Locals Bank Underwrites 2010 Apple Harvest Day

DOVER—
Federal Savings Bank has renewed their support of the premier Fall Event on the Seacoast. The Dover-based community bank will serve as Apple Harvest Day Underwriter for 2010, which takes place on Saturday, Oct. 2nd for the 26th consecutive year.
“Federal Savings Bank is proud to celebrate our 120th anniversary this year. We’ve seen firsthand the changes in Dover throughout the years and couldn’t be happier to have our headquarters located in such a vibrant city. We look forward to positively impacting this great community for many more years to come,” said President Jay O’Neill.
Vendors, artisans and crafters at Apple Harvest Day will be located only along Central Avenue and Henry Law Avenue. The event now attracts over 35,000 people and 300 vendors into downtown Dover on the first Saturday in October, which this year falls on Oct. 2nd.
To celebrate Dover’s annual autumn event, the 2010 Festival will feature new pavilions, an even greater array of entertainment options than ever before, including the 2nd running of the Apple Harvest Day 5K Road Race through the downtown area on Saturday morning and a completely revised and family friendly amusement zone in Henry Law Park.
The Apple Harvest Day Committee is also creating some new exhibiting and performance opportunities this year to try to broaden the appeal of the event. An “Artist in Residence Venue” will feature arts and crafts made at the event. Additionally, a North End entertainment stage has been added, with Gazpacho and The Modulators signed on to perform. Also new this year is the “Seacoast Chef’s Challenge” which we feature local chef’s facing off in an Apple Themed cooking competition.
Indeed, it appears that seacoast area residents can expect more entertainment, attractions and surprises than ever at this years’ Apple Harvest Day celebration, where there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
For additional information on Apple Harvest Day, please call the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce at (603) 742-2218, email info@dovernh.org, or visit www.dovernh.org.
Photo caption: Federal Savings Bank presents the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce with a check to commemorate their underwriting of the 26th Annual Apple Harvest Day in Dover on Oct. 2nd. Pictured are Kirt Schuman, Executive Director of the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce; Kim Bryan, AVP, Branch Manager of Federal Savings Bank and Co-Chair of Apple Harvest Day Committee and Jay O’Neill, President and CEO of Federal Savings Bank. (Courtesy photo)

Frisbie Volunteer Bette White Honored at Retirement

ROCHESTER—
Frisbie Memorial Hospital recognizes Elizabeth “Bette” White for 42 years of dedicated volunteer service at the hospital. She has served in a variety of capacities during her time at Frisbie -- from patient care positions, to coffee shop volunteer, to Auxiliary fundraising events. Bette has been a tireless advocate promoting the hospital’s mission and a competent leader for many successful Auxiliary events over the years. Bette also has served several terms as Auxiliary president and as a Corporator for the hospital. Volunteerism has been a lifelong endeavor for Bette White as she has served her community these many years with integrity and pride.
A formal proclamation was made by the Mayor of Rochester, T. J. Jean, on July 29, 2010, calling this date The Bette J. White Day, celebrating her dedicated service to Frisbie Memorial Hospital and to the citizens of the greater Rochester area. She leaves with us a shining legacy to be remembered and very much appreciated.
Photo caption: Left to right — T. J. Jean, Rochester Mayor, Antoinette Hills, FMH Dir. Volunteer Services, Bette White, FMH Auxilian and Al Felgar, CEO Frisbie Memorial Hospital (Courtesy photo)

St. Thomas Aquinas High School Celebrates 50 Years

DOVER—
St. Thomas Aquinas High School is proud to commemorate its 50th jubilee anniversary this year and plans are well under way for the celebration. This milestone is a true testament to the strength of our community and the mission of our school, and it is with that strong community spirit that we invite the community to join us in celebrating our 50th birthday by participating in some or all the events and activities that are planned.
The 50th Jubilee Kick Off Event is on Monday, Aug. 30, 2010.
At 8 a.m. there is a reenactment of first day of school September 1960. Students, faculty and staff will gather in the front of the school for a ribbon cutting ceremony. St. Thomas Librarian and Honorary Jubilee Chairwoman Sister Georganne Pearson (who has been at St. Thomas for 49 of its 50 years) will do the ribbon cutting honors. Ron Holtz, Dean of Studies, will speak to students about the school’s 50-year journey. Students will gather for a photo in front of the school.
At 1:30 p.m. STA students, faculty and staff will reconvene out in back of the school after each receiving a ‘birthday present’ in their homeroom. Students will create a celebratory “50 STA” formation on the field while aerial photos are taken by STA graduate Aaron Rohde ’95 in a small aircraft flown by STA friend Kenn Ortmann.
Photo caption: (Logo taken from www.stalux.org)

