June 2021 – Page 10

Kids Summer Guide to 2021

Fairs, theater events, hands-on art and more ideas for a season of family fun

As the (very strange) school year comes to a close, you may be wondering what you’re going to do with the kids during the hot weeks ahead. Luckily, there are a whole lot more in-person activities and events planned, from family-friendly musicals and concerts to fairs and festivals. Make plans now to keep the kids happy all summer long.

Fairs & fests

From town fairs and festivals to local sporting events, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and soak up the summer this year. Check out this list of happenings and be sure to call or visit their websites for the most up-to-date information as it becomes available.

• The Wilton Main Street Association will present its annual SummerFest on Saturday, June 19, featuring fireworks and live performances on Carnival Hill in Wilton. Visit visitwilton.com.

• Don’t miss the Hillsborough Summerfest, set for Thursday, July 8, through Sunday, July 11, at Grimes Field (29 Preston St., Hillsborough). The event features carnival rides, local vendors, games, live entertainment, fireworks on Saturday and a town parade and car and truck show on Sunday. Festival hours are 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Visit hillsborosummerfest.com.

• The Raymond Town Fair, a multi-day event on the town common featuring contests, parades, live entertainment, children’s activities and more, is scheduled to return from Friday, July 9, through Sunday, July 11. Admission is free. Find them on Facebook @raymondtownfair for updates.

• Sanbornton’s 250th Anniversary Celebration and Old Home Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 10, at 19 Meetinghouse Hill Road. See “Sanbornton Old Home Day” on Facebook.

• The North Haverhill Fair is tentatively scheduled to return from Wednesday, July 28, through Sunday, Aug. 1, at 1299 Dartmouth College Hwy., featuring live entertainment, 4-H animal events and other family-friendly activities. Visit nohaverhillfair.com.

• The Belknap County Fair is due to return on Saturday, Aug. 7, and Sunday, Aug. 8, at 174 Mile Hill Road in Belmont. Visit bcfairnh.org for updates.

• There will be a summertime family fun day at The White Birch Catering & Banquet Hall (222 Central St., Hudson) on Sunday, Aug. 8, from noon to 5 p.m., featuring children’s sack races, a bounce house, games, food and more. Email newenglandvendorevents@gmail.com.

• Hudson’s Old Home Days are due to return to the grounds outside of the Hills House (211 Derry Road, Hudson) from Thursday, Aug. 12, through Sunday, Aug. 15, and will feature local vendors, carnival games, demonstrations, food and more. Visit hudsonoldhomedays.com.

• The town of Epsom has a three-day Old Home Weekend celebration scheduled from Friday, Aug. 13, through Sunday, Aug. 15, at Webster Park in Epsom. Planned events include fireworks, a parade, a bike decorating contest and more. Visit epsomnh.org.

• The Great New England BBQ & Food Truck Festival will return to the Hampshire Dome (34 Emerson Road, Milford) on Saturday, Aug. 14, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., featuring food trucks, live music, a cornhole tournament and a “Kidz Zone,” where there will be face-painting, bounce houses and various contests. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the gate (free for kids ages 14 and under). Visit gnecraftartisanshows.com.

• Free Comic Book Day might be a little later than normal this year but the annual celebration of comics is on the schedule — Saturday, Aug. 14. Stay tuned to your favorite comic book shop to find out what they are doing for the big day and get a preview of the special free comic book day issues (including some all-ages offerings) on freecomicbookday.com.

• Londonderry’s Old Home Days return from Wednesday, Aug. 18, through Saturday, Aug. 21, and will feature town parades, games, local vendors and more. Find them on Facebook @townoflondonderryoldhomeday.

• Intown Concord’s annual Market Days Festival, a three-day free street festival, is set to return to Main Street in downtown Concord from Thursday, Aug. 19, through Saturday, Aug. 21. Visit marketdaysfestival.com for the list of ongoing happenings, which have included tastings, live entertainment, food trucks, outdoor movie screenings, a kids zone and other family-friendly activities.

• The Cornish Fair is due to return to 294 Town House Road from Friday, Aug. 20, to Sunday, Aug. 22, featuring agricultural and 4-H exhibits and shows, arts and crafts, midway rides, stage shows, food and commercial exhibits. Admission is $12 for adults, $3 for kids ages 6 to 12 and free for kids under 6. Weekend passes can also be purchased for $30 each. Visit cornishfair.org.

• The annual Battle of the Badges Baseball Classic will return to Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive, Manchester) on Friday, Aug. 20. Team Police and Team Fire will renew their friendly rivalry in this game to support programs at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD). Visit chadbaseball.org.

• History Alive returns to the town of Hillsborough on Saturday, Aug. 21, and Sunday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Hillsborough Historical Society, History Alive features live historical re-enactors, live music, presentations about the Abenaki tribe, demonstrations and a children’s parade on Sunday. Visit historyalivenh.org.

• Field of Dreams Community Park (48 Geremonty Drive, Salem) has a family fun day event scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28, from noon to 6 p.m., when there will be local vendors, children’s games, face-painting, a Touch-a-Truck, live music, food trucks and much more. Admission is free. Visit fieldofdreamsnh.org.

• Plaistow’s Old Home Day will be held on Saturday, Aug. 28, at 51 Old County Road in Plaistow, and is expected to feature local vendors, live entertainment, fireworks, raffles and a road race. Visit plaistowohd.com.

• Gilford’s Old Home Day is currently scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28, and will likely feature activities like a pancake breakfast, a parade, food and craft booths, games and field events, live music, fireworks and more. Visit gilfordrec.com.

• Candia’s Old Home Day is set for Saturday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Candia Moore Park, next to the town hall (74 High St.), and will likely feature wildlife exhibitors, local vendor booths, a parade and more. Visit candiaoldhomeday.com.

• The Hopkinton State Fair is due to return to 392 Kearsarge Ave. in Contoocook from Thursday, Sept. 2, through Monday, Sept. 6. A Labor Day weekend tradition, the fair will run for five days this year, featuring midway rides, food, educational exhibits, live entertainment and more. Fair hours are from 5 to 11 p.m. on Thursday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday. Tickets are $29 for teens and adults 13 and up, $22 for seniors over 60, $19 for kids ages 3 to 12 and free for kids under 3. Visit hsfair.org.

• The Manchester Rotary Club will present the 20th annual Cruising Downtown classic car show event on Saturday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Around 1,000 unique vehicles will be on display along Elm Street and nearby areas. Visit manchesterrotary.org.

Live entertainment

From theater and music to magic and puppets, there are all kinds of shows for kids and families this summer, both indoors and outdoors.

• The Palace Youth Theatre performs James and the Giant Peach Jr. at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) on Friday, June 11, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, June 12, at noon. Tickets cost $12 for children and $15 for adults. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• Children’s musicians Miss Julieann & Mr. Joey will perform a free concert at Abbie Griffin Park (6 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack) on Wednesday, June 23, at 6 p.m. Visit merrimackparksandrec.org/summer-concert-series.

• The Kids Coop Theatre performs Bring It On on Friday, June 25, and Saturday, June 26. More information is TBA. Visit kids-coop-theatre.org.

• Magician BJ Hickman performs a family-friendly magic show at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) on Wednesday, June 30, and Thursday, July 1, at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• Cactus Head Puppets will perform a free puppet show in the park at The Belknap Mill (25 Beacon St. E., Laconia) on Monday, July 5, at 10 a.m. Visit belknapmill.org.

• The 2021 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Series presents a series of shows at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) with a Tuesday-through-Thursday run every week in July and August. Shows include Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs July 6 through July 8; Peter Pan July 13 through July 15; Wizard of Oz July 20 through July 22; The Little Mermaid July 27 through July 29; Beauty and the Beast Aug. 3 through Aug. 5; Rapunzel Aug. 10 through Aug. 12; Cinderella Aug. 17 through Aug. 19; and Sleeping Beauty Aug. 24 through Aug. 26. Showtimes are at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• Magician, balloon sculptor and flea circus ringmaster Ed Popielarczyk will perform a free, family-friendly magic show at the Candia Pond Park gazebo (behind the library, 55 High St.) on Wednesday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m. Visit smythpl.org/music-series.

