Granite State Sentinel

Frisbie Memorial Hospital Nurse Honored For Efforts

2012-01-27T12:06:00.000-08:00

ROCHESTER—

Nurses at Frisbie Memorial Hospital are being honored with “The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.” The award, presented in collaboration with The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the extraordinary efforts that most nurses perform every single day.

Frisbie Memorial announced on January 19, December’s DAISY Award recipient is Intensive Care Units’, Dawn Vinciguerra, RN, who was nominated by Jo-Ann Brewster, RN, also from the ICU.

Brewster explains, “I'm always impressed with all the nurses on the ICU team; they are so intelligent and compassionate about their work. But one nurse in my opinion deserves recognition: Dawn Vinciguerra. When I started working in the ICU, I immediately saw a woman who deservingly had the respect of medical staff and her co-workers. She is, in my mind, the ‘go-to’ person. Vinciguerra always makes herself available to answer questions, to help with procedures, and to take on some of the most challenging patient assignments—all with a smile on her face.”

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, California, and was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Every other month, staff nominates a nurse. The DAISY Award Committee then selects the finalist from those nominated. During a brief ceremony attended by senior management, nurse managers and department staff, the honoree receives a certificate commending him or her for being an "Extraordinary Nurse.” It reads: "In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people." Frisbie Memorial is proud to honor Vinciguerra for her super-human efforts.

Photo Caption: Pictured is DAISY Award recipient Dawn Vinciguerra (left) and nominator, Jo-Ann Brewster. (Courtesy Photo)

City of Dover Thanks Local Business Owners

2012-01-27T12:05:00.000-08:00

DOVER—

The Department of Planning and Community Development wishes to thank local business owners in the City for their compliance with its sign ordinance. This recognition comes after staff held the first “illegal sign sweep of 2012.” The sweep occurred between January 11 and 13. In total, 21 signs were confiscated.

Director of Planning and Community Development, Christopher Parker, announced the clean up of illegal and un-permitted temporary advertising signs throughout the City of Dover on January 3, as part of a winter cleanup around the community. Illegal and un-permitted signs included those on utility poles or in the right of way.

The removal of illegal signs was warranted because the placement of these temporary signs in public rights-of-way and medians of streets, on utility poles and attached to trees is not permitted by Dover’s sign ordinance—potentially causing safety hazards for traveling motorists—and create “a visual blight that is unsightly for residents.” According to town officials, these signs detract from legitimate business signs that have gone through the proper permitting process.

“I am very pleased with our results,” Parker said. “We collected 21 signs, compared to this time last year, when we collected twenty-four. When you consider that the last sweep was over six months ago, it appears that our education and outreach campaign has continued to succeed.”

Furthermore, Assistant City Planner, Timothy Corwin, who along with Parker conducted the sweep, explains that none of the signs collected were from local Dover-based business. The signs collected advertised tree removal, firewood and hot tub sales provided by businesses outside of the community.

“It’s very rewarding to work in a community whose citizens and businesses value such a high quality of life. I’m looking forward to helping Dover maintain that quality of life by reducing clutter with future sign sweeps,” Corwin said.

Business owners who have placed these signs were advised to remove the illegal signs in advance of this clean-up effort. Any sign that was confiscated will be held for 30 days before they are recycled or destroyed, unless the owner claims the sign after paying a reclamation fee. Repeat offenders may be subject to prosecution and additional fines.

This was the fourth sweep conducted by the Planning Department since the summer of 2011. Staff have been monitoring signs and holding the sweeps every few months. At the same time, efforts have been made to reach out to businesses to explain the regulations and safety concerns associated with the placement of signs within the right of way.

For more information please call the Planning Department, at 603-516-6008.

“Red Tails” Heavy on Action, Heart

2012-01-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

By Chip Schrader

Staff Columnist, Movie Reviewer

“Red Tails” opens with a quote from the United States Army, stating intellectual inferiority and lack of courage as their reason for not employing African Americans for officer assignments.

Following this quote is the first real shot of the film. The camera follows a fleet of German and American bombers flying over Europe. The fighter planes, piloted by Caucasian men, are attempting to protect bombers but quickly abandon them to chase after the glory of shooting down a Nazi plane. In the aftermath of their desertion, the film witnesses the cockpits and cargo areas of the bombers being shot up. Men fall, bleeding, and bombers plummet in pieces, unable to finish their mission.

Following this scene is a rather dull mission, carried out by the African American Airmen of World War II—now known as the Tuskegee Airmen. One of the aforementioned pilots even explains, “They say war is hell, I’d say this is boring as hell.” Shortly into running a routine fly though, they encounter a Nazi with full infantry—this proves an introduction for the audience to the unused talent of the Tuskegee Airmen of WWII.

The cast of the film includes a Terence Howard-portrayed Colonel. Beneath his pipe smoking Colonel, are WWII airmen “Easy,” “Winky,” “Junior,” “Neon” and “Joker.” As the first part of the film focuses primarily upon dogfights and air-to-ground combat, it takes a decent portion of the film to understand which character is which. Understandably, though, the cinematic depiction of an entire military division, as well as a story of several different heroes is a tall order in which to fully develop both characters and plot.

Beyond the difficulties of cramming so much into one film—an effort that even it’s direct—a somewhat well-known man named George Lucas—the film showcases action sequences that are at the cutting edge of action cinematography. Films like “Top Gun” and “Iron Eagle” have successfully conveyed the pulse-pounding suspense and speed of a full on midair dogfight, but “Red Tails,” with the help of digital technology, shows the great depths of fighting in midair—weaving between dozens of various competing bombers. When a plane loses altitude, you can see it from angles never before captured onscreen.

The acting is solidly done for the part. However, the passion Terence Howard needs to convey to his officers doesn’t quite ring true. He isn’t quite as believable a Colonel as he should be. For that matter, many of the commanding officers seem to be softer spoken rather than driven, and elements such as the captain’s drinking problem aren’t as well developed as they should have been. He is just seen with liquor in just one or two scenes, but the film is almost devoid of any real conflict regarding his alcoholism. Which further helps to propagate the question of whether or not Lucas spent more time on visuals than on plot-content.

All criticism aside, though, these characters remain with you long after the film ends. The story is a terrific history lesson of what our nation has overcome when it comes to racial barriers. It does a lot to highlight the bravery and prejudice that highlighted the work of these men during World War II.

Bottom line: “Red Tails” is a solid movie and, save for a little language, it is a rare opportunity for a father and son movie outing. The acting is a bit soft in spots but the imagery is breathtaking. The characters are people that the audience will care and root for, even though it takes over half of the movie to get to know them. There are no real standout performances, but there are many quotable lines throughout the film. Most importantly, each character gets a scene or two to make his definitive mark.

In the end, viewers will walk away wanting at least another half an hour with such a quietly charismatic cast. 3 out of 5 stars.

Memory Care Program at the Mark Wentworth Home Awarded ‘Excellence in Care’ Distinction by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

2012-01-20T12:54:00.000-08:00

PORTSMOUTH—

The Mark Wentworth Home in Portsmouth has earned the nationally recognized, Excellence in Care Distinction from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) for the nineteen-bed Garden Place Memory Care Program. The Home’s Program, which is only one of the Assisted Living services available at the residence, is the first in the Maine and New Hampshire Seacoast areas—and is one of only two memory care programs in New England—to have earned the distinction.

The Excellence in Care program is an AFA initiative created to establish a nationwide standard of excellence in care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

The program, which was created with the input of dementia and Alzheimer’s industry experts, consists of a comprehensive on-site evaluation of participating programs and ongoing consultation on strategies to achieve established standards for quality of care and to sustain performance. Key areas of review include: environment, education, staff-client interaction and programming geared toward memory care initiatives. Only the care settings that successfully reach the standards established by this initiative will earn the status of Alzheimer's Foundation of America Excellence in Care Dementia Program of Distinction.

The Mark Wentworth Home’s Garden Place Memory Care Program is lead by Assisted Living Administrator Verna Brewer, RN, and coordinated daily by Sandra Osborne, LNA, and Suzanne Rapozza, RN; each of whom earned the designation of Dementia Care Specialist from the Foundation. More than twenty members of the Mark Wentworth Home’s Enrichment and Licensed Care Staffs have earned the distinction of Dementia Care Professional by participating in a specialized AFA certification process.

More information about the Mark Wentworth Home’s Garden Place Memory Care Program and the Excellence in Care Distinction can be found on the Home’s website at www.markwentworth.org.

Returning in mid February of 2012, the Home’s series of informational and support sessions for families of loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia is open to the public. Session dates will be posted on the website.

Photo caption: Members of the Garden Place Memory Care team with Garden Place Coordinator Sandra Osborne, LNA, DMC (back row, center) and Mark Wentworth Home Executive Director Debbie Rodier (front row, left) proudly display the “Excellence in Care Distinction” plaque. (Courtesy photo)

Level 6 Gymnasts Take Top Honors at DGS Northeast Invitational Meet

2012-01-20T12:53:00.000-08:00

PORTSMOUTH—

Level-6 gymnasts from Atlantic Gymnastics of Portsmouth recently returned home with honors from the DGS Northeast Invitational, held at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Gymnasts from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey battled for first place honors.
Anya Cunningham of Raymond placed first all-around in the 8-9-year-old division. Anya also received first place honors on vault and bars, and second place honors for beam and floor. Megan Cunningham of Seabrook placed second on vault, fifth on beam and floor, and sixth all-around in that division as well.
In the 10-year-old division, Alicia Burchuk of Madbury had another stellar day, placing first all around as well as first on bars, beam and floor and second place on vault. Ratana Ryan of Portsmouth placed third all-around as well as second on beam, third on floor and sixth on vault.
In the 11-year-old division, Casey Penacho of Greenland placed second all-around as well as third on vault and floor, and fourth place on bars. Sophia Salter of Nottingham placed fourth all-around, as well as a fourth place finish for beam, and sixth place for bars and floor. Jillian Dalton of Newfields received top honors for her beam routine, with a personal best score of 9.10, as well as a top 10 finish all around.
In the senior division, Malia Cryan of York, ME placed second all-around, as well as first place on bars, second place on floor, third place on beam and fourth place on vault.
The team will return to practice to prepare for their meet February 4 in Danbury, Connecticut.
Photo caption: From left to right – Alicia Burchuk, Anya Cunningham, Casey Penacho, Malia Cryan, Megan Cunningham, Jillian Dalton, Ratana Ryan, and Sophia Salter. (Courtesy Photo)

Chip’s Picks for Kids: Three Picture Books for the Family

2012-01-20T12:49:00.000-08:00

By Chip Schrader
Staff Book Review
The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man
This month’s first featured picture book comes from acclaimed novelist Michael Chabon’s freshmen foray into children’s picture books. “The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man” is a comic book-themed story—not such a surprising venture, given Chabon’s Pulitzer Prize-winner, “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Klay.” A novel drenched in the mythos of American comics.
The first person narration of “Awesome Man” is fun and goofy, different from Chabon’s earlier children’s work, a novel, “Summerland.” He introduces his villains—including a giant, flaming eyeball—but the story doesn’t move far beyond Awesome Man’s one-on-one interaction with Chabon’s villains. “Awesome Man” reads as a book meant to set up a series, and in this case it would function well as the introduction to a well-conceived superhero.
With that said, Chabon’s imagination has infinite powers. Coupled with illustrations that help tell the story, rather than just accompany it, Chabon could have a winning series for younger audiences. As for Jake Parker’s illustrations, they are vivid—with fine lines and edges, and they have a richness that rivals the best of comic book-illustrations. Chabon and Parker masterfully use the illustrations to depict conflict that Awesome Man could easily, but less satisfactorily, say. Best read aloud, audiences of all ages will get a serious case of the chuckles from Awesome Man’s freshmen debut.
Reading level: Ages 4 and up, Hardcover: 40 pages, Publisher: Balzer & Bray.
Otis and the Tornado
Bestselling writer and illustrator Loren Long follows up the successful Barack Obama-collaborative effort, “Of Thee I Sing,” with “Otis and the Tornado.” The captivating cover art alone makes it certain that this book will attract fans of “Thomas the Tank Engine,” and like stories. The cover depicts the titular Otis, a tractor with a worried look on his face, as he spots a tornado on the horizon.
Otis has many friends on the farm where he works, and he lives a generally happy life there. However, when Mother Nature gives the animals all a scare, Otis comes to the rescue while readers learn the values of heroism and friendship. Echoes of “Charlotte’s Web” and other classic children’s tales abound in Long’s recent effort.
Long’s writing has an excellent rhythm and his word choices touch upon an almost musical quality. The illustrations are a brilliant rendering of a mixture of imagery from “The Polar Express,” “Thomas the Tank Engine” and “The Wizard of Oz.” “Otis and The Tornado” is a story deserving of an out-loud reading, and the tone of the language is gentle enough for any bedtime story. Though it’s still early in the year, this charming story could be in the running for many awards.
Reading level: Ages 3 and up, Hardcover: 40 pages, Publisher: Philomel.
The Very Quiet Cricket
The latest book from beloved “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” author Eric Carle is, “The Very Quiet Cricket.” The illustration and writing style for his latest work will satisfy devout “Very Hungry Caterpillar” fans, and the story itself won’t disappoint new readers. Carle begins his book telling readers of the four thousand-plus species of crickets living both above and below ground.
Upon the birth of a little cricket in Carle’s story, a bigger cricket begins to rub his hind legs together to chirp; we learn that only male crickets can make this sound. As various insects pass by, they say hello to the little cricket, but every time, “The little cricket wanted to answer, he rubbed his wings together…but nothing happened. No sound.” This phrase carries throughout the book as the cricket tries to learn his language. Which remains the central theme of “Very Quiet Cricket.”
Upon finishing the book, readers are in for quite the surprise feature, as the book makes a sound at the turn of the last page. While the motif’s and style of this book are commonplace with Carle’s work, it is just this kind of work that has earned him his loyal readers. So while not a stark departure from earlier works, it is no less satisfying. The full-page illustrations and poetic tone makes “The Very Quiet Cricket” an excellent book for wide ranging audiences.
Reading level: Ages 2 and up, Hardcover: 32 pages, Publisher: Philomel.

Exeter Helps Promote Green Growth

2012-01-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

EXETER—
A drive down the Swasey Parkway in Exeter reveals sprawling farmland that gives way to Revolutionary War-era buildings and a downtown bandstand decked out in tri-colored flags. It’s clear at a glimpse that Exeter is a city that takes pride in its history and natural beauty, so it’s not surprising that Exeter is also just one New Hampshire city helping to lead the way to an independent, sustainable future.
According to a study by the Brookings Institution released this past June, New Hampshire has the fastest growing green economy in New England, with an average 5.3% increase in green jobs from 2003 through 2010. In fact, green job growth outpaces overall job growth in New Hampshire, which is already second in the nation at 1.4%. The southern counties of Merrimack, Hillsborough and Exeter’s own Rockingham, are the epicenter of this trend and provide most of the state’s green jobs.
Alternative energy companies represent the largest sector of the green economy anywhere, but especially in New Hampshire. ReVision Energy, which has locations in Portland and Liberty, ME as well as Dover, has been installing solar energy systems since 2003. This past July, they opened a new location in Exeter.
“Alternative energy is becoming a viable option for more people, and New Hampshire residents have always been independence-minded,” says Fred Greenhalgh of ReVision Energy. “We do business across the breadth of the state. Exeter is not only centrally located, but seems to embody that independent attitude. We knew we’d be welcome here.”
ReVision Energy is a part of the Green Alliance, a Portsmouth-based organization that strives to make owning a green business easier through activism, outreach, and discounts. This summer, three other Green Alliance businesses—Acorn Organic Salon, Zev Yoga, and eZee Bikes—decided to put down roots in Exeter as well.
Acorn Organic Salon started clipping and coloring without toxic chemicals in Dover, in 2008. Their Exeter shop is their second location, and so far they’ve seen a great reception from the town. Hair salons have largely skipped the trend of going green, so owners Laura MacKay and Allison Degan saw the opportunity to show people that style shouldn’t come at the cost of putting the toxic chemicals found in dyes and fragrances into their bodies.
Jonas Amberger, who founded Zev Yoga in Portsmouth in 2006, also sees the intimate connection between going green and physical health. After practicing in Portsmouth for five years, he opened a second studio in Exeter this past August.
“As we care for ourselves we care for nature,” says Amberger. “As we take accountability for our lives we will see how to be more in harmony with our environment.”
Perhaps nobody understands that sentiment better than Tom Hemenway. After learning he had developed diabetes several years ago, he took up bike riding to get his body back on the right path. When he saw a commercial for the eZee bicycle with an electric motor that could be switched on for a boost of up to 20 mph, he knew it was the perfect product for people who wanted to get in shape or get to work without getting frustrated by steep hills and/or intimidated by their fitness level. Since then, Hemenway and his wife, Teresa, have become the exclusive New Hampshire distributors of the eZee Electric Bike as well as some of the first entrepreneurs to introduce the product to the United States.
To Michael Schidlovsky, the President of the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce, it makes perfect sense that green business would spring up in Exeter.
“Certainly green businesses take more capital to start, but it’s not just about the money,” says Schidlovsky. “It’s about understanding how things affect each other, how they’re interconnected, and that comes with an educated population. Here we have Phillips Exeter Academy and UNH just up the road. Look at Exeter High School—they just installed one of the largest photovoltaic farms in the state.” Indeed, another Green Alliance Partnering Business provided the installation for Exeter High’s new system; Revolution Energy is a cutting edge renewable energy systems purveyor based in Dover and Portsmouth.
When one green business opens, it becomes an example for other responsible businesses to follow. The fact that companies like ReVision Energy, Acorn Organic Salon, Zev Yoga and eZee Bikes—as well as the Green Alliance—choose to go the extra mile helps to assure other that it’s possible to go green while still making money.
“The way I see it, Exeter is a network of towns,” says Schidlovsky. “But certain areas have more gravity, and I think Exeter is the center of gravity here. People who understand the benefits of doing things in a green fashion and have the wherewithal to make the upfront investment are attracted to Exeter; simply put we have a community that will support these sustainable entrepreneurs.”
This article was submitted by Andrew Tiebout.

Museum of Art, UNH, Opens New Exhibits

2012-01-13T08:41:00.000-08:00

DURHAM—

Two new exhibitions — featuring the work of internationally acclaimed artist and cultural activist Chris Jordan, and works of art recently acquired by the Museum of Art, UNH — will be on view beginning January 28. “Chris Jordan: Running the Numbers” and “What’s New: Recent Additions to the Collection,” will open to the public with a preview reception on Friday, January 27, from 5-7p.m. The Museum of Art is located in the Paul Creative Arts Center, 30 Academic Way at the University of New Hampshire in Durham.
“Chris Jordan: Running the Numbers” features 16 large-scale digital images that explore contemporary mass culture from a variety of photographic and conceptual perspectives. Walking the line between art and activism, beauty and horror, and abstraction and representation, his fabricated landscapes ask us to consider our own multi-layered roles in the deterioration of our environmental surroundings. These thought provoking images use the language of statistics to examine issues important to contemporary American culture through the depiction of specific quantities of something tangible—the number of cell phones retired each day or the number of plastic bottles used in the United States every five minutes. By translating these numbers into photographs, he asks viewers to question their responsibilities in a society that is increasingly based on consumption.
In conjunction with “Chris Jordan: Running the Numbers,” the Museum of Art and the UNH Sustainability Academy have announced a UNH Student Image and Video Contest: “What Sustainability Means to Me.” The goal of the contest is to create a collection of thought-provoking videos and images showcasing the sustainability commitment and actions UNH students are undertaking and to make these videos and images available to the public.
“Chris Jordan: Running the Numbers” is co-sponsored by the UNH Sustainability Academy and the Museum of Art, with additional support from The Carsey Institute, The Center for the Humanities, The Office of Inclusive Excellence Initiatives, and The Office of the Provost, UNH. All works are courtesy of Kopeikin Gallery, Los Angeles.
Photo caption: Chris Jordan, Cans Seurat, 2007, pigmented ink-jet print, 60” x 92” (Courtesy of the Kopeikin Gallery, Los Angeles)

“The Immortal Marilyn” Authors Speak in Portsmouth

2012-01-13T08:39:00.001-08:00

PORTSMOUTH—

Fifty years after Marilyn Monroe’s death, the screen legend’s influence on theater, television, film and other performing arts will be the subject of discussion at the Portsmouth Public Library on Wednesday, January 18, at 7:30 p.m.
John De Vito and Frank Tropea, co-authors of “The Immortal Marilyn: The Depiction of an Icon,” have studied more than 100 examples, ranging from documentaries to works that reference the star in more ambiguous ways. Masters of trivia on Monroe, the authors will answer questions from the audience following their talk.
Additionally, one of the plays studied by the authors, “Body” by David Mauriello, will be presented at the Players’ Ring Theatre in Portsmouth from January 27 through February 12. In “Body,” De Vito and Tropea write, “Marilyn’s role is analogous to the poor young woman of so many fairy tales who is transformed by some magical, otherworldly means into a beautiful princess or golden goddess.”
De Vito is a film technician at the Boston Public Library and holds a BA in visual studies from Harvard University. Tropea holds a BA in English Literature and psychology from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a MA in literature and psychology from Harvard University.
This special presentation comes with much anticipation, as Monroe has been quite the topic of popular culture in the past few months. Specifically of note is Michelle Williams portrayal of the titular character in “My Week With Marilyn,” a film that has been followed by Oscar-buzz since it’s opening. The Simon Curtis-directed film was produced by The Weinstein Company.
Their January 18 discussion, “Marilyn Monroe: An Icon for All Seasons,” is free and open to the public in the Levenson Community Room of the Portsmouth Public Library, 175 Parrott Ave. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the discussion is from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Courtesy image)

Memorial Bridge Closes To Walkers and Cyclists

2012-01-06T06:23:00.000-08:00

PORTSMOUTH—
In preparation for demolition work for the replacement of the Memorial Bridge in Portsmouth, the bridge will be closed to all pedestrian and bicycle traffic beginning Monday, January 9, 2012 at 8 a.m.
A new shuttle bus service associated with this bridge replacement project will begin operations on January 9 at 5 a.m. The bus will accommodate 12 passengers and seven bicycles and is handicapped accessible.
The shuttle service will run daily from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m., seven days a week, leaving from Kittery on the hour and Portsmouth on the half-hour. The Kittery pickup location will be just north of Warren’s Restaurant on Water Street. The shuttle will be in Kittery at the top of every hour until midnight (last scheduled pickup).
Beginning in Portsmouth at 5:30 a.m., the pickup location will be at the corner of Daniel and Bow Streets. The Portsmouth shuttle will leave at the bottom of the hour (i.e. 5:30, 6:30, etc.) until the final pickup is made at 12:30 a.m. and drop-off in Kittery by 1 a.m. The shuttle will then resume four hours later in Kittery.
A new Memorial Bridge project web site will be available later this week that will include a shuttle route map and full schedule. A toll free number will also be available for those who want to comment on the shuttle bus service.
Memorial Bridge lift operations will continue “on demand” for river traffic for the next few weeks. Electronic message boards are in place at the bridge advising pedestrians and bicyclists of the pending closure. The bridge was closed to motor vehicle traffic on July 27, 2011.
The Memorial Bridge project will replace the bridge that carries US 1 over the Piscataqua River between Portsmouth and Kittery. Archer Western Contractors, of Canton, Massachusetts, is the general contractor for the $81.4 million project. An informational “Open House” on the project will be held on January 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Portsmouth City Hall Council Chambers (1 Junkins Ave.).

Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce Names Citizen and Business of the Year Honorees

2012-01-06T06:22:00.000-08:00

DOVER—
The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce has announced their Citizen and Business of the Year Honorees, recognizing individuals who have made major contributions of time and energy to the progress and betterment of the Dover community. Recipients were selected from nominations submitted to a committee of Chamber, business and community leaders.
Dover’s 2011 Volunteer of Year Award Recipient, Calling All Cargo Moving and Storage is nominated not just as a moving company; this year, Calling All Cargo donated its moving services to multiple causes close to their hearts. Big Brother, Big Sister of the Greater-Seacoast was moving into a larger, updated facility and needed help getting there. Calling All Cargo donated a moving truck, five movers and supplies to help Big Brother Big Sister move into a better place, which will allow them to help more kids. Additionally, Calling All Cargo donated its truck and movers to Celebrate Pink, an organization for making a difference in the lives of women undergoing breast cancer treatment. They needed help with the set up and break down of a fundraising event for which they gladly supplied the muscle.
2012 Nonprofit of the Year honors The Strafford Rivers Conservancy—a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and conserving the scenic beauty, natural resources, and unique character of the Strafford County region. Since 1989, the SRC has been the only local land trust for Strafford County and southern Carroll County. The SRC staff and volunteer board members meet with landowners who wish to conserve their property and educate them on how to protect their land via a conservation easement or outright gift of land. The SRC provides guidance throughout the process and helps organize community support, funding, legal arrangements, etc. to move the project to completion.
In the organization’s 22-year history, it has increased the number of properties on which it holds conservation easements from its initial 48-acre parcel along the Salmon Falls River on the Dover/Rollinsford border to 58 parcels with 3,270 acres of forest, farm, riverfront, and lakefront property. Ten of these properties are in Dover and range from 4 to 77 acres.
This year, the Business of the Year Award was bestowed upon Measured Progress.
Founded by two passionate educators, Measured Progress (then Advanced Systems) in 1983, they could not have predicted that their small assessment firm would one day assess more than 2.5 million students nationwide. Measured Progress is an industry leader in the development of customized, K-12 student assessments for schools, districts, and states. With more than 400 employees and offices in four states, the non-profit company remains true to its founders’ philosophy: assessments are a means, not an end. It still is all about student learning.
Measured Progress believes that all students can achieve a quality education, especially when they understand what they need to accomplish and have the educational support to get there. This is why the company has dedicated itself to investing in research that provides insight into assessing students with cognitive disabilities. There are precious few companies that invest even half the time and resources in advancing education that Measured Progress does. The organization’s commitment to education excellence is both unparalleled and inspiring.
The 2012 Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Pam Simpson. The list of boards, committees, charities, volunteer efforts, and general community work that Pam has participated in and in most cases led is endless. To list them now would surely miss many, but suffice to say, if there is something new and exciting happening in Dover—it’s likely that Pam was at the center of it.
She has served on the Dover Children’s Home Board for a number of years helping to raise funds for this worthy organization. And, while serving on the Board, Pam was honored with the Paul Harris Award from the Dover Rotary.
When Pam agreed to join the Board of the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce after many years as a member of the Chamber and serving on many committees, she didn’t expect the tasks she would encounter during her year as Chair. She was working hard on the Board, helping to develop and organize the Capital Campaign for the purchase of a new facility, when she was also tasked with the management of the organization and the search for a new Executive Director. Without complaint she realized she would have to increase her volunteer hours and work with the Chamber Board and Staff on a daily basis, not only to manage the daily running of the organization, but the continued efforts of the Capital Campaign to raise funds, along with the management of the renovations of the new facility and organizing the move.
This year’s honorees have done much for the city of Dover, and it is with much gratitude that the Chamber and its community bestow these awards upon them.

Well, I’ll Be...: A Review of “Damned”

2012-01-06T06:20:00.000-08:00

By Chip Schrader

Staff Book Review
Chuck Palahniuk’s latest novel, “Damned,” combines themes of several of his previous works: the grotesque depiction of American celebrity he mastered in “Tell All,” the taboo of basic human drives he broke out within “Choke,” and the supernatural elements that made his masterpiece “Lullaby” a page turner. Having several of his books adapted to film, including his breakthrough novel “Fight Club,” Palahniuk is a staple on must-read lists worldwide. A note on local facts, he has stopped in Portsmouth during two of his recent book tours.
The titular “Damned” refers to the main character, Madison, the thirteen-year-old daughter of “Brangelina”-esque celebrities who is said to have died from an accidental overdose. Beyond dying early, Madison has somehow fallen from ‘grace’ and sentenced to spend eternity in the “lake of fire.”
From the opening chapter, this concept treads upon the hokey side because of its lack of proper imagery of Hades and depicts a teenage rivalry between two condemned souls. As the story progress, she meets a group of friends that prompts a reference the “Breakfast Club.” There is the jock, the geek, the prom queen, the punk and Madison herself, the undesirable girl or recluse—she compares herself to the Ally Sheedy-played recluse of the famous John Hughes film.
Further on in the story, we learn that the reasons the characters have ended up in hell range from an offside penalty, to stealing bread for a hungry family. Much like Dante, Palahniuk masterfully inserts dozens of other reasons for condemnation: saying the ultimate swear word more than 700 times in a lifetime, practicing Buddhism at any point, and honking a horn too many times—which condemns cab drivers on the spot.
Humorous anecdotes like the aforementioned make an otherwise slim early narrative both fun and engaging.
Further into the book Madison endeavors to take over Hell. Her nerdy friend knows the origin and taxonomy of each demon, and the readers are treated to his history lessons in world religion, as demons are merely gods of dead religions. Through this trek through the underworld, they travel through a river of clipped fingernails and various other unbecoming collections of human waste to allow Madison to reach her goal.
“Damned” slowly evolves into an adventure-story that makes up for a slow beginning. A story dependent upon character set-up, layered themes flesh out the narrative as Madison’s story unfolds. The scenarios are hilarious and outlandish—though sometimes become so explicit that readers may envision the adult-oriented cartoons of R. Crumb. Especially during at least one scenario that remains too graphic to depict in this publication.
As readers laugh their way through this book, much of the satire and jabbing seems both indulgent and unnecessary. As the book winds down to its last pages, thoug, Palahniuk proves his skill as a master satirist as he crosses every “T,” dots every “i,” and proves each pun intentional.
“Damned” is a fun and unique romp from a modern disciple. Kurt Vonnegut’s latest—though a tad more adult-oriented than some may think—is ultimately a solid read. (Courtesy image)

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

2011-12-30T14:08:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-30T14:08:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-30T14:07:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-23T13:19:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-23T13:17:00.000-08:00

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’

2011-12-23T13:16:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-16T06:56:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-16T06:55:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-16T06:50:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-25T08:27:00.000-08:00

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’

2011-11-25T08:25:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-25T08:25:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-18T08:22:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-18T08:21:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-11T08:19:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-11T08:18:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-11T08:16:00.000-08:00

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)

Veterans Day at the Woodman

2011-11-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

DOVER—

The Woodman Institute Museum in Dover invites all veterans to visit the museum on Saturday, November 12, for free from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. On hand will be some World War II re-enactors and military vehicles for museum visitors to enjoy. Visitors will also be able to ask questions about the many artifacts on display in the museum’s war room display. German, Italian, Japanese and American items have been donated over the years that include weapons, flags, uniforms, medals, radio equipment and souvenirs brought home.
A new exhibit displays items related to the capture of the German U-boat U-234 in 1945, which was brought into Portsmouth by the USS Sutton. Dover’s former high school principal and superintendent Fred Walker was the communications officer on the Sutton, and his children recently donated items from that historic event that include a German cap, photos of the prisoners being transferred, items from U-Boat Captain Fehler and original tracking charts from the U-234 was being hunted.
Also on display are many items related to the War of 1812, Spanish American War, World War I and a special Vietnam display showing the uniform and Purple Heart medal received by Dover’s Ann Darby Reynolds, Navy nurse injured in the 1964 Christmas Eve bombing at Saigon. Lt. Reynolds was the youngest nurse and one of the first women to serve in Vietnam and receive this recognition.
This year is the beginning of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. The Woodman has an entire room displaying one of the finest Civil War era collections in New England.
Many items related to Dover area veterans are being preserved and displayed at one of New England’s finest science, art and history museums. The Woodman Institute Museum is located at 182 Central Ave. in historic Dover and open Wed.-Sun., 12:30-4:30. Special group tours are available. Call 742-1038 or visit www.woodmaninstitutemuseum.org for more information.
Photo caption: In 1964, Lt. (JG) Ann Darby Reynolds was the youngest Navy nurse and one of the first women to serve in Vietnam and receive the Purple Heart for injuries received during the Christmas Eve bombing in Saigon. The Woodman Museum in Dover displays her uniform, medals and photographs as a tribute to all the women that served. (Courtesy photo)

Young, Loud and Snotty: A Review of Steve Jobs’ Biography

2011-11-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

By Chip Schrader

Staff Book Critic
Biographer Walter Isaacson has covered the lives of innovative thinkers Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, and Henry Kissinger. Being his latest subject, Steve Jobs approached Isaacson about being his biographer while he was still working on the Einstein biography nearly ten years ago. This was shortly after Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The book was released only weeks after Jobs’ death, but was not necessarily intended for a posthumous release.
The first chapters focus on Jobs’ childhood. His adoption, his biological parents’ more privileged background, and his adoptive parents’ blue collar background lead all the way up to the day his adoptive parents realize this emotional and manipulative child was more intelligent than they were.
The next several chapters borrow and quote heavily from Apple Co-founder Steve Wozniak’s autobiography “iWoz.” In fact, the chapters in this section mimic “Woz’s” autobiography by naming and organizing chapters after the Apple products that were being introduced at this stage in their lives: “Apple I, Apple II, Lisa, Macintosh,” etc.
Those who have read “iWoz” can almost skip a good portion of the first one hundred pages without missing too much vital information, but this fact also reinforces that Isaacson’s research seldom, if ever, conflicts in perspective. This consistency of facts about the relationship between Wozniak, Jobs, and the foundation of Apple validates Isaacson’s research. Moreover, Isaacson freely elaborates on many of Jobs’ associates’ backgrounds throughout the book, providing a small biography of each important personality that comes into his life.
Isaacson has interviewed ex-girlfriends, friends, foes, current and former colleagues. There are no pulled punches, and the cheap shots are free game, as they were in Jobs’ life. In later chapters, Isaacson reminds us of how Jobs had worked with the likes of Ross Perot, founded Pixar, and played a major role in Disney picking up a contract with Pixar to supply the 3-D animation technology. We even are given a glimpse at his part in the creation of the “Toy Story” franchise.
Isaacson’s detailed account of these business endeavors and friendships brings the reader back to the eighties when Atari video games were king, and his description of American culture’s continual evolution. The cast of characters surrounding Jobs’ life paint a vivid reminiscence of a bygone era. Moreover, the biography shows how long and how short the span of thirty years really is, and how quickly the world changed.
Thoroughly researched, and written with a balanced perspective and detail, the book reads like an intelligent conversation. It never lags or gets dull; even the explanation of the technology and business negotiations keep the reader engaged. Isaacson keeps the details pertinent without driving the descriptions over readers heads, a tall order when trying to aptly explain such a rapid technological evolution.
With all of the headlines coming out showing how unpleasant Jobs’ disposition, hygiene, and ethics were, the story provides something deeper than just headline gossip. In fact, the last chapter consists mostly of Jobs’ own words and statements on his own life. This biography is a time machine that brings every reader back to recent eras we can easily access. It is epic in scope as it covers a revolutionary personality who forged a revolution.
Hardcover: 656 pages. Publisher: Simon & Schuster (October 24, 2011).
Photo caption: (Courtesy book cover image)

Updates from the Bridge

2011-11-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist
KITTERY, ME—
The replacement of the Memorial Bridge that connects Portsmouth, N.H., and Kittery, ME continues to move forward on several fronts.
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) has named a Chicago firm as the apparent team for the design/build contract for the bridge and the Maine Legislative Council has unanimously approved the submission of a bill by State Sen. Dawn Hill, (D-York) to allow signage on Interstate 95 to aid downtown Kittery businesses by directing travelers to them.
Other legislation submitted by Sen. Hill to provide immunity from tort claim lawsuits for a New Hampshire based transportation company looking to expand its one Maine route through Berwick to include Kittery and Eliot since the closing of the Memorial Bridge failed to receive support from the Legislative Council. It was voted down in a 5-5 vote.
Sen. Hill said Monday she will appeal that decision.
A team headed by Archer Western Contractors had been selected for replacement of the bridge that carries Route 1 across the Piscataqua River.
Archer Western submitted a bid price of $81,420,000 to replace the 88-year old lift bridge that is closed to motor vehicle traffic. The projected date for opening the new span is July 2013.
The bid opening is “another important milestone in our aggressive approach in partnership with the Maine Department of Transportation towards building a new Memorial Bridge,” Christopher Clement, NHDOT commissioner, said.
“We will get the successful bidder on the job to restore this vital transportation link between New Hampshire and Maine as soon as possible.”
Design-build is a process in which the design and construction phases of a project are combined into one contract, with the goal of expediting project completion.
On the legislative front Sen. Hill said she appreciates “the support of legislative leaders to recognize the importance of signage on Interstate 95 to the people and businesses of this area. I look forward to discussing this issue in the upcoming session.”
“The bridge may be closed, but the community is still open for business,” she continued. “This bill will help the people and businesses of Kittery during this period.”
Sen. Hill said the signage will not be billboard-type that is prohibited by State Law, but will help direct traffic to popular local destinations, similar to detour signage.
As to the tort immunity proposal, Sen. Hill said she would like to reinforce the importance of it with help from the business community. She is seeking individuals and businesses to write in support of this legislation.
“I think once I am given the chance to explain the situation, there will be a clear understanding that this bill is of emergency status,” she said. “Input from local businesses and residents will be very helpful in garnering the support needed to move forward.”
At present the New Hampshire company does not fall under Maine’s immunity from tort claim lawsuits because it is located in New Hampshire.
Sen. Hill noted that without protection in Maine Law, the transit business faces insurance issues and is thus reluctant to expand its services. Maine transit organizations are protected from tort claim lawsuits.
A date for appeals has been scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Maine legislators filed over 290 bills for the upcoming session but none is allowed to be processed before the full Legislature unless approved by the council.
The State Constitution limits legislative business during the Second Regular Session to budgetary matters and legislation of an emergency nature.
The legislative session is scheduled to begin Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012.

Arts In Reach Presents TABLESCAPES

2011-10-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

PORTSMOUTH—
It seems fitting that Arts In Reach (AIR), an organization that challenges teenage girls to express themselves through art, is challenging regional designers to expand their creative boundaries and create over-the-top tabletop designs at a new event dubbed TABLESCAPES, to be held November 4-6 at the Jarvis Center in Portsmouth, adjacent to Portsmouth High School.
TABLESCAPES will open with a preview gala on Friday evening, November 4, featuring the first opportunity to view the stunning table designs, savor hors d’oeuvres, enjoy light jazz music and mingle with celebrity guest judges. Judges will present awards Friday evening for their selection of Best of Show, Over-The-Top Tabletop and Best Theme Interpretation, while attendees can cast their vote throughout the weekend for the People’s Choice Award.
Demonstrations will take place all weekend with ideas that will make entertaining easy while at the same time adding pop and panache to your party. Many of the demos are hands-on and give attendees the chance to taste or try a technique. Susan Tuveson presents “Discover Your Inner Chocolate” on Saturday at noon. Susan uses chocolate to teach foodies to identify how their mouth, olfactory senses and brain interpret flavors. At 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, attendees can meet Eileen Behan, author of “For the Love of Food.” Ms. Behan will show how to zip together fabulous appetizers. Sunday presenters include Nancy Briggs Guilmette of C’est Cheese. Nancy provides great step-by-step ideas for serving cheese for dessert. Jay Curcio of The White Apron and Kevin Powell of Vinilandia NH Wine Distributors will be doing a wine tasting and food pairing while demonstrating how to create a lavish party on a budget on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. On Sunday at 1:00, meet author and illustrator of the “Fairy House” books, Tracy Kane, and join in building a winter fairy house. Tracy’s demo is followed by “Finishing Touches: The Art of the Cupcake,” presented by Portsmouth Baking Company. Other demos include napkin folding, gift-wrapping and holiday decorating. TABLESCAPES will provide entertaining inspiration for every season. For a full schedule of interactive demonstrations and complete designer list visit www.airnh.org/tablescapes.
TABLESCAPES is the brainchild of Darcy Horgan, President of AIR’s Board of Directors. Darcy envisioned an event featuring imaginative, artistic, high-design, and genuinely over-the-top designs for your dining table. She rallied a group of AIR supporters and formed a committee who recruited some of the area’s most respected floral, home, party and entertaining designers to contribute their design expertise to an event that will not only inspire you to entertain but will also raise money for an organization that empowers teenage girls.
“TABLESCAPES will raise the artistry of your next party” Darcy Horgan states enthusiastically. “My intent was to come up with an event that reflected the arts based mission and cutting edge programmatic style of Arts In Reach. Just as we ask the teen girls in our programs to express themselves freely in their art, writing and performances, we reflectively asked the designers to present table designs with a complete open mind. The only limitations for the designers were the ceiling height and the size of the table. Beyond that, we simply asked that they WOW visitors with inspiring table designs, floral creations, unique centerpieces, and innovative entertaining ideas.”
TABLESCAPES opens with a Preview Gala on Friday, November 4, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Preview Gala tickets are $75. The event continues on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are $15 Advance / $20 At the Door (Students and Seniors $15 at the door). Children accompanied by an adult are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at www.airnh.org/tablescapes or by calling 603-433-4278. Demonstrations are included with the price of admission.
Arts In Reach (AIR) is an innovative non-profit organization based in southern New Hampshire with a mission to empower teenage girls through mentoring and the arts. AIR provides progressive performing and visual arts programs during afterschool hours and school vacations for girls between the ages of 13 and 18 in Rockingham and Strafford Counties. AIR commits to making programs accessible to lower income youth by charging no fees and assisting in transportation. Girls develop confidence and gain key life skills such as collaboration, goal-setting, leadership, and communication while discovering new and creative means of self-expression. AIR envisions a community in which all young women are respected, supported, and enriched throughout their teenage years.
Photo caption: Arts in Reach recently held a Walk-a-Thon around downtown Portsmouth, pictured here. The organization is challenging regional designers to create entertaining “tablescapes” at an upcoming event by that name. (Courtesy photo)

Funny Girl: A review of Tina Fey’s Memoir ‘Bossypants’

