The Hippo Press – Page 39

Quality of Life 23/07/20

A rain-soaked Sunday

Torrential rain in New Hampshire caused significant damage, including sinkholes, flooded basements and over 120 road closures, NHPR reported. The downpour lasted throughout Sunday, July 16, with flash flood warnings in effect for most of the day. The continuous rain disrupted traffic and made many roads impassable, presenting challenges for authorities. State emergency officials activated support teams to aid communities dealing with flooded and damaged roads while urging residents to stay inside if possible and drivers to seek alternate routes when encountering closures or flooding. WMUR reported that Manchester city officials had opened an emergency operations center, and firefighters conducted a rescue operation in Manchester after a driver became trapped in a flooded car.

QOL score: -2

Comment: One of the biggest disruptions was the postponement of The Crayon 301 NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon until Monday. Race officials made the decision to ensure the safety of attendees, WMUR reported. Fans who weren’t able to attend the rescheduled event can exchange their tickets for tickets of equal or lesser value to another race within the next calendar year.

More libraries, more books

The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) campus libraries, including those at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Durham and Manchester campuses, Keene State College (KSC) and Plymouth State University (PSU), now offer free borrowing services to New Hampshire residents. According to a press release, this allows residents to access over 3 million physical and digital items for research, education, and continued learning. Previously, residents had access to library spaces and resources, but free borrowing provides more flexibility. Library cards can be obtained by New Hampshire residents over 18 years old with valid identification and proof of residency. The libraries also provide access to special collections and archives unique to each institution.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The libraries’ special collections provide a number of unique resources for academic exploration and historical research, such as the internationally famous Betty and Barney Hill papers at the Dimond Library at the UNH Durham campus and the Charles and Judith Hildebrandt Collection at the Mason Library at KSC, which supports the only undergraduate program in the U.S. dedicated to Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Recognition for CMC

Catholic Medical Center (CMC) in Manchester has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) with the Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award. According to a press release, this award signifies CMC’s commitment to providing high-quality stroke care based on nationally recognized guidelines, and educating patients, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced disability. Get With The Guidelines is an in-hospital program that helps hospitals align patient care with evidence-based guidelines, ultimately enhancing stroke treatment and preventing long-term effects.

QOL score: +1

Comment: CMC also received the Target: Stroke Honor Roll award and the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award from the AHA for their efforts in reducing treatment time for eligible stroke patients and providing specialized care to those with Type 2 diabetes, according to the release.

QOL score: 80

Net change: 0

QOL this week: 80

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

News & Notes 23/07/20

Running for governor

Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig launched her campaign for governor of New Hampshire with an event at the Rex Theatre in Manchester on July 12, according to a press release. Former Gov. John Lynch, also a Democrat, expressed his support for Craig, highlighting her dedication to making a difference in the lives of Granite Staters and her commitment to supporting public education. Craig emphasized her accomplishments as Manchester’s mayor, including the revitalization of the Rex Theatre and efforts to strengthen the community. Also running for the Democratic nomination is Cinde Warmington, Executive Councilor for District 2.

In a June 6 interview with WMUR, Gov. Chris Sununu said he would decide this summer on whether or not to run for a fifth term as governor.

Micro-credentials

The New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) has partnered with Credentials Unlimited, an organization that offers courses and programs aligned with specific educational standards, to offer micro-credentials focused on the Science of Reading to educators. According to a press release, the goal is to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based reading practices in their classrooms and improve student literacy outcomes. The micro-credentials, aligned with the rigorous standards set by the International Dyslexia Association, are provided at no cost to New Hampshire educators. This program is specifically designed for participants enrolled in NHED’s Leaning Into Literacy LETRS professional development program who successfully complete the Pearson Reading Exam. The initiative aims to support educators in enhancing their teaching techniques and making a positive impact on students’ literacy development.

Want to host an exhibit?

New Hampshire Humanities (NHH) has partnered with Vermont Humanities and the Smithsonian’s Museums on Main Street program to bring the traveling exhibit “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” to small towns in New Hampshire and Vermont from August 2024 to August 2025. According to a press release, NHH is currently accepting proposals from New Hampshire-based organizations interested in hosting the exhibit for a six-week period during the tour. They particularly encourage organizations in small, rural towns or the North Country to apply. Host organizations will not only display the exhibit but also develop complementary programming that engages the local community. NHH will provide grants of up to $3,000 and a subject matter expert to support hosts in creating programming related to the exhibit. The deadline for proposals is July 28, and more information can be found at nhhumanities.org/crossroads.