• You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown will be at the Prescott Park Arts Festival (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) July 9 through Aug. 15, with shows daily at 7 p.m. Visit prescottpark.org.

• Children’s musician Mr. Aaron will perform a free concert in the park at The Belknap Mill (25 Beacon St. E., Laconia) on Wednesday, July 14, at 10:30 a.m. Visit belknapmill.org.

• Family-friendly indie band Bee Parks and The Hornets will perform at Canterbury Shaker Village(288 Shaker Road, Canterbury) on Sunday, July 18, at 4 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person. Call 783-9511 or visit shakers.org.

• Everlasting Characters, a group of fairytale character performers, present “Royal Ball,” a free show at the Pelham Village Green (in front of the library, 24 Village Green) on Wednesday, July 21, at 6 p.m. Visit pelhamcommunityspirit.org/sponsored-events/concerts-on-the-village-green.

• Children’s musician Steve Blunt will perform a free concert at Meetinghouse Park at Ordway Park (Main Street, Hampstead) on Wednesday, July 21, at 6 p.m. Visit hampsteadconcerts.com/concert-series.

• The Windham Actors Guild presents a youth production of Seussical outside at Windham High School (64 London Bridge Road, Windham) Thursday, July 22, through Saturday, July 24. More information is TBA. Visit windhamactorsguild.com.

• Strawbery Banke Museum (14 Hancock St., Portsmouth) hosts a kids night of outdoor entertainment featuring music by Mr. Aaron and a bubble magic show by Kali and Wayne of Sages Entertainment on Tuesday, July 27, at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per person. Call 433-1100 or visit strawberybanke.org.

• Folk-rock band Knock on Wood performs a free, family-friendly concert at the Village Common Park Gazebo in Bedford (Bell Hill Road) on Wednesday, July 28, at 6 p.m. Visit bedfordreconline.com.

• Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate will perform a free show of pirate-themed kids music at Abbie Griffin Park (6 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack) on Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 6 p.m. Visit merrimackparksandrec.org.

Outdoor fun

Watch a game, head to a farm or stroll through vibrant gardens or wooded trails.

• The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are back to 100 percent capacity at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive, Manchester), and will next take on the Hartford Yard Goats during a home stand that begins Tuesday, June 15, at 6:35 p.m. Upcoming theme days include Comic-Con night on Friday, June 18, “Kids Run the Bases” on Sunday, June 20, and Sunday, July 25, and fairly regular fireworks.

• The Nashua Silver Knights recently kicked off their 2021 season and will next play at Holman Stadium (67 Amherst St., Nashua) on Saturday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m., against the Norwich Sea Unicorns. Upcoming theme days include Health Care Heroes Night & Fireworks Friday on Friday, June 18, and Father’s Day Necktie Giveaway and Kids Club Sunday on Sunday, June 20. Visit nashuasilverknights.com.

• The New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Hwy., Milton) will host Children’s Day on Saturday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids can get their pictures taken with the farm’s animals and try their hand at horseshoes, bean bags, hoops of grace and more. The museums annual Fourth on the Farm Fourth of July celebration will be held on Sunday, July 4, from noon to 3 p.m. Guides in period dress will be serving strawberry shortcake with homemade whipped cream on the porch, while local musicians will be performing and tractor rides will be available throughout the farm. Museum admission costs $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors over age 64, $5 for kids ages 4 and up and free for kids under age 4 and for members and active military. The Farm Museum summer hours (running through August) are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visit nhfarmmuseum.org.

• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (534 Route 3, Holderness) celebrates its new raptor exhibit with “All About Birds Day,” held the first Thursday of each month from July through September. There will be a pop-up Animal Encounters exhibit featuring live raptors, with naturalists standing by to answer questions. Animal Encounters will also host a pop-up exhibit on “Fur, Feathers, and Scales Day” on Thursday, July 15, featuring mammals, birds and reptiles; and at “Have to Have a Habitat Day” on Tuesday, Aug. 10, with animals that live in various kinds of habitats. The live animal exhibit and hiking trails are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to the website, where you can pre-purchase passes. Admission is $18 for adults and seniors, $13 for ages 3 to 15 and free to children ages 2 and under. Visit nhnature.org.

• Do a little hiking and see some animals at the Educational Farm at Joppa Hill (174 Joppa Hill in Bedford; theeducationalfarm.org, 472-4724) which is open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission is free. A trail map is available online, as is an animal scavenger hunt. A farm stand is also open Wednesday, 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the website said.

• Charmingfare Farm (774 High St. in Candia, visitthefarm.com, 483-5623) features farm animals (alpacas, cows, peacocks, goats and more), some of whom you can meet in the petting zoo, and animals in the wildlife exhibits (racoon, fox, bobcat, owl), according to the website, where you can purchase tickets for $22 per person (kids 23 months and younger get in free). The farm is open to visits Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Travel back to a simpler time at Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury), a restored Shaker village and history museum with historic buildings, interactive exhibits and activities, educational programs and more. The Village grounds and trails are open every day from dawn to dusk with no admission fee. Guided tours will be offered Tuesday through Sunday starting on June 12, with outdoor general tours at 11 a.m., indoor general tours at 1 p.m., and indoor themed tours at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for general tours and $25 for themed tours and are free for visitors age 25 and under. Purchasing tickets in advance is encouraged, but walk-ins will be permitted based on availability. Call 783-9511 or visit shakers.org.

• Learn about marine life and science at the Seacoast Science Center (Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye). The museum features indoor and outdoor tide pools and touch tanks with live animals and a variety of hands-on exhibits. Exhibits currently on display examine whales and seals; coral reefs; undersea exploration and engineering; the marine habitat on the Gulf of Maine; keeping New Hampshire beaches clean and more. Current hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Starting June 23, hours will expand to Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is permitted on the hour. Getting tickets in advance is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome if space allows. Tickets cost $10 for adults and kids age 12 and up; $8 for seniors age 65 and up; $8 for active duty military and veterans; $5 for kids ages 3 through 11; and are free for kids under age 3. Call 436-8043 or visit seacoastsciencecenter.org.

• Spend the day out in nature at Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road, Hollis) which has more than 35 miles of maintained trails, open every day from dawn to dusk. The trails cut through diverse landscapes, including forests, fields and wetlands and are home to a variety of wildlife. Admission is free. A number of different trail maps and accompanying guidebooks with pictures for identifying wildlife are available on the website. Call 465-7787 or visit beaverbrook.org.

• The New Hampshire Audubon’s McLane Center (84 Silk Farm Road, Concord) is now open to visitors, featuring live animals and exhibits, including the Reptile Room and raptor mews, and a Nature Store. Admission is free. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The trails and gardens at both the McLane Center and the Massabesic Audubon Center (26 Audubon Way, Auburn) are open daily from dawn to dusk with no admission fee. Call 224-9909 or visit nhaudubon.org.

Arts & museums

You can work a pottery wheel, see animals up close, reenact history and more at these special events and programs hosted by local museums and educational centers.

• The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St. in Dover; childrens-museum.org, 742-2002) is open Wednesday and Sunday mornings and Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings and afternoons. Go online to reserve a play session. Newly open this year is the Play Patio billed as a place for “messy creative fun,” according to the website.

• Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester) offers Creative Studio, a themed art-making project for families, every second Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. which is free for New Hampshire residents. On the third Saturday of every month, it hosts Art for Vets Family Days, where veterans and active military members and their families get free admission to the museum and can enjoy art-making activities and a complimentary lunch. Registration is required for all special events. Reserved timed tickets for the Currier are available online. The museum is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $15 per person ($13 for seniors, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 to 17 and free to children 12 and under). Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester) offers an all-ages family clay sculpting workshop for $25 per person and a family pottery wheel workshop for kids ages 9 and up for $30 per person every Saturday at 4, 5:15 or 5:30 p.m., depending on the day. Call 232-5597 or visit 550arts.com.

