The Artists of Salmon Falls Mills Hold Spring Open Studios

ROLLINSFORD—
It’s spring and the art is in bloom! The Artists of Salmon Falls Mills in Rollinsford open their studios to the public on the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend, May 8th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enter a world of beautiful landscapes, mesmerizing sculptures, colorful crafts, quirky comics, and even retro rocket ships! The free event annually draws families, art lovers, and adventure-seekers of all ages. Both the Upper Mill and Lower Mill will be open, and participating artists include painters, photographers, bookbinders, furniture makers, sculptors, fabric artists and many more. Live entertainment will be provided for your enjoyment. Get your kids to be creative and participate in the kid’s art stations where they can make artistic gifts for Mom.
“Even though these artists are in an old factory building, the work is hardly mass produced,” said Johanna Finnegan-Topitzer of Selkie Bindery, “You can visit studios, ask questions, and get quality items made right in your own community. Both the upper mill and lower mill will be open, as well as many downtown local businesses. We’re expecting a good showing this year. It’s a great way to celebrate local art and community.”
Many of the mill’s residents are teaching artists, so the event can be a good way to explore the possibility of taking a class in painting, drawing, and even flamenco dance. New to the Mills this season is nationally known oil painter Dennis Perrin. Along with artist Alan Amman, Perrin has started a new painting school in the mill. Called The New Studio School, the classes will offer instruction in the fundamentals of oil painting. There will be a class in session from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. during Open Studios and the public is welcome to observe.
For more info and directions, go to www.MillArtists.com or join the Artists of Salmon Falls Mills fan page on facebook.
Photo caption: An oil painting of a floral scene by Dennis Perrin. (Courtesy photo)

Somersworth Chamber Announces Award Winners

SOMERSWORTH—
René Philpott, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Greater Somersworth Chamber of Commerce, recently announced the Chamber’s 2010 annual award recipients. The Business of the Year award will go to Bascom Wealth Management, located at 32 Market Street in Somersworth. Longtime financial consultant and business owner, Tom Bascom, will be honored for his contributions and support of the community and the Chamber of Commerce. Bascom was a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors for six years and served as Board Chairman in 2007. The Citizen of the Year will be awarded to Sherie Dinger, a longtime community volunteer, activist, and former Somersworth City Councilor. Dinger recently retired as a City Councilor and is known throughout the region for her tireless dedication to numerous community organizations and her spirit of volunteerism. Formal public presentations of the awards will be held at the Chamber’s Swing Into Spring Annual Dinner event on Friday, April 30th at VFW Post 4485, located at 43 High Street in Somersworth. The event is underwritten by Kennebunk Savings Bank, D.F. Richard Energy, and Public Service of New Hampshire. The public is welcome to join Chamber members as they honor this year’s award winners and swing to the music of Ben Baldwin and the Big Note. Doors open and the social hour begins with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar at 6 p.m. Tickets are available through the Somersworth Chamber of Commerce, 58 High Street. For more information, please contact the Somersworth Chamber at 603-692-7175.

Shea-Porter Coastal Amendment Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C.—
The House of Representatives on April 15 passed the Clean Estuaries Act (H.R. 4715), which includes an amendment by Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. Congresswoman Shea-Porter’s amendment ensures that the comprehensive conservation and management plans within the National Estuary Program (NEP) address the impacts and potential effects of sea level change. Changes in sea level could result in changes in water quality or the estuarine habitat, as well as threaten infrastructure in the estuary. This bill also reauthorizes and improves the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s NEP through FY 2016, which promotes planning efforts to help protect estuaries in the United States that are considered to be threatened by pollution, development, or overuse. This bill passed the House with bipartisan support by a vote of 278 to 128.
“This bill will benefit the coastal region of New Hampshire, both economically and environmentally,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “New Hampshire’s coast is a significant economic driver, and Granite Staters have always worked together to protect our natural resources. My amendment will further protect our coastal communities by ensuring that sea level change is taken into account when the comprehensive conservation and management plans are constructed.”
The First District of New Hampshire is home to Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP). PREP, which was previously known as the New Hampshire Estuaries Project, has been part of the National Estuaries Program since 1995 and works to protect two estuarine systems in New Hampshire: Great Bay/Little Bay and Hampton Harbor. The partnership has included the entire Great Bay watershed in their area of focus, which includes 42 communities in New Hampshire and 10 communities in Maine. The NEP has been a significant source of funding and resources, assisting PREP in their valuable work. This reauthorization will make the program stronger and allow for more estuaries to be included.
The Clean Estuaries Act increases the NEP’s authorization from $35 million to $50 million annually to add estuaries, will provide new accountability measures, and will require the EPA to submit a report to Congress on the program’s effectiveness. Estuaries provide habitat for 75% of the commercial fishing catch and up to 90% of the recreational fishing catch in this country. Commercial and recreational fishing annually accounts for $185 billion in revenues, and for more than two million jobs.

