Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses Celebrates Anniversary

NEW CASTLE—
This year, Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the organization’s founding as a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation. The group will host the first open house of 2011 at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle, NH, on May 29, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Visitors are invited to climb to the lantern room to enjoy the magnificent view at the mouth of the Piscataqua River and to see the 18th century lens up close. Volunteers will tell visitors about the history of the light station, and there will be souvenirs for sale.
There are 44 stairs and a 7-rung ladder to the lantern room. Flat shoes (not sandals or flip-flops) are strongly recommended to climb to the top.
No reservations are needed; the guided tours are on a first come, first served basis. Children under 42 inches tall are not permitted to climb to the top, and adults are not permitted to carry children up the stairs.
The admission fee to climb the lighthouse is $4 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. Visitors should park outside the gate to Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor and walk to the lighthouse. For more information, visit www.portsmouthharborlighthouse.org.
Photo caption: Friends of the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses will host the first open house of 2011 at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse on May 29. (Courtesy photo)

Seacoast Science Center Participates in Blue Star Museums Program

RYE—
The Seacoast Science Center announces its participation in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, where more than 1,300 museums across America will offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2011.
Blue Star Museums recognizes and thanks our military families for all they are doing for our country, and simultaneously begins young people on a path to becoming life-long museum-goers.
“We are proud to participate in the Blue Star Museums initiative and to honor military families in our community and across the country,” said Seacoast Science Center Marketing Director Karen Provazza. “The initiative will bring families together, connecting them to the natural history and beauty of New Hampshire’s seacoast.”
“Last year the success of the inaugural year of the Blue Star Museums program showed that partnerships between the nation’s museum and military communities are a natural,” said Blue Star Families Chairman Kathy Roth-Douquet. “We are thrilled that 300,000 military family members visited our partner museums in the summer of 2010. We hope to exceed that number this year as the military community takes advantage of the rich cultural heritage they defend and protect every day. We appreciate the NEA and the nation’s museums who chose to partner with us. We also are grateful to our friends at the MetLife Foundation, the lead supporter of the Blue Star Museums outreach initiative, whose generous donation helps make our work possible.”
Blue Star Museums runs from May 30, 2011 through to September 5, 2011. The free admission program is available to active-duty military and their immediate family members (military ID holder and five immediate family members). Active duty military include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and active duty National Guard and active duty Reserve members. To find out which other museums are participating, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. The site includes a list of participating museums and a map to help with visit planning.
The Seacoast Science Center is open daily, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. A separate admission applies to Odiorne Point State Park. To learn more about the Center visit www.seacoastsciencecenter.org or call 603-436-8043.
Photo caption: Seacoast Science Center recently announced its participation in the Blue Star Museums program, which begins this Memorial Day. (Photo courtesy www.seacoastsciencecenter.org)