Trail work

Access to the Cardigan Mountain trail and summit will be periodically limited until Aug. 31 due to a fire tower replacement project, according to the NH Division of Forests and Lands. The project involves using a helicopter to transport materials for the new tower, and hikers are advised not to summit on days when the helicopter is in use for safety reasons. Updates on non-summitting days and trail closures will be posted on the websites and Twitter accounts of the Division of Forests and Lands and the NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The project is expected to be completed by October, and another fire tower cab replacement project at Belknap Mountain will begin later this summer.

Funds to fight abuse

The University of New Hampshire’s Crimes against Children Research Center (CCRC) has received a $1.5 million award from the U.S. Department of Justice to study child abuse in youth-serving organizations. According to a press release, the five-year project aims to assess the feasibility of a national system for counting and tracking child abuse cases in schools, churches, sports and camps. The CCRC will collaborate with various stakeholders to determine the scope of the system, its integration with existing systems and the application of criteria from other areas of health and safety. The study will also examine existing reporting systems and legislative frameworks. Interim findings will be published, and pilot testing will be conducted in the final two years of the project.

New principal

The Manchester School District has announced Shawn Baskerville as the new principal of Weston Elementary School, according to a press release. Baskerville, who has served as an assistant principal in the district since 2011, brings extensive experience in special education and has worked at both the elementary and middle school levels. He replaces Liz MacDonald, who retired after 30 years in the district. Baskerville holds a bachelor’s degree in special education and a master’s degree in educational leadership. The position of assistant principal at Highland-Goffe’s Falls Elementary School, Baskerville’s previous school, is now open. Weston Elementary School serves students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 5 and is one of the 13 elementary schools in the Manchester School District.

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord marked the completion of the first phase of its Science Playground, an outdoor area designed to provide an interactive experience for visitors, with a grand opening on Monday, July 17. According to the press release, the event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Gov. Chris Sununu, and attendees had the opportunity to test out the new playground equipment and engage in hands-on STEM-based activities.

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) has partnered with Exail, a French company specializing in maritime autonomy and robotics, to establish a new innovation hub at the Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex in New Castle. According to a press release, the hub will focus on marine autonomous operations and ocean mapping. An unveiling event on Saturday, July 15, included a demonstration of the 25-foot-long uncrewed surface vessel, DriX.

The Nashua Regional Planning Commission will host a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, Aug. 5, in Nashua. According to a press release, the collection will take place at Nashua City Park & Ride at 25 Crown St. and is open to residents of Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, Pelham and Windham. A user fee of $15 per vehicle will be charged, covering up to 10 gallons or 20 pounds of hazardous waste. Latex paint, electronics and medications will not be accepted. For a complete list of accepted items, visit nashuarpc.org/hhw or call 417-6570.

Artist in the house — 07/13/23

In this week’s cover story we take a look at some of the area artist (and musicians and culinary artists) in residence programs and the events where you can meet the artists — starting with the Currier Museum of Art’s Summer Block Party this Saturday featuring current artist in residence Calder Kamen (pictured above and on the cover with her dog Pixel in a photo courtesy of the Currier).

Also on the cover The Teen Actorsingers return to the stage after a long pandemic break to present the musical comedy Firebringer (page 15). Michael Witthaus talks to Juston McKinney (page 32). And in this week’s food section catch up with two new businesses: the Singing Pond Farm in Hollis and Unwined in Milford.

News & Notes 23/07/13

DCYF head The state’s Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) has a new director, Jeff Fleischer, who will start his job on Aug. 1. According to a press release, ...

Poem to film

Man dressed in white shirt, suspenders, dark pants, sitting in shadowed room with wooden walls, beside table with wooden bowl of vegetables, old time feel

Local filmmaker brings a Frost poem to the screen Local playwright and filmmaker Donald Tongue recently wrapped up filming his adaptation of Robert Frost’s poem “Home Burial” at Canterbury Shaker ...

The week that was

Photo of assorted sports equipment for football, soccer, tennis, golf, baseball, and basketball

The Big Story: With the All-Star Game history, the Red Sox are on the clock to decide whether they’ll be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline, which is 18 ...

Quality of Life 23/07/13

Floods The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for most of New Hampshire from Sunday, July 9, through the morning of Tuesday, July 11, warning that heavy rain could ...