• Join the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire for its annual “Welcome Summer” Fly-In Barbecue on Saturday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the hangar of Jet Aviation at Nashua Airport (83 Perimeter Road). Families will have the chance to check out all kinds of vintage aircraft and cars, as well as the Aviation Museum’s “Rob Holland Experience” virtual reality exhibit. A barbecue buffet will be served at the hangar at noon. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for museum members, $10 for kids ages 6 to 12 and free for kids ages 5 and under. The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 per person ($5 for seniors, children ages 6 to 12 and veterans and active duty military; children 5 and under get in free) with a family maximum of $30. Visit aviationmuseumofnh.org.

• SEE Science Center (200 Bedford St., Manchester) celebrates its kickoff to summer with “BubbleMania,” a science and comedy show by bubble artist and performer Casey Carle, daily from Monday, June 21, through Friday, June 25. Showtimes are at 11 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Tickets cost $5, plus admission, which is $9. SEE Science Center is currently open weekends with reserved time slots available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Starting Monday, June 21, SEE will open seven days a week; reserve a timeslot online. Call 669-0400 or visit see-sciencecenter.org.

• The American Independence Museum (1 Governors Lane, Exeter) is presenting a modified version of its annual American Independence Festival, offering a series of in-person and virtual events, like a family camp-out on the night of Saturday, July 24, in which participants can play colonial-era games, sing 18th-century songs by the fire and more. The museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit independencemuseum.org.

At the library

Libraries across southern New Hampshire have all kinds of in-person and virtual happenings planned for this summer. Some events and activities listed below may only be open to town or city residents, library cardholders or kids who are signed up for the library’s summer reading program, so be sure to check with your local library beforehand.

Amherst Town Library

14 Main St., Amherst, 673-2288, amherstlibrary.org

• Weekly storytimes (geared toward ages 3 and up unless otherwise noted): Zoom family storytime is Tuesdays from 10 to 10:45 a.m. (next one is June 15); outdoor family storytime is Thursdays from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on the library lawn, June 17 through Aug. 12; outdoor little listeners (babies and toddlers under 3) is Fridays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. on the library lawn, June 18 through Aug. 13

• Bryson Lang, juggler extraordinaire:Monday, June 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the library lawn (for kids ages 4 and up; registration is required)

• Reptiles on the move: Wednesday, July 7, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. on the library lawn (for ages 5 and up; registration is required)

• Zoom pet show:Wednesday, July 14, 2 to 3 p.m. (virtual event)

• Wingmasters live animal program:Monday, July 26, from 2 to 2:45 p.m. on the library lawn (for ages 5 and up; registration is required)

Baker Free Library

509 South St., Bow, 224-7113, bowbakerfreelibrary.org

• Weekly take-home kits:Every Wednesday from June 23 to Aug. 11, participants can register for a take-home kit to learn about that week’s featured animals, take part in virtual activities and create a craft project from home. Themes include “On the Farm,” “Under the Sea,” “On the Ice” and more (kits are designed for kids entering kindergarten through grade 6).

• Virtual storytimes:Thursdays, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., June 24 through Aug. 12

• Wild About Turtles! Tuesday, June 29, from 6 to 7 p.m. (virtual event)

• Unicorns: Break the Cage:Tuesday, July 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. (virtual event)

Bedford Public Library

3 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, 472-2300, bedfordnhlibrary.org

• Summer reading kickoff dance party:Saturday, June 12, 3 to 4 p.m.

• Weekly storytimes (registration required): Koala Kids (ages 2 to 4), Tuesdays, June 15 to July 27; Mother Goose (age 0 to 24 months), Wednesdays, June 16 to July 28, 10 to 10:30 a.m.; Lunch & Listen (ages 6 to 8), Wednesdays, June 16 to July 28, noon to 12:30 p.m.; Pop Up Storytimes (ages 6 and under), Thursdays, June 17 to July 29, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; Safari Storytimes (ages 3 to 5), Fridays, June 18 to July 30, 10 to 10:30 a.m.; all are held on the library lawn

• Wildlife Encounters:Monday, June 14, and Thursday, June 17, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (virtual events; for ages 3 and up)

• Little Explorers: Fridays, June 18 to July 30, 3:30 to 4 p.m. (virtual events; for ages 6 to 8)

• Kamishibai storytime (ages 4 to 9): Monday, June 21, 3:30 to 4 p.m.

• Virtual Cooks & Books (ages 8 to 12): Tuesdays, June 22, June 29 and July 6, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

• Stories with Mischka, the Bedford Police comfort dog (ages 6 and under): Monday, June 28, 10 to 10:30 a.m.

• Virtual Science Rocks (ages 8 to 12): Wednesday, June 30, 4 to 5 p.m.

• Wild collage poetry (ages 8 to 12): Mondays, July 12, July 19 and July 26, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

• Messy art (ages 6 to 8): Tuesday, July 13, 1 to 1:30 p.m.

• Virtual live animal program with Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (ages 8 to 12): Tuesday, July 20, and Thursday, July 22, 3 to 4 p.m.

Brookline Public Library

16 Main St., Brookline, 673-3330, bplnh.weebly.com

• Weekly storytimes: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Brookline Town Hall (limited to Brookline residents only)

Chester Public Library

3 Chester St., Chester, 887-3404, chesternh.org/chester-public-library

• Weekly storytimes:Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. (next one is June 15); registration is required. All ages welcome.

• Washi tape suncatchers craft (ages 11 and up): Wednesday, June 16, 6 p.m. Registration is required, and all materials are provided.

• Among Us parties: Thursdays, June 17, July 15 and Aug. 19, 4:30 p.m., all ages

Concord Public Library

45 Green St., Concord, 225-8670, onconcord.com/library

• Take and make craft: funny face frog: Kits will be available to pick up at the library from Monday, June 14, through Friday, June 18, while supplies last.

• Virtual storytime: The Beach: Wednesday, June 16, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

• Take and make craft: standing peacock tail: Kits will be available to pick up at the library from Monday, June 21, through Friday, June 25, while supplies last.

• Take and make craft: dragon tail bookmark: Kits will be available to pick up at the library from Monday, June 28, through Friday, July 2, while supplies last.

Derry Public Library

64 E. Broadway, Derry, 432-6140, derrypl.org

• Family storytimes on the patio: Mondays, 10 to 10:30 a.m. (except on July 5); registration is required

• Upper Room online story and craft time: Fridays, June 11 and June 25, 10 to 10:30 a.m.

• Summer reading kickoff party: Tuesday, June 15, all day

• Mother Goose on the Loose storytime:Thursday, June 17, 10 to 10:30 a.m.; registration is required

• Great New Hampshire animal search:Thursday, June 17, 1:30 to 2 p.m. (virtual event)

• Birding sessions: Tuesday, June 22, 11 a.m. to noon, or 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

• Buggy for Clothespin Bugs: Thursday, June 24, 11 a.m. to noon, or 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

• Drum, violin, guitar and keyboard workshop:Wednesday, June 30, 3:30 to 5 p.m., all ages

• Goin’ on Safari:Tuesday, July 6, 11 a.m. to noon, or 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

• Three Little Pigs STEM program:Thursday, July 8, 11 a.m. to noon, or 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

• Finding science in folktales: Tuesday, July 13, 1:30 to 2 p.m. (virtual event)

• Ocean fish collage: Thursday, July 15, 11 a.m. to noon, or 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

• Mermaids & Mateys:Thursday, July 22, 11 a.m. to noon, or 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

• Monkey See, Monkey Do:Tuesday, July 27, 11 a.m. to noon, or 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

• Campfire stories: Thursday, July 29, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Taylor Library (49 E. Derry Road, Derry)

• Get the farmyard beat: Tuesday, Aug. 10, 11 a.m. to noon, or 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

• End of summer party: Thursday, Aug. 12, 1 to 2:15 p.m. at MacGregor Park, directly outside the library

Dunbarton Public Library

1004 School St., Dunbarton, 774-3546, dunbartonlibrary.org

• Find a Truck family scavenger hunt: Tuesday, June 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (virtual event); scavenger hunt forms can be picked up at the library

• Children’s musician Mr. Aaron: Wednesday, June 30, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

• Reading to therapy dogs (grades 1 through 4): Thursday, July 15, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; registration is required

• Virtual program with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Tuesday, July 20, 1:30 p.m.