2011-10-28T06:49:00.000-07:00

By Chip Schrader

Book Reviewer
Tina Fey started off as an actress on television ads. She eventually landed a spot on Saturday Night Live’s writing staff, a move that evolved into Fey taking the seat of greats Chevy Chase, Kevin Nealon, and Dennis Miller as the anchor of the SNL news. Now, she has her own show, 30 Rock – a parody of the behind the scenes antics of Saturday Night Live – a movie career, and a hilarious memoir “Bossypants.”
“Bossypants” begins with Tina’s childhood, a surprise pregnancy, puberty, her father’s mild racism, and Summer Showtime. Summer Showtime highlights Fey’s coming of age in this teenage theater group where she catches the actor’s bug, and her friend comes out of the closet at a grand party that ends the summer. From these experiences she learns, “Gay people were made that way by God, but not solely for my entertainment.” A perfect example of Fey’s no holds barred documentation of her life.
As her star rose, Fey became an unwitting glamour icon. She unravels the sense of irony she feels with the light in which the public sees her. Chock full of blemishes, imperfections, and earthly human habits, Fey charms women readers proving she is just one of them, and male readers that there is a Tina Fey in every man’s wife.
Her recollections of the magazine photo shoots, adoring and snarky fan letters, awkward adolescence and motherhood dispels any myth of beauty one might hold of her. However, perhaps intentionally, Fey’s assessments of her self-image reinforce the deeper beauty of modesty and humanity with which she is truly gifted.
The only sure bet out there rests in the fact that nobody can get through “Bossypants” without emitting at least one hearty belly laugh between every five or so pages. She covers the challenges and pitfalls of working with men – particularly comedians with fixations on bodily functions – she has a memorable chapter of fashion advice for her daughter, and lets us in on the showbiz secrets and the Sarah Palin spoofs that made her a household name.
“Bossypants” is sharply written, and as the author, Fey is well aware of the phrase “too much information,” and relishes her disregard of the social mores that inspired the phrase. The anecdotes all seem to have a punch line, which to less gifted people can grow wearisome, but Fey is the funniest woman on earth.
Some chapters are straight ahead anecdotes and retellings of her life’s events, and others are checklists, script snippets, and outlines of witty observations and lessons she has learned in an ordinary woman’s extraordinary life. The honesty that anchors her humor is what makes her a winner. She is not afraid to admit to who she is, and she is a bold role model for any “Sarah plain and tall” who aspires to something greater. The candor, wit, humility, and finely crafted and inventive narrative make “Bossypants” a winner.
288 Pages, Reagan Arthur Books; 1st Edition (April 5, 2011).
Photo caption: (Courtesy book cover image)

Plans Progress for Hampton Christmas Parade

2011-10-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

HAMPTON—
Yes, Virginia, there will be a Christmas Parade in Hampton this year!
Despite a small rumor to the contrary, the 2011 Hampton Christmas Parade is scheduled to march along a two-mile stretch of Lafayette Road on Saturday, December 3 beginning at 1 p.m.
The popular annual event is being organized by Experience Hampton, Inc. and the Hampton Recreation and Parks Department. This year’s parade theme will be “Hampton… One Beautiful Town.”
Local businesses and organizations are invited to enter the parade, and marchers and floats are welcome. Applications for parade entries are available at the recreation office on Winnacunnet Road, or online at experiencehamptonnh.org.
Donations are also being gratefully accepted; those wishing to help fund this year’s parade can make out a check to “Experience Hampton” and drop it off at the 401 Tavern on Lafayette Road.
Volunteers are also needed in a number of ways, from safety to fundraising to float building. For more information, contact Experience Hampton, Inc. at parade@experiencehamptonnh.org.
Photo caption: (Courtesy photo of a past parade)

Frisbie Memorial Hospital First in the Nation to Install High Quality Imaging at Low Radiation Dose

2011-10-21T06:45:00.001-07:00

ROCHESTER—
Frisbie Memorial Hospital has announced the installation of a powerful and compact Computed Tomography (CT) system offering improvements from earlier CT models in diagnostic capabilities at low dose levels – up to 40 percent lower compared to an average medical facility – and designed for sustainability and ease-of-use. General Electric’s (GE) Optima CT660 enables fast, high performance imaging for patients in a variety of clinical settings, including cardiac, neurological, emergency room and routine CT scans. The Optima CT660, which is scalable up to 128 slices, replaces Frisbie Memorial’s 64-slice CT scan.
To publicly announce the installation of this new cutting-edge technology, representatives from GE Healthcare will be arriving from locations throughout the country to be onsite at Frisbie Memorial Hospital on October 26, 2011. This official launch recognizes Frisbie Memorial as the first facility in the United States to install the Optima CT660 system. In addition, Frisbie Memorial Hospital will be designated as GE’s official Optima CT660 “show site.” Hospitals nation-wide will have the opportunity to visit Frisbie Memorial to learn more about the Opitma CT660’s advanced diagnostic capabilities.
Already in use at hundreds of sites across Europe, Latin America and Asia, Frisbie Memorial is the first hospital in the United States to install GE’s Optima CT660 that is both ecomagination and healthymagination-certified, two of GE’s global initiatives aimed at transforming healthcare delivery through innovation, partnerships and sustainability. As a result, Frisbie Memorial Hospital patients now have access to quality CT imaging with a reduced dose of radiation.
“Frisbie Memorial Hospital is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality CT images at the lowest radiation dose possible. This new scanner gives us the latest tools available to accomplish that,” states Carrie Aubut RT(R) (CT), Lead CT Technologist at Frisbie Memorial Hospital. The lower dose was confirmed during acceptance testing by Frisbie Memorial’s Health Physicist, Arthur Savard, Ph.D., DABMP, Cardinal Medical Physics Services. His report stated, “Radiation dose was remarkably low. I would suggest doing pediatric patients on this unit.”
Moreover, from an operational standpoint, this new equipment makes good business sense for Frisbie Memorial.
“The Optima CT660 is an ideal replacement for our VCT 64. No room or wiring changes were needed. It provides safer scans, faster patient set-up and uses less electricity. Our scanning quality and efficiency go up, and operating costs go down. Exactly what we need to do in this economy,” said Dean DeMaster, RT(N), CNMT, MBA, Director of Imaging Services at Frisbie Memorial.
An ecomagination-certified product, GE’s Optima CT660 is also among the world’s most energy efficient Volume CT systems, using about 60 percent less energy than earlier scanners. Additionally, its lighter weight reduces transportation costs while its environmental design addresses refurbishment and end-of-life recycling. In line with Frisbie Memorial’s Go Green initiatives, which include hospital-wide recycling and energy conservation efforts, all components of the Optima CT660 are completely recyclable at end of life.
GE’s Optima CT660 features advanced tools to use less radiation while enhancing imaging quality. Standard on the Optima CT660, “Dose Check” technology notifies and alerts CT users prior to scanning if the estimated dose is above their institution’s set values, requires explicit user authority checks when estimated dose exceeds the alert value, enables specifically-defined pediatric and adult alert values, and provides for audit logging, review, and protocol change control capabilities. Frisbie Memorial currently uses GE’s Featherlight software so that pediatric patients receive low-dose radiation.
Photo caption: Frisbie Memorial Hospital will be the first in the United States to install General Electric’s Optima CT660 computed tomography system. (Courtesy photo)

Legends, Lore and Mystery with New England Curiosities’ Roxie Zwicker

2011-10-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

RYE—
Families can get together for a hauntingly good time at the Seacoast Science Center on Thursday, October 27 at 5:30 p.m. The evening will kick off with a family-style dinner. Children will then Trick-or-Treat around the darkened Center, using bags they have decorated.
Then, two different age-appropriate activities will be offered. Young children can enjoy supervised seasonal stories and games at the Center. Older children (appropriate for ages 8 and up) can walk to the Odiorne Family graveyard with their parents, where Roxie Zwicker awaits. She will tell us about the hidden-away graveyard: the oldest in New Hampshire! She will regale us with local legends—suitable for the season and the family. Be among the first to hear the specially prepared tales Roxie will tell based on research about the graveyard and legends of Odiorne and our coast.
This is the first of the Center’s Heritage Dinner Series to be planned just for families. Costumes are encouraged, but remember to dress for the weather and the walk! Some flashlights will be available, but best to bring your own. This is a rain or shine event: it may be entirely inside if necessary.
As founder of New England Curiosities, Roxie has been sharing her stories of New England legends and lore since 1993. She has captivated national audiences in person, as well as on television and radio. She will be autographing her books (available in the Nature Store) this evening.
The cost for evening is $10/adult, $5/child for members; $15/adult, $6/child for non-members and includes beverages and family fare. Please send checks made payable to Seacoast Science Center, 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye, NH 03870 or contact Nichole at 603-436-8043, ext. 26 or n.rutherford@seacentr.org to sign up.
Photo caption: (Courtesy photo of Roxie Zwicker)

Chamber of Commerce & Dover Listens to Host Candidate Forums

2011-10-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

DOVER—
The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce will present a series of candidate forums for residents to gain knowledge about candidates running for public office in the November 8th elections. There will be forums dedicated to the School Board, City Council and the Mayoral races.
The Chamber of Commerce Mayoral Candidate Forum will be held on Monday, October 24 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at the Dover City Hall. The City Council Candidate Forums will immediately follow, beginning at approximately 7:00 p.m. Each Ward, as well as At Large Candidates, will be separated into their own forums.
The Chamber of Commerce School Board Candidate Forum will take place on Thursday, October 27 at 6:00 p.m. at the School Board Chamber in the McConnell Center, room 306.
In addition to the Candidate Forums, on Tuesday, October 25, Dover Listens will be hosting Community Conversations from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Rivermill at Dover Landing. The conversation format will give candidates the opportunity to hear from constituents about what they would like from their representatives.
At the Chamber of Commerce Forums, candidates will be given the opportunity to make opening and closing statements and will be asked a series of questions developed by the Forum Committee. The Dover Listens Community Conversations will be more of a small group, facilitated dialogue between residents and candidates.
Don Briand, News Director of WOKQ 97.5 will moderate this year’s Chamber of Commerce forums. All Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forums will be broadcast live on Dover’s local Channel 22 with multiple rebroadcasts likely.

Third Annual Pizza-Tasting Event Benefits Children’s Museum

2011-10-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

DOVER—

On Saturday, November 5, pizza aficionados of all ages can cast their votes for best regional pizza restaurants at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s third annual PizzaFest and Holiday Auction. The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Children’s Museum of NH in Dover and is generously sponsored by D.F. Richard. Attendees will be able to sample different varieties of pizza from local purveyors, then vote for their favorites. All proceeds benefit the museum’s innovative education and outreach programs.
Seacoast area pizza restaurants will be serving up both cheese and specialty pizzas for guests to sample and judge in the categories of Kids’ Choice Cheese and Grown-Ups’ Choice. A judging panel will crown the Judges’ Pick for Best Pizza, Best Crust and Most Creative Toppings. This year’s judging panel will include a student from the Culinary Arts program at the Regional Career Technical Center at Dover High School.
Eight pizza restaurants are already confirmed for this year’s event: Dover House of Pizza, Kendall Pond II, La Festa Brick & Brew Pizzeria, Papa Gino’s, River Bend Pizza & Subs, Roger’s Restaurant, Smiley’s, and Uno’s Chicago Grill.
In addition to all the pizza tasting, there will be activities for children including games, interactive exploration of exhibits and face painting. This event is family friendly but adults on their own are also welcome, as this is a great opportunity to start holiday shopping.
This year’s Holiday Silent Auction will offer dozens of great gift ideas for family, friends, business associates and more. Items up for bid will include ski passes to Cranmore Mountain Resort, an overnight at the Inn & Spa at Mills Falls, a one-week kids’ kayak camp donated by Portsmouth Kayak Adventures, a $500 certificate toward a solar installation from Revision Energy, family portrait packages from Goldsmith Photography, vehicle maintenance certificates from Bill Dube Ford, $50 of Usborne Books and much more.
The cost of the Children’s Museum PizzaFest and Holiday Auction is $10 for adults, $7 for children age 10 and under, and children age two and under are free. Advance reservations are required as space is limited. Reservations can be made by calling the museum at (603) 742-2002 during regular weekday business hours or making payment at the front desk.
Photo caption: The proprietors of Kendall Pond II in Dover will be serving up slices at the Children’s Museum of NH’s PizzaFest for a third consecutive year. (Courtesy photo)

Seabrook Station United Way Golf Invitational Crosses $500,000 Threshold

2011-10-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

SEABROOK/RYE—

Seabrook Station held their annual Golf Invitational to benefit United Way of the Greater Seacoast (UWGS) in September at Abenaqui Country Club in Rye, NH with outstanding results. 136 golfers hit the links and recent totals show an impressive $30,000 raised for UWGS. Since the first tournament in 1989, over $500,000 has been raised in support of UWGS and the Greater Seacoast community.
At the celebration event following the tournament, UWGS Sr. Director of Resource Development Janet Guen recognized the efforts of the Seabrook Station team:
“Each year I am both grateful and humbled by the enthusiasm and support that Seabrook Station brings to the table. It is because of the leadership and compassion of company’s like NextEra that we are able to make a difference in the lives of so many.”
Along with NextEra Energy, tournament event sponsors were Ames, BHI Energy, GE Energy, Westinghouse Electric Corp., and Shaw Stone and Webster. Special thanks go to Mike Lewis and Nancy O’Neil who co-organized the event, and to all who participated in the tournament.
Photo caption: Pictured (left to right): tournament organizer Nancy O’Neil, NextEra Energy Seabrook Station Site Vice President Paul Freeman, United Way of the Greater Seacoast Senior Director Resource Development Janet Guen, and United Way Golf Coordinator Mike Lewis. (Courtesy photo)

Opening Scenes: ‘50/50’

2011-10-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

By Chip Schrader

Movie Reviewer
“50/50” begins with a shot of moving pavement; a hand holding an iPod moves into the frame. As the camera pans back, we see a man in a sweat suit running along a waterfront with the Seattle skyline on the other side. The man stops at the “Do Not Walk” light, while another jogger runs by him to cross the street, regardless of the sign. The light changes and he proceeds.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays as Adam, the cautious jogger who doesn’t drive because it is the fifth leading cause of death. In spite of his prudence, he is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer where mutated genes formed into a tumor along his spinal cord. When telling his 50/50 chance of survival to his best friend Kyle, played by Seth Rogen, Kyle tries to maintain his composure, stating Adam would have better chances than anyone in Vegas with those chances.
The cast is stellar with Anjelica Huston, Anna Kendrick, and Bryce Dallas Howard (The Help) supporting the painful and complicated journey of a 27-year-old cancer patient. Anjelica Huston is Adam’s mother, a worrier whose husband is marooned in the latter stages of Alzheimer’s disease. For her own survival, she seeks her son to allow her to care for him, but his girlfriend, played by Howard, leaves viewers scratching their heads with her care-giving methods.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s portrayal seethes with pain, despair and loneliness until the adversity knots into the viewers’ guts. Just in time, Kyle comes into the scene, insists that his best friend exploit this illness as a means to live his life fully, and uses his vulgar humor to steer the audience and his best friend’s demeanor into lighter territory.
“50/50” will likely introduce Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen to Oscar-conscious audiences and filmmakers. Rogen’s character, in particular, displays that the comedic actor has the chops to be funny in a serious film with this subtly nuanced character. The scenes in the treatment center, Adam’s scenes of private pain, and his anger are very real to those who have witnessed the nature of the disease. Huston shines in the doctor’s office after Adam finally lets her into his private battle; this is the first of many scenes that bring goosebumps in the last third of the movie as Adam’s road to wellness narrows.
Bottom line: “50/50” should not be missed. Viewers will get chills from the deep humanity of the male friendship that inspired this story, and the struggles of a patient who always had to play protector. Scenes with an icy physician and a young psychologist needing a case study for her doctorate subtly indicate the commonplace shortcomings of healthcare. But, the sweeping political commentary is kept at bay as the heart of the story is the most inspiring. This film will make audiences hurt, hate, love, and laugh many times over. “50/50” is based on a true story and makes us revel that friendships like this really exist. 4.5 out of 5.
Photo caption: (Courtesy movie poster image)

World Class Triathletes Jarrod Shoemaker and Sarah Groff to Ride in Krempels King of the Road Challenge

2011-10-07T06:22:00.000-07:00

PORTSMOUTH—

Event organizers are pleased to announce that Jarrod Shoemaker, the top ranked American triathlete in the world and current national champion, and Sarah Groff, World Championship Series athlete and 2012 Olympics-bound triathlete, will join other riders at the inaugural Krempels King of the Road Challenge to be held October 15.
In 2009, Jarrod won the Duathlon World Championship and Hamburg World Championship Series race. After attending Dartmouth College (‘04) – where he ran cross country and track and won an Ivy League Cross Country Championship – Jarrod turned his attention to triathlon, and in 2005, won the Under 23 World Championship. He followed that up by finishing 18th at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He currently lives in Maynard, MA.
Sarah Groff is an internationally-ranked triathlete and a member of the US Elite National Team. In early September she won the Bronze Medal for the overall 2011 World Championship Series in Beijing, China. This caps an incredible year for Sarah as she has proved herself to be the top American triathlete. This year, Sarah has posted five top 10 finishes in World Championship Series races, the first ever podium finish by an American woman in a WCS race, qualified for the 2012 London Olympic Games and earned the first ever American medal for the overall World Championship Series.
Sarah was a double major in conservation biology and studio art at Middlebury College, graduating cum laude and with highest honors in art. When finished with triathlon, she plans on going into environmental law. She lives in Hanover, NH.
The Krempels King of the Road Challenge is a fundraising ride to benefit the Krempels Center, a Portsmouth-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with brain injury from trauma, tumor or stroke. This event has a special connection to the King family, through the local cycle-racing legends Robbie and Teddy King, who are actively involved with supporting the event. Riders of all abilities are welcome to participate.
More information about the Krempels King of the Road Challenge can be found at www.kingchallenge.org.
Photo caption: Jarrod Shoemaker, world champion and Olympic triathlon participant, will participate in the Krempels King of the Road Challenge on October 15. (Courtesy photo)

Efforts Raise Funds to Support Operation Christmas Child

2011-10-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

HAMPTON FALLS—

Local volunteers with Operation Christmas Child (OCC) took to the raceways on a recent summer weekend when they trekked to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon for a unique fund-raising opportunity.
“It was great,” said Larry Marshall, a self-described “die-hard race fan” and OCC volunteer who was instrumental in arranging the effort.
A total of 14 volunteers, most of them from Hampton Falls First Baptist Church, traveled to Loudon in mid-August, having undergone a training session at the popular race track just a week earlier.
Once there, they served as screeners, welcoming guests at the gates to the speedway and making sure that no unauthorized objects, such as glass bottles and umbrellas, were brought into the stands.
According to Marshall, the fundraising came in the form of each volunteer “earning” seven dollars per hour in their capacity as screeners. The group put in an approximate 10-hour day.
Each hourly wage that was earned will help to process and ship a gift-filled shoebox that will eventually be given to a hurting child through Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse.
Since 1993, OCC has hand-delivered shoebox gifts to more than 86 million hurting children overseas. To make this ministry work, participants fill shoeboxes with an assortment of school supplies and toys which are then shipped and distributed to kids in some 130 countries.
Marshall’s group of volunteers earned enough funds to process and ship a couple hundred shoeboxes, which they plan to fill with hundreds of donated items at their annual “Packing Party” in October.
“The real blessing in our eyes is more than just the money,” said Marshall. “It’s the fellowship – getting to know people from this church that I didn’t know before, and getting a new couple to join us. We also gave away some OCC material.”
That material included information about OCC’s shoebox ministry and how to pack a gift-filled shoebox; details can be found at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.
The OCC team got rave reviews from their fund-raising partners at NH Motor Speedway.
“The track loved us,” said Marshall. “The supervisors told us we did a really good job, and invited us back for the September race.”
As far as the volunteers were concerned, “Everybody had such a great time – they really want to go back again,” said Marshall. “Something tells me this might become an annual thing.”
Filling shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child is also “an annual thing” that everyone can do – families, churches, scout troops, community groups and businesses can all take an active part.
Once the items have been purchased, simply fill the shoeboxes (cardboard or plastic) with an assortment of school supplies, toys, personal items (comb, toothbrush and toothpaste, facecloth, etc.) and, if desired, a letter of encouragement.
Then, when National Collection Week comes around (this year it’s November 14-21), drop off the gift boxes at a collection site near you. The local collection site in this region is at the Hampton Falls First Baptist Church, located at the junction of Routes 1-88 in Hampton Falls, across from the town common.
Detailed step-by-step shoe-
box packing instructions are available at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call (800) 353-5949 or visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.
Photo caption: Members of the Southern New Hampshire Area OCC Team gathered for photos before welcoming guests to the NH Motor Speedway. Pictured here is part of the group of 14 volunteers who took part in the fund raising effort. (Courtesy photo)

Farmers’ Market Food and Fun

2011-10-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

ROLLINSFORD—
A Farmers’ Market Breakfast, a Farmers’ Market, and a daylong celebration of fall fun, tailored to the whole family, will be held at The Wentworth Greenhouses in Rollinsford this weekend.
In addition to the weekly Farmers’ Markets, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, a special Farmers’ Market Breakfast will be served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 8. Both the Farmers’ Market and Farmers’ Market Breakfast will be held indoors in the Greenhouses.
Breakfast will be served, courtesy of Want Waffles, Inc. and will feature a choice of sweet crepes (stuffed with caramelized apples, and topped with whipped cream, and a side of homemade sausage), savory crepes (filled with ground sausage, red onions, oyster mushrooms, a white sauce and 6 Italian cheeses), or Traditional Belgium Waffles (served with whipped cream, a blueberry compote, and a side of breakfast sausage links). Coffee, tea, and fresh apple cider is included in the breakfast.
Seventeen vendors, food producers, and craftsmen will be participating in Saturday’s Market. Those vendors contributing breakfast ingredients in direct support of the breakfast include Lasting Legacy Farm (farm fresh sausage), The Root Seller (red onions and home made Maple Sugar), Pawtuckaway Mushrooms (Oyster Mushrooms), Hackleboro Orchard (blueberries, apples, and apple cider), Anderson’s Mini Maples (NH Maple Syrup), Want Waffles, Inc. (the preparation and serving of the Crepes and waffles), and Greenleaf Farms (providing fresh cut flowers and table arrangements). The full gourmet breakfast is priced at $10, with $1 off coupons available to anyone wishing one through Wentworth Greenhouses prior to the breakfast.
Special guest artist and face painter Linda Weiser will also be part of Saturday’s Market, and will offer her face painting services throughout the duration of the Market.
Visitors to the Market will also be able purchase hand spun wool and dyed yarns from Patti Parrott of Green Parrott Designs, from Wendy Berry of Lasting Legacy Farm, or from Jon and Heidi West, who once again will be bringing their llamas to the Market for visitors who may have questions about raising llamas or wish to learn about the process of harvesting wool. Other farm animals slated to be part of Saturday’s Market include angora rabbits and a pig, as well as perhaps even a sheep or goat.
Additional activities scheduled throughout the day include workshops on Pumpkin Vase Flower Arranging with Deborah Sousane of Greenleaf Farms, and Learning to Make Scarecrows. A Pie Baking Contest that is open to the public will also be held. Pies must be submitted by Saturday, October 8 at noon. The winner will be awarded a $75 gift card good at Wentworth Greenhouses.
For guidelines about the Pie Baking Contest, or for more information about the Breakfast, the Farmers’ Market, or any of the day’s many scheduled activities, please call the Greenhouses at 73-4919, or visit www.wentworthgreenhouses.com.

