Prescott Park Arts Festival Announces Wednesday Night Concert Series

PORTSMOUTH—
Prescott Park Arts Festival has announced the schedule of performers for its popular River House Restaurant Concert Series presented each Wednesday night of the summer performance season at 7 p.m. Held in Prescott Park, downtown Portsmouth, the series will feature acts like Arlo Guthrie, Taj Mahal Trio, Shawn Colvin, Greg Brown and more as part of the FairPoint Communications MainStage.
The series will kick off on Wednesday, June 23, with folk legend and local favorite, Tom Rush. Credited by Rolling Stone Magazine as ushering the era of the singer/songwriter, Rush is a Portsmouth native who’s shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, sweet melancholy of ballads and passion of gritty blues.
Next, the series will feature Canada’s top multi-instrumental traditional bands, Le Vent du Nord, who get audiences dancing to the sound of fiddle and hurdy-gurdy, using an original repertoire and music that is fresh and bound to tradition. Hailing from Quebec, Le Vent du Nord have received a 2011 JUNO Award (Canada’s Grammy) as well as Album of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
“We’re proud and excited with what we’ll present as part of this series this year,” said Ben Anderson, Prescott Park’s executive director. “We’ve had calls from across the country from people anxious to know the schedule so they could plan their vacations accordingly. I think they’re going to be as excited as we are with what they find.”
Other acts presented as part of the series include three-time Grammy Award-winning artist (including Record of the Year and Song of the Year), Shawn Colvin on July 13; one of the most admired folk acts, Greg Brown on July 20; two-time Grammy Award winner and Blues legend, Taj Mahal Trio on July 27; the trio with heart-stopping harmonies, The Wailin’ Jennys on August 3; the popular Jonathan Edwards on August 17 who penned hits like Shanty and Sunshine; New England folk icon Cheryl Wheeler on July 6; one of the hottest new bands on the circuit filled with high-energy, David Wax Museum on August 10; and the hot and swingin’ Austin-based band, Hot Club of Cowtown on August 24.
The River House Restaurant Concert Series will close with a performance by Arlo Guthrie on August 26. The eldest son of America’s most beloved singer/songwriter/philosopher Woody Guthrie, Arlo is a natural-born storyteller whose tales and anecdotes figure prominently in his performances. With songs like Alice’s Restaurant too long for radio airplay; Coming into Los Angeles banned from radio stations (but a favorite at the ‘69 Woodstock Festival); and the definitive rendition of Steve Goodman’s City of New Orleans, Guthrie has never had a hit in the usual sense, but is an artist of international stature.
A full schedule of events and information can be found at the festival website, www.prescottpark.org, or by calling the festival office at 603-436-2848.
Music enthusiasts throughout New England have made Prescott Park a summer travel destination for nearly four decades, enjoying a variety of concerts and festivals, on top of the festival’s signature musical production.
Since 1974, Prescott Park Arts Festival has successfully reached over 3.5 million people through more than 10,000 music, theater, dance, and art productions offered at no fixed admission on the banks of the Piscataqua River. The 37th season will also feature the presentation of “The Wizard of Oz” as the festival’s musical production, as well as a variety of food festivals including Chowder Festival, Chili Festival, and the NH Fish & Lobster Festival this summer.

Art Hits the Streets in the City of Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH—
Art hit the streets in the city of Portsmouth last week as artists began work for the exhibition “Street a.k.a. Museum” at the Portsmouth Museum of Art, which opened on May 11. The exhibition features the work of a group of internationally known street artists whose work has appeared in cities around the world. Guest curator Beau Basse of LeBasse projects in Los Angeles developed the original concept for the exhibition, which has both an indoor and outdoor component. Artists arrived and have worked around downtown Portsmouth as passersby have gathered to watch them at work. Alexandros Vasmoulakis of Greece tackled the highest wall, made possible by the use of a scissorlift provided by Sunbelt Rentals of North Hampton. Vasmoulakis is known for his large dramatic portraits, primarily of women, that have appeared on buildings sometime six or seven stories high in cities around the world.
Sunbelt’s lifts have allowed the museum to bring the grand scale of Alexandros’ signature work to Portsmouth. It also provided a way for duo Herakut to reach the Pan Am Railways train trestle at Bartlett and Islington. The trestle features a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson and, along with Papa Wheelies, is the first piece of outdoor work encountered by visitors entering Portsmouth from Islington Street.
Work continued at locations around Portsmouth through the opening of the exhibition on Wednesday, May 11. Other locations include Prescott Park, 150 State Street, Kaffee Vonsolln at 79 Daniel Street, Papa Wheelies at 653 Islington Street, 75 Pleasant Street above Brazo and the Salt Pile across from the Sheraton Harborside Hotel at 227 Market Street and the Harbour Place Marina Wall. Work from all of the artists will also be shown in the museum. They are Bumblebee, Andreas von Chrzanowski, Herakut, Shark Toof and Alexandros Vasmoulakis.
For more information on this exhibit, contact the museum at 603-436-0332 or by email at info@portsmouthmfa.org.
Photo caption: Artists work on city murals in Portsmouth as part of the “Street a.k.a. Museum” exhibit at Portsmouth Museum of Art. (Courtesy photo)

