NH Seacoast Prepares for World Book Night

By Sydney Jarrard

Staff Columnist

PORTSMOUTH—

On Monday, April 23, book-lovers from across the country will unite for World Book Night, an entire day organized to encourage “the reluctant readers” of America to pick up a good book. If you’re in downtown Dover, on the UNH Campus or in Market Square in Portsmouth that Monday, you may just find yourself a part of the biggest book giveaway event this country has ever seen.

Inspired by World Book Night in the United Kingdom, World Book Night U.S. boasts a total of 25,000 book givers signed up to give out free books in 5,962 towns across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Bermuda. Givers will receive 20 copies each of the book of their choosing, one of 30 titles made available to them, and will hand them out in an approved public place on April 23. The titles run the gamut from “The Hunger Games” to “Little Bee” to “The Kite Runner,” and from authors including Stephen King, Maya Angelou and Jodi Picoult. Volunteers aim to engage with people who don’t have access to books by reason, or with those who simply don’t read.

April 23 is the International Day of the Book, as declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is celebrated as a holiday in the Catalan region of Spain, where loved ones give a book and a flower to one another, and is also Shakespeare’s birthday. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, World Book Day, with the focus on children’s books, and World Book Night, geared for an adult readership, were initiated to continue the celebration on reading. This year is the inaugural year for World Book Night U.S.

Coordinated by Carl Lennertz, Executive Director of World Book Night U.S. and all-around publishing guru, the program has been supported in droves by publishers, printers, book distributors, booksellers, libraries and the general public. Lennertz put the word out at a series of publishing conferences throughout 2011, and there was no question about the interest. “Everybody just totally got it,” says Lennertz.

At Winter Institute, a national gathering of publishing and book professionals in January, Lennertz announced the big deadlines for the program. He needed thousands of people to sign up as book givers within the next three weeks, so he asked bookstores to reach out to their customer bases to get the buzz going. The bookstores ran with it. “It was a crash schedule, but it’s been working great,” explains Lennertz.

Each of the 25,000 givers will receive a case of the book they have chosen. The designated World Book Night books have been specially printed with a white border around the cover art, and a special letter from Lennertz and author and supporter Anna Quindlen is inside of each. The books were printed without barcodes, since they are to be handed out for free and not sold, and the traditional jacket copy has been replaced with information on World Book Night and its mission. The cost of printing and shipping the books has been shared among publishers, printers and shipping companies, and each author is foregoing royalties on their respective title.

The locations chosen by givers to hand out books have been varied: local parks, subways, low-income schools, hospitals, yoga studios, tattoo parlors, bars, prisons and more. The Wichita police department in Kansas is taking Michael Connelly’s “Blood Work” with them on rounds, while Vernon Legakis, a surfer in Santa Cruz, will be taking plastic-bagged copies of Patti Smith’s “Just Kids” out on his board to hand out in the water.

It’s not just metropolitan areas that have climbed on board, either. In smaller towns and cities like ours on the Seacoast, the response has been great. Because of the struggling economy, which can affect smaller areas more than urban cities, there’s a need for this community-charged event. Assures Lennertz, “There are more givers per capita in small towns and there’s a bigger need in small towns.”

And givers have the Seacoast covered. The excitement is at a fever pitch on the national level, but our local bookstores and readers are just as fired up for this day of giving.

Amy Sterndale of Durham will be picking up her book, “Bel Canto” by Anne Patchett, at RiverRun Bookstore in Portsmouth. Her plan is to station herself outside of the McConnell Community Center in Dover, which attracts a variety of people throughout the day. “It’s going to be a really interesting experience handing out books to strangers,” says Sterndale, an avid reader herself. But she’s very happy to be a part of the program. “One of my favorite jobs ever was working in bookstores and connecting somebody with an author they didn’t know yet. To feel like I’ve opened up a world for somebody else is something that I really enjoy. In a way, it’s very selfish, but I hope it gets more people reading.”

Water Street Bookstore in Exeter is the distribution point for other local givers, with an entire book pick-up party planned for givers to meet and greet and share ideas about locations and plans for the day. Stefanie Kiper, the store’s events coordinator and marketing manager, was instantly on board with the program when she heard about it at Winter Institute in January. “I hope it’s successful,” says Kiper. “I’m excited to be a part of a program that brings our community together over books.”

In Concord, Gibson’s Bookstore has more than 20 people signed up to get their cases during a pick-up party. Michael Herrmann, the store’s owner, is a fan of just about all the titles on the list, and is hoping they will entice some new readers. “Our business is to seek out people who are already self-identified as readers,” says Hermann, but being that World Book Night is a way to reach new ones, they’re very happy to participate. Gibson’s also features an entire window display of the World Book Night titles.

Jena Gregoire, who is picking up her books at Gibson’s, will spend time in the Concord Main Street community and at Steeplegate Mall with “Q is for Quarry” by Sue Grafton. A self-proclaimed “die hard book lover,” she has been promoting the event through her book review blog, as well as through Facebook and Twitter, with the hope of getting people excited about the event.

The entire World Book Night buzz has been self-generated by enthusiastic participants. While World Book Night has been covered by local and national media outlets, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest have played indispensable roles in spreading the word through bookstores, authors, givers and publishing professionals. “This is all about the givers. They’re the marketing campaign. They’re going to do it all themselves with their enthusiasm,” says Lennertz.

