Frozen Fenway Matchup to Feature UNH vs. Maine

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist
BOSTON, MA—
The ice hockey arch rivalry between the University of New Hampshire and the University of Maine will take to a new venue early in 2012, as they travel to Massachusetts to renew their storied rivalry.
The Frozen Fenway offering this time around will feature the Wildcats and the Black Bears on Jan. 7, according to school officials, Hockey East and Fenway Sports Management.
The historic doubleheader at the summer home of the Boston Red Sox will see the UNH-Maine game begin at 7:30 p.m., following a 4 p.m. contest between the University of Vermont Catamounts and the University of Massachusetts Minutemen.
“Few experiences in my four decades in college hockey were as special as the first Frozen Fenway in 2010,” Hockey East Commissioner Joe Bertagna said in announcing the twin bill. “It was a once in a lifetime experience for our four schools the first time around and I expect the same in 2012. Given that we will help launch Fenway Park’s 100th anniversary season, we are doubly grateful for this opportunity.”
“We look forward to kicking off Fenway Park’s 100th anniversary celebrations with Frozen Fenway 2012, which is a great way for thousands of families to come and enjoy favorite winter pastimes as we begin celebrating its milestone year,” said Red Sox Executive Vice President Sam Kennedy. “We want to thank Mayor Menino for his continued support, and welcome back Joe Bertagna and Hockey East to America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.”
“I’m absolutely thrilled for UNH men’s hockey to be part of the Frozen Fenway doubleheader,” said UNH 22nd-year head coach Dick Umile, a native of Melrose, Mass., when the doubleheader was announced. “I believe the UNH/Maine rivalry is as good as any in college hockey and bringing this game to a venue like Fenway Park is huge.”
The 111th meeting in the series between the neighboring states’ schools will be broadcast live in high definition on New England Sports Network (NESN).
“Being from Boston, it doesn’t get any better than playing at Fenway Park,” Umile said. “We are honored to be a part of this experience and we are looking forward to the opportunity, as I’m sure Vermont, Massachusetts and Maine are.”
New Hampshire owns the nation’s second-longest active streak of National Collegiate Athletic Association post-season appearances at 10, and had advanced to post-season play in 17 of the last 21 seasons. UNH has been to the Frozen Four seven times during Umile’s tenure as coach.
The Black Bears have appeared in 11 Frozen Fours, have a 28–18 record in NCAA Tournament games, and have won two national championships—in 1993 and 1999.

Opening Scenes: ‘Young Adult’

By Chip Schrader

Staff Movie Critic
“Young Adult” begins with an aerial shot of Minneapolis followed by a shot of a multilevel tenement building scaling up. Inside lays a woman face down on her bed with the television still on. She rolls out of bed to drink diet soda out of the bottle. When she sits down to her computer, a Word document is up with only “Chapter 1” written. Meanwhile, her agent left a message asking for the first draft of her book. She writes one sentence then opens an email that announces the birth of a baby. This baby’s picture will haunt her for the next several scenes.
The woman faced down is “Mavis Gary” played by Charlize Theron in another role where she forgoes her off screen glamour for the role of an aging woman who made it big. Making it big in Mercury, Minnesota, her hometown, is ghostwriting novels for a popular series. When she returns home from “the Mini-Apple,” Mavis’ intentions for a married ex, who recently became a father, begin to unravel in an unsavory plot.
The scene stealing Matt Freehauf is played by King of Queens alum Patton Oswalt. Throughout the film, Freehauf, a disabled former classmate of Mavis’, portrays the voice of a conscience that she seems so deeply lacking. Physically mangled from a high school bullying incident that earned him the nickname “hate crime guy,” he holds an inner morality that equals Mavis external beauty as her inner flaws prove beyond damaged and more toward grotesque.
The biting chemistry between these two actors provides most of the comic relief from the otherwise morally destitute theme of her journey. Diablo Cody, the award-winning “Juno” screenwriter, creates another successful and memorable story for indie filmgoers with this pseudo-indie release. Cody’s use of dialog in “Young Adult” has matured from frequent word plays and zingers to more realistic and meaningful exchanges between characters with the occasional one liner to spice it up.
While there are plenty of opportunities for dramatic highs and lows, there is a great deal of restraint in the acting and the writing. It is debatable whether this increases the quality of the film, or is detrimental to the development of the film and its characters. The deepest flaw in the writing might stem from the point that, although most movies have heroes and villains, this film seems like an act of revenge Cody has plotted against an old foe. Thus, Cody breaks the writer’s rule of never judging the characters, but rules are meant to be broken in art.
Bottom line: Director Jason Reitman masterfully shoots this subdued character based drama with fast paced cross shots, like close-ups of a cassette tape playing cut by Mavis driving across the state. These fast-paced sequences are followed by hypnotic and gritty documentary style shots to give the film the feel of classic Scorsese updated with a hip, shabby chic aesthetic. The acting all the way from extras to leads is spot on, but “Young Adult” is more cutting, serious and subdued than the ads would have viewers believe, which is a disservice to its achievements and target audience expectations. 4 out of 5. (Courtesy movie poster image)

