Veggies for Granite Staters
Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH) is helping local residents with limited incomes to participate in Community Supported Agriculture at local farms, according to a press release. NOFA-NH raises half the money to purchase CSA shares, the farms donate a quarter of the cost and the participants pay the other quarter, the release said. “In partnership with 25 New Hampshire farms, this year’s program is connecting over 400 of Granite Staters with 115 farm shares, providing community members in need with fresh, local food access at discounted prices across the state. … Shares span 7 – 26+ weeks during the growing season. Over half of the recipients served are children, families, and seniors,” the release said.
“We believe that everyone should have access to local, organic, ecologically grown, nutrient-dense foods, regardless of income,” said Executive Director Julie Davenson in the press release. “NOFA-NH’s Farm Share Program illustrates the strength and impact of New Hampshire’s organic farming community. Through intentional collaboration and support, individuals, farms, businesses, foundations, and nonprofits are working together to improve food access for our neighbors in need across the Granite State.”
See nofanh.org/donate for more information about the program, to donate and for a list of participating farms and information about their CSA programs.
Plant swap
In addition to early summer being plant sale season for area garden clubs and other local organizations, now is also Plant Swap season. The Wilton Public & Gregg Free Library, 7 Forest Road in Wilton, for example, is currently running a plant swap, according to a newsletter sent June 2. Bring healthy plants or seeds in a container you don’t need back and label it with the kind of plant, care instructions and tips, the newsletter said. The library is open Tuesday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 1:30 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the newsletter said. Have any upcoming plant sales or upcoming or on-going plant swaps? Let us know at adiaz@hippopress.com.
Longtime friends
Celebrate the “250 Years of France-U.S. Friendship” with summer mini classes from the Franco American Centre New Hampshire, according to a recent newsletter. The organization is offering two summer 2026 mini classes, one of which is focused on “cultural workshop exploring the people, ideas, traditions, and artistic achievements that have shaped France,” according to facnh.com/introclasses-workshops. That class runs five Tuesdays in July and August from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Franco American Centre is also offering a mini class on “Verbs: The Foundation of French Grammar” which will run five Thursdays in July and August from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., according to the website, where you can register for either class.
“Song of Democracy” will be performed along with “other stirring music that evokes a vast range of the American experience” by the New Hampshire Master Chorale on Saturday, June 20, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Concord and on Sunday, June 21, at 4 p.m. at the Plymouth Congregational Church, according to a press release. For tickets, see events.ticketleap.com/tickets/nhmc-4/song-of-democracy.
“Art in Bloom Celebration” will take place Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14, at the Center for the Arts Members Gallery, 428 Main St. in New London. Local garden clubs and florists will create floral interpretations inspired by selected works from “Emergence,” a spring juried members exhibition at the gallery, according to a press release. See cfanh.org.
The Hollis Social Library will host “Women of ‘76 with Rita Parisi” on Saturday, June 13, at 7 p.m. in the Lawrence Barn in Hollis. Actress and playwright Parisi will offer a solo performance of historical women from the Revolutionary period, according to hollislibrary.org, where you can register to attend.
The Seacoast LitFest runs Thursday, June 11, through Sunday, June 14, at the Music Hall in Portsmouth, according to a press release. Events include multiple author talks including with Jenna Bush Hager (June 11), Temple Grandin (June 12) and Jill Lepore (June 14); a book fair and kid book giveaway on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; panels; book signings and more, the release said. See themusichall.org for a complete schedule and to purchase tickets to some of the events.