Quality of Life 23/11/02

Volunteer spirit

Seventy volunteers and nonprofits were honored at Volunteer NH’s 20th Spirit of NH Awards in Concord for their exceptional community service, according to a press release. Hosted by WMUR’s Sean McDonald and Erin Fehlau and streamed by ConcordTV, the ceremony recognized individuals and groups in various categories. Notable awardees included Sophia Day from Girl Scouts, Dana Hedrick from the Animal Rescue League, and the Concord Hospital End of Life Volunteer Program. Special mentions included Justin Vanasse, who received the Spirit of NH Award for resource work at Southern New Hampshire University, Doug Moorhead with a Lifetime Achievement Award for 30 years of service to Special Olympics, and Kari Karwedsky, the People’s Choice Award recipient for her work with FIRST Robotics. Volunteer NH, based in Concord, champions community-building through volunteerism in New Hampshire.

QOL score: +1

Comment: “Volunteers are the backbone of our communities,” said Gretchen Stallings, Executive Director of Volunteer NH, in the release.

Future teachers

Bedford Academy is joining forces with Southern New Hampshire University to offer its students an enhanced educational experience and pave the way for future educators, according to a press release. Aspiring teachers from SNHU will join Bedford Academy’s classrooms, acquiring hands-on experience. This partnership give teacher candidates a chance to develop their skills in a real-world setting.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Bedford Academy, a private STEAM-inspired elementary school.

Safe walking

In observance of October’s Pedestrian Safety Awareness Month, a study by Bumper highlighted the rise in pedestrian fatalities across the U.S. However, New Hampshire stands out, reporting the lowest death rate of the 50 states with 0.58 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 population in 2021, making it the safest state for pedestrians in the country. Additionally, the Granite State has seen a reduction in fatalities over recent years, from 10 in 2019 to 8 in 2021, marking a 39.58 percent decline.

QOL score: 0 (because while NH is in a good position comparatively, any pedestrian death or injury is too much)

Comment: Experts emphasized a few key precautions to prevent pedestrian accidents: pedestrians should use crosswalks, don reflective gear at night, and avoid distractions like texting. Drivers, especially those in SUVs, should yield to walkers, obey speed limits, and avoid alcohol and device distractions.

Clock o’clock

Sunday, Nov. 5, marks the end of daylight saving time. We all officially “fall back” at 2 a.m.

QOL score: –2

Comments: Because “yay” for the extra hour of sleep on Sunday but “boo” for having to remember how to access the clocks on your non-smart appliances, for the general approaching-winter post-work-day darkness and for changing clocks twice a year at all.

QOL score: 91
Net change: 0
QOL this week: 91

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

News & Notes 23/11/02

NH efforts

After a shooting in Lewiston, Maine, which resulted in 18 fatalities, New Hampshire’s Department of Safety actively monitored the situation and provided significant assistance, according to a press release. The state dispatched its SWAT team, shuttled blood donations and offered other critical resources. Maine authorities led a manhunt for the suspect, who was later found deceased in a trailer at a former workplace. Gov. Chris Sununu issued the following statement: “Grateful for the efforts of Maine State Police who led the manhunt to bring closure to this challenging search. Thanks to the men and women of our own New Hampshire State Police for their tireless assistance. It is time for the communities in Maine to heal and I hope the families of this tragic situation can heal in peace.”

Biden write-in

In an unprecedented move, New Hampshire Democrats, including numerous state lawmakers and prominent figures like filmmaker Ken Burns, have initiated a write-in campaign supporting President Joe Biden for the state’s presidential primary, NHPR reported. This comes after Biden opted not to list his name on the New Hampshire ballot, following the Democratic National Committee’s decision to prioritize South Carolina as the first primary state. The “Write-In Biden” website guides voters on the write-in process and critiques the DNC’s decision as “misguided.” Despite Biden’s notable lead in local Democratic polls, Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips has entered the fray, emphasizing the younger generation’s desire for alternative nominees. The write-in initiative marks a historic moment, as campaigns of this nature targeting a sitting president during the New Hampshire primary have never occurred before, according to the article.

New AUSA

U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young has announced the appointment of Tiffany Scanlon as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) to handle domestic terrorism and violent crimes in the District of New Hampshire. AUSA Scanlon brings with her a wealth of experience from her tenure since 2012 at the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, where she worked in various units, including the Major Felony and Gang Units. Throughout her career she has prosecuted numerous severe criminal cases, such as homicides and armed robberies. In May 2023 the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Hampshire was allocated two new attorney positions, with one focused on Civil Rights yet to be filled.

