New Hampshire Honors Fallen Heroes

By Larry Favinger

Staff Columnist
RYE—
On Sunday, August 21, those members of the Armed Services who have lost their lives in service to their country since 9/11 will be honored.
A Run for the Fallen New Hampshire, a 12-mile loop, will start and end at Odiorne State Park. Runners will be able to run the entire race or any portion thereof as trolleys follow the route to pick up anyone who’d like to stop, Julie Hurrie, one of the run’s organizers, said.
Along the run will be placards with soldier’s photos and information about them. Next to the photos will be families of the fallen.
Hurrie said the run is just as much about the families as it is about those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
All runners will wait and gather about a quarter mile from the end of the race so all can finish together in what she termed “a finish in gratitude.”
Ms. Hurrie has run in Maine’s Run for the Fallen the last couple years, including last year’s run from Ogunquit to Portland.
She said he’s been “kind of waiting for someone to start one” in New Hampshire. “I got tired for waiting.”
As of early this week, 130 runners had registered for the run, but Hurrie expects the field to be at least 175 to 200 by the time it begins.
The object of the run is “a way for our citizens who enjoy their freedom to show their appreciation” to those who have given their lives to protect it.
She said many individuals, organizations and businesses have stepped up to help in the run.
Opening ceremonies will be kicked off with the reading of the names of New Hampshire’s heroes. This will be followed by a 21-gun salute by the Marine Corps League and a color guard ceremony by the ROTC of Winnacunnet High School in Hampton.
Following the run, runners, volunteers, and families of the fallen will have a free lunch provided by Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Entertainment will be provided by an Air Force rock band.
More information, including a listing of the fallen and the event’s sponsors, are available on the web at runforthefallennh.com.
This is a free event for everyone involved. It is funded by donations from the public and from businesses including Carrabba’s, Kittery Trading Post, Grappone Auto, Home Depot, Globe, UBS, Marshall’s Rentals, Leddy Grup, and the New Hampshire State Parks and the NH Civil Air Patrol.
Photo caption: A Run for the Fallen New Hampshire will take place at Odiorne State Park on August 21. (Courtesy image)

Annual Hampton Beach Children’s Festival Returns

HAMPTON BEACH—

Join the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hampton Beach Village District for five days of free fun for children of all ages at the Annual Hampton beach Children’s Festival, Monday August 15 through Friday, August 19.
Presented by TD Bank and jam-packed with music, balloons, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and much more, this is sure to be the most exciting Children’s Festival ever! The Hampton Beach Children’s Festival kicks off with a magic show and builds up to a Giant Costume Parade that marches almost the length of Hampton Beach on Friday, August 19. Every child gets a prize just for being in it! Tons of entertainment has also been added, including a train for the parade and a performance by the Extreme Air Jump Rope Team.
Each day will be a blockbuster filled with non-stop activity and entertainment, including mini-golf, a Ronald McDonald show, dancing, story tellers, balloons, face painting and more. There is even a kids’ bumper sticker contest.
All Children’s Festival activities are free and open to the public. For more information call the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce office at (603) 926-8717 or visit the website at www.hamptonbeach.org for a complete Children’s Festival schedule and other Hampton Beach events.
Photo caption: The Hampton Beach Children’s Festival will take place Monday, August 15 through Friday, August 19. (Courtesy photo)

The Summer Film Review

By Chip Schrader
Movie Reviewer
The big story on Box Office Mojo’s website reports the summer box office has been hot in 2011 with “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” grossing over 1 billion dollars worldwide, and “Transformers 3” approaching that staggering number. We have seen comic book heroes hit the screen, low brow comedies, and plenty of sequels that are guaranteed to gross a few dollars for the studios. The industry saves Oscar potential films later in the year and into the next year, and pedals the popcorn-pushing pop culture flicks, often with a side of cheese, for the summer.
This has been the year of the comic book hero. We have seen “Green Lantern,” “Thor,” and “X-Men: First Class” released in the earlier wave of summer releases. In the latter half, we are reintroduced to “Captain America” and “Cowboys & Aliens.”
According to boxofficemojo.com, “Captain America” has only been out since July 22, yet it has already rolled in $117 million worldwide. It stars Chris Evans, Stanley Tucci and Tommy Lee Jones to ensure it has the star power to please audiences. “Pulp Fiction” fans will also see an appearance by Samuel L. Jackson. A new “Captain America” treatment has been long awaited, as the 1990 attempt has aged to the point it looks twenty years older (rightfully so).
“Cowboys & Aliens” pairs the legendary Harrison Ford with the latest James Bond Daniel Craig. John Favreau is the director, his most memorable onscreen moment of recent years being vomited upon by Paul Rudd’s character Peter Klaven in “I Love You Man.” In its first weekend alone it had already grossed a respectable 37 million, topping the box office. This looks like it may have enough cheese, humor and action to delight audiences, but between Ford and Craig, the acting talent implies that this is either a brilliant script, or the studio offered a boatload of cash.
Following up on “The Hangover Part II” and “Bridesmaids” earlier this summer, “Horrible Bosses” and “Bad Teacher” hope to cash in on unsavory characters with a belly full of laughs. Among the many “Horrible Bosses” stars are Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston and Colin Farrell. Aniston and Farrell are well disguised in these films as they play in unexpected roles as Bateman leads his two friends in a plot to kill their cruel employers. Surprisingly in this economy, it is not considered a threat to national security.
“Horrible Bosses” director, Seth Gordon’s, first film – the documentary “The King of Kong: A Fist Full of Quarters” – documents one man’s fight to defeat and prove his record high score in the Donkey Kong arcade game. This gem is available on streaming Netflix and is worth the watch just for the eccentric characters who frequent the arcade. Gordon has earned a place in many cult filmgoers’ hearts with that one.
Last, but not least, Cameron Diaz stars in “Bad Teacher” alongside “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” writer and star Jason Segal, and Justin Timberlake, fresh off of an acclaimed role in “The Social Network.” All three stars have proven their silver screen charm and charisma, and the movie is knocking on the door of the 100 million dollar mark.
At the end of the season, two films are poised to be billion dollar runaways in this memorable summer with the promise of “Cowboys & Aliens” and “Captain America” to bring in more revenue. It seems we now live in a day where a $100 million payoff is a given, and the thrills and laughs are a high commodity in a society wishing for wonder and escape.
Photo caption: (Courtesy movie poster for “Cowboys & Aliens”)