With the anticipation building toward an entire day of celebrating books; givers and bookstores are also looking forward to what comes next. A live Flickr stream will allow participants to upload photos during pick-up parties a week prior to the event, and they will continue to upload photos as the day gets underway. A documentary is in the works to record the day’s events, and after-parties are planned for givers to share their experiences.

At the heart of World Book Night is the enormous community of readers and book professionals who simply want to get books into the hands of reluctant readers. Gregoire, who comes from a long line of readers, sums up her hopes for World Book Night. “I know entirely too many adults that have said ‘I don’t read,’” she says. “I can’t understand how someone can ‘not read.’ Reading keeps you sharp, keeps you entertained and gives you some down time that most adults don’t get nearly enough of in their lives. I am hoping to see more adults discover (or rediscover, as the case may be) a love for reading.”

(Courtesy Photo)

St. Thomas Aquinas High School Students Build Cardboard City

DOVER—

Recently, 37 St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) students gave up a Friday night to share, in a small way, the experience of the 1.6 million homeless teens in America by becoming “homeless” themselves. Sponsored by the school’s Campus Ministry Team, the students built a “Cardboard City” in the STA parking lot, where they spent the night.

"Cardboard city was one of the hardest things I’ve done. Not because it was cold, or hard sleeping in a box for the night, but because it showed me how hard some people have it in life. Not knowing where you will eat your next meal, or even if you will have a next meal is very sad," explained senior Hannah Schwoerer.

Before participating in this meaningful event, each student raised a minimum of $100. Together, this group of committed students raised over $5000. Of that amount, $1000 will be used to support the work of local homeless shelters, while the remainder goes to support St. Thomas’ work this summer with Young Neighbors in Action (YNIA).

In many ways, YNIA was one of two guiding forces behind the St. Thomas Aquinas’ efforts to gain a deeper understanding of the plight of the homeless. The other is the school’s effort on behalf of Lazarus House Ministries, which also serves the homeless.

When engaged with both programs, students provide labor, tutoring skills and yard work; they serve food and work with children. STA students who have participated in these programs have called it a “life-changing experience.”

Walter Hutcheson, a junior at STA explains, "As I lay in my cardboard box that night, I felt the cold, discomfort and loneliness that many must suffer through every night. However, I had something that many homeless do not. Though I was physically hurting, the knowledge that I had a warm breakfast, loving family and comfortable bed awaiting me in the morning warmed me. It was this hope that made my experience much more bearable than the suffering that many homeless must endure."

Because of those efforts, students realized that they needed to know more about the struggles and hardships of the lives led by the homeless. So, when the idea of a Cardboard City was first proposed, there was an enthusiastic response.

Spearheading the project were senior Emily Keane and junior Meaghan Flynn. Additionally, a dozen adult volunteers chaperoned through the night, and many students came in to cook and serve dinner and breakfast. For 37 committed, caring students, it was the perfect opportunity to learn, serve and grow as a community.

Located in Dover, St. Thomas Aquinas High School is a coeducational, Catholic high school community where young people are challenged academically, to stretch their hearts spiritually and to embark on a journey to make a difference. For more information, visit us at www.stalux.org or call 603-742-3206.

Economic Revitalization—What’s happening in your Community?

EXETER—

The Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Committee is launching a series of breakfast forums—entitled “Economic Revitalization–What’s happening in your Community?” These forums will provide current information on some of the Economic Development and Revitalization initiatives in the communities served by the Chamber.

The first in the series will take place in Exeter on Wednesday, April 25, at The Rinks at Exeter from 7:30 to 9am. A continental breakfast will be served. Topics for the Exeter forum include updates on: the Train Station/Baggage Building purchase, the Plan NH Design Charrette, the Economic Revitalization (ER) Zone designation for the Epping Road corridor, and initiatives of the Town of Exeter’s Economic Development Commission. The forum is free and open to the public. The business community is encouraged to attend.

The Exeter Revitalization Forum is presented by The Provident Bank and sponsored by THA Architects, Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella and The Rinks at Exeter.

The second in the series will take place in Stratham in late May or early June. Details will follow on this and subsequent forums.

Seating is limited. Please RSVP to events@exeterarea.org to reserve your seat.

Community Grows With Garden

By Sydney Jarrard

Staff Columnist

ROLLINSFORD—

The Rollinsford Garden and Local Sustainability Club (RGLSC) is reaching out to the seacoast community to help families and friends come together over good, clean and fresh garden food. It may not sound easy for the many of us who lack a garden space and whose produce is limited to what we find in the grocery store, but it’s now possible to pick fresh veggies from the garden in the morning and have them on the table for dinner.

While owning a nice plot of land on the Seacoast isn’t a realistic goal for all of us, the RGLSC is making home gardening easy for community members. The Club’s large garden space, located on Foundry Street in Rollinsford, is in its third year of providing raised garden beds, outfitted with soil and organic compost, for residents, for only $25 for the entire growing season. Members have the opportunity to grow all kinds of produce—from lettuce to tomatoes to peppers—while meeting neighbors, learning about sustainability and improving those green thumbs.

The inception of the community garden began in 2008, when a group of friends came up with an idea that would allow them to grow fresh produce all summer, even though they didn’t have the space to build their own gardens. Some may say it was Michele Small who had the first inspiration, but it was a team effort among Patrick Gale, Jameson Small, Jaclyn Giordano, Jenny Connerty, Matt Anderson and Roy Small, that got the plan moving. They began working with the town of Rollinsford to see what small land areas might be available for purchase, and they were lucky enough to find a beautiful 14-acre space to use on the Salmon Falls River. What they didn’t know was that the land ran deep with clay, and a garden wasn’t possible to build. In order to use the land, they would have to construct the garden differently—they had to build the garden upwards, on raised pallets. By 2009, the garden had 23 raised beds that the friends made available to the public, and has grown to 28 with plans for family-sized beds in the near future.

