Service Credit Union Boston - Portsmouth Air Show Named Top Air Show in 2011

PORTSMOUTH—

The United States Army Parachute Team Golden Knights has named the Service Credit Union Boston – Portsmouth Air Show as their 2011 air show of the year. In a presentation at the 2011 International Council of Air Shows convention in Las Vegas, members of the Golden Knights presented air show officials with the award, recognizing the show for their outstanding 2011 event.
The show, held annually at the Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, hosted the internationally acclaimed Golden Knights at both the 2010 and 2011 shows. The Golden Knights perform their high-flying parachute demonstrations at approximately sixty air shows annually and the Service Credit Union Boston – Portsmouth Air Show was one of just two shows to receive recognition as the show of the year in 2011. The Service Credit Union Boston – Portsmouth Air Show is jointly produced by the Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America and the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire.
“The Golden Knights are one of the top air show performance teams in the world and we are very humbled to be recognized as one of the best air shows in the country by them,” said Michael Kaufman, CEO of the Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America.
“We are extremely honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Steve Wade, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire. “It’s great for the show to receive this kind of national recognition.”
The 2012 Service Credit Union Boston – Portsmouth Air Show will feature the United States Navy Blue Angels June 30 and July 1, 2012. Tickets for this awe-inspiring event are on sale now at www.BostonPortsmouthAirShow.com.
The show will once again have a full lineup of world class performers including single ship military demonstrations, classic warbirds, civilian aerobatic legends, unique ground displays, as well as kid and family-friendly attractions. The show will be announcing lineup additions in the near future.
Ticket options for every budget are available from general admission to private chalets where spectators enjoy the most exclusive seating, private amenities and the best view of the show. Corporate participation/sponsor programs are now available, and additional information is available at www.BostonPortsmouthAirShow.com. Fans can register at the site to receive updates on performer additions to the show and other show information.
Photo caption: The United States Army Parachute Team Golden Knight team members and air show officials attending the ceremony were (from left to right): SFC Paul Sachs, Maj. Corey Aiken, Andrew Pomeroy, LTC Joe Martin (Commander), Greg Osborn, Michael Kaufman, SSG Howie Sanborn, First Sergeant Bryan Schnell. (Courtesy photo)

Passport to Prizes Has Dover Residents Shopping Local

DOVER—
The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce’s Passport to Prizes holiday raffle program concluded on Friday, December 23, with George Perrine winning the grand prize drawing. Perrine won a prize package that included a rocking chair from Ross Furniture, $10 in parking tokens from the City of Dover and gift certificates to Red’s Shoe Barn, Lucy’s Emporium and the Dover Adult Learning Center.
The Passport to Prizes program encouraged Garrison City residents to shop locally at 19 participating Dover businesses. Starting on Black Friday, shoppers stamped their Passport at five or more businesses and then submitted it to the Chamber of Commerce to be entered into five raffle drawings. In addition to Perrine, Joanne Straight, Peter Lambert, Sandy Ho and Sharon Polizzotti all received prize packages that were comprised of local gift baskets and gift cards.
“We had a lot of fun with the Passport to Prizes program,” commented John Straight, whose wife, Joanne, was a raffle prizewinner. “We don’t like going to the malls and enjoy shopping local, so we had the Passport completed in the first weekend.”
Nearly 40 completed Passports were submitted to the Chamber of Commerce before the December 16 deadline and an increase in business was noticed by many of the participating stores.
“I thought the Passport to Prizes program went really well,” commented Anne Nichols, Owner of K9 Kaos. “I know for sure that we got new customers that came in because of the program, which is great. We stamped a lot of cards and people really got into it.”
Participating businesses included: Red’s Shoe Barn, Jewelry Creations, One Second Computers, Ross Furniture, Janetos Suprette, Naser Jewelers, Nicole’s Hallmark, Central Paint & Coatings, Photosmith, K9 Kaos, Strafford Appliance, Herbal Path, Noggin Factory, Philbrick’s Sports, Ralph’s House of Tone, Lucy’s Emporium, Dover Cyclery, PagePro Wireless and Dover Wine.
The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit association of businesses, professionals, individuals, and organizations working together to advance the economic well-being of its members and the community. For information on other programs, please call the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce at 603-742-2218, email info@dovernh.org, or visit www.dovernh.org.

Chamber of Commerce Names 2012 Board of Directors

ROCHESTER—
The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its recent elections to the Board of Directors beginning in 2012.
Officers for the organization include Chairman of the Board – Brian Hughes, Holy Rosary Credit Union; Chair-Elect – Bruce Boudreau, Acme Rug & Upholstery; Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs – Rhonda Bisson, PSNH; Vice Chair, Member & Community Development – Steve Marcotte, Collins Sports Center; Vice Chair – Events & Fund Raisers, Judy Ouellette, Frisbie Memorial Hospital; Treasurer – Mary Henderson, Federal Savings Bank; and Immediate Past Chairman – Gerry Gilbert, Profile Insurance Group.
New director recently elected to the board to serve a three-year term beginning in 2012 is Donna DeCiccio, Wentworth Homecare and Hospice.
Other members of the Chamber’s board of directors are Vicki Beaudoin, Hawkins Safety Equipment; Steve Cates, Waste Management; Jeff Dillion, Eastern Propane & Oil/Raspberries Hair Salon; Mark Farrell, Laars Heating Systems; Patrick Gagnon, Granite Steak & Grill/Windjammer’s Seafood Restaurant; Jeanne Grover, Jeanne A. Grover, JP; Rich Hilow, Edward Jones Investments; Patrick Hourihane, Hourihane Cormier & Associates; Thomas “T.J.” Jean, Frisbie Memorial Hospital; Christine McCluskey, MetroCast; Carl Potvin, Law Offices of Carl W. Potvin; and Darlene Towle, MLC Catering.
2012 Chairman of the Board, Brian Hughes of Holy Rosary Credit Union, and board members will be formally introduced to the Chamber’s membership at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting breakfast being held on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at the Frisbie Community Education & Conference Center in Rochester.
The Board of Directors is responsible for governance, policy formulation, and the fiscal management of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.