This Week 23/07/13

red classic style car displayed on grassy lawn, hood up on sunny day

Big Events July 13, 2023 and beyond Thursday, July 13 Hillsborough Summer Festival begins tonight from 6 to 10 p.m. at Grimes Field (29 Preston St., Hillsborough). The festival runs ...

Artist in the house

Woman sitting in art studio with colorful materials on table behind her, dog on her lap

Artist in residence programs bring artists, musicians & more into the community PLUS Meet the artists at the Currier’s Block Party Come to a party, meet the artist Resident artist ...

It’s finally showtime

The Teen Actorsingers troupe puts on its first show in three years By Katelyn Sahagian arts@hippopress.com The excitement was palpable while the 13-person cast of Firebringer rehearsed on Tuesday, June ...

The Art Roundup 23/07/13

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities • Willkomen: Actors Cooperate Theatre wraps up its two-week production of Cabaret at the Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road ...

July chores for the gardener

plants in garden beside sticks with corks on top

Have you thinned your root crops yet? For me, July has started off wet: rains, heavy at times, three days a week and going on for weeks. Although I like ...

Treasure Hunt 23/07/13

Hello, Donna. Picked these tickets up at a yard sale last year. Would these be valuable today? I found them interesting. Debbie in Candia Dear Debbie, Pine Island Park is ...

Kiddie Pool 23/07/13

Family fun for the weekend Farm fun • New Hampshire’s 4-H youth will show their animals at the Stratham 4-H Summerfest on Saturday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 ...

On The Job – Renee and Jamie King

selfie of smiling young woman with young girl leaning into her shoulder and smiling

CPR instructors Renee King, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, of Merrimack is a CPR instructor and runs her own business, JandRteachCPR, with help from her 8-year-old daughter, Jamie. Renee King What led ...

The Weekly Dish 23/07/13

News from the local food scene • Art of wine blending: Create your idea of the perfect wine at LaBelle Winery in Derry (14 Route 111) on Saturday, July 15, ...

Relax and Unwined

New wine bar to open in Milford By Mya Blanchard mblanchard@hippopress.com For English sommelier Emma Round, wine is more than just a drink. It stirs up memories, adding depth to ...

Putting down roots

Couple establishes new farm in Hollis By Mya Blanchard mblanchard@hippopress.com Life has been busy for Jack and Audrey Hertenstein Perez. They moved from Chicago to New Hampshire about a year ...

In the kitchen with Chris Davis

Chris Davis has been a cook at Red Arrow Diner for the past six months. Originally from Arizona, Chris moved to New Hampshire to be closer to family, with no ...

Quick Pickled Watermelon Rind with Baking Spice

small mason jar filled with pickled watermelon and peppercorns, sitting on table

Summer is the season of watermelon. Most of the time we simply throw out the rinds. Why not find a use for some of this leftover produce? This recipe is ...

Album Reviews 23/07/13

Craving, Call Of The Sirens (Massacre Records) I’m barely doing Facebook at all lately because I’m trying to finish a new book, but one thing I did notice in my ...

Better Living Through Birding, by Christian Cooper

Better Living Through Birding, by Christian Cooper (Random House, 282 pages) “Writing a memoir is akin to taking off one’s clothes in public” is how Christian Cooper begins his acknowledgments, ...

Joy Ride (R)

film still from Joy Ride showing 4 main cast members standing on porch reacting to something off screen

Four 20-somethings road trip through China in the soft-hearted comedy Joy Ride. Attorney Audrey (Ashley Park) and artist Lolo (Sherry Cola) have been best friends ever since Audrey’s adoptive parents ...

The Music Roundup 23/07/13

Local music news & events • Feel like redo: After what he thought was his final tour in 2019, Peter Frampton came back from a diagnosis of inclusion-body myositis. Thus, ...

Freshmaker

studio photo of man in long sleeve shirt, arms crossed, grinning and looking at camera

LaBelle Winery welcomes comic Juston McKinney Ever a relatable comedian, Juston McKinney tries to find the local angle wherever he performs. His latest YouTube special, On the Bright Side, was ...

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In the kitchen with Chris Davis

Chris Davis has been a cook at Red Arrow Diner for the past six months. Originally from Arizona, Chris moved to New Hampshire to be closer to family, with no prior cooking experience. A self-proclaimed “jack of all trades,” Davis has worked as a mechanic, in contractor work and construction and was ready to try something new.