It’s not without the public’s help that this garden project has grown to its current size. “Facebook has become a large part of the way we communicate with the fans of the RGLSC and our gardeners,” says Jeanette Gagne, secretary for the RGLSC board. “We share photos of the gardens, upcoming events and see what other people are interested in.” They also share with community members to remind them of Club meetings, which take place twice a month at the Rollinsford Public Library. With the 2012 goal of increasing membership and generating community awareness, the garden actively recruits people who want to get involved by donating time or resources, be it teaching the group a craft, sharing garden secrets or helping keep the space green.

The community has been very responsive, with many of the beds already rented—and one even being rented and then donated back. Captain Tim Pinkham and June Whittier Pinkham of Rollinsford donated a raised bed for the 2012 growing season for the members of the Rollinsford Community Garden to share as an herb garden. Whittier Pinkham explains, "Community gardening—what’s not to love? It is good exercise, produces nutritional, delicious food, brings people together and it’s good for the environment. We should all know where our food comes from.”

The RGLSC has also thrown some great events for the community’s participation in the past, from Rollinsford’s Got Talent in the summer to the Haunted Gardens in the fall. “Hay Down, Hoe Down in August is the most fun,” says Gagne. “The food is all organic, healthy and delicious! The bands are great and we host some of the very best vendors around. The garden is at its most beautiful and people stroll throughout with their fresh corn on the cob, while the children laugh and play, the live music is on stage and people hula-hoop in the green grass. It’s an event enjoyed by all.”

It may only be the start of spring, but the garden already has a plan for April with the second annual Duck Race on Sunday, April 29, where people from all over the area meet up at the falls behind the Rollinsford Mill Building to watch 100 yellow rubber ducks race down the falls to the finish line. The race is followed up by an egg hunt and bunny-petting at the garden site.

New plans for the garden are in the works every week, with the help of the local community and an exciting summer right around the corner. In just three years, the garden’s success has exceeded all expectations, but Gagne and the garden team are eager to continue growing and educating the community. Says Gagne, “Our goal for the garden is that the community may continue to have a place to garden together on this beautiful site.”

Dover Chamber Sweepstakes Event Set for April 27

DOVER—

$10,000 Grand Prize Highlights a Night Packed with Entertainment

The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce will hold their 11th Annual Sweepstakes and Auction, underwritten by Federal Savings Bank, on Friday, April 27 at 6pm at the Dover Ice Arena. This year, Sweeps will “Swing into Spring” with a golf theme, complete with a mini golf course and an Optishot simulated golf range that will have attendees swinging the night away.

Tickets are now on sale at the Chamber of Commerce or online at www.dovernh.org. Each ticket, which could win the $10,000 cash grand prize, is $100 and admits two people to the event. Only 250 tickets are sold and ten cash prizes will be awarded, giving attendees a 1 in 25 chance of winning at least $200.

In addition to the sweepstakes, the event will feature a sampling of delicious food from local restaurants, a wide-array of auction prizes, a live DJ and cash bar.

“People always come out to Sweepstakes for a chance at the $10,000 cash grand prize,” comments Event Committee Chair Toby Arkwell, of RW Insurance, “but we focus on making every aspect of the night entertaining, so even if you don’t win a cash prize, you still go home having a great time at the event.”

As is tradition, many Dover restaurants will be present at Sweeps as food service providers. The Orchard Street Chop Shop, Liberty Lane Catering, Kelley’s Row, The Meat House, Harvey’s Bakery, The Weathervane, Strafford Farms, UNOs and The Spaghetti Stain will all offer attendees a taste of delicious entrees and appetizers from their menus.

“The participation from local restaurants is a great aspect of the event,” commented Chamber Community Events Manager Michael Mengers. “Every year there are people who attend Sweeps simply to get a taste of all the great restaurant cuisine. This event would not be possible without the consistent support from the Dover restaurateurs.”

Don Briand of WOKQ will return as Sweepstakes emcee and will guide attendees through a night of live, silent and penny sale auctions. Auction items include a Boston Red Sox Package—Two Red Sox tickets, a Darnell McDonald autographed baseball and two Downeaster Train tickets to the game—a big screen flat panel television, movies for a year at Barnz’s Barrington Cinema, golf packages from the Links at Outlook, The Ledges Golf Club, Cochecho Country Club and much more.

Sweepstakes attendees are encouraged to dress in golf themed attire.

“Having guests dress for the occasion always adds another element to the event,” said Arkwell. “I hope everyone coming out to Sweeps searches the back of their closet for an old pair of knickers, argyle socks and a golf cap.”

For more information on Sweepstakes, please contact Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce Community Events Manager Michael Mengers at 603-742-2218.

Frisbie Memorial Hospital’s Rachel Eichenbaum Awarded

ROCHESTER—

Frisbie Memorial Hospital recently announced that Community Educator Rachel Eichenbaum, RN, as a recipient of this year’s Better Choices, Better Health Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Champion Award. The New Hampshire Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Network presents the award to Better Choices Better Health Leaders and/or Master Trainers who have demonstrated leadership and have acted as a motivating force to engage individuals and organizations.