Hannaford Donates $250,000 to Support New Nursery

2011-09-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

DOVER—
The Hannaford Charitable Foundation recently awarded Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (WDH) the largest private gift in the history of the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital & Health Foundation. Hannaford’s gift of $250,000 over five years will support the multi-level nursery in the new WDH Women & Children’s Center opening in early 2013. In honor of this significant gift, the nursery will be named the Hannaford Special Care Nursery at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.
According to Donna Boyce, charitable giving specialist at the Hannaford Charitable Foundation, Hannaford awards grants for initiatives that have long-lasting benefits to communities and fill a significant need. Over the past years, a few New Hampshire hospitals have closed their birth centers, creating a critical need for obstetric and newborn care facilities. Seacoast community birth rates are some of the highest in NH and WDH has led local hospitals in the number of births for several years.
At the heart of the Hospital’s new addition is a state-of-the-art Women & Children’s Center that will house the Hannaford Special Care Nursery. “It is a great example of the kind of healthcare projects of lasting value that the Hannaford Charitable Foundation works to support,” said Boyce.
The Hannaford Special Care Nursery’s family-centered model of care will facilitate bonding and attachment between parents and newborns, and prepare the family for the transition to home. Designed for multiple levels of care, the Nursery will feature a five-bed, well-baby area for newborns rooming-in with mom most of the time, a stabilization care area for infants awaiting transfer to or from a neonatal intensive care unit, and an eight-bed special care area for preterm or other babies having difficulty transitioning to life outside the womb. Four private special care rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring systems, radiant warmers, bassinets and a day bed for parents to stay with their baby. A specially-designed family suite with kitchen and laundry facilities will offer private space for the family’s comfort while staying with their baby for as long as is needed to stabilize the infant for transition to home.
According to Karen MacDonald, RN, Nurse Director for Maternal and Child Services at WDH all of the staff of Women & Children’s are really excited about the Hannaford Special Care Nursery. MacDonald said, “The Hannaford organization understands families are best served in a center that supports the privacy parents need to get to know their infants. This is especially important for high-risk infants.”
The Hannaford Charitable Foundation is the charitable giving arm of Hannaford Supermarkets of Scarborough, Maine. The Hannaford Foundation provided $1.3 million in grants in 2010 to 130 non-profit organizations that serve communities where Hannaford Supermarkets does business and where its associates live. Hannaford Supermarkets operates 178 stores in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York and Massachusetts.
Photo caption: Pictured is a rendering of the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital addition, which will house the new Hannaford Special Care Nursery. (Courtesy image)

Zero Waste Portsmouth to Roll Out Unique Recycling Stations

2011-09-30T14:24:00.001-07:00

PORTSMOUTH—
This week marks the official launch of the Downtown Portsmouth Zero Waste Project, a community-wide effort to establish the city’s first public recycling program.
On Tuesday, September 27, the first four colorful recycling stations were placed throughout the downtown area, along with a fifth in Prescott Park. The recycling program hopes to boast 15 stations throughout Portsmouth when it is in full swing.
The initiative’s official rollout was followed by a brief gathering and ribbon cutting in Market Square. Afterwards, attendees, supporters and participants of the program joined the Zero Waste Portsmouth team for a celebration at the nearby Portsmouth Brewery.
A strategic partnership of the Islington Creek Neighborhood Association, Tim Gaudreau Studios, and EcoMovement Consulting and Hauling, Zero Waste Portsmouth has over the last two years spearheaded efforts in and around Portsmouth to reduce the amount of waste being dumped into Rochester’s Turnkey landfill through creative recycling and composting alternatives.
Karina Quintans, Zero Waste’s Director says the project began with a simple brainstorming session amongst neighbors, all of whom harbored a keen interest in helping speed up Portsmouth’s push towards sustainability. By the end, it had become clear that “zero waste” sat atop the list of priorities.
Specifically, the group envisioned recycling stations – placed throughout the town – as eye-catching as they were practical. A few months later, during a green homes tour, Quintans met Tim Gaudreau, a self-proclaimed “eco-artist” and one of the Green Alliance’s first ever Business Partners. Needless to say, Quintans had found the ideal partner for the job.
“It was the perfect alignment,” recalls Quintans. “It was obvious that Tim’s passion for art and the environment would help transform the project into something unique.”
Gaudreau, with the help of students at Portsmouth’s Middle and High Schools, as well as the Robert Lister Academy, designed the resulting colorful bins with region-specific themes intended to draw the attention of passersby, including Portsmouth architecture, sea creatures, trees, and Piscataqua River scenes.
No less than seven Green Alliance Business Partners (Little Green Homes, Simply Green, Minute Men Painters, Cornerstone Tree Care, ReVision Energy, Middleton Building Supply, and EcoMovement Consulting and Hauling) provided funds, building materials or logistical support for the project, with many having their logos or contact information emblazoned on the bins themselves.
For Middleton Building Supply Manager Andy Carberry, the partnership – and sponsorship – was in sync with the company’s continued trending towards green.
“We first were introduced to this project through our partnership with the Green Alliance – they brought the Zero-Waste folks to a Green Alliance Business Partner meeting and encouraged some of the businesses to get involved and we could see right away the synergy between our company and this worthy effort,” says Carberry. “We are really working to offer more green options in our stores and collaborating with such a group on a very visible project such as this one was a perfect fit, and we knew we had a lot to contribute in terms of materials and equipment.”
Tuesday’s roll-out festivities were a welcome vindication for Quintans and the rest of the Zero Waste Portsmouth team, who have been hard at work on the initiative for just over two years. Still, the work is far from complete.
“We look at this as one of many steps forward in achieving zero waste here in Portsmouth,” she says. “The city has had a fairly low recycling rate of 22%, so it’s going to be a process. But hopefully with the rise of single-stream recycling and these new public recycling stations, we can make more of a difference, and strengthen our profile as an Ecomunicipality.”
This article was submitted by Jim Cavan.
Photo caption: Andy Carberry of Middleton Building Supply delivers new recycling stations to downtown Portsmouth. (Photo by Karina Quintans, Director, Zero Waste Portsmouth)

Hampton Readies for Second Annual Art Show and Sale

2011-09-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

HAMPTON—
Mark your calendars for Artwalk 2011, the 2nd Annual Hampton Art Show and Sale, October 6-7, 4-8 pm. The Hampton Arts Network (HAN), in partnership with the Town of Hampton’s Department of Recreation, has greatly expanded the offerings from last year. In addition to the display and sale of artwork by talented HAN members, Artwalk 2011 features poetry, sculpture, a book signing. live entertainment, activities for both children and adults, balloon twisting, pumpkin carving and historical re-enactors strolling throughout downtown Hampton telling stories from the past.
New this year is a Seacoast first: the Edible Art Contest! Here is your chance to create a work of art made from edible materials. This is a People’s Choice contest and prizes will be awarded. Contact Karen at hanmembership@gmail.com for further information or to obtain an application form.
And, by special request, professional area chefs will create some fantastic new pumpkin-based recipes. Their amazing creations will be showcased during the event.
You are invited to help HAN artists complete a community mandala drawing, where you can add your personal contribution. We anticipate displaying the completed mandala somewhere in downtown Hampton.
Look for the bright blue, red and orange Artwalk flags that identify venues where artwork can be found. Luminaries will line the sidewalks, and maps and guides (wearing scarves) will also be available to help direct you.
Want to know more? Visit www.hamptonartwalk2011.word
press.com.

Apple Harvest Day 5K and Festival Returns to Dover

2011-09-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

DOVER—
Based on last year’s success, the Apple Harvest Day 5k is back this year with an improved course and enhanced experience. The event will take place on Saturday, October 1, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
This year’s race includes the popular Apple Harvest Day 5k T-Shirt for the first 400 runners, a USTAF certified 5k downtown course (changes pending), cash prizes for top three male and female runners, age group prizes for the top three finishers in each division, awards presented in the heart of festival, and more. Registration is available online, priced at $17 for adults and $12 for children under 12. On the day of the race, registration costs $20 for adults, $15 for children under 12.
The race proceeds benefit the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce’s community programming such as Apple Harvest Day and Cochecho Arts Festival. In 2011, the Cochecho Arts Festival brought 30 free concerts to Dover over a 7-week period. In addition, it helps support educational initiatives such as Teacher of the Year Awards and Chamber Scholarships.
After you run the race, stay in Dover for a full day of family fun at Apple Harvest Day underwritten by Federal Savings Bank. The Harvest Day committee has brought some significant enhancements to the festival including “Orchard Alley” along Orchard Street, which will feature a half dozen farms and orchards showcasing their fall harvests. There will also be family-friendly amusement zones in Henry Law Park and the Cocheco Courtyard and the new Northend Rocks Stage on Third Street.
In addition to these new features, patrons will find the streets lined with local artists and crafters displaying and selling their work, non-profits spreading the word about their various charitable causes, and a wide variety of local businesses, many of whom are offering Festival Specials and other attractive discounts. There will be food, music, dancing and entertainment, a petting zoo, a pie baking contest, raffles and giveaways, carnival rides and amusements, and of course, lots and lots of apples and apple products ranging from fragrant baked goods to freshly made cider.
Over the years, Apple Harvest Day has truly become a signature event here in Dover, and its broad appeal and timeless charm underscore the genuine sense of community that permeates our extraordinary city. Steeped in tradition, Apple Harvest Day is always a cheerful and energizing occasion for citizens of all ages, and on this, the 26th year of the event, we are sure that it will be the most memorable one yet.
Enjoy the celebration, and most of all, enjoy the precious company of friends and family and the simple delights that make Dover a great place to live, work and visit. We hope to produce the Festival for many years to come, and continue to showcase our community in all its New England splendor.
For more information, contact the Chamber office at 603/742-2218.
Photo caption: Dover will host its 26th annual Apple Harvest Day on October 1, including the second annual 5k event. (Courtesy photo)

Somersworth Readies for Pumpkin Festival

2011-09-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

SOMERSWORTH—
Once again, loads and loads of activities - all family-friendly and pumpkin-themed - will be front and center during the city’s 9th Annual Pumpkin Festival, set to take place on Saturday, Oct. 8.
“Everything’s pumpkin, pumpkin and more pumpkin,” Festival Co-Director Darryl Cauchon said. “Loads of fun for the whole family.”
The Oct. 8 event will feature tents offering pumpkin carving, pumpkin painting, pumpkin putt-putt golf, pumpkin smashing, pumpkin catapult, pumpkin basketball shooting and pumpkin pie eating contests. The festival will conclude with a short Pumpkin Parade down Main Street at 3:30 p.m. with kids encouraged to take part.
Always trying to keep things fresh, the festival will introduce a giant slingshot this year in which kids can fire small pumpkins into orbit.
The primary objective of the festival, sponsored by the Somersworth Festival Association, is to offer areas that encourage participation of parents and children of all ages.
“We really seek to have parents and their kids do things together, rather than the adults standing in the background watching their kids have all the fun,” said Cauchon. “In this light, families can carve a pumpkin together, make a scarecrow together, take a hay ride together, etch leaves together, get a meal from our food court and eat together, enjoy the live music, get a family photo taken to remember the day.”
The event will be held rain or shine. Bracelets sell for $12 per child (adults are free), which allows them access to all activities except the food court. All supplies are provided for each area, including pumpkins to paint, smash, catapult, slingshot or carve. Everything necessary to create a scarecrow, including hay, shirt, pants and face kit, are also available.
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in front of Somersworth Plaza on Main Street, just down the street from General Electric.
Deborah Longo, the library director, will host a continuous “Halloween Pumpkin Storytime” under a tent located in the heart of the plaza. There will also be a family and child photo area managed by local photographer John Huff. Festival-goers can pose behind plywood decorated like scarecrows or simply pose in a more traditional backdrop of hay bales and pumpkins.
“We really want to have a festival that appeals to kids of all ages and not just children 8 years and younger. Older kids will like pulling the trigger to the catapult, building a scarecrow, bowling with a pumpkin for a ball. There’s just so much for that age-group, both boys and girls, as well,” Cauchon said.
Performances by the Doug Mitchell Band, the Somersworth High and Tri-City Christian Academy select choruses, Tricky Dick the Magician, and other soloists and duets will highlight the main stage. Dance teams, cloggers and jump roping teams will be featured on the second stage area throughout the day as well.
Papa Gino’s will be selling pizza, the Boy Scouts will serve up hot dogs and hamburgers, the Lions will make fried dough, the Girl Scouts will offer chili, and other non-profits will also have items such as cotton candy, popcorn and chowder.
Hayrides will be offered all day from the plaza entrance down to the Summersworth Historical Museum and back. Face painting, pumpkin mask making, bead making and Pumpkin Cookie/Pumpkin Cupcake Decorating tents will also be available for the children.
Organizers are also always looking for volunteers to help oversee a myriad of areas and any amount of time would be appreciated.
For more information, call Cauchon at 841-0858 or email Co-Director Anna Houde at annahoude@yahoo.com.

What the…? A Review of Stephen King’s ‘Mile 81’

2011-09-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

By Chip Schrader
Book Reviewer
Stephen King continues his experiment with publishing with “Mile 81,” a story that is published strictly as an eBook to be downloaded to a Nook, iPad, Kindle or any of the other e-readers edging their way into the market. King is known to play with publishing formats: electronic, serial (“The Green Mile”), and comic and graphic novel re-releases (“The Dark Tower”), to name a few. With this eBook, it is evident that King is still having fun writing and publishing his stories, and he is taking his fans with him for the joyride.
As any Maine resident knows, Exit 81, under the new exit naming system, stands at 81 miles north of the Maine border on I-95. The whole story takes place at the abandoned rest area on this exit.
Long-time readers will be taken back a few years with this story. King’s main character is a ten-year-old boy, Pete Simmons, who wants to prove he is rough enough to hang out with his brother’s gang. With a half-full bottle of vodka and his favorite magnifying glass packed in his bag, he decides to hide out in the abandoned shack at this exit. For a ten-year-old, Pete has a precocious knowledge of the female anatomy, and a sense of mischief that is almost impossible to believe.
The chapters of this novella, clocking in at the equivalent of 80 print pages, are divided into the characters that will meet their untimely demise at this exit, and the make of their car. For example, Chapter 3 is named “Julianne Vernon (’05 Dodge Ram).” Known as the horse lady, Julianne stops at the exit curious about a Prius parked with a mucky station wagon. As time moves along, she gets eaten by that muddy wagon. Yes, she is eaten by a car.
The story is strange, not unlike “Christine,” which he references in this story, but it works. “Mile 81” is gruesome, bizarre, and silly, but also inventive and fun. King has an imagination that makes most of his contemporaries scoff in envy, perhaps the reason for the literary snobbery that he has been the target of in the past. Sometimes King goes out to the edge – a car eating people isn’t exactly in our realm of believability – but he weaves the campiest concepts into the kind of fun storytelling that hearkens back to old Americana.
Moreover, as he did in “Under the Dome,” he doesn’t just mercilessly slaughter character after character without a care. The characters in each segment are believable, and the reader pities their demise. In each character’s backstory, King reminds us these are loved ones with real souls who have reached out to others in their lifetimes. There is a sense of tragedy in their passing, this is where King’s genius as a horror writer shines through. He never forgets these people are human. The grisly horrific occurrences are actually episodes of high drama that ends these everyday lives.
The narration is quirky, preadolescent, filthy and very funny. At times the pop culture references and youthful tone seem a little forced, but still attention grabbing. To figure out why in the world (and how) this car is eating people is the driving force to finish reading the story, the answer is pure campy delight, and possibly predictable to select King fans. The style of storytelling and bizarre plot are classic Stephen King that references to the early short stories, novellas and novels that put him and the state of Maine on the modern literary map. Not his best work to date, but highly recommended!
File Size: 213 KB. Print Length: 80 pages. Publisher: Scribner (September 1, 2011).
Photo caption: (Courtesy e-book cover image of Stephen King’s “Mile 81”)

Portsmouth Criterium Returns to the Streets of Market Square

2011-09-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

PORTSMOUTH—

The 7th Annual Smuttynose Brewing Co. Portsmouth Criterium will return to the streets of historic downtown Portsmouth this Sunday, September 18.
Visitors will be able to pick up a race schedule at the Chamber of Commerce Kiosk located in front of Breaking New Grounds on race day; but here is the schedule of events:
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Lifestyle Expo on Market and Pleasant Streets filled with vendors including National Passport Center, Papa Wheelies Bicycle Shop, Portsmouth Kayak Adventures, Rye Airfield, Whole Body Chiropractic, Access Sports Medicine & Orthopedics, American Lung Association, BreastCancerStories.org, Bondi Band, ChildVoice International, Gus’ Bike Shop, Jem Events, and Loco Sports.
11:00 a.m. Children’s bicycle races for ages 4-6 with training wheels will kick off the kids races followed by the 4-6 without training wheels, then the 7-9 year olds will do one full lap of the 1km race course and finally the 10-12 year olds will do two whole laps!
12:00 p.m. The Men’s Category 4 amateur race will kick off the amateur and professional races and will race for 45 minutes. Lot of local riders from the Seacoast in this field of riders - look for red and white NorEast jerseys!
1:00 p.m. The Men’s Category 3 amateur race will run for 45 minutes, will be faster than the Men’s Cat 4 but not as power driven as the Men’s Pro/1/2.
2:00 p.m. Our 2nd annual Community Challenge will hit the course with 10 teams of 4 riders. This is a citizen race and we are very excited! All proceeds will go to The Krempels Center (www.krempelscenter.org).
2:45 p.m. The Women’s Pro/1/2/3 race will excite the crowds!
3:45 p.m. The grand finale of the day will be our Men’s Pro/1/2 race where the riders will hit speeds of up to 40 mph!
For more details please visit the Portsmouth Criterium website at www.portsmouthcrit.com or call Catherine Keenan at 603-617-2418.
Photo caption: The 7th Annual Smuttynose Brewing Co. Portsmouth Criterium returns to the streets of downtown Portsmouth on Sunday, Sept. 18. (Photo by Andrew Canniff)

BioBlitz! An Extreme Nature Scavenger Hunt in Odiorne Point State Park

2011-09-16T13:52:00.001-07:00

RYE—

The Seacoast Science Center will hold its 9th annual BioBlitz! on Saturday, September 24. BioBlitz! is a dawn-to-dusk species scavenger hunt, where you can explore Odiorne Point State Park alongside scientists, field naturalists and backyard enthusiasts to record data on as many different species in Odiorne Point State Park as possible in one day.
Bring your boots, binoculars and butterfly nets; families are welcome. BioBlitz! is a great way to excite children about science and a rare opportunity to meet many passionate biologists working together.
Meet at the Seacoast Science Center to join a team. The exploration schedule is as follows: 6 a.m. Birding, 8 a.m. Insects, 9 a.m. Freshwater Pond, 10 a.m. Mammals, 11 a.m. Plants, 1 p.m. Salt Marsh, 2 p.m. Seaweed, 3 p.m. Tide Pooling, 4 p.m. Species Overview.
Additional guided field programs and special activities take place throughout the day and will be announced during the event.
The Center’s Gregg Interactive Learning Studio will serve as homebase. There, you will see samples of species collected by naturalists and learn about the identification process. You can see amazing images of the plants, animals and activities from past years on the big-screens, observe insects through microscopes, see samples of seaweeds and fungi, and research on your own on our touch-screen computers.
At noon, renowned nature photographer Jerry Monkman will discuss his work on the international initiative, Meet Your Neighbors, and his images that were taken in Odiorne, which are currently on display in the Center’s Learning Studio Gallery. Jerry and his wife Marcy have published several adventure and eco-photography books including “Wild Acadia.”
Seacoast Science Center members have the opportunity to participate in a special members-only program with author and evolutionary biologist Dr. Michael Canfield at 1:30 p.m. After a brief presentation on the historical context of field notes, participants will head outdoors with Michael to create their own field notes. Become a member today to participate.
BioBlitz! is much more than just a one-day endeavor. The data collected is used to assess biodiversity in the park. Join us to help break the record of more than 1,830 species recorded at Odiorne since 2003. With insight gained through BioBlitz!, participants will understand how they can create habitats that help increase biodiversity at home.
Thanks to generous support from Normandeau Associates, ReVision Energy and Seatrade International, admission is free to those who register before September 20. You can find details and register online at www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/events. Please call 603-436-8043 for more information.
Photo caption: The Seacoast Science Center will hold its 9th annual BioBlitz! on Saturday, September 24 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Courtesy photo)

Farmer’s Market Welcomed as Regular Event

2011-09-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

HAMPTON FALLS—
The Hampton Falls Board of Selectmen recently officially welcomed the Hampton Falls Farmer’s Market to the town as a regular community event. The market, held on the Common Mondays from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., offers a wide range of locally produced products.
Chairman of the Board Richard McDermott commended market founder Sue Veilleux for her efforts in founding and managing the market. He said that the Board of Selectman “welcomed the addition of a place for residents to meet, to share the beauty of the common and enjoy the area’s agricultural and creative bounty.” He cited this effort as a true example of promoting both community spirit and the area’s agricultural tradition.
Besides Sue’s Jesta Farm, the market offers vegetables and fruit from Applecrest in Hampton Falls and Long Hill Orchard in W. Newbury, MA, Buzz Bomb World spices and gluten free bakery in Hampton, and maple ice cream and candy from Sugarmomma’s in Northwood. We also offer honey wines from the Moonlight Meadery in Salem and cut flowers from Late Bloomer Gardens in South Hampton. Other vendors offer products ranging from herbal teas and syrups to Belgian waffles.
The vendor list is constantly growing and we welcome applications from area producers, especially in the category of organic produce. We can be contacted at Hamptonfallsfarmersmarket@comcast.net.

