Featured Content – Page 102

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (PG-13)

The animal-y Transformers Maximals make their appearance in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts — collect them all, on sale now at a store near you!

Once upon a time, the gorillabot Optimus Primal (voice of Ron Perlman) became leader of a group of other animal bots who escaped a world about to be eaten by Unicron (voice of Colman Domingo), a Death Starry-looking being who is a little bit Sauron and a little bit Galactus. Though he is able to eat the world the Maximals are living on, Unicron can’t move on to other worlds because his helper Scourge (voice of Peter Dinklage) failed to find the energy key thing that will allow him to wormhole throughout the universe. Optimus Primal and crew took the key while escaping the planet, eventually landing on Earth.

In the present day — which is 1994 New York City — Noah Diaz (Anthony Ramos) is just a guy struggling to help his single mom, Breanna (Luna Lauren Velez), and his sick younger brother Kris (Dean Scott Vazquez), who is being denied medical care for his sickle cell anemia because his family is behind on his bills. Noah loses out on a security job and decides to turn to a buddy offering him some non-violent criminal work. It’s supposed to be an in-and-out job stealing a Porsche from a parking garage. But the car in question turns out to be Mirage (voice of Pete Davidson), an Autobot. And Noah slides into the car just as Optimus Prime (voice of Peter Cullen) is calling all Autobots.

A troubling light beam — that only the Transformers can see — marks the location of a reawakened energy key and the possible calling of Scourge and Unicron.

The key was inadvertently reawakened by Elena (Dominique Fishback), an antiquities expert examining artifacts recently delivered to the museum where she works. She knows the hawk sculpture she’s been given isn’t Egyptian or Nubian as was claimed but she didn’t know the piece’s exterior was going to fall away and reveal a large glowstick crystal inside.

Thus do Autobots, Mirage and Noah and Elena all end up near the key, whose light has called Scourge and some other bad guys that are probably available as action figures and in multi-character sets. Eventually they all fight together to try to stop Scourge from taking the key. Noah thinks they should destroy it to prevent Unicron from eating Earth or any other world but Optimus Prime hopes to use it himself to help the Autobots go to their home world. The gang learns that there is another piece of the key they must find and a Maximal hawkbot called Airazor (voice of Michelle Yeoh) shows up to help them find it.

I was a little surprised to learn that Rise of the Beasts earned a PG-13 rating — it is perhaps the closest live-action analog to those many Transformer cartoons on Netflix that seem to transfix my kids despite seeming to me like a lot of exposition punctuated by very basic fight scenes. The “real” nature of the robots and people (and thus the “realness” of the violence they’re involved in) might put it out of reach for my younger elementary school kids but for interested tweens it’s probably fine. There’s no icky Michael Bay-ish male gaze stuff, and nothing jumps out at me as being super inappropriate for your average double-digit-age kid. Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback are both likable, capable people without having a whole lot of personality beyond that.

“This movie would be fine to take a nap to” is a thought I had while watching it, as was “the Transformer action figures this movie is advertising should be cheaper” (you can find some for $10-ish but $15 and up seems more common). This movie is benign enough that I don’t mind that I’m watching a two-hour-plus commercial for a Mirage action figure — particularly if they could price him at $9.99.

Perhaps the movie anticipated some parental grumpiness and thus to keep the elders amused it throws in a few 1990s hip-hop needle drops that have you thinking “aw, hey, that song” and then drifting off on nostalgia. So, if “benign OK-ness for much of the family” is what this movie was shooting for, it basically hits its mark. Maybe it climbs to a B- if your kids are old enough for this sort of thing and you’re just looking for tolerable family entertainment, a C+ for everybody else.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and language, according to the MPA on filmratings.com. Directed by Steven Caple Jr. with a screenplay by Joby Harold and Darnell Matayer & Josh Peters and Erich Hoeber & Jon Hoeber, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is two hours and seven minutes long and distributed in theaters by Paramount Pictures.

Featured photo: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Lamb feast

St. Nicholas Church celebrates 75 years of Greek eats

Hand-cut marinated lamb is the main draw of one of the Granite State’s longest-running Greek food festivals for many. Get lamb fresh off the skewer, in addition to other homemade items like Greek meatballs, pastitsio and spanakopita, during the annual Lamb Barbecue and Food Festival, returning to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Manchester for the 75th year on Saturday, June 17. The event will also feature a variety of Greek cookies and baked goods for sale, in addition to some raffles and a live DJ performing.

Mobile food ordering was implemented on the church’s website a few years ago, according to festival co-chair and parish president Barbara George. Although the date to pre-order has passed, walk-ins are welcome beginning at noon and until the church runs out of food.

As with previous barbecues, the lamb is prepared using a recipe from the late George Moulis, one of the co-founders of the church. Parishioners gather to prepare the lamb hours before the date of the big event, and work to cube and marinate it before it goes onto the skewers.

You get five pieces of lamb per order for the dinner, which also comes with rice and a Greek salad. George said other dinner options this year include marinated Greek-style chicken tenders, Greek-style meatballs (two per order) and pastitsio, better known as Greek lasagna and featuring layers of ground meat and pasta, topped with a homemade béchamel sauce.

“Something that’s new is we’ll do a Greek salad option with the grilled chicken on top,” George said. “This year we’ve also added paximathia, which is basically a Greek biscotti.”

Also on the menu during the festival will be dolmathes (meat- and rice-stuffed grape leaves, topped with an avgolemono, or Greek egg lemon sauce); and spanakopita (a spinach- and feta cheese-based dish with layers of phyllo dough). If you just can’t decide, you can order the “Papou” sampler dinner, featuring a little bit of everything — each order comes with two pieces of barbecued lamb, one meatball and two stuffed grape leaves, along with the rice and salad.

Several assorted homemade Greek pastries and desserts are available throughout the day as well, from traditional baklava to kourambiethes (powdered sugar cookies) and — returning for the first time since 2019, according to George — finikia (oval-shaped, date-filled cookies soaked in a honey syrup). Visitors are welcome to stay and enjoy their meals under one of the tents outside the church, or get their food to go.

George said a local DJ with Ultimate Music Entertainment will perform during the festival. Various items will also be raffled off, and tours of the church will be available at designated times of 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m.

75th annual Lamb Barbecue & Food Festival
When: Saturday, June 17, noon to when the food sells out
Where: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1160 Bridge St., Manchester
Cost: Free admission and parking; foods are priced per item
Visit: stnicholas-man-nh.org

Featured photo: Scenes from the annual Lamb BBQ & Greek Food Festival. Courtesy photos.

Naturally photogenic

Conservation group accepting submissions for amateur photo contest

Photography hobbyists have until early September to get shoots ready for a photography contest by the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions.

The contest, called the Natural World Photography Competition, wants photos that make the landscapes and wildlife of New Hampshire the star of the show.

“Important government entities and NHACC provide support, technical assistance, training, and education for these volunteers. We really wanted to showcase the work they do protecting the local lands,” said Barbara Richter, the executive director at NHACC. “We thought an ideal way would be through a photo contest to encourage residents to take pictures of these beautiful places that are on their back doorstep.”

Photos are accepted in three categories: those taken by kids up to 12 years old, by teens ages 12 to 18, and by adults over 18. The top photo in each age group will win $250, with the runner up winning $50. Each photographer can submit up to three photos in the competition, and Richter said that there have already been a few submissions.

The competition will have a theme, Richter said, focusing on the wetlands and water in the Granite State.

“We’ve done a lot of wetland training this year. The theme for the whole year is wetlands,” said Richter. “Water is the big theme [for the contest]. The bay, the ocean, especially in the summer, those are the places we love to visit, the beautiful beaches and lakes.”

