The Seacoast Irish Festival Returns to Dover

DOVER—
After a five-year hiatus, the Seacoast Irish Festival is making its return to the Dover cultural and entertainment scene on June 12, 2010. Last held in the summer of 2005, the popular Festival drew thousands of attendees. The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Dover Main Street to resurrect the event, which was formerly put on by the Dover Police Charities.
“People have made it very clear that they want the festival back,” noted Chamber Executive Director Kirt Schuman, “not just Dover residents, but people from all over. We are very happy to have past sponsor Shaheen and Gordon step into a major role yet again.”
The Festival Committee has certainly gotten off to a good start, having obtained the necessary permits and approvals, a major sponsor, and the support of Dover Police Charities.
“We fully support the efforts to revive the festival. Residents and visitors will benefit from this cultural experience and the proceeds directly support critical programs that help keep Dover a great place to live, work and visit,” commented Police Chief Tony Colarusso in a letter of support.
Perhaps even more importantly, the Committee has secured the services of renowned local musician Eugene Byrne, one of the Festival’s “Founding Fathers,” who is not only assembling the entertainment lineup for the event, but who will also be performing himself. In addition, Byrne was scheduled to be on hand when the event is formally announced at a media event at Kelley’s Row in downtown Dover at noon on St. Patrick’s Day.
“Dover has a great Irish heritage,” said Byrne, “and I’m very pleased to be playing a part in the revival of the Seacoast Irish Festival. We’ve been talking about bringing it back for quite some time now, and since we finally seem to have the pieces in place, it made perfect sense to all of us to make the announcement on St. Patrick’s Day.”
The Seacoast Irish Festival, which is scheduled for Saturday, June 12th, will be held in a new, highly visible downtown location at the Rotary Arts Pavilion. While the performance schedule is still being finalized, confirmed performers include Bradigan, the Shaw Brothers, Patsy Whelan, The McTaggarts, Schooner Fare, Eugene Byrne and many other special guests.
The event will culminate with a rousing musical tribute to Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers, by many of the Festival performers and some special guests.
“Since the last time the Festival was held, we lost Tommy in 2007, and Liam, the last of the Clancy Brothers just last year,” mused Byrne. “Without them, Irish music wouldn’t be the same. Making the event a tribute to their memories, and to their cultural contributions was an easy decision, especially considering Dover is Tommy’s hometown.”
Newly–hired Dover Main Street Executive Director Carrie Eisner agreed, adding, “Holding the event in Dover’s historic downtown should really add to the cultural feel of the Festival. Dover has so much history, and this is a great opportunity for the City to showcase that history, as well as its rich Irish heritage.”
The Festival will be held on June 12th, Rain or Shine, from noon until 9 p.m. Tickets will be $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the event, with Kelley’s Row providing the food and beverages, Crafters selling Irish art and jewelry, and a full slate of music, dancing and other traditional Irish entertainment.
According to Chamber Marketing Manager Aaron Wensley, sponsorship packages are still available for the event.
“So much of what the Chamber and Dover Main Street do for the community involves things that are unseen by the general public,” added Wensley. “The Irish Festival is a cultural event that provides sponsors with a highly visible platform for promotion, so we’re very optimistic that local businesses will join Shaheen and Gordon in supporting something so clearly beneficial to the community.”
For more information on ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities 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. (Courtesy photo)

“Spirit Up Somersworth” Community Clean Up Day

SOMERSWORTH—
The Somersworth High School Interact Club and Somersworth Youth Connection (SYC) are hosting “Spirit Up Somersworth” community wide clean up day in celebration of Earth Day, on April 17, 2010 (with a rain date of April 24), from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. It is our hope to raise awareness of our environment and get as many City Leaders, Businesses, Community Organizations, Youth Groups, School Organizations and our families to celebrate Earth Day and beautify our community of Somersworth. The goal is to challenge Somersworth to have 1,000 people participate in cleaning up their community in designated areas, or in their own neighborhoods.
“Spirit Up Somersworth” kicks off in the parking lot at Somersworth Middle School on Saturday morning, April 17th, 8-8:30 a.m., sign in your group and pick up supplies. Participants will then head off to a designated area of the community to make them sparkle. Trash bags and gloves will be provided; garden tools are limited, so please bring your own rake. Also included in the day’s event will be raffle prizes, food, music, vendors, displays and great company.
Last year we had over 250 high school students, middle school students, families, and groups cleaning the school grounds, downtown areas, and various neighborhoods. SYC encourages all youth to take pride and ownership in their community, by participating in many service-learning activities throughout the school year. Together, SYC and SHS Interact Club are hoping to create connections to our community, a commitment to get involved, and make a difference.
Please sign up your group or family today! For more information, or to sign up for this event please contact: Maureen Jackman at 692-2242, ext. 204 or Pam Martin at 692-2126, ext. 209