To Our Readers

2011-09-09T16:06:00.000-07:00

This week, we at The Granite State Sentinel bring you a very special edition.
In recognition of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, we have compiled an 8-page editorial feature commemorating this anniversary. Staff reporters have covered stories that are both close to home, as well as national in scale, paying tribute to America’s loss ten years ago and its rebirth in the wake of those tragedies.
The memorial section also includes photos, information regarding educational resources, and a special events section to keep you informed of local, regional, national and televised programs that are taking place during this solemn anniversary.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this special issue. We are proud to bring it to your community, and we appreciate your taking the time to remember with us.
Sincerely,
The Staff at The Granite State Sentinel
Note: This section can be downloaded as a PDF on our web site. Additionally, photos taken by Molly McCoy during her trip to the 9-11 Memorial in NYC, can be viewed at this link: https://picasaweb.google.com/116758352106429291735/MollySTripToNYC?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Photo caption: The National September 11 Memorial in New York City is a tribute of remembrance and honor to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, as well as the six people killed in the Center bombing in February 1993. The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools, which sit in the footprints of the Twin Towers, are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest man-made waterfalls in the North America. (Artist’s rendering courtesy of www.911memorial.org)

Children’s Museum Exhibits Work of McPhail

2011-09-09T16:05:00.000-07:00

DOVER—
Celebrating children’s literature, Gallery 6 at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is presenting an exhibit featuring the whimsical work of New Hampshire author and illustrator David McPhail. This new show, David McPhail: Looking Back … and Beyond, opens September 17 and will be on exhibit until the end of the year.
Recognized as one of the most influential and prolific children’s writers in the country, David McPhail has been a passionate artist since the age of two. He studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and began illustrating books for children in 1972. Since then, he’s created over 75 books, including the celebrated Mole Music, which was a New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year.
This fall, visitors to Gallery 6 will get a glimpse into David’s creative process from his first experiments with simple ideas and drawings, to more refined sketches and preliminary dummy books, culminating in finished artwork that brings David’s animal characters to life. Children and adults will enjoy meeting Henry Bear, Waddles the Raccoon, Emily Duck, Budgie & Boo and the characters from David’s newest book, Abandoned Lighthouse, coming out this fall.
As a special treat, David McPhail will be conducting a mini-workshop as part of the Children’s Museum’s Annual Birthday Celebration on Sunday, September 25 at 1:30 p.m. He looks forward to meeting with visitors of all ages to talk about his creative process, doig some drawing with children, and answering questions about being an artist. This mini-workshop is included in paid admission to the museum.
The “David McPhail: Looking Back… and Beyond” exhibit in Gallery 6 can be viewed during regular business hours at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday noon – 5 p.m. No admission fee is required to view the gallery only. Regular admission applies for families who wish to explore the rest of the museum.
Photo caption: Henry Bear, a character created by author/illustrator David McPhail, is just one of the charming children’s book characters featured in a new exhibit of McPhail’s work at the Children’s Museum of NH this fall. (Courtesy photo)

NH Fish and Lobster Festival to Celebrate 400 Years of Local Seafood

2011-09-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

PORTSMOUTH—
The uniquely local New Hampshire Fish and Lobster Festival will return Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, from noon to 4 p.m. at Prescott Park in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Admission is free, with seafood tastings available for $4 each. Support for the event is provided by sponsor Smuttynose Brewing Company.
The largest festival focused on local food in New Hampshire comes together once again in Prescott Park along the working waterfront where residents of all ages will have the opportunity to learn, explore and celebrate our community-based local fishing fleet and its fresh, healthy harvest. Through activities and delicious tastings of a wide variety of locally landed species, “Fishtival” will educate residents and visitors about local seafood resources and support and honor local fishermen by bringing fun and fish together.
Visitors are invited to walk the decks of a local fishing boat, taste freshly landed local seafood prepared by beloved Seacoast chefs, learn to identify and prepare local fish, watch a chef’s cook-off competition, investigate the Gulf of Maine ecosystem, meet local fishermen, and create one of a kind fish print t-shirts to wear. An exciting collaboration with the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival will feature their performances woven throughout the event.
The event is a true community collaboration. Numerous environmental, heritage and cultural non-profits participate alongside working fishermen, and restaurants and markets to bring this event to our working waterfront. Activities will be hosted by the Northeast Consortium, Blue Ocean Society, Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth Historic House Associates, Gundalow Company, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, UNH Slow Food, NH Coastal Protection Partnership, and UNH Marine Docents, among others.
To highlight the diversity and quality of the local fishing industry, chefs from restaurants, markets and culinary programs across the region will prepare creative, delicious samplings fresh from local boats. Each participating chef will be assigned, by lottery, a different locally-caught seafood species to prepare and serve. For a nominal fee ($4 for fish and oysters, $8 for lobsters) celebration attendees can taste each of the species and the unique preparations.
Tastings will be prepared by chefs from 100 Club, Black Trumpet, The Blue Mermaid, Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe, Little Bay Oyster Company, The Old Salt, Portsmouth Brewery, Seaport Fish, Philbrick’s Fresh Market, Portsmouth Lobster Company, 106 Kitchen and Bar, and Hebert Brothers Seafood, among others.
Also during the afternoon, there will be opportunities to meet a lobster, or interact with two touch tanks worth of seafood animals. Aboard fishing vessels, captains will show how they bring in their haul; on land, listen to different talks about the aspects of the fishing industry, including innovations and sustainability in the industry, and watch first-hand the art of net building. Local fishmongers will show how to process several species of whole fresh fish, and share fish selection and preparation tips.
And for the third year, the festival features an exciting celebrity chef Seafood Cook-off where the defending champ Susan Tuveson defends her title against a new challenger.
Smuttynose Brewing Company, the Seacoast’s uniquely local and award-winning craft brewery, is the festival sponsor. The NH Fish and Lobster Festival is produced by a variety of community organizations and businesses collaborating to support the local fishing industry. Seacoast Local and Prescott Park Arts Festival co-host the event in collaboration with local fishermen (NH Sectors, Commercial Fishermen’s Association and Granite State FISH) and local food advocates, including Seacoast Eat Local and Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance. Grant funding is provided by UNH Sea Grant, and generous in-kind support is provided by Seaport Fish Market, participating restaurants, educational non-profits, and Seacoast Growers’ Association.
More information about Fishtival is available at www.fishtival.org. To find out more information about the movement to support New Hampshire’s local fishing industry, visit our event partners at www.nhseafood.com, www.granitestatefish.org, and www.nhfishsectors.org.

Hampton Beach Seafood Festival Celebrates 22nd Year

2011-09-02T15:59:00.000-07:00

HAMPTON BEACH—
The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival has once again been acclaimed as “One of the Top 100 Events in North America” for 2011 by the American Bus Association. It is certainly one of the biggest street fairs we know of in New England. And why wouldn’t it be when you consider all the ingredients that make up the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival and Sidewalk Sales Days on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 9, 10 and 11? First and foremost, it’s a genuine seafood extravaganza and that’s the hook, so to speak. Seafood lovers cannot seem to get their fill of the abundant choices. Almost any seafood favorite you can think of will be grilled, steamed, or deep-fried from calamari to shrimp and clams to lobsters—not to mention the chowder and delicious light lobster raviolis. The choices go on and on! After all, there are more than 50 area restaurants under large tents plying their skills. Plenty of non-seafood items and other typical fair fare are available to keep everybody happy.
On Saturday, September 10, 2011, the Second Annual Lobster Roll Eating Contest will take place at the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival. Twelve lucky contestants will be chosen to compete alongside four celebrities. $1,000 is on the line, with the winner receiving $600, second place taking home $250, and third place leaving with $150. The winner will receive bragging rights along with automatic entry into next year’s competition. The ten-minute eating frenzy is sponsored by The 401 Tavern and the Pat Whitley Restaurant Show.
The ideal places to enjoy your catch of the day are the “Pub Tent” with a cool Bud or Redhook Ale or a glass of Barefoot Wine, and the expanded “Beach Tent” where you can keep your toes in the sand while enjoying your beverages and continuous entertainment.
What to place second is a toss up between the fabulous sidewalk sale lineup on closed-to-traffic Ocean Boulevard; the incredible entertainment playing continuously; an appearance by the Air Force Band of Liberty on Saturday; spectacular fireworks Saturday at 8:15; a skydiving demonstration on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.; or the crafts on sale by over 60 local artisans. Not to mention magnificent culinary demonstrations by big name chefs featured on the Pat Whitley Restaurant Show, and a specially designated Kiddie Land with puppet performances, magicians, and more to entertain the younger set.
The whole event kicks off Friday afternoon, September 9 at 4:00 p.m. Admission fee is $5.00 per day. Admission for children under 12 is free. The entrance gates will be staffed by volunteers from the Hampton Rotary Club, who will share in the proceeds from admission fees.
The 2011 Presenting Sponsor is Peoples United Bank. Other sponsors include: A&A Services, Barefoot Wine, Devcon Security Systems, FairPoint Communications, Green Mountain Coffee, Kaburst, Mohegan Sun, New Hampshire Distributors, Owens Corning Basement Finishing Systems, Seacoast Coca-Cola, Seacoast Harley-Davidson, Subaru of New England, Waste Management, Jerky Hut, NE Gutter Kings, Seabrook Chiropractic & Wellness Center, and Wacky Candy Shack.
The best deal of the festival is the free parking and shuttle service from 13 uptown satellite parking lots. Everyone is urged to park and ride free courtesy of the First Student Bus Company, who will have over 30 volunteer bus drivers shuttling festival goers each day.
For a complete itinerary, visit the festival website at www.hamptonbeachseafoodfestival.com.
Photo caption: The 22nd Annual Hampton Beach Seafood Festival will take place September 9-11. (Courtesy photo)

Celebrate the Start of Fall at Jackson Hill Cider Day

2011-09-02T15:58:00.001-07:00

PORTSMOUTH—
Get an early start on the fall season at the Jackson Hill Cider Day, held Saturday, September 10 from noon to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Jackson House, the oldest house in northern New England. This early fall festival will celebrate all things apple-related, under the fruit-laden branches of the Jackson House’s historic orchard.
Activities and games for kids, like bobbing for apples and apple matching, music, and refreshments will be offered along with cider pressing and spinning demonstrations. Local craftsmen and artisans will also be on-hand and tours of the c. 1664 historic house will be available. New this year, the New Hampshire Theater Project will be presenting several classic “apple stories” from across the centuries. River Run Bookstore is supporting the event by offering a number of season-inspired books for sale, and local group Reaganta will be playing in the orchard throughout the afternoon. Artist and illustrator Leona Hosack will also be available to cut silhouette portraits.
“Jackson Hill Cider Day has become a favorite fall tradition for so many people in the area,” said Regional Site Manager Craig Tuminaro. “It will be a great day to relax, have some fun, and celebrate the start of the harvest season while also learning a little bit about one of Portsmouth’s oldest treasures.”
The Jackson House is located at 76 Northwest Street, along the north shore of the North Mill Pond. The event is free to members of Historic New England, $6 for nonmembers, and $3 for children. Advance tickets may be purchased by calling 603-436-3205 or by visiting the Events page at www.HistoricNewEngland.org. For more information please call (603) 436-3205, email ctuminaro@historicnewengland.org or visit our website at www.HistoricNewEngland.org.
Photo caption: Jackson Hill Cider Day will take place this year on Saturday, September 10 in Portsmouth. (Photo courtesy Historic New England)

Dover to Host Annual Oktoberfest

2011-09-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

DOVER—
This is one event you won’t want to miss. No fewer than 15 downtown restaurants have joined together to present the Annual Oktoberfest Downtown Grub & Pub Crawl.
Tickets/Bracelets for the event are just $12 in advance, and $18 on the day of the event, and the first 300 tickets purchased include a Commemorative T-Shirt and a 23-Ounce Samuel Adams Octoberfest Beer Stein. Tickets are available at any of the participating restaurants, or at the Chamber Visitor Center, located at 550 central Avenue.
On Saturday, September 17 from noon until 5:00 p.m., each of the participating restaurants will provide bracelet-bearers with free appetizers and live entertainment, as well as specials on Samuel Adams Octoberfest. In addition, participating restaurants will also be offering exclusive specials for Oktoberfest ticket-holders throughout the week of September 12th to 16th.
Proceeds from this community event benefit the Dover Holiday Lighting Campaign, which helps beautify our community with lights, American flags and other decorative elements. For more information, please visit octoberfest.weebly.com/information.html.

Heirloom Harvest Project Presents 3rd Annual Barn Dinner

2011-08-26T14:55:00.001-07:00

STRATHAM—
The Heirloom Harvest Project, in collaboration with Seacoast Eat Local and Slow Food Seacoast, proudly announces its third annual Heirloom Harvest Barn Dinner. This year, the five-course meal will highlight not only local heirloom vegetables, but also heritage breed animals, all raised by local farmers and growers. The grand historic barn at Berry Hill and Meadow’s Mirth Farms in Stratham, NH, will again host this unique event whose goal is to raise funds for local food-based community organizations while generating awareness of sustainable food and farming, agricultural biodiversity, and the community’s extraordinary collaboration of farmers and chefs. Ten of the area’s most celebrated chefs will collaborate on a spectacular menu that will be served by a volunteer crew of impassioned community members.
The 2011 Heirloom Harvest Barn Dinner will be held (rain or shine) on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Meadow’s Mirth / Berry Hill Farm in Stratham, NH, with beverages and passed hors d’oeuvres served from 4–5 p.m. and white tablecloth dinner in the barn beginning promptly at 5 p.m.
Led by Chef Evan Mallett of the Black Trumpet Bistro, ten chefs will prepare elegant dishes highlighting heirloom vegetables grown by local farmers. Complete with locally produced beverages and live music from Mary Dellea emanating from the hayloft, the Heirloom Harvest Barn Dinner is always a night to remember. Farmers, chefs and community volunteers will be in attendance and honored at the event.
In addition, Slow Food Seacoast will be distributing free heirloom seeds of the produce featured at the dinner, as well as teaching about how to save your own seeds in the future. Knowing that genetic diversity begins with open pollinated heirloom plants and rare breeds livestock, this dinner highlights the Slow Food philosophy which suggests that if you value the preservation of these historically significant varieties, “...the best thing you can do is eat them!”
Chef Mallett says that, in 2009, he was “not alone in being a chef who had a vision to host a dinner in a barn, but my desire to do something like this didn’t have a cause linked to it.” That was until Evan participated in Slow Food’s Ark of Taste–a celebration of heritage and heirloom varieties that are considered to be at risk or endangered. Now inspired by the plight of heirloom vegetables, Mallett has become engaged with organizations that are striving to preserve and protect this tradition.
Josh and Jean Jennings of Meadow’s Mirth were extremely receptive to having the event held at their barn. The final piece of finding chefs who also supported the cause easily fell into place. “The deep-rooted collaboration of chefs and farmers will sustain this idea well into the future,” says Mallett. In recent months, this event has led to the development of the Heirloom Harvest Project, a network that will continue to build these connections between farmers, chefs and community year-round.
The event would not be possible without the support of many businesses from the community, including Dole & Bailey, Exeter Events and Tents, Farnum Hill Cider, General Linens, Maine Shellfish Co., M.S. Walker, Salmon Falls Winery, Smuttynose Brewery, Salmon Falls Winery, Throwback Brewery, and Vermont Butter & Cheese.
Tickets for this event have sold out in record time this year, and participating organizations are grateful for the community’s overwhelming response. If interested in supporting the Heirloom Harvest Barn Dinner as a volunteer, please contact Briana Cribeyer, Event Coordinator, at briana.cribeyer@gmail.com.
For more information: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heirloom-Harvest-Project/150781324991804.
Photo caption: The Heirloom Harvest Project will present their 3rd Annual Barn Dinner on Sunday, Sept. 18. (Courtesy photo)

Prescott Park Arts Festival Helps More Than 300 Families

2011-08-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

PORTSMOUTH—
This summer, local families in need have been able to enjoy Prescott Park Arts Festival’s events. As part of the festival’s Families-In-Need program, more than 300 season memberships subscriptions were distributed to families through organizations such as Families First, Cross Roads House, New Hampshire Child Advocacy Center, Seacoast Cancer Center and Amy’s Treat.
While all Prescott Park Arts Festival events are offered to the public at no fixed admission, the Families-In-Need program offers challenged families complimentary membership buttons to allow entry and enjoyment of events without being asked for the suggested donation, including the musical production “The Wizard of Oz” and the River House Restaurant Concert Series with performances by acts like Shawn Colvin and Taj Mahal.
“Our gatekeepers welcome everyone, but many people simply don’t feel comfortable entering the park without making a donation, especially in front of their children,” says Prescott Park Arts Festival’s executive director, Ben Anderson. “With a challenging economy, this program has become more important than ever. The letters and thank you cards alone that we receive each year from parents or children are worth this effort.”
Last season, Piscataqua Savings Bank launched a special program, matching every Family-In-Need donation made by individuals on a one-to-one basis. This year, through ongoing generosity of donors, Prescott Park Arts Festival has succeeded in nearly tripling the number of complimentary memberships distributed through this program.
“The beauty of the program,” Anderson adds, “is these memberships are identical to those purchased by our patrons, and they are awarded at the discretion of the selected organizations, keeping everything anonymous to both us and the general public.”
To donate to a family-in-need, simply go to the Festival website www.prescottpark.org, or call (603) 436-2848.
All events offered at the Prescott Park Arts Festival are presented free of charge with a suggested donation of $5 - $8.
For more information on the festival, or to see a full schedule of events, visit www.prescottpark.org, or call 603-436-2848.

