Month: October 2021

The Weekly Dish 21/10/07

News from the local food scene

• Greek eats to go: The next boxed Greek dinner to go, a drive-thru takeout event at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (68 N. State St., Concord), is happening on Sunday, Oct. 17, from noon to 1 p.m. Now through Wednesday, Oct. 13, orders are being accepted for boxed meals featuring dinners of half lemon roasted chicken, rice pilaf, Greek salad and a roll for $15 per person. The event is drive-thru and takeout only — email [email protected] or call 953-3051 to place your order. A similar takeout and pickup meal featuring Greek stuffed peppers is also scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 14. Visit holytrinitynh.org.

• More Oktoberfests: Join Henniker Brewing Co. (129 Centervale Road, Henniker) for its annual Fall Fest, which will be held over two weekends this year, from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9; Sunday, Oct. 10; Saturday, Oct. 16; and Sunday, Oct. 17. Throughout each weekend, the brewery will be pouring its Wurst Bier release, a seasonal lager inspired by the modern festbier that is served at the original two-week Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, Germany. There will also be food options from The Salted Knot and The Russian Dumpling Co. food truck, plus stein hoisting competitions and live music. Also happening this weekend is an Oktoberfest being organized by the Bektash Shriners of New Hampshire on Sunday, Oct. 9, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Bektash Shrine Center (189 Pembroke Road, Concord), where there will be bratwurst, chicken, potato salad, pretzels and more. Call 225-5372 to make a reservation. For a full list of upcoming Oktoberfest events in southern New Hampshire, be sure to read our cover story in the Hippo’s Sept. 23 issue, which starts on page 18.

• Brews and beyond: The New Hampshire Brewfest returns to Cisco Brewers (35 Corporate Dr., Portsmouth) on Saturday, Oct. 9, with VIP admittance from noon to 1 p.m. and general admittance from 1 to 5 p.m. The event is a partnership between the Prescott Park Arts Festival and the New England District of the Master Brewers Association of Americas, and will feature pourings from dozens of craft breweries, along with food trucks, a DJ and more. Admission ranges from $50 to $65 and includes full access to tastings, with food options available at an additional cost. Designated drivers receive $25 admission. Visit nhbrewfest.com.

• Red Arrow Diner staff recognized: The Red Arrow Diner recently honored its employees at each of its four locations with a company-wide staff appreciation barbecue, according to a press release. Employees celebrating milestones with the company, including anniversaries from five to up to 20 or more years, were specially recognized. The barbecue featured a cornhole tournament, a dunk tank and raffles of $100 increments to present to staff members. Plans are already underway for next year’s employee appreciation event, which will coincide with The Red Arrow’s 100th anniversary in business. Visit redarrowdiner.com.

On The Job – Ty Snitko

Ty Snitko

Prop maker

Ty Snitko of Dublin builds props and sets for films being shot in New Hampshire and throughout New England.

Explain your job and what it entails.

It depends on the kind of story being told. Sometimes I’m building on sound stages. About half of what you see in film is not [shot] on location; it’s [shot] on sound stages built by us. Other times, I’m building something on location, out in the real world, that has to be able to withstand the elements. Sometimes [the filmmakers] want some really crazy stuff built, so you have to be able to adapt and be creative.

How long have you had this job?

About four years.

What led you to this career field?

I’m an artistic guy. I’ve always liked making stuff with my hands, and I’ve always been a movie nerd.

What kind of education or training did you need?

You need some knowledge of construction and [using] hand tools, which I have from my background in being a handyman and a painter. But in every job, you learn something new.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

Usually just jeans and a T-shirt, and something waterproof if I’m working outside in the elements.

How has your job changed over the course of the pandemic?

Everything was shut down for seven or eight months for me. Then, [jobs] started to trickle back in. Then, there was an influx; because everything was shut down for all of those months, there was an incredible need for content [after the shutdown ended]. Since then, [work] has been nonstop, and sometimes I have to work insane hours.

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

I’d rather be slow than sloppy. When you rush your work, it gets done poorly. That’s something I’ve always known, but it really hit home when I started [this work].

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

I’m a big fan of cinema, and I never appreciated how much work [is done] by the people behind the camera until I started doing [that work]. I think they all deserve more recognition.

What was the first job you ever had?

I was a dishwasher at Del Rossi’s in Dublin.

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?

This is your job, not your life. It’s easy for this job to become all-consuming, but you have to remember to take time for yourself and your family.

Five favorites

Favorite book: Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates by Tim Robbins, and The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
Favorite movie: Taxi Driver and El Topo
Favorite music: Avant-garde stuff, like Mr. Bungle, Django Reinhardt — stuff you have to go looking for.
Favorite food: I once had this ginger chicken made by Japanese master chef Hiroshi Hayashi, and that’s the most delicious thing I’ve ever had.
Favorite thing about NH: The woods, and the people. Some of the people who live out here are crazy, but everyone still gives each other their space, and I appreciate that.