What is your must-have kitchen item?

Spatulas, because if you don’t have a good spatula it affects how you make your egg … affects how you cook.

What would you have for your last meal?

My last meal would probably be steak and lobster.

What is your favorite local eatery?

Definitely would be here.

Name a celebrity you would like to see eating in your restaurant?

I would probably like to meet Mark Wahlberg.

What is your favorite thing on your menu?

I would have to say the Trump Burger. [The Trump Tower Burger is two grilled cheese sandwiches replacing the bun with a handcrafted beef burger topped with fried mac and cheese and cheese sauce, served with fries, according to the Red Arrow’s menu.]

What is the biggest food trend in NH right now?

Flatbread would probably be the most trending thing going on up here.

What is your favorite thing to cook at home?

Chicken enchiladas.

–Mya Blanchard

Grilled Cajun Shrimp
From the kitchen of Red Arrow Diner

Fresh shrimp sautéed with diced red onion and diced tomatoes sprinkled with Cajun seasoning. Served over a bed of rice pilaf and sautéed baby spinach.

Featured photo: Chris Davis. Courtesy photo.

Putting down roots

Couple establishes new farm in Hollis

By Mya Blanchard

mblanchard@hippopress.com

Life has been busy for Jack and Audrey Hertenstein Perez. They moved from Chicago to New Hampshire about a year ago, have a new 2-month-old baby and opened Singing Pond Farm, in Hollis, in January. They are attending both the Nashua and Derry farmers markets this season, where they sell their farm’s produce, such as romaine lettuce, kohlrabi, beets and radishes, as well as cut flowers and handmade pottery.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Jack Hertenstein Perez grew up around dairy farms and was influenced by his mother, who was an avid gardener.

“Growing up as a child, I loved gardening with my mom and felt how special it was having fresh, local food,” he said. “As I got older, I saw how valuable that was.”

Audrey had a similar upbringing, on a farm in central Illinois. The two met in Boston while in college, both pursuing degrees in health-related fields, Jack earning a master’s degree in public health; Audrey went on to become a family medicine doctor.

“[I] saw the connection between how important food is to your health [and] food access, and having access to nutritious food is kind of the baseline for your well-being,” Jack said. “That was also a connection [to] seeing food and food production as a way to promote the health of our communities.”

As a doctor, this was something Audrey saw firsthand.

“A lot of illnesses just come back to having access to healthy, fresh food, which was hard to come by for the population I was working with,” she said.

The two wanted to start something of their own somewhere out of the Midwest. They bought a house on a field in New Hampshire to put down new roots.

They plowed the land to turn the soil and bury dead grass, and implemented organic practices. According to Jack, this means working with handmade pesticides and fertilizers, like blended seaweed and fish, and covering crops with nets to keep away insects. It was also important to the pair to help those dealing with food insecurity, so they made the decision to donate a portion of each harvest to local organizations addressing this issue.

“Another motivation for moving to this career is the environmental impact,” Audrey said. “Especially having kids we’ve become more concerned about that … [having] a new life who’s going to be living through the more severe changes of climate change really motivated us to want to be part of the solution.”

She added that the fuel emission needed to transport food is one of the biggest contributors to the issue. Getting your food from local sources is a great way to help cut back on emissions while also supporting local farmers.

“Coming out to farmers markets is a great way. There’s a lot of local farmers you can connect with there,” Audrey said. “We live in a great area here in New Hampshire. I know there are a lot of bigger farm stands and local grocery stores that will actually source produce from local farmers … so we live in a really supportive area, which is something that hopefully the rest of the country can model from.”

Singing Pond Farm
Find them: singingpondfarm.com and at the Nashua Farmers Market (Nashua Public Library parking lot, 2 Court St. in Nashua, Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Derry Homegrown Farmers and Artisan Market (1 West Broadway in Derry, Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m.).

Featured photo: Photos courtesy of Singing Pond Farm.

Relax and Unwined

New wine bar to open in Milford

By Mya Blanchard

mblanchard@hippopress.com

For English sommelier Emma Round, wine is more than just a drink. It stirs up memories, adding depth to life’s moments. In 2021 she had the idea to open Unwined, a wine bar and restaurant, to bring this experience to others. In addition to wine it will also offer cocktails and a diverse range of food served small-plate and sharing style. It is projected to open its doors in late August or early September.