Eichenbaum, who joined Frisbie Memorial in December 2011, has been instrumental in successfully launching the hospital’s Better Choices Better Health Chronic Disease Self-Management program (CDSMP). The CDSMP is a six-week class designed to help those living with or caring for a person with a chronic health condition, such as diabetes, asthma, back pain or any other persistent health condition.

Frisbie Memorial recently wrapped-up its first CDSMP class series, and has scheduled four additional series through June 2012. According to Jo~Ann Vatcher, RN, BSN, MS, director of education at Frisbie Memorial Hospital, “the evaluations from the [first class’] participants were ‘glowing.’” In fact one of the participants, who successfully completed the six-week class, expressed, “Frisbie Memorial Hospital has ‘hit one out of the park’ with the Better Choices, Better Health workshop!” and that “[The instructors] have a ‘wicked good’ sense of humor!”

According to the NH CDSMP Network, awards are bestowed upon those Program Leaders and/or Master Trainers who have assisted with the development and implementation of the Program, mobilized community workshops, mentored other leaders and/or facilitated practice change in their health care organization.

Eichenbaum has presented an overview of Frisbie Memorial’s Better Choices, Better Health Chronic Disease Self-Management Program to area community organizations and is scheduled to present a free Better Choices, Better Health Community Health Education Lecture on April 19 at Frisbie Memorial’s Community Education and Conference Center located on the hospital campus.

New England Language Center Hosts Foreign Delegation

ROCHESTER—

On March 22, the New England Language Center hosted a potluck dinner to welcome a delegation representing the Kyrgyz Republic. The group consisted of five Parliamentarians and two interpreters from Kyrgyzstan visiting New Hampshire for four days to explore the issues of government and conflict resolution.

The delegation included representatives of five major political parties in Kyrgyzstan. According to the delegates, 99 political parties participated in the recent presidential election, held in November of 2011. There are 120 members in the parliament, including 26 women. While there are areas of major conflict among the political parties, the members of the delegation said that they have been enjoying their tour to the U.S. and have come to know, understand and appreciate one another on a human level, politics aside. They were also very interested in American educational system and culture. After dinner, one delegate suggested that everyone form a circle on the floor to facilitate conversation to allow everyone to participate and exchange opinions.

Prior to their stop in New Hampshire, the group visited Washington D.C., and will continue to California and Florida.

The delegation is in the U.S. on a special program sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Washington and World Affairs Council of New Hampshire.

The event was also attended by a number of friends of the New England Language Center who offered their own insights into politics of Kyrgyzstan and international issues. This was another great opportunity to meet international visitors, learn more about their culture and their country and to create a lasting bond with them.

The New England Language Center offers highly interactive conversational classes in 16 foreign languages for individuals and small groups. Scheduling is very flexible to accommodate individual needs. Remote Internet learning is also available through Skype. The New England Language Center also offers annual focused cultural tours to Russia and the Ukraine. For more information about the New England Language Center and its international programs, contact Marina Forbes at 603-332-2255 or by e-mail at info@anylanguage.org.

Local Green Businesses Partner for Beach Clean Up

HAMPTON—

With literally tons of litter being left behind on New Hampshire’s beaches, there is a real need for local volunteers to help cleanup after the over one million people who visit popular Seacoast destinations like Hampton Beach each year.

That’s why two local eco-minded entrepreneurs, Johnmark O’Brien of the York Harbor-based Green Maids and Nathan Johnson of Visions Kitchens and Design in Hampton, plan to celebrate Earth Day a bit early this year by organizing a beach cleanup at Hampton Beach on Sunday, April 15. They invite local residents and visitors alike to come out and volunteer from 10 to 11:30am.

“I take my dog for walks on these beaches and am always picking up trash as we go,” says O’Brien. “It just seemed like a good idea to do more to help keep our beaches free of pollution.”

“Plus, keeping our beaches clean helps to keep our oceans clean, and we all know how important our oceans are,” adds Johnson.

The duo is reaching out to local green groups like the Green Alliance and Blue Ocean Society, both headquartered in Portsmouth, to help make the beach cleanup a success.

Last September, over a thousand volunteers turned out to pick up more than 8,000 pounds of trash as part of the annual New Hampshire Coastal Cleanup organized by the Blue Ocean Society. The tally included a mind boggling 28,109 cigarette butts and filters. Recognizing that success, Johnson and O’Brien plan to donate $1 to the Blue Ocean Society for each person who shows up to volunteer at their beach cleanup on April 15th, up to $500.

“Clean beaches play a big role in our local economy. I read one study that found visitors to Hampton Beach spent around $175 million in a single year,” says Sarah Brown, Director of the Green Alliance. “We're inviting all our members to join our friends at Green Maids and Visions Kitchens as they cleanup this iconic beach."

O’Brien has plenty of experience with cleaning. Started in 2009, his company Green Maids provides residential and commercial cleaning services with a sustainable twist.

“Many of today's traditional household cleaning products release harmful chemicals into the environment,” O’Brien explains. “These chemicals often find their way into our air, water and soil when we wash them down our drains. They can deplete the ozone layer and be damaging to plants, animals and humans.”

“We only use products that are all-natural, biodegradable, non-toxic, earth friendly and safe for the environment,” he says. “These products are derived from things that you'd find naturally, such as plants, corn and coconut and also contain essential lemon oils.”

Since launching Visions Kitchens & Design in 2010, Johnson and his business partner Ernest Proper have been working to green customers’ kitchens by using eco-friendly building materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood and recycled countertops. They specialize in design techniques that can help customers achieve LEED certification.