School security

The New Hampshire Department of Education has opened its third round of applications for the Security Action for Education (SAFE) grants program, according to a press release. This program will allocate $10 million to district and public charter schools to bolster school security, with a focus on enhancing access control, emergency alerting, and surveillance. Although $13.9 million has been awarded in previous rounds, schools that haven’t received grants before will be given priority in this round. Applications can be submitted to the Public School Infrastructure Commission, and the maximum award for any school will not surpass $100,000. Award decisions will likely be made in the first quarter of 2024.

Honorees

U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan honored Dr. Reiko Johnson of Newfields and Dr. Nathan Swanson of Durham as October’s Granite Staters of the Month for their contributions to the community, according to a press release. Dr. Johnson founded Volunteers in Medicine of New Hampshire (VIM-NH) to cater to uninsured and underinsured patients. Recognizing a need for dental care among these patients, she collaborated with Dr. Swanson to organize VIM-NH’s inaugural Dental Day of Caring. The event witnessed volunteer dentists providing 19 extractions, 10 fillings and one root canal, donating services worth $11,531. Sen. Hassan’s “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative acknowledges remarkable New Hampshire residents for their community contributions.

FEMA funds

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded New Hampshire more than $26 million in reimbursements for Covid-19-related costs, according to a press release. Of this, a grant of $24,410,106 will be directed to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services for staffing vaccination sites, having facilitated the vaccination of around 36,727 vulnerable individuals. Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital will receive $1,770,931 to cover expenses tied to a Covid-19 testing system and related public service announcements. In addition, the state will receive nearly $1.4 million for renting and operating warehouse space from April 2020 to July 2022, which stored and distributed essential Covid-19 supplies. To date, FEMA’s Public Assistance program has reimbursed New Hampshire more than $286 million for pandemic expenses.

In Pembroke, more than 50 “No Coal No Gas” activists rallied by the Merrimack River, urging Granite Shore Power to transition from coal to solar energy at the Merrimack Station. Several were arrested after clashing with Bow Police on trespassing claims.

The Greater Manchester Chamber (GMC) reports that more than 20 nonprofits will participate in the “Find Your Cause” event organized by the Manchester Young Professionals (MYP). Presented by Southern New Hampshire University, this event, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Rex Theatre, aims to connect young professionals in Manchester with nonprofit leaders and opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to interact directly with each organization before the nonprofits present their two-minute pitches. Registration is available on Eventbrite, and nonprofits interested in joining can contact the GMC for more information.

The Nashua Public Library will host a Veterans Day celebration on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Chandler Wing, according to a press release. Inspired by a previous Salute to Service display, this year’s event will feature live music, miniature military vehicle displays and a preview of a WWII oral history project. Attendees can engage in crafting buttons and cards for veterans. Veteran organizations will be present to provide resources. Visit nashualibrary.org.

Want s’mores — The Hippo — 10/26/23

John Fladd considers the s’more — that warm, gooey, crunchy, melty blend of marshmallow, chocolate and graham cracker that would go so perfectly with a late October campfire — from all angles, getting experts to weigh in on the perfect chocolate, the various approaches to marshmallow and even how to build a good fire. Along the way, he offers other recipes that bring those familiar flavors together, rounding it all off with a s’mores martini.

Also on the cover Michael Witthaus talks to comedian Steve Bjork, who will bring the laughs to Murphy’s Taproom in Manchester on Saturday, Oct. 28 (see the story on page 33). Find more comedy shows in the Comedy This Week listings on page 38. Author Jodi Picoult comes to the Palace Theatre (page 18). Jals Cuisine Bantu brings African cuisine to Nashua (page 27).