While the Association has its own protected lands, Richter said the photos don’t need to be taken on its lands. She said that so long as the photos are of nature in New Hampshire, they’re fair game.

The competition will be judged by three photography specialists, including a member of the Association’s board. Richter said that, because the judges know a lot about photography, it might be best for submissions to be minimally edited, just because the judges had mentioned highly edited photos wouldn’t be considered as seriously.

In addition to prizes, and bragging rights, NHACC will be using some of the submitted photos for their marketing, Richter said. This means that photographers who want to seek professional gigs could have a published photo in their portfolios.

While the competition has a lot of benefits to photographers and the Association, Richter said the real emphasis is on getting the people of the state out into nature and being inspired by it.

“The connection to art is really important in New Hampshire,” Richter said. “While this is focused on amateur photographers, I think there’s a lot of people who enjoy taking pictures and being outside and I think it’s a great connection.”

Natural World Photography Competition
When: Now through Sept. 8. Winner will be announced on Nov. 4
Visit: nhacc.org

Featured photo: Cherry Mtn by Rick Van de Poll. Courtesy photo.

Kids’ guide to summer 2023

Festivals, theater, Nature adventures and More during this season of fun

School’s out forever — OK, maybe not forever but when you’re facing a dozen weeks of summer vacation, it can feel a little like forever. If you need to fill up the calendar with some kid-friendly summer fun, here are some of the events you can look forward to between when your kids’ school’s out for summer and when they have to pick up those backpacks in the fall.

And, if you’re still filling out your summer camp schedule, check out our listing of area day camps in the Feb. 23 issue of the Hippo (find the e-edition at hippopress.com).

Fairs & festivals

Catch a local festival or old home day celebration.

• The Somersworth International Children’s Festival is back for its 41st year. Enjoy live music, food, wildlife encounters, a petting zoo, vendors and more on Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street and at Noble Pines Park in Somersworth. A trolley will transport attendees to and from the two locations. A pre-festival celebration will take place at Somersworth High School (11 Memorial Drive, Somersworth) on Friday, June 16, at 6 p.m. with fireworks to end the night. Visit nhfestivals.org.

• Join the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire for its annual Father’s Day weekend Fly-In BBQ, happening Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nashua’s Boire Field (83 Perimeter Road, Nashua). Attendees are welcome to enjoy a barbecue buffet lunch and get a close look at visiting aircraft on the ramp. Tickets, including the barbecue, are $30 for adults and $10 for kids ages 6 to 12. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for kids ages 12 and under without the barbecue. To purchase tickets visit nhahs.org to access the Eventbrite link.

• Plaistow’s Old Home Day returns on Saturday, June 17. It will include local vendors on the Town Hall green (145 Main St., Plaistow), as well as a beard contest, a baby contest, raffles, entertainment booths, a parade and more. This year’s theme is “Gather on the Green.” Follow the event on Facebook @plaistowoldhomeday for updates.

• American Legion Riders, Chapter 37 (5 Riverside St., Hooksett), is having a Father’s Day Festival in the Village of Hooksett on Sunday, June 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to having a “Dunk Your Dad” tank, there will be a chili cook-off, a farmers market, food, vendors, and activities for kids. See “Father’s Day Festival in the Village” on Facebook.

• Intown Concord’s 49th annual Market Days Festival runs from Thursday, June 22, to Saturday, June 24, in downtown Concord from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The event includes a wide array of local vendors, live entertainment, family-friendly activities and more. Visit marketdaysfestival.com to see the full schedule, or follow Intown Concord on Facebook @intownconcord.

• Join the Wilton Main Street Association for its annual Summerfest on Saturday, June 24, starting at 10 a.m. and featuring an arts market, live music, food, street vendors, a pancake breakfast and a fireworks display in the evening. Rain date is June 25. See visitwilton.com/summerfest.

• Join the New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Hwy., Milton) for Fourth on the Farm, happening Saturday, July 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include a tractor ride to see farm animals, as well as demonstrations, reenactments, a scavenger hunt, lawn games, lunch and strawberry shortcake, and live performances of songs from the 1700s and 1800s. Admission is free for members and children under 4, $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for children ages 4 to 17. A family pass can be purchased for $30. Visit nhfarmmuseum.org.

• The Raymond Town Fair returns for its 48th year from Friday, July 7, to Sunday, July 9, at the Raymond Town Common (Epping and Main streets, Raymond). It will feature live music, family-friendly entertainment, a children’s parade, a fireworks display and more. See “Raymond Town Fair” on Facebook to keep up to date on details as they become available.

• The next New England Reptile Expo is scheduled for Sunday, July 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown (700 Elm St., Manchester). The show features more than 200 vendor tables full of reptiles, pet supplies and more. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 7 to 12 and free for kids ages 6 and under. Visit reptileexpo.com.

• The Hillsborough Summer Festival is back again this year at Grimes Field (29 Preston St., Hillsborough) from Thursday, July 13, to Sunday, July 16, with live entertainment, carnival rides, a fireworks show on Saturday night, a 5K road race on Friday, a parade on Sunday and more. Festival hours are 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday; noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. Visit hillsborosummerfest.com.

• Returning to the grounds of the American Independence Museum (1 Governors Lane, Exeter) for its 33rd year is the American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be transported back in time with a live reading of the Declaration of Independence, and enjoy historical reenactments and colonial artisan demonstrations as well as colonial games, music and dances. Visit independencemuseum.org.

• After a successful inaugural year, the Stratham 4-H Summerfest returns on Saturday, July 15, at the Stratham Hill Park Fairgrounds (270 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham). The work of 4-H volunteers and members will be on display in the 4-H building, show rings and livestock barns from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exhibits include shows and displays on gardening, cooking, environmental stewardship, hiking and much more. Visit extension.unh.edu/event/2023/07/stratham-4-h-summerfest.

• The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire’s (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry) annual car show is set for Saturday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See vehicles of all makes and eras as well as the student-built two-seat RV-12iS light sport aircraft completed in August 2022 by students at Manchester School of Technology. Vehicle registration is $10, or you can come as a spectator for $5 (cash only; kids ages 12 and under are free). A rain date of July 22 is planned. Visit nhahs.org.

• Have a magical day with the Royal Princess Ball at LaBelle Winery (14 Route 111, Derry) on Sunday, July 23, at 2:30 p.m. Kids will get the chance to meet their favorite princesses, eat delicious treats, and sing and dance to their favorite songs. Tickets cost $35 for adults, $29 for children ages 2 through 12, free for kids 1 and younger. Visit labellewinery.com for more information or to reserve spots.

• Come to the Fairytale Festival at Greeley Park (100 Concord St., Nashua) on Saturday, July 29, at 10 a.m. as part of Nashua’s 2023 Summer Fun. Get a chance to meet with classic fairytale characters. There will be a stage show, a meet and greet with the characters afterward, and activities, vendors, food, games and book events. Visit nashua.gov for more information.

• The Canterbury Fair is celebrating its 65th year — join the fun on Saturday, July 29, at Canterbury Center (Baptist and Center roads) with live music, demonstrations from local artisan and antique vendors, children’s activities and more. Admission is free. Visit canterburyfair.com.

• From Friday, Aug. 4, through Sunday Aug. 6, the skies will be full of color for the 41st Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally at Drake Field (17 Fayette St, Pittsfield). In addition to the colorful aeronautic vessels, there will be vendors selling arts and crafts, options for different food, and the annual road race at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6. At the time of this article, there were no official times listed for the rally on the website. More information can be found at nhballoonrally.org.