Featured photo: Ty Snitko. Courtesy photo.

Treasure Hunt 21/10/07

Dear Donna,

I am trying to figure out this picture postcard. This one and several others similar were among postcards from my gram’s house. Nothing in any looks familiar to me, so my question is, is there a way to find out any information about them?

Anita from Merrimack

Dear Anita,

I can’t know where the postcard photo was taken, but I can try to help by giving you some information. Photo postcards have been around since the early 1900s. Many that are around today were either done professionally or just taken at home and printed on postcard stock. So you can imagine there are many still around today. The value on most is sentimental. Some, though, can be quite valuable depending on the subject.

Common family ones like the one here are of minimal value. I think the only way to find out where and who it was is to show it to as many family members as you can. Hopefully one can give you some information. I always say every old photo should be clear for the next generation as to who and where and when it was taken.

Kiddie Pool 21/10/07

Family fun for the weekend

Fall fun

This week’s cover story (starting on page 10) looks at the pumpkin fun on offer this weekend — from pumpkin festivals to pumpkin picking. And of course apple picking is still a tasty long-weekend option; find our listing of some area orchards in the Sept. 16 issue of the Hippo (find the e-edition at hippopress.com; the apple story starts on page 13). Also in that issue is rundown of some area corn mazes (see page 12).

Some farms are adding something extra to their offerings this weekend, a three- or even four-day weekend for some area schools. Beans and Greens Farm (245 Intervale Road, Gilford; beansandgreensfarm.com, 293-2853) is holding a Harvest Festival Weekend, featuring their large corn maze, munchkin corn maze (for ages 5 and under), pumpkin maze, barnyard animals, live entertainment, pumpkin carving contest, family games and more, according to the website. Saturday, Oct. 9, the farm will hold an all-you-can-eat farm-to-table brunch; cost is $29.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids ages 5 to 11 and free for children 4 and under. See the website for tickets and times.

Applecrest Farm (133 Exeter Road, Hampton Falls; 926-3721, applecrest.com) is holding an Indigenous People’s Day Weekend Festival & Great Pumpkin Carve with live music daily (Monadnock Bluegrass Band on Oct. 9, Unsung Heroes on Oct. 10 and Bolt Hill Band on Oct. 11) and the Great Pumpkin Carve on Sunday, Oct. 10.

Coppal House Farm (118 N. River Road, Lee; 659-3572, nhcornmaze.com) will hold its second of three Flashlight Night Mazes at its corn maze on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $12 per person for everyone age 5 and up (4 and under gets in free).

One of the pumpkin festivals on this weekend’s schedule is in Somersworth (see page 13 for details). Stick around afterward for Celebrate Somersworth, which will run from 5 to 8 p.m. at Somersworth High School, which will feature music, food, rides, demonstrations and displays from the police and fire departments and fireworks, according to a press release.

Museum happenings

The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144) will be open this Monday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as the usual schedule of Thursday through Sunday (also from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Art After Work on Thursdays running from 5 to 8 p.m.). Admission to the museum costs $15 for adults, $13 for 65+, $10 for students and $5 for youth (ages 13 to 17); kids ages 12 and under get in for free. Everybody can get in free Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m., and this Saturday, Oct. 9, New Hampshire residents can get in for free. There will also be a free craft — a WPA mural-inspired collage about New Hampshire nature — in the Creative Studio and family tours of the exhibit “WPA in New Hampshire: Philip Guston & Musa McKim.”

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive, Concord; starhop.com, 271-7827) will also be open on Monday, Oct. 11. Hours Friday through this Monday are 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Reserve tickets online; admission costs $11.50 for adults, $10.50 for students and seniors, $8.50 for children (ages 3 to 12) and admission is free for ages 2 and under.

Infested!

Asian jumping worms take over

After decades of improving my garden soil, I have an infestation of Asian jumping worms. They can eat all the organic material in the soil, depleting it terribly. These foreign invaders multiply more quickly than our common worms, outcompeting them. Everything I have read about them says they are bad news for gardeners.

Scientists are working on organic solutions to the Asian jumping worm problem. I was able to phone Brad Herrick, a researcher at University of Wisconsin who has been studying them for years. He explained that although they came to the United States nearly 100 years ago, the worms are spreading rapidly, now infesting 37 states. Their worst impact may be in the forest: they eat dead leaves and forest duff, potentially creating a soil devoid of the organic matter that nourishes native wildflowers and trees. The soil can become sterile.