1st New Hampshire Regiment to visit the Col. Paul Wentworth House

ROLLINSFORD—
Are you curious about New Hampshire’s important role in the American Revolution? Want to learn more? During the weekend of Aug. 28-29th, the Colonel Paul Wentworth House located at 47 Water Street in Rollinsford is hosting an encampment of the 1st New Hampshire Regiment, whose members will recreate the lives of Revolutionary War soldiers and their families with military drills and firing demonstrations, campfire cooking, and other authentic activities.
Only a few weeks after war broke out at Lexington and Concord, the 1st New Hampshire Regiment was organized in May 1775 from Rockingham and Hillsborough counties. Under the command of John Stark, its first battle was only a month later at Bunker Hill, one of the bloodiest engagements of the Revolution. During its service, the 1st NH Regiment also served under General Washington during the legendary “Crossing of the Delaware,” fought at the crucial battle of Saratoga in 1777, and survived the deadly winter at Valley Forge.
On Saturday, Aug. 28, the military camp opens to the public by 10 a.m., when visitors will see new recruits mustered into the regiment and local children will also have the opportunity to “enlist” and learn basic military maneuvers from the colonial period. After an authentic lunch, the 1st NH Regiment will conduct an artillery drill and fire their cannon beginning at 2 p.m. At 3 p.m., the regiment will recreate a military court-martial for one unlucky soldier! A sham battle, which was used to train new soldiers before they experienced the chaos of combat, will envelop the grounds of the Wentworth House at 4 p.m., and the military camp closes to the public at 5 p.m. on Saturday. On Sunday morning at 9 a.m., a colonial “Church Call” will be held in camp and is open to the public. Recruiting, drill, and firing demonstrations will transport visitors back in time once again, at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. before the regiment strikes camp at 3 p.m.
Guided tours of the Wentworth House will also be offered to the public on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Originally built by Colonel Paul Wentworth at the dawn of the eighteenth century, the impressive structure was moved to Massachusetts during the 1930s and recently made a triumphant return to Rollinsford, where it stands only a short distance from its original site near the Salmon Falls River. Today, the Wentworth House remains one of the finest and historically significant colonial homes in New Hampshire and a local treasure not to be missed. This event is open to the public at no charge thanks to the Association of Rollinsford Culture and History (ARCH), which facilitates entertaining and educational programs for all ages at the Wentworth House. For more information on this event and others in the near future, please visit our website www.paulwentworthhouse.org or call 603-742-4747. We look forward to seeing you there!
Photo caption: The 1st NH Regiment will be at an encampment at the Wentworth House in Rollinsford (Courtesy photo)

