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)