• The Belknap County Fair is set to return on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 174 Mile Hill Road in Belmont. The fair features live entertainment, food, exhibits and animal shows. Admission at the gate is $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens 65 and older, police, fire and EMS personnel, and free for kids under 10 and for military service members. Visit bcfairnh.org.

• Hudson’s Old Home Days return from Thursday, Aug. 10, to Sunday, Aug. 13, on the grounds of the Hill House (211 Derry Road, Hudson). There will be carnival games, live music, fireworks, food and more. Event times are Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday from noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. See hudsonchamber.com or visit their Facebook page @HudsonNHOldHomeDays for updates.

• The Hampton Beach Children’s Festival runs from Monday, Aug. 14, through Friday, Aug. 18. The event includes ice cream, dancing, balloons, storytelling, a magic show and a costume parade. All activities are free and open to the public. Visit hamptonbeach.org.

• Londonderry’s Old Home Days is set for Wednesday, Aug. 16, to Saturday, Aug. 19. The four-day event promises concerts, fireworks, a parade, a 5K road race, a baby contest, children’s games and more. See londonderrynh.gov or follow the event page on Facebook @townoflondonderryoldhomeday.

• The fifth annual History Alive event will be on Saturday, Aug. 19, and Sunday, Aug. 20, at Jones Road in Hillsborough. This year’s event will center around battle reenactments and village life experiences and will include activities, crafts, musicians and more. Tickets are $8 for adults when purchased ahead of time, and $10 on the days of the event. Kids ages 16 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Visit historyalivenh.org.

• The New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Hwy., Milton) is hosting its annual Truck and Tractor Day on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trucks, wagons, antique cars and tractors dating back to the mid 1900s will all be on display, and the event will also feature demonstrations on things like the two-man saw and the butter churn treadmill. Attendees will have a chance to take a tractor ride around the farm to see various farm animals. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for seniors 65 and older, $6 for children ages 4 to 17, and free for members and children under 4. A family pass is also available for $30. Visit nhfarmmuseum.org.

• Join Field of Dreams Community Park (48 Geremonty Drive, Salem) for its annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A wide variety of activities is planned, from circus acts and face-painting to bounce houses, photo opportunities with superheroes and princesses, food trucks, local vendors and more. Visit fieldofdreamsnh.org.

• Candia’s Old Home Day will return on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Moore Park (74 High St., Candia). The event starts with a parade after a firemen’s homemade breakfast. Local crafters and artisans, town community booths, games, a wildlife exhibit, food and music will also be featured. Visit candiaoldhomeday.com.

• Pembroke and Allenstown’s Old Home Day returns on Saturday, Aug. 26, starting with a parade that goes down Main Street in Allenstown and ends at Memorial Field (Exchange Street) in Pembroke. A fun-filled day is planned at the field, featuring two stages of live entertainment, antique cars, children’s games, a craft area, bounce houses and a fireworks display at dusk. Admission and parking are free. See “Pembroke & Allenstown Old Home Day 2023” on Facebook, or join its group page, for details.

• Don’t miss this year’s Hopkinton State Fair, a Labor Day weekend tradition happening from Thursday, Aug. 31, to Monday, Sept. 4, at the fairgrounds (392 Kearsarge Ave., Contoocook). There will be livestock shows, a demolition derby, carnival rides, monster trucks, live entertainment, food and more. The fair hours are 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday. Tickets are $9 for all fairgoers ages 3 and up on Thursday night. Day passes for Friday through Monday are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $8 for youth ages 3 to 12. Children 35 months and under are free. Five-day passes are also available for $39. Visit hsfair.org.

• The Exeter UFO Festival returns to downtown Exeter on Saturday, Sept. 2, and Sunday, Sept. 3 — the event commemorates the anniversary of the “Exeter Incident” (an alleged UFO sighting on Sept. 3, 1965) with in-depth talks and presentations from experts on UFOs, along with a variety of “intergalactic” children’s games and food, all to benefit the Exeter Area Kiwanis Club. See exeterkiwanis.com/exeter-ufo-festival.

Live entertainment

Find live music for a family night out at town greens and theatrical performances for kids and teens.

• The Disney musical Newsiesat the Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth, seacoastrep.org) premiered last month and continues through Saturday, July 8. Shows run Thursday through Sunday, with showtimes at 2 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. that vary every day. Tickets start at $35.

• Henniker’s Summer Concert Series started on Tuesday, June 13, and has music at the Angela Robinson Bandstand (57 Main St.) starting at 6:30 p.m. Next up on the schedule is Dancing Madly Backwards performing on Tuesday, June 20. Food trucks and restaurants will attend the concerts to sell eats for the evening, according to a press release. Admission is free (donations accepted). See henniker.org for the summer’s lineup.

• Hampton Beach’s nightly Sea Shell Stage series continues with a performance by Angela West and Showdown on Thursday, June 15 — unless otherwise noted on the online schedule, all shows are held from 7 to 8 p.m. and from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. and are weather dependent. Visit hamptonbeach.org to view the full schedule.

• Stop by the Greeley Park Bandshell (100 Concord St., Nashua) for free summer concerts, featuring performances by Studio Two: A Beatles Tribute Band, American Legion Band, Belairs: Doo Wop and Vintage Rock n’ Roll and more. Performances are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., dates offered June 20 through Aug. 15 (except July 4). Visit nashuanh.gov/546/summerfun to view the full schedule.

• Palace Teen Co. is serving up all that jazz with Chicagoon Tuesday, June 20, and Wednesday, June 21, at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org). The shows are at 7 p.m. and tickets cost $12 to $15.

• The Londonderry Arts Council’s Concerts on the Common series continues with a performance on Wednesday, June 21, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. by Bruce Marshall and the Shadow Riders. Performances continue every Wednesday evening on the Town Common (265 Mammoth Road, Londonderry) through Aug. 16. In the event of inclement weather, most will take place inside the cafeteria of Londonderry High School (295 Mammoth Road). Visit londonderryartscouncil.org.

• Merrimack’s Summer Concert Series will host weekly concerts at Abbie Griffin Park (6 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack) on Wednesdays, starting with a performance by children’s musician Steve Blunt on Wednesday, June 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. Performances will continue through Aug. 16 and will include Crescendo’s Gate, Scenes: a Billy Joel Experience, The Reminisants, Marc Berger, The Twangtown Paramours, The Slakas and Will Parker. Visit merrimackparksandrec.org.

• The Prescott Park Arts Festival’s annual outdoor production at Prescott Park in Portsmouth is Little Shop of Horrors and it starts Friday, June 23. Shows will run most Thursdays through Sundays at 7 p.m. through Sunday, Aug. 13. See prescottpark.org for information on reserving a blanket or table for a performance.

• The Martin School of Dance presents Sleeping Beauty at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Sunday, June 25, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $38.75 per person and are available online at ccanh.com.

• New Boston Parks & Recreation’s Concerts on the Common series returns on select Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., starting with a performance by Jamdemic on June 27. Shows take place in the gazebo on the New Boston Town Common (corner of Route 13 and Meetinghouse Hill Road in New Boston) and continue for select weeks through Aug. 22. Chairs and blankets are welcome, and the Rail Trail Grill concession stand will feature hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks and snacks for sale, with proceeds benefiting the New Boston Rail Trail. The town’s community church will offer a dessert table. Visit newbostonnh.gov.

• Pelham Community Spirit will once again host its Summer Concerts on the Village Green in front of the town’s public library. Concerts will be held on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., beginning June 28, followed by July 12, July 26, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23. Lawn chairs or blankets are welcome. Visit pelhamweb.com.