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frontpage of hippo showing marshmallow on stick being squished between chocolate and graham crackers, text want s'mores
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The Weekly Dish 23/10/26

News from the local food scene

  • Market happenings: The Concord Farmers Market which runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays next to the Statehouse concludes its season this coming Saturday, Oct. 28. Kids are invited to come in costume and trick-or-treat the vendors.
  • The Salem Farmers Market (held at The Mall at Rockingham Park between Dick’s and Cinemark) is also holding its final outdoor market of the season this Sunday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (starting Sunday, Nov. 5, the market returns to its winter indoor state at LaBelle Winery in Derry from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Sunday’s market will be a Halloween Fest with costume contests for kids, pups and adults; crafts for kids and trick-or-treating the vendors, according to the market’s Facebook page.
  • Holiday planning: You may still be in Halloween mode but planning that Thanksgiving dinner menu has already begun in the form of the “Cooking with Wine: Thanksgiving Recipes” class at LaBelle Winery (14 Route 111 in Derry; labellewinery.com) on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. The cost is $40 and the class will include wine pairings, recipes for stuffing and gravy and a discussion of wet- versus dry-brining a turkey, according to the website.
  • A similar “Holiday Recipes” class will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. at the LaBelle in Derry. Recipes for this class will include candied kielbasa, LaBelle Red Wine caramalized onion dip and more. Admission costs $40.

On The Job – Rebecca Cardamone

Mobile boutique owner

Rebecca Cardamone owns The Trendy Dog, a mobile boutique based in Pelham selling items for dog lovers.

Explain your job and what it entails.

I own a retail pop-up shop and e-commerce business. I travel all over New England with my mobile boutique to different fairs and festivals. I also sell my products online at thetrendydogllc.com. My products include apparel and home decor for people who love dogs. I’m an authorized “Dog is Good” retailer and carry many other brands as well.

How long have you had this job?

I just started my business in the spring of 2023.

What led you to this career field and your current job?

My love for dogs.

What kind of education or training did you need?

I have a degree in biology and worked in biotech for almost 20 years before deciding to pursue my dream of opening a business that allows me to combine my love of dogs and merchandising.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

Yoga pants and one of the T-shirts or sweatshirts that I sell.

What is the most challenging thing about your work, and how do you deal with it?

The most challenging aspect is maintaining a work-life balance while running my own business. Mastering that balance is a work in progress.

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

I wish I had enough confidence earlier in my life to pursue my dream of owning a retail shop or e-commerce business.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

I wish people knew how genuinely happy it makes me to hear all about their pups.

What was the first job you ever had?

My first job was at a small dry cleaning business in Nashua.

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

Find something you are truly passionate about and a way to turn it into your full-time career.

Five favorites

Favorite book:
Any mystery or Stephen King book
Favorite movie: It’s a tie between Braveheart and Knives Out.
Favorite music: The Fray or Fleetwood Mac
Favorite food: Mexican and Italian
Favorite thing about NH: Fall foliage and the community in my small town

Featured photo: Rebecca Cardamone. Courtesy photo.

Kiddie Pool 23/10/26

Family fun for whenever

City trick-or-treat

• The Spooktacular Downtown Trick-or-Treating Extravaganza in Manchester will take place Friday, Oct. 27, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. The afternoon will feature family-friendly activities, treats and more, according to a press release from Mayor Joyce Craig’s office. Craig will hand out books to kids, who are encouraged to dress up and visit participating businesses. Stanton Plaza will feature children’s activities, a live DJ and more, the release said.

• Intown Concord will host a Halloween Howl on Friday, Oct. 27, on Main Street. At 5 p.m. there will be a free kids’ fun run in Bicentennial Square, followed by activities including trick-or-treating, witch hat ring toss, Trunk or Treat and a Pumpkin Photo Op from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. At 5:45 p.m. there will be a “not so scary” costume parade, and participants will gather at City Plaza in front of the Statehouse arch. Additionally, there will be a costume contest at 6 p.m. on Capitol Street. Pre-registration is required for the costume contest. Visit members.intownconcord.org.

Halloween in the park

• The City of Nashua will host its Halloween Boo Bash on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Greeley Park (100 Concord St.). Activities include hay rides, pumpkin decorating, a haunted house and a bonfire. Costumes are encouraged at this free event. See nashuanh.gov.

• Join the town of Merrimack for its 31st Annual Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 28, from noon to 3 p.m. at Wasserman Park (116 Naticook Road). There will be a costume contest and a Pumpkin Race Car Derby along with free games, crafts and face painting. Nonprofit organizations Merrimack Friends & Families and Less Leg More Heart will have food for sale. Visit merrimackparksandrec.org.