“We offer clean and safe water based finishes on our cabinets,” Johnson notes. “We also use cabinet and counter companies who recycle 100 percent of the water they use.”

Friends for several years now, Johnson and O’Brien are both Business Partners in the Green Alliance, and first met at one of the organization’s networking events for local entrepreneurs. While they come from different industries, both share an interest in doing a business in a way that is eco-friendly.

“We both find importance in keeping the Earth clean and making sure the products we use limit our impact on the environment,” according to Johnson.

“Nathan and I have been trying to think of creative ways to give back to the community and environment for some time now,” says O’Brien. “We’re both excited to make some new friends as we clean up Hampton Beach on April 15.”

This article provided to the Granite State Sentinel by David Anderson.

Local Girl Donates to Haiti Relief

PORTSMOUTH—

Lilly Whelan will be about half the size of almost every guest who listens to her speak at the Caribbean Nights Dance Party Saturday, April 7, in Portsmouth. And although Lilly is generally more comfortable on a climbing structure at her South Berwick elementary school than behind a microphone at the VFW Hall, the fourth grade girl has something she wants to talk about.

“It would be a great idea, if you have everything that you need and you are going to get something extra, to instead send some money, like give it to a cause rather than spending it on an extra toy that you really don’t need,” explained Whelan, who happens to speak from experience.

Whelan, who was asked to be one of the guest speakers at the third annual Caribbean Nights Dance Party, decided to forego a Christmas present in December in favor of sending money to help children at a school in northern Haiti, one of the world’s poorest countries and one still crippled by an earthquake in 2010.

“My mom wanted me to sleep on it so I would be sure, but I really didn’t need to,” said Whelan. “I already have everything I need, like water, food and shelter, but the children in Haiti don’t. So giving up one Christmas present made a big difference for them but didn’t make any difference for me.”

Proceeds from the dance where Whelan will speak benefits the Eben Ezer School in Milot, Haiti. The school has grown over the last five years from 35 children to 200 children and has added clean water, electricity, a library and a kitchen, thanks to support from southern Maine and New Hampshire.

A man who is at least five times her age will follow Whelan at the microphone. Brian Lenzi of Barrington, a former National Guard commander, will speak for a few minutes about plans to lead a local group to Haiti, to build an inn or guesthouse at the Eben Ezer School.

The Caribbean Dance features the Latin rhythms of Combo Sabroso of Boston. The dance, which draws about 200 people, includes free food and lots of photos to let those who attend celebrate the culture and people they are helping.

Dancing begins at 8pm, and will be preceded by a slide show at 7pm about the Eben Ezer School and Seacoast efforts there.

Combo Sabroso, which plays a variety of Latin music, including traditional Afro-Cuban music, agreed to do the first dance in 2010, which took place just after the earthquake killed hundreds of thousands of people and left a million people homeless near Port Au Prince.

The band was formed in 1998 when keyboard player Matt Jenson, then living in Portsmouth, assembled the best Latino musicians he could find in Boston. The band’s main influences are the ensembles of Latin piano icon Eddie Palmieri and the grand percussionist, Tito Puente.

Jenson said the band follows in the tradition of venerated maestros, but layers its own jazz solos over energetic dance rhythms. They play anything from Cha Cha to Danzon, from Bolero to Salsa, from Latin jazz to Plena.

Although Whelan was invited to the dance to speak of her own generosity, the nine-year-old acknowledged something that most people learn at a much older age.

“It felt really good to know that they were going to get the money and they were going to use, it” she said, adding, “It was like a gift to me to have that feeling that I did something good for Haiti.”

The Caribbean Nights Dance Party is Saturday, April 7, at the VFW on Deer Street in Portsmouth. Tickets are on sale at Black Bean in Rollinsford, Ceres Bakery in Portsmouth, River Run in Portsmouth, Nature’s Way in South Berwick, Full Circle Community Thrift Store in Eliot and Fair Tide Thrift Store in Kittery. Checks, made out to Life and Hope Haiti, can also be sent to P.O. Box 185, Kittery Point, Maine. Tickets cost $20 donation. More information is available from newslifeandhope@yahoo.com.

Photo Caption: Lilly Whalen, age nine, holds a check for $50 that she chose to give to children in Haiti rather than get one of her major Christmas gifts. (Courtesy Photo)

Dover Offers New “Transparent” Government Resource

DOVER—

The City of Dover unveiled a new resource that provides one-stop access to the City's significant open government tools and information. The new web page, “Transparent Dover,” was launched to coincide with Sunshine Week.

Each year, Sunshine Week promotes the importance of open government and freedom of information. A variety of agencies and organizations participate, including local government, news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in the public's right to know. This year, Sunshine Week spanned March 11-16, coinciding with James Madison's birthday on March 16.

The City of Dover is an advocate for the public's right to know, and values transparency in all aspects of local government.

City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr., said the City strives to make information readily available to the public on a daily basis. The City's website, www.dover.nh.gov, updated daily, is a repository for thousands of documents, records and public information, including financial information, City reports, budget details, and meeting records. Few communities in the State of New Hampshire or across the nation make as much information available to the public as a matter of course.

"The City of Dover is committed to open government and transparency," Joyal said. "We will continue to promote openness and public participation in local government, recognizing that transparency is the foundation of public trust."

The new web page allows residents and the public to navigate to many of the most requested and essential City documents and records, as well as information about all aspects of local government. The page, which collects links to public resources into one easy-to-navigate location, is a way for the public to quickly find links to the significant information already available on the City's website. Transparent Dover will be updated regularly to reflect additional resources.