Rockingham County 4-H Shooting Sports Program Quadruples in Size

CHESTER—
In just four years, the size of the Rockingham County 4-H Shooting Sports program has grown to almost 70 members.
Morgan King, 4-H member and Junior Leader from Epping, noted that when she started, there were about 15 people participating. The program is run in conjunction with the Chester Rod and Gun Club’s Junior Rifle League. The 4-H Shooting Sports program is a component of the UNH Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development program.
April 30 was the last day of the 2010-11 shooting sports program, which runs annually from November through April at the club. The program is coordinated by Volunteer 4-H Leader Mike King of Epping, who was recognized for 10 years of volunteer service.
4-H Shooting Sports is run with support of the Chester Rod and Gun Club. Howard Houle, vice president, was helping at the rifle range on the last day, as he did almost every weekend throughout the program.
The program attracts a wide variety of boys and girls. Mike Shea of Windham pointed out the program was one of the few organized activities that really fit his teenage son’s interests. Cliff Cloutier, a Range Safety Officer from the gun club, brings his children as well as his niece and nephew to the program. He said that his children are well rounded and interested in other activities, but he could not tear them away from the shooting sports program because it was such a good outlet for them. It’s like their vacation, he added.
Fun as it may be, the program is focused on teaching safety and skills. The weekend sessions are run by 4-H volunteer leaders, including King, Bob Lamothe, Jr. from Hampton, and James Turner from Derry who are certified in safety and instruction and committed to helping the youth involved improve their skills.
Some participants, including Morgan King, Colleen McCormack, and Daniel Turner, have progressed to the point of becoming junior leaders. Similar to other successful 4-H Youth Development programs, shooting sports seeks to offer leadership opportunities to older youth in order to challenge them further.
Morgan and Colleen welcome new participants and work to keep the program’s paperwork in order. According to Lorrie Liebfried, a mother present on April 30, Junior Leader Dan Turner is as patient as the adult instructors when working with new archers. He plans to attend the 4-H shooting sports instructor training scheduled for May 21-22 at the New Boston 4-H Youth Center.
There were many smiles and proud moments on Saturday when youth used their archery skills to pop balloons pinned to the range wall or when they brought a target back from the rifle range marked with successful shots in the black. The program’s incredible growth is a testament to the fact that 4-H and the Chester Rod and Gun Club have hit a bull’s-eye with local youth.
4-H is the youth program of the UNH Cooperative Extension and has the mission to help youth acquire knowledge, develop life skills, and form attitudes to enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society. The 4-H Youth Development Program provides a diversity of opportunities for youth and adult volunteers to make a difference in their lives and that of their communities. For more information on 4-H clubs and programs in Rockingham County, call (603) 679-5616 or visit bit.ly/RockCty4H.
Photo caption: 4-H Volunteer Leader Mike King of Epping is a typical blur of energy as he supervises the archery range at the Rockingham County 4-H Shooting Sports program run in partnership with the Chester Rod and Gun Club Junior Rifle League. The program nearly doubled in popularity this past year. (Courtesy photo)