St. Thomas Aquinas High School Announces Top Ten Graduates

DOVER—
St. Thomas Aquinas High School of Dover, NH is pleased to announce the 2011 top ten graduates and offer congratulations to them and their families. Following the Valedictorian and Salutatorian, the top graduates are listed in alphabetical order.
Anna Whitham, Class of 2011 Valedictorian, is the daughter of Kimberley Herzig-Whitham and Owen Whitham of Stratham, NH. Prior to coming to St. Thomas, Anna attended the Cooperative Middle School in Stratham. At St. Thomas, Anna earned departmental honors from the Theology Department and from the Chemistry Department; she was inducted into the National Honor Society and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica as a sophomore. She has also been recognized for perfect attendance. Anna’s numerous contributions to St. Thomas include membership in the jazz band, the student tutorial program, as a member of the Spanish Club, and leadership within the Granite State Challenge Team.
Outside of her school community, Anna has volunteered for seven years at the Wiggin Memorial Library in Stratham, and for the last two years she has been a volunteer at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Her work at the hospital has solidified her interest in pursuing a medical degree. Anna has been accepted into the Honors Program at Boston College where she will major in Biochemistry.
Michael Fort, Class of 2011 Salutatorian, is the son of William and Susan Fort of Stratham, NH. Michael attended Sacred Heart School in Hampton, NH prior to coming to St. Thomas. Here at St. Thomas, Michael was the recipient of the Math and Latin Departmental Awards. Michael earned second place out of over one hundred seventy classmates in the Junior Class Speech competition. He was recognized as an Advance Placement Scholar with Honors and was the recipient of the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award. He is a member of the National Honor Society.
Michael earned his first varsity letters in soccer and lacrosse during his tenth grade year. He was a captain of the soccer team this past fall and was selected as the team’s most valuable player. He has been a member of the Seacoast United Soccer association for seven years where he has competed on several state championship teams as well as being a member of the US Soccer Association Development Academy. Michael has served Student Advisory Board since his ninth grade year and was elected Vice President this year. He was a member of the Granite State Challenge Team, which made it to the quarterfinals last fall. He was selected to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Association Camp over the summer following his sophomore year. Mike also volunteers at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
Michael is attending Syracuse University where he is enrolled in the Honors Program as a pre-med student. Michael aspires to pursue cardiac surgery and eventually work abroad with Doctors Without Borders.
Julia Dastous, of Salisbury, MA, is the daughter of David and Martha Dastous. Julia is a member of Star of the Sea Parish is Salisbury, MA. Julia attended Immaculate Conception School in Newburyport, MA before coming to St. Thomas.
Julia is a member of the National Honor Society as well as of the Spanish National Honor Society. Julia is a member of the Spanish Club and is a Student Ambassador.
Julia has been an invaluable asset to our athletic program here at St. Thomas. She plays field hockey, softball and basketball. She is also a member of the St. Thomas swim team. Julia earned her varsity letter in field hockey and in softball during her sophomore year. She earned her varsity letter in swimming as a junior. Julia has served as a captain for the softball team for both her junior and senior years. Julia was the recipient of the Scholar Athlete Award for varsity field hockey and softball.
Julia was accepted to Boston University, Stonehill College, University of Vermont, University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Bentley University, Union College and Northeastern University. Julia ultimately chose to attend Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. She is looking forward to exploring her many interests while keeping her family and friends close.
Nathan Dunn is the son of Bill and Gabrielle Dunn of Berwick, ME. Nathan attended Saint Elizabeth Seton in Rochester, NH prior to coming to St. Thomas and is parishioner of Holy Rosary Parish, also in Rochester.
For the past two summers, Nathan has participated in a project building a home for those less fortunate through the Habitat for Humanity organization. On both of these work weeks, Nathan took time off from work, with no pay, to volunteer his time to these projects.
Here at St. Thomas, Nathan is a valuable co-captain of the Math Team where he earned a certificate for outstanding performance in geometry. Nathan was the recipient of the Physics and Math Departmental Awards. Nathan participates in the Principals of Engineering course, which runs once per week after school hours.
Nathan is planning to attend University of Maine, Orono where he will study Chemical Engineering.
Sarah Gianino is the daughter of Paul and Lauren Gianino of Eliot, Maine. Sarah went to elementary and middle school at Saint Patrick School in Portsmouth, NH. She is an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Newington, NH where she serves as an usher and a greeter. Sarah regularly volunteers at Dover Friendly Kitchen. Sarah has traveled to New Orleans and Washington, D.C. to work on various community service projects with her church.
Sarah is a National Merit Commended Scholar and earned the Certificate of Academic Excellence in Spanish thorough the New Hampshire Association of World Language Teachers. She was the recipient of the Spanish Departmental Award. Sarah is a member of the National Honor Society and of the Spanish National Honor Society. Sarah studied Japanese Language and Culture in the Advanced Studies Program at St. Paul’s School this past summer.