Transparent Dover also allows the public to compare the City's commitment to open government against the "Transparency Checklist" created by the nonprofit organization Sunshine Review. The City of Dover meets or exceeds all of the items on that checklist.

According to the Sunshine Review, "residents and taxpayers need to be able to gauge whether local government is effective, competent, frugal with tax revenue, and in compliance with laws relating to public records and open meetings." The Sunshine Review benchmark is the availability of key information online.

For more information, contact City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr., at 603-516-6023.

Seeds of Faith Hosts “Fashions By the Sea”

RYE—

Seeds of Faith will host a Fashion Show and Silent Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, March 24, from 1-3pm, at the beautiful Wentworth Country Club in Rye. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the New Beginnings Transitional Housing Training Program (NBTTP). Tickets are $40, and there are a limited number of seats available.

Through the experience of the last ten years, Seeds of Faith volunteers having witnessed mothers without food for their children, families living in cars, fathers degraded and the greatest tragedy of all, children who fall prey to the cycle of generational homelessness. Therefore, the goal for Seeds of Faith in 2012 is a 365-day "New Beginnings Transitional Training Program" (NBTTP) for homeless families and single woman—a local effort to help break the cycle of generational homelessness.

Their newest project, New Beginnings Thrift Boutique, is located on 82 High Street in Somersworth. Operated and supported by over 20 wonderful volunteers, the boutique offers an array of new and gently used clothes, furniture, jewelry, antiques, children’s clothes and much more, all donated by the community. This allotment allows 100 percent of its profit to go toward critical funding for their NBTTP.

If you would like to partner with them by participating in the Fashions by the Sea, here are just a few items to look forward to: Burberry, Dana Buchman, Bisou Bisou, Gap and Facial rejuvenation services—an $800 dollar value—donated by Dr. Timothy M. Osborn MD, DDS, as well as a Dental Whitening—a $700 dollar value—donated by John Chiou DMD, MMSC, and much more.

Because of the limited seating, get your tickets today. Call 207-475-2155, or directly from their website, www.seedsoffaithministries.org, by clicking the "donate here" icon.

“If one could look into the eyes of these hungry children, see the pain on a mother’s face and feel the brokenness of a father’s heart, one would profoundly realize and understand the absolute necessity in breaking the cycle of generational homelessness,” explains Seeds of Faith member Theresa Tozier.

Children’s Museum of NH Hosts Art Beyond Vision Gallery Show

DOVER—

It’s a common mistake to think of art as mere visual representation and a venue open only to those who can see. Inviting people to touch works of art can broaden the experience of both the sighted and the non-sighted.

In a unique collaboration between the NH Association for the Blind and the NH Art Association, the Children’s Museum of NH’s Gallery 6 is hosting an exhibit titled “Art Beyond Vision” through May 28. This curated collection of textural paintings, fiber arts and sculpture welcomes visitors to open their minds to a fresh new way of experiencing the beauty of art. Tactile works created by more than a dozen New Hampshire artists offer opportunities for gallery visitors to explore each piece using different senses. Unlike most art exhibits, this one welcomes guests to take a hands-on approach as they tour the gallery.

Marty Quinn's MoveMusic technology is also featured during Art Beyond Vision as part of the popular Build It, Fly It exhibit. Museum visitors will be able to hear the paths of objects as music as they fall in flight. Using visual-to-image sonification technology developed by Quinn's Design Rhythmics Sonification Research Lab, visual surveillance software tracks the moving objects as they are selecting pixels in a selected image. Those pixels are turned into music using MoveMusic's innovative algorithms. In addition to hearing the objects fall through various and selectable artistic images, qualities of the moving objects, such as size, speed, angularity and change of direction add to the musical mix, providing additional information that visually challenged guests can utilize to perceive the flights of the falling objects, and experiment to hear how the music varies with different objects and their unique flights.

"We are thrilled to have this one-of-a-kind gallery show in the Museum,” said Justine Roberts, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of NH. “It is amazing what you can accomplish with the right partners, and in this case, we had an ideal team with the New Hampshire Association for the Blind and the New Hampshire Art Association.”

“This show captures so much of what Gallery 6 is about,” Roberts continued. “It is multi-sensory, which is an ideal way for children to learn, and gives our visitors a successful experience with art. This show also fuses science with art by exploring vision. And we have come up with some really exciting art projects that will be available in our Studio, allowing visitors to do their own creative explorations."

George Theriault, President and CEO of the New Hampshire Association for the Blind, stated, “We hope that many, many people of all ages will come to the museum for this fascinating exhibition—it will challenge visitors to ‘see’ and perceive art in very new and different ways! And, we hope that this experience will promote better understanding and appreciation of all of the senses and how people whose sensory input is reduced or impaired can and do fully appreciate art and lead independent and fulfilling lives. The New Hampshire Association for the Blind is delighted to join in this very special partnership opportunity.”

An opening reception for the featured artists and invited guests will be held on the evening of March 14. The museum has also planned a special day of tactile experiences for young visitors on Tuesday, April 17, from 10:30am–2:30pm.

For more information about the Art Beyond Vision exhibit, please visit www.childrens-museum.org, or email NHAB@sightcenter.org or NHAA@nhartassociation.org.

Rockingham Renovation Enters Next Phase

NEWMARKET—

The design plans for the mandated fire sprinkler at the Rockingham Ballroom have been drawn and redrawn and have finally been approved for installation. After reviewing the original plans, the group’s structural engineer reported that structural changes in the ceiling of the ballroom were required to hold the sprinkler itself. The design of the sprinkler system was then redrawn to comply with that recommendation. The next phase of the project is the reinforcement of the support beams to hold the sprinkler itself. According to the Friends of the Rockingham Ballroom, the group plans to start construction in March, but must raise the funds needed to complete it.