Children’s Museum of NH Hosts Daytime New Year’s Bash for Families

DOVER—
Children and their families are invited to ring in 2012 a little early at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s annual daytime Family New Year’s Eve Celebration on Saturday, December 31. This festive event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes three special “countdowns to midnight” held at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. At each countdown, a glittering ball drops 30 feet from the ceiling as everyone counts down the last ten seconds of the year. Noisemakers and confetti create an atmosphere like Times Square, as “Auld Lang Syne” plays 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, Education 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. It’s a great way for different generations within a family to ring in the New Year together.”
The Children’s Museum of NH is located in Henry Law Park on the Cochecho River in downtown Dover. There is plenty of parking. Regular museum admission applies for this special event: price of admission: $9 for adults and children, $8 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)

Benefit Being Held for Local Father Fighting Brain Cancer

Local Businesses, Artists, and Friends Band Together

PORTSMOUTH/ SOUTH BERWICK, ME—
Living Every Moment, a benefit concert for Paul Agakian, will be held at the Regatta Banquet and Conference Center off Rte 236 in Eliot, ME on Sunday, January 8, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Paul Agakian, a 34-year-old Durham native and South Berwick resident was recently diagnosed with an extremely rare and malignant form of brain cancer. The benefit is to help offset extensive medical expenses and assist in covering critical day-to-day costs for Paul’s two young children and wife Bailey, currently teaching social studies at Rochester Middle School.
The following musicians have donated their time to perform: Dan Blakeslee, TJ Wheeler, Dave Gerard, The New England Bluegrass Band Trio, Carri Coltrane, Full Chord Press, Bob Halperin and Mike Rogers, The Shaw Brothers with Taylor Whiteside, Billy Butler, Tim Theriault, Josh Jones, Dylan Schwartz-Wallach, and Paul’s brother, Roger Martin.
In addition to live music, Living Every Moment will feature a silent auction and raffles. Donated items include an exciting selection of artwork, crafts from local artisans, concert/game tickets, and gift certificates from seacoast establishments such as Cava, The Black Trumpet, Brazo, The Flower Kiosk, Pepperland Café, Indoor Ascent and many more.
This event is generously sponsored by The Regatta Banquet and Conference Center and Paul’s employer, NAPA Auto Parts, with poster art donated by Dan Blakeslee.
Tickets for the benefit are limited, and can be purchased in advance only for a suggested $25 donation from Ganesh Imports in Portsmouth, NH, and Newburyport, MA, Seacoast Sewing on Route 1 in Portsmouth (Bowl-a-Rama Plaza), Flatbread Company (Sunday -Thursday) in downtown Portsmouth, NAPA Auto Parts in York, ME, or directly through Erin Tuveson, one of the event coordinators.
Donation cans have also been placed inside various businesses around the Seacoast. Please help us support this incredible family. Direct contributions are also welcome. For more information, please visit www.supportingpaul.com or contact erin@supportingpaul.com. (Courtesy photo of Paul and Bailey Agakian)

Frozen Fenway Matchup to Feature UNH vs. Maine

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist
BOSTON, MA—
The ice hockey arch rivalry between the University of New Hampshire and the University of Maine will take to a new venue early in 2012, as they travel to Massachusetts to renew their storied rivalry.
The Frozen Fenway offering this time around will feature the Wildcats and the Black Bears on Jan. 7, according to school officials, Hockey East and Fenway Sports Management.
The historic doubleheader at the summer home of the Boston Red Sox will see the UNH-Maine game begin at 7:30 p.m., following a 4 p.m. contest between the University of Vermont Catamounts and the University of Massachusetts Minutemen.
“Few experiences in my four decades in college hockey were as special as the first Frozen Fenway in 2010,” Hockey East Commissioner Joe Bertagna said in announcing the twin bill. “It was a once in a lifetime experience for our four schools the first time around and I expect the same in 2012. Given that we will help launch Fenway Park’s 100th anniversary season, we are doubly grateful for this opportunity.”
“We look forward to kicking off Fenway Park’s 100th anniversary celebrations with Frozen Fenway 2012, which is a great way for thousands of families to come and enjoy favorite winter pastimes as we begin celebrating its milestone year,” said Red Sox Executive Vice President Sam Kennedy. “We want to thank Mayor Menino for his continued support, and welcome back Joe Bertagna and Hockey East to America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.”
“I’m absolutely thrilled for UNH men’s hockey to be part of the Frozen Fenway doubleheader,” said UNH 22nd-year head coach Dick Umile, a native of Melrose, Mass., when the doubleheader was announced. “I believe the UNH/Maine rivalry is as good as any in college hockey and bringing this game to a venue like Fenway Park is huge.”
The 111th meeting in the series between the neighboring states’ schools will be broadcast live in high definition on New England Sports Network (NESN).
“Being from Boston, it doesn’t get any better than playing at Fenway Park,” Umile said. “We are honored to be a part of this experience and we are looking forward to the opportunity, as I’m sure Vermont, Massachusetts and Maine are.”
New Hampshire owns the nation’s second-longest active streak of National Collegiate Athletic Association post-season appearances at 10, and had advanced to post-season play in 17 of the last 21 seasons. UNH has been to the Frozen Four seven times during Umile’s tenure as coach.
The Black Bears have appeared in 11 Frozen Fours, have a 28–18 record in NCAA Tournament games, and have won two national championships—in 1993 and 1999.

Opening Scenes: ‘Young Adult’

By Chip Schrader

Staff Movie Critic
“Young Adult” begins with an aerial shot of Minneapolis followed by a shot of a multilevel tenement building scaling up. Inside lays a woman face down on her bed with the television still on. She rolls out of bed to drink diet soda out of the bottle. When she sits down to her computer, a Word document is up with only “Chapter 1” written. Meanwhile, her agent left a message asking for the first draft of her book. She writes one sentence then opens an email that announces the birth of a baby. This baby’s picture will haunt her for the next several scenes.
The woman faced down is “Mavis Gary” played by Charlize Theron in another role where she forgoes her off screen glamour for the role of an aging woman who made it big. Making it big in Mercury, Minnesota, her hometown, is ghostwriting novels for a popular series. When she returns home from “the Mini-Apple,” Mavis’ intentions for a married ex, who recently became a father, begin to unravel in an unsavory plot.
The scene stealing Matt Freehauf is played by King of Queens alum Patton Oswalt. Throughout the film, Freehauf, a disabled former classmate of Mavis’, portrays the voice of a conscience that she seems so deeply lacking. Physically mangled from a high school bullying incident that earned him the nickname “hate crime guy,” he holds an inner morality that equals Mavis external beauty as her inner flaws prove beyond damaged and more toward grotesque.
The biting chemistry between these two actors provides most of the comic relief from the otherwise morally destitute theme of her journey. Diablo Cody, the award-winning “Juno” screenwriter, creates another successful and memorable story for indie filmgoers with this pseudo-indie release. Cody’s use of dialog in “Young Adult” has matured from frequent word plays and zingers to more realistic and meaningful exchanges between characters with the occasional one liner to spice it up.
While there are plenty of opportunities for dramatic highs and lows, there is a great deal of restraint in the acting and the writing. It is debatable whether this increases the quality of the film, or is detrimental to the development of the film and its characters. The deepest flaw in the writing might stem from the point that, although most movies have heroes and villains, this film seems like an act of revenge Cody has plotted against an old foe. Thus, Cody breaks the writer’s rule of never judging the characters, but rules are meant to be broken in art.
Bottom line: Director Jason Reitman masterfully shoots this subdued character based drama with fast paced cross shots, like close-ups of a cassette tape playing cut by Mavis driving across the state. These fast-paced sequences are followed by hypnotic and gritty documentary style shots to give the film the feel of classic Scorsese updated with a hip, shabby chic aesthetic. The acting all the way from extras to leads is spot on, but “Young Adult” is more cutting, serious and subdued than the ads would have viewers believe, which is a disservice to its achievements and target audience expectations. 4 out of 5. (Courtesy movie poster image)

Oceanfront Pavilion Kicks Off with Gala New Year’s Eve Event

CONCORD/HAMPTON BEACH—

After over two years of construction, the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation is proud to announce the opening of the Oceanfront Pavilion at Hampton Beach State Park. To celebrate the occasion, a New Year’s Eve Gala will be held on December 31 at the property. The event will include music, dancing and fireworks as well as a light-fare menu and drinks.