Seacoast Irish Festival Tickets on Sale Now

2011-08-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

DOVER—
Tickets to the September 10th return of the Seacoast Irish Festival, underwritten by Centrix Bank, are now available online at www.seacoastirishfestival.org and can also be purchased in person at the Dover Chamber Visitor Center, located at 550 Central Avenue in Dover.
The tickets are $15 in advance, and will be $20 at the gate on September 10th. The Festival will feature over a dozen performers over the course of the afternoon during a rain or shine celebration of Dover’s Irish Heritage.
For those individuals and families looking to further support the Festival, the committee is offering a $100 “Friends of the Festival” ticket package that includes 2 tickets to the Festival, 2 commemorative Festival T-shirts, 2 Festival Pint Glasses, and a listing in the Festival Program. “Friends of the Festival” packages are available online or through the Chamber Visitor Center.
The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Dover Main Street to produce the event again this year, after working together to resurrect it in 2010 following a 5–year hiatus. The event was formerly put on by the Dover Police Charities from 2001 to 2005 before being shelved for a variety of logistical reasons.
“Many people have expressed how pleased they are to have the Festival back,” said Chamber Executive Director Molly Hodgson Smith. “There’s been a great outpouring of support from businesses and individuals alike, and Centrix Bank has led the way in assuming the role of event underwriter for the second consecutive year. Their generosity and level of community involvement cannot be overstated.”
The 2011 edition of the Seacoast Irish Festival will once again be held in the highly visible, downtown location at the Rotary Arts Pavilion in Henry Law Park. Confirmed performers include Bradigan, Sundays Well, Patsy Whelan, the McTeggarts, Schooner Fare, Kevin Byrne and many other special guests.
The event will culminate with a rousing musical tribute to the late Eugene Byrne, performed by many of the Festival performers and some very special guests. Byrne, a long-time Dover resident, was one of the Festival’s original “Founding Fathers,” and was instrumental in bringing the Festival back in 2010, assembling the entertainment lineup and also performing on stage himself throughout the day.
“We’ve really missed working with Eugene this year,” noted Dover Main Street Executive Director Carrie Eisner, adding, “He was loved so much, and by so many people. This tribute is special to everyone on the Festival Committee, and really to everyone who knew Eugene. He was such a visible and enthusiastic contributor to Dover’s rich Irish heritage, and he loved nothing more than to perform and make people happy. This is a celebration of that giving spirit.”
Kelley’s Row headlines a host of food and beverage providers that will be on site at the Festival, which begins at noon and runs until 9:00 p.m. In addition, crafters and artisans will be selling Irish art and jewelry, along with a full slate of music, dancing and other traditional Irish entertainment. The family-friendly event will also feature a variety of children’s activities.
Major corporate sponsors of the Festival include Centrix Bank as the event’s exclusive underwriter; Burns Bryant Cox Rockefeller & Durkin as stage sponsor; and Shaheen and Gordon as a presenting sponsor, along with Eastern Propane, Dermatology & Skin Health and Dover Honda/Dover Chevrolet. Additional sponsors include Dennis Munson Plumbing and Heating; One Washington Center; McEneaney Survey Associates; Mr. Electric; D.F. Richard Energy; Langdon Place; CB Gitty Crafter Supply; Robert Chaplick, CPA; and Bob Sherwood Landscaping.
For more information on ticket sales and entertainment schedules, please visit www.seacoastirishfestival.org. Proceeds from the event support the Chamber’s and Main Street’s economic and business development programs, which are critical to keeping Dover’s economy strong and preserving its quality of life.
Photo caption: The 2011 Seacoast Irish Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 10 in downtown Dover. The musical entertainment includes Sunday’s Well, pictured here performing at the Festival in 2010. (Courtesy photo)

Money Magazine Ranks Dover Among Top 100 Communities

2011-08-19T06:33:00.000-07:00

DOVER—
The City of Dover, New Hampshire is one of the best places to live in the country, according to Money Magazine.
Each year, the September edition of Money Magazine ranks the top 100 communities based on a number of factors, including quality of life, job opportunities, schools, safe streets, economic strength and weather.
Dover ranks number 90 on the list and is touted for its character; family friendly attractions, including the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire; and modern use of historic buildings.
“We’re obviously proud that our community is being recognized nationally for something we have long known locally – Dover is a great place to live,” said Dover City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr.
City of Dover Economic Development Director Daniel Barufaldi said he expects Dover to continue to score well.
“It’s a pleasure to see the outstanding quality of place and of life in Dover being nationally recognized,” Barufaldi said. “I fully expect that Dover’s future national ranking will continue to rise over time.”
Dover is one of only three New Hampshire communities to make the list this year. Hanover and Merrimack, New Hampshire also rank in the top 100 this year.
The list draws upon the most recent Census figures, which places Dover’s population at approximately 30,000.
For more information and to view the complete list, visit: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2011/snapshots/PL3318820.html.
Photo caption: Money Magazine recently ranked Dover #90 on their list of America’s best small towns. (Photo courtesy The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce)

Back-to-School Shopping with Operation Christmas Child

2011-08-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

HAMPTON—
As schools nationwide prepare to open their doors for another year of learning, many parents are shopping for back-to-school bargains using a school-issued supply list as their guide.
But this year, kids across New England and the rest of the United States are thinking beyond their own backpacks and buying supplies for kids they have never met.
In the midst of their school shopping, Americans are stocking up on items for Operation Christmas Child (OCC), a massive year-round project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization based in Boone, NC.
Since 1993, OCC has hand-delivered shoe box gifts to more than 86 million hurting children overseas. To make this ministry work, participants fill shoeboxes with an assortment of school supplies, toys, necessity items and letters of encouragement that will soon be shipped and distributed to kids in some 130 countries.
Parents and kids alike love getting extra notebooks, colored pencils and erasers to pack in their shoebox gifts. During back-to-school sales they can get items for great prices, which enables families to help even more children in need.
This shoe box packing effort, requiring months of organization and preparation, will reach some 8.5 million kids who are suffering because of natural disaster, disease, war, terrorism, famine and poverty. For many of these children, the shoebox will be the first gift they have ever received.
Those participating in this annual effort are encouraged to enlist families, churches, scout troops, community groups and businesses to take advantage of back-to-school sales by collecting school supplies for shoe box gifts.
After purchasing everything that’s on your back-to-school list, simply fill shoe boxes (cardboard or plastic) with school supplies, toys, personal items (comb, toothbrush and toothpaste, facecloth, etc.) and, if desired, a letter of encouragement.
Then, when National Collection Week comes around (this year it’s November 14-21), drop off the gift boxes at a collection site near you. The local collection site in this region is at the Hampton Falls First Baptist Church, located at the junction of Routes 1-88 in Hampton Falls, across from the town common.
Detailed step-by-step shoebox packing instructions are available at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call (800) 353-5949 or visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.
Photo caption: Hannah White (pictured) has been packing Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts for needy kids overseas with her family for most of her life. The Whites have collected thousands of shoebox gifts in their garage since 2002. (Photo courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse)

Fashion’s Night Out: From Milan to Manhattan, From Paris to Portsmouth!

2011-08-19T06:31:00.000-07:00

PORTSMOUTH—
Fashion’s Night Out, an international fashion event taking place on September 8, 2011, will feature Portsmouth, NH as an official participant, which is great news for Portsmouth retailers and fashionistas alike. The Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce and its Retail Committee are galvanizing local retailers to participate by hosting special in-store events, creating an international fashion party from Milan to Manhattan, from Paris to Portsmouth!
Valerie Rochon, Tourism Manager for the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, reports that member retailers are planning events to take place September 8, 2011.
“Fashion’s Night Out began in New York City in 2009 as an after-hours shopping extravaganza with special events and entertainment. We are delighted Portsmouth is joining in the fashion fun this September 8, 2011,” said Rochon. Rochon reports several retailers have signed up to participate. In-store events and a special presentation at The Music Hall on September 8th are being planned and will be announced shortly.
If you are a retailer and would like to participate, please contact Valerie Rochon at tourism@portsmouthchamber.org.

New Hampshire Honors Fallen Heroes

2011-08-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

By Larry Favinger

Staff Columnist
RYE—
On Sunday, August 21, those members of the Armed Services who have lost their lives in service to their country since 9/11 will be honored.
A Run for the Fallen New Hampshire, a 12-mile loop, will start and end at Odiorne State Park. Runners will be able to run the entire race or any portion thereof as trolleys follow the route to pick up anyone who’d like to stop, Julie Hurrie, one of the run’s organizers, said.
Along the run will be placards with soldier’s photos and information about them. Next to the photos will be families of the fallen.
Hurrie said the run is just as much about the families as it is about those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
All runners will wait and gather about a quarter mile from the end of the race so all can finish together in what she termed “a finish in gratitude.”
Ms. Hurrie has run in Maine’s Run for the Fallen the last couple years, including last year’s run from Ogunquit to Portland.
She said he’s been “kind of waiting for someone to start one” in New Hampshire. “I got tired for waiting.”
As of early this week, 130 runners had registered for the run, but Hurrie expects the field to be at least 175 to 200 by the time it begins.
The object of the run is “a way for our citizens who enjoy their freedom to show their appreciation” to those who have given their lives to protect it.
She said many individuals, organizations and businesses have stepped up to help in the run.
Opening ceremonies will be kicked off with the reading of the names of New Hampshire’s heroes. This will be followed by a 21-gun salute by the Marine Corps League and a color guard ceremony by the ROTC of Winnacunnet High School in Hampton.
Following the run, runners, volunteers, and families of the fallen will have a free lunch provided by Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Entertainment will be provided by an Air Force rock band.
More information, including a listing of the fallen and the event’s sponsors, are available on the web at runforthefallennh.com.
This is a free event for everyone involved. It is funded by donations from the public and from businesses including Carrabba’s, Kittery Trading Post, Grappone Auto, Home Depot, Globe, UBS, Marshall’s Rentals, Leddy Grup, and the New Hampshire State Parks and the NH Civil Air Patrol.
Photo caption: A Run for the Fallen New Hampshire will take place at Odiorne State Park on August 21. (Courtesy image)

Annual Hampton Beach Children’s Festival Returns

2011-08-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

HAMPTON BEACH—

Join the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hampton Beach Village District for five days of free fun for children of all ages at the Annual Hampton beach Children’s Festival, Monday August 15 through Friday, August 19.
Presented by TD Bank and jam-packed with music, balloons, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and much more, this is sure to be the most exciting Children’s Festival ever! The Hampton Beach Children’s Festival kicks off with a magic show and builds up to a Giant Costume Parade that marches almost the length of Hampton Beach on Friday, August 19. Every child gets a prize just for being in it! Tons of entertainment has also been added, including a train for the parade and a performance by the Extreme Air Jump Rope Team.
Each day will be a blockbuster filled with non-stop activity and entertainment, including mini-golf, a Ronald McDonald show, dancing, story tellers, balloons, face painting and more. There is even a kids’ bumper sticker contest.
All Children’s Festival activities are free and open to the public. For more information call the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce office at (603) 926-8717 or visit the website at www.hamptonbeach.org for a complete Children’s Festival schedule and other Hampton Beach events.
Photo caption: The Hampton Beach Children’s Festival will take place Monday, August 15 through Friday, August 19. (Courtesy photo)

The Summer Film Review

2011-08-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

By Chip Schrader
Movie Reviewer
The big story on Box Office Mojo’s website reports the summer box office has been hot in 2011 with “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” grossing over 1 billion dollars worldwide, and “Transformers 3” approaching that staggering number. We have seen comic book heroes hit the screen, low brow comedies, and plenty of sequels that are guaranteed to gross a few dollars for the studios. The industry saves Oscar potential films later in the year and into the next year, and pedals the popcorn-pushing pop culture flicks, often with a side of cheese, for the summer.
This has been the year of the comic book hero. We have seen “Green Lantern,” “Thor,” and “X-Men: First Class” released in the earlier wave of summer releases. In the latter half, we are reintroduced to “Captain America” and “Cowboys & Aliens.”
According to boxofficemojo.com, “Captain America” has only been out since July 22, yet it has already rolled in $117 million worldwide. It stars Chris Evans, Stanley Tucci and Tommy Lee Jones to ensure it has the star power to please audiences. “Pulp Fiction” fans will also see an appearance by Samuel L. Jackson. A new “Captain America” treatment has been long awaited, as the 1990 attempt has aged to the point it looks twenty years older (rightfully so).
“Cowboys & Aliens” pairs the legendary Harrison Ford with the latest James Bond Daniel Craig. John Favreau is the director, his most memorable onscreen moment of recent years being vomited upon by Paul Rudd’s character Peter Klaven in “I Love You Man.” In its first weekend alone it had already grossed a respectable 37 million, topping the box office. This looks like it may have enough cheese, humor and action to delight audiences, but between Ford and Craig, the acting talent implies that this is either a brilliant script, or the studio offered a boatload of cash.
Following up on “The Hangover Part II” and “Bridesmaids” earlier this summer, “Horrible Bosses” and “Bad Teacher” hope to cash in on unsavory characters with a belly full of laughs. Among the many “Horrible Bosses” stars are Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston and Colin Farrell. Aniston and Farrell are well disguised in these films as they play in unexpected roles as Bateman leads his two friends in a plot to kill their cruel employers. Surprisingly in this economy, it is not considered a threat to national security.
“Horrible Bosses” director, Seth Gordon’s, first film – the documentary “The King of Kong: A Fist Full of Quarters” – documents one man’s fight to defeat and prove his record high score in the Donkey Kong arcade game. This gem is available on streaming Netflix and is worth the watch just for the eccentric characters who frequent the arcade. Gordon has earned a place in many cult filmgoers’ hearts with that one.
Last, but not least, Cameron Diaz stars in “Bad Teacher” alongside “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” writer and star Jason Segal, and Justin Timberlake, fresh off of an acclaimed role in “The Social Network.” All three stars have proven their silver screen charm and charisma, and the movie is knocking on the door of the 100 million dollar mark.
At the end of the season, two films are poised to be billion dollar runaways in this memorable summer with the promise of “Cowboys & Aliens” and “Captain America” to bring in more revenue. It seems we now live in a day where a $100 million payoff is a given, and the thrills and laughs are a high commodity in a society wishing for wonder and escape.
Photo caption: (Courtesy movie poster for “Cowboys & Aliens”)

Thunderbirds Return to Pease

2011-08-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

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)

U.S. News Ranks Wentworth-Douglass Hospital as One of the Best Regional Hospitals in Area

2011-07-29T07:11:00.000-07:00

DOVER—
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has been ranked #16 in the category of Nephrology in the Boston Metro Area for in U.S. News Media & World Report’s 2011-12 Best Hospital rankings. The latest rankings showcase 720 hospitals out of about 5,000 hospitals nationwide. Each is ranked among the country’s top hospitals in at least one medical specialty and/or ranked among the best hospitals in its metro area.
According to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital President & CEO Gregory Walker, this is the second consecutive period Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has been ranked as a Best Regional Hospital in the Boston Metro Area.
“This ranking recognizes the contributions of all our caregivers who provide high quality care everyday for patients in our community,” Walker said. “We are honored to be listed among the other distinguished healthcare institutions in the Boston area.”
Covering 94 metro areas in the U.S., the regional hospital rankings complement the national rankings by including hospitals with solid performance nearly at the level of nationally ranked institutions. Hard numbers stand behind the rankings — death rates, patient safety, advanced technology, patient care resources and high patient satisfaction scores compared to state and national scores.
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital was recognized as Best Regional Hospital in the category of Ear, Nose and Throat in the U.S. News Media & World Report 2010-11 listing.
Photo caption: Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover was recently recognized in U.S. News Media & World Reports in the category of Nephrology. (Courtesy photo)

Hot Reading for Hot Weather

2011-07-29T07:09:00.001-07:00

By Chip Schrader

Book Reviewer
The summertime brings to mind many traditions: vacations, baseball, cookouts, and beach days. More often than not, a good book is typically paired with a beach outing, and a handful of titles tend to be the “it” books for each summer. This summer is no different. Bestseller lists, personal recommendations and book clubs are the best indicators for the browser to find out what’s hot, and this year we have a few newer titles, and a few that have been around.
“Room” by Emily Donoghue, acclaimed author of “Slammerkin,” is the newest of these books. The life of the main character, Jack, is entirely lived in one room with his mother, who struggles to provide a normal life for him. They are held captive in this place by a man named “Old Nick.” On the author’s webpage, there is a video trailer of the book, a full description and a bevy of accolades from Donoghue’s contemporaries on how well she narrates from a five-year-old boy’s perspective. Currently, this is possibly the most popular book this summer. Little Brown, 336 pages (2010).
Earlier in the year, Abraham Verghese’s “Cutting for Stone” began catching fire. This is the story of twin boys born in Ethiopia, and then separated shortly after birth. The novel takes on an epic theme of humanity and the birth of modern medicine as it spans generations and continents to tie together how one person’s actions can be a consequence to someone a world away. This novel is also critically acclaimed and enjoying high summer sales. Vintage, 667 pages (2010).
Since last year, Kathryn Stockett’s “The Help” has dominated the bestseller list and continues to be a popular read for this summer. Set in the antebellum south, this story follows the help, or the housekeepers who are employed by wealthy southern families. Jackson Mississippi was a hotbed for the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, and readers will be surprised by the racial climate in that era. The book has been made into a film, and is enjoying a resurgence in sales and reading groups in anticipation of its August release. Berkely Trade, 544 pages (2010).
The 1996 novel, “The Game of Thrones” by George R. R. Martin, is the subject of barroom chatter and fodder amongst fantasy aficionados as its adaptation by HBO has just finished its first season. Set in medieval world, a king is slain, and the drama of two families unfolds. One family, the Lannisters, was thwarted from the throne by the recently deceased king, and the Starks are headed by a man assigned to be the new kings personal hand. This is the first of four volumes, and a giant book. Bantam Books, 720 pages (1996).
Among other hot titles for this summer is the trilogy by Steig Larsen with “The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo” as the first in the series. Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” also begins a trilogy, and a non-fiction epic about the horrors of World War II “Unbroken” by Lauren Hillenbrand. All titles are widely available at local and online bookstores, and libraries in various formats.
Photo caption: “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett is one of many books that people are continuing to bring to the beach this summer, largely due to its upcoming film release. (Courtesy book cover image)

Hampton Falls Hosts Farmer’s Market

2011-07-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

HAMPTON FALLS—
The Hampton Falls Farmer’s Market was conceived of and founded by Sue Veilleux. Sue raises Nubian goats at her Jesta Farm in Hampton Falls. She has been selling her goats’ milk soap, milk and eggs at various local farmer’s markets for many years. Her dream was to create a market on the Hampton Falls common to serve as a meeting place for town and area residents and provide an opportunity for smaller and unique producers to sell their wares.
To that end, she founded the Hampton Falls Farmer’s Market Association and the group has been sponsoring markets on the common on Monday afternoons between 2:00 and 6:00 p.m. Besides Sue’s Jesta Farm, the market offers vegetables and fruit from Applecrest in Hampton Falls and Long Hill Orchard in W. Newbury, MA, items from Buzz Bomb World spices and gluten free bakery in Hampton, and maple ice cream and candy from Sugarmomma’s in Northwood. They also offer honey wines from the Moonlight Meadery in Salem and cut flowers from Indian Hill Farm in South Hampton. Other vendors offer products ranging from herbal teas and syrups to Belgian waffles.
The vendor list is constantly growing and the market welcomes applications from area producers, especially in the category of organic produce. For more information, contact hamptonfallsfarmersmarket@comcast.net.

St. Thomas Aquinas High Receives Unexpected $250,000 Gift

2011-07-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

DOVER—
For several years, St. Thomas Aquinas High School’s largest benefactor lived next door at St. Ann’s Home…only the school never knew it. Last October, 99-year-old Alicia Sullivan passed away after an extended illness. A resident of Somersworth and later of Dover, and a daily communicant at St. Mary’s Parish, Ms. Sullivan was the last surviving member of a family that included two other unmarried sisters, Ruth and Melanie Sullivan.
Together, the sisters invested their financial resources wisely, and when the time came to consider who would benefit from their foresight, their thoughts turned to education. The oldest of the three, Ruth, was a woman who had earned a college degree at a time when such an occurrence was extremely rare. Combined with their devout Catholic faith and deep understanding of the needs of Dover residents, the sisters designated St. Mary Academy and St. Thomas Aquinas High School as the beneficiaries of their largesse.
On Tuesday, July 12, 2011, Sullivan family attorney Anthony McManus, and longtime family friend Paul Boucher presented a check to St. Thomas in the amount of $250,000 – by far the largest single donation ever bestowed on STA. According to Mr. Boucher, the sisters were a remarkable trio whom he and his late wife had come to know when the oldest Sullivan sister was stricken with ovarian cancer. Alicia, he said, “had a sharp wit and a ready quip” and along with her sister Melanie, had been a supervisor with the telephone company with a reputation for toughness.
It is clear, however, that the sisters had a soft side as well. Their legacy to St. Thomas Aquinas designates that the bequest be invested, and the income used to provide scholarships for needy students from Dover or Somersworth who attend STA. For Principal Kevin Collins, this legacy helps fulfill one of his chief goals: making a St. Thomas Aquinas education accessible for as many deserving students as possible.
“This gift couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Principal Collins. “The opportunity to experience an STA education should not be a faraway dream, but a reality.”
St. Thomas Aquinas has long been committed to this goal, and is particularly focused on maintaining affordability in the current economic downturn. A little-known fact about STA is its financial aid program, which provides nearly a half-million dollars annually in grants and scholarships. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 students at the school receive some level of aid.
“Many of our top students could not have attended St. Thomas without help,” Collins noted.
“However, perhaps even more important than the benefit they receive from us is the way in which these students – like all our students – enrich our lives.”
The Sullivan legacy check was accepted on behalf of the school community by Dominique MacDonald, Vice-Chairperson of the St. Thomas Aquinas School Board – and someone who understands the impact of this gift more than most. She and her husband Tim are both members of the STA class of 1982, her children are recent grads, and she was recipient of the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award.
“The sisters have given us a tremendous gift,” she remarked upon accepting the gift. “In this economy, I’ve seen how an STA education has become more difficult to attain. This will help so many families.”
The gift of the Sullivan sisters – Ruth, Alicia and Melanie – will help secure the future of STA students for years to come. There is a play by Anton Chekov which includes this line: “…our sufferings will pass into joy for those who will live after us, happiness and peace will be established upon earth, and they will remember kindly and bless those who have lived before.”
The name of the play? “The Three Sisters.”
Photo caption: From left to right: Sullivan family attorney Anthony McManus, family friend Paul Boucher, STA Dean of Students Gordon Quimby, Vice-Chairperson of the STA School Board Dominique MacDonald, Dean of Studies Ron Holtz and Principal Kevin Collins. (Courtesy photo)