Robert Cummings, a Registered Professional Fire Protection Engineer, is managing the sprinkler project. According to Patti Blanchette, President of the Friends of the Rockingham Ballroom, “We hired a skilled project manager because we want our donors to know that this project is being managed professionally, and that their money is being spent wisely. We appreciate the community support that we have received, and we want to be sure that this project is being done right.”

The Friends group has set aside the funds for the actual sprinkler, but now must first raise the funds for renovations to the 77-year-old ballroom to hold the sprinkler, and then for the excavation to connect the sprinkler to the town water line. According to Blanchette, the group has two more hurdles before the sprinkler can be installed: first the renovation, and then the excavation. “We are at a critical point. We’re ready to start construction and need to raise the funds for that now. We need donations, and our next two fundraisers will be devoted to the renovations. We’ll then turn to the excavation.” Blanchette stressed that no upgrades were being made to the ballroom, and that all of the non-profit group’s separate funds are being used solely for the sprinkler requirements. The next fundraiser planned for the sprinkler fund is the return of the Beatles Tribute Band, All Together Now, on Friday, March 30, followed by a big band dance and performance by Mixed Nutz on Saturday, April 7. Tickets for the All Together Now event are $12 in advance and $15 on the date of the event, and are available at the ballroom or online at FOTRB.ORG or by calling 603-431-7224.

“Cheers to Children” Showcases Local Food, Wine, Music and Arts

DOVER—

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is celebrating Dover’s vibrant arts and cultural community with a new fundraising event featuring wine, food, music and more. Cheers to Children will take place at the Museum on Friday, March 23 from 6-9pm. The event will showcase signature dishes of local restaurants, handpicked fine wines, live music and a vibrant art gallery show. The winning ticket in the Museum's 2012 MINI Cooper Car Raffle will also be pulled at this event.

“There is so much creative capital here in Dover,” said Justine Roberts, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of NH. “Not only are there emerging technology companies and growing businesses of all types, but there are also great restaurants, galleries, studios and shops. Encouraging creativity is a core part of our mission, so we wanted Cheers to Children to have a distinctly local flavor that shows off some of the best things happening around us.”

At Cheers to Children, guests will be able to try specialty dishes prepared by chefs from the White Apron, Terra Cotta Pasta, The Farm, Kelley’s Row, Calef's, University of New Hampshire Catering and more. Dover Wine Company has hand-selected wines that will be poured by NH-based distributors Vinlandia, The Imported Grape, Southern Wine and Spirits, RP Imports, Crush Distributors, Horizon Beverages and Candia Vineyards. There will also be live music and everyone will get to enjoy the museum's new exhibit in Gallery 6, “Art Beyond Vision.”

All proceeds from Cheers to Children benefit the Museum's award-winning programs. Nearly 50 percent of the Museum's 93,000-plus annual visitors are admitted at reduced or no cost through programs like Story Explorers and the Exploring Our Way Autism Partnership Program. The Children’s Museum of NH is committed to providing critical resources for children, schools and families throughout New Hampshire.

To purchase Cheers to Children tickets, please visit www.childrens-museum.org or call the Children's Museum during weekday business hours at 603-742-2002. Reservations can also be made at the Museum’s front desk.

Photo Caption: On Friday, March 23, the Children's Museum of NH will host Cheers to Children, a fundraising event featuring the best of local food wines, music and art. (Courtesy Photo)

Broadway Actress Leads Local Teens in Performance

PORTSMOUTH—

Arts In Reach (AIR) an innovative performance and visual arts organization for teenage women, presented AIR Divas at the MIC at Garrison Players, Rollinsford, on Friday, March 2. Nineteen AIR teens spent their spring vacation learning songs and choreography, which they performed in a final showcase after less than a week of planning and practice.

The AIR Divas at the MIC program, which hosted young women, ages 13-18 from Rockingham and Strafford Counties, was directed by Tony Award-winning Broadway star, Susan Lamontagne. Lamontagne has toured the US and Europe with numerous productions and has worked with the teens at AIR for five years running. “We were thrilled to have Susan return once again to run this exciting program. Her experience and enthusiasm are second to none, the girls always love their time with her,” says AIR Program Director, Shannon Marshall.

Family and friends who attended the showcase enjoyed music that celebrated women, part of AIR’s year-long theme, “The Mosaic Woman.” With only four days of practice due to the Thursday, March 1, snow storm, teens covered tunes that ranged from Whitney Houston’s “I’m Every Woman” to “I’m A Woman” from the musical “Smokey Joe’s Café.”

“It was amazing to see the confidence and hear the voices that teens developed in less than a week,” said AIR Executive Director, Virginia Skevington. “Girls hit their notes and choreography and had a great time doing it in front of family, friends and AIR supporters.”

For more information about upcoming program enrollment, or to volunteer with AIR, please call Virginia Skevington of Arts In Reach (AIR) at 603-433-4278 or visit www.artsinreach.org.