“We are proud of the finished product. The Oceanfront Pavilion is beautiful and a great location for special events," stated Phil Bryce, Director of Division of Parks and Recreation. “New Year’s Eve is about new beginnings and a perfect time to showcase the offerings of our newest property with a gala event.”

The Oceanfront Pavilion provides a one-of-a-kind oceanfront setting for events from weddings to meetings and gatherings. With the most spectacular ocean backdrop and panoramic views, the Oceanfront Pavilion is the perfect venue for an unforgettable occasion. The pavilion can accommodate an intimate reception from 80 to 120 people and guests also have the option to reserve the breathtaking Oceanfront Terrace for a prelude reception and the new Seashell Stage for wedding ceremonies and reception parties.

Tickets for the Gala will include a menu of light-fare featuring an assortment of passed hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast, cash bar, dancing to the music of Vic Paul and fireworks scheduled for 8 p.m. The Gala is from 7:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and is $75 per person.

To reserve a ticket or table for the New Years Eve Gala, please contact Jude David at 603-227-8715 or jude.david@dred.state.nh.us.
The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation is comprised of the Parks Bureau, Bureau of Historic Sites, Bureau of Trails, and Cannon Mountain. They manage a multitude of properties, including state parks, beaches, campgrounds, historic sites, trails, waysides, and natural areas. The Division of Parks and Recreation is one of four divisions of the Department of Resources and Economic Development. To learn more, visit www.nhstateparks.org or call 603/271-3556.

Photo Caption: First Event at the Redeveloped Hampton Beach State Park Complex. (Courtesy photo)

Rep. Frank Guinta Visits NH Troops in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, D.C.—

U.S. Representative Frank Guinta returned Monday from an official trip to Afghanistan, where he met with U.S. Army and Marine Corps personnel from New Hampshire. He visited Camp Eggers in Kabul and in Camp Leatherneck in the Helmand Region.

Guinta was part of a Congressional Delegation of House Budget Committee members that assessed conditions in Afghanistan and reviewed the progress being made there. The Delegation also met with top-ranking U.S. and Afghan military and civilian leaders, including U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker.

“I can report to Granite Staters that we can all be very proud of the men and women who are serving in Afghanistan,” Guinta said. “They are clearly focused on fulfilling their mission and performing their duties with impressive professionalism to achieve all that is expected of them.”

Photo Caption: Rep. Frank Guinta (R, NH-01) with U.S. Armed Forces personnel from New Hampshire at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. (Courtesy photo)

Chip’s Holiday Picks for Kids

By Chip Schrader

Staff Book Critic

“The Polar Express”

In recent years, “The Polar Express” has become the quintessential modern Christmas story, partially because of its screen treatment featuring the voice of Tom Hanks. But, even to become a movie, a book has to be something special; it has to have something other books like it don’t have. Chris Van Allsberg’s illustrations fill a wide frame, and seem to come from the times of Norman Rockwell.

Meanwhile, the story takes us on a magical train trip filled with candy, songs, and holiday spirit as it winds through the strangest places on earth where snow the size of golf balls fall from the sky. As the passengers find themselves at the North Pole to meet Santa and his elves, the journey itself captures the enchantment of childhood and of old time holiday lore.

Reading level: Ages 5 and up. Hardcover: 32 pages. Publisher: Houghton Mifflin; 1st edition (September 28, 2009). (Courtesy book cover image)

“Father Fox’s Christmas Rhymes”

Poetry with its musical rhythms and vivid imagery lends itself to enchanting readers. Clyde Watson’s “Father Fox’s Christmas Rhymes” consists of a series of poems that describe different winter and holiday themes: cutting a Christmas tree, building a snowman, singing carols and drinking hot cider.

Like “The Polar Express,” the festive spirit of the holidays is captured within these pages: “Here it is, the perfect tree/A prettier sight there cannot be/It stands majestic with the rest/Trimmed just with snow & a small bird’s nest.”

The rhythm varies from a smooth nighttime cadence that will lull listeners into a pleasant winter slumber, while other poems are brisk and will inspire its audience to run into the snowy outdoors and build a snowman. From fun to cozy, this book nicely captures the winter spirit, and is best read aloud to room full of adults and children. A fireplace is optional.

Hardcover: 40 pages. Publication Date: October 2, 2003. (Courtesy book cover image)

“Strega Nona’s Gift”

Sometimes the element that makes the holiday story unique is the way different cultures have their own traditions. “Strega Nona’s Gift” by Tomie dePaola covers all of the holidays that span the month of December according to the traditional Roman Catholic calendar. Starting on December 6 with the Feast of San Nicola (Saint Nicholas), and ending on January 6 with Epiphany.

In traditional Italian homes there are several feasts observing various saints, and Strega Nona carefully observes the dietary traditions of each feast. For Christmas Eve, the cuisine is all fish. On the eve of Epiphany, there are “carrots for the rabbits, corn cakes for the peacock, sweet seeds for the dove, and turnips stuffed with greens and ceci for the goat.” Animals are fed during this occasion because their breath kept the baby Jesus warm in the manger.

Through retelling all of these traditions, dePaola teaches readers why we view Christmas as a season, rather than a solitary holiday. The illustrations fill the pages with color and sweet characters that adults and children will relate to. Strega Nona is an enduring character with endless story potential because she is that classic Italian grandmother many of have the blessing to miss, while others long to have one.

Reading level: Ages 5 and up. Hardcover: 32 pages. Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books (October 18, 2011). (Courtesy book cover image)

“Runaway Dreidel”

The best of all of these titles is in celebration of Hannukah, and will charm readers of all faiths. “Runaway Dreidel,” written by Lesléa Newman and illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker, begins with “’Twas the first night of Chanukah and on the fifth floor, There was a holiday hustling and bustling galore.” Suddenly, the main character’s dreidel starts spinning uncontrollably, shooting past his visiting family and into the streets of a charming old world, passing the synagogue, markets and into the countryside.