• The 2023 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Series at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org) begins with magician BJ Hickman Wednesday, July 5, through Friday, July 7. Children’s Series productions have shows Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Friday at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $10. The series includes Beauty and the BeastJuly 11 through July 14; RapunzelJuly 18 through July 21; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Aug. 1 to Aug. 4; The Little Mermaid Aug. 8 to Aug. 11; Frozen KidsAug. 15 through Aug. 18, and Finding Nemo Jr. Aug. 22 through Aug. 25.

• This year’s Meetinghouse Park Concert series, sponsored by Hampstead Cable Television, is happening Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. behind Hampstead’s Town Hall (11 Main St.). Performances are scheduled weekly from July 4 through Aug. 29 — see hampsteadconcerts.com for the full schedule. Wednesday night concerts are also planned at 6 p.m. at Ordway Park (Depot Road and Main Street), starting with a performance by children’s musician Steve Blunt on Wednesday, July 5, at 6 p.m.

• The creepy and kooky musical The Addams Familyis coming to Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St., Concord, ccanh.com) on Friday, July 7, and Saturday, July 8, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15.75 for students and seniors and $18.75 for adults.

• Camp Encore presents Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids and The Artistocats Kids at the Prescott Park Arts Festival (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) on Saturday, July 8, and Sunday, July 9, at 11 a.m. Other scheduled performances include Meredith Willson’s The Music Man Jr. on Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23, at 11 a.m.; and Into the Woods Jr. on Saturday, Aug. 5, and Sunday, Aug. 6, at 1 p.m. See prescottpark.org.

• Up, up and away at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org) for the Palace Youth Theatre’s version of Peter Panon Friday, July 14, at 7 p.m. Tickets begin at $12.

• See Mary Poppins Jr.at the Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St., Concord, ccanh.com) on Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the show cost $18.75 for adults, $15.75 for seniors and students.

• The Franklin Footlight Theatre presents Beauty and the Beast at the Franklin Opera House (316 Central St., Franklin) 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 are $18 for adults and $16 for seniors, students and children. Visit franklinoperahouse.org.

• On Saturday, July 15, at 2 p.m., RB Productions is putting on Annie Kids at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord, ccanh.com). The show starts at noon. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $8 for students.

• Head Into the Woods with RB Productions at the Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St., Concord, ccanh.com) on Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $18.75 for adults, $15.75 for students and seniors.

• See the Kidz Bop Kidz on Sunday, July 23, at 4 p.m. at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion (72 Meadowbrook Lane, Gilford, banknhpavilion.com). Tickets start at $29.

• Circus Smirkus comes to the High Mowing School (222 Issac Frye Highway in Wilton) with “A Midsummer Night’s Circus” on Monday, July 24, at 1 and 6 p.m. and Tuesday, July 25, at 1 and 6 p.m. Tickets cost $35 for ages 13 and over and $20 for children ages 2 to 12. See smirkus.org.

• The youth performers with RB Productions are putting on a production of Disney’s Newsies Jr. at the Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St., Concord, ccanh.com) on Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29, at 7 p.m. Tickets to the shows start at $15.75.

• The Kids Coop Theatre’s Teen Company will present a production of The Wedding Singer at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway, Derry) from Friday, July 28, through Sunday, July 30 — showtimes are at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance online. See kids-coop-theatre.org.

• Celebrate Christmas in July with Elf Jr. performed by the Palace Youth Theatre on Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29, at 7 p.m. at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org). Tickets range from $12 to $15.

• See Snow White at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org), performed by the Palace Youth Theatre on Friday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $12.

• The Peacock Players (14 Court St. in Nashua; peacock players.org) will presentLegally Blonde Jr.on Friday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 5, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 6, at 2 p.m.

• The Palace Youth Theatre presents High School MusicalJr.at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org) on Friday, Aug. 18, and Saturday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $12.

• Disney cover band The Little Mermen has a scheduled show on Sunday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. at the Sea Shell Stage on Hampton Beach. Admission is free. See thelittlemermen.com.

• See the Palace Youth Theatre’s performance of Winnie the Pooh Jr.at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org) on Saturday, Aug. 26, at noon. Tickets for the show start at $12.

At the movies

Find kid-friendly screenings indoors and out.

• Join Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham) for a special “Little Lunch Date” screening of Madagascar (2005, PG) on Friday, June 16, at 3:45 p.m. Purchase tickets in advance online to receive a $5 off food voucher to be used toward your lunch during the show. See chunkys.com.

• Regal Cinemas, which has locations in Concord (282 Loudon Road) and Newington (45 Gosling Road), is holding its Summer Movie Express series, featuring discounted movie screenings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for $2 per ticket, now through Sept. 6. Next up are Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022, PG) on Tuesday, June 20, and The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie (2004, PG) on Wednesday, June 21. See regmovies.com for the full schedule.

• Cinemark Theatres, which has a location in Salem (15 Mall Road, near the Mall at Rockingham Park), is once again running its Summer Movie Clubhouse program, featuring an eight-week schedule of previously released children’s and family-friendly films for $1.50 per ticket. Showtimes run on Wednesdays, beginning June 21 and through Aug. 9. See cinemark.com for the full list of films, which includes Sonic the Hedgehog (2020, PG), The Bad Guys (2022, PG) and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022, PG), among others.

• Catch a family-friendly theater candy Bingo night at Chunky’s Cinema Pub, either on Friday, June 23, at 6 p.m. or on Friday, July 21, at 6:15 p.m. — both events are happening at Chunky’s Manchester location (707 Huse Road). Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased in advance online at chunkys.com.

• Join Chunky’s Cinema Pub at its Manchester theater (707 Huse Road) for a family-friendly trivia night featuring Disney villains on Sunday, June 25, at 6 p.m. Chunky’s gift card prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place winning teams. Tickets are $6 per person and are available for purchase online at chunkys.com.

• Mondays and Wednesdays in July and August, O’neil Cinemas (24 Calef Hwy., Epping, 679-3529, oneilcinemas.com) hosts its annual summer kids series, featuring a schedule of children’s and family-friendly films for $3 per ticket. The screenings begin Monday, July 3, and Wednesday, July 5, with Minions: Rise of Gru and continue weekly through the week of Aug. 14. The theater will be offering an $8 popcorn-and-drink combo as well.

O’neil also holds regular sensory-friendly screenings, when the house lights are higher and there are no loud noises, according to the website, where you can find the full schedule of upcoming screenings. Movies in June include Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (PG, 2023) on Saturday, June 10, at 10 a.m. and the new Pixar film Elemental (PG, 2023) on Saturday, June 24, at 10 a.m.

• Movie Night Mondays on Hampton Beach (next to the playground) return on July 10 at dusk (approximately 8:25 p.m. for the first movie and then a few minutes earlier for each subsequent film). The films run weekly through Aug. 28, and admission is free. Bringing chairs or blankets are welcome. The lineup of family-friendly films kicks off with Hotel Transylvania: Transformia (2022, PG) on July 10. See hamptonbeach.org for the full schedule and the approximate dusk times; rain dates are on Tuesdays for all films.

• Another element of Nashua’s SummerFun programming is the “Pic in the Park” series, which starts Friday, July 14, at dusk with a screening of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982). On Friday, Aug. 4, the film is High School Musical (G) and on Friday, Sept. 8, it’s National Treasure.

• Chunky’s Cinema Pub of Manchester (707 Huse Road) will host a Taylor Swift-themed family-friendly trivia night on Sunday, July 16, at 6:15 p.m. Teams of up to six players are welcome, and Chunky’s gift cards will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place winning teams. Tickets are $6 per person and can be purchased online at chunkys.com.

