Indigenous Grandmother Visits the Seacoast

PORTSMOUTH—

Hopi/Havasupai/Tewa elder Mona Polacca will visit the Portsmouth area November 17 - 19 to share ways to contribute to the welfare of the planet and all people. The event is in support of teachings that honor and help preserve the integrity of indigenous wisdom traditions.
Mona Polacca is a member of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers, a group that travels the world with prayers for peace and that has met other spiritual elders, including the Dalai Lama. Her visit includes a variety of events and opportunities for the public.
On November 17 at 7:00 p.m., The Portsmouth Music Hall’s Film Matters series presents “For the Next 7 Generations” in affiliation with the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. Grandmother Mona will introduce the film and answer questions at the conclusion of the film. Tickets can be purchased online at www.themusichall.org or the box office: 603-436-2400. Tickets are $8.50/$6.50 seniors, students, and military.
On November 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., “Balance of Life Workshop” – a special retreat led by Grandmother Mona Polacca – will give you an opportunity to practice ways of creating balance in your life by the sharing of sacred teachings. The focus is on the balance of the masculine and feminine energies in our lives, and how to foster and maintain a healthy relationship between the two. As we move into this time of great transition on earth, it is more important than ever to create opportunities for people to find the balance of the masculine and feminine within themselves, their lives, and their communities. The workshop is being held at South Church, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Portsmouth, 292 State Street, Portsmouth. For additional information or to purchase tickets, please email grandmotherscouncil.NH@gmail.com or call 207-439-6515.
On November 19 from 12:30 to 3 p.m., join Grandmother Mona for a Talking Circle, held at the Portsmouth Public Library, 175 Parrot Ave., Portsmouth. For additional information please email grandmotherscouncil.NH@gmail.com or call 207-439-6515.
Photo caption: Elder Mona Polacca, pictured here with the her fellow members of the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers and the Dalai Lama, will visit Seacoast NH for a variety of events in November. (Courtesy photo)

High School Canned Food Drives Nets Over 18,500 Cans

DOVER—

St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover recently held its annual canned food drive, collecting more than 18,500 cans in two short weeks.Cases and cases of cans were delivered to Lazarus House in Lawrence, Massachusetts; one of the largest homeless shelters in New England on Saturday, October 29 by a host of STA faculty, students and parent volunteers. St. Thomas is the second largest provider of non-perishable items to Lazarus House annually, and upon delivery the volunteers unpacked, sorted and arranged the goods on shelves for the staff at Lazarus House before returning to Dover.
Since 1983, Lazarus House Ministries has helped the poor and homeless by providing hot meals, temporary shelter, job training, child care, emergency food, clothing, outreach and advocacy.
“This provides a really nice boost to the folks at Lazarus House as they rely on us to help them help others. So, it is good all around for us to serve by giving, for the Lazarus staff and all the people that will benefit from this generosity,” said Campus Minister Mr. Adams.
The STA canned food drive was held on the heels of the largest all-school day of service, Saints Taking Action, held October 11. Making a difference in our community speaks to the heart of the mission of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, and as the Dean of Studies Ron Holtz recently pointed out, “It’s what we do.”
For more information, visit STA at www.stalux.org or call (603) 742-3206.
Photo caption: St. Thomas Aquinas High School students and faculty collect and sort cans in the school atrium before delivering to Lazarus House in Lawrence, MA. (Courtesy photo)

Legos to Celebrate the Season

HAMPTON—

At Marelli’s Market in Hampton, a man known to locals as Duck has erected and put on display Lego trains, buildings, ships, rockets, Ferris wheel and carousel, all to share with the community.
For the past three years, Duck has set up his Lego display at Marelli’s during the holidays. Each year he has added new Lego items. He now has seven trains, a working Ferris wheel and carousel, the Pirates of the Caribbean ship, Star Wars vessels, a rocket ship and a village with train station, markets, pizza shops and hotel.
Duck has been interested in trains since he was a boy. He remembers sitting by his grandmothers wood burning stove playing with his trains. He also has been a Carney worker and his love of the circus life he has represented with the intricate working Ferris wheel and carousel.
The carousel is his favorite Lego creation. It took him 40 hours to construct and has more than 5,000 pieces.
The display is a must-see for both children and adults. Duck will be at Marelli’s through the holiday season. Stop by and have him show you this Lego works of art. For more information call 603-926-2764.
Photo caption: Thomas Lyon at Marelli’s Market enjoying the Legos. (Courtesy photo)