Griffin Free Public Library

22 Hooksett Road, Auburn, 483-5374, griffinfree.org

• Weekly storytimes on the patio: Tuesdays, 11 a.m. (next one is June 15); registration is required

Hollis Social Library

2 Monument Square, Hollis, 465-7721, hollislibrary.org

• Music & Movement with Miss Jackie: Friday, June 11, 11 a.m. to noon at Little Nichols Field, just outside the library

• DIY mystery craft kit: Wednesday, June 16, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; kits available for pick up at the library

• Summer reading kickoff party: Monday, June 28, 2 to 4 p.m. at Lawrence Barn Community Center (28 Depot Road, Hollis)

Hooksett Public Library

31 Mount Saint Mary’s Way, Hooksett, 485-6092, hooksettlibrary.org

• Weekly storytimes (registration is required): outdoor family storytimes: Wednesdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m., June 23 to July 28; baby rhymes with Miss Lori: Tuesdays, 9:30 to 10 a.m., June 22 to July 27

• Kickoff to summer reading with Mr. Aaron: Friday, June 18, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

• Bubble party: Monday, June 21, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., or 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Kids cook (ages 5 and up): Mondays, July 12, July 19 and July 26, 11 a.m. to noon

• Tie-dye day: Friday, July 16, 10 to 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 to 3 p.m. (open to Hooksett Library cardholders only)

Kelley Library

234 Main St., Salem, 898-7064, kelleylibrary.org

• Weekly outdoor storytime (ages 3 to 5): Wednesdays, June 23 to July 28, out on the library lawn

• Robotics programs (ages 7 to 10): Thursdays, June 24, July 8 and July 22, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., registration is required

• Pet show (ages 3 to 12): Tuesday, June 29, 4 to 4:30 p.m. (virtual event)

• STEM build & play programs (ages 4 to 6): Thursdays, July 1, July 15 and July 29, 4:30 to 5 p.m.

• Fairytale costume contest (ages 3 to 12): Tuesday, July 13, 4 to 4:30 p.m. (virtual event)

• Rockabye beats (ages 5 and under): Thursday, July 15, 10 to 11 a.m. (virtual event)

Leach Library

276 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 432-1132, londonderrynh.org

• Craft time: Monday, June 14, 10 a.m. (virtual event); craft kits are available for pick up at the library

• Virtual children’s storytime: Monday, June 28, 10 a.m.

Maxfield Public Library

8 Route 129, Loudon, 798-5153, maxfieldlibrary.com

• Summer reading kickoff event: Magic Show with Mike Bent: Saturday, June 26, 11 a.m.

• Live animal event with Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Saturday, Aug. 7, 11 a.m.

Manchester City Library

Main Branch, 405 Pine St., Manchester, 624-6550; West Branch, 76 Main St., Manchester, 624-6560, manchester.lib.nh.us

• Weekly craft sessions (ages 2 and up): Mondays, 10 to 10:30 a.m., and 3 to 3:30 p.m. (virtual events; next one is June 21; no sessions on July 5)

• Family storytimes (ages 2 to 5): Tuesdays, 10 to 10:45 a.m. (virtual events; next one is June 22)

• Paddy scavenger hunt: Tuesdays, 3 to 3:30 p.m. (virtual events; next one is June 22)

• Mystery afternoons: Wednesdays, 3 to 3:30 p.m. (virtual events; next one is June 23)

• Messy animal art (ages 2 to 9): Thursdays, 10 to 10:45 a.m. (virtual events; next one is June 24)

• Stories and puppets (ages 2 to 5): Fridays, 10 to 10:45 a.m. (virtual events; next one is June 25)

• Create and tell science afternoon (grades 3 to 6): Fridays, 3 to 3:45 p.m. (virtual events; next ons is June 25)

• Lego weekend: Saturdays, 10 to 10:45 a.m. (virtual events; next one is June 26)

• Teens’ sloth paper take-home craft event: Main Branch, Monday, June 28; materials are available for pickup between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• Teens’ seed bomb take-home craft event: Main Branch, Monday, July 12; materials are available for pickup between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• Teen event: Summer Olympics trivia: Wednesday, July 21, 3 to 4:45 p.m. (virtual event)

• Teens’ loom friendship bracelet take-home craft event: Main Branch, Monday, July 26; materials are available for pickup between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• Teen event: Escape room: Wednesday, July 28, 3 to 4:45 p.m. (virtual event)

Merrimack Public Library

470 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 424-5021, merrimacklibrary.org

• Monthly “Elementary Explorers” STEM program: one Thursday per month, from 3:30 to 4 p.m. (next one is June 17)

• Weekly storytimes: Facebook Live storytime (ages 6 and under): Mondays and Fridays, 10:30 to 11 a.m. (next dates are June 21 and June 25, respectively; Read-aloud book club: Tuesdays, June 22 to Aug. 31, 3:30 to 4 p.m. (virtual); Sleepy Stories: Tuesdays, June 22 to Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m. (virtual); Books & Babies (ages 2 and under): Thursdays, June 24 to Aug. 12, 10:30 to 11 a.m. (virtual); Outta School Stories: Thursdays, July 1 and Aug. 5, 3:30 to 4 p.m.

• Tween baking challenge (ages 8 to 13): Thursday, June 17, 5 to 5:15 p.m. (virtual event)

• Teen fandom trivia night: Friday, June 18, 7 to 8:30 p.m. (virtual event)

• Messy Mondays with Miss Jenny: Mondays, June 21 to Aug. 16, 12:30 p.m. (virtual events)

• Musical Me: Tuesdays, June 22 to Aug. 10, 10:30 to 11 a.m. (virtual events)

• Summer reading kickoff concert: Wednesday, June 23, 6 to 8 p.m.

• Animal tracks scavenger hunt: Tuesday, July 6, through Friday, July 9, and Monday, July 12, and Tuesday, July 13, 10:30 a.m.

• Wildlife Encounters: Tuesday, July 13, 6 p.m. (virtual)

• Outdoor Pokemon party: Friday, July 16, 1 to 3 p.m.

• Teddy bear picnic: Wednesday, Aug. 4, noon to 12:45 p.m.

• End of summer reading concert with Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: Wednesday, Aug. 11, 6 to 8 p.m.

Nashua Public Library

2 Court St., Nashua, 589-4600, nashualibrary.org

• Weekly virtual storytimes: Mondays, 10:30 a.m. (next one is June 14)

• Monthly Babies & Books storytime: next one is Thursday, June 10, at 11 a.m.

• Virtual field trip to the Houston Zoo: Tuesday, June 22, 2 to 3 p.m.

• Take and make crafts: Various dates; next one is Monday, June 28

• Animal-themed yoga: Tuesday, July 20, 2 to 3 p.m. (virtual event)

• Wildlife Encounters program: Wednesday, July 21, 6 to 7 p.m.

• Jack: Kid Conservationist: Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2 p.m. (virtual event)

Nesmith Library

8 Fellows Road, Windham, 432-7154, nesmithlibrary.org

• Music with Mr. Aaron: Thursday, June 10, 10:30 a.m. (virtual event)

• Kids’ take-home craft: Monday, June 14; materials are available for pickup at the library from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• June toddler time (ages 3 and under): Monday, June 14, 10:30 a.m., out on the library lawn

• June preschool storytime (ages 3 to 5): Thursday, June 17, 10:30 a.m., out on the library lawn

Pembroke Town Library

313 Pembroke St., Pembroke, 485-7851, pembroke-nh.com/library

• Summer reading kickoff program: Drive-thru ice cream social: Wednesday, June 23, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., all ages

• Craft Crew (ages 7 and up): Mondays, June 28 to July 26, 3 p.m., registration is required

• Weekly storytime (ages 2 and up): Tuesdays, June 29 to July 27, 10:30 a.m., registration is required

• Lego club (ages 6 and up): Wednesdays, June 30 to July 21, 3 p.m., registration is required

Rodgers Memorial Library

194 Derry Road, Hudson, 886-6030, rodgerslibrary.org

• Tween candy bar bingo (grades 4 through 8): Thursday, June 17, 3 to 4 p.m.