Sarah is an invaluable member of the St. Thomas varsity cross country team and of the spring and indoor track teams. She was named an NHIAA scholar athlete and earned the Coach’s Award in cross country. Sarah is a member of Campus Ministry and is the Co-President of the Spanish Club. She is also a member of the Student Ambassador program. Sarah plays the flute and piano. She has been a member of the St. Thomas women’s choir and concert band. She is also active in dance.
Sarah plans to attend Boston College in the fall where she will study Biology and Psychology.
Melanie Guerin is from Hampton, NH and is the daughter of Nadine and Chaz Guerin. Melanie attended Hampton Academy prior to coming to St. Thomas. She was inducted into the National Honor Society during her junior year as well as the Latin National Honor Society. Melanie received the NH World Language Teachers Certificate of Academic Excellence in Latin and the Extracurricular Award for her involvement with the Model UN. During the summer of 2009, Melanie represented St. Thomas at the Rotary Youth Leadership Conference in Sanford, ME. She has contributed to her school community in numerous ways including serving as a Student Ambassador for open houses, visitations, and fundraisers, as well as by participating in the St. Ann Visitation Program.
Melanie has been recognized as a NH Scholar Athlete, lettering in both cross country and skiing.
Another major area of focus and accomplishment for Melanie has been as an equestrian. She has volunteered at the UNH Therapeutic Riding Program and has twice qualified for national participation in the Hunt Seat Equitation Division.
Melanie will attend Northeastern University and pursue majors in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering.
Pranjal Natu is the son of Drs. Vijay and Neeta Natu of Indore, India. Prior to coming to St. Thomas for his senior year, Pranjal attended the Sri Sathya Sai Viya Vihar in India, and Marshwood High School in South Berwick, ME. Pranjal has contributed remarkably while at St. Thomas. He was inducted into the National Honor Society, and has become an instrumental member of the Robotics, History, and International Clubs. Prior to coming to St. Thomas, Pranjal also participated as a dramatist at Marshwood, as well as participating on the Math and Recycling Clubs and the Yearbook Committee. He has been recognized also for his performances in both speech and creative writing competitions in both India and the United States.
Pranjal will pursue a degree in computer science at Stony Brook University on Long Island, NY in the fall.
John (Jack) Pearl is the son of Tim and Laura Pearl of Dover, NH. Before coming to St. Thomas, Jack was home-schooled for his 4th through 8th grade years. He is an active member of the Parish of the Assumption in Dover, where he has served as an altar server throughout his four years of high school.
At St. Thomas, Jack received the departmental award in math in 2008, and the University of Notre Dame Book Award in 2010. He was inducted into the National Honor Society and the Latin Honor Society during his junior year.
In recognition of his achievements in academics and athletics, Jack received the NHIAA & NHADA NH Scholar Athlete Award as well as the Scholar-Athlete Award from the Joe Yukica Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. Jack earned three varsity letters in football, culminating in his selection his senior year of Team Captain and 1st Team All-State honors. In the spring, Jack turns his attention to lacrosse. He has earned four varsity letters, was an All-State selection his junior year, and was selected as Team Captain for both his junior and senior years.
Next fall Jack will attend the University Of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN on a 4-year United States Army Scholarship. He plans to major in mechanical engineering.
Ashley Puffer is the daughter of Lisa and Steve Puffer of Kittery, ME. Prior to coming to St. Thomas, Ashley attended St. Mary Academy in Dover, NH. She is active in her parish of St. Raphael’s in Kittery, ME.
Ashley is a member of the National Honor Society (elected during her junior year) and the Spanish National Honor Society. She was recognized by the English Department for achievement following both her 9th and 10th grade years. In her junior year, she was a finalist in the Junior Class Speech competition, and she received the St. Michael’s Book Award. In her senior year, Ashley finished first in the St. Thomas Poetry Out Loud competition, and was an alternate at the State competition. She has been a member of the varsity volleyball team at St. Thomas, and has participated in music ministry, chorus, and orchestra throughout her four years.
For the past eleven years, Ashley has studied violin, and she has been a member of the first violin section of the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra for the past three years. This winter Ashley was selected for the All-State Orchestra for the fourth time, and received the Four-Year Award in recognition of this accomplishment.
This fall Ashley will attend the University Of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN where she will major in English.
Matthew Strabone, of Hampton Falls, NH, is the son of Dan and Maryellen Strabone. Matt is active in Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Hampton, and he attended Lincoln Ackerman School in Hampton Falls before coming to St. Thomas.
Matt has been inducted into the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society, and he has served as president of the Spanish Club at St. Thomas; he is also active in the Political Club and has pursued his interest in politics and law through a summer internship. In addition, Matt has been a recipient of the Varsity Scholar Athlete Award, participating in indoor and outdoor track.
Matt’s principal involvement outside of St. Thomas has been with the St. Vincent DePaul Society where he has volunteered throughout his high school career. He has delivered food packs, approached local merchants for donations, and has served at the St. Vincent’s soup kitchen.
In the fall Matt will begin his study at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management.
Photo caption: Anna Whitham of Stratham is the Valedictorian of the Class of 2011 at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover. (Courtesy photo)