Veterans Day at the Woodman

DOVER—

The Woodman Institute Museum in Dover invites all veterans to visit the museum on Saturday, November 12, for free from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. On hand will be some World War II re-enactors and military vehicles for museum visitors to enjoy. Visitors will also be able to ask questions about the many artifacts on display in the museum’s war room display. German, Italian, Japanese and American items have been donated over the years that include weapons, flags, uniforms, medals, radio equipment and souvenirs brought home.
A new exhibit displays items related to the capture of the German U-boat U-234 in 1945, which was brought into Portsmouth by the USS Sutton. Dover’s former high school principal and superintendent Fred Walker was the communications officer on the Sutton, and his children recently donated items from that historic event that include a German cap, photos of the prisoners being transferred, items from U-Boat Captain Fehler and original tracking charts from the U-234 was being hunted.
Also on display are many items related to the War of 1812, Spanish American War, World War I and a special Vietnam display showing the uniform and Purple Heart medal received by Dover’s Ann Darby Reynolds, Navy nurse injured in the 1964 Christmas Eve bombing at Saigon. Lt. Reynolds was the youngest nurse and one of the first women to serve in Vietnam and receive this recognition.
This year is the beginning of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. The Woodman has an entire room displaying one of the finest Civil War era collections in New England.
Many items related to Dover area veterans are being preserved and displayed at one of New England’s finest science, art and history museums. The Woodman Institute Museum is located at 182 Central Ave. in historic Dover and open Wed.-Sun., 12:30-4:30. Special group tours are available. Call 742-1038 or visit www.woodmaninstitutemuseum.org for more information.
Photo caption: In 1964, Lt. (JG) Ann Darby Reynolds was the youngest Navy nurse and one of the first women to serve in Vietnam and receive the Purple Heart for injuries received during the Christmas Eve bombing in Saigon. The Woodman Museum in Dover displays her uniform, medals and photographs as a tribute to all the women that served. (Courtesy photo)

Young, Loud and Snotty: A Review of Steve Jobs’ Biography

By Chip Schrader

Staff Book Critic
Biographer Walter Isaacson has covered the lives of innovative thinkers Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, and Henry Kissinger. Being his latest subject, Steve Jobs approached Isaacson about being his biographer while he was still working on the Einstein biography nearly ten years ago. This was shortly after Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The book was released only weeks after Jobs’ death, but was not necessarily intended for a posthumous release.
The first chapters focus on Jobs’ childhood. His adoption, his biological parents’ more privileged background, and his adoptive parents’ blue collar background lead all the way up to the day his adoptive parents realize this emotional and manipulative child was more intelligent than they were.
The next several chapters borrow and quote heavily from Apple Co-founder Steve Wozniak’s autobiography “iWoz.” In fact, the chapters in this section mimic “Woz’s” autobiography by naming and organizing chapters after the Apple products that were being introduced at this stage in their lives: “Apple I, Apple II, Lisa, Macintosh,” etc.
Those who have read “iWoz” can almost skip a good portion of the first one hundred pages without missing too much vital information, but this fact also reinforces that Isaacson’s research seldom, if ever, conflicts in perspective. This consistency of facts about the relationship between Wozniak, Jobs, and the foundation of Apple validates Isaacson’s research. Moreover, Isaacson freely elaborates on many of Jobs’ associates’ backgrounds throughout the book, providing a small biography of each important personality that comes into his life.
Isaacson has interviewed ex-girlfriends, friends, foes, current and former colleagues. There are no pulled punches, and the cheap shots are free game, as they were in Jobs’ life. In later chapters, Isaacson reminds us of how Jobs had worked with the likes of Ross Perot, founded Pixar, and played a major role in Disney picking up a contract with Pixar to supply the 3-D animation technology. We even are given a glimpse at his part in the creation of the “Toy Story” franchise.
Isaacson’s detailed account of these business endeavors and friendships brings the reader back to the eighties when Atari video games were king, and his description of American culture’s continual evolution. The cast of characters surrounding Jobs’ life paint a vivid reminiscence of a bygone era. Moreover, the biography shows how long and how short the span of thirty years really is, and how quickly the world changed.
Thoroughly researched, and written with a balanced perspective and detail, the book reads like an intelligent conversation. It never lags or gets dull; even the explanation of the technology and business negotiations keep the reader engaged. Isaacson keeps the details pertinent without driving the descriptions over readers heads, a tall order when trying to aptly explain such a rapid technological evolution.
With all of the headlines coming out showing how unpleasant Jobs’ disposition, hygiene, and ethics were, the story provides something deeper than just headline gossip. In fact, the last chapter consists mostly of Jobs’ own words and statements on his own life. This biography is a time machine that brings every reader back to recent eras we can easily access. It is epic in scope as it covers a revolutionary personality who forged a revolution.
Hardcover: 656 pages. Publisher: Simon & Schuster (October 24, 2011).
Photo caption: (Courtesy book cover image)