• Join Merrimack Parks and Recreation for its annual Movies in the Park series, which returns on Saturday, July 29, with a screening of Top Gun: Maverick (2022, PG-13) at 8:30 p.m. The lineup also includes Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022, PG) on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 7:30 p.m. and Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2022, PG) on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to Merrimack residents and non-residents. Screenings are held in Wasserman Park (116 Naticook Road, Merrimack). In the event of inclement weather, a decision will generally be posted to Merrimack Parks & Recreation’s website or Facebook by 1 p.m. as to whether or not it will be postponed. Visit merrimackparksandrec.org.

• Red River Theatres continues its annual summer movie series with a special outdoor screening of The Rescuers Down Under (1990, G) on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at Rollins Park (116 Broadway St., Concord), starting at dusk. Admission is free and open to all ages. See redrivertheatres.org.

Arts & museum

Find new experiences and maybe even sneak in a little learning at area museums.

• The American Independence Museum (1 Governors Lane, Exeter, 772-2622, independencemuseum.org) is a place for people of all ages to learn about America’s revolutionary history. It provides access to historic buildings and interactive, historically accurate depictions of what life was like during the American Revolution. Museum tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, students, educators and first responders, and $4 for children ages 6 to 18. Tickets are free for children under age 6 and for active or retired military veterans.

• The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, 669-4820, aviationmuseumofnh.org) is dedicated to the science, technology, history and culture of aviation and features interactive exhibits and educational programs. It’s open Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 for adults, $5 for seniors age 65 and over, veterans, active duty and kids ages 6 through 12, and is free for kids age 5 and under, with a $30 maximum for families.

• Travel back to a simpler time at Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury), a restored Shaker village and history museum with historic buildings, interactive exhibits and activities, educational programs and more. The Village grounds and trails are open every day from dawn to dusk with no admission fee. Guided indoor and outdoor tours with different themes are offered Tuesday through Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tour tickets cost $20 to $25 for adults, depending on the tour, and are free for visitors age 25 and under. Call 783-9511 or visit shakers.org.

• The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St., Dover, 742-2002, childrens-museum.org) is a family museum featuring unique interactive exhibits with a focus on art, science and culture. Summer hours are Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to noon, with an additional session from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Masks are required on Tuesday and Sunday, but optional Wednesday through Saturday. Tickets are available for either the morning (9 a.m. to noon) or afternoon (1 to 4 p.m.) sessions and cost $12.50 for adults and children over age 1 and $10.50 for seniors over age 65. Participants must register online.

• The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester) offers Creative Studio, a themed art-making project for families, every second Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free for New Hampshire residents. On the third Saturday of every month it hosts Art for Vets Family Days, where veterans and active military members and their families get free admission to the museum and can enjoy art-making activities and a complimentary lunch. The museum also has many interactive exhibits on display at a time and art kits families can take home. Registration is required for all special events. Current gallery hours are Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 to 17 and free for children age 12 and under and museum members. General admission to the museum is also free for New Hampshire residents on the second Saturday of the month. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org.

• Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center (26 Main St., Peterborough, 924-4555, mariposamuseum.org) is a museum of art and artifacts from around the world that includes hands-on exhibits with costumes, puppets, instruments and more for children to explore. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for kids ages 3 through 16.

• The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive, Concord, 271-7827, starhop.com) is a museum focused on astronomy and aviation, offering interactive exhibits, simulations, an observatory, a planetarium and more. During the summer it’s open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission costs $12 for adults, $11 for students and seniors and $9 for kids ages 3 through 12. The museum also features a variety of planetarium shows, with daily showtimes on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for an additional cost of $6 per person.

• The Millyard Museum (200 Bedford St., Manchester, 622-7531, manchesterhistoric.org/millyard-museum) is dedicated to educating the public about Manchester’s history, particularly the history of the Amoskeag Millyard. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission costs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 62+ and college students, $5 for youth ages 12 through 18, free for kids under age 12.

• The New Hampshire Telephone Museum (1 Depot St., Warner, 456-2234, nhtelephonemuseum.com) features nearly 1,000 telephones, switchboards and other telecommunication memorabilia and history, and has an interactive kids’ room. Its summer hours are Tuesday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $7 for adults, $6 for seniors age 65 and up and $3 for students in grades 1 through 12. There is a guided tour available for an additional $3 per admission ticket.

• Learn about New Hampshire marine life and science with live animals, hands-on exhibits and educational programs at the Seacoast Science Center (Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye, 436-8043, seacoastsciencecenter.org). Summer hours are Wednesday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission costs $12 for ages 12 and up, $8 for ages 3 to 11, and $10 for seniors age 65 and up. Children under age 3 are free. The Center recommends that attendees book ahead, since availability may be limited.

• SEE Science Center (200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org) is a museum focused on technology, engineering, mathematics and more, featuring interactive exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs. It’s home to the Lego Millyard Project, the largest permanent minifigure scale Lego installation in the world, depicting Manchester’s Amoskeag Millyard circa 1900. During the summer the museum is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $12 per person and is free for kids under age 3.

• Strawbery Banke Museum (14 Hancock St., Portsmouth, 433-1100, strawberybanke.org) is an outdoor museum preserving more than 300 years of the history of New Hampshire’s oldest neighborhood to be settled by Europeans. Visitors can tour historic buildings preserved on their original foundations, meet costumed roleplayers, see traditional craft demonstrations and more. For June and September, the museum is open weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In July and August it’s open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $23 for adults, $21 for seniors ages 65 and up and $10 for children ages 5 to 17. Children under age 5 are free. Family and group rates are also available.

• Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester, 232-5597, 550arts.com) offers an all-ages family clay sculpting workshop on select Fridays at 4:45 p.m., for $20 per person, and a family pottery wheel workshop for kids ages 9 and up every Friday at 4:30 p.m., for $35 per person.

• You’re Fired (25 S. River Road, Bedford, 641-3473; 133 Loudon Road, No. 101, Concord, 226-3473; 264 N. Broadway, Salem, 894-5456; yourefirednh.com) is an all-ages walk-in pottery studio, open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Mondays are “Mini Mondays,” when studio fees for kids age 12 and under are half off all day, and Fridays are “Teen Fridays,” when teenagers have half off studio fees from 5 to 9 p.m.

Outdoor fun

See a baseball game or discover wildlife right in your backyard. There’s something for everyone to enjoy outside this summer.

• The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (23 Science Center Road, Holderness) recently reopened its live animal exhibit trail and hiking trails — daily hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last trail admission at 3:30 p.m. According to the Center’s website, the live animal exhibit trail winds through open meadows, mature forests and marsh boardwalks along a packed gravel path. Tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors ages 65 and up, $18 for kids and teens ages 3 to 15 and free for kids ages 2 and under. Tickets grant attendees check-in access anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Plan about two and a half hours to walk through the trail. See nhnature.org for more details.

• The six-time champion Nashua Silver Knights, members of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, will play their next home game at Holman Stadium (67 Amherst St., Nashua) on Thursday, June 15, against the Brockton Rox, with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. They will then take on the Norwich Sea Unicorns on Sunday, June 18, followed by the Worcester Bravehearts on Tuesday, June 20. Their last home game will be on Sunday, Aug. 6, at 3 p.m., when they will take on the Vermont Lake Monsters, before the playoffs begin later that week. Visit nashuasilverknights.com.