Thunderbirds Return to Pease

By Larry Favinger

Staff Columnist
PORTSMOUTH—
It’s been 25 years since the United States Air Force Thunderbirds have performed in the Seacoast, but their long awaited return will be accomplished next weekend.
The F-16 Fighting Falcons with the easily recognized red, white and blue design will headline the Service Credit Union Boston–Portsmouth Air Show at the Pease International Trade Port Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13-14.
A year ago, a crowd estimated at 70,000 attended the two-day event that featured the United States Navy’s Blue Angels and a crowd of similar size is anticipated this year, said Herb Gillen, spokesperson for the show. Those returning to this year’s event will find several changes to enhance their enjoyment of the festivities.
Gillen said one of the top concerns following last year’s show was the handling of traffic and soon after the event, meetings were held with safety officials to come up with “a better plan this year.”
He said the parking plan has been refined and “a more coordinated effort” is in place to move people on and off the trade port. He added, however, it would still be best to “get there early” as “there’s plenty to see.”
There will also be “heavy emphasis” on water and helping people “stay cool” during the show. Free water will be available from Monadnock Mountain Spring Water of New Hampshire and water will also be sold at a reduced rate.
In addition, a concerted effort has been made to secure large-scale static airplanes to help provide shade in the main spectator area.
Gillen said Portsmouth Regional Hospital is establishing water and misting stations and more concession areas have been increased from 18 to 37 to reduce the time spent in line a year ago.
A heat index flag system has been established and the show announcer will stress the need for people to keep hydrated during the show.
Military demonstrations by the United States Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, the Navy F-18 Super Hornet and the New Hampshire Air National Guard KC-135 are scheduled. The Super Hornet will also be featured in the Navy’s Legacy Flight with an F4U Corsair.
Civilian aerobatic displays include the National Aviation Hall of Famer Sean D. Tucker, New England native Michael Goulian, and Jason Newburg.
Teams performing include Team AeroShell with four AT-6 “Texans,” The Northeast Raiders flying Yakovlev 52’s and Nanchang CJ6’s, and Team Heavy Metal; a new jet demonstration team flying four L-39’s and one T-33.
The show will also have MIG-17 and P-51 Mustang demonstrations as well as a solo demo by the F4U Corsair.
There will also be a large number of on-ground aircraft displays and the popular Kidz’ Zone Play Area.
Tickets for the show are available at www.BostonPortsmouthAirShow.com. The Service Credit Union Boston–Portsmouth Air Show is again being jointly produced by the Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America and the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire.
At a recent press conference announcing the various aspects of the show, Steve Wade, CEO, of the Brain Injury Association said: “We are excited to once again bring a world-class lineup to our air show fans throughout New England. Pease will be rocking with the Thunderbirds and this phenomenal lineup.”
Michael Kaufman, CEO of the Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America detailed the show’s enhancements for 2011. “We are very excited for the show and know that these site enhancements will go a long way to improving the fan experience this year. We are thrilled to have such strong community and business support to the make the air show a success.”
Photo caption: The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will perform a long-awaited return performance at Pease International Trade Port August 13-14. (Photo courtesy thunderbirds.airforce.com)

‘Summering in Rye: Over a Century by the Sea’ – Historic Images at the Seacoast Science Center