Chamber Fundraiser a Sweeping Success

DOVER—
The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce hosted its 9th Annual Sweepstakes event on Friday, April 9th at the Dover Lodge of Elks. Over 350 people attended the sold-out event in hopes of going home with the $10,000 Grand Prize, which was ultimately won by Diane Warwick of Dover.
The event was underwritten by Liberty Mutual and Federal Savings Bank, and featured a 70’s theme, which included a “Walk Through the 70’s” Time Capsule, sponsored by Public Service of New Hampshire, entertainment sponsored by Holy Rosary Credit Union, and a cash bar hosted by Hospitality Sponsor Centrix Bank.
“The Time Capsule was a great add-on this year” noted Chamber Executive Director Kirt Schuman, “as it not only helped support the 70’s theme, but also provided attendees with some additional entertainment while they waited to see if they were holding the grand prize winning ticket.”
In addition to the Time Capsule, event attendees – many sporting costumes ranging from leisure suits and tie-dye shirts to disco shoes and afro wigs – enjoyed bidding on a wide variety of Live and Silent Auction items.
The Silent Auction tables, sponsored by Laconia Savings Bank, Century 21, 4 Corners Clean and RW Insurance, featured a unique assortment of gift packages donated by various Chamber members. One Mother’s Day Package, for example, contained a Pandora Bracelet from Jewelry Creations, Flowers from Garrison Hill Florists, and a Gift Card from Sono-Bella Salon. Other packages were built around themes such as Landscaping, Home Improvement, Physical Fitness, Car Care and Children’s Birthday Parties.
“Putting the auction item packages together was a terrific opportunity to engage with some members we haven’t touched in a while,” remarked Chamber Marketing Manager Aaron Wensley, “and it also helped us improve the overall quality of the auction by focusing on very specific individual items that could be bundled together to create interesting, value-added gifts and experiences.”
The Live Auction was highlighted by trips to New Orleans and Vancouver that included airfare, hotels and amenities, as well as the ever-popular “10th Ticket” which earns the high-bidder a 1 in 10 shot at the $10,000 grand prize. Other Live Auction items included tickets, backstage passes and limousine transportation to see Alan Jackson, a chance for a child to be “Mayor for a Day,” and a series of gift cards and memberships that comprised a deluxe April “Stay-cation” Activities Package.
Throughout the evening, guests were also treated to an extensive sampling of appetizers, entrees and desserts from twelve of the area’s top restaurants and caterers, each of whom used the event as an opportunity to highlight something different about themselves.
“As a brand new restaurant” noted Rocky Blier of Khaophums Taste of Thailand “this was a great chance for us to get the word out about our location across the street from the Chamber on Central Avenue, and to let people know that all of our food is hand-made every day.”
Mike Cartelli, owner of Cartelli’s Bar & Grill, added, “Most local residents already know about our Italian food and our Sushi Bar, but an event like the Chamber Sweeps is an excellent way to showcase newer things like our Raw Bar.”
Cartelli’s did just that at the Sweeps, serving clams, oysters and other fresh seafood from a gigantic bed of crushed ice. Other restaurants like Weathervane Seafood and Dover Bowl also used the event to highlight lesser known menu offerings and capabilities. Weathervane, widely known for lobsters and fried seafood, served a delicious crab-stuffed haddock in a lobster sherry sauce, while Dover Bowl showed off its expanded catering capabilities with items like coconut shrimp and marinated chicken skewers.
When all was said and done, the event raised over $20,000 for the Chamber, funds that will be used to put on local festivals and events that are enjoyed by literally thousands of Dover residents each year.
“This was a truly successful event,” noted Schuman, “and the Chamber owes a debt of gratitude to the Sweeps Committee, our volunteers, the participating restaurants, the auction donors, and of course our incredible sponsors. Perhaps most importantly, we’d like to thank everyone who purchased tickets to the event.
Photo caption: Diane Warwick of Dover is all smiles as she accepts the $10,000 Grand Prize at the 2010 Chamber Sweeps event, which was held on Friday, April 9th. Also pictured (L to R) are Chamber Executive Director Kirt Schuman, and event co-emcees John Cogan of Federal Savings Bank and Don Briand of WOKQ. (Courtesy photo)