• The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double-A minor-league affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball, are currently in the middle of a homestand against the Akron RubberDucks at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive, Manchester), with the next few games scheduled for Thursday, June 15, through Sunday, June 18 (first pitch is at 6:35 p.m. on Thursday, 7:05 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 1:35 p.m. on Sunday). Their season wraps up in mid-September with a series at home against the Somerset Patriots. Visit nhfishercats.com.

• New Hampshire Audubon and New Hampshire Fish and Game will host a free field training session on New Hampshire butterfly monitoring and conservation on Thursday, June 15, at 11 a.m. at the McLane Center (84 Silk Farm Road, Concord). Participants will learn how to identify butterflies in various habitats and contribute to long-term data collection to monitor changes in species’ ranges. The training will prepare participants for the first July Butterfly Survey in Concord. No prior experience is necessary, and all skill levels are welcome. Space is limited, and registration is required. Visit nhaudubon.org.

• View sand sculptures crafted on Hampton Beach at the 23rd annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic, happening Thursday, June 15, through Saturday, June 17, at Hampton Beach (180 Ocean Blvd.). The event includes award ceremonies and prizes for the greatest sand sculptures built. The competition is by invitation only, but the sculptures will be illuminated for viewing at night until June 26. Visit hamptonbeach.org.

• Don’t miss the 100th annual Loudon Classic Middleweight Grand Prix, a 1.6-mile road race happening at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1122 Route 106, Loudon) on Saturday, June 17, as part of Laconia Motorcycle Week. General admission is $40 and VIP admission is $70. Visit nhms.com.

• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (23 Science Center Road, Holderness) will hold its annual StoryWalk Kickoff Reception on Friday, June 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Stroll along the Squam channel while reading Look and Listen by Dianne White, posted one page at a time along the trail. The story is a guessing game in a book that celebrates the curiosity and delight of a jaunt through a garden, meadow and alongside a brook, according to nhnature.org. After the kickoff reception, the trail will be open daily through Sept. 4.

• Dozens of high school football players from across the state will participate in the 11th annual CHaD NH East-West High School All-Star Football Game, scheduled for Friday, June 23, at 6 p.m. at Grappone Stadium at Saint Anselm College (100 St. Anselm Drive, Manchester). General admission tickets are $15, with all proceeds benefiting Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD). Visit chadkids.org.

• As part of Nashua Parks & Recreation’s annual SummerFun schedule of events, the Nashua Silver Knights game scheduled for Tuesday, July 4, at 11 a.m. will also feature an expanded kids’ zone and activities. Children ages 12 and under, in addition to the first 500 adults that reserve tickets, get into the game for free. The game will be followed by a full evening’s worth of live entertainment at Holman Stadium (67 Amherst St., Nashua), including a free concert by The Slakas at 5:30 p.m., the Spartans Drum & Bugle Corps at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Nashua Hall of Fame inductions at 8 p.m. and a fireworks show at dusk, according to the SummerFun event brochure. See the full schedule of events and happenings at nashuanh.gov/summerfun.

• Pumpkin Blossom Farm (393 Pumpkin Hill Road, Warner) is due to host Lavender U-Pick events in its lavender fields on various dates between July 5 and July 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to wander the fields and cut and harvest bundles of lavender. Attendees are welcome to relax and have a picnic on the lawn, walk the shaded trail and visit the baby chicks. Lavender plants, products and treats will also be for sale. Discount bundles are $15 during the weekdays and $20 on weekends. Visit pumpkinblossomfarm.com.

• The annual summer concert series at Field of Dreams Community Park (48 Geremonty Drive, Salem) returns on Thursday, July 6, and will continue weekly at 6:30 p.m. through Aug. 17 (all dates, except for Friday, July 21, and Friday, July 28, are on Thursdays). Admission is free and open to the public and chairs and blankets are welcome. Visit fieldofdreamsnh.org.

• It’s NASCAR Weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1122 Route 106, Loudon) from Friday, July 14, through Sunday, July 16 — weekend happenings include Friday Night Dirt Duels on Friday; a doubleheader on Saturday featuring the Ambetter Health 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race, followed by the Mohegan Sun 100 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race, and the Crayon 301 race on Sunday. Tickets vary in price, depending on the race. See nhms.com.

• Head to Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center (928 White Oaks Road, Laconia) for Forest Trail Games for Kids and Adults on Saturday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. Discover ways to make nature time enjoyable and captivating for the whole family through immersive games that spark children’s imagination and sense of adventure. The cost is $15 per person. Visit prescottfarm.org.

• The inaugural New Hampshire Butterfly Survey will take place on Saturday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at New Hampshire Audubon’s McLane Center (84 Silk Farm Road, Concord). The collaborative effort between New Hampshire Audubon and New Hampshire Fish and Game is aimed at gathering long-term butterfly data in the Concord region and beyond to understand the changing ranges of butterfly species over time and support statewide butterfly conservation efforts. Visit nhaudubon.org.

• Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center (928 White Oaks Road, Laconia) presents an educational program, “Animals of New Hampshire: Monarch Butterflies,” on Saturday, Aug. 5, at 1 p.m. Learn about monarch butterflies, from their habitat and life cycle to their annual migration, as well as ways to contribute to conservation efforts in your own backyard. Explore the farm’s pollinator field and search for signs of the butterfly’s different life stages. This program is open to youth and adults. The cost is $15. Visit prescottfarm.org.

At the library

Libraries across the Granite State have all kinds of summer programming planned for kids and teens over the next few months, from arts and crafts to live performances, nature and wildlife events and more. Most libraries offer storytimes for specific age groups as well as age-specific crafts and reading-to-dog programs. Many events require registration; check with libraries for additional information. Here are a few of the stand out events.

• Aaron Cutler Memorial Library 269 Charles Bancroft Hwy., Litchfield, 424-4044, acmlnh.blogspot.com Summer programming highlights include Wildlife Encounters presentation Wednesday, June 21, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; STEM & Arts programs: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 and 10:45 a.m., June 27 through July 25 (except July 4); Anime Movie Night: Wednesday, July 12, 5:30 p.m. (open to ages 9 and up); Game On! Video game event: Tuesday, July 18, 4 p.m. (open to ages 9 and up) ; “All About Lobsters” storytime with UNH’s Marine Program: Thursday, July 20, 11 a.m; Summer reading finale: “The Cure for the Common Show” Juggling and Comedy Act: Saturday, July 29, 1 p.m.

• Amherst Town Library 14 Main St., Amherst, 673-2288, amherstlibrary.org Wildlife Encounters is on Tuesday, July 11, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 4 and up). See Bryson Lang, Juggler Extraordinaire: Wednesday, July 26, 3 to 4 p.m. (ages 4 and up). Be an Earth Hero with Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (live animal program): Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2 to 3 p.m. (ages 5 and up.End of Summer Ice Cream Social is on Friday, Aug. 11, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (all ages).