June Conference to Feature Historic Isle of Shoals Resort Hotels

PORTSMOUTH—
History enthusiasts and others who’ve dreamt of spending a few days on the Isles of Shoals, six miles off the New Hampshire coast, will have the chance June 25-29 when the Isles of Shoals Historical and Research Association (ISHRA) hosts a five-day, four-night “Summer on the Seacoast” conference open to the public.
Those attending will journey back to the resort hotel era of the late 1800s, when the Oceanic Hotel on Star Island was built and gems like the Farragut Hotel in Rye graced the Seacoast. Speakers will include designer Robert Cook, Portsmouth Historical Society curator Sandra Rux and historian Bryant F. Tolles, Jr., author of “Summer by the Seaside.”
From a 19th-century cooking demonstration to a candlelit chapel service and an architectural walking tour of Star Island, conference guests will be immersed in the history of the Isles of Shoals. An optional side trip will visit neighboring Appledore Island, where poet Celia Thaxter and her family once presided over the now long-gone Appledore House hotel.
Conferees will stay in rustic yet comfortable accommodations in the Oceanic Hotel and surrounding buildings. Round-trip boat transportation is provided from Portsmouth on Saturday afternoon, June 25, returning midday Wednesday, June 29.
“You can relax in the rocking chairs on the Oceanic’s wrap-around porch and breathe the sea air just as the hotel’s first guests did in 1873,” says ISHRA president Joel Plagenz. Other activities include seaweed pressing, a digital photography workshop and a lecture by Steph Frigon on the natural environment of the Shoals.
Reservations are now being accepted while places remain available. For information visit ishra.org, email cook-amy@comcast.net or call (603) 431-2616.
Photo caption: The original Oceanic Hotel in 1873. (Courtesy photo)

Gen ‘X’ Messiah

By Chip Schrader
Book Review Editor
“Nazareth, North Dakota” is Tommy Zurhellen’s first novel that spans from 1980 to present day, and depicts the lives of common people in the barren northern mid-west. The story takes a biblical spin on the lifestyles of the lower middle class American community, which invites plenty of social and political comparisons while also allowing the author fodder for clever wordplay.
The novel follows Roxy, a down on her luck ex-waitress whose poor taste in men is nearly as tragic as her inability to meet a decent man. She finds herself in Cairo, Illinois, after a baby is dropped into her care, and another loser boyfriend runs off with legal problems. Her journey with this mysterious baby, Sam, leads her to Joe, a hard working and honest carpenter.
Back in North Dakota, her family manages through life by maneuvering around corrupt town police officer Severo Rodriguez. His business in illegal stills and penchant for throwing Molotov cocktails into outsiders’ vehicles reveal how badly this town is in need of salvation. Roxy’s nephew, Jan, preaches his evangelical shtick as his mother swore he was a miracle child. As time moves along, the real miracle child presents himself above false prophets, as the oldest man in the world (who also lives in Nazareth) predicted would happen.
Written in tight prose with little flash or pretense, “Nazareth, North Dakota” is like reading James Joyce’s “Dubliners” or Louise Erdrich’s “Love Medicine.” Even if the biblical parallels are lost on the reader, the characters are interesting at how they manage through the doldrums of day to day life. As the novel seems to settle into this cozy study of small town dynamics, we see Sam develop into an interesting, misunderstood, and rebellious youth who just might change the world.
Among the interesting scenes with Sam’s transformation are a debate he has with an Ethics professor, although only this debate’s aftermath is depicted, and his friendship with Daylene Hooker. Daylene’s nickname “prostitute” hearkens readers back to Christ’s befriending of Mary Magdalene, showing one way in which Zurhellen weaves ancient characters into new ones.
Each chapter is divided like a short story, and has a date with the title. The book only runs a little over two hundred pages, and like the testaments depicting the life of Christ, it leaves large portions of time unaccounted for.
The first one hundred pages are interesting and read well, but some readers might be lost on the point for such detailed accounts of so many villagers. Eventually these eccentric stories tie into a finely woven tapestry of modern legend. To the unsuspecting reader, the leaps in time are also jarring at first. But, once the reader realizes the timeline spans in a short space, like the Bible, the story moves along smoothly.
“Nazareth, North Dakota” is a strange and fascinating trip, and an astute retelling of the story of all stories. Born in New York City, Zurhellen convincingly portrays not only small town life, but that of mid-western life with great fluency. Readers who are weary of the run of the mill bestseller, or are looking for a good story that is written well, should look for this title.
Pub Date: April 15, 2011. ISBN: 978-0-9845105-6-6. Page count: 212pp. Publisher: Atticus Books.
Photo caption: (Courtesy book cover image of “Nazareth, North Dakota”)