Setting the story to verse, and using the meter and theme of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” sets this story up to have that holiday cheer and warmth we crave this time of year. From there, those who grew up in the Christian faith will appreciate the familiarity and clever word play to adapt a Christmas classic to a modern Jewish tale.

The most striking elements of this story include references to Yiddish foods and symbolism, a majestic journey through a time that seems long passed, but most of all, the illustrations are amazing. Looking as if they are paintings on carved wood, the scenes are so quaint, you could feel the chill of the breeze in the story. The shapes are all odd, yet perfect in the way they depict the slightly off kilter story. A must read!

Reading level: Ages 4 and up. Paperback: 32 pages. Publisher: Square Fish (October 2, 2007). (Courtesy book cover image)

While some children’s writers take a chance at adding to our holiday tradition, it is no simple task. “The Polar Express” is likely the best story since Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol,” and nearly one hundred years separate these tales. To make a winter classic is the tallest order a writer can try. “Runaway Dreidel” comes the closest to filling that tall order, and perhaps it is time for an animated holiday film that takes us on a “spin” through Jewish culture.

2011 Festival of Trees Winners

PORTSMOUTH—

Great weather helped bring record crowds to the Portsmouth Garden Club's 19th Festival of Trees, held on Nov. 18, 19 and 20. Approximately 7,000 visitors donated 1,454 pounds of food over the three days, which helped The New Hampshire Food Bank fill 230 Thanksgiving Baskets for families in need throughout the seacoast area.

People’s Choice winners by category are:

Learning Center: Full size trees

First: Wentworth Greenhouses, Rollinsford: “A Gardener’s Christmas;” Second: Piscataqua Obedience Club, Durham: “It All Starts With Obedience;” Third: Ambrosia Gardens, Portsmouth: “Ambrosia Delight.”

Outdoor Trees and Exhibits:

First: E Clips Salon, Portsmouth: “Angry Birds Christmas;” Second: Green Penguin Landscaping, Rye: “Granite State Christmas;” Third: Rye Airfield, Rye: “Something For Everyone.”

Rosemary Cottage: Miniature Trees

First: KD Mason Books, Greenland: "Frozen Winters to Tropical Paradise: Murder, Suspense, And Romance;" Second: Carol Leach-Doll Artist/Illustrator, Dover: “Woodlies Workshop-A Forest Folk and Fairie Tree;” Third: Portsmouth Public Library, Portsmouth: “Novel-Tree.”

Antique Cape, Decorated Rooms, People’s Choice:

Sitting Room by Collins Gift Shop, Rye: “Twas The Day Before Christmas.”

Winners will be honored at a luncheon at the Urban Forestry Center on Jan. 11, 2012.

The Portsmouth Garden Club and the Urban Forestry Center would like to thank everyone who helped make this year's event such a success. Special thanks to Portsmouth High School students in Mr. Dexter Robblee's woodworking class who built a shed used for the ticket booth and to Lamprey Energy who donated materials for the chowder shed which was built by Mr. Robblee. The next Festival of Trees will be held the weekend before Thanksgiving in 2013.

Photo Caption: First place in the Outdoor Trees and Exhibits division was won by E Clips Salon, Portsmouth: “Angry Birds Christmas.” This tree was especially popular with young people, including Elizabeth Dang, 7, of Portsmouth. (Courtesy photo)

Local Students Nominated for U.S. Service Academies

WASHINGTON, D.C.—

U.S. Representative Frank Guinta has announced the names of the students from New Hampshire’s First Congressional District who received his nomination for appointments to the U.S. Service Academies.

“I have the distinct honor of nominating young Granite Staters to the U.S. Service Academies,” Guinta said. “That is where many future American leaders develop the skills that will help guide us into the 21st Century. I’m delighted these students are interested in serving our country. I’m proud to be a part of this important process and wish these outstanding young men and women the very best in their coming studies and in the years ahead.”

Guinta’s nomination doesn’t guarantee admission to a service academy. The nominees compete for a space in the class of 2016. The individual service academies will make the final decisions. The following is a list of nominees, their hometowns and high schools:

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY

Forrest M. Albiston, Bedford, Bedford High School; Paige Balcom, Londonderry, Apple Tree Academy; Zachary Hill, Rollinsford, Somersworth High School; John Keisling, East Hampstead, Pinkerton Academy; Dillon L.J. Lanctot, Somersworth, USAF Prep School, CO; Allen Olmsted, Barnstead, Prospect Mountain High School; Duncan Richards, Moultonborough, Moultonborough Academy.

U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY (West Point)

John J. Banarhall, Auburn, Marion Military Institute, AL; Zebulon Coombs, Effingham, Norwich University, VT; Jared Hornsby, Bedford, Bedford High School; Henry MacGibbon, Goffstown, Goffstown Area High School; Luke Morrier, Plaistow, Timberlane High School; John Scippa, Exeter, Exeter High School; Darien Vaughan, Madison, Kennett High School; Brady Shawn White, Dover, Leavenworth High School, KS.

U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY

Madeline Borek, Durham, Colby College, ME; Thomas Duvall, Durham, Peddie School, NJ; Blaire Ann Fenniman, Dover, St. Thomas Aquinas High School; Dana K. Goss, Moultonborough, Moultonborough Academy; Abigail K. Guerra, Durham, Holderness High School; Joseph N. Lane, Durham, Oyster River High School; Daniel Martens, Merrimack, Suny Maritime, NY; Dominic J. Mutter, Dover, St. Thomas Aquinas High School; Jacob Ray, Strafford, Coe-Brown Northwood Academy; Robert A. Vachon, Laconia, Laconia High School.

U.S. MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY

Christopher Glass, Epping, Trinity High School; Michael Leonard, Merrimack, Trinity High School; Timothy Peterson, Merrimack, New Mexico Military Institute, NM.

Information on applications for a 2012 nomination to the U.S. Service Academies is available at www.Guinta.House.Gov in the “Serving You” section.

Exeter Area Chamber to Host Bruins Alumni Benefit Game

EXETER—

The Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the 2nd Annual Bruins Alumni / Seacoast Alumni All-Star Benefit Hockey Game presented by Access Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics on Saturday, December 17 at 1:30 p.m. at The Rinks at Exeter. The event benefits the Chamber Children’s Fund and the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce and is sponsored by Core Orthopaedics, Unitil, Cobham, Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank, The Provident Bank, Perkins Lawn Mower & Saw Service, Proulx Oil and Propane, Clear Channel Radio, The Rinks at Exeter & Shooter’s Sports Pub.

Many all-star Bruins Alumni will be on hand for the 60-minute game, including Rick Middleton and Ken Linseman. (The line-up of participating Bruins Alumni players may change without notice.) Pre-game activities, raffles and good ol’ half-time fun mixed with the Bruins Alumni and Seacoast Alumni hockey action will add up to an exciting day in Exeter.