High Waters

By Chip Schrader
Book Review Editor
Many people might assume the book “Role Models” would be film maker John Waters’ attempt to enter high culture. But, those who are familiar with Waters’ celluloid schlock and guffaw antics know better. Ironically, Waters’ trademark cinema of “bad taste” has been elevated to high culture in many circles.
Waters begins his iconography with meeting the inimitable Johnny Mathis. There are many parallels that Waters draws between himself and Mathis, and many stark differences. While Mathis is only rumored to be a homosexual, Waters has been out for decades. They seem to have an appreciation for art, music, and literature. However, Waters admits he’d be embarrassed to have Mathis look at the books on his bookshelf, or the subject matter of the paintings and photographs he hangs on his walls, and feels his liking of Provincetown might be seen as distasteful to the more discrete Mathis, but then again, maybe not. The contrasts of these two men bring a sense of irony to their meeting for this book.
Tennessee Williams is another off-center icon that Waters has followed. In contrast to Mathis, Waters knows that Williams would be more at home with his sensibilities for the profane and the obscure, but perhaps Waters’ most shocking connection is with former Manson family member Leslie Van Houten.
Waters once had a morbid fanfare for the court trials of the Manson family, and had attended some of the trials. He eventually wrote a letter to Van Houten, and as time came along they became friends. Waters’ moves into the murky territories of innocence and guilt, childhood naiveté and morality with criminal justice. Neither Waters, nor the latter day Van Houten are forgiving or condoning of the murders, nor is there much slack given for her participation. But, Waters pointedly mentions Nazi war criminals had served less time than she, and the brainwashing and fearful environment didn’t seem too different from the Manson commune. To say the least he gets readers thinking in directions we are reluctant to go.
This book seems to have all of the ingredients that Waters tends to combine. Stereotypical people who beautifully fit their stereotypes, filth, wealth, poverty, and people who break every stereotype for their demographic. An example of an anti-stereotype, Waters tells the story of a lesbian burlesque dancer who collected welfare, used drugs and was a registered Republican. Waters loves contradiction just as much as he does simplicity, and it all fits together so well in his work.
As we learn the origin of his pencil mustache, his ill-fitted clothing, his LSD consumption, and his love of oddities and campy kitsch, Baltimore and Hollywood are both three ring circuses and John Waters is the ringmaster, and makes no apologies. As far as his movies go, “Pink Flamingos” is only suitable for the most daring movie goers with its many perverse juxtapositions of humanity while “Serial Mom,” “Hairspray,” “Cecil B. Demented,” and “Pecker” are gems that any filmgoer with an eye for the offbeat would happily devour.
With “Role Models,” John Waters acts as equal parts sociologist, tabloid writer, and peeping Tom without a strain or awkward leap. Like his many films, “Role Models” is a guilty pleasure worthy of a million cringes. Highly Recommended!
Photo caption: The cover of John Waters’ “Role Models” (Amazon.com image)

Dover Transportation Issues: Public Forum

DOVER—
The City of Dover and Transportation Advisory Commission will hold a forum at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 23, to seek public input on transportation and the City’s Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The public forum, which will be held in the auditorium at City Hall, allows residents to address the Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC) about any issues or problems with transportation and suggest improvements for possible inclusion in the City’s CIP in future years. The forum will also address neighborhood traffic and parking needs, in addition to citywide issues. The meeting is intended to provide TAC with input about transportation and safety issues. City staff will also be in attendance. For more information, contact Bruce Woodruff, City Planner, at 603-516-6008.

Rose Cheever Earns July’s DAISY Award at Frisbie

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 super-human efforts nurses perform everyday.
Frisbie’s July DAISY Award recipient is registered nurse, Rose Cheever. Lori Heinze had this to say about Rose, “There are many reasons I nominated Rose for this Award; her dedication and devotion for the many years she has been employed at Frisbie. She has seen many changes along the way and seems to adapt easily. Her clinical skills are outstanding and that shows in her patient care.” In addition, “She always has the time to listen whether it is to patients asking questions or staff that need answers. Her knowledge and will to do so have taken her to mentoring the student nurses. Her guidance means everything to them and their future. I believe Rose should be recognized for the impression she leaves behind – not only as a nurse but the person she has become.”
Thank you to Sweet Meadows for donating the daisies for the DAISY Award.
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick 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 Patrick 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.
Each month, a nurse will be nominated by staff. The DAISY Award Committee will then select from those nominated. During a brief ceremony, the honoree receives a certificate commending her or him for being an “Extraordinary Nurse,” and is recognized with a pin. The certificate 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.” The honoree will also be given a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.
Said Bonnie Barnes, President and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide acutely ill patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Frisbie are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”
Said Vice President of Patient Care, Karen Dutcher, “We are proud to be among the hospitals participating in the DAISY Award program. Nurses are heroes everyday. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.”
This is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation whose overall goal is to help fight diseases of the immune system. Additionally, DAISY offers J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and provides assistance to ITP support groups. More information is available on their website www.DAISYfoundation.org.
Photo caption: L to R: Registered Nurse and July’s DAISY Award recipient, Rose Cheever, stands with nominating registered nurse, Lori Heinze. Daisies donated by Sweet Meadows. (Courtesy photo)