Prescott Park Arts Festival Announces Wednesday Night Concert Series

PORTSMOUTH—
Prescott Park Arts Festival has announced the schedule of performers for its popular River House Restaurant Concert Series presented each Wednesday night of the summer performance season at 7 p.m. Held in Prescott Park, downtown Portsmouth, the series will feature acts like Arlo Guthrie, Taj Mahal Trio, Shawn Colvin, Greg Brown and more as part of the FairPoint Communications MainStage.
The series will kick off on Wednesday, June 23, with folk legend and local favorite, Tom Rush. Credited by Rolling Stone Magazine as ushering the era of the singer/songwriter, Rush is a Portsmouth native who’s shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, sweet melancholy of ballads and passion of gritty blues.
Next, the series will feature Canada’s top multi-instrumental traditional bands, Le Vent du Nord, who get audiences dancing to the sound of fiddle and hurdy-gurdy, using an original repertoire and music that is fresh and bound to tradition. Hailing from Quebec, Le Vent du Nord have received a 2011 JUNO Award (Canada’s Grammy) as well as Album of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
“We’re proud and excited with what we’ll present as part of this series this year,” said Ben Anderson, Prescott Park’s executive director. “We’ve had calls from across the country from people anxious to know the schedule so they could plan their vacations accordingly. I think they’re going to be as excited as we are with what they find.”
Other acts presented as part of the series include three-time Grammy Award-winning artist (including Record of the Year and Song of the Year), Shawn Colvin on July 13; one of the most admired folk acts, Greg Brown on July 20; two-time Grammy Award winner and Blues legend, Taj Mahal Trio on July 27; the trio with heart-stopping harmonies, The Wailin’ Jennys on August 3; the popular Jonathan Edwards on August 17 who penned hits like Shanty and Sunshine; New England folk icon Cheryl Wheeler on July 6; one of the hottest new bands on the circuit filled with high-energy, David Wax Museum on August 10; and the hot and swingin’ Austin-based band, Hot Club of Cowtown on August 24.
The River House Restaurant Concert Series will close with a performance by Arlo Guthrie on August 26. The eldest son of America’s most beloved singer/songwriter/philosopher Woody Guthrie, Arlo is a natural-born storyteller whose tales and anecdotes figure prominently in his performances. With songs like Alice’s Restaurant too long for radio airplay; Coming into Los Angeles banned from radio stations (but a favorite at the ‘69 Woodstock Festival); and the definitive rendition of Steve Goodman’s City of New Orleans, Guthrie has never had a hit in the usual sense, but is an artist of international stature.
A full schedule of events and information can be found at the festival website, www.prescottpark.org, or by calling the festival office at 603-436-2848.
Music enthusiasts throughout New England have made Prescott Park a summer travel destination for nearly four decades, enjoying a variety of concerts and festivals, on top of the festival’s signature musical production.
Since 1974, Prescott Park Arts Festival has successfully reached over 3.5 million people through more than 10,000 music, theater, dance, and art productions offered at no fixed admission on the banks of the Piscataqua River. The 37th season will also feature the presentation of “The Wizard of Oz” as the festival’s musical production, as well as a variety of food festivals including Chowder Festival, Chili Festival, and the NH Fish & Lobster Festival this summer.

Art Hits the Streets in the City of Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH—
Art hit the streets in the city of Portsmouth last week as artists began work for the exhibition “Street a.k.a. Museum” at the Portsmouth Museum of Art, which opened on May 11. The exhibition features the work of a group of internationally known street artists whose work has appeared in cities around the world. Guest curator Beau Basse of LeBasse projects in Los Angeles developed the original concept for the exhibition, which has both an indoor and outdoor component. Artists arrived and have worked around downtown Portsmouth as passersby have gathered to watch them at work. Alexandros Vasmoulakis of Greece tackled the highest wall, made possible by the use of a scissorlift provided by Sunbelt Rentals of North Hampton. Vasmoulakis is known for his large dramatic portraits, primarily of women, that have appeared on buildings sometime six or seven stories high in cities around the world.
Sunbelt’s lifts have allowed the museum to bring the grand scale of Alexandros’ signature work to Portsmouth. It also provided a way for duo Herakut to reach the Pan Am Railways train trestle at Bartlett and Islington. The trestle features a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson and, along with Papa Wheelies, is the first piece of outdoor work encountered by visitors entering Portsmouth from Islington Street.
Work continued at locations around Portsmouth through the opening of the exhibition on Wednesday, May 11. Other locations include Prescott Park, 150 State Street, Kaffee Vonsolln at 79 Daniel Street, Papa Wheelies at 653 Islington Street, 75 Pleasant Street above Brazo and the Salt Pile across from the Sheraton Harborside Hotel at 227 Market Street and the Harbour Place Marina Wall. Work from all of the artists will also be shown in the museum. They are Bumblebee, Andreas von Chrzanowski, Herakut, Shark Toof and Alexandros Vasmoulakis.
For more information on this exhibit, contact the museum at 603-436-0332 or by email at info@portsmouthmfa.org.
Photo caption: Artists work on city murals in Portsmouth as part of the “Street a.k.a. Museum” exhibit at Portsmouth Museum of Art. (Courtesy photo)