• Teen candy bar bingo (grades 7 through 12): Thursday, June 17, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

• Welcome summer party with Steve Blunt: Friday, June 18, 4:30 to 7 p.m.

• Tween laser tag (grades 4 through 8): Friday, June 18, 8 to 9 p.m.

• Teen laser tag (grades 7 through 12): Friday, June 18, 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.

• Picture Book Posse programs: Mondays, June 21 to July 26, 10 a.m.

• Curious Kids programs: Mondays, June 21 to July 26, 1 p.m.

• Story Safari programs at Benson’s Park (19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson): Tuesdays at 10 a.m., Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Thursdays at 10 a.m., dates offered June 22 to July 29

• Virtual snack attack (ages 4 through 12): Tuesdays, June 22 to July 27, 3:30 p.m.

• Virtual teen gaming club (grades 7 through 12): Tuesdays, June 22 to July 27, 3:30 p.m.

• Virtual pajamas and picture books (ages 3 to 7): Tuesdays, June 22 to July 27, 7 p.m.

• Mythical creature storytimes (grades 3 through 6): Wednesdays, June 23 to July 28, 10 a.m.

• “Tween Scene” DIY craft programs (grades 4 through 8): Wednesdays, June 23 to July 28, 1 p.m.

• “Teens Only” DIY craft programs (grades 7 through 12): Wednesdays, June 23 to July 28, 3 p.m.

• Virtual gaming club (ages 6 to 11): Thursdays, June 24 to July 29, 3:30 p.m.

• Songs and snuggles (ages 2 and under): Fridays, June 25 to July 30, 10 a.m.

• Creative kids (grades 1 through 5): Fridays, June 25 to July 30, 1 p.m.

• Virtual Minecraft club (ages 7 and up): Fridays, June 25 to July 30, 3:30 p.m.

• Family yoga (ages 8 and up): Saturday, June 26, at 10 a.m., out on the library lawn

• First Friday family candy bingo: Friday, July 2, 6:30 p.m. (virtual event)

Wadleigh Memorial Library

49 Nashua St., Milford, 249-0645, wadleighlibrary.org

• Baby lapsit: Fridays, 11 a.m. (next one is June 11), no registration required

• Family storytimes: Mondays, 10 a.m. (next one is June 14), space is limited to the first 25 people

• Pinecone animals craft event (ages 4 to 11): Wednesday, June 16, 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.

• Music with Mr. Aaron (ages 10 and under): Wednesday, June 23, 10 to 11 a.m. Space is first-come, first-served and limited to 50 people.

• Tape resist painting craft event (ages 4 to 11): Wednesday, June 30, 1 to 2 p.m.

• Wildlife Encounters event (ages 3 to 11): Wednesday, July 7, 10 to 11 a.m.

• Billy Goats Gruff STEM program (ages 4 to 11): Wednesday, July 14, 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.

• Bird house painting program (ages 4 to 11): Wednesday, July 21, 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m.

• “Once Upon a Slime” program (ages 4 to 11): Wednesday, July 28, 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m.

• End of summer reading party with ice cream and games: Friday, July 30, 3 p.m., all ages

Weare Public Library

10 Paige Memorial Lane, Weare, 529-2044, wearepubliclibrary.com

• Summer reading kickoff party: Thursday, June 24, 6:30 p.m., all ages

• Pickleball with the Weare Pickleball Club (ages 6 and up): Saturday, June 26, 1:30 p.m.

Whipple Free Library

67 Mont Vernon Road, New Boston, 487-3391, whipplefreelibrary.org

• Weekly storytimes: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m., dates offered June 21 to July 30

• Nighttime stories: Monday, July 12, and Monday, July 26, 6:30 p.m.

• Craft a story (junior book club program): Monday, July 12, 6:30 p.m.

• Special teen programs: Fridays, 6 p.m., beginning June 25; programs include a movie night, an open mic/karaoke night, a trivia night and more

Quality of Life 21/06/10

Wanted: lifeguards

There may be fewer lifeguards at your local swimming spot this year. Across the state, towns and cities are facing a shortage of lifeguards, according to a June 2 report from WMUR, as getting lifeguards hired and certified has been more of a challenge this year. Nashua’s pools are expected to be fully staffed, the report said, but the city had to increase wages to attract more lifeguards, and it still had to cancel swim classes. Likewise, Concord has struggled to find lifeguards and will have reduced swim class sizes. Check with your town or city, or the state, before heading to a pool or beach to see if lifeguards will be on duty.

Score: -1

Comment: Ocean visitors needn’t worry, though, as Hampton Beach anticipates being fully staffed with a crew of 70, thanks in part to word of mouth advertising, the report said.

Making Manchester more LGBTQ+ friendly

Manchester is implementing new LGBTQ+-friendly initiatives throughout the city, according to a press release, in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign, which releases a Municipal Equality Index each year outlining LBGTQ+-friendly policies in a community. According to the report, Manchester falls in the middle of the state’s rated cities and is now working to create more LGBTQ+-friendly policies and practices. For example, LGBTQ+ liaisons have been appointed in the Mayor’s Office and Manchester Police Department; the Office of Youth Services has designated a representative to support transgender anti-discrimination policies and youth bullying prevention; and the City has established a Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Committee.

Score: +1

Comment: “I’m proud to announce these changes during Pride Month. It is important for everyone to feel safe and welcomed in our city, especially our LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. These changes will make a big difference and are a great step toward helping Manchester become as LGBTQ+-friendly as possible,” Mayor Joyce Craig said in the release.

Lake advisories

Cyanobacteria blooms, some of which produce toxins that can cause a range of health issues in humans and animals, are common in lakes and ponds this time of year, according to a press release from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, and people should be cautious of lake water that has a surface scum, changes colors or appears to have green streaks or blue-green flecks aggregating along the shore. As of June 8, DES had posted advisories for Robinson Pond in Hudson, Swains Lake in Barrington, Elm-Brook Park Beach at the Hopkinton-Everett Reservoir in Hopkinton, and Strafford Town Beach on Bow Lake. Acute health effects include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, tingling, numbness, nausea, vomiting, seizures and diarrhea, while chronic effects include liver and central nervous system damage, the release said.

Score: -1

Comment:Before you head to a lake, visit des.nh.gov for the latest cyanobacteria advisories.

QOL score: 78

Net change: -1

QOL this week: 77

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

Ainge out, Stevens in

It’s been a week since the demise of the Celtics brass.

It came a day after their playoff wipeout to the Nets, when news broke GM Danny Ainge was “retiring” and Brad Stevens was being kicked upstairs to replace Danny. If you read this column regularly you know I’ve been saying since early February both had a lot to do with the disaster evolving in front of our eyes, and, since last summer, that the team needed to be constructed away from its no-point-guard, 3-ball-centric, hoist-it-up approach.

So, while both have done very good things here, not so much lately and as a result the change is a good thing. Just not as good as it could have been. Because for the last year or so I’ve felt like Bob Kraft did when he said upon firing Pete Carroll in 1999, “We need a momentum change.”

So here are a few hot takes following the shakeup.

The good news: Being a glass is half full kind of guy, with the Lakers also getting run out in Round 1, L.A. and the C’s remain tied for most NBA league titles won (17) for another year. That seemed in peril at the start of 2020-2021.

That does it for the good news. Now for the bad.

Pitino reboot: When I said the change didn’t go far enough, I meant making Stevens GM will be the worst move since hiring Rick Pitino 25 years ago. Although Danny trading up in the 2013 draft for Kelly Olynyk and leaving Giannis Antetokounmpo on the board was pretty bad. That means the same policies and demeanor that led to the abyss remain, starting with likely selecting a head coach who thinks as he does. The team badly needs a culture change, more emotion/passion and an inside scoring approach to complement the 3-ball game.

Where’s George Steinbrenner when you really need him? This comes from the Sports Hub’s Tony Maz, who suggests the only reason Stevens moved upstairs is that the team owes him close to $25 million after foolishly extending him for six long years during last season. That seems like a really dumb thing for the owners of a $2 billion enterprise to do. And while George’s lunacy way back when was the reason I stopped being a Yankees fan (a good thing after last weekend), for once I’m with George. Because he’d have broomed everyone by now.

