Apple Harvest Day Vendor Space Available

DOVER —
Apple Harvest Day was first organized in 1984 by a small group of downtown merchants. In 1987, with the formation of the Downtown Dover Business Department, the event became a Chamber function. In the early 1980’s, the City of Dover took advantage of a federal Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) given to the city for renewal of the urban core. Apple Harvest Day was designed to celebrate the revitalization of downtown Dover and to attract people into the redeveloped downtown business district.
“Although 26 years have passed, we’re really still celebrating Dover’s revitalization today, as most Dover residents would agree that our City as a whole has really flourished in recent years. This is evident not only in the improvements in the downtown area, but also in the growth of the Weeks Crossing and Indian Brook Drive development areas, and the expansion in Dover’s industrial parks as well,” notes Chamber executive Director Kirt Schuman. “With a thriving downtown,” he adds, “all local businesses are given a boost, and the more events like Apple Harvest Day that we can use to showcase our City and attract new businesses, residents and tourists, the more Dover becomes a destination, The Family Capital of the Seacoast, in the minds of those from neighboring cities and states.”
Vendors at Apple Harvest Day were originally located only along Central Avenue. Over the years, however, the event has expanded into Henry Law Park and now attracts over 35,000 people and 300 vendors into downtown Dover on the first Saturday in October, which this year falls on Oct. 2nd. This year’s Festival is underwritten by Federal Savings Bank.
To celebrate Dover’s annual autumn event, the 2010 Festival will feature new pavilions, an even greater array of entertainment options than ever before, including the 2nd running of the Apple Harvest Day 5K Road Race, underwritten by PainCare and Salmon Falls Family Health through the downtown area on Saturday morning and a completely revised and family friendly amusement zone in Henry Law Park.
The Apple Harvest Day Committee is also creating some new exhibiting and performance opportunities this year to try to broaden the appeal of the event. A “Green Marketplace” has been added, which will enable environmentally and socially conscious businesses to highlight those aspects of their organizations. Similarly, a “Made in NH” pavilion will feature crafts and products made here in New Hampshire. Additionally, a north end entertainment stage has been added. Also new this year is the “Seacoast Chef’s Challenge” which we feature local chefs facing off in an Apple Themed cooking competition.
Indeed, it appears that seacoast area residents can expect more entertainment, attractions and surprises than ever at this year’s Apple Harvest Day celebration, where there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
The Festival Committee is now accepting applications for vendors. FMI: www.dovernh.org or (603) 742-2218.
Photo caption: Vendors needed for Apple Harvest Day scheduled for October 2, 2010 (Courtesy photo)

Zebra Crossings Moves into McConnell Center

DOVER—
Zebra Crossings will be moving into the McConnell Community Center in Dover. “We are extremely excited about this opportunity to join the community,” says Astrid Wielens, the organization’s Executive Director. “Zebra Crossings was founded in 2009 and provides programs for children with a chronic health condition and their family. Programs allow these children to explore what they are capable achieving, gain a sense of independence, but also share common struggles. We would like for families to generate relationships with other children and adults who understand exactly what they are dealing with on a daily basis. When a child has a chronic health condition, it affects the entire family in so many ways.”
“Now that the foundation for the organization has been laid, it is time for us to become more present in the community and increase our visibility. The opportunities to meet and welcome families at the McConnell Center were a great draw, as well as the potential to formalize partnerships with other organizations,” says Wielens. “It is a perfect location for Zebra Crossings to find its home at the McConnell Center and connect with other organizations whose goal is to serve families.”
As a startup nonprofit organization, Zebra Crossings was not ready to invest in renovating its own space and Gary Bannon, McConnell Center Administrator, referred them to HUB Family Resource Center, which currently sublets one of its spaces to other small nonprofits. Greg Burdwood, Executive Director for the HUB, is pleased with the new tenant. “The Center is focused on creating a collaborative environment for community-based non-profits, government, schools and volunteers. Zebra Crossings provides an important new service in the community,” he said.
Gary Bannon, who serves as the Director of the Dover Recreation Department as well as the building administrator, explains that the McConnell Center operates as a facility that is owned and managed by the City of Dover. He says, “the unique model that we have is the partnership with other various government agencies and non profit organizations whose goals are to create a collaborative environment, balance opportunities and services to meet the interest and needs of area residents and foster creative partnerships”.
Other organizations that are based at the McConnell Center include the Dover Children’s Center, Dover Human Services, Dover Police Outreach, Dover Recreation Department, Dover Senior Center, Easter Seals of NH, The HUB Family Resource Center, Seacoast Hospice, Strafford County CAP, UNH Social Work Outreach Center, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital: Pete’s Place, Dover Adult Learning Center of Strafford County, Dover School Department, CASA of NH and Becket Family of Services.
Zebra Crossings provides a broad range of day and overnight programs for children with a chronic health condition throughout the year. Programs started mid March of 2010 and are currently available to youth and teens with moderate to severe asthma, heart conditions, diabetes and epilepsy or seizure disorder. Programs will be held at various locations in the Seacoast region with opportunities to organize events elsewhere in the state. Activities include recreational activities at each event, such as art projects, sport and group games, climbing wall or ropes course, kayaking, etc. In 2011, the goal is to expand programming to also include a broader range of health conditions and to facilitate family and sibling retreats as well.
Families interested in learning more about Zebra Crossings programs may contact Zebra Crossings at 603-749-0308 or info@zebra-crossings.org.

Breast MRI Provides Advanced Imaging Technology Locally

ROCHESTER—
Frisbie Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the availability of Breast MRI Imaging Service. Breast MRI is a highly sophisticated and sensitive method of detecting breast cancer that enhances breast cancer detection currently provided by conventional breast mammography or targeted breast ultrasound evaluations. Breast MRI adds to the comprehensive service Frisbie, in conjunction with Women’s Life Imaging, currently provides in the detection, management, and surgical treatment of breast cancer.
In addition, there is approved use of breast MRI for select patients with strong personal or familial history of breast cancer (details of which can be provided by consulting your primary care physician or Seacoast Radiology physicians), or certain gene mutations that are predisposing toward development of breast cancer. For more information on breast MRI examinations and scheduling, please contact Frisbie Memorial Hospital Radiology Department at (603) 335-8400.