Rockingham County 4-H Shooting Sports Program Quadruples in Size

CHESTER—
In just four years, the size of the Rockingham County 4-H Shooting Sports program has grown to almost 70 members.
Morgan King, 4-H member and Junior Leader from Epping, noted that when she started, there were about 15 people participating. The program is run in conjunction with the Chester Rod and Gun Club’s Junior Rifle League. The 4-H Shooting Sports program is a component of the UNH Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development program.
April 30 was the last day of the 2010-11 shooting sports program, which runs annually from November through April at the club. The program is coordinated by Volunteer 4-H Leader Mike King of Epping, who was recognized for 10 years of volunteer service.
4-H Shooting Sports is run with support of the Chester Rod and Gun Club. Howard Houle, vice president, was helping at the rifle range on the last day, as he did almost every weekend throughout the program.
The program attracts a wide variety of boys and girls. Mike Shea of Windham pointed out the program was one of the few organized activities that really fit his teenage son’s interests. Cliff Cloutier, a Range Safety Officer from the gun club, brings his children as well as his niece and nephew to the program. He said that his children are well rounded and interested in other activities, but he could not tear them away from the shooting sports program because it was such a good outlet for them. It’s like their vacation, he added.
Fun as it may be, the program is focused on teaching safety and skills. The weekend sessions are run by 4-H volunteer leaders, including King, Bob Lamothe, Jr. from Hampton, and James Turner from Derry who are certified in safety and instruction and committed to helping the youth involved improve their skills.
Some participants, including Morgan King, Colleen McCormack, and Daniel Turner, have progressed to the point of becoming junior leaders. Similar to other successful 4-H Youth Development programs, shooting sports seeks to offer leadership opportunities to older youth in order to challenge them further.
Morgan and Colleen welcome new participants and work to keep the program’s paperwork in order. According to Lorrie Liebfried, a mother present on April 30, Junior Leader Dan Turner is as patient as the adult instructors when working with new archers. He plans to attend the 4-H shooting sports instructor training scheduled for May 21-22 at the New Boston 4-H Youth Center.
There were many smiles and proud moments on Saturday when youth used their archery skills to pop balloons pinned to the range wall or when they brought a target back from the rifle range marked with successful shots in the black. The program’s incredible growth is a testament to the fact that 4-H and the Chester Rod and Gun Club have hit a bull’s-eye with local youth.
4-H is the youth program of the UNH Cooperative Extension and has the mission to help youth acquire knowledge, develop life skills, and form attitudes to enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society. The 4-H Youth Development Program provides a diversity of opportunities for youth and adult volunteers to make a difference in their lives and that of their communities. For more information on 4-H clubs and programs in Rockingham County, call (603) 679-5616 or visit bit.ly/RockCty4H.
Photo caption: 4-H Volunteer Leader Mike King of Epping is a typical blur of energy as he supervises the archery range at the Rockingham County 4-H Shooting Sports program run in partnership with the Chester Rod and Gun Club Junior Rifle League. The program nearly doubled in popularity this past year. (Courtesy photo)