Results of Quarterly Business Survey Announced

DOVER—
Dover area business leaders are optimistic about the economy, their own companies’ performance, and even profitability — but had a more guarded optimism about job growth, according to results of the Second Quarter Economic Pulse Survey completed recently.
The Economic Pulse Survey, a joint effort by the Dover Chamber and the City of Dover’s Economic Development Department, found that 53.1% of respondents believe that business conditions will improve in the next three months and 62% believe that sales in their own companies will improve in the third quarter of 2010.
“With our local economy and the rest of the State in much better shape than elsewhere in the country, the response of our local business community seems to reflect optimism for stability and continuing improvement over the next few months,” commented Dover City Manager, Mike Joyal. “Clearly, the marketing efforts by the Chamber and DBIDA (Dover Business and Industrial Development Authority) in support of local businesses and promotional impact of community events coordinated by the Chamber are seen as positives by many of the respondents.”
This first report, which will follow one month after the end of every quarter so that trend data can be evaluated, was distributed to 800 business contacts in the greater Dover area over the past two weeks. Over 65% of the respondents represented businesses with 20 or fewer employees - a ‘real bellwether of the state of Dover’s business climate,’ according to Chamber Executive Director, Kirt Schuman.
“Some of the things we heard during our Federal Savings Bank Economic Forecast are beginning to become true,” commented Schuman. “The experts at that event called for modest growth through 2010 and at least from our respondents, this has held true in most cases. Coupled with a strong promotional effort from the Chamber we are looking forward to helping our members and the community have a strong second half.”
Only 4.2% expected a bleaker outlook for the next three months with 8% indicating the expected modest declines in their sales during the third quarter of 2010.
The results proved that job growth is not yet wide-spread, as typical in the beginning of an economic recovery. Larger companies reported that hiring has begun, however 26% indicated that their headcounts would remain static over the next three months. Interestingly, 35% of respondents indicated that their headcounts would grow by 1 to 4 in the next three months, while another 33% indicated they would reduce headcount by 1 to 4 employees.
Dover’s Economic Development Director, Dan Barufaldi, pointed out that, “Dover has weathered the past few years remarkably well, currently our unemployment rate is 5.0% about .7% better than NH Average and well below the almost 10% nationwide average.”
“In 2010, things are starting to slowly turn towards the positive. Dover has seen 13 new businesses bringing over 250 new jobs to the city,” continued Barufaldi.
Of written responses, access to credit, a soft housing market and downtown parking remained top issues that business leaders felt impacted their profitability.
“We expect this survey to be a great tool for us to focus our efforts,” commented Schuman. “Based on some of the comments, we are already looking at making some changes to some of the parking signage in the downtown.”

Summer Carnival in Somersworth

SOMERSWORTH—
The Somersworth Festival Association and St. Ignatius parish are presenting a Summer Carnival. The carnival will begin on Thursday, Aug. 12 and will run through Sunday, Aug. 15. The Carnival is being held in the Holy Trinity parking lot (just past Wal-Mart) in Somersworth. There will be games, midway rides and food. The wristband specials (all you can ride) are Friday, Aug. 13 from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information you can call 692-5869.