Photo Caption: AIR teens pose for a group shot with show director and AIR Divas at the MIC teacher, Susan Lamontagne, former Broadway performer. (Photo courtesy of Sean Smith)

Rep. Frank Guinta To Host First “Empower, Educated, Engage Women’s Conference”

MANCHESTER—

Representative Frank Guinta (R, NH-01) is hosting a special conference designed to assist local women in finding jobs and furthering their careers. The inaugural “Empower, Educate, Engage Women’s Conference” will be held on Friday morning, March 16. The event is free and open to the public, and is part of Rep. Guinta’s ongoing “Getting Granite Staters Back to Work” jobs initiative. It will be held from 8:30am to 12:30pm in the New Hampshire Institute of Politics Auditorium, 100 Saint Anselm Drive in Manchester.

Participants can register by contacting Ashley Pratte at ashley.pratte@mail.house.gov or by phone, at 603-641-9536.

Several successful area business and professional women will share their insights and experiences during two panel discussions. The conference will conclude with a presentation on career success and coaching by Catherine Taylor of Heels and a Briefcase.

“It can be hard to find a good job in this economy,” Guinta explained. “Getting Granite Staters Back to Work means helping to get all of our citizens back to work. This conference will help New Hampshire women strengthen their skills as they network and advance their careers. When women succeed, all of New Hampshire succeeds. Just as its name suggests, I’m hoping participants will leave this conference feeling empowered, educated and engaged to take their personal goals to the next level.”

St. Thomas Students Named Finalists in National Merit® Scholarship Program

DOVER—

St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) High School is pleased to announce that the National Merit Scholarship Corporation has named seniors James Klingensmith and Matthew Radford National Merit Scholarship Finalists.

Started in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships, honoring students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The test serves as an initial screen of more than 1.5 million entrants each year. Of these entrants, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT scores qualify for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Klingensmith and Radford will now compete for one of the 8,400 Merit Scholarships to be awarded this spring from a group of more than 15,000 scholarship finalists. This finalist group represents less than 1 percent of the nation’s pool of high school seniors.

“We are very proud of James and Matthew’s accomplishments in moving forward as candidates for a National Merit Scholarship. Each is most deserving of this consideration; they are two of St. Thomas’ finest students,” said Principal Kevin Collins.

Radford is from Brentwood, and was also recently named as a US Presidential Scholarship candidate. He is a three-season runner and a member of the STA Music Ministry program. In college, he plans to study math, physics and music. Among others, Radford has applied to Olin College, Boston College, Dartmouth, Harvard, Bowdoin, Wesleyan and Gordon College.

Klingensmith is from Nottingham, and is a member of the STA D-V State Champion Football Team and the Math Team. James is interested in studying chemical engineering and is awaiting decisions from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

PHOTO CAPTION: National Merit Scholarship Finalists Matthew Radford and James Klingensmith shown with St. Thomas Aquinas Principal Kevin Collins. (Courtesy Photo)

The Harlem Wizards Celebrate 50 years of Worldwide Wizardry

SOMERSWORTH—

At a Wizards game, fans see amazing basketball talent combined with hilarious comedy. The athleticism, tricks, fancy teamwork and ball-handling wizardry, plus wild dunks not seen in the NBA, combine to engage and wow the most avid of basketball fans. The Wizards look to push the envelope on fun, combining pre-planned comedic acts with a spontaneous humor that fans of all ages will find laugh-out-loud funny. The halftime show features hundreds of kids on the court, and the post-game interaction is the cherry on top as the Wizards stay until every autograph is signed.

Often, people who have not taken in a Wizards show compare the Wizards with the Globetrotters. Todd Davis, Wizards President said, “While the Globetrotters are quite well known and many consider them synonymous with show basketball, they do not deliver the kind of connection, feeling, fun, community and excitement that the Wizards do. I have been around show basketball my whole life, my dad started the Wizards when I was four years old and the Wizard experience is unique in the world…many fans have told us the Wizards show is beyond comparison.” Davis harkened back to the old Avis tag line, “we do try harder, but even more importantly…you will laugh harder at a Wizards show.”

Started in 1962 by New York Sports promoter Howie Davis—he envisioned a show and organization that would put a different spin on show basketball. Fifty years later, the Wizards are an institution, creating awe-inspiring fundraiser events for schools and non-profits in 315 communities and cities in America this season alone. Over $1 million will be raised, while smiles and enthusiasm for the Wizards matches against local teachers, coaches and community leaders will abound.

Since 1962, the Wizards have been making history with the happiness, fun, goodwill and excitement they bring. On Wednesday, March 7, they’ll be bringing that signature comedic flare to Somersworth High School. Featuring local Somersworth teachers and community leaders, this Wizards’ game is bound to be one to remember. Tickets are available for purchase at the SAU #56 Office on West High Street in Somersworth. For more information, contact Somersworth Youth Safe Haven—the recipients of the event proceeds—at 603-692-3976.

Lori Harnois Confirmed To Continue as Director of NH Travel & Tourism Development

CONCORD—

Lori Harnois, of Epsom, was confirmed on February 22 to continue in the position of Director of the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development for another four-year term. The Executive Council voted 5-0 to approve Harnois.

Harnois was named to the position last year to replace Alice DeSouza, who had retired. “Lori has spent almost fifteen years in the tourism industry, including ten as the International and Domestic Marketing Manager of the Division of Travel and Tourism Development,” said George Bald, Commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development. “I am proud of the work she and her staff have done over the last year to help advance tourism in New Hampshire. I look forward to what she will bring to the division and the industry over the next four years,” he added.

Harnois is a 1998 graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Science, Tourism Planning and Development. She has taught tourism courses at Plymouth State University and the New Hampshire Technical Institute as an adjunct professor and was recently appointed to the board of Stay, Work, Play.