Purchase tickets from the Chamber online at www.exeterarea.org/shop and also at the Chamber office, 24 Front Street, Exeter. Tickets are also on sale at Exeter Bowling Lanes/ Shooter’s Pub at 10 Columbus Ave. and The Rinks at Exeter, 40 Industrial Ave.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Advance purchase is recommended, as seating is limited. For more information, contact the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce at 603.772.2411 or events@exeterarea.org.

Photo Caption: Children and adults alike received autographs and photos at last year’s event. (Photo courtesy Exeter Area Chamber)

Santa is Coming to Dover

DOVER—

The holidays are approaching fast and before your calendar gets booked make sure you mark your calendar with the following dates. Once again, Dover Main Street, is gearing up with some exciting family holiday events and you don’t want to miss out.

The events will kick off with the annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday, December 2. Bring the children to the Rotary Pavilion at Henry Law Park for the 6:00 p.m. lighting. Immediately following the tree lighting ceremony the children are welcome to visit with Santa and let him know what is on their wish list this year. Watch the wonder of your children’s eyes come to life as they sit awhile with Santa. Then, take a quick turn up the road and visit the Festival of Trees at Dover City Hall.

On Saturday, December 3, it is back to the workshop for Santa and Mrs. Claus. Families are welcome to stop by The Noggin Factory from 10:00 a.m. until noon and again from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to visit with Santa. Bring your camera and capture this special moment. During the lunch hour you will be able to catch up with Santa as he checks in with the merchants and shoppers of downtown Dover.

Holiday events will continue throughout the month including the cookie-decorating event at Café Ciabatta from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on December 10. The cost for this event is $2.00 per cookie and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to help the children create a Christmas masterpiece. Immediate following Santa will head down Central Avenue for his Santa stroll and will eventually stop for a rest at Café on The Corner. There, he’ll be joined by Dover’s Mayor, who will read a story to all in attendance.

On December 11, there will be recreational public skating at the Dover Ice Arena from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Children will be welcome to gather around Santa and Mrs. Claus from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. for story time and holiday songs.

Join us at Kaleo Coffee located in the Janetos Plaza for a pancake breakfast with Santa from 9:00 to 11:00 on December 17. Dover Kiwanis will be providing a special breakfast for children and families as they stop by to see Santa. Immediately following the breakfast, Santa and Mrs. Claus will take one last stroll around downtown Dover to make sure that everyone is prepared for Christmas.

The grand finale of the Dover Main Street Christmas festivities will be on December 22 at high noon. There are more than 20 businesses in downtown that will be collecting non-perishable items during the weeks prior to Christmas. On December 22, all of the donated food will be collected into shopping carts and there will be a Shopping Cart Parade down the sidewalks of Central Ave. The food and donated items will arrive on the doorstep of the Dover Food Pantry to help them make the season a little easier for some of our local families.

Volunteers are always welcome and needed to assist in planning and completing projects. To find out more information, to sign up as a volunteer, or to donate to the Dover Main Street Program, contact the office at 740-6435 or email director@dovermainstreet.org.

Photo Caption: (Photo courtesy of Dover Main Street)

History in the Making: New Gundalow Launching on December 10

PORTSMOUTH—

After nine months of hard work, flying sawdust, hundreds of trunnels, gallons of paint and sealant, miles of cotton and hemp oakum – the new gundalow under construction at the Puddle Dock Shipyard on Strawbery Banke is ready to launch.

“This will be the first wooden boat launched out of Portsmouth in nearly thirty years,” remarked Executive Director Molly Bolster. “Over three hundred years of shipbuilding are part of our local history, and we are thrilled to continue that legacy.”

York, Maine resident and Master Shipwright Paul E. Rollins, Sr., has worked with a crew of boat builders and volunteers since April to build the 64’ long, 18’ wide traditional wooden sailing vessel. Additional work will be carried out on-shore and on the boat through the winter to be ready for public sails next spring. The mast, when completed early next year, will stand at twenty feet tall, with a 65’ yard. Over 1,000 square feet of sail will power the new boat, and when needed, a 200hp diesel engine will help move it along the rivers. Licensed by the US Coast Guard for up to 49 passengers, the new gundalow will draw about 2-1/2 feet.

In early December, the shipyard cover will be dismantled to allow for the boat to be transferred from the shipyard by professional house movers to the launch site at Peirce Island. On Saturday, December 10, the public is invited to witness history in the making as the gundalow built in Portsmouth is launched into the Piscataqua River off of Peirce Island, co-sponsored by Appledore Real Estate, Piscataqua Savings Bank, RBC Wealth Management, and the Portsmouth Recreation Department. Ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. with official remarks, followed by the naming of the new boat and the launch at 11 a.m. The new gundalow will then be towed by Steve Root, Portsmouth Harbor Towing to Prescott Park by Sheafe Warehouse and rafted next to the Gundalow Captain Edward H. Adams, launched twenty-nine years ago. Tours of both the new and vintage gundalow are available for Gundalow Company members only due to limited capacity. (To join call 603-433-9505 or enroll online at www.gundalow.org.) In-kind partners for the launching include CMA Engineers, Friends of South End, PPMTV, Portsmouth Harbor Towing, Prescott Park, and Strawbery Banke.

The temporary shipyard cover that protected the new gundalow during construction at Puddle Dock is available for purchase. The building will be partially dismantled and available for pick up by November 30. The conceptual design for the building was by the Portsmouth High School Architecture class. The professionally constructed building is 35’ wide x 80’ long x 16’ featuring rough sawn pine posts and frames, plywood shear wall corners and pre-fabricated Boise Cascade trusses, all assembled with GRK screws. Further information and details are available.

For more information, details of the launching, or to become a volunteer, www.gundalow.org, info@gundalow.org or 603-433-9505.

Photo Caption: (Photo by Ralph Morang)

Parade Buttons Support Hampton Christmas Parade

HAMPTON—

Check out the Hampton Christmas Parade buttons on everyone you see in Hampton! As we move closer to parade day, you will see more and more brightly colored parade buttons proudly announcing that Hampton is “One Beautiful Town.”

Experience Hampton, a local community group organized to create and support events that show Hampton to be a great place to live and work is selling parade buttons to help raise funds to support the Hampton Christmas Parade, which begins at 1 p.m. on December 3.

Buttons can be purchase at Art Experience and Marelli’s Market in downtown Hampton, The Galley Hatch, The 401 Tavern, the Old Salt, and Hoaty’s restaurants, and The Coffee Break Café at the beach. What a great way to create a memory of a festive, action-packed day for years to come and to help support such a great event. And the best news….they cost only $2 each! Show your support and wear a button.

For more information go to www.ExperienceHamptonNH.org.