“I was like, ‘You know, it’s after Covid, I’m going to open a restaurant and wine bar in southern New Hampshire,” Round said. “‘I don’t even live in America, but I’m going to do it and it’s going to be great … why not?’ Yeah, I think I temporarily lost my mind.”

With a love for wine and a background in business management in the United Kingdom, Round started looking for locations. She noticed that while the wine industry was growing in America, people were moving out of cities after the pandemic.

“You shouldn’t need to travel to Portsmouth or Portland or Boston to go to a really great place,” Round said. “There are so many places in southern New Hampshire right now that are opening up and creating experiences that you would have expected in these large cities. … I’m hoping we can add a new layer to that.”

In England, Round grew up in a culture and family in which wine was a staple. Wine bars were plentiful, and the beverage was key at family dinners. On the contrary, Round felt that Americans often associated wine with older, wealthier populations. It was important to Round to eliminate this misconception, as well as to educate people in a welcoming environment.

“For us it’s really about taking away that pretentiousness [and] making an inclusive environment that is accessible to everyone,” she said. “We’re hoping to be able to educate people in a fun and approachable way.”

Prior to the establishment of Unwined, Round had never been to New Hampshire but had worked in hotels in Boston. She discovered that she loved New England, finding small-town America to be particularly charming. When looking for a location, she knew she wanted to find somewhere that was easily accessible and central to other locations. She researched areas near the border of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, eventually deciding on Milford.

“I felt there was a really nice space for us there with the wine just to kind of [add to] the Milford food and beverage scene as a whole,” she said.

According to Round, the process of opening Unwined has been intense but incredible. While she had experience in the U.K., she had to learn how to manage a business in the U.S. She feels her European background will allow her to include unique and unusual wines not stocked at other wine bars.

“We’ve managed to source lots of fantastic products locally, and the entire community has been great,” Round said. “Milford town is chomping at the bit for us to open, and everyone has been so generous and open with me. … People have been incredible and so helpful, which I really appreciate.”

Unwined
Where: 1 Nashua St. in Milford
Opening: late August or early September
More info: unwinednh.com

Featured photo: Unwined. Courtey photos.

The Weekly Dish 23/07/13

News from the local food scene

• Art of wine blending: Create your idea of the perfect wine at LaBelle Winery in Derry (14 Route 111) on Saturday, July 15, from 6 to 7 p.m. Once you arrive, you will be given all the necessary materials to create your own unique blend in a personalized bottle. Winemakers Amy LaBelle and Melaney Shepard will guide you, teaching you the fundamentals of wine blending and how to balance flavor and aroma varieties. Ages 21 and up are welcome. Seats are limited, so purchase your ticket now for $70 at labellewinery.com.

• Rosé Tasting – Sip and Savor: Visit Vine Thirty Two, a self-pour wine bar in Bedford (25 S. River Road) on Wednesday, July 19, at 6 p.m. to learn about rosé while sipping four different blends from all around the world that will be paired with cheese. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online via Eventbrite.

• Wine Down workshop: Sit and sip while creating your own custom bracelet with Caitlin and Emily of Seaside & Sunflower during a beading workshop at Vine Thirty Two, a self-serve wine and graze bar in Bedford (25 S. River Road) on Tuesday, July 18, at 6:30 p.m. All materials will be provided. Tickets include one custom bracelet and a $10 credit for wine tasting. Additional bracelets can be purchased during the event and the food menu will be available for additional purchase. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased via Eventbrite.

• Murder mystery dinner party: Find out who dunnit at LaBelle Winery’s Murder Mystery Dinner Party (Amherst 345 Route 101, Amherst) on Saturday, July 22, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Enjoy a three-course dinner while professional actors take you back in time to the turn of the century in Britain, where a shocking crime takes place. It is up to you to be the detective and analyze, interrogate and solve the mystery. A wine pour is included when you arrive and a full bar will be available throughout the event. Tickets are $95.20 including tax and gratuity. Visit labellewinery.com to purchase tickets.

• Great American Ribfest: Save the date for the Great American Ribfest & Food Truck Festival at The Biergarten (221 Daniel Webster Hwy.) in Merrimack. The event will run on Friday, July 21, from 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday July 22, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (free entry after 6:30 p.m.) and Sunday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (free entry after 5:50 p.m.). Food trucks and vendors will be serving barbecue in addition to a variety of other options, including ice cream, bacon and gourmet food. Live music will also be featured.

