Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Team Up to Enhance the Rotary Arts Pavilion

DOVER—
A small team of dedicated volunteers descended on the Rotary Arts Pavilion on Saturday, April 25th as part of Dover Main Street’s Dover Pride Clean Up Day. In just under three hours, the pavilion was cleaned and painted and the seating area was swept and cleared of weeds and debris.
“The Rotary Pavilion is the summer home of the Cochecho Arts Festival and the renewed Seacoast Irish Festival,” commented Chamber Executive Director Kirt Schuman. “Since the Chamber is one of the primary users of the stage, we felt it our obligation to pitch in to get it ready for the upcoming season. It was great that the Rotary Club of Dover partnered with us on this effort.”
Schuman was joined by Cochecho Arts Festival Committee Member, Tom Lavasseur, of Beacon Retirement Group along with Rotarians Sean Fitzgerald, Tom Humprheys and Peter Widmark. Central Paint and Coating assisted with materials and expertise.
Dover Recreation Director Gary Bannon noticed the improvement early on Sunday Morning as he was setting up for the Red’s Race for a Better Community, the first user of the enhanced facility.
“The City of Dover truly appreciates the work put in by the Dover Chamber of Commerce and the Dover Rotary Club to repair and paint the Rotary Pavilion at Henry Law Park. It is one of the most active facilities that the City owns with many large and small events held there each year. It is really one of the faces of Dover that most people see and the image of the City is reflected in some way by its condition. This project has really helped us prepare for what we see as a busy summer season of activities and the benefits from the work by these two very civic minded and generous organizations will be appreciated by all who attend.”
The Seacoast Irish Festival takes place at the Rotary Pavilion on Saturday, June 12th and the Cochecho Arts Festival runs from July 4th through Aug. 13th. FMI: visit www.dovernh.org.
Photo caption: Dover Rotary Member Sean Fitzgerald meticulously cuts in the new color at the Rotary Arts Pavilion. Courtesy photo)

Salmon Falls Lower Mills Hosts Local Arts and Crafts Event

ROLLINSFORD—
Visit Salmon Falls Lower Mills in Rollinsford on May 6 to view and purchase New Hampshire-made works of art, crafts, artisanal food, roasted coffee beans/organic tea blends and herb/bath/body products. See live music/dance, art demonstrations, and participate in hands-on activities for children and adults. You’ll be able to Pamper Mom with local fresh flowers, handmade soaps/candles and free chair massages with Julie and Kelly Anderson; enjoy special children’s activities including tissue paper flower-making for Mom, and Rollinsford Public library story/playtime; and listen to poetry from the New Hampshire Poets Society, see Flamenco dance or participate in our live Open-Mike Show. The fun runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.
For a full events listing and directions, please go to www.firstthursdayatthefalls.com.

Dover State of the City Address Set for May 4

DOVER—
Moving Dover’s annual State of the City address into the midst of the budget cycle has proved to be a successful way to boost attendance for the Federal Savings Bank Forum Event.
“It seemed logical to host this event when interest in the municipal operations is at its peek,” commented Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director Kirt Schuman. “Judging by the early reservations, we made the right call. Everyone has a voice in the operation of the City, we are happy to extend this opportunity for explanation and dialogue.”
The State of the City Address is on Tuesday, May 4th at 7:30 a.m. at Cochecho Country Club. The program will focus extensively on the 2011 Municipal Budget, the current economic challenges facing the city and upcoming city projects and initiatives. Cost is $15 for Chamber members and $25 for not-yet members and includes light breakfast. Elected officials and department heads will also be in attendance.
The Federal Savings Bank Forum Series is a four-part series of events focused on providing valuable economic and business content to community leaders. Sessions range from panel discussions, to lectures and roundtables and have featured some of the regions best business minds.
Please RSVP to 603-742-2218 or online at www.dovernh.org. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions for what is expected to be a productive discussion regarding upcoming priorities for the community.

Pitch, Hit, and Run Competition

SOMERSWORTH—
Boys and girls ages 7-14 can test their baseball skills by taking part in this contest sponsored by Major League Baseball. This free, drop-in event takes place on Saturday, May 8 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Little League Field located on Maple Street Extension. Ribbons to overall winners and individual categories. Winners will advance to sectionals. Baseball cards will be given to participants while supplies last. New girls softball division has been added.