Garrison Players Names New Board of Directors, Gives Awards

DOVER—
At the 2010 Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 13, Garrison Players named their 2010-11 Board of Directors, unveiled their upcoming 58th season, which opens in September with the Neil Simon comedy, The Odd Couple, and honored their 2010 Volunteer of the Year.
The new Board of Directors will be led by current President, Francois Lamothe, of Portsmouth Dental Studio; Vice President Rich Salvati of Back Bay Networks; Secretary Joyce Goldstein; Treasurer Barbara Dunnington of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; Production Director Carol Seely; Marketing Director Carol Adams Bitov; Building Director Tom Dunnington; Membership Director Ann Schultz; and Youth Program Director Autumn Allen.
Also joining the Board of Directors in At-Large positions are: Jim Mastro, Chris MacEachern, Jim Horne of Beacon Business Advantage, Megan Davenport Karas, Michael Turner, and John Barrett.
President Lamothe presented the 2010 Volunteer of the Year Award to Kristen St. Hillaire, who has painted the sets for the twelve Garrison Players’ productions since first volunteering in 2007. Kristen, who resides in Rollinsford, has recently accepted the position of Art Teacher at St. Mary’s Academy in Dover. She also volunteers as an art teacher with Zebra Crossings, a group that provides learning experiences to children with chronic diseases. Her program will be held at the Garrison Players Arts Center beginning this summer.
Using the Wikipedia definition of “Community Theater,” Lamothe cited Garrison Players’ “against all odds” progress over the past year, especially in its youth program under the leadership of Autumn Allen and her committee of parents. He also noted that the group is in need of more volunteers to grow the committees and increase fundraising.
Lamothe announced that the 2010-11 season will open with Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple from Sept. 17 through Oct. 3, directed by Jim Mastro, who last directed the 2008 production of Bottoms Up. The rest of the season will consist of: Crimes of the Heart, a drama by Beth Henley and directed by Megan Davenport Karas in October; The Dining Room by A. R. Gurney and directed by Michael Turner in February, 2011; Honk! a musical by George Stiles and directed by Tinka Finley, with music direction by Kathy Fink in March, 2011; and Don’t Dress for Dinner a comedy by Marc Camoletti in June, 2011. The Christmas show this year will be a guest performance of A Very Ida Christmas featuring the popular local writer and performer, Susan Poulin. He also outlined the new Flex Ticket option, which gives a buyer 6 tickets that can be used in any combination for $75.
The Youth Summer Camp Program will include Thoroughly Modern Millie Junior on Aug. 14 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Garrison Players will also continue its schedule of Youth Theatre programming, as well as guest artists, such as the monthly bluegrass concerts, local a cappella group Tuckermans at 9 and Artists in Reach.
After the Annual Meeting portion of the event, the 2010 Guppie Awards were presented. This year’s awards focused on the many volunteer technical crew members: Lighting Designer Paul Barton; Sound Designer Scott Seely; Set Builder Tom Dunnington; Set Painter Kristen St. Hillaire; and Sound/Light Board Operator Gary Avery. Honored with the Garrison Players Rookie of the Year Award was Chris MacEachern, who started this year as Stage Manager for The Importance of Being Earnest. Also honored with a new “Wearer of Many Hats” Award was Rich Salvati, who has served backstage in many capacities, as well as being on stage in several productions. Rich turned the tables on Lamothe by lauding him for his many brilliant set designs.
Garrison Players is a nonprofit, volunteer-based community theatre group dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the area by presenting high-quality theatrical performances geared for family audiences. Established in 1953, the players encourage people of all ages to enjoy and participate in the many facets of the performing arts; and to help maintain the new Garrison Players Community Arts Center. For more information about Garrison Players, call 603-516-4919 or e-mail info@garrisonplayers.org. Visit the website at www.garrisonplayers.org.
Photo caption: Garrison Players President Francois Lamothe presents the 2010 Volunteer of the Year to Kristen St. Hillaire for her artistic contributions to the theatre group. (Courtesy photo)

U.S. House Approves $11.9 Million for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

WASHINGTON, D.C.—
Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, announced today that she succeeded in securing more than $11.9 million in funding for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Shea-Porter worked with Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) to secure this funding in the Military Construction & VA Appropriations bill. This funding will be used to add to and reconstruct the Shipyard’s Structural Shops, which will help the Shipyard remain competitive and efficient.
“The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is critical to both our local economy and our national defense,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “Thousands of Granite Staters work at the Shipyard, and they deserve a modernized work environment. This funding will ensure that the Shipyard receives proper renovations and construction, which will allow it to remain competitive and efficient.”
The funding Shea-Porter secured will modernize Structural Shop operations, improve equipment layout, and streamline process flow. Without this modernization, Structural Shop performance cannot be improved, which could cause delays and impact fleet readiness. Shea-Porter and Pingree requested the funding earlier this year.
Article submitted by Rep. Shea-Porter’s office.

Who Let the Cows Out?

ROLLINSFORD—
At a little after 8 a.m. Saturday morning (July 31), Sammie Haynes of South Berwick reported that she was driving her brother to C&J Trailways in Dover to catch the bus to Logan Airport. He’d been visiting from Tampa, Florida and as a parting gift, it seemed, a herd of beautiful cows from a nearby farm greeted them as they crested the hill on Route 4 from South Berwick into Rollinsford. Haynes said she called 911 to report the escape. (Scott Haynes photo)