Updates from the Bridge

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist
KITTERY, ME—
The replacement of the Memorial Bridge that connects Portsmouth, N.H., and Kittery, ME continues to move forward on several fronts.
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) has named a Chicago firm as the apparent team for the design/build contract for the bridge and the Maine Legislative Council has unanimously approved the submission of a bill by State Sen. Dawn Hill, (D-York) to allow signage on Interstate 95 to aid downtown Kittery businesses by directing travelers to them.
Other legislation submitted by Sen. Hill to provide immunity from tort claim lawsuits for a New Hampshire based transportation company looking to expand its one Maine route through Berwick to include Kittery and Eliot since the closing of the Memorial Bridge failed to receive support from the Legislative Council. It was voted down in a 5-5 vote.
Sen. Hill said Monday she will appeal that decision.
A team headed by Archer Western Contractors had been selected for replacement of the bridge that carries Route 1 across the Piscataqua River.
Archer Western submitted a bid price of $81,420,000 to replace the 88-year old lift bridge that is closed to motor vehicle traffic. The projected date for opening the new span is July 2013.
The bid opening is “another important milestone in our aggressive approach in partnership with the Maine Department of Transportation towards building a new Memorial Bridge,” Christopher Clement, NHDOT commissioner, said.
“We will get the successful bidder on the job to restore this vital transportation link between New Hampshire and Maine as soon as possible.”
Design-build is a process in which the design and construction phases of a project are combined into one contract, with the goal of expediting project completion.
On the legislative front Sen. Hill said she appreciates “the support of legislative leaders to recognize the importance of signage on Interstate 95 to the people and businesses of this area. I look forward to discussing this issue in the upcoming session.”
“The bridge may be closed, but the community is still open for business,” she continued. “This bill will help the people and businesses of Kittery during this period.”
Sen. Hill said the signage will not be billboard-type that is prohibited by State Law, but will help direct traffic to popular local destinations, similar to detour signage.
As to the tort immunity proposal, Sen. Hill said she would like to reinforce the importance of it with help from the business community. She is seeking individuals and businesses to write in support of this legislation.
“I think once I am given the chance to explain the situation, there will be a clear understanding that this bill is of emergency status,” she said. “Input from local businesses and residents will be very helpful in garnering the support needed to move forward.”
At present the New Hampshire company does not fall under Maine’s immunity from tort claim lawsuits because it is located in New Hampshire.
Sen. Hill noted that without protection in Maine Law, the transit business faces insurance issues and is thus reluctant to expand its services. Maine transit organizations are protected from tort claim lawsuits.
A date for appeals has been scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Maine legislators filed over 290 bills for the upcoming session but none is allowed to be processed before the full Legislature unless approved by the council.
The State Constitution limits legislative business during the Second Regular Session to budgetary matters and legislation of an emergency nature.
The legislative session is scheduled to begin Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012.