The Music Hall and Strawbery Banke Museum Present Vintage Christmas

New this year: Vintage Christmas Pop-Up Market, extended free trolley service, Market Square Carolers

PORTSMOUTH—
“We have a real shot at becoming the Christmas Capital of North America.” That’s how Music Hall executive director Patricia Lynch put it to the hearty agreement of the community collaborators who make Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth happen each year. At a gathering to start planning for the seventh year of this citywide event, they agreed that Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth steeps the entire destination in the incomparable, authentic sense of a classic New England holiday.
Presented by cultural anchors The Music Hall and Strawbery Banke Museum, it’s a month of Strolls, Shows and Stayovers in the historic seaport of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Listed as “one of the Top 100 Events in North America” (ABA) and “one of the Top Ten Things not to miss in New England” (Boston Globe), Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth has people returning year after year to the small city that Travel Guide of America calls “the crowning glory of the New Hampshire Seacoast.” Now in its seventh year, Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth will once again offer the irresistible Candlelight Stroll that Strawbery Banke Museum has created for 32 years, the live holiday shows, opera broadcasts and films in The Music Hall’s landmark Historic Theater and the new intimate Music Hall Loft on Congress Street, and the welcoming stays in the elegant and delightful holiday downtown. There are many components to the event that stretches over the month of December. In addition to the live holiday programs, The Music Hall this year adds the new Music Hall Loft to the party, with a Vintage Christmas Pop-Up Market in the Loft to make it easy for visitors and locals to get in the spirit of the season.
Now in its 32nd year, the Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum continues to bring alive family holidays through nearly 400 years of Portsmouth history with each century’s own local traditions: harpsichords in the Chase House, fiddles in the Cider Shed, a dramatic Victorian Christmas tree at the Goodwin’s and sizzling potato latkes in the Russian Jewish 1920s home of the Shapiros. Each historic house vignette is lit by flickering candles in wood and glass lanterns and tiny white lights (a perfect atmosphere for a romantic proposal, which is exactly what happened a year ago).
Connecting these sparkling moments in holiday time are the vibrant streets of Portsmouth, brick sidewalks hung with wreaths, 19th century storefronts (tax-free shopping in New Hampshire!) festooned with the makings for the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce Holiday Doors of Portsmouth competition. New this year are the Market Square Carolers, middle school choirs who will be serenading shoppers in the downtown. The City of Portsmouth itself adds a free Vintage Christmas Trolley to the mix, providing a comfortable ride around the downtown loop of shops, hotels, parking, and performance sites—with two new stops this year, one at Vaughan Mall with access to both Music Hall venues on Chestnut and Congress Streets, and the other at the Sise Inn, providing access to the parking at the Masonic lot. The popular Trolley shuttles patrons around the historic seaport each Saturday and Sunday afternoon and evening for the first three weekends in December. And hotels, including the Sheraton Portsmouth, offer packages that tie the whole experience up with a bow.
Lynch continues, “Make your plans now for the perfect holiday visit during Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth. Get ready to cuddle up with a free trolley ride through red-bricked Market Square, stroll through the snowflakes to the many eclectic shops, step back in time through living history at the festively decorated Strawbery Banke Museum, sample Portsmouth’s famous culinary specialties, or enjoy a first-class show at The Music Hall. Portsmouth is the perfect town for Vintage Christmas since it’s a charming mix of the contemporary and historical. It’s all about celebrating the winter, the warmth, the light, and our collective memories of holidays past.”
Joining the two nonprofits this year will be Presenting Sponsors Churchill’s Garden Center; the City of Portsmouth; LunaChics; Upper Crust; Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce; and Seacoast Media Group; Lead Sponsors: Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel and Weather Partner 107.1 WERZ. Great Bay Academy of Dance, which produces “An 1836 Portsmouth Nutcracker,” will be participating as a Community Partner. A handy calendar/map will be available to visitors to make it easy to get around town.
For a full schedule of events, updates and more information, visit the Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth website: www.vintagechristmasnh.org.
Photo caption: Illuminated Gazebo at Goodwin Mansion. (Photo courtesy David Murray Clear Eye Photo)

Opening Scenes: ‘J. Edgar’

By Chip Schrader

Staff Movie Critic
“J. Edgar” begins with an exterior shot of the FBI headquarters in downtown Washington, D.C. A man’s voice laments the “disease” of communism that plagues this country. After the shot of the building pans up showing its looming presence, the scene changes to a shot of Dillinger’s death mask and a confiscated machine gun. The voice continues to rant about radicals and their danger to society in an almost Nixon-esque manner. We finally see J. Edgar Hoover pacing in his office while narrating his life story just beyond the machine gun and death mask on display.
At first, it is difficult to match Leonardo DiCaprio’s nearly child-like voice with the elderly Hoover he is made up to portray. For the first scene or two, he isn’t believable. Once the film settles into Hoover’s recollections, and DiCaprio plays the younger Hoover, the seeds of believability are planted and begin to flourish. Scenes after this, DiCaprio fits the elderly Hoover as well as he does the young one.
Eventually, we are introduced to a young Helen Gandy, played by Naomi Watts, whom Hoover unsuccessfully courts as a mate, but successfully finds her to be a lifelong secretary and confidant. Watts transforms herself in this role to the point she is unrecognizable, but the most interesting, and possibly most important introduction in Hoover’s life was when he met Clyde Tolson. Skillfully portrayed by Armie Hammer, the depth of Tolson’s connection to Hoover was subtly portrayed, and as they grow together, there is a tenderness between these men that has never been seen before in cinema.
“J. Edgar” is among many of director Clint Eastwood’s fine films: “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” “Mystic River,” “Unforgiven” and “Bird” to name a few. The cinematography is haunting and hypnotic, two qualities that have been Clint Eastwood’s signature.
Drawing from a bright gray color scheme and heavy use of shadows, “J. Edgar” might have an evenly paced story line, but the intensity of the imagery is where some of the greatest drama is created. Hoover’s career spans Al Capone’s St. Valentine’s Massacre, the kidnapping of the Lindberg baby, and takes America through the turbulent Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon administrations.
With “J. Edgar” being one of the earlier Oscar contenders, it is hard to speculate how it will be recognized. The acting is excellent, particularly with the performance of Armie Hammer. The screenplay and cinematography deserve a nod, as does the direction. Watts and DiCaprio turn out excellent performances, but Watts’ performance represents a fuller transformation. The film’s slow pace and lack of edginess may cause it to be overlooked.
Bottom line, “J. Edgar” is a rock solid film by a director whose career is as distinguished as a director as Eastwood is an actor. Like with many biopics, the action is slow but the intrigue and unraveling of world history outside of the walls is gripping. While the quietness of the film might come off boring to casual filmgoers, those who love classic film noir and American history need to see this movie. It is finely crafted and deserves savoring. 4 out of 5.
Photo caption: (Courtesy movie poster image)