Oceanfront Pavilion Kicks Off with Gala New Year’s Eve Event

CONCORD/HAMPTON BEACH—

After over two years of construction, the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation is proud to announce the opening of the Oceanfront Pavilion at Hampton Beach State Park. To celebrate the occasion, a New Year’s Eve Gala will be held on December 31 at the property. The event will include music, dancing and fireworks as well as a light-fare menu and drinks.

“We are proud of the finished product. The Oceanfront Pavilion is beautiful and a great location for special events," stated Phil Bryce, Director of Division of Parks and Recreation. “New Year’s Eve is about new beginnings and a perfect time to showcase the offerings of our newest property with a gala event.”

The Oceanfront Pavilion provides a one-of-a-kind oceanfront setting for events from weddings to meetings and gatherings. With the most spectacular ocean backdrop and panoramic views, the Oceanfront Pavilion is the perfect venue for an unforgettable occasion. The pavilion can accommodate an intimate reception from 80 to 120 people and guests also have the option to reserve the breathtaking Oceanfront Terrace for a prelude reception and the new Seashell Stage for wedding ceremonies and reception parties.

Tickets for the Gala will include a menu of light-fare featuring an assortment of passed hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast, cash bar, dancing to the music of Vic Paul and fireworks scheduled for 8 p.m. The Gala is from 7:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and is $75 per person.

To reserve a ticket or table for the New Years Eve Gala, please contact Jude David at 603-227-8715 or jude.david@dred.state.nh.us.
The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation is comprised of the Parks Bureau, Bureau of Historic Sites, Bureau of Trails, and Cannon Mountain. They manage a multitude of properties, including state parks, beaches, campgrounds, historic sites, trails, waysides, and natural areas. The Division of Parks and Recreation is one of four divisions of the Department of Resources and Economic Development. To learn more, visit www.nhstateparks.org or call 603/271-3556.

Photo Caption: First Event at the Redeveloped Hampton Beach State Park Complex. (Courtesy photo)

Rep. Frank Guinta Visits NH Troops in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, D.C.—

U.S. Representative Frank Guinta returned Monday from an official trip to Afghanistan, where he met with U.S. Army and Marine Corps personnel from New Hampshire. He visited Camp Eggers in Kabul and in Camp Leatherneck in the Helmand Region.

Guinta was part of a Congressional Delegation of House Budget Committee members that assessed conditions in Afghanistan and reviewed the progress being made there. The Delegation also met with top-ranking U.S. and Afghan military and civilian leaders, including U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker.

“I can report to Granite Staters that we can all be very proud of the men and women who are serving in Afghanistan,” Guinta said. “They are clearly focused on fulfilling their mission and performing their duties with impressive professionalism to achieve all that is expected of them.”

Photo Caption: Rep. Frank Guinta (R, NH-01) with U.S. Armed Forces personnel from New Hampshire at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. (Courtesy photo)

Chip’s Holiday Picks for Kids

By Chip Schrader

Staff Book Critic

“The Polar Express”

In recent years, “The Polar Express” has become the quintessential modern Christmas story, partially because of its screen treatment featuring the voice of Tom Hanks. But, even to become a movie, a book has to be something special; it has to have something other books like it don’t have. Chris Van Allsberg’s illustrations fill a wide frame, and seem to come from the times of Norman Rockwell.

Meanwhile, the story takes us on a magical train trip filled with candy, songs, and holiday spirit as it winds through the strangest places on earth where snow the size of golf balls fall from the sky. As the passengers find themselves at the North Pole to meet Santa and his elves, the journey itself captures the enchantment of childhood and of old time holiday lore.