Youths Fishing Derby Brings Fun, Fundraising and Fish to Somersworth

SOMERSWORTH—
On Saturday, May 14, 2011, the Somersworth Lions Club pond will be stocked with more than three hundred fish for the second annual Somersworth Lions Club Youth Fishing Derby. Event proceeds will benefit local people with visual and hearing impairments and help maintain the Somersworth Lions Club Skating Rink.
“We hope to make this fun, family fishing derby a great new Somersworth tradition,” says Peter Houde, Somersworth Lions Club President. “Fishing is a terrific way for kids to enjoy outdoor, old-fashion fun and at the same time, learn about giving back to the community.”
Giving back to the community is what the Lions Club is all about. Each year, the club gets involved and supports many local causes and events and runs their own activities like the Fishing Derby, The Annual Christmas Tree Sale and operating the free public outdoor Skating Rink.
Houde noted, “We are also hoping that parents will take note that the Lions Club is actively seeking new members to get involved. We have a lot of fun and we are looking to grow.”
All participants in the Fishing Derby will receive a free event tee shirt for registering and many prizes will be awarded during the event! Bring your appetite, as breakfast and lunch will be available for sale at the event. The Lions Club members will have the snack shack open all day with food and drinks, hot and cold available. The Derby kicks off at 8 a.m. and ends at noon. Derby participants should be 15 years old or younger and should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Registration forms can be downloaded at http://ssomersworth.nhlions.org. You can also mail them and payment to: Somersworth Lions Club, 135 West High Street, Somersworth, NH 03878 or drop them off Dover Marine / Covered Bridge Sports (Route 108, Dover). For more information, visit http://somersworth.nhlions.org.

Children’s Museum and BAE Systems Thank Military Members and Their Families

DOVER—
Throughout the month of May, the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is focusing on honoring military personnel past and present. By providing families opportunities to communicate their thanks to service men and women, and welcoming military families for a free weekend visit, the museum and partner organizations hope to convey support and gratitude to soldiers in all branches of the military.
During Memorial Day Weekend, the families of military service members will be able to enjoy free admission to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire thanks to BAE Systems. Generous corporate sponsorship from BAE is allowing the Children’s Museum of NH to admit active-duty and retired military personnel and their immediate families at no charge from Saturday, May 28 through Monday, May 30, 2011.
“We are thrilled to be able to honor and thank the people serving our country during Memorial Day Weekend,” stated Jane Bard, Director of Education for the Children’s Museum of NH. “Whether it’s an enlisted person serving locally or the family of an officer deployed overseas, we look forward to welcoming all of these guests thanks to the generosity of BAE Systems.”
During Memorial Day weekend, military personnel and/or their immediate family members will be admitted free to the Children’s Museum of NH by showing a valid military ID at the museum’s front desk. Additional guests would be asked to pay the museum’s standard admission fee. The museum offers a year-round 10% admission discount for active-duty and retired military members.
“Military families endure many hardships as a result of their loved ones service to our country,” says Lu Goncalves-Getty, Community & Business Relations Manager at BAE Systems. “BAE Systems’ partnership with the NH Children’s Museum is not only a way to say thank you but also provide an opportunity for military families to spend cherished time together.”
Throughout the entire month of May, the Children’s Museum is partnering with the Operation Military Kids and Blue Star Families organization to thank those who serve our country. Museum visitors can write notes and letters of thanks to be sent to active duty military personnel, their spouses, families and children. Museum visitors an also create cards for veterans who have served this country. Operation Military Kids and Blue Star Families will collect the cards and letters from the museum and distribute them around the country and overseas.
Photo caption: Visitors to the Children’s Museum of NH are invited to stop at the “Operation Appreciation” station in May to make cards or write letters of appreciation that will be delivered to military personnel around the world. (Courtesy photo)

St. Thomas Aquinas Students Donate to Lucy’s Love Bus

DOVER—
At the request of St. Thomas sophomore Signe Frick of Amesbury, MA and under the guidance of art teacher Paula Maskwa, St. Thomas Aquinas High School honors art students recently made a donation of paintings for an art auction in support of Lucy’s Love Bus. Truly living our mission to serve others, Signe, a Lucy’s Love Bus volunteer, knew the students at St. Thomas would step up to help this worthy cause.
Lucy’s Love Bus, also based in Amesbury, MA, was started at the request of 12-year-old Lucy Grogan. At eight years old, Lucy was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. During her battle, friends and family in the community helped her receive the benefits of acupuncture, massage, reiki and chiropractic care, which provided her great comfort. Before she died, she told her mother she wanted to start a program that would provide these same relief services to other children undergoing cancer treatment. Since 2006, Lucy’s dream has been a reality and Lucy’s Love Bus has been able to deliver therapies to children dealing with the painful effects of cancer.
For more information about Lucy’s Love Bus, visit their website at www.lucyslovebus.org.
Photo caption: Front row: (left to right) Maria Sutryn, Meredith Marino, Lydia Wolter, Nicole Cornell, Chelsea Paine. Back row: (left to right) Marianne Russell, Meaghan Morrison, Julia Mardin, and Andrew Foss. (Courtesy photo)