A Real Wonderland

By Chip Schrader
Book Review Editor
(Editor’s note: This article is another reflection by Chip Schrader on literary aspects of places he visited and things he learned during a recent trip to Europe.)
A stereotypical rainy day in Oxford, England that a local shopkeeper ironically calls “exotic” makes the perfect setting for visiting one of the greatest literary landmarks in the English-speaking world. Christ Church College sprawls along the outskirts of downtown Oxford boasting gated gardens around it, and a courtyard and fountain that New Englanders often see only in their dreams.
Referenced in literary works by Shakespeare, Yeats, Lewis Carroll, Phillip Pullman, and most currently, J.K. Rowling, the entryway and halls were used as the filming location for the first two Harry Potter films. The Dining Hall just beyond the stairs is where Oxford’s greatest dined: Isaac Newton, William Penn, Lewis Carroll, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and several Prime Ministers, most of whom are represented among the hundreds of portraits that line the walls. This legendary room also inspired the majestic Great Hall at Hogwarts, only slightly smaller, where the students ate and were assigned to their groups by the sorting hat.
While penniless, Rowling drew inspiration from numerous English fantasy novels after a four hour wait at the Manchester train station. She infused the influences of many authors who walked within these corridors, thus, Harry Potter was born. In Christ Church, it is obvious to the visitor that the Harry Potter stories and settings provided a realm where Rowling’s struggles transported her to a place where she could mingle with Britain’s most influential people, something she herself would soon be after a stint of being on welfare to get her teaching certification.
But, Christ Church’s modern day significance does not halt there. Among the gardens with little doorways and stone walls was where Lewis Carroll had met Alice Dodgson, the young daughter of Oxford’s dean. As this shy mathematician spent his hours with his friend Alice and her siblings, he was inspired to write “Alice in Wonderland.” Because of this book that has been adapted for the screen numerous times, and recently with Tim Burton’s version focusing on the Mad Hatter premiering this past weekend, it is difficult not to feel transported away from reality when looking at the gardens and yards where such curious characters roamed.
Within the Dining Hall, there is a small doorway that visitors will stumble upon. It was this very doorway Carroll hid behind as his social tolerance weakened. It was that very transformative doorway that made numerous appearances in numerous forms within his book.
Across the street from the Cathedral, is Alice’s Shop. According to their website, in Lewis Carroll’s time, this shop was a small grocery store, but in his book this was transformed into “The Old Sheep Shop” where Alice would reach for an item, and it would mysteriously drift away. Today it is an “Alice in Wonderland” themed souvenir shop where tea cloths, card decks, and prints are among the items they offer featuring the Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, Alice and several other characters.
According to the Guardian, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland broke records with a $116.3 million opening weekend. The film stars Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. Meanwhile, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” is slated to be released in the United States November 19th, and while IMDb.com doesn’t cite Christ Church College as a filming location, the Dining Hall will always be an icon of the film series.
Photo caption: The grounds of Christ Church in Oxford, England (Chip Schrader photo)

Somersworth-Berwick Rotary Celebrates Read Across America Day

SOMERSWORTH—
Rotary Clubs throughout New Hampshire, Maine and Newburyport areas are celebrating Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’ Birthday by sharing their love of reading to children of all ages. Rotary District 7780 which encompasses 41 clubs have made promoting and supporting literacy one of its major commitments to children and adults throughout our local communities and in those around the world. Since 1986, Rotary International has made literacy a major focus and lifelong commitment both locally and internationally.
Somersworth-Berwick Rotarians were at the Somersworth Middle School on Tuesday, March 2nd to share their love of reading and love of Dr. Seuss with middle schoolers.
In celebration of Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’ Birthday on March 2nd, the Somersworth-Berwick Rotary Club presented the Somersworth Middle School Library with a collection of Dr. Seuss Books. Titles include Yertle The Turtle, The Lorax, Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are, The Butter Battle Book, The Sneetches and Other Stories.
They also donated a collection of Andrew Clements stories which included The School Story, Things Not Seen, No Talking, Room One and A Week in the Woods and the latest Darren Shan thrillers Cirque Du Freak-A Living Nightmare, The Vampire’s Assistant, Tunnels of Blood, Vampire Mountain, Trials of Death, The Vampire Prince, Hunters of the Dusk, Allies of the Night, The Lake of Souls, Lord of The Shadows and Sons of Destiny.
Somersworth-Berwick Rotarians continue to play a very supportive, committed and vital role in our school community. They have pledged $2,500 annually to SYC, provided mentoring and homework assistance at the program, volunteered at many of SYC events, participate on SYC Advisory Board, sponsors of the Got Art Calendar, provide two $1000 High School scholarships annually, support and assist the High School Interact Club of which there are over 60 members, send Interact members to participate in RYLA and support the Building Trades Class at the Somersworth High Career Technical Center.
Photo caption: Members of the Somersworth Berwick Rotary Club visited the Somersworth Middle School to celebrate Read Across America Day on March 2. (Courtesy photo)