Reading level: Ages 5 and up. Hardcover: 32 pages. Publisher: Houghton Mifflin; 1st edition (September 28, 2009). (Courtesy book cover image)

“Father Fox’s Christmas Rhymes”

Poetry with its musical rhythms and vivid imagery lends itself to enchanting readers. Clyde Watson’s “Father Fox’s Christmas Rhymes” consists of a series of poems that describe different winter and holiday themes: cutting a Christmas tree, building a snowman, singing carols and drinking hot cider.

Like “The Polar Express,” the festive spirit of the holidays is captured within these pages: “Here it is, the perfect tree/A prettier sight there cannot be/It stands majestic with the rest/Trimmed just with snow & a small bird’s nest.”

The rhythm varies from a smooth nighttime cadence that will lull listeners into a pleasant winter slumber, while other poems are brisk and will inspire its audience to run into the snowy outdoors and build a snowman. From fun to cozy, this book nicely captures the winter spirit, and is best read aloud to room full of adults and children. A fireplace is optional.

Hardcover: 40 pages. Publication Date: October 2, 2003. (Courtesy book cover image)

“Strega Nona’s Gift”

Sometimes the element that makes the holiday story unique is the way different cultures have their own traditions. “Strega Nona’s Gift” by Tomie dePaola covers all of the holidays that span the month of December according to the traditional Roman Catholic calendar. Starting on December 6 with the Feast of San Nicola (Saint Nicholas), and ending on January 6 with Epiphany.

In traditional Italian homes there are several feasts observing various saints, and Strega Nona carefully observes the dietary traditions of each feast. For Christmas Eve, the cuisine is all fish. On the eve of Epiphany, there are “carrots for the rabbits, corn cakes for the peacock, sweet seeds for the dove, and turnips stuffed with greens and ceci for the goat.” Animals are fed during this occasion because their breath kept the baby Jesus warm in the manger.

Through retelling all of these traditions, dePaola teaches readers why we view Christmas as a season, rather than a solitary holiday. The illustrations fill the pages with color and sweet characters that adults and children will relate to. Strega Nona is an enduring character with endless story potential because she is that classic Italian grandmother many of have the blessing to miss, while others long to have one.

Reading level: Ages 5 and up. Hardcover: 32 pages. Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books (October 18, 2011). (Courtesy book cover image)

“Runaway Dreidel”

The best of all of these titles is in celebration of Hannukah, and will charm readers of all faiths. “Runaway Dreidel,” written by Lesléa Newman and illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker, begins with “’Twas the first night of Chanukah and on the fifth floor, There was a holiday hustling and bustling galore.” Suddenly, the main character’s dreidel starts spinning uncontrollably, shooting past his visiting family and into the streets of a charming old world, passing the synagogue, markets and into the countryside.

Setting the story to verse, and using the meter and theme of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” sets this story up to have that holiday cheer and warmth we crave this time of year. From there, those who grew up in the Christian faith will appreciate the familiarity and clever word play to adapt a Christmas classic to a modern Jewish tale.

The most striking elements of this story include references to Yiddish foods and symbolism, a majestic journey through a time that seems long passed, but most of all, the illustrations are amazing. Looking as if they are paintings on carved wood, the scenes are so quaint, you could feel the chill of the breeze in the story. The shapes are all odd, yet perfect in the way they depict the slightly off kilter story. A must read!

Reading level: Ages 4 and up. Paperback: 32 pages. Publisher: Square Fish (October 2, 2007). (Courtesy book cover image)

While some children’s writers take a chance at adding to our holiday tradition, it is no simple task. “The Polar Express” is likely the best story since Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol,” and nearly one hundred years separate these tales. To make a winter classic is the tallest order a writer can try. “Runaway Dreidel” comes the closest to filling that tall order, and perhaps it is time for an animated holiday film that takes us on a “spin” through Jewish culture.

2011 Festival of Trees Winners

PORTSMOUTH—

Great weather helped bring record crowds to the Portsmouth Garden Club's 19th Festival of Trees, held on Nov. 18, 19 and 20. Approximately 7,000 visitors donated 1,454 pounds of food over the three days, which helped The New Hampshire Food Bank fill 230 Thanksgiving Baskets for families in need throughout the seacoast area.