To see if you have them, start at a shady, mulched bed — that is where they like it best. Pull back leaves or mulch on your soil. The worms are surface feeders, living in the top inch or two of the soil, and readily seen on the soil surface. Touch one and it moves fast, wiggling and moving — quite a contrast to our relatively sluggish ordinary worms. The soil in infested areas often looks like it has coffee grounds spilled on the soil — which are their castings or excrement.

The clitellum that produces the egg sacs or cocoons is a whitish band near the head end of the worm. This contrasts with our common worms, which have a reddish-brown clitellum that is usually a bit raised.

Brad Herrick explained that unlike the earthworms we know and love, these guys can reproduce asexually, so even one worm can start an infestation. But they also spread when the cocoons, which sit on the soil surface, are washed away by rains. This allows them to expand their territory quickly, especially on hillsides.

How did I get them? I don’t know. They may have arrived when I bought plants for a new flower bed. I know my source of compost and know it has been heated sufficiently to kill all the weed seeds, so that would have killed any cocoons, too. And I see none of the worms in my purchased compost pile. But I had work done on my septic system, and soil was brought in.

According to Brad, freezing temperatures kill all the adult worms each winter. Unfortunately, it does not kill the eggs, which over-winter and start the cycle again. The eggs hatch once the soil temperature reaches 50 degrees, perhaps in April or May. He said it takes 70 to 90 days to reach maturity, at which point they start producing eggs; they continue to produce eggs from late June until frost.

So what can you do? If you have a new infestation you can try removing them by hand. Scientists often use a solution of yellow mustard powder in water to get worms to come to the surface. One third cup per gallon of water. But if you have a large area, that might not be practical. The best time to do this is in early summer before new worms have reached maturity.

Brad said you can heat the soil to kill the worms by solarizing it with clear plastic. Worms — and castings — will self-destruct at 104 degrees for three days, perhaps less. Unfortunately, that will not work in forests or shady beds, which is where I have them.

The worms can live in sunny beds if they are mulched. In fact, Brad told me, the worms have an enzyme that allows them to eat wood mulch. I wonder if mulching with peastone or small gravel instead of bark mulch or leaves might help to reduce the problem. If they run out of food, they may well die out. That theory has not been tested, and you may not like the look of a stone mulch. If you do this, please let me know if it helps.

My worm problem so far exists only in one large shady area. Here’s my plan: After frost I will rake off leaves and mulch (and collect and destroy any worms I see). Worms are usually within an inch or two of the surface. I will treat those leaves as toxic waste as they probably will have cocoons in them, which I don’t want to get into my compost pile

Hopefully I can burn my rakings in the driveway to destroy the leaves and cocoons. Then I will cut back all my perennials and go over the area with a flame weeder. This is a torch attached to an 8-gallon propane tank that sends out a big flame. That should burn up the cocoons on the soil surface. Flame weeders are available from Johnny’s Selected Seeds or Fedco seeds.

Brad told me of a product, BotaniGard, that contains a fungus that is listed for use to kill the worms. However, according to a University of Vermont study I read, it is only about 70 percent effective in a lab setting. That is not good enough for me, especially since even a solitary worm can produce viable eggs. And it sells for $90 a pound.

When buying nursery stock, look for coffee grounds on the surface of the pot, and when removing the root ball, look for worms. If you see either, do not plant it, and report the problem to the seller. Check purchased compost for worms, too. Clean your tools and shoes if working in beds with worms — the egg cocoons are tiny and not visible to the naked eye.

Featured photo: Jumping worms usually have a white clitellum and move fast when disturbed. Courtesy photo.

The Art Roundup 21/10/07

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

• Together again: Don’t miss the final weekend of Greater Tuna at The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). The long-running off-Broadway play by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard first opened in 1981 and is one of the most produced plays in American theater history, according to a press release. Two actors — Andrew Pinard and Eric Stanley — portray 20 different characters as they create a tour de farce of Tuna, a caricature of small-town life. Pinard, who is also the owner of the Hatbox Theatre, and Stanley are reprising the roles they played together in a production of Greater Tuna that ran at the Annichiarico Music Theatre in Concord in 1991, the release said. Showtimes are on Friday, Oct. 8, and Saturday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 10, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com or call 715-2315.

• For the kids: The Palace Youth Theatre student actors (kids in grades 2 through 12) will present Clue Jr. High School Edition on Tuesday, Oct. 12, and Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $15. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

•​ Call for art: Creative Ventures Gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford) is accepting submissions of artwork for its annual holiday exhibit, “Small Works — Big Impact.” The exhibit, which will be on display during November and December, features small works of art priced affordably for gift buying. Local professional and non-professional artists are welcome. Artwork may include two- or three-dimensional pieces in any style and medium, with an exterior frame size limited to 13 inches in any direction. The registration deadline is Saturday, Oct. 23. Artists are also invited to present their work at an opening reception at the gallery on Friday, Nov. 12. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.