Active Start to the Outdoor Farmers’ Markets

PORTSMOUTH/EXETER—
Mark your calendars! The outdoor farmers’ markets in Exeter and Portsmouth will get off to an active start this year.
While the Exeter market opened on Thursday, May 5, the Portsmouth market will open on Saturday, May 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Additional outdoor markets in Dover, Durham and Hampton will follow in June.
After much ado about moving the Exeter Farmers’ Market to a new location to accommodate road construction in town, the Exeter Board of Selectmen voted Monday night to keep the Exeter Farmers’ Market at Swasey Parkway, after all. The Portsmouth Farmers’ Market returns to its perch on the hill overlooking South Mill Pond, in the City Hall lot at 1 Junkins Avenue.
The markets, coordinated since 1977 by the local nonprofit Seacoast Growers’ Association, are known for their focus on local agricultural products and what they call the “SGA Guarantee” that participating vendors grow, raise, catch and make 100 percent of the products offered at SGA markets.
How local is local? Real local, organizers say. SGA farmers, food producers and artisans all hail from the immediate Seacoast region of Rockingham and Strafford counties in New Hampshire and York County, Maine.
The array of local offerings is vast, including everything from staple produce to heirloom variety fruits and vegetables to heritage breed meats, locally caught fish and raw, organic dairy products. Homemade baked goods, gourmet food items and take-home meals round out the grocery shopping potential at local farmers’ markets. A bounty of annual and perennial bedding plants, veggie starts, and hanging flower baskets are also available for gardeners. Fine crafts by juried artisans sweeten the list with pottery, jewelry, photography, furniture and more.
This year, in addition to the weekly music series at Portsmouth Farmers’ Market, sponsored by Portsmouth Community Radio, Seacoast Growers’ Association is offering up special activities and educational programs. The weekly events will rotate through all five market towns, starting in May with bountiful opportunities for planting:
Saturday, May 7: music by Mike & Mike from 9:00 a.m. to noon, plus “Marigolds for Mom” at Portsmouth Farmers’ Market, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Not just for kids! Join us at the market activity booth for Marigolds for Mom, a chance to seed your own marigolds, just in time for Mother’s Day on May 8! We’ll provide the seeds, pots, soil mix, and popsicle sticks for labeling. SGA’s own John Wakefield of Shagbark Farm will be on-hand for planting guidance and growing advice. If you’re inspired to do more planting at home, stop by our guest vendor booth to pick up some locally produced compost from EcoMovement.
Thursday, May 12: “May Marigolds” at Exeter Farmers’ Market, 2:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Join us at the market activity booth for May Marigolds, a chance to plant your own marigolds from seed. We’ll provide the seeds, pots, soil mix, and popsicle sticks for labeling. And SGA’s own Sofie Larsen of Applegard Farm will be on-hand for planting guidance and growing advice.
Saturday, May 21: music by Bob Halperin from 9:00 a.m. to noon, plus “Start Your Garden Day” at Portsmouth Farmers’ Market, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Start your garden at the farmers’ market! Join us at the market activity booth for a compost give-away and free transplanting demonstration offered by SGA’s own Sofie Larsen of Applegard Farm. Sofie will also bring her personal library of beautiful gardening reference books for you to peruse, and of course you can tap into her expertise, too! A bounty of seeds from High Mowing Organic Seeds will be available for purchase.
Thursday, May 26: “Start Your Garden Day” at Exeter Farmers’ Market, 2:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Start your garden at the farmers’ market! Join us at the market activity booth for a compost give-away and free transplanting demonstration offered by SGA’s own Sofie Larsen of Applegard Farm. Sofie will also bring her personal library of beautiful gardening reference books for you to peruse, and of course you can tap into her expertise, too! A bounty of seeds from High Mowing Organic Seeds will be available for purchase.
Area nonprofits, businesses, municipal representatives and individuals interested in participating in SGA’s Community Partners program to bring educational activities for all ages to market are invited to contact Public Relations Director Hilary Niles at newsletter@seacoastgrowers.org or (603) 969-8004.
All markets are held rain or shine every week. The outdoor farmers’ market season extends to mid-October and early November.
For more information about Seacoast Growers’ Association’s five weekly outdoor farmers’ markets or to sign up for their weekly e-newsletter with tips on what’s in season, new recipes and “Know Your Farmer” profiles, visit www.seacoastgrowers.org.
Photo caption: A cornucopia of veggies are in season and available direct from the farmers at Portsmouth Farmers’ Market. (Photo by Hilary Niles)