People’s Choice winners by category are:

Learning Center: Full size trees

First: Wentworth Greenhouses, Rollinsford: “A Gardener’s Christmas;” Second: Piscataqua Obedience Club, Durham: “It All Starts With Obedience;” Third: Ambrosia Gardens, Portsmouth: “Ambrosia Delight.”

Outdoor Trees and Exhibits:

First: E Clips Salon, Portsmouth: “Angry Birds Christmas;” Second: Green Penguin Landscaping, Rye: “Granite State Christmas;” Third: Rye Airfield, Rye: “Something For Everyone.”

Rosemary Cottage: Miniature Trees

First: KD Mason Books, Greenland: "Frozen Winters to Tropical Paradise: Murder, Suspense, And Romance;" Second: Carol Leach-Doll Artist/Illustrator, Dover: “Woodlies Workshop-A Forest Folk and Fairie Tree;” Third: Portsmouth Public Library, Portsmouth: “Novel-Tree.”

Antique Cape, Decorated Rooms, People’s Choice:

Sitting Room by Collins Gift Shop, Rye: “Twas The Day Before Christmas.”

Winners will be honored at a luncheon at the Urban Forestry Center on Jan. 11, 2012.

The Portsmouth Garden Club and the Urban Forestry Center would like to thank everyone who helped make this year's event such a success. Special thanks to Portsmouth High School students in Mr. Dexter Robblee's woodworking class who built a shed used for the ticket booth and to Lamprey Energy who donated materials for the chowder shed which was built by Mr. Robblee. The next Festival of Trees will be held the weekend before Thanksgiving in 2013.

Photo Caption: First place in the Outdoor Trees and Exhibits division was won by E Clips Salon, Portsmouth: “Angry Birds Christmas.” This tree was especially popular with young people, including Elizabeth Dang, 7, of Portsmouth. (Courtesy photo)

Local Students Nominated for U.S. Service Academies

WASHINGTON, D.C.—

U.S. Representative Frank Guinta has announced the names of the students from New Hampshire’s First Congressional District who received his nomination for appointments to the U.S. Service Academies.

“I have the distinct honor of nominating young Granite Staters to the U.S. Service Academies,” Guinta said. “That is where many future American leaders develop the skills that will help guide us into the 21st Century. I’m delighted these students are interested in serving our country. I’m proud to be a part of this important process and wish these outstanding young men and women the very best in their coming studies and in the years ahead.”

Guinta’s nomination doesn’t guarantee admission to a service academy. The nominees compete for a space in the class of 2016. The individual service academies will make the final decisions. The following is a list of nominees, their hometowns and high schools:

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY

Forrest M. Albiston, Bedford, Bedford High School; Paige Balcom, Londonderry, Apple Tree Academy; Zachary Hill, Rollinsford, Somersworth High School; John Keisling, East Hampstead, Pinkerton Academy; Dillon L.J. Lanctot, Somersworth, USAF Prep School, CO; Allen Olmsted, Barnstead, Prospect Mountain High School; Duncan Richards, Moultonborough, Moultonborough Academy.

U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY (West Point)

John J. Banarhall, Auburn, Marion Military Institute, AL; Zebulon Coombs, Effingham, Norwich University, VT; Jared Hornsby, Bedford, Bedford High School; Henry MacGibbon, Goffstown, Goffstown Area High School; Luke Morrier, Plaistow, Timberlane High School; John Scippa, Exeter, Exeter High School; Darien Vaughan, Madison, Kennett High School; Brady Shawn White, Dover, Leavenworth High School, KS.

U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY

Madeline Borek, Durham, Colby College, ME; Thomas Duvall, Durham, Peddie School, NJ; Blaire Ann Fenniman, Dover, St. Thomas Aquinas High School; Dana K. Goss, Moultonborough, Moultonborough Academy; Abigail K. Guerra, Durham, Holderness High School; Joseph N. Lane, Durham, Oyster River High School; Daniel Martens, Merrimack, Suny Maritime, NY; Dominic J. Mutter, Dover, St. Thomas Aquinas High School; Jacob Ray, Strafford, Coe-Brown Northwood Academy; Robert A. Vachon, Laconia, Laconia High School.

U.S. MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY

Christopher Glass, Epping, Trinity High School; Michael Leonard, Merrimack, Trinity High School; Timothy Peterson, Merrimack, New Mexico Military Institute, NM.

Information on applications for a 2012 nomination to the U.S. Service Academies is available at www.Guinta.House.Gov in the “Serving You” section.