Brad Stevens: Far be it from me to tell someone else what’s best for them career-wise. But I’ll make an exception. It’s not that he can’t coach; it’s that he hasn’t changed or adapted to new circumstances. As Larry Bird said all through his time coaching Indiana, there’s a shelf-life for coaches and Brad hit his in Boston. He needs a change in the way Andy Reid did after he got fired in Philly. Ditto for Bill Belichick after Cleveland ended in disaster. Both came back stronger than before and maybe Stevens can too in a new locale.

Jayson Tatum: I know, guys who can score 60 in a game don’t grow on trees. Especially those who put in the work and are good kids. But sorry, I want more. The only time he ever shows emotion is when calls don’t go his way. The best player on the team almost always has to be the leader. He’s not, and whether he can score 70 or even 80 he’ll never be a Top 5 player until he assumes that role. Thus he’ll be a No. 2 like Kevin McHale was to Bird’s alpha dog and if it’s truly not in him, like it wasn’t for Anthony Davis in New Orleans, they’ve got to bring in someone Jimmy Butler-like, who can lead as he mentors him to become one. Which brings me to the next coach.

The next coach: I hope they hire an ex-player with major NBA playing cred for the players to look up to, and fill in his holes with veteran assistants. Somebody like Kevin Garnett. I know, he has no coaching experience. Plus I have no idea if he can coach, has the temperament to coach or even wants to. I also know major stars from Willis Reed to Dan Issel didn’t cut it when given a shot by their old team. But I do know KG scared the bejeebers out of everyone when he arrived in 2008 and his fire totally transformed the team’s culture. After being under the NBA’s answer to Mr. Rogers the last eight years, this team that doesn’t value winning enough needs that badly. Especially Tatum. It won’t happen, but that is the first call I’d make if I owned the team.

Reflection on days gone by: Hope no one has missedtheirony of where the Nets and Celtics are seven years after the blockbuster trade of 2014. Since Day 1, Brooklyn was universally mocked for giving up their future for two guys (Garnett and Paul Pierce) that were too deep into the back nine to have the impact the Nets brass expected. It got worse as the choices they gave up (Tatum and Jaylen Brown) became emerging stars. The narrative was, the C’s were set up to have a deep, talented team for years to come, while the Nets would be mired at the bottom because they gave away the draft positions that generate real talent. Flash forward to 2021, where thanks to savvy trades, big and small free agent pickups and salary cap manipulation the Nets are the deeper team with three big talents at the top of their roster. Tip of the cap to Nets GM Sean Marks, who did all that. Meanwhile, after squandering many of their picks with bad drafting and a reluctance to trade them for immediate veteran help, the C’s are scrambling.

It shows life not only doesn’t turn out like everyone expects, it can turn out to be 180 degrees opposite.

Standout citizen

Health director commended for pandemic leadership

Manchester Public Health Director Anna Thomas is the recipient of the Greater Manchester Chamber’s Citizen of the Year award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership, vision and civic pride while making significant contributions toward the betterment of the Manchester community.

How did it feel, being named Citizen of the Year?

I’m honored and humbled, but there are so many people in the community who should be recognized for their contributions; [the recognition] really can’t go to just one person. I see it as more of a ‘citizenry of the year’ than a ‘citizen of the year’ award, because everyone has sacrificed and done their part to be part of the solution during this pandemic.

What did you find to be the most successful or effective part of your approach to the pandemic?

Throughout Covid, our decision-making has been very data-driven and evidence-based. We monitor the data on a daily basis and use science and the best research we have available to be very strategic about what we do. … Another [successful approach] has been pooling resources and collaborating to solve community issues. Our individual programs are excellent, but we know we can make a bigger impact by leveraging the strength of multiple programs working together.

Is there anything that you learned or that surprised you about public health over the last year?

I’ve learned how much politics can enter the world of public health. When you’re making decisions dealing with [protecting] human life, sometimes you’re stepping on people’s individual choice or civil liberty. A lot of people don’t want to be told what to do by the government; they want to be informed and then left to make their own decisions. I respect everyone’s individual choice, but unfortunately, during a pandemic or any kind of public health emergency where one person’s choice can impact the health and well-being of others, executive orders have to be made. … It’s certainly not the first time I’ve seen how public health issues can tug on people’s ideologies and philosophies, but in this pandemic, I’ve seen it played out much more significantly.

How would you describe your leadership style?

It’s very team-based. I don’t believe in being the dictator at the top saying, ‘This is the way it’s going to be.’ No one is an expert on everything; everyone has different skill sets. Innovation and creativity comes from having multiple perspectives. … Working on a large population level, we have to have perspectives from all sides to give us a bigger picture for how to inform our process and make the most well-rounded decisions that we can so we can serve the entire community.

What is the biggest challenge you face in your position?

One of the challenges is the sheer magnitude of people we’re trying to reach. … Manchester is the largest city north of Boston; it’s an urban center, and the work we do really falls under the umbrella of urban health, which comes with an entirely different level of priorities … than the suburban and rural communities that [make up] the majority of New Hampshire. … That’s why we have a division focused on family and neighborhood health. Different neighborhoods have different needs and different strengths, so just like the state [narrows down] public health to a community level, we as a city look at how we can tailor our services to meet the needs in specific neighborhoods.

What is your focus right now for Manchester’s public health?

It changes day to day, sometimes even minute to minute. It’s still all about Covid, for the most part. … We’ve moved away from the community-based testing that we’ve been doing throughout the pandemic, and now we’re heavily focused on getting people vaccinated and back on their feet. … We’re also trying to get back to [addressing] more of the basic public health [issues] that we did prior to the pandemic … [such as] school health; … refugee health; … infectious diseases other than Covid, like HIV, STDs and TB; … environmental health, [like] testing mosquitoes for Triple E and West Nile virus; water sampling; … septic inspections; … assessments of [buildings with] lead, mold or bed bugs; … community dental care; …home visits with expectant mothers; [and] opioids and addiction. … We’re also doing a lot of work in the arena of mental and behavioral health, and we actually have a behavioral health specialist on staff now.

What should people know about the current public health situation?

They can be optimistic and hopeful about the future. We’re at a better place now. Things are definitely taking a turn for the better, and there’s a lot to look forward to.

Featured photo: Anna Thomas

News & Notes 21/06/10

Covid-19 update	As of May 30	As of June 7
Total cases statewide	98,726	98,941
Total current infections statewide	476	353
Total deaths statewide	1,353	1,357
New cases	377 (May 25 to May 30)	215 (May 31 to June 7)
Current infections: Hillsborough County	136	93
Current infections: Merrimack County	38	32
Current infections: Rockingham County	75	50

Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

Covid-19 news

During the state’s weekly public health update on June 3, state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan reported that there was a daily average of between 50 and 60 new daily infections of Covid-19 in New Hampshire over the previous week, numbers that are “substantially down” from the peak of the most recent surge of cases over the winter, when averages were between 800 and 900. “We’re making great progress in bringing the number of new infections down,” Chan said. “Our test-positivity rate over the last week has averaged under 2 percent.”

More than 660,000 people in the Granite State, or just under 50 percent of the population, are now fully vaccinated as of June 3, according to Dr. Beth Daly, Chief of the Bureau of Infectious Disease Control of the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services. “The state-run fixed sites are now closed for new people wanting to get vaccinated,” Daly said. “However, they will continue to provide those second-dose vaccinations through June … and there are many other locations to get vaccinated, either through hospitals, pharmacies, community health centers and community clinics run by our local health departments and the Public Health Networks.”

Later during the press conference, Gov. Chris Sununu announced plans for a few new Covid-related relief funds for certain business sectors in the state. They include a lodging relief program, a live venue assistance program, and a recoupment relief program for businesses that applied for grants but ended up experiencing better-than-anticipated revenues in 2020. “If you’re on the line to repay money back to the state, and really back to the federal government, they can now deduct Covid-related expenses to offset what they owe,” Sununu said. “So we’re creating a new program to allow these businesses to keep money, and we do that by allowing them to show us what their costs of Covid were.”