Passport to Prizes Kicks Off Holiday Shopping

DOVER—
The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce begins its Passport to Prizes holiday raffle program on Black Friday, November 25. The program encourages residents and visitors of the Garrison City to shop in Dover this upcoming holiday season.
Passports can be picked up at any of the eighteen participating businesses or the Chamber Visitors Center starting November 25. Shoppers may have their Passport stamped at any five participating businesses and then turn their completed Passport into the Chamber to be entered into a holiday raffle.
Five raffle prizewinners will be selected starting Monday, December 19, with the Grand Prize drawing taking place on Friday, December 23. The Grand Prize winner will receive a rocking chair (Ross Furniture), a $25 gift certificate to Red’s Shoe Barn, a $25 gift certificate to the Dover Adult Learning Center, a $10 gift certificate to Lucy’s Emporium and $10 in parking tokens donated by the City of Dover Parking Commission. Additional raffle prize winners will receive a combination of gift baskets and gift certificates from participating businesses.
“The Passport to Prizes program is designed to promote what most residents already know; it is easier to accomplish your holiday shopping here in Dover,” commented Chamber Executive Director Molly Hodsdon Smith. “You can find everything you need from our friendly, local merchants, and you can’t beat the warm holiday ambience that has been created by our colleagues at Dover Main Street.”
Shoppers are encouraged to turn in their completed Passports to the Chamber of Commerce on 550 Central Avenue by December 16 to be eligible for all of the raffle drawings. Anyone with questions about the Passports to Prizes program are encouraged to contact Chamber of Commerce Community Events Manager, Michael Mengers at 742-2218 or at michael@dovernh.org. Also, follow the Chamber on Facebook for additional Passport to Prizes information and for raffle prizewinner updates.
Participating businesses include: Red’s Shoe Barn, Jewelry Creations, One Second Computers, Ross Furniture, Janetos Suprette, Naser Jewelers, Nicole’s Hallmark, Central Paint & Coatings, Photosmith, K-9 Kaos, Strafford Appliance, Herbal Path, Noggin Factory, Philbrick’s Sports, Ralph’s House of Tone, Lucy’s Emporium, Dover Cyclery, PagePro Wireless and Dover Wine.

A Locally Grown Cornucopia at the Winter Farmers’ Market

ROLLINSFORD—

On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, more than 50 farmers and food producers will be offering their own farm-grown products on November 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Seacoast Eat Local’s 5th annual Holiday Farmers’ Market indoors at the Wentworth Greenhouses in Rollinsford. Wentworth Greenhouses is located at 141 Rollins Road, a mile past Red’s Shoe Barn of Dover.
From cheese, milk, eggs, and butter to apple cider, pears, pie pumpkins, and apples, farmers and food producers will be offering a wide variety of foods for a completely delicious and local feast. There will be potatoes, carrots, winter squash, onions, beets, leeks, broccoli, parsnips, turnips, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts and salad greens.
Farms are taking pre-orders for turkeys (see www.seacoasteatlocal.org for details). A wide variety of beef, pork, poultry and will also be for sale. Dinner rolls, pre-baked pies from locally grown fruit, bread for stuffing, and honey and maple syrup.
Area food producers have pledged to a high standard of localism and will be offering ready-to-eat meals, soups and stews, sausages and more, utilizing local ingredients in their recipes.
Seacoast Eat Local has begun using an online resource to manage the Winter Farmers’ Markets, providing customers with exciting new ways to get to know participating farmers, what products will be for sale, and even where to find their market booths before arriving at the market. The full list of participating vendors, product search, and interactive market maps are online at www.seacoasteatlocal.org.
SNAP (foodstamps) can now be used at the winter farmers’ market. With support from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Seacoast Eat Local will now be able to offer SNAP beneficiaries a way to purchase delicious local foods directly from farmers. SNAP customers will be able to swipe their EBT cards, and then use tokens to shop with approved vendors. With 15% of Americans now receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, alongside a crisis in health and obesity, it’s significant to be able to offer access to customers who seek healthful foods for their families.
The police association will be on hand accepting donations of food – including fresh foods – for their Holiday Food Basket program, which last year fed over 200 people and supplied a boost to area food pantries. Shoppers are encouraged to purchase fresh foods to donate; pantries are seeing a sharp increase in demand for their services and those in need are also eager to eat wholesome foods. Potatoes, carrots, onions, salad greens – any product available for sale at the market would make a welcome donation. Farmers generously donate hundreds of pounds of foods at each market and the combined efforts of shoppers and farmers creates a significant positive impact in our community.
Purchasing locally grown food directly from area growers helps ensure our farms stay in business - keeping open space and good food growing in the seacoast and keeping dollars and jobs in our community. Market Sponsors for the 2011-2012 Winter Season include Underwriting Sponsor Veris Wealth Partners, LLC, Wentworth Greenhouses, and Exeter Hospital.
For more information, including a complete schedule of area winter farmers’ markets, visit www.seacoasteatlocal.org.
Photo caption: RJ Joyce and Susan McGeough of White Gate Farm. (Courtesy photo)

Friends of Centennial Hall Receive Smuttynose Rockfest Marathon Grant

NORTH HAMPTON—

The small group of volunteers who manage, maintain and work to restore Centennial Hall have been awarded a grant from Newmarket-based LOCO Sports.
Centennial Hall was a recipient of $1,500 in funds raised through runner and walker participation in the recent Smuttynose Rockfest marathon and half marathon. The FOCH has directed the funds towards the building’s electrical efficiency upgrades.
“LOCO President, Mike St. Laurent recognized the effort that goes into restoring a building of this scale, and certainly understands the mission. LOCO supports the running community, and also gives back to the community they organize races in. Centennial Hall serves the community and the FOCH looks to the community to continue to support this uniquely valuable resource,” said FOCH President Marcy McCann.
Centennial Hall is owned and managed by the non-profit Friends of Centennial Hall, who work towards a complete restoration of the building as a community center for the arts. Tenants include the Seacoast Academy of Music, Mr. Guth’s Music Studio, Brush and Palette Art Studio, and North Hampton Bridge Club. Many community groups and organizations, including other non-profits utilize the Hall as a gathering place for meetings and events.
While hundreds of students and their families are in this historic building weekly, access is restricted to the main floor and basement until extensive second floor renovations are completed.
“We have a wonderfully cooperative and supportive group of tenants, alumni and former board members, Boy-Scout Troops and in our neighbor the United Church of Christ. These people are always on board with fundraising efforts, helping out with maintenance issues, working through over-lapping schedules and, when we need some extra special assistance. This is the only way we continue to be able to serve the community as a small, volunteer board,” McCann said.
LOCO Sports organizes successful fun runs and competitive races. Each year over 10,000 runners and walkers compete in Club LOCO races all across New England.
Grant awards, community financial support and gifts of in-kind services in trade, materials and goods are vital to sustaining the FOCH mission. Please visit www.centennialhall.org or call Marcy McCann at 964-2021.
Photo caption: Friends of Centennial Hall are able to continue restoration of the hall with the help of the Smuttynose Rockfest Marathon Grant. (Courtesy photo)