Kiddie Pool 23/07/13

Family fun for the weekend

Farm fun

• New Hampshire’s 4-H youth will show their animals at the Stratham 4-H Summerfest on Saturday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Stratham Hill Park Fairgrounds (270 Portsmouth Ave. in Stratham). Animal shows include dairy, beef, sheep, goats, dogs, rabbits and working steer, according to extension.unh.edu/event/2023/07/stratham-4-h-summerfest. There will also be displays of projects by Strafford and Rockingham county 4-H youth as well as forestry and tractor driving contests and other presentations, the website said.

• Pick your own lavender is slated to continue at the Pumpkin Blossom Farm (393 Pumpkin Hill Road in Warner; pumpkinblossomfarm.com) daily through July 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (check with the website before you head out to see if weather has changed the schedule). Walk through the lavender fields and on a shaded trail, take photos and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy. Lavender plants and other lavender items will be available for purchase, according to the website. Lavender bundles cost $20 on weekends and $15 during the week.

Theater stuff

• The 2023 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Series continues at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.og, 668-5588) withBeauty and the Beaston Thursday, July 13, at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Friday, July 14, at 10 a.m. The next week, the production is Rapunzel, which runs Tuesday, July 18, through Thursday, July 20, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Friday, July 21, at 10 p.m.

The Palace Youth Theatre camp will present its production of Peter Pan at the Palace on Friday, July 14, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for kids.

• Kid-friendly productions are coming to Capitol Theatre for the Arts (ccanh.com) stages. RB Productions presents Mary Poppins Jr.at the Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St. in Concord) on Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15, at 7 p.m. RB Productions will also bring Into the Woodsto the Chubb Theatre on Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the show cost $18.75 for adults, $15.75 for seniors and students.

• The Franklin Footlight Theatre will present Beauty and the Beast at the Franklin Opera House (316 Central St. in Franklin; franklinoperahouse.org) from Friday, July 14, through Sunday, July 16; and from Thursday, July 20, through Saturday, July 22 — showtimes are at 2 p.m. on Sunday and at 7:30 p.m. for the rest of the nights. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $16 for seniors, students and children.

Movie stuff

• It’s a “Pic in the Park” as part of Nashua’s SummerFun with a screening ofE.T. The Extra-Terrestrial(1982) on Friday, July 14, with a screening at dusk at the bandshell at Greeley Park (100 Concord St. in Nashua).

• At O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square (24 Calef Hwy., Epping, 679-3529, oneilcinemas.com) the Summer Kids Series screening for Monday, July 17, and Wednesday, July 19, is Croods 2(PG, 2020). The movies start at 10 a.m. and tickets cost $3; get a popcorn and drink combo for $8.

• If you’re at Hampton Beach Monday night, check out Movie Night Mondays next to the playground starting at dusk. On Monday, July 17, the film is Vivo(PG, 2021). See hamptonbeach.org.

• Regal Concord (282 Loudon Road, Concord, regmovies.com) will feature The Bad Guys(PG, 2022) and Playing with Fire(PG, 2019) on Tuesday, July 18, and Wednesday, July 19, at 2 p.m. both days for its Summer Movie Express Series.

Game time!

• The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (milb.com/new-hampshire) will play a series of games against the Altoona Curve at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in downtown Manchester starting Friday, July 14, at 7:05 p.m. On Saturday, July 15, at 7:05 p.m. the Fisher Cats become the Gatos Feroces for a night as part of “Copa de la Diversion” with postgame fireworks from Atlas Fireworks. On Sunday, July 16, the game starts at 1:35 p.m.; kids can run the bases after the game.

• The Nashua Silver Knights have their next home game at Holman Stadium (67 Amherst St. in Nashua) on Monday, July 17, at 6 p.m. vs. the Norwich Sea Unicorns. Single game tickets cost $10; see nashuasilverknights.com.

The Art Roundup 23/07/13

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

• Willkomen: Actors Cooperate Theatre wraps up its two-week production of Cabaret at the Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road in Concord; hatboxnh.com, 715-2315) with shows this Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 16, at 2 p.m. Tickets for this presentation of the Tony-winning musical about a Berlin nightclub at the end of the Weimar Republic cost $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and students.

• Barns tell the story: The New Boston Historical Society will feature John Porter to discuss “The History of Agriculture as Told By Barns” on Thursday, July 13, at 7 p.m. at New Boston Community Church (2 Meetinghouse Hill Road), according to a press release. Porter was a dairy specialist for the UNH Cooperative Extension and authored several books about old barns, the release said. The event is free; see newbostonhistoricalsociety.com.