Youths Fishing Derby Brings Fun, Fundraising and Fish to Somersworth

SOMERSWORTH—
On Saturday, May 14, 2011, the Somersworth Lions Club pond will be stocked with more than three hundred fish for the second annual Somersworth Lions Club Youth Fishing Derby. Event proceeds will benefit local people with visual and hearing impairments and help maintain the Somersworth Lions Club Skating Rink.
“We hope to make this fun, family fishing derby a great new Somersworth tradition,” says Peter Houde, Somersworth Lions Club President. “Fishing is a terrific way for kids to enjoy outdoor, old-fashion fun and at the same time, learn about giving back to the community.”
Giving back to the community is what the Lions Club is all about. Each year, the club gets involved and supports many local causes and events and runs their own activities like the Fishing Derby, The Annual Christmas Tree Sale and operating the free public outdoor Skating Rink.
Houde noted, “We are also hoping that parents will take note that the Lions Club is actively seeking new members to get involved. We have a lot of fun and we are looking to grow.”
All participants in the Fishing Derby will receive a free event tee shirt for registering and many prizes will be awarded during the event! Bring your appetite, as breakfast and lunch will be available for sale at the event. The Lions Club members will have the snack shack open all day with food and drinks, hot and cold available. The Derby kicks off at 8 a.m. and ends at noon. Derby participants should be 15 years old or younger and should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Registration forms can be downloaded at http://ssomersworth.nhlions.org. You can also mail them and payment to: Somersworth Lions Club, 135 West High Street, Somersworth, NH 03878 or drop them off Dover Marine / Covered Bridge Sports (Route 108, Dover). For more information, visit http://somersworth.nhlions.org.

Children’s Museum and BAE Systems Thank Military Members and Their Families

DOVER—
Throughout the month of May, the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is focusing on honoring military personnel past and present. By providing families opportunities to communicate their thanks to service men and women, and welcoming military families for a free weekend visit, the museum and partner organizations hope to convey support and gratitude to soldiers in all branches of the military.
During Memorial Day Weekend, the families of military service members will be able to enjoy free admission to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire thanks to BAE Systems. Generous corporate sponsorship from BAE is allowing the Children’s Museum of NH to admit active-duty and retired military personnel and their immediate families at no charge from Saturday, May 28 through Monday, May 30, 2011.
“We are thrilled to be able to honor and thank the people serving our country during Memorial Day Weekend,” stated Jane Bard, Director of Education for the Children’s Museum of NH. “Whether it’s an enlisted person serving locally or the family of an officer deployed overseas, we look forward to welcoming all of these guests thanks to the generosity of BAE Systems.”
During Memorial Day weekend, military personnel and/or their immediate family members will be admitted free to the Children’s Museum of NH by showing a valid military ID at the museum’s front desk. Additional guests would be asked to pay the museum’s standard admission fee. The museum offers a year-round 10% admission discount for active-duty and retired military members.
“Military families endure many hardships as a result of their loved ones service to our country,” says Lu Goncalves-Getty, Community & Business Relations Manager at BAE Systems. “BAE Systems’ partnership with the NH Children’s Museum is not only a way to say thank you but also provide an opportunity for military families to spend cherished time together.”
Throughout the entire month of May, the Children’s Museum is partnering with the Operation Military Kids and Blue Star Families organization to thank those who serve our country. Museum visitors can write notes and letters of thanks to be sent to active duty military personnel, their spouses, families and children. Museum visitors an also create cards for veterans who have served this country. Operation Military Kids and Blue Star Families will collect the cards and letters from the museum and distribute them around the country and overseas.
Photo caption: Visitors to the Children’s Museum of NH are invited to stop at the “Operation Appreciation” station in May to make cards or write letters of appreciation that will be delivered to military personnel around the world. (Courtesy photo)

St. Thomas Aquinas Students Donate to Lucy’s Love Bus

DOVER—
At the request of St. Thomas sophomore Signe Frick of Amesbury, MA and under the guidance of art teacher Paula Maskwa, St. Thomas Aquinas High School honors art students recently made a donation of paintings for an art auction in support of Lucy’s Love Bus. Truly living our mission to serve others, Signe, a Lucy’s Love Bus volunteer, knew the students at St. Thomas would step up to help this worthy cause.
Lucy’s Love Bus, also based in Amesbury, MA, was started at the request of 12-year-old Lucy Grogan. At eight years old, Lucy was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. During her battle, friends and family in the community helped her receive the benefits of acupuncture, massage, reiki and chiropractic care, which provided her great comfort. Before she died, she told her mother she wanted to start a program that would provide these same relief services to other children undergoing cancer treatment. Since 2006, Lucy’s dream has been a reality and Lucy’s Love Bus has been able to deliver therapies to children dealing with the painful effects of cancer.
For more information about Lucy’s Love Bus, visit their website at www.lucyslovebus.org.
Photo caption: Front row: (left to right) Maria Sutryn, Meredith Marino, Lydia Wolter, Nicole Cornell, Chelsea Paine. Back row: (left to right) Marianne Russell, Meaghan Morrison, Julia Mardin, and Andrew Foss. (Courtesy photo)