When asked about the United States-Canada border, and Canada’s role in New Hampshire’s tourism season, Sununu said that it “definitely has to be open.” The border remains closed to nonessential travel through at least June 21. “I understand Canada is way behind the United States in terms of vaccine distribution. In fact, if we have extra vaccine, I’m more than willing to give it to Canada. … We’re waiting to hear from the president,” Sununu said.

Psychiatric beds

As of June 7, New Hampshire had no adults in hospital emergency departments waiting for inpatient psychiatric treatment for the first time since the pandemic began. According to a press release, the Department of Health and Human Services has been following an executive order made by Gov. Chris Sununu on May 13 to implement immediate solutions that give New Hampshire residents experiencing a mental health crisis timely and appropriate medical care. This has included offering long-term care facilities a $45,000 per bed incentive to accept geropsychiatric patients from New Hampshire Hospital or the Glencliff Home, which has created an additional 25 beds at New Hampshire Hospital, the release said. The long-term plan will require increased community-based services; in the next month DHHS will present contracts to the Executive Council for mobile crisis response for all populations, contracting with children’s residential providers to provide continuum of care. The department will also continue its work to implement the 10-Year Mental Health Plan to further address barriers to mental health care, the release said.

School survey

Parents, educators and community members are being asked to take the 603 Bright Futures Survey, which was created to give the New Hampshire Department of Education insight into people’s thoughts on school districts’ responses to the pandemic, and how this past year’s experience should influence plans for fall learning. According to a press release, a similar survey last spring regarding remote learning and the return to school generated more than 56,000 responses, which helped the state create its K-12 Back to School Guidance plan. The 603 Bright Futures Survey is now open and will stay open until June 30. For families with children in K-12, preschool and private schools, the survey can be taken at bit.ly/nhdoefamily. For staff in public and private schools, the survey is at bit.ly/nhdoestaff. And for community members without children in local schools, the survey can be found at bit.ly/nhdoecommunity.

Help for Hampton

Hampton will have more help from the state to help keep the beach town safe this summer, according to a press release from the Department of Safety. Additional resources are being made available to the town to assist with operations, as part of a collaboration between local, county and state law enforcement agencies. There will be more patrols along the beach and surrounding roads, the release said, and the increased police presence is meant to keep large crowds safe and maintain a welcoming environment. “Travel is expected to be at record levels this summer across the country and New Hampshire, and Hampton is no exception,” Hampton Police Chief David Hobbs said in the release. “We are incredibly grateful for the collaboration between the New Hampshire State Police, county law enforcement, and the Hampton Police Department to ensure that visitors and residents enjoy all that Hampton has to offer this summer.”

More produce

Families participating in the NH Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program will be able to buy more fruits and vegetables this summer. According to a press release, the state is providing a temporary increase in benefits specifically for produce, provided by the US Department of Agriculture’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The program, which typically allocates a monthly stipend of $9 per child and $11 per mother for the purchase of fruits and vegetables, will temporarily provide $35 per person each month from June through September. WIC participants will be able to use the funds to purchase more fresh, canned, and frozen fruits and vegetables through 158 participating vendors across the state. The stipend will automatically be added to the eWIC benefit card, the release said.

The Contoocook Railroad Museum Visitor Center will be able to open for summertime hours, through Labor Day, thanks to a grant from the Kearsarge Area Chamber of Commerce. According to a press release, the site includes the historic 1849 depot, the world’s oldest surviving railroad covered bridge, a 1907 Pullman Coach car and a late 1800s section house, and it is located next to the Contoocook River in Village Square in Contoocook.

After being closed for nearly 60 years, the Lakeport Opera House in Laconia will be opening for the first performance in six decades, according to a press release. The Flutie Brothers Band, featuring former NFL star Doug Flutie and his brother Darren, will perform Saturday, June 12, at 8 p.m.

The Manchester Health Department, located at 1528 Elm St., is offering free walk-in vaccination clinics on Mondays from 9 to 11 a.m. and Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. for ages 12 and up. According to a press release, the clinics were scheduled to begin June 9. No appointment is necessary, and all three vaccine types will be available while supplies last.

The Southern New Hampshire Comic Bash will host the 2021 Nashua Comic Book Festival: Free Admission Special Edition on Saturday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Holiday Inn (9 Northeastern Boulevard, Nashua). According to the event website, there will be plenty of boxes of comic books, original comic art and comic-related collectibles. Masks will be required for all attendees and vendors. See nashuacomicfest.com.

My friend Chris

We all know the old koan: If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? The question is said to be an exercise in perception and observation.

My friend Chris is no tree, but there is a certain parallel between him and the timeless question. You see, he is a 39-year veteran high school teacher in a rural and very economically distressed part of northern New England and he is retiring. Considering the demographic of the teaching profession these days, Chris could be described as part of the old growth, as the number of colleagues whose time teaching goes back to the early 1980s is increasingly rare.

Like a long-standing tree, Chris has been a stalwart at his school and in his community. Since his first day in the classroom, he has dressed in a suit and tie. That is something of a rarity in schools today. When asked why he has done so, he offers modestly, “It sets an example to the students that what we are doing together is important business and that I should dress to show that.”

While formal in dress, Chris is compassionate and deeply solicitous for his students. The door to his classroom has a sign: “You are most welcome here” in German and French, the languages he teaches. As a result, his classroom is a sanctuary, especially for those who sometimes just need a break from the tensions and challenges of high school daily life. He has been a counselor, cheerleader, and ever faithful confidant for nearly three generations of students.

Knowing how important dress and appearance are, not only for social events, job interviews or just self-esteem, each year Chris sets up a rack of his suits, shirts and ties in his classroom so that students can choose items that their modest financial resources could not stretch to buy.

Annually, Chris has taken 20 to 30 of the students at his school on a two-week study trip to Germany and France. For virtually all of them, this is their first trip abroad, and for some, even out of state. He has photographs of students’ faces as they get their first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame. For many, the trip under his tutelage is the spark that generates a career trajectory, whether to travel or, for some, to follow Chris in his profession.

Alums of his classes are now published writers, teachers, entrepreneurs and civic leaders. News of his impending retirement has triggered a flood of emails and calls.

Yes, when a great tree falls, there should be a sound, a very loud and appreciative one. Thank you, Chris.

Get Your Goat – 06/03/2021

View entire selection throughout the years here

Get Your Goat

Get Your Goat

Cats and dogs are the most popular pets, but if you’ve dreamed of owning bigger animals (donkeys!), smaller creatures (snails!), or kids that will actually help with yard work (goats!), we’ve got the lowdown on what it takes to keep all kinds of non-traditional animals.

Also on the cover, NH Herbal Network’s Herb & Garden Day returns, p. 23. Cool down with light brews, p. 27. And laugh all night with Jay Chanoine, who has upcoming shows in Concord and Manchester, p. 31

Freed of fear

The stores are full of patriotic paraphernalia right now. I can skip past the metallic flag pinwheels; the red, white ...

News & Notes 21/06/03

Covid-19 updateAs of May 24As of May 30Total cases statewide98,34998,726Total current infections statewide411476Total deaths statewide1,3441,353New cases575 (May 18 to May ...

Native roots

Educational project recognizes NH’s Abenaki heritage The Abenaki Trails Project, launched last August, is highlighting New Hampshire’s Abenaki history and ...

Airing out the attic

Time to clear out the attic of my cluttered sports mind. I don’t know much about European soccer, but I ...

Quality of Life 21/06/03

A good time to give Nonprofit organizations are banding together for NH Gives, a statewide effort to raise funds for ...

Get Your Goat

Why you might want to add a companionable kid, some laid-back alpacas and other animals to your family Maybe you’ve ...

The Main attraction

Two new sculptures to be installed in downtown Concord Downtown Concord becomes an open-air art gallery through Art on Main, ...

The Art Roundup 21/06/03

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities “Along the Marginal Way,” a watercolor by Frederick Dobrowolski, on display ...

The art of weeding

What to do when you have a Code Red When you face a flower bed and can’t immediately tell what’s ...

Kiddie Pool 21/06/03

Family fun for the weekend Goffstown Main Street’s Old Home Weekend. Courtesy photo. Town celebration Goffstown Main Street is hosting ...