3rd Annual Spirit Up Somersworth Community Clean Up Day

SOMERSWORTH—
Don’t forget about the 3rd annual Spirit Up Somersworth Community Clean Up Day this Saturday, April 17, 2010. Registration starts at 8 a.m. at the Somersworth Middle School where you will receive gloves, trash bags, raffle tickets, as well as a ticket for a free lunch.
Support our city and our students who are working hard to make a difference in our community this Earth Day. Join SYC and SHS Interact Club in cleaning designated areas around town.
After the clean up families, businesses, groups and organizations will meet back at the Somersworth Middle School for music, raffles, environmentally friendly displays and a free barbeque sponsored by Somersworth-Berwick Rotary and SHS Interact Club, prepared by the Somersworth Career Tech Culinary Arts Class.
Those participating in the clean up are not only welcome to a free lunch, but can also check out displays from: Dover Auto World showing a Hybrid Car, NH Costal Protection, UNH Agriculture Group, Waste Management, Somersworth Public Works, UNH Cooperative Extension Educator: Forest Resources and an Enviroscope demo.
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!
Sign up your group or family today! FMI or to sign up for this event contact: Maureen Jackman at 692-2242, ext. 204 or Pam Martin at 692-2126, ext. 209.

4th Annual Small Business Expo

ROCHESTER—
The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce their 4th annual Small Business Expo & Taste of the Chamber event will be taking place on Thursday, May 13, 2010 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 7, 94 Eastern Avenue, Rochester, NH.
Approximately 50 Rochester Chamber member businesses will be showcasing their products and services to fellow business members and the public in a trade show format.
A Taste of the Chamber featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and food items are being provided courtesy of the American Legion Post 7, MLC Catering, Portable Pantry Café & Catering, Spaulding Steak & Ale, and The 306 Restaurant. A cash bar will also be available throughout the event.
New England Patriots Cheerleaders will be on hand from 5 to 7 p.m. to meet and greet guests and sign autographs. The appearance by members of the New England Patriot Cheerleaders is sponsored by Waste Management.
As of April 23rd, available booth space will open to larger member businesses to have the opportunity to exhibit. Booth space still available May 3rd will be made available to non-member businesses for an additional fee.
This event is open to the public and admission is free. Those attending the Small Business Expo event will receive a “Do Business With the Chamber” Passport and have the opportunity to visit the booths of area business exhibitors and learn about the products and services that they offer.This passport features a layout of the exhibitors that are being showcased at the event. Those visiting at least 20 of these businesses will be eligible for several raffle prizes, including a pair of tickets to a Boston Red Sox game, sponsored by Holy Rosary Credit Union.
More information for this event is listed at www.rochesternh.org. If your business is interested in exhibiting at this popular event, call 603-332-5080 or visit www.rochesternh.org

Attendance Grows at Specialty Food and Artisan Market

DOVER—
There was quite a buzz at the Specialty Food and Artisan Market in Dover on Saturday, March 27th. Not only did the crowds increase at the market, but ten more vendors attended to showcase their wares.
The New England Marketplace sponsored by Crazy Camel Dessert Hummus and Maine Buck Nuts is not your typical market. It is an interactive market. Customers can taste the various food products before they buy. “I saw customers come in and not leave for hours. Some vendors sold out of product! I guess they did not expect that,” states Bonnie McLoud of Crazy Camel Dessert Hummus. “We loved hearing that and it fulfills our purpose of the market, to be a showcase for small businesses that are passionate about what they make and what they do. For some of these businesses, attending the market is their debut of their product; it is the launch of their business”
Besides one of a kind artisan works like handmade jewelry, Windsor chairs, wood turned products, paintings and photography, customers enjoyed pasta from Terra Cotta, blueberry products, cheese, organic foods, dessert hummus, specialty nuts, gourmet chocolates filled with wine, biscotti’s, Greek pastry and cookies, home made jams and pickles, hot sauces and much more. “One of the vendors was so excited because she had just won an award for her handmade chocolate cheesecake creation. She was passing out samples to everyone and was very proud and excited”
The next date for the market is Saturday, April 24th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market is held on the 1st floor of the Picker Building behind One Washington Center in downtown Dover. Admission is always free and customers can find the market by following the outside stairs parallel to the river lined with balloons next to the old Biddy Mulligan’s (now Fury’s). There is plenty of parking in and around the building and customers need not worry about the reserved parking signs for the businesses as they are not utilized during the weekend and can be used for market goers.
Even though the market is chock full of vendors, there is still more room for businesses interested in participating with a specialty food product or artisan work. “We have about 12 more spaces inside and can even expand after that out into the parking lot right next to the entrance outside,” McLoud says. “We would really love to see more downtown Dover businesses participate.This is a great opportunity to get in front of many customers at once and show them what you are all about. The market has been so popular with customers that we have decided to continue it monthly throughout the year.We will take a break for July and August but all the other months there will be a market.”
McLoud is also taking it a step further to help businesses who participate in the market by creating a website for customers to learn more about the market and get information about the vendors attending. The website is still under construction but will be up later this month.
For small businesses interested in participating, they can contact Bonnie McLoud at 603-502-0434 or by email, bonniemcloud@comcast.net.
Photo caption: The Specialty Food and Artisan Market in Dover meets monthly at the Picker Building. (Courtesy photo)