• Baker Free Library 509 South St., Bow, 224-7113, bowbakerfreelibrary.org. The Summer Reading Kick-Off Event: Touch-a-Truck is Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. to noon. Everyone is welcome to attend and to register for the summer reading program, “Find Your Voice.” Maker Mondays are rop-in craft sessions are held every Monday, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., dates offered June 19 through Aug. 17 in the upstairs meeting room. Drop-in Stay & Play: Takes place on Tuesdays, June 20 through Aug. 8 (except for July 4), in the Merrimack County Savings Bank Room. Children age 2 to 6 are welcome with an accompanying adult. Summer Movie Sing-Along: Wednesdays, June 21, July 12, July 26 and Aug. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m for children with an accompanying adult. A Comics workshop with Marek Bennett is Wednesday, June 28, 4 to 5 p.m. (ages 7 and up). NH Shared Reading Program: Sign Language Storytime: Presented by Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services; everyone of all ages is welcome to this event on Saturday, July 8, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Ice cream party and children’s concert with Judy Pancoast will be heldThursday, Aug. 10, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

• Bedford Public Library 3 Meetinghouse Road, 472-2300, bedfordnhlibrary.org Children ages 5 to 7 are welcome to take part in lawn game sessions on Mondays from 3:30 to 4 p.m., starting June 19. The Summer Reading Kick-Off Concert with Mr. Aaron is Monday, June 19, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (ages 12 and under). STEM Pals will run Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., starting June 22 (ages 9 to 12). Touch a Truck is onTuesday, June 27, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Camp Comics runs on Wednesdays from 7 to 7:45 p.m. for four weeks starting July 5. Super Mario Party is Friday, July 7, 11 a.m. to noon (ages 4 to 10). Camp Critters Drawing will run Tuesdays, July 11 and July 25, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. (ages 7 to 9); registration is required. Wildlife Encounters is held Monday, July 17, 11 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 2 p.m. (ages 3 to 12). Get Stories and S’mores: Monday, July 24, 7 to 7:30 p.m. (ages 8 and under). Mike Bent Magic Show is Wednesday, July 26, 2 to 3 p.m.; and Thursday, July 27, 1 to 2 p.m. The Summer Reading Finale Party is Friday, Aug. 4, 2 to 3 p.m. (ages 12 and under).

• Boscawen Public Library 116 N. Main St., 753-8576, boscawenpubliclibrary.org.The Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Party is Monday, June 26, 2 to 5 p.m. Steve Blunt & Marty Kelly Music & Stories is Monday, July 17, 6:30 p.m. The Bryson Lang Comedy & Juggling Show is Saturday, Aug. 5, 1 p.m.

• Brookline Public Library 16 Main St., Brookline, 673-3330, brooklinelibrarynh.org. Yoga for Kids takes place the first and third Friday of each month at 4 p.m. Summer Reading Kick-Off Party featuring Wildlife Encounters takes place Saturday, June 17, 1 to 3 p.m. (all ages) at the middle school gym. Mario Video Game Day is Wednesday, June 21, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (all ages). Wolves Night – Beach Party! takes place Thursday, June 29, 6 to 7 p.m. (kids in grades 4 to 7). Take a Family Ukulele Lesson with Julie Stepanek: Friday, June 30, 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

• Chester Public Library 3 Chester St., Chester, 887-3404, chesternh.org/chester-public-library. Summer Reading Kick-Off is Monday, June 26, 3 to 8 p.m. (all ages) and includes a Foam Party: from 5 to 7 p.m. (all ages). The Lego Challenge Club meets Mondays, 5 p.m. (except for July 3; ages 5 to 10). Catch the Annual Community Talent Show on Wednesday, June 28, 6 p.m. (all ages).

• Concord Public Library 45 Green St., Concord, 225-8670, concordnh.gov/Library. The Comic Book Club meets Fridays, June 16 and June 30, 10 to 11 a.m.The Summer Reading Kick-Off with Mr. Aaron will be Friday, June 23, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

• Derry Public Library 64 E Broadway, Derry, 432-6140, derrypl.org CONNECT (featuring crafts, snacks, stories and more) takes place Fridays, June 16, July 21, Aug. 18 and Sept. 15, 11 to 11:45 a.m. The Library Fan Con is Saturday, June 17, 9:50 a.m. to 4 p.m. All Together Now Glow Dance Party! is Tuesday, June 20; 11 to 11:45 a.m., and 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Summer Reading Event: Cards for Veterans: takes place Thursday, July 6; 11 to 11:45 a.m., and 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Working together: Amazing Animal Builders! Brought to you by the Children’s Museum of NH takes place Tuesday, July 11, 1:30 to 2:15 (ages 5 to 10). Catch Magic Fred!: Thursday, July 13, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (all ages). Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals vists Thursday, July 20, 1 to 2 p.m. Campfire Stories at Taylor Library takes place Thursday, July 27, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Bear Friends Celebration and Sleepover will take place Tuesday, Aug. 8, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (ages 3 and up). The End of Summer Party Featuring Mr. Aaron is Thursday, Aug. 10, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

• Dunbarton Public Library 1004 School St., Dunbarton, 774-3546, dunbartonlibrary.org Reading to dogs takes place Thursday, June 29, 11 a.m.; Thursday, July 13, 11:30 a.m., and Thursday, July 27, 11 a.m. “Touch Dunbarton Trucks” is Wednesday, June 21, 10:30 a.m. Summer Reading Kick-Off Musical Concert on the band stand is slated for Wednesday, June 28, 10:30 a.m. See Mr. Aaron concert on the band stand on Thursday, July 13, 10:30 a.m.

• Elkins Public Library 9 Center Road, Canterbury, 783-4386, elkinspubliclibrary.org. The littles can attend Tunes, Tales & Tumbles on Thursdays, 10 a.m. (next one is June 15), open to preschoolers. Other kids can check out storytime on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. (next one is June 20), open to kindergarteners and under

• Goffstown Public Library 2 High St., Goffstown, 497-2102, goffstownlibrary.com. Kids Garden Club runs Tuesdays, June 20, July 18 and Aug. 29, 3:30 p.m. (children in grades 1 through 5). North River Music concert is Tuesday, June 20, 6 p.m. The Miss Julieann Concert is Wednesday, June 21, 10 a.m. (ages 2 to 8). The Pokémon Passion Club meets Wednesday, June 21, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (children in grades 1 through 5). Lego Day at the Library is Friday, June 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (children in grades 5 and under). Kids’ Graphic Novel Book Club meets Tuesday, June 27, 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, July 12, 1 p.m., and Tuesday, Aug. 22, 3:30 p.m. (children in grades 2 to 4). Reading with Candy the Reading Therapy Dog will be on Tuesdays, June 27, July 18, July 25, Aug. 1 and Aug. 8; 15-minute sessions offered from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (children in kindergarten through grade 5) Learn Chess 101 for Kids on Wednesday, June 28, and Friday, July 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m. (children in grades 1 through 5). Forensics for Kids: Who Ate My Scooby Snacks? is on Thursday, June 29, 1 p.m. (children entering kindergarten through Grade 3). Skywatch with the New Hampshire Astronomical Society is scheduled for Wednesday, July 19, 7 p.m. (rain date Wednesday, Aug. 23).

• Griffin Free Public Library 22 Hooksett Road, Auburn, 483.5374, griffinfree.org. Summer Reading Crafts t take place most Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. starting with Self Portraits on Wednesday, June 21. The Tail Winds Show is Saturday, June 24, 2 to 3 p.m. The Annual Book Sale is Saturday, July 29, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday, July 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Hollis Social Library 2 Monument Square, Hollis, 465-7721, hollislibrary.org. PokePals meet Saturdays, June 17, July 22 and Aug. 12, 11 a.m. to noon. (ages 5 to 15) Community Flowers (Part 1 and 2) is Wednesdays, June 21 and June 28, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (ages 3 to 11). Henna Tattoos with Mandy is Thursday, June 22, 5 to 7 p.m. (ages 12 and up). The Summer Reading Kick-Off Party: Friday, June 23, 3 to 5 p.m. The KindKids Music Concert is: Tuesday, June 27, 11 a.m. to noon(ages 12 and under). Outdoor Movie Night is Thursday, June 29, 8:30 to 10 p.m. (all ages). The End of School Party with the Brookline Public Library is Friday, June 30, 1 to 2 p.m. (for rising 7th graders). Insect Safari with Professor Bugman is Friday, July 7, 11 a.m. to noon (ages 4 to 12. Is Kindness rocks with the Brookline Public Library: Monday, July 10, 1 to 2 p.m. (ages 4 to 12). Touch-A-Truck event is Tuesday, July 18, 3 to 5 p.m. (all ages). Family Outdoor Movie Night is Friday, July 21, 8:30 to 10 p.m. (all ages); registration is required. See Aesop’s Fables with Bright Star Theatre on Monday, July 31, 2 to 3 p.m. See the Charmingfare Farm petting zoo on Thursday, Aug. 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (all ages)Sing A Song Together with Steve Blunt & Marty Kelley is Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2 to 3 p.m. (all ages). Summer Reading Program Wrap Party is Friday, Aug. 11, 2 to 4 p.m. (all ages). Celebrate Hugo’s (children’s room mascot) 2nd Birthday Party on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2 to 4 p.m. (ages 3 to 12).