Spooktacular tunes

• CAKE Theatre (12 Veterans Square, Laconia, 677-6360) will host a Spook N’ Groove hangout and dance party with mixed drinks, root beer floats, doughnut ice cream sundaes and more on Friday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. The theater level dance party has a DJ and laser lights. Kids 12 and under admitted free with a paid adult. Admission for teens and adults 13+ is $10 per person. Costumes are welcome but not required.

• Join kids’ musician Laurie Berkner for a Halloween show at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Saturday, Oct. 28, with performances at 11 a.m.and 3 p.m. Laurie will blend her hits with Halloween tunes. Attendees are encouraged to wear dancing shoes and bring a stuffed animal. Tickets cost $31.75 to $86.75 at ccanh.com/show/laurie-berkner.

Trunk or treat

Find our list of area trunk-or-treats and trick-or-treat times in our roundup of Halloween happenings in the Oct. 19 issue, available at hippopress.com. Here are a few places to trick-or-treat this weekend.

Milford: Trick-or-treat at the Oval on Friday, Oct. 27, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. downtown. Visit milford.nh.gov.

Concord Farmers Market: Wear costumes and trick-or-treat at vendors at the Saturday, Oct. 28, market, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Capitol Street (next to the Statehouse).

Manchester: Trick-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 28, from noon to 2 p.m. at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive). Visit trick-or-treat-at-the-ballpark.

Derry: Trick-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 28, from noon to 3 p.m. downtown. Visit derrynh.org.

Amherst: Trunk-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 4 p.m. in the Clark-Wilkins School parking lot (80 Boston Post Road). Visit amherstnh.gov.

Hudson: Trunk-Or-Treat on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hudson Mall (77 Derry Road in Hudson; thehudsonmall.com).

Bedford: Trunk-or-treat on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Murphy’s Tap Room parking lot at 393 Route 101. See bedfordnh.myrec.com.

Zombies & pumpkins

New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival returns to Laconia

By Dan Humer
listings@hippopress.com

The New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival will feature a zombie walk, a road race, a costume parade, street performers, a beer garden and more, running Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28, in downtown Laconia.

On Friday, Oct. 27, events run from 4 to 8 p.m. and include KidsZones (featuring a climbing wall, bungy jump and inflatables), the Great New England Craft and Artisan Show (at City Hall), beer gardens at Hectors Fine Food & Spirits and the 405 Beer Garden on Beacon Street West in the City Hall parking lot and food trucks, vendors and street performers.

A zombie walk starts in Veterans Square at 6 p.m. and a Spook’N Grove Halloween Dance Party takes place at the CAKE Theatre (12 Veterans Square in Laconia; thecaketheatre.com — tickets cost $10 for 13+, 12 and under are free) from 7 to 10 p.m.

On Saturday, Oct. 28, events run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and include the Runaway Pumpkin 5K/10k Run/Walk in Opechee Park ( 9 a.m.); Hobo Pumpkin Express Train Rides (every hour starting at 11 a.m.; see website for tickets); a Wicked Pumpkin Cornhole Tournament at noon; a pie eating contest (every hour from 11 to 4 p.m. in Veterans Square); a scavenger hunt; the beer gardens; the craft & artisan show; thousands of pumpkins on display; a children’s costume parade (1 p.m.); Recycled Percussion at the Cake Theatre (see thecaketheatre.com for tickets); Amy Grant at the Colonial Theatre (609 Main St. in Laconia ;see coloniallaconia.com for tickets), live music and more, according to nhpumpkinfestival.com, where you can find a complete schedule.

Karmen Gifford, president of the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, which is one of the event’s organizers, said that the festival has in previous years drawn more than 40,000 people from different parts of New England, and even as far away as California and Canada. She said the event is an opportunity to celebrate, but also a way for the Chamber to support and promote other organizations and businesses local to New Hampshire.

“We try to blend it all together. Come out and spend the day, ” Gifford said.

The CAKE Theatre — Chaos and Kindness Experience Theatre — will host the zombie walk and will be putting on a pumpkin display with the help of their many volunteers. Melissa Aupperle, brand director at CAKE, says this is only their second year since the pandemic in being involved with the pumpkin festival. Aupperle said Recycled Percussions shows at the CAKE are all-ages-friendly.

“We want to curate some good things for everyone,” Aupperle said.