Opening Scenes: The Final ‘Harry Potter’

2011-07-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

By Chip Schrader
Movie Reviewer
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” begins with Voldemort casting a bolt of lightning into the night sky. The scene cuts to the ghostly black dementors hovering above Hogwarts, the once magical wonderland that has now become a brooding and ominous castle that resembles a giant lair in classic Gothic literature where evil lurks. Severus Snape, the new headmaster, looks down upon his school, the children march like stormtroopers inside. Harry is hiding out with his friends in a small hut; he gazes into a broken mirror that reflects his own face, and that of the deceased former headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.
All bets are off in this final installment of the Harry Potter legend. All of the roles are carried out by the same actors as the previous films, and they continue to embody their character with precision. The most notable newcomer is Albus Dumbledore’s brother, Aberforth, played by Ciaran Hinds. While he plays a smaller role in this film, he is masterfully placed to fill in a few gaps of Dumbledore’s past, but the role is too brief to get a feel for the character.
The film, as a whole, takes broad sweeps of the original book, as to be expected. But, the film is best judged upon its own merit since cinema is at a great handicap compared to literature. In comparison to Part 1, Part 2, if possible, is even darker and takes place underground, and in narrow passages, while its predecessor was greatly shot in the vast countryside. The claustrophobia the director provides in the cinematography builds tension for the viewers as Harry must invade Bellatrix Lestranges’ vault at Gringot’s bank.
Dragons, giants, and assorted ghouls inhabit the land in this film, and boost its grandiosity without providing the cheesy CGI side effects that plague a Michael Bay film, i.e. “Transformers.”
Harry’s return to Hogwarts is marked with a chilling message from Voldemort. The old magic of Hogwarts, greatly missing from the previous installment, swarms in a mass of darkness and mayhem, and the expansive campus becomes the site for an epic battle between good and evil.
The shortcomings include the fact that Harry never seems in too much danger of Voldemort catching him. It just plays out as a scavenger hunt for Harry, Hermione and Ron, while the deatheaters wait idly by. The visions Harry gets of Voldemort provide glimpses of evil, but no real suspense. The necessity of Harry to face Voldemort, and the circumstance under which he must meet him do provide some white knuckle viewing three-quarters through the movie.
The bottom line: this movie is darker, creepier, and more intriguing than any of the previous films. It is even more entertaining than the first part. The cinematography is gorgeous, and uses shadows and perpetual darkness to not only convey a sense of foreboding, but makes it a beautiful movie to look at. If the movie could stand to be an hour longer, the loss of many characters shouldn’t have been glazed over, and the battle deserved greater detail as does the character development. Combined with the previous release, the character development and action will appear more balanced. Collectively, both parts are a nearly flawless grand slam. 4.5 out of 5.
Photo caption: (Courtesy movie poster of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”)

Thursday Night Special at Warner House

2011-07-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

PORTSMOUTH—
The Warner House will offer special tours of the c.1716 mansion throughout the 2011 open season. Sandra Rux, Museum and Collections Manager at the Portsmouth Historical Society, will lead a tour focuses on the museum’s many unique textiles. Light refreshments will be served after the tour. Admission is $5 for Warner House members and $10 for non-members. Registration is encouraged and can be done by calling 603-436-5909 or emailing info@warnerhouse.org. The Warner House is located at 105 Daniel Street in downtown Portsmouth.
The Warner House was occupied continuously by the Warner family until becoming a historic house museum in 1930. Family members have stayed involved with their ancestral home and collection pieces are often returned back to the museum to be placed where they were once used. The Warner House textile collection includes crewel work, magnificent reproduction nineteenth century bed-hangings and many family costumes. Visitors to the house during this tour will be shown pieces not normally on display.
The Warner House is the earliest extant brick urban mansion in New England, It was built in 1716-1718 for Captain Archibald Macpheadris and his bride-to-be Sarah Wentworth, daughter of New Hampshire’s Lieutenant Governor, John Wentworth. The long history of the house is told in rooms furnished with many of the original family pieces, documented by estate inventories and early photographs. Each room represents different owners, culminating in the recently restored parlor of Evelyn Sherburne (d. 1929), one of the last residents. The museum is open for tours from noon to 4 p.m. every day but Tuesday. Contact the Warner House at 436-5909 or visit www.warnerhouse.org.
Photo caption: Warner House in Portsmouth will offer special tours throughout the season, providing a behind-the-scenes look at areas of the museum not typically on display. (Courtesy photo)

‘Good Morning, Strawbery Banke’ Wins New England Museum Association Book Award

2011-07-15T06:11:00.001-07:00

PORTSMOUTH—
Strawbery Banke Museum has won first place in the 2011 New England Museum Association Publication Award Competition for “Good Morning, Strawbery Banke.” The 40-page, full-color book aimed at readers aged 4-8 was written and illustrated by Wickie Rowland. The book won its category of volumes priced at $10 or less. NEMA received 206 entries from 64 organizations competing in 16 categories for the 2011 awards.
Dan Yeager, President of NEMA said, “Your publication design puts you in very good company at the top ranks of our region’s institutions. The judges were extremely impressed with the high quality of all of the entries and expressed pride to come from a region that produces such high caliber work.” The award-winning publications will be exhibited at the NEMA Annual Conference in Hartford, CT in November. This is the second time a Strawbery Banke Museum book has won NEMA honors. In 2008, J. Dennis Robinson’s history, “Strawbery Banke: A Seaport Museum 400 Years in the Making” also won.
The book has won an enthusiastic audience for the story and its real-life hero, J. D., the black cat who roams the 10-acre living history museum in downtown Portsmouth. On each page, J.D. walks through different perspectives and ways of life, from historic to modern at Strawbery Banke. Watercolor pen drawings depict J.D.’s tour through time. One reviewer of the book commented, “Wickie Rowland is an exquisite illustrator and the text is easy enough reading for younger history buffs to grasp, yet interesting enough for all ages to get involved in. This book should be required reading in grade school history classes, as it gives a wonderful, tangible experience of life in early New England.”
“I am particularly pleased that Strawbery Banke Museum has earned a New England Museum Association Award for a book aimed primarily at children, as we constantly work at bringing the story of life in Portsmouth we tell here approachable for all,” said Museum President Lawrence J. Yerdon. “J.D. the cat is an ideal ambassador and we very much appreciate Wickie Rowland’s success in giving him such a delightful letter of introduction on our behalf.”
Published in 2010 by Publishing Works in Exeter, NH with funding from Piscataqua Savings Bank and designed by Anna Pearlman, “Good Morning, Strawbery Banke” is available in the Museum Store and from booksellers. Publisher Jeremy Townsend congratulated Strawbery Banke and author Rowland on the award, saying, “It is a pleasure to be the publisher of such a wonderful, wonderful book. Everyone who sees it is charmed and apparently the New England Museum Association judges were no exception. Congratulations to Strawbery Banke Museum and Wickie Rowland!”
Established in 1959, Strawbery Banke Museum (www.strawberybanke.org) is a 10-acre living history campus that presents nearly 400 years of New Hampshire history through the stories, artifacts and buildings of Portsmouth families. With a backdrop of 16 historic buildings and gardens, role-players, working craftspeople and interpreters reflect the evolution of Portsmouth from the early Colonial period of maritime trade through its 1950s neighborhood of Puddle Dock.
Photo caption: (Courtesy book cover image of “Good Morning, Strawbery Banke”)

Greenland Celebrates 21st Annual Summer Fun and Jason’s Run

2011-07-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

GREENLAND—
On Saturday, July 16, the town center of Greenland will come alive with a full day of activities for all ages and interests. The town’s traditional Summer Fun celebration features food, music, games, crafts and more, topped off by the 21st Annual Jason Hussey 5K Road Race.
Since 1976, Greenland has held a summer celebration on the third Saturday of July with festivities centered around the town green. Community groups and non-profit agencies participate by offering activities, information, and fundraising for their causes. No commercial vendors are allowed to sell their products at this event.
Summer Fun activities begin at 8 a.m. with a Community Pancake Breakfast at the Greenland Parish House, with proceeds benefiting Community Congregational Church. Also beginning early are town-wide yard sales. Maps of all the yard sale locations will be available at the Greenland bandstand and all the yard sale sites.
Michael Sullivan’s Tales Told Tall Chess Club is always a big hit with a Chess Tournament and Renaissance Man Challenge starting at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish House. This is a three-round U.S. Chess Federation-Rated Chess Tournament. A Renaissance Man trophy will be awarded to the player with the highest combined finish in the tournament and the 5K road race.
Next door to the Parish House, the Weeks Public Library will hold a book sale and offer craft activities for children.
Live music is scheduled at the Greenland Bandstand all afternoon. This year’s entertainment line-up includes Gary and the Serfs, Jimi G and the Re-Sceptors, Five Pitches, and Crab Shack.
Other special events throughout the day include Zumba, Mad Science, a puppet show, Hillbilly Golf, crafts, face painting, laser tag, frozen tee shirt contest, carnival games, games by Sportsmouth Tennis, and activities by the Seacoast YMCA.
There will be hamburgers and hot dogs for sale at noon time. From 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., there will be a BBQ hosted by the parents of students at Greenland Central School. Proceeds from the BBQ help fund the students’ trip to Environmental School in the fall.
The big event of the day is the annual Jason Hussey 5K road race at 6:00 p.m. Registration for the race is open from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. There is a kids’ fun run at 5:00 p.m., followed by Luther’s Walk at 5:30 p.m. Announcement of race awards and raffle prizes will take place following the race at 7:00 p.m. at the bandstand to close out the day.
To see the complete schedule, register for the race, or make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.summerfunandjasonsrun.org or call Marie at 603-431-0056. Summer Fun and Jason’s Run is sponsored by the Town of Greenland Recreation Committee.

7th Annual Seacoast Concert For A Cure Returns to Rye

2011-07-15T05:51:00.000-07:00

RYE—

This year’s Seacoast Concert for a Cure, an annual music festival that raises funds for local breast cancer support programs, will feature a unique lineup of local favorites. The event, to be held Thursday, August 4, 2011 at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, NH, will feature Truffle, known for their upbeat and masterfully crafted music, and Bliss, a highly appraised all female blues, folk, country and bluegrass band.
“We’re very excited to once again be hosting the Seacoast Concert For A Cure at Seacoast Science Center,” said concert co-founder Katie Delahaye Paine. “Our mission is to raise funds for organizations that help breast cancer survivors. Since we began this effort in 2005 I am proud to say the we have raised more than $100,000 to support local non-profit organizations who provide much needed support programs to women and men right here in our own seacoast communities. And what better way to do that then to enjoy great music and dance the night away, all while overlooking the sunset on Odiorne Point!”
Past events have provided funding for: mammograms to those who can’t afford them; support weekends for survivors as well as children of those affected by cancer; an online support community where women can share their stories and get support from others going through a similar experience; and Dana Farber’s Survivorship Program – a program that helps more and more people survive cancer every year.
This year the money raised by the event will help the following non-profit organizations:
Betty J. Borry Breast Cancer Retreats: Providing adventure retreat weekends for women living after breast cancer.
BreastCancerStories.org / My Breast Cancer Support: Providing non-medical grants, travel scholarships, home assistance and additional support for local patients and their family members here in the greater seacoast area.
On Belay: Supporting children of those suffering from cancer or other life-threatening diseases. The organization was started by SCFAC founder and New Hampshire Volunteer of the Year, Crescentia Healy True, who sadly lost her battle with breast cancer in 2006.
Once again, Seacoast Science Center will host the event, continuing its Thursday night series for an extra week. There will be a large silent auction and food available for purchase. Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnics as well (alcohol may not be brought into the park – beer and wine will be available for purchase).
Tickets are $12 advance and $15 day of show (children ages 4-12 are $1, paid at gate only) and will be available at each of the Seacoast Science Center’s Music by the Sea Thursday night concerts as well as online at www.seacoastconcertforacure.com.
Sponsors of this year’s event include LWynn Sound, 92.5 The River, Measured Progress, WERZ, Hampshire First Bank and Exeter Health Resources.
Further details about the musicians, the recipient charities and the organizing team are also available on the web site, www.seacoastconcertforacure.com. For information on the Music by the Sea concert series go to www.seacoastsciencecenter.org.
Photo caption: All-female blues, rock, country and bluegrass band, Bliss, will perform along with Truffle at the 7th Annual Seacoast Concert For A Cure. (Courtesy photo)

Frisbie Memorial Hospital Donates $10,000 to Howie’s Field of Dreams

2011-07-08T14:08:00.001-07:00

ROCHESTER—
Frisbie Memorial Hospital recently donated $10,000 to Howie’s Field of Dreams/ Rochester Rotary, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to build a handicapped-accessible baseball field for players ages five to 20 living with physical and/or mental challenges. The field will be made of a rubberized surface so that players who fall will not injure themselves, and will be located at Roger Allen Park in Rochester to accommodate a Buddy-Ball division league.
Howie’s Field of Dreams/Rochester Rotary has scheduled a 5K Road Race/Fun Run or Walk on July 23 at 9:00 a.m. to raise money for the field; Frisbie Memorial Hospital is the Race sponsor. The Race starts and finishes at Roger Allen Park (195 Chestnut Hill Road in Rochester) and participants have the option to run/walk one, two or 3.1 miles. The course is USATF certified and is flat and fast. The Race entry fee is $15.00 for adults ($20 for same day) and $7.00 for kids ages 12 years and younger. For more information on Howie’s Field of Dreams and/or to register for the Race, please visit www.howiesfieldofdreams.org.
Howie’s Field of Dreams was the vision of Howard “Howie” Seckendorf who suffered a fatal heart attack in 2009 at the age of 51. In honor and tribute to his memory, the Rochester Rotary and his family members have committed to making his dream a reality.
Photo caption: From left to right: Gerry Gilbert (Rochester Rotary), John Creteau (Past President Roger Allen Baseball), Gerry Bisaillon, Walter Hoerman, MD (Committee Chair), Molly Seckendorf (Howie’s daughter), Kim Seckendorf (Howie’s widow and Rochester Rotary) and Al Felgar, Frisbie Memorial Hospital President/CEO. (Courtesy photo)

Kids Compete in Striped Bass Tournament

2011-07-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

NEW CASTLE—
Despite grey skies, heavy rain, heavy seas and chilly temps, there was also a heavy turnout for the fourth annual Wentworth Marina Striped Bass Tournament for Kids.
The popular catch and release fishing tournament for Striped Bass added a Mackerel division in 2009 to increase the opportunity for success for its youngest participants. Both species were presented to the judging station on the docks of Wentworth Marina.
Braving some really challenging conditions, fishing began at sunrise Sunday, June 12, for the 80 plus participants ranging in age from 8-16.
Some anglers left from the Marina on the Tournament’s vessel; the Atlantic Queen and others from their own private boats or chartered captains. Many were forced to return early given the 6-8 foot swells. Others found some respite in the rivers and channels, where a 42” Striper was netted.
A former three-time Tournament winner and now Trinity College swimmer won the new alumni category.
The 4th Annual Wentworth Marina Striped Bass Tournament Winners are listed below.
Mackerel Category,
including weight
Juveniles (8-10 yrs.): First, Quinn Alessi, .77; Second, Reid Alessi, .71; Third, Colby Muise, .55. Schoolies (11-13 yrs.): First, Paul Holloway, .71; Second, Nathan Barone, .38; Third, Malcolm Hughes, .21. Lunkers (14-16 yrs.): First, Dylan Muise, .18. Alumni: First, Ryan McCann, .12.
Striped Bass Category,
including length and girth
Juveniles: First, Elizabeth Holloway, 34, 19; Second, Noah Burnside, 34, 17; Third, Nicholas Nold, 32.5. Schoolies: First, Ben Sandquist, 42; Second, Hans Pohl, 31.5; Third, Niko Alexandropoulos, 31. Lunkers: First, Theo Alexandropoulos, 32; Second, Brody Sandquist, 31.25; Third, Matthew Webber, 31.
Organized and managed by the Little Harbor Charitable Foundation Board, each year the Tournament supports a designated beneficiary organization in service to children and youth on the Seacoast.
This year, Tournament proceeds will build upon the success of a 2010 initiative, to expand development and delivery of enrichment service programs and opportunities for children living at Cross Roads House and the Portsmouth Housing Authority. “Summer Lab” a brand new learning initiative will pair these children with exceptional educators, mentors and consultants at the Dondero School (Portsmouth).
Little Harbor Charitable Foundation is credited with gifting over 60 programs and raising over $1.65 million dollars in support for Seacoast area organizations since 1997.
Lead sponsor Mercedes-Benz is joined once again by a number of returning organizations, including; Holloway Automotive, WMUR-TV 9, Wentworth Marina, Pro-Mariner, Fidelity Charitable Giving, Clear Channel, Bid2Win Software, Inc., Construction Services of NH, Center for Assessment, Actio Corporation, Seacoast Media Group, and many others.
Sponsor funds, 100% of which is annually channeled directly to the designated beneficiary organization have subsequently assisted thousands of children with basic health, welfare, education services and crisis care in addition to stimulating interest in and access to the arts and personal enrichment opportunities.
Please visit www.LHCFonline.com or www.stripertournament.com for additional information and a full list of sponsors.

Four Stellar Acts for Showcase Festival at Prescott Park

2011-07-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

PORTSMOUTH—
As part of the Prescott Park Arts Festival’s 37th season, the Showcase Festival will bring Patty Larkin, Jon Nolan, Jason Spooner and Martin England to the FairPoint Communications MainStage on Saturday, July 9. The arts festival looks forward to kicking things off on a high note at the first music festival of the 2011 Summer Season with a fantastic lineup of talented musicians.
Returning to the Prescott Park Arts Festival stage is urban-folk/pop music phenomenon Patty Larkin. The self-described “guitar driven songwriter” has wound her way through soundscapes of evocative vocals, inventive guitar wizardry, and imaginative lyrics to reinterpret traditional folk melodies, rock, pop, and bossa nova.
Also returning to the stage this year is veteran performer Jon Nolan. Nolan’s most recent album, When the Summers Lasted Long, was a self-recorded, debut solo release. Chronicling Nolan’s transition from youth to adulthood, this honest and charming Americana/pop record garnered critical success and solid reviews from No Depression Magazine and the Boston Herald.
Festival-goers will welcome multi-award winning New England-based songwriter Jason Spooner. Spooner’s third album, Sea Monster (2010), has been praised by Sirius/XM as “a very rare and special record that is destined to put Spooner on the musical map” and has been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered. Spooner and his band have toured extensively in the past few years, sharing the stage with artists including Ray LaMontagne, Brandi Carlile, Amos Lee, and more.
Rounding out the Showcase Festival’s lineup is the latest rising star of the Seacoast, Martin England. Winner of the Spotlight Single of the Year award, England’s solo debut, Razed and Reconstructed (2010), marks a new direction for the singer-songwriter. Formerly with Northeast regional band Pondering Judd, England’s imaginative blend of Americana, folk, roots rock, and occasional old school country will engage and capture audience members.
“Showcase Festival this year features a fantastic mix of emerging and well established musical greats, and we couldn’t be happier with the lineup,” says Executive Director Ben Anderson. “Whether you’ve seen Patty, Jon, Jason, and Martin before or not, our first music festival of the year is going to be one everyone will enjoy.”
The Showcase Festival is part of the Prescott Park Arts Festival’s 37th season that also features the musical “The Wizard of Oz,” running every Thursday through Sunday until August 21, 2011. The season also includes the River House Restaurant Concert Series, which will feature music legends such as the Taj Mahal Trio, Arlo Guthrie, Shawn Colvin, and Greg Brown each Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. through August 26.
All events offered at the Prescott Park Arts Festival are presented free of charge with a suggested donation of $5 - $8. For more information on the festival, or to see a full schedule of events, visit www.prescottpark.org or call 603-436-2848.
Photo caption: Patty Larkin is one of four special acts that will perform at Prescott Park Showcase Festival. (Courtesy photo)