• New at the Currier: The new exhibit “Distant Conversations: Ella Walker and Betty Woodman” will open to the public at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144) on Saturday, July 15. The exhibit is the first in a series of “Distant Conversations” exhibits “exploring intergenerational dialogues and artistic conversations between practitioners who have not necessarily met in real life but whose work similarly resonates despite their differences,” according to the Currier’s website. The exhibit will be on display through Sunday, Oct. 22. You can see the exhibit for free during Saturday’s Block Party, which runs from 4 to 9 p.m.

“The Complexities of Presentation”
Kimball Jenkins (266 N. Main St. in Concord; kimballjenkins.com, 225-3932) has partnered with the Greater Manchester Chamber (54 Hanover St. in Manchester; manchester-chamber.org) to present the show “The Complexities of Presentation” at the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Boardroom at the Chamber offices, running Thursday, July 13, through the end of August, according to a press release. The show will feature the works of artists Sylvan Dustin and Leaf Comstock, the release said. A reception for the exhibit will be held on Thursday, July 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. and will feature live music, treats by Dancing Lion Chocolate, and an opportunity to meet the artists, the release said. The gallery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• NH Music Festival: The New Hampshire Music Festival (nhmf.org) will perform two concerts at the Gilford Community Church (19 Potter Hill Road in Gilford): an orchestra concert on Friday, July 14, at 7 p.m. and a chamber music concert on Monday, July 24, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the orchestra concert cost $40 for adults, $15 for students; tickets for the chamber concert cost $35 for adults, $15 for students. See the Festival’s website to purchase tickets.

• The history of Freedom Summer: The Derry Public Library (derrypl.org) will host a virtual program called “Civil Rights Investigation: Mississippi Burning,” about the disappearance of three civil rights workers during the Freedom Summer of 1964, on Wednesday, July 26, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., according to the website. The program is presented by the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library.

• Sy Montgomery: Author Sy Montgomery and illustrator Matt Patterson will be at Balin Books (Somerset Plaza, 375 Amherst St. in Nashua; balinbooks.com, 417-7981) on Saturday, July 29, at 11 a.m. to discuss and sign their new children’s picture book The Book of Turtles, according to a press release.

• Creme de la Creme and Oshibana: The Art Center and NH Art Association present their “Creme de la Creme” members exhibition at The Art Center (Suite 1177, 1 Washington St. in Dover; theartcenterdover.com) through the end of August, according to a press release. An artist reception will be held for the exhibit on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m, the release said.

The Art Center is also running the exhibit “Oshibana — The Botanical Collection” featuring the artwork of Roberta Garrison in the Jim Reagan Gallery through Aug. 31, according to a press release. Oshibana is an art form originating in 16th-century Japan involving “arranging pressed flowers and botanical elements into stunning works of art,” the release said. Garrison’s work focuses on the beauty of local birds, the release said. An artist reception for this show will also be held on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Chef’s Kiss
Back at their home base, Kimball Jenkins (266 N. Main St. in Concord; kimballjenkins.com, 225-3932) will present a “Chef’s Kiss” reception on Friday, July 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. “Amanda Whitworth, former Artist Laureate of New Hampshire, has given her heart to assist in a live performance painting with artists Nicholas So and Jeryl Palana Pilapil. We encourage attendees to wear white and tip artists to paint a live painting on their person! Materials will be available for those who want to paint on each other instead of leaning on an artist! Light fare will be provided,” according to a press release. The reception kicks off a multi-artist summer show that will run from Friday, July 14, through Tuesday, Sept. 12, with gallery hours Monday through Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Printmaking on display: The New Hampshire Art Association and the Monotype Guild of New England are presenting the exhibit “Hot Off the Press,” a showcase of New England printers, at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St. in Portsmouth; nhartassociation.org, 431-4230) through Sunday, July 30, according to a press release. The exhibit showcases printmaking from New England with a mix of etching, collagraph, letterpress, relief, lithograph and more, the release said. The gallery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

• Save the date for even more printmaking: Big Ink weekend at the gallery at 3S Artspace (319 Vaughan St. in Portsmouth; 3sarts.org, 766-3330) will feature “the Big Tuna” — a giant mobile printmaking press — that local artists will use to create large-scale relief prints, according to a press release. The printing, which the public can watch, will run Saturday, Aug. 26, and Sunday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artists printing at 3S Artspace include Michelle Stevens, Leslie Evans, Poppy Lord, Denise Manseau, Lisa Schwarz, Le Huong Huynh, Heather Hughes, Sarah Robbitts-Terry, Jennifer Benn, Lauren Audet, Christie Norton, Emily Noelle Lambert, Ronald Pacacha, Mary Mead, Jessica McKeon, Eric MacDonald, Alison Freidlin, Ashley Doke and William Wright, the release said.