Arts In Reach Presents TABLESCAPES

PORTSMOUTH—
It seems fitting that Arts In Reach (AIR), an organization that challenges teenage girls to express themselves through art, is challenging regional designers to expand their creative boundaries and create over-the-top tabletop designs at a new event dubbed TABLESCAPES, to be held November 4-6 at the Jarvis Center in Portsmouth, adjacent to Portsmouth High School.
TABLESCAPES will open with a preview gala on Friday evening, November 4, featuring the first opportunity to view the stunning table designs, savor hors d’oeuvres, enjoy light jazz music and mingle with celebrity guest judges. Judges will present awards Friday evening for their selection of Best of Show, Over-The-Top Tabletop and Best Theme Interpretation, while attendees can cast their vote throughout the weekend for the People’s Choice Award.
Demonstrations will take place all weekend with ideas that will make entertaining easy while at the same time adding pop and panache to your party. Many of the demos are hands-on and give attendees the chance to taste or try a technique. Susan Tuveson presents “Discover Your Inner Chocolate” on Saturday at noon. Susan uses chocolate to teach foodies to identify how their mouth, olfactory senses and brain interpret flavors. At 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, attendees can meet Eileen Behan, author of “For the Love of Food.” Ms. Behan will show how to zip together fabulous appetizers. Sunday presenters include Nancy Briggs Guilmette of C’est Cheese. Nancy provides great step-by-step ideas for serving cheese for dessert. Jay Curcio of The White Apron and Kevin Powell of Vinilandia NH Wine Distributors will be doing a wine tasting and food pairing while demonstrating how to create a lavish party on a budget on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. On Sunday at 1:00, meet author and illustrator of the “Fairy House” books, Tracy Kane, and join in building a winter fairy house. Tracy’s demo is followed by “Finishing Touches: The Art of the Cupcake,” presented by Portsmouth Baking Company. Other demos include napkin folding, gift-wrapping and holiday decorating. TABLESCAPES will provide entertaining inspiration for every season. For a full schedule of interactive demonstrations and complete designer list visit www.airnh.org/tablescapes.
TABLESCAPES is the brainchild of Darcy Horgan, President of AIR’s Board of Directors. Darcy envisioned an event featuring imaginative, artistic, high-design, and genuinely over-the-top designs for your dining table. She rallied a group of AIR supporters and formed a committee who recruited some of the area’s most respected floral, home, party and entertaining designers to contribute their design expertise to an event that will not only inspire you to entertain but will also raise money for an organization that empowers teenage girls.
“TABLESCAPES will raise the artistry of your next party” Darcy Horgan states enthusiastically. “My intent was to come up with an event that reflected the arts based mission and cutting edge programmatic style of Arts In Reach. Just as we ask the teen girls in our programs to express themselves freely in their art, writing and performances, we reflectively asked the designers to present table designs with a complete open mind. The only limitations for the designers were the ceiling height and the size of the table. Beyond that, we simply asked that they WOW visitors with inspiring table designs, floral creations, unique centerpieces, and innovative entertaining ideas.”
TABLESCAPES opens with a Preview Gala on Friday, November 4, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Preview Gala tickets are $75. The event continues on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are $15 Advance / $20 At the Door (Students and Seniors $15 at the door). Children accompanied by an adult are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at www.airnh.org/tablescapes or by calling 603-433-4278. Demonstrations are included with the price of admission.
Arts In Reach (AIR) is an innovative non-profit organization based in southern New Hampshire with a mission to empower teenage girls through mentoring and the arts. AIR provides progressive performing and visual arts programs during afterschool hours and school vacations for girls between the ages of 13 and 18 in Rockingham and Strafford Counties. AIR commits to making programs accessible to lower income youth by charging no fees and assisting in transportation. Girls develop confidence and gain key life skills such as collaboration, goal-setting, leadership, and communication while discovering new and creative means of self-expression. AIR envisions a community in which all young women are respected, supported, and enriched throughout their teenage years.
Photo caption: Arts in Reach recently held a Walk-a-Thon around downtown Portsmouth, pictured here. The organization is challenging regional designers to create entertaining “tablescapes” at an upcoming event by that name. (Courtesy photo)