Treasure Hunt 21/06/03

Dear Donna,Can you give me any information on this metal piece? I thought it was interesting and decorative. My husband ...

On The Job – Missy Gaffney

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Missy Gaffney Esthetician and business owner Missy Gaffney is an esthetician and owner of three health and beauty businesses — ...

The Weekly Dish 21/06/03

News from the local food scene • Season of strawberries: Join The Friends of the Library of Windham for a ...

Shop (and eat) local

Fresh Start Farms to open centralized “food hub” and market A new store set to open in the heart of ...

All about herbs

NH Herbal Network’s Herb & Garden Day returns Bringing its signature event to a new venue this year, the New ...

Marie Sacco

Marie Sacco of Salem is the owner of The Sandwich Monstahh (thesandwichmonstahh@gmail.com, and on Facebook and Instagram), a food trailer ...

Steve and the boozy ice cream

My blender died last summer. I’m not sure what I asked it to do — scramble a couple of eggs, ...

Lighten up and cool down

All of a sudden it’s summer Well, that happened fast. One day it was 41 degrees and straight up cold ...

Album Reviews 21/06/03

Jonny Kosmo, Pastry (Feeding Tube Records) I don’t know if you know a lot of people who’ve studied psychology, but ...

Love Like That, by Emma Duffy-Comparone

Love Like That, by Emma Duffy-Comparone (Henry Holt and Co., 211 pages) Novels can be bruising in their own way, ...

A Quiet Place Part II (PG-13) | Cruella (PG-13) | Plan B (TV-MA)

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A Quiet Place Part II (PG-13) The soft-steps-and-muffled-screams family from the first movie must seek a new safe haven in ...

The Music Roundup 21/06/03

Local music news & events • Backyard fun: Enjoy acoustic folk rock from The Clavis Brudon Band at an outdoor ...

Back laughing

Jay Chanoine returns with pair of headlining shows When Jay Chanoine steps on stage these days, the Manchester comic’s audiences ...

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Back laughing

Jay Chanoine returns with pair of headlining shows

When Jay Chanoine steps on stage these days, the Manchester comic’s audiences are well-behaved, sometimes eerily so.

“For the last year and a half they’ve been watching livestreams and cat videos, and they don’t remember how to act when a person is 10 feet in front of them,” Chanoine said in a recent phone interview. “Even a crowd doesn’t quite know how to do this anymore … but everyone is just smiling at you.”

Chanoine has another theory about these newly polite audiences too.

“We were all yelling at each other before this, then we got locked in our houses and we all just kept yelling. … It’s like the world put all its misbehaved children in timeout,” he said. “We had tantrums for a year and half, and now it’s like, ‘OK, did you think about how you were behaving? Because now I’m going to let you out.’”

In October 2019, Chanoine released his first album on Standup Records, The Texas Chanoinesaw Massacre. A week after it came out, he’d already developed nearly enough new material for a follow-up. The new record was rising on iTunes, he had a gig writing for satirical website Hard Times, and “I was like, ‘2020’s going to rule … then Covid hit.”

Though it stopped his momentum, he looks at the lost year as shared misery.

“Everybody else had to step back too. It’s not like the industry kept moving without any of us,” he said.

Festivals in the Midwest, Canada and Texas — the annual Altercation Fest in Austin — all were casualties of 2020. This year, touring is still on hold, as Chanoine isn’t eager to roll the dice in a lot of cities that may or may not be ready for full-scale shows, whatever local politicians say.

That’s less concerning, as he’s enjoying doing shows with other local comics, like Comedy Out Of The Box on June 5 at Hatbox Theatre, and a local showcase at Manchester’s Yankee Lanes, whose recently launched midweek open mic was successful enough to spawn occasional booked events.

“This is my scene and my comedy community, and it’s more important to me to see it get up and running again than to hit the road as soon as possible,” he said, adding that polishing new material for an album that’s now likely delayed to 2022 is also a priority. “It’s smarter to take my time … getting it where I want it to be. They took the last year from us — I’m willing to give one more just to make sure I can put out the best product that I’m able to do.”

He’s excited for the Manchester show in particular, which includes Liz Lora, a relative newcomer to standup who made a splash at an early open mic at the bowling alley bar. Seeing young comics find their feet reminds him of how he first started doing comedy in 2009.

“I was part of the New Hampshire open mic scene, I was trying to get spots on booked shows and everything,” he said. “So it’s not only cool for me to now be the headliner, but it’s cool to see that’s still going in the new crop of comics.”

Asked if he got any good bits out of the pandemic, Chanoine replied, “If you got no material out of Covid you weren’t trying,” but added he wasn’t eager to use any of it, comparing the exercise to telling jokes about the last president.

“Nobody wanted to talk about it; that’s what you were trying to escape,” he said. “But occasionally it got so awful and ridiculous. It would be, ‘I’m sorry, everybody, we need to talk about it.’ That’s kind of how I feel about Covid. I absolutely don’t want to focus on it.”

When he touches on the subject in his act, Chanoine tries not to raise anyone’s hackles.

“I’ve been opening my sets by talking about how the supermarket became an absolute war zone [during the pandemic] because people only had two places to go, their house and the supermarket,” he said. “It’s not making you pick a side, and I think that’s the key; trying to find things everyone can agree with, rather than what made them fight on social media for the last year and a half.”

On the other hand, he questions the efficacy of not talking about it at all.

“It would seem so odd if you just got on stage and started doing a comedy show like it was 2018,” he said. “It would be so dismissive, like you’re trying to give everyone tunnel vision, and deny the existence of everything.”

Jay Chanoine
When: Saturday, June 5, 7:30 p.m. (18+)
Where: Hatbox Theatre, 270 Loudon Road, Concord
Tickets: $16 to $22 at hatboxnh.com
More: Jaylene Tran, feature comic
Also: Friday, June 11, 8 p.m., Yankee Lanes, 216 Maple St., Manchester, with Dominique Pascoal, Liz Lora & Michael Millett (free)

Featured photo: Jay Chanoine. Courtesy photo.

The Music Roundup 21/06/03

Local music news & events

• Backyard fun: Enjoy acoustic folk rock from The Clavis Brudon Band at an outdoor space created during last year’s al fresco imperative — one pandemic silver lining is the many similar venues that popped up and still remain. The band’s name doesn’t refer to a person; it’s an amalgamation of the first three letters of the members’ surnames — Stephen Clarke, Kevin Visnaskas, John Bruner and Otis Doncaster. Thursday, June 3, 5 p.m., Tooky Mills Pub, 9 Depot St, Hillsborough, 464-6700.

• Bon temps: The outdoor Arts in the Park Series continues with Catfish Howl performing an early evening gazebo show. The band specializes in New Orleans-style blues, rock, zydeco and soul, served up as what they call “Mardi Gras mambo and beyond.” It’s a lot of fun, and the New Hampshire/Massachusetts combo has been entertaining crowds in the region for over a decade now. Friday, June 4, 6 p.m., presented by Belknap Mill in Rotary Park, 30 Beacon St., Laconia, catfishhowl.com.

• Guitar man: Kicking off a summer concert series, Joe Sabourin performs. The versatile guitarist has released four solo albums, most recently Leaves in late 2020, while playing in bands that range from Celtic to reggae, folk and jazz. One of the region’s best steel string players, he’s also an in-demand session musician. The Capitol Center-sponsored series runs through September. Sunday, June 6, 3 p.m., Fletcher-Murphy Park, 28 Fayette St., Concord. Tickets $12 at ccanh.com.

• Song spirit: Equal parts singer-songwriter and motivational coach, Kimayo offers uplifting music born from life experience and delivered with passion and power. Her 2019 debut album, Phoenix (The Acoustic Sessions), was named one of year’s 10 best by Folk New Hampshire. She pairs nicely with the farm-to-table restaurant she’ll perform in, which sits near New England’s geographical center. Sunday, June 6, 4 p.m., The Grazing Room, Colby Hill Inn, 33 The Oaks, Henniker, colbyhillinn.com.

Month: June 2021

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Get Your Goat – 06/03/2021

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