financial consultant and business owner, Tom Bascom, will be honored for his contributions and support of the community and the Chamber of Commerce. Bascom was a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors for six years and served as Board Chairman in 2007. The Citizen of the Year will be awarded to Sherie Dinger, a longtime community volunteer, activist, and former Somersworth City Councilor. Dinger recently retired as a City Councilor and is known throughout the region for her tireless dedication to numerous community organizations and her spirit of volunteerism. Formal public presentations of the awards will be held at the Chamber’s Swing Into Spring Annual Dinner event on Friday, April 30th at VFW Post 4485, located at 43 High Street in Somersworth. The event is underwritten by Kennebunk Savings Bank, D.F. Richard Energy, and Public Service of New Hampshire. The public is welcome to join Chamber members as they honor this year’s award winners and swing to the music of Ben Baldwin and the Big Note. Doors open and the social hour begins with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar at 6 p.m. Tickets are available through the Somersworth Chamber of Commerce, 58 High Street. For more information, please contact the Somersworth Chamber at 603-692-7175.

Shea-Porter Coastal Amendment Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C.—
The House of Representatives on April 15 passed the Clean Estuaries Act (H.R. 4715), which includes an amendment by Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. Congresswoman Shea-Porter’s amendment ensures that the comprehensive conservation and management plans within the National Estuary Program (NEP) address the impacts and potential effects of sea level change. Changes in sea level could result in changes in water quality or the estuarine habitat, as well as threaten infrastructure in the estuary. This bill also reauthorizes and improves the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s NEP through FY 2016, which promotes planning efforts to help protect estuaries in the United States that are considered to be threatened by pollution, development, or overuse. This bill passed the House with bipartisan support by a vote of 278 to 128.
“This bill will benefit the coastal region of New Hampshire, both economically and environmentally,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “New Hampshire’s coast is a significant economic driver, and Granite Staters have always worked together to protect our natural resources. My amendment will further protect our coastal communities by ensuring that sea level change is taken into account when the comprehensive conservation and management plans are constructed.”
The First District of New Hampshire is home to Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP). PREP, which was previously known as the New Hampshire Estuaries Project, has been part of the National Estuaries Program since 1995 and works to protect two estuarine systems in New Hampshire: Great Bay/Little Bay and Hampton Harbor. The partnership has included the entire Great Bay watershed in their area of focus, which includes 42 communities in New Hampshire and 10 communities in Maine. The NEP has been a significant source of funding and resources, assisting PREP in their valuable work. This reauthorization will make the program stronger and allow for more estuaries to be included.
The Clean Estuaries Act increases the NEP’s authorization from $35 million to $50 million annually to add estuaries, will provide new accountability measures, and will require the EPA to submit a report to Congress on the program’s effectiveness. Estuaries provide habitat for 75% of the commercial fishing catch and up to 90% of the recreational fishing catch in this country. Commercial and recreational fishing annually accounts for $185 billion in revenues, and for more than two million jobs.