Active Start to the Outdoor Farmers’ Markets

PORTSMOUTH/EXETER—
Mark your calendars! The outdoor farmers’ markets in Exeter and Portsmouth will get off to an active start this year.
While the Exeter market opened on Thursday, May 5, the Portsmouth market will open on Saturday, May 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Additional outdoor markets in Dover, Durham and Hampton will follow in June.
After much ado about moving the Exeter Farmers’ Market to a new location to accommodate road construction in town, the Exeter Board of Selectmen voted Monday night to keep the Exeter Farmers’ Market at Swasey Parkway, after all. The Portsmouth Farmers’ Market returns to its perch on the hill overlooking South Mill Pond, in the City Hall lot at 1 Junkins Avenue.
The markets, coordinated since 1977 by the local nonprofit Seacoast Growers’ Association, are known for their focus on local agricultural products and what they call the “SGA Guarantee” that participating vendors grow, raise, catch and make 100 percent of the products offered at SGA markets.
How local is local? Real local, organizers say. SGA farmers, food producers and artisans all hail from the immediate Seacoast region of Rockingham and Strafford counties in New Hampshire and York County, Maine.
The array of local offerings is vast, including everything from staple produce to heirloom variety fruits and vegetables to heritage breed meats, locally caught fish and raw, organic dairy products. Homemade baked goods, gourmet food items and take-home meals round out the grocery shopping potential at local farmers’ markets. A bounty of annual and perennial bedding plants, veggie starts, and hanging flower baskets are also available for gardeners. Fine crafts by juried artisans sweeten the list with pottery, jewelry, photography, furniture and more.
This year, in addition to the weekly music series at Portsmouth Farmers’ Market, sponsored by Portsmouth Community Radio, Seacoast Growers’ Association is offering up special activities and educational programs. The weekly events will rotate through all five market towns, starting in May with bountiful opportunities for planting:
Saturday, May 7: music by Mike & Mike from 9:00 a.m. to noon, plus “Marigolds for Mom” at Portsmouth Farmers’ Market, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Not just for kids! Join us at the market activity booth for Marigolds for Mom, a chance to seed your own marigolds, just in time for Mother’s Day on May 8! We’ll provide the seeds, pots, soil mix, and popsicle sticks for labeling. SGA’s own John Wakefield of Shagbark Farm will be on-hand for planting guidance and growing advice. If you’re inspired to do more planting at home, stop by our guest vendor booth to pick up some locally produced compost from EcoMovement.
Thursday, May 12: “May Marigolds” at Exeter Farmers’ Market, 2:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Join us at the market activity booth for May Marigolds, a chance to plant your own marigolds from seed. We’ll provide the seeds, pots, soil mix, and popsicle sticks for labeling. And SGA’s own Sofie Larsen of Applegard Farm will be on-hand for planting guidance and growing advice.
Saturday, May 21: music by Bob Halperin from 9:00 a.m. to noon, plus “Start Your Garden Day” at Portsmouth Farmers’ Market, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Start your garden at the farmers’ market! Join us at the market activity booth for a compost give-away and free transplanting demonstration offered by SGA’s own Sofie Larsen of Applegard Farm. Sofie will also bring her personal library of beautiful gardening reference books for you to peruse, and of course you can tap into her expertise, too! A bounty of seeds from High Mowing Organic Seeds will be available for purchase.
Thursday, May 26: “Start Your Garden Day” at Exeter Farmers’ Market, 2:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Start your garden at the farmers’ market! Join us at the market activity booth for a compost give-away and free transplanting demonstration offered by SGA’s own Sofie Larsen of Applegard Farm. Sofie will also bring her personal library of beautiful gardening reference books for you to peruse, and of course you can tap into her expertise, too! A bounty of seeds from High Mowing Organic Seeds will be available for purchase.
Area nonprofits, businesses, municipal representatives and individuals interested in participating in SGA’s Community Partners program to bring educational activities for all ages to market are invited to contact Public Relations Director Hilary Niles at newsletter@seacoastgrowers.org or (603) 969-8004.
All markets are held rain or shine every week. The outdoor farmers’ market season extends to mid-October and early November.
For more information about Seacoast Growers’ Association’s five weekly outdoor farmers’ markets or to sign up for their weekly e-newsletter with tips on what’s in season, new recipes and “Know Your Farmer” profiles, visit www.seacoastgrowers.org.
Photo caption: A cornucopia of veggies are in season and available direct from the farmers at Portsmouth Farmers’ Market. (Photo by Hilary Niles)