Jody Donohue is the organizer behind the Great New England Craft and Artisan Show, which will run across the two days. The event will have more 100 exhibitors, consisting of artisan local

designers and blacksmiths who create handmade products of all kinds, as well as specialty food vendors showing off their unique pastries and desserts. Visitors can expect to see anything from old clarinet parts turned into household lamps to ghost and goblin decor sets made from driftwood to welcome in the spooky season, Donohue said.

New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival
When: Friday, Oct. 27, from 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (with the road race beginning at 8 p.m.)
Where: Downtown Laconia on Main Street and Beacon Street East as well as Beacon Street West, Veterans Park and streets in between.
More info: nhpumpkinfestival.com for a schedule, map and links to ticketed items

Featured image: Jodi Picoult. Photo by Rainer Hosch.

Celebrate the humanities

Nonprofit group holds celebration with Jodi Picoult

For the past 50 years, New Hampshire Humanities has worked to keep the humanities alive in the Granite State. The Annual Celebration of the Humanities, which this year also serves as a way to kick off the nonprofit’s 50th year, will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at The Palace Theatre in Manchester with bestselling author Jodi Picoult as the keynote speaker.

“The annual celebration is our chance once a year to really bring people together from all around the state to celebrate the work that we do as a humanities council [and] to celebrate the fact that there’s wonderful things happening in the humanities all over New Hampshire,” said Michael Goldman, the executive director of the organization. “We have a tradition of bringing really interesting speakers to New Hampshire, or often when we can, we try to celebrate people who are connected to New Hampshire.”

The New Hampshire Humanities is an independent nonprofit that has worked to keep beneficial cultural work and programs happening throughout the state. Through its affiliation with the National Endowment for the Humanities and funding from public partners, it can help fund organizations such as libraries, museums, historical societies and other cultural centers.

“We really try to bring in someone who’s a really inspiring person connected to the larger field of humanities work, whether it’s an author … or somebody who’s really helping bring out the story of New Hampshire, the United States or the world in general,” Goldman said. “Jodi Picoult is a great example. … She’s really unflinching at taking things that are big topics for the world around us [and] really digging into what those issues are and bringing those stories to life.”

Such topics include ethics surrounding medical work and LGBTQ rights; her most recent novel, Mad Honey, addresses issues surrounding people who are transgender in the United States. Several of her books have been banned, which Goldman says she has responded to from the perspective of both a parent and an author. More recently, she has come together with other authors to sign a suit against artificial intelligence using the copyrighted works of writers.

During the event she will talk about writing and the research process, her collaboration with other writers and what brings her joy. The program will be preceded by a reception with appetizers and refreshments.

“This is an event that is really about bringing in a broad audience, both of people who know New Hampshire Humanities and care about the humanities [while] at the same time [hoping] to introduce the work that we do to a broader audience, so it’s a combination of things,” Goldman said. “It’s a celebration of all the wonderful ideas and discussion and dialogue that the humanities includes, and we’re celebrating that for the evening with some amazing authors and hoping to help people think about big ideas.”

2023 Annual Celebration of the Humanities
When: Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 5 p.m.
Where: The Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester
Cost: Tickets range from $35 to $50; visit palacetheatre.org to purchase.

Featured image: Jodi Picoult. Photo by Rainer Hosch.

The Art Roundup 23/10/26

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

  • Bard-adjacent: Actorsingers presents the musical farce Something Rotten at the Keefe Center for the Arts (117 Elm St. in Nashua) on Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students. The production is set in the 1590s when brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are trying to write a hit play that will get them out from the shadow of “The Bard” and are told by a soothsayer that the future of theater is singing and dancing and acting, according to actorsingers.org.
  • Spooky soiree: The Windham Concert Band and the Amherst Town Band will play a Halloween-themed selection of music including Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries,” Edvard Grieg’s “March of the Trolls” and more on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Souhegan High School (412 Boston Post Road in Amherst), according to a press release. Costume-wearing is encouraged; the event is free.
  • Quoth the raven: “Nevermore,” an exhibit that “pays homage to the mesmerizing allure of the darkness,” is on display at the Mosaic Art Collective (66 Hanover St., Suite 201, in Manchester; 512-6209, mosaicartcollective.com) through Tuesday, Oct. 31, according to a press release. The gallery is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 2 to 6 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., and by appointment.