• Save the date for ukuleles: The Southern New Hampshire Ukulele Group will hold its 8th annual ukulele picnic, SNHUFest, on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rotary Arts Pavilion Stage at Henry Law Park in Dover. The festival, which is free, features a full day of ukulele performances as well as food, vendors, raffles and more, according to a press release. See facebook.com/SNHUG.

Shakespeare on the Green
Get two weekends of Shakespeare under the stars at “Shakespeare on the Green” featuring Macbeth Thursday, July 20, through Saturday, July 22, and A Midsummer’s Night Dream Thursday, July 27, through Saturday, July 29, with all shows at 7:30 p.m., according to a press release. The plays, presented by Theatre Kapow (tkapow.com), will take place on Founder’s Green outside the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive in Manchester; tickets.anselm.edu). Tickets cost $25 for general seating; ages 12 and under get in free. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and snacks, according to the website.

It’s finally showtime

The Teen Actorsingers troupe puts on its first show in three years

By Katelyn Sahagian

arts@hippopress.com

The excitement was palpable while the 13-person cast of Firebringer rehearsed on Tuesday, June 27, just a little more than two weeks from opening night. The group of teens sang, acted and joked in the rehearsal space, giving their all for the rehearsal run-through of the show’s first act.

Firebringer, a musical comedy about how cavemen, and cavewomen, discovered fire, is the first show the Teen Actorsingers have put on since closing down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Director Christine Conticchio said she was excited to help highlight the young talent of southern New Hampshire.

“I am excited that we’re a small group but a mighty group,” Conticchio said. “What I didn’t get in quantity, I made up for in quality.”

The show follows a tribe of humans during the Stone Age, with the leader, Jemilla, focusing on keeping the peace in the tribe, having everyone do their designated jobs and duties, and keeping the tribe safe. Zazzalil, an outsider who doesn’t enjoy hard work, decides to try to figure out a shortcut.

Conticchio said she wanted to bring something that would make audiences excited for the reinvigorated youth program. Firebringer gained online popularity due to the meme of Zazzalil singing about how she doesn’t want to do the daily work, and that viral video was enough for Conticchio to get the show up and running. Another benefit was the ensemble nature of the cast, leading to multiple named parts, and the overall lighthearted and feel-good message the show leaves the audience with.

Sophia Scribner, who plays the leader of the tribe, Jemilla, said the whole show revolves around changing perspectives and learning to be open to that change.

“Because of Zazzalil, [Jemilla] realizes that new inventions, like fire, don’t have to be scary,” Scribner said.

Zazzalil, played by Maeve McNeal, starts the show out as an outcast and a troublemaker, but finally becomes accepted by the end of the show, after becoming the titular firebringer and realizing that Jemilla might have had some good points.

“She’s all over the place, but eventually people start to understand her,” McNeal said. “She ends up feeling like she belongs in the end. It’s cute, very coming-of-age.”

In the past, Teen Actorsingers have won awards for their productions, but that isn’t something that Conticchio is focusing on. With the organization finally coming back from the pandemic, Conticchio said she is just excited to be surrounded by passionate young actors.

“They’re wanting a challenge,” Conticchio said about the cast. “These harmonies are not easy, these rhythms are not easy, but they have thrived in that challenge.”

As Conticchio sees it, people often write off teen actors and performances — she said a lot of organizations will shy away from more difficult shows, or choose to do the teen or junior adaptations of popular musicals. Conticchio said that is a disservice to the young actors.

“There’s a fine line between treating [teens] like babies and treating them like they’re almost adults,” Conticchio said. “I think that’s the understatement of teen theater; a lot of people underestimate what these young people can do, and I want to show them that this is what they’re capable of.”

Firebringer
From the Teen Actorsingers (actorsingers.org)
Where: Janice B. Streeter Theater, 14 Court St. in Nashua
When: Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 16, at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and students plus fees (discounts for group tickets).

Author: The Hippo Press

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It’s finally showtime

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