Thunderbirds Return to Pease

By Larry Favinger

Staff Columnist
PORTSMOUTH—
It’s been 25 years since the United States Air Force Thunderbirds have performed in the Seacoast, but their long awaited return will be accomplished next weekend.
The F-16 Fighting Falcons with the easily recognized red, white and blue design will headline the Service Credit Union Boston–Portsmouth Air Show at the Pease International Trade Port Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13-14.
A year ago, a crowd estimated at 70,000 attended the two-day event that featured the United States Navy’s Blue Angels and a crowd of similar size is anticipated this year, said Herb Gillen, spokesperson for the show. Those returning to this year’s event will find several changes to enhance their enjoyment of the festivities.
Gillen said one of the top concerns following last year’s show was the handling of traffic and soon after the event, meetings were held with safety officials to come up with “a better plan this year.”
He said the parking plan has been refined and “a more coordinated effort” is in place to move people on and off the trade port. He added, however, it would still be best to “get there early” as “there’s plenty to see.”
There will also be “heavy emphasis” on water and helping people “stay cool” during the show. Free water will be available from Monadnock Mountain Spring Water of New Hampshire and water will also be sold at a reduced rate.
In addition, a concerted effort has been made to secure large-scale static airplanes to help provide shade in the main spectator area.
Gillen said Portsmouth Regional Hospital is establishing water and misting stations and more concession areas have been increased from 18 to 37 to reduce the time spent in line a year ago.
A heat index flag system has been established and the show announcer will stress the need for people to keep hydrated during the show.
Military demonstrations by the United States Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, the Navy F-18 Super Hornet and the New Hampshire Air National Guard KC-135 are scheduled. The Super Hornet will also be featured in the Navy’s Legacy Flight with an F4U Corsair.
Civilian aerobatic displays include the National Aviation Hall of Famer Sean D. Tucker, New England native Michael Goulian, and Jason Newburg.
Teams performing include Team AeroShell with four AT-6 “Texans,” The Northeast Raiders flying Yakovlev 52’s and Nanchang CJ6’s, and Team Heavy Metal; a new jet demonstration team flying four L-39’s and one T-33.
The show will also have MIG-17 and P-51 Mustang demonstrations as well as a solo demo by the F4U Corsair.
There will also be a large number of on-ground aircraft displays and the popular Kidz’ Zone Play Area.
Tickets for the show are available at www.BostonPortsmouthAirShow.com. The Service Credit Union Boston–Portsmouth Air Show is again being jointly produced by the Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America and the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire.
At a recent press conference announcing the various aspects of the show, Steve Wade, CEO, of the Brain Injury Association said: “We are excited to once again bring a world-class lineup to our air show fans throughout New England. Pease will be rocking with the Thunderbirds and this phenomenal lineup.”
Michael Kaufman, CEO of the Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America detailed the show’s enhancements for 2011. “We are very excited for the show and know that these site enhancements will go a long way to improving the fan experience this year. We are thrilled to have such strong community and business support to the make the air show a success.”
Photo caption: The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will perform a long-awaited return performance at Pease International Trade Port August 13-14. (Photo courtesy thunderbirds.airforce.com)

‘Summering in Rye: Over a Century by the Sea’ – Historic Images at the Seacoast Science Center

RYE—

“Summering in Rye: Over a Century by the Sea” is now on exhibition at the Seacoast Science Center. The exhibit, on loan from the Rye Historical Society, chronicles the Golden Age of Rye’s Victorian Resort Era of the mid-1800s to the 1960s. As the advent of the railroad system in the 1840s made travel much easier and affordable, luxurious hotels sprang up along the eastern American shore. In Rye, those of modest means vacationed in 22 boarding houses. The establishment of eight grand hotels, such as the Atlantic House in 1846 and the Ocean House in 1848, secured Rye’s place as one of the more significant seaside destinations for well-to-do travelers. The images in this exhibition showcase the accommodations along the shores of Rye, as well as the many activities vacationers enjoyed during their stay. The exhibition, on display through December 31, was made possible by the generous support of the Greater Piscataqua Community Foundation. The Seacoast Science Center is open daily, 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. For more information call 603-436-8043 or visit www.seacoastsciencecenter.org.
Photo caption: The exhibition, “Summering in Rye: Over a Century by the Sea,” now on display at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, showcases summer visitors in the mid-1800s. (Photo courtesy of William M. Varrell and the Rye Historical Society)

The Story of Joltin’ Joe’s Biggest Feat

By Chip Schrader
Book Reviewer
Sports Illustrated contributor Kostya Kennedy’s biography of the late great Joe DiMaggio is the latest of many, but takes on a special spin. “56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number In Sports” covers the span of the 56-game hitting streak that landed Joe DiMaggio a record that has held for seventy years; a record that is lasting longer than even that of Iron Horse Lou Gehrig’s record of playing 2,160 consecutive games, broken by Cal Ripken.
Yes, DiMaggio is a Yankee, and New England is not known to be Yankee-friendly territory. But, this biography covers his relationship with brother Dom DiMaggio, the legendary Boston center fielder known for his wireframed glasses and ability as a contact hitter. In fact, the early years of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry is depicted with the crowds’ banter each DiMaggio faced when playing each other. During that season, a bench-clearing brawl the Yankees and Red Sox waged make this a fascinating read for New England fans showing us how old that rivalry really is. Moreover, Joe DiMaggio is an undisputed champion on the field and at the plate, and has earned his place alongside rival Sox legends Jimmie Foxx, Ted Williams, and Babe Ruth (pre-curse Bambino, of course).
While typical sports biographies dig into the personal struggles, tragedies and scandals while doing a play-by-play of each great record or title their subject might hold, Kennedy sticks to one record, and the social context in which this historic record was made.
The racism and social isolation that Italians faced is among the interesting frameworks of this time period. Kennedy delves into acquaintances of DiMaggio and how they were unwittingly linked to the mafia, and even puts in the passing detail of a friend’s daughter’s bulimia. Kennedy’s research is so deep, the reader marvels at how he could ever have found all of these facts and anecdotes. Did Kennedy just bunk with Joe in a past life?
Another major theme is the pending war. At the beginning of DiMaggio’s streak, before it was really even noticed, FDR’s speech at Yankee stadium about the horrors unfolding in Europe hung over the baseball season. Hitting legend Hank Greenburg was already enlisted at this point, and athletes were beginning to get heckled for not following suit.
The writing is as impeccable as the research. Kennedy uses snappy phrases that grow invisible and becomes the natural flow of the book. At a time where biographies are just expanded gossip rags, “56” is a welcome departure from our cynical era.
DiMaggio’s imperfections were touched upon, but the real news was what he achieved that halcyon summer, and the world in which he was doing this. No steroids, no million dollar contracts, and no elevation of athletes to unnecessary heights. DiMaggio was considered too greedy wanting a figure well under $50,000 per season. Hardly the spoiled and pampered superstar of today.
Baseball fans and history fans are highly recommended to read this book. No matter what jersey an athlete might wear, their numbers, the consistency of their game, and the era in which they played make the legend; rival or not.
Hardcover, Sports Illustrated, Released March 2011.
Photo caption: (Courtesy book cover image of “56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number In Sports” by Kostya Kennedy)