Lighting Up Dover One Tree at a Time

DOVER—
The 2nd annual Festival of Trees will take place on Friday, December 2 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Dover City Hall Auditorium. The focus of the event will be 25 elaborately decorated Christmas Trees on display that will all be up for auction. The event will also offer raffle prizes, local choral performances and a special visit from Santa Claus.
Each Christmas tree on display at the Festival will be sponsored by a local business or organization. Every sponsor decorates his or her tree prior to the event. Festival-goers will then have the opportunity to bid on any tree they want to take home through a silent auction format. At the end of the night, Don Briand, News Director of 97.5 WOKQ, will close down all of the auctions by asking for any final bids. Calling All Cargo will be on hand to deliver purchased trees to Dover residents for a fee.
“The creativity shown by the tree sponsors is really what makes this event special,” comments Festival of Trees organizer Paula Forbes. “You will see every type of tree decoration here, from simple to extravagant.”
The Festival of Trees will have live holiday carol performances by the Dover High/Middle School Chorus and the Parish of Assumption Music Ministry. Raffle items at the event will include Portland Sea Dogs tickets, tickets to Storyland, a guitar package from Ear Craft Music, local gift certificates and more. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Proceeds from the Festival of Trees go towards the City Lights Committee who annually illuminates the downtown trees during the holiday season. This year, the City Lights will be turned on prior to the start of the Dover Holiday Parade on Sunday, November 27.
“Having the trees illuminated at night gives the downtown a truly special and magical feel during the holiday season,” commented City Lights organizer Pam Simpson.
The City Lights Committee will again be selling their annual holiday ornament. This year, the ornament features a scene of the Dover Public Library. Ornaments are $8 and are available at the Chamber of Commerce, Dover Library, Nicole’s Hallmark, Harvey’s Bakery and at the Festival of Trees.
Those local businesses participating in the Festival of Trees include: Nicole’s Hallmark, The Noggin Factory, Artisan Electrical Contractors, Federal Savings Bank, Sweet Meadows, Dover Public Library, Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, K-9 Kaos, The Salon @ 903 Central, Ross Furniture, The Maids, Dover Main Street, RE/MAX Legacy, Tuxedos with Style, Century 21 Central Falls, Wade Landscaping, Third Street Style, Loyal Order of Moose, Hogan Flooring, Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, PA, Wyskiel, Boc, Tillinghast & Buldoc, PA.

Indigenous Grandmother Visits the Seacoast

PORTSMOUTH—

Hopi/Havasupai/Tewa elder Mona Polacca will visit the Portsmouth area November 17 - 19 to share ways to contribute to the welfare of the planet and all people. The event is in support of teachings that honor and help preserve the integrity of indigenous wisdom traditions.
Mona Polacca is a member of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers, a group that travels the world with prayers for peace and that has met other spiritual elders, including the Dalai Lama. Her visit includes a variety of events and opportunities for the public.
On November 17 at 7:00 p.m., The Portsmouth Music Hall’s Film Matters series presents “For the Next 7 Generations” in affiliation with the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. Grandmother Mona will introduce the film and answer questions at the conclusion of the film. Tickets can be purchased online at www.themusichall.org or the box office: 603-436-2400. Tickets are $8.50/$6.50 seniors, students, and military.
On November 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., “Balance of Life Workshop” – a special retreat led by Grandmother Mona Polacca – will give you an opportunity to practice ways of creating balance in your life by the sharing of sacred teachings. The focus is on the balance of the masculine and feminine energies in our lives, and how to foster and maintain a healthy relationship between the two. As we move into this time of great transition on earth, it is more important than ever to create opportunities for people to find the balance of the masculine and feminine within themselves, their lives, and their communities. The workshop is being held at South Church, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Portsmouth, 292 State Street, Portsmouth. For additional information or to purchase tickets, please email grandmotherscouncil.NH@gmail.com or call 207-439-6515.
On November 19 from 12:30 to 3 p.m., join Grandmother Mona for a Talking Circle, held at the Portsmouth Public Library, 175 Parrot Ave., Portsmouth. For additional information please email grandmotherscouncil.NH@gmail.com or call 207-439-6515.
Photo caption: Elder Mona Polacca, pictured here with the her fellow members of the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers and the Dalai Lama, will visit Seacoast NH for a variety of events in November. (Courtesy photo)

High School Canned Food Drives Nets Over 18,500 Cans

DOVER—

St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover recently held its annual canned food drive, collecting more than 18,500 cans in two short weeks.Cases and cases of cans were delivered to Lazarus House in Lawrence, Massachusetts; one of the largest homeless shelters in New England on Saturday, October 29 by a host of STA faculty, students and parent volunteers. St. Thomas is the second largest provider of non-perishable items to Lazarus House annually, and upon delivery the volunteers unpacked, sorted and arranged the goods on shelves for the staff at Lazarus House before returning to Dover.
Since 1983, Lazarus House Ministries has helped the poor and homeless by providing hot meals, temporary shelter, job training, child care, emergency food, clothing, outreach and advocacy.
“This provides a really nice boost to the folks at Lazarus House as they rely on us to help them help others. So, it is good all around for us to serve by giving, for the Lazarus staff and all the people that will benefit from this generosity,” said Campus Minister Mr. Adams.
The STA canned food drive was held on the heels of the largest all-school day of service, Saints Taking Action, held October 11. Making a difference in our community speaks to the heart of the mission of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, and as the Dean of Studies Ron Holtz recently pointed out, “It’s what we do.”
For more information, visit STA at www.stalux.org or call (603) 742-3206.
Photo caption: St. Thomas Aquinas High School students and faculty collect and sort cans in the school atrium before delivering to Lazarus House in Lawrence, MA. (Courtesy photo)

Legos to Celebrate the Season

HAMPTON—

At Marelli’s Market in Hampton, a man known to locals as Duck has erected and put on display Lego trains, buildings, ships, rockets, Ferris wheel and carousel, all to share with the community.
For the past three years, Duck has set up his Lego display at Marelli’s during the holidays. Each year he has added new Lego items. He now has seven trains, a working Ferris wheel and carousel, the Pirates of the Caribbean ship, Star Wars vessels, a rocket ship and a village with train station, markets, pizza shops and hotel.
Duck has been interested in trains since he was a boy. He remembers sitting by his grandmothers wood burning stove playing with his trains. He also has been a Carney worker and his love of the circus life he has represented with the intricate working Ferris wheel and carousel.
The carousel is his favorite Lego creation. It took him 40 hours to construct and has more than 5,000 pieces.
The display is a must-see for both children and adults. Duck will be at Marelli’s through the holiday season. Stop by and have him show you this Lego works of art. For more information call 603-926-2764.
Photo caption: Thomas Lyon at Marelli’s Market enjoying the Legos. (Courtesy photo)