Program for Children with Autism at Children’s Museum

DOVER—
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire has announced Sunday, March 14 as the launch date of its new program, Exploring Our Way: the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Autism Partnership Program. On that date, the museum will open early at 10 a.m. just for families whose children are affected by autism. Families will be able to enjoy the museum’s exhibits for two hours prior to opening and are also welcome to stay and play after the museum opens to the public. Families can participate in this program at no charge thanks to underwriting by the Cogswell Benevolent Trust. 
This free program will continue through the spring on the second Sunday of each month at 10 a.m.: April 11, May 9 and June 13. Future dates will be announced before the summer. 

Exploring Our Way: the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Autism Partnership Program will provide free visits to the museum for families with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) while the museum is closed to the public, and continuing after it opens. Members of the museum’s education staff are working with UNH specialists and Easter Seals – The Family Place in Dover to plan for these visits to ensure participants’ full enjoyment and exploration of the museum.
 

“The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire clearly has an outstanding understanding of meeting the learning needs of children of all abilities,” said Patti Rawding-Anderson, Director of Easter Seals - The Family. “Easter Seals’ Camp Connect Summer Program for children with social challenges participated in a field trip to the museum and the staff was amazing at ensuring their experience was optimal. In fact, the museum’s director of education sought their input for change and several of our students made some excellent recommendations for a number of the exhibits. In subsequent visits, we found they had implemented a number of the suggestions. How wonderful to have such an amazing community partner in supporting the experiences of children.” 
 

Children’s Museum of N.H. Director Denise Doleac noted, “In our research, we found that there is a great need for this type of programming, and we are grateful to the Cogswell Benevolent Trust for funding this new initiative. We look forward to welcoming many families through this program in the coming year.”
 
Deb Jurkoic, Autism Family Support Specialist for Easter Seals - The Family Place, added, “We’re very excited about this new program because it will help children as well as parents. Families often feel isolated when they have a child with ASD, but these special opportunities at the museum will allow parents to network with one another and enjoy family time in a safe, understanding environment.”
(Courtesy photo)

Somersworth Chamber Elects New Board Member

SOMERSWORTH—
The Board of Directors of the Greater Somersworth Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the election of Robert “Cider” Berry to a vacant seat on the Board. Berry is a well-known Rochester native and local businessman who has dedicated his life to community service. He owned and built a successful heating fuel company, EZ Fuels, in Rochester during the 1990’s. Berry sold his company to Eastern Propane & Oil in 1999 and has been Eastern’s Public Relations Director since that time. Eastern is the 15th largest propane retailer in the United States.
Along with his business experience, Berry has an extensive background serving on Boards for Chambers of Commerce and other community organizations. He served six years on the Board of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and was President of the Board of the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce where he served for four years. In addition, he presently serves on the Rochester Housing Authority Commission, the Board of Directors for the Rochester Fair, and the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Rochester. Berry lives in Rochester with Marilyn, his wife of 42 years. He has three children and three grandchildren.
Photo caption: Cider Berry, Public Relations Director for Eastern Propane and Oil. (Courtesy photo)

Toyota Safety Recall Explained

CONCORD—
Attorney General Michael A. Delaney announced on Feb. 26 that Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. has agreed to offer free at-home pickup of vehicles covered by the national safety recall, pay for consumers’ out-of-pocket transportation costs and provide drivers free rental cars during repairs. The vehicles included in this agreement are those subject to Toyota’s recent recalls for floormat pedal entrapment, sticking accelerator pedal, ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) software update, and Tacoma drive shaft inspection.
Toyota will advise its dealers that consumers who call with concerns about a sticking accelerator pedal or ABS software recalls shall not be told to wait for a letter from Toyota before scheduling the repair of their vehicles. Consumers who call a dealer with regard to the floormat recall, can schedule a repair once they have received the recall letter. Consumers who call a dealer with regard to the Tacoma drive shaft recall will have an inspection performed of the vehicle without unnecessary delay.
Toyota will advise its dealers to address each consumer’s concerns on a case-by-case basis. If a consumer remains concerned, and depending on a consumer’s particular circumstances, Toyota can use the following tools to accommodate the consumer: expedited scheduling; pickup and return of the consumer’s vehicle by a dealership representative or by flatbed truck; driving the consumer to the dealership and/or to his or her place of work; and provision of alternate transportation, such as a rental car, a loaner vehicle, or taxi reimbursement, for the reasonable period that the consumer is unable or unwilling to use his or her car. These accommodations shall be provided to the consumer at no cost to the owner and the dealer.
Consumers who have questions should call the Toyota Customer Experience Center, 
1-800-331-4331, or to the Lexus Customer Assistance Center, 1-800-255-3987. The Centers’ hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.