NH Furniture Masters
The New Hampshire Furniture Masters are collaborating with the League of NH Craftsmen for the exhibit “Connecting through Craft” on display through Thursday, Dec. 14, at the League of NH Craftsmen Headquarters Gallery (49 S. Main St. in Concord). The pieces in the exhibition were created during a partnership that paired New Hampshire Furniture Masters with League members, according to a press release. The gallery is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m., the release said.

On Saturday, Oct. 28, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., the Furniture Masters will hold a Signature Fundraising Gala at the gallery. Attendees can explore the exhibit, talk to the makers and bid on silent auction items as well as enjoy food, drink and live music from Hot Skillet Club (a jazz band trio), the release said. Tickets cost $50 and are available at furnituremasters.org/the-main-event.

  • Landscapes: The New Hampshire Antique Co-Op (323 Elm St. in Milford; 673-8499; nhantiquecoop.com) is currently featuring the exhibit “Celebrating the American Landscape” featuring pieces from the late 1800s to the present, highlighting The White Mountain School, the Dublin Art Colony and the Hudson River School, according to a press release. The exhibit is on display through Jan. 31. The Co-op is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Veterans’ art: New Hampshire Veterans Home (139 Winter St. in Tilton; nh.gov/veterans, 527-4400) will host an art show in the Town Hall great room on Friday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. featuring veterans’ art displays as well as live music, demonstrations and conversations with veteran and visiting artists (from The Galleries at 30 Main in Meredith), according to a press release.

This Week 23/10/26

Big Events October 26, 2023 and beyond

Tuesday, Oct. 31

Get ready for trick-or-treat! Whether you’re walking the neighborhood with your candy-seekers or handing out treats to little Jedi, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Barbies, tonight is the big night in Concord (from 5 to 7:30 p.m.), Manchester (6 to 8 p.m.) and Nashua (6 to 8 p.m.). A few area towns hold trick-or-treat Sunday or Monday evening. Find our list of area trick-or-treat times in our roundup of Halloween happenings in the Oct. 19 issue, available at hippopress.com.

Friday, Oct. 27

Get classic thrills with The Lodger, Sabotage and The 39 Steps at the Majestic Theatre (880 Page St. in Manchester; majestictheatre.net, 669-7649) presented as part of Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play today through Sunday Oct. 29, with showtimes at 7 p.m. on Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for 65+ and 17 and under.

Friday, Oct. 27

The Witch of Weston Tower will haunt McIntyre Ski Area (50 Chalet Court, Manchester) from tonight through Sunday, Oct. 29. Activities will run on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For a scenic chairlift to Weston Tower, tickets are $22 for adults, $15 for children and seniors, and $5 for children 5 and under. Those who do not wish to ride the chairlift to Weston Tower may purchase a witch ticket, which is a $10 donation per family. For an additional cost there will be food trucks, face painting and pumpkin painting. The proceeds from the event will benefit the Manchester Historical Association. Additionally, on Saturday there will be a touch-a-truck and a trunk-or-treat event that are free to attend. See mcintyreskiarea.com.

Friday, Oct. 27

There will be some zomb-ertunities this weekend. Tonight the downtown trick-or-treat in Rochester will feature a Zombie Walk at 7 p.m.; see rochestermainstreet.org for details. The New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival in Laconia will also feature a zombie walk tonight at 6 p.m.; see the story on page 20 for details. Tomorrow, the 17th Annual Dover Zombie Walk will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. Visit facebook.com/doverzombiewalkd and admission is free.

Saturday, Oct. 28

Halloween runs: The 2nd Annual Halloween Howl Hustle for Housing, a 5K to benefit Fellowship Housing Opportunities, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Masonic Lodge in Concord. Visit runsignup.com/ halloweenhowlhustle5k. The Amherst Orthodontics Trick or Trot 3K will be held at Arms Park in Manchester on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. At 9:30 a.m. there will be a Kids Halloween Festival featuring vendors, magic and animals. Visit millenniumrunning.com/trick-or-trot to register.

Saturday, Oct. 28

It’s a big night for grown-up Halloween parties: Derryfield (625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880) will feature cover band Mugsy and D-Comp for the Halloween Monster Bash. Find more nightlife events in the Music This Week in this issue on page 34 and in last week’s issue (Oct. 19) on page 18 (find the e-edition at hippopress.com).

Save the Date! Friday, Nov. 24
The curtain rises on A Christmas Carol at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) on Friday, Nov. 24, with shows Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Dec. 23. Tickets cost $28 to $49.

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

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