It Takes a Community to Build a Gundalow

2011-07-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

PORTSMOUTH—
As part of the campaign to raise $1.2m to build a new gundalow and expand Gundalow Company programs and operations, efforts were boosted at the shipyard from the early support of some special people and businesses from the seacoast area. In-kind services and materials have been valued at over $50,000 towards the project. Strawbery Banke has been instrumental in giving the location to build the boat and site support. Collaborative education programs are ongoing with both organizations.   In the fall of 2010, Appledore Engineering – a division of Tighe & Bond, provided pro-bono civil engineering and site plans for the Puddle Dock construction site, and supported the gundalow staff through the regulatory and permitting process. McLane Law Firm’s team fielded various legal questions, while Gove Construction created a level gravel pad as the base for the shipyard.  
Tony Coviello at Summit Engineering provided structural engineering plans for the shipyard cover from conceptual designs by the Steve Jones Architectural Design Program at Portsmouth High School. The tool shed that is now at the Puddle Dock shipyard was also designed by students, and built by Dexter Roblee’s Building Trades program students. Over 700 hours were donated in labor to design and build the impressive 10’x20’ shed, delivered in early April. Four Seasons Fence donated the labor to surround the shipyard in fencing, and gundalow volunteers crafted the gate. Vince Todd of V. Todd & Co., built the temporary shipyard cover and contributed his time to plan and oversee its construction. The shipyard was completed by early May with the support of Moores Crane Company, Ricci Lumber, Second Nature Landscape Outlet, A.H. Harris & Sons, Inc., Green Velvet Landscape, Independent Boat Haulers, Jackson’s Hardware & Marine, Jeffrey Knapp Construction, Keith Bridge Electrical, Kevin Knapp, North Hampton Grocery, Peter Coren Builder & Cabinetmaker, Rainscape, Rick Stevens Custom Lumber, Rockingham Electric Supply Co. and Tri-State Fire Protection.   Construction of the new gundalow began in early May under the direction of York, ME Paul Rollins, boatbuilder. Materials, services and supplies were supported by Bartlett’s Farm & Sawmill, Brentwood Machinery & Tools, Dixon Mills, Fastener Warehouse, Lamprey Oil, Rand Lumber, Sanborn Mills Farm, and Urban Tree Service. Early corporate and business donations from Appledore Real Estate, Piscataqua Savings Bank, Infinite Imaging, Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café, Federal Savings Bank, Granite State Minerals, Property Tax Advisors, Waterfront Engineers, and Jeffrey H. Taylor & Associates covered early costs associated with the start of construction.
About the Gundalow Company: Since 2002, the non-profit Gundalow Company has used the Captain Edward H. Adams – a replica modeled after the last gundalow to carry cargo on the bay – to provide “dockside” programs to more than 100,000 visitors. However, the Adams is too authentic to comply with modern U.S. Coast Guard safety requirements. Recognizing the need to get students of all ages to genuinely connect with their rivers and bay, the Gundalow Company is building a new gundalow that will have the safety features and structural integrity required by the U.S. Coast Guard for passenger-carrying vessels.
For centuries, gundalows connected up-river seacoast communities with Portsmouth, the region’s seaport and primary market town. Harnessing the wind and riding the tide, gundalows moved bricks, hay, firewood, and goods crucial to the economy and everyday life. The Gundalow Company takes its inspiration from the vital role of those historic gundalows, vessels unique to the Piscataqua Maritime Region. This new gundalow’s educational purpose is as important for the future as its predecessors were for the past. For more information, www.gundalow.org, info@gundalow.org or 603-433-9505.
Photo caption: A crane hoists the gundalow shipyard cover wall into place on Puddle Dock at Strawbery Banke, Portsmouth, NH. (Photo by David J. Murray)

Music-by-the-Sea Concerts Begin

2011-07-01T15:43:00.000-07:00

RYE—
The Seacoast Science Center’s Music-by-the-Sea outdoor concert series will start the season in the spirit of summer. On July 7, Islandside will take the stage with their authentic Caribbean sound. Kick off your shoes, breathe in the salt air and enjoy the seaside sounds of reggae, soca, and calypso.
Entrain returns for a tenth season on July 14. Entrain never fails to get the crowd on the dance floor with their infectious percussive rhythm. Gnarlemagne will get you on your feet with their funky blues, classic rock dance music on July 21.
One of the most fun-loving, local party bands, Jumbo Circus Peanuts will close the series on July 28. MBS concert-goers cannot seem to get enough of their swinging-pop-jazz, crazy costumes and tossed-into-the-crowd beaded necklaces.
All concerts are held under a festive tent and take place rain or shine. Just bring your beach blankets and chairs; enjoy hot-off-the-grill fare and great beverages from local vendors, grab an ice cream and stroll along the shore at sunset. The Center and Nature Store are open during all concerts.
Concerts begin at 6:00 p.m.; gates open at 5:00 p.m. for dining. Tickets are $8 for adults and $2 for children ages 3-12. You can purchase your tickets in advance at the Center or online at seacoastsciencecenter.org/events. Present your SSC membership card to purchase your ticket at half price. Bring your friends — if they join that night they can enjoy on-the-spot discounted concert tickets! For more information call 603-436-8043.
Sponsors include Access Sports Medicine, Allegra Marketing Print Mail, Clear Channel Radio, Exeter Events & Tents, Flatbread Pizza Company, Liberty Mutual, Liquid Planet Water Park, Northeast Delta Dental, People’s United Bank, Piscataqua Savings Bank, The Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Public Service of New Hampshire, Salient Surgical Technologies, Smuttynose Brewing Company, Westinghouse Electric Company, and WMUR TV ABC9. All proceeds from the Music-by-the-Sea concert series benefit SSC.
Photo caption: The Music-by-the-Sea concert series at the Seacoast Science Center kicks off on July 7. (Courtesy photo)

Special Events Planned at Children’s Museum of NH

2011-07-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

DOVER—
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover is hosting a wide range of special events for families this summer. From a local foods farmer’s market to tender loving care for tattered teddy bears, the museum’s special events are all open to the public and included in the regular price of admission: $8 for adults and children, $7 for seniors age 65+, and free for children under one year old. During the summer, the museum is open to visitors seven days a week.
The Children’s Museum of NH is located in Henry Law Park on the Cochecho River in downtown Dover, making it an ideal day-trip destination. Several free outdoor concerts are held in the park each week, there is a playground and picnic area, and dozens of restaurants and shops are within an easy walk. More information on planning a trip to Dover can be found at www.dovernh.org.
This summer’s special events at the Children’s Museum of NH include:
Four on the Fourth
Monday, July 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. - Celebrate the Fourth of July with $4 admission all day long. This half-price admission applies to adults as well as children, and visitors are free to leave for lunch and come back in to play later!
Colossal Construction Day
Monday, July 11, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Can we build it? Yes we can! Join us for a day of design and engineering challenges for all ages. From buildings and bridges to vehicles and your own imaginative creations, the sky is the limit on Colossal Construction Day. Lego your Mind will be providing kids with LEGO building elements, axles, and wheels of all sizes to enable them to free build rolling creations that will be tested down a ramp for speed and distance.
Local Roots Food Fair
Tuesday, July 20, 1-4 p.m. - Discover the joy of eating local at this seasonal food fair, presented in partnership with Hannaford Supermarkets. The museum will welcome a variety of area farmers and local food purveyors for an afternoon of tasty sampling, hands-on activities for kids, and coupons and information for parents.
Bubble Science Day
Tuesday, July 26, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Parents and children can roll up their sleeves for some good, clean fun when the Children’s Museum celebrates Bubble Science Day. The museum’s large classroom will be transformed into a bubble laboratory where families can experiment with bubble shapes, colors and sizes, and build 3-D bubble shapes, walls and windows. In the museum’s Project Area, children can make bubble wands to take home, and parents can pick up hand-outs with more ideas for bubble play to continue the learning at home.
Teddy Bear Clinic & Tea Party
Wednesday, August 10, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Children are invited to bring their favorite stuffed friend to the museum’s annual Teddy Bear Clinic from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a Teddy Tea Party from noon to 12:30 pm. This event is designed to not only be fun, but also help children who may be anxious about visiting the doctor. Volunteer health professionals will be on hand to issue each animal an ID bracelet, perform health check-ups, and conduct minor surgery on furry friends in need of repair. At the noontime tea party, guests will enjoy juice, animal crackers and fruit.
Patterns & Puzzles Day
Thursday, August 18, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Patterns are everywhere! Join us as we look at the world in a whole new way as we seek out patterns and get creative with exhibit-related pattern activities and take-home projects throughout the museum. Older children and adults will scratch their heads as they work to solve brainteasers and riddles sure to give your brain a workout!
Build It. Fly It. Day
Tuesday, August 23, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Young imaginations will soar as children create their own flying machines using a variety of everyday materials in this high-flying challenge. Kids will learn about the principles of aerodynamics and flight as they test their creations in the museum’s two-and-a-half-story Build It. Fly It. exhibit. Whose invention will fly, flip or flop? Visitors can also try their hand at constructing some other simple flyers to test and take home.
The museum will also be staying open extended hours on the nights of Cochecho Arts Festival evening performances in Henry Law Park. On Friday nights between July 8 and August 12, the Children’s Museum of NH will remain open to the public until 7 p.m. to welcome families arriving early for the concerts.
More information can be found at www.childrens-museum.org. The Children’s Museum of NH is open all summer Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 12-5 p.m.
Photo caption: Braeden of Kittery experiments with creating multiple linked bubbles. (Courtesy photo)

Strawbery Banke Presents 10th Annual American Celebration

2011-06-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

PORTSMOUTH—
On Monday, July 4, Strawbery Banke Museum rings with an event and fun-filled family commemoration of the nation’s 235th birthday. The 10th annual An American Celebration! event takes place at the Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes Revolutionary War re-enactors, a visit from Abe Lincoln, an insider’s view of the shipyard where the new Gundalow is being built and nearly every kid’s activity imaginable.
From games and contests to kite flying to bubble-blowing plus a treasure hunt, the ever-popular 1940s candy counter and Victorian fairy houses, this is a day dedicated to family fun. The traditional Children’s Bike & Wagon Parade starts at 2:30 p.m. and children are invited to come early to decorate their entries between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Strawbery Banke Museum will also remember its role as the keeper of 400 years of Portsmouth history with historic house tours where costumed role-players welcome visitors to their eras, plus colonial hearth-cooking demonstrations and artisans at work in the cooper’s shed and potters’ shop. Visitors can participate in crafts, Children’s Garden activities and observe the Museum’s onsite archaeology excavation.
An American Celebration begins this year with the US Naturalization ceremony, welcoming new citizens to the public for the first time.  “An American Celebration at Strawbery Banke is a family event that salutes what Independence Day really means,” said Lawrence J. Yerdon, President of Strawbery Banke Museum. “From welcoming new citizens to welcoming our neighbors and visitors, An American Celebration is a commemoration of the nation’s founding and the parts the people of Portsmouth played, a recognition of past challenges and opportunities and a rousing reaffirmation of what life in these United States means to us today.”
No American 4th of July would be complete without great food and great music and An American Celebration features both of those. Vendors will offer hot dogs, lobster rolls, milkshakes, watermelon, salads and cookies along with selections from Googies Sandwich Shoppe and Dos Amigos Burritos.
New this year is the First Annual Seacoast Professional Pie Baking Competition. Professional bakers from restaurants and bakeries around the area will each supply two pies: one for sampling by the judges and the other to be raffled off to benefit the museum’s historical cooking programs. The Bedford Big Band will present live swing music and popular favorites all day.
An American Celebration is the focal point of Independence Day celebrations on the seacoast and is one of Strawbery Banke Museum’s signature events, drawing thousands of visitors who mix comfortably across the 10-acre campus. Admission to An American Celebration is free to children under 17 thanks to sponsorship from BAE Systems. As a member of the Blue Star Museums program, Strawbery Banke Museum admits active duty military and their families free at all times. Museum members are also admitted free of charge. Adult tickets are $15 and available in advance on the Strawbery Banke website, www.strawberybanke.org or by calling 603-433-1107.
Photo caption: (Courtesy image of logo for the 10th annual An American Celebration! at Strawbery Banke Museum)

Remembering the Old Days of Banking in Dover

2011-06-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

DOVER—
Many of you living in Dover can remember banking at the Merchants National or Strafford Savings Banks, and remember when there was a bank on the corner of Washington and Locust Streets called Dover Co-operative Bank. Those were days when banking was simple and everyone knew your name.
When kids turned in empty bottles and saved nickels and dimes in a special metal bank, they would go to the bank teller for a key to open and deposit the contents into a savings account book that you carried home with your empty bank, ready to be filled again.
Woodman Institute Museum trustee Thom Hindle and Federal Savings Bank (formerly Dover Co-Op) have prepared a special exhibit that represents those old days of banking. Sponsored by Federal Savings Bank, items from the Thom and Mira Hindle Dover Collection will be on display at the Woodman Museum throughout the 2011 season.
Remember the Hopalong Cassidy Savings Club of the 1950s? You received pins that represented different levels of savings. Tenderfoot, Wrangler, Bronc Buster and Trail Boss were some of the pins given out. You had a small bank that was a bust of Hoppy and coins would be inserted through a hole in his hat. Maybe you received a cardboard coin holder in the shape of a candy cane at Christmas or an Easter Bunny filled with dimes. Did you ever receive a nice mechanical lead pencil or a wood ruler from the bank, usually in celebration of an anniversary? Well these and many more pieces of banking memorabilia now on display should bring back fond memories.
Dover Co-operative was located in the Walker Block on Washington Street next to Robbins Auto. It was a three-story building until 1954, when the third floor was removed. That became Dover Federal Savings.
Merchants National Bank was located on the corner of Third Street and Central Avenue, now Baldface Books. Strafford Banks erected what would be called the “fortress of finance” in 1895 on the corner at Central Square. Strafford was established in 1804 near Tuttle Square.
Gone are the savings books and metal banks shaped like famous people, horses, cars, toy cash registers and buildings, replaced by drive-up windows, automatic teller machines and on-line banking. However, museum visitors can take a step back in time this season by viewing a display of these long-gone banking artifacts from our childhood.
The Woodman Institute Museum is located at 182 Central Avenue in Dover and is open Wednesday-Sunday 12:30-4:30 (except holidays). Call 742-1038 to reserve a group tour or visit www.woodmaninstitutemuseum.org.
Photo caption: The Woodman Institute Museum will host a special exhibit throughout the 2011 season featuring historic banking artifacts courtesy the Thom and Mira Hindle Dover Collection. (Courtesy photo)

Opening Scenes: ‘Super 8’

2011-06-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

By Chip Schrader
Movie Reviewer
“Super 8” begins with a high angle shot overlooking a factory with a sign that reads “Safety is our first priority.” A man is on the right taking off the numbers 784 and replacing them with 1 to signify the number of days without an accident. The scene shifts to a middle school-aged kid sitting on a swing with a locket in his hand. His friends are gathered inside with the rest of the mourners wondering if he will still want to work on his zombie movie project, even if his mother his dead. A man comes to the wake to mourn and is removed in handcuffs.
“Super 8” takes viewers back to the 1980s, a time when producer Steven Spielberg was in his prime, directing or producing blockbusters like “Goonies,” “Poltergeist,” and “E.T.” Old time Spielberg fans have waited for the day that he would ditch Tom Cruise and work on another movie centered on children and the classical form of science fiction that made him famous, namely “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Like Spielberg in the past, director J.J. Abrams directs the children in “Super 8” so well; the movie takes off and never lands.
Kids in backpacks riding their bikes through a suburban town marks a period of time when Internet and social networking has not spoiled childhood. The boys are out with their super 8 camera shooting that zombie flick they were talking about in the first scene.
The crew consists of five boys. Throughout the movie, only three have predominant roles: Joe, the sensitive child of the woman who died; Charlie, the wannabe film director and Cary, that kid that wants to blow things up. They are eventually joined by a talented girl, Alice, who aspires to be an actress.
The kids are very funny in this movie, and it has been a long time since such a fun story has been united with this caliber of acting. To dig too deep into the story would be to spoil the whole experience, but anybody who has a love for the old creature features will love this movie. The camera angles are dynamic and exciting, the special effects and action are wildly entertaining, and the story is interesting.
There are some flaws, though. Loose ends are either untied or unsatisfactorily resolved as the movie wraps up. One instance of this is that we never really discover why the dogs ran off just before the town turns into a war zone, nor do we see their reunion with the family. Instead, we just see a scene where we learn over a phone call that Joe’s dog, Lucy, was found in the next county.
There are also characters that vanish, and we never see their story completed. At 112 minutes, the movie could use at least another 20 minutes to more deeply explore the characters, only because they are so interesting.
Bottom line: long-time movie fans have waited twenty years for this film. It may have its flaws, but the movie is so entertaining that nobody cares; it just ends far too soon. This is Spielberg’s best project since “Schindler’s List,” and this film will propel J.J. Abrams’ career as a director.
The kids are all believable and funny in this movie, and young starlet Elle Fanning is unbelievably good. Her scenes with Joe take us all back to a time of our first crushes, so much so that the viewer can feel that pang that hasn’t been felt in years. The action sequences are intense and the language may deter the younger audiences, but this is the way movies used to be, and this will hopefully be the beginning of the end of corny and sanitized youth movies. 5 out of 5.
Photo caption: (Courtesy movie poster)

Great Bay Discovery Center Presents Special Collections Exhibit

2011-06-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

GREENLAND—
The newest feature at the Great Bay Discovery Center, the Special Collections Exhibit, is having a grand opening on Saturday, June 25, from 10:00 to 1:00. The public is invited for refreshments, tours and an informal ribbon cutting to mark the opening of this unique exhibit.
The Special Collections Exhibit is located in the lower level of the Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center. The focus of the exhibit is the history of hunting and fishing in the Great Bay Estuary. Many of the articles in the collection were donated by local people whose families have lived in the area and carried on the pastimes of hunting and fishing. Some of the items were the property of Richard Schanda, who for many years wrote a column about the outdoors for the local papers under the pen name of Joe Dixx.
Many of the hunting artifacts on display demonstrate the techniques of duck hunting and the equipment used. Two antique sneak boats, both of which were used extensively on Great Bay, are part of the exhibit. There are many different donated decoys, from early, carved ones to modern ones on display. Also shown are a classic “bob house” or “fish shanty” along with a sled used to transport the fishing equipment and “bob house” onto the ice. Shellfishing was once a major activity on the bay and there are many items in the collection that reflect this. Old photographs, fishing and hunting licenses, advertisements and other ephemera are also incorporated into the exhibits.
The Great Bay Discovery Center and Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center are located at 89 Depot Road just off Route 33 on the Greenland/Stratham town line. The Center is the educational facility for the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and is funded by NOAA and administered by NH Fish and Game Department. Relay NH 1-800-735-2964 for TDD access. Please call the Center at 603-778-0015 for more information about this event and other programs or check our web site www.greatbay.org.
Photo caption: The Special Collections Exhibit at the Great Bay Discovery Center focuses on the history of hunting and fishing in the Great Bay Estuary. (MetroCreative photo)

Wentworth Greenhouse Farmer’s Market Opens

2011-06-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

ROLLINSFORD—
June 18th will mark the beginning of a fourth season of Summer Farmers’ Markets, held at the Wentworth Greenhouse’s parking lot at 141 Rollins Road, Rollinsford.
This year also marks the second year of Saturday Markets which will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every week thru October 29th, and showcase over 26 local farmers, growers, and local food producers.
Each Market will consist of approximately 20 vendors, and will feature (in part): locally grown organic vegetables, free range beef, turkey, chicken, pork, lamb, chicken and quail eggs, honey, leeks, peas, beets, carrots, broccoli, parsnips, heirloom dried beans, tomatoes, fresh herbs, plums, blueberries, peaches, apples, aged and mold aged goat cheese, home made Greek Style Yogurt, artisanal crackers, fresh cut flowers, home made granola, jams, jellies, sauces, fresh baked breads, fruit pies, specialty cakes, tea breads, scones, cinnamon rolls, locally sourced soups and chili, juried select crafts, and a complete roster of live music.
For a complete listing of Market products, and a full listing of scheduled summer music, visit the Markets on Face Book, or go to www.wentworthgreenhouses.com.
Photo caption: Shoppers at last year’s market. (www.wentworthgreenhouses.com photo)

The Wizard of Oz to be Presented at Prescott Park Arts Festival

2011-06-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

PORTSMOUTH—
The greatest family musical of all time comes to Prescott Park as part of the Seacoast’s most-loved summer traditions beginning Friday, June 24 and running each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through August 21.
Join Dorothy, Toto, Lion, Scarecrow, Tin Man and other members of the cast for a special kids event featuring a variety of crafts, fun, brunch and select performances from the musical on Saturday, June 25 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. for an Over The Rainbow Picnic: A Day with Dorothy and Friends. Come dressed as your favorite Wizard of Oz character, or simply as you are and enjoy meeting the cast and lots of fun activities. The afternoon will include: Lunch worthy of Dorothy and her friends; plenty of chances to meet the Wizard of Oz cast and songs performed by the cast (with flying!). Each guest will receive a ticket for a future performance of Wizard of Oz in Prescott Park, which is recommended for ages 3 to 10 and families always welcome. Tickets are limited and past events have sold out. Reserve Early.
This magical production, based on the Royal Shakespeare Company’s celebration of the 1939 MGM movie, is presented in partnership with the Seacoast Repertory Theatre and will prove to sweep audiences away, from the moment the tornado twists its way into Kansas.
Dorothy, Toto and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow are transported Over the Rainbow to adventures in Munchkin Land, the Haunted Forest, and the Emerald City.
Featuring the classic songs Over the Rainbow, Ding Dong the Witch is Dead, and If I Only Had A Brain. Along with the beloved characters, The Wizard of Oz will have the entire family captivated as they travel down the yellow brick road for an unforgettable evening in the Park. For a complete schedule of show times, visit www.prescottpark.org.
Volunteers Needed
A troop of volunteers for this kid event is needed as kids from all over will take to the park to meet the cast of this year’s production, The Wizard of Oz. Families look forward to this day every year, but we can’t pull it off without the help of our dedicated volunteers! 20+ Volunteers are needed to man the many fun stations the kids will visit. These will include face painting, photos with Dorothy and Toto, a Flying Monkey Toss (Kids launch stuffed flying monkeys through the mouth of a big Wizard head!), coloring ruby slippers and rainbows, and making tissue-paper poppies. We need 2-3 volunteers per station as well as a few to walk around as floaters and make sure everything is going smoothly, dessert servers, and merchandise booth operators.
To volunteer, please contact Liz Plourde, Festival Coordinator, 603-436-2848 or email: info@prescottpark.org.