RYE—

“Summering in Rye: Over a Century by the Sea” is now on exhibition at the Seacoast Science Center. The exhibit, on loan from the Rye Historical Society, chronicles the Golden Age of Rye’s Victorian Resort Era of the mid-1800s to the 1960s. As the advent of the railroad system in the 1840s made travel much easier and affordable, luxurious hotels sprang up along the eastern American shore. In Rye, those of modest means vacationed in 22 boarding houses. The establishment of eight grand hotels, such as the Atlantic House in 1846 and the Ocean House in 1848, secured Rye’s place as one of the more significant seaside destinations for well-to-do travelers. The images in this exhibition showcase the accommodations along the shores of Rye, as well as the many activities vacationers enjoyed during their stay. The exhibition, on display through December 31, was made possible by the generous support of the Greater Piscataqua Community Foundation. The Seacoast Science Center is open daily, 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. For more information call 603-436-8043 or visit www.seacoastsciencecenter.org.
Photo caption: The exhibition, “Summering in Rye: Over a Century by the Sea,” now on display at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, showcases summer visitors in the mid-1800s. (Photo courtesy of William M. Varrell and the Rye Historical Society)

The Story of Joltin’ Joe’s Biggest Feat

By Chip Schrader
Book Reviewer
Sports Illustrated contributor Kostya Kennedy’s biography of the late great Joe DiMaggio is the latest of many, but takes on a special spin. “56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number In Sports” covers the span of the 56-game hitting streak that landed Joe DiMaggio a record that has held for seventy years; a record that is lasting longer than even that of Iron Horse Lou Gehrig’s record of playing 2,160 consecutive games, broken by Cal Ripken.
Yes, DiMaggio is a Yankee, and New England is not known to be Yankee-friendly territory. But, this biography covers his relationship with brother Dom DiMaggio, the legendary Boston center fielder known for his wireframed glasses and ability as a contact hitter. In fact, the early years of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry is depicted with the crowds’ banter each DiMaggio faced when playing each other. During that season, a bench-clearing brawl the Yankees and Red Sox waged make this a fascinating read for New England fans showing us how old that rivalry really is. Moreover, Joe DiMaggio is an undisputed champion on the field and at the plate, and has earned his place alongside rival Sox legends Jimmie Foxx, Ted Williams, and Babe Ruth (pre-curse Bambino, of course).
While typical sports biographies dig into the personal struggles, tragedies and scandals while doing a play-by-play of each great record or title their subject might hold, Kennedy sticks to one record, and the social context in which this historic record was made.
The racism and social isolation that Italians faced is among the interesting frameworks of this time period. Kennedy delves into acquaintances of DiMaggio and how they were unwittingly linked to the mafia, and even puts in the passing detail of a friend’s daughter’s bulimia. Kennedy’s research is so deep, the reader marvels at how he could ever have found all of these facts and anecdotes. Did Kennedy just bunk with Joe in a past life?
Another major theme is the pending war. At the beginning of DiMaggio’s streak, before it was really even noticed, FDR’s speech at Yankee stadium about the horrors unfolding in Europe hung over the baseball season. Hitting legend Hank Greenburg was already enlisted at this point, and athletes were beginning to get heckled for not following suit.
The writing is as impeccable as the research. Kennedy uses snappy phrases that grow invisible and becomes the natural flow of the book. At a time where biographies are just expanded gossip rags, “56” is a welcome departure from our cynical era.
DiMaggio’s imperfections were touched upon, but the real news was what he achieved that halcyon summer, and the world in which he was doing this. No steroids, no million dollar contracts, and no elevation of athletes to unnecessary heights. DiMaggio was considered too greedy wanting a figure well under $50,000 per season. Hardly the spoiled and pampered superstar of today.
Baseball fans and history fans are highly recommended to read this book. No matter what jersey an athlete might wear, their numbers, the consistency of their game, and the era in which they played make the legend; rival or not.
Hardcover, Sports Illustrated, Released March 2011.
Photo caption: (Courtesy book cover image of “56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number In Sports” by Kostya Kennedy)

U.S. News Ranks Wentworth-Douglass Hospital as One of the Best Regional Hospitals in Area

DOVER—
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has been ranked #16 in the category of Nephrology in the Boston Metro Area for in U.S. News Media & World Report’s 2011-12 Best Hospital rankings. The latest rankings showcase 720 hospitals out of about 5,000 hospitals nationwide. Each is ranked among the country’s top hospitals in at least one medical specialty and/or ranked among the best hospitals in its metro area.
According to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital President & CEO Gregory Walker, this is the second consecutive period Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has been ranked as a Best Regional Hospital in the Boston Metro Area.
“This ranking recognizes the contributions of all our caregivers who provide high quality care everyday for patients in our community,” Walker said. “We are honored to be listed among the other distinguished healthcare institutions in the Boston area.”
Covering 94 metro areas in the U.S., the regional hospital rankings complement the national rankings by including hospitals with solid performance nearly at the level of nationally ranked institutions. Hard numbers stand behind the rankings — death rates, patient safety, advanced technology, patient care resources and high patient satisfaction scores compared to state and national scores.
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital was recognized as Best Regional Hospital in the category of Ear, Nose and Throat in the U.S. News Media & World Report 2010-11 listing.
Photo caption: Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover was recently recognized in U.S. News Media & World Reports in the category of Nephrology. (Courtesy photo)