•​ Shoe show: The Women’s Caucus for Art’s New Hampshire Chapter has an exhibit, “Kick-Start,” on view at Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen) now through Oct. 31. Also known as “the shoe show,” the exhibit features shoe-themed art by two dozen artists in a variety of media, including paintings, sculptures, artist books, small installations, photography, drawings and mixed-media pieces. “All the work is really different,” gallery director Laura Morrison told the Hippo earlier this month. “No one piece is like the other. We have things that are very serious, things that are just plain silly, things that are really powerful.” Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com or call 975-0015.

ART

Exhibits

• JOAN L. DUNFEY EXHIBITION Features artwork in a variety of media by regional NHAA members and non-members that follows the theme “Portals.” On display at the New Hampshire Art Association’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, 136 State St., Portsmouth. Now through Nov. 28. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 431-4230.

• “AROUND NEW HAMPSHIRE” On exhibit at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center, 49 S. Main St., Concord, on view now through Dec. 16. Featuring the work of New Hampshire Art Association member Elaine Farmer, the exhibit features her oil paintings embodying New Hampshire’s iconic views and ideals, ranging from mountain lakes and birch tree woods to historic landmarks. Visit concordnhchamber.com or nhartassociation.org.

• “AS PRECIOUS AS GOLD: CARPETS FROM THE ISLAMIC WORLD” Exhibit features 32 carpets dating from the 15th century to the 19th century. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). Opens Oct. 23. Museum admission tickets cost $15, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, and must be booked online. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• “SALON 2021” Exhibition features offbeat and experimental works in a variety of media by regional artists with diverse studio practices and artistic approaches. The Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com). Nov. 6 through Jan. 6.

• “THE DYSFUNCTION OF SOCIAL PRACTICE” Kelley Stelling Contemporary presents an exhibition featuring paintings, sculpture and performance works by five New Hampshire artists. Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord). Opens Nov. 20. Visit kelleystellingcontemporary.com.

Fairs and markets

• CONCORD ARTS MARKET Outdoor artisan and fine art market. Every third Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., through October. Rollins Park (33 Bow St., Concord). Visit concordartsmarket.net.

• WOMEN’S ARTISAN FAIR Girls at Work, a Manchester-based nonprofit that empowers girls through woodworking and building, features handcrafted fashion pieces, home goods, paintings and other visual arts by women artisans. Fri., Oct 15, and Sat. Oct. 16. Visit girlswork.org or call 345-0392.

THEATER

Shows

•​ GLORIOUS The Winnipesaukee Playhouse presents. 33 Footlight Circle, Meredith. Now through Oct. 9, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 to $37. Visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.

•​ CRUEL INTENTIONS THE ’90s MUSICAL The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents. Now through Oct. 23, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $32 to $50. Visit seacoastrep.org.

•​ 9/12 New World Theatre presents. Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth). Oct. 8 through Oct. 17, with showtimes on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $22 for seniors age 65 and up and students. Visit playersring.org.

• BAREFOOT IN THE PARK The Community Players of Concord present. Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). Fri., Oct. 15, and Sat., Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m., and Sun., Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $18 for youth age 17 and under and seniors age 65 and up before Oct. 13, and an additional $2 after Oct. 13. Visit communityplayersofconcord.org.

• MATILDA THE MUSICAL JR. The Peacock Players present. Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua) from Oct. 15 through Oct. 24, with showtimes on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit peacockplayers.org.

• MAMMA MIA The Palace Theatre presents. 80 Hanover St., Manchester. Oct. 15 through Nov. 14, with showtimes on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at noon and 5 p.m. Tickets cost $39 to $46 for adults and $25 for children. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• AMERICAN SON The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). Oct. 15 through Oct. 24, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• HEATHERS THE MUSICAL Presented by Cue Zero Theatre Company. Oct. 22 through Oct. 24. Derry Opera House, 29 W. Broadway, Derry. Visit cztheatre.com.

• TRUE TALES LIVE Monthly showcase of storytellers. Held virtually via Zoom. Last Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Now through December. Visit truetaleslivenh.org.

Classical

• “FROM DARKNESS TO HOPE” The New Hampshire Philharmonic concert will feature Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber and Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony. Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem). Sat., Oct. 16, and Sun., Oct. 17. Visit nhphil.org.

•​ FALL CONCERT The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra performsTchaikovsky’s Tempest, Julius Eastman’s “Gay Guerilla” and Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. The Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, themusichall.org, 436-2400). Sun., Oct. 24, 3 p.m. Tickets cost $25 to $35 for adults, $25 to $30 for seniors age 60 and up and $20 for students.

•​ “SUITES AND SCHUBERT” Symphony New Hampshire presents music by Bach, Schubert and Florence Price, the first African American female composer to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra in 1933. St. Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church (39 Chandler St., Nashua). Fri., Nov. 5. Visit symphonynh.org.

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