• Hooksett Public Library 31 Mount St Mary’s Way, Hooksett, 485-6092, hooksettlibrary.org Drop-In Summer Art Painting is Monday, June 19, through Friday, June 23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Touch A Truck on Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m. to noon. Attend the Bubble Party Monday, June 26, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Family Movie will screen Thursdays, noon to 2 p.m., June 29 through Aug. 3 Tie Dye Day is Friday, July 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Family Bingo Night is Monday, July 17, 6 to 7:30 p.m. See Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Hawks and Owls on Monday, July 24, 10 to 11 a.m. The End of Summer Reading Party featuring Mr. Aaron is Monday, July 31, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

• Leach Library 276 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 432-1132, londonderrynh.gov/leach-library Elephant & Piggie visit the library onTuesday, June 20, 11 a.m.; Wednesday June 21, and Thursday, June 22, 4 p.m. The Kindness Club Ladybug Picnic takes place Tuesday, June 27, 11 a.m.The Library After Dark Movie Night is Lilo & Stitch and will screen Friday, June 30, 6 p.m.

• Manchester City Library Main Branch: 405 Pine St., Manchester, 624-6550; West Branch: 76 N. Main St., Manchester, 624-6560; manchester.lib.nh.us. Catch the Beach Party on Friday, June 16, 10 to 11 a.m. (ages 1 to 5) followed by the Summer Reading Kick-Off from 2 to 4 p.m. Elementary Experiments takes place every other Tuesday starting June 20, 3 to 4 p.m. (kids in grades 1 through 6). Family Flicks screen Thursdays, June 22 through Aug. 10, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. (all ages) Pollinator Party – Massabesic Audubon Center is Wednesday, June 28, 3 to 4 p.m. See a New Hampshire Wildlife presentation on Wednesday, July 12, 3 to 4 p.m. Teen Anime and Pizza Night is on Wednesday, July 12, and Tuesday, July 18, 5:30 to 7:40 p.m. (teens in grades 6 to 12). Teen Movie & Pizza Night is Wednesday, Aug. 9, 5:30 to 7:40 p.m. (teens in grades 6 to 12).

• Maxfield Public Library 8 Route 129, Loudon, 798-5153, maxfieldlibrary.com. Catch storytime on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and Music and Movement: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

• Merrimack Public Library 470 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 424-5021, merrimacklibrary.org Comics Club is the third Thursday of each month, 5:30 p.m. (ages 9 to 13). The Friends of the Library Book Sale is Saturday, June 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Summer Reading Kick-Off Concert with Steve Blunt is Wednesday, June 21, 6 p.m. Fandom-onium is on the fourth Thursday of every month, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. (kids in grades 7 to 12). Catch Paint-a-Palooza Fridays, June 23, July 28 and Aug. 25, 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday Matinees screen Saturdays, July 1 and Aug. 5, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pokemon Club Summer Session meets Wednesdays, 5 to 5:45 p.m. (July 5, July 9, Aug. 2 and Aug. 23); recommended for kids in kindergarten through grade 5. The Tween Genre Book Club meets the first Thursday of every month (starting July 6), 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. (ages 9 through 13).The Magic of HouDana: is Thursday, July 6, noon to 1 p.m. Teddy Bear Picnic is Thursday, July 20, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. (ages 5 to 8). The Summer Reading Finale Concert with Will Parker is Wednesday, Aug. 16, 6 to 7 p.m.

• Nashua Public Library 2 Court St., Nashua, 589-4600, nashualibrary.org. A field trip to the Nashua National Fish Hatchery is Friday, June 30, 1 to 2 p.m. (toddlers and preschoolers). A field trip to the Amherst Street Fire Station is Friday, July 14, 1 to 2 p.m. (kids in kindergarten through grade 5. Meet Ellie, the Nashua Police Tracking and Therapy Dog on Tuesday, July 18, 1 to 2 p.m. (all ages).International Friendship Day is Thursday, July 27, 3 to 4 p.m. (kids in kindergarten through grade 5). Family Field Day is Tuesday, Aug. 1, 3 to 4 p.m. (all ages). Introduction to American Sign Language is Thursday, Aug. 3, 3 to 4 p.m. (kids in kindergarten through grade 5).

• Nesmith Library 8 Fellows Road, Windham, 432 -7154, nesmithlibrary.org. The Teen Rainbow Pride Party is Tuesday, June 20, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (teens in grades 7 to 12).

• Pelham Public library 24 Village Green, Pelham, 635-7581, pelhampubliclibrary.org. Candy Bar Bingo is Friday, June 23, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 4 and up). The Summer Reading Kick-Off is Wednesday, June 28, 6 to 8 p.m. Tween Time: Cupcake Wars will be Friday, June 30, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 8 to 12). Slime Time is Wednesday, July 12, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 5 and up). Working Together: Amazing Animal Builders is Friday, July 21, 11 a.m. to noon (ages 5 and up) All Together Now Carnival is Friday, Aug. 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Pembroke Town Library 311 Pembroke St., Pembroke, 485-4747, pembroke-nh.com/pembroke-town-library TheSummer Reading Kick-off Night: Wednesday, June 21, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

• Rodgers Memorial Library 194 Derry Road, Hudson, 886-6030, rodgerslibrary.org. Story Safari at Benson’s Park: Thursdays and Tuesdays through Aug. 1, 10 to 10:30 a.m. (geared toward ages 3 to 8). Family Candy Bingo is Tuesday, June 20, 1 to 2 p.m. Preschool Playtime and Family Lawn Games will take place Wednesdays, June 21 through July 26, 10 to 11 a.m. (ages 2 to 12). See Encanto: Interactive Family Movie on Wednesday, June 21, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m. Catch Amazing Animal Builders on Friday, June 23, 1:30 to 3 p.m. A Harry Potter Escape Room is slated for Monday, July 31, 10 to 11 a.m., and 11 a.m. to noon (ages 7 and up).

• Smyth Public Library 55 High St., Candia, 483-8245, smythpl.org. The Flying High Dog show is Thursday, June 29, 6 p.m.A Summer reading family program is Wednesday, July 5, 6:30 p.m. Summer concerts will be Wednesdays, July 12, July 19, July 26, Aug. 2 and Aug. 9, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

• Wadleigh Memorial Library 49 Nashua St., Milford, 249-0645, wadleighlibrary.org. TheSummer Reading Kick-Off Picnic is Friday, June 16, 6 to 7 p.m. Big Truck Day is Thursday, June 22, 10 a.m. to noon. Kindness Rocks! is Wednesday, June 28, noon to 5 p.m. (ages 5 to 11). We Dig Dinosaurs is Wednesday, July 5, 2 to 4 p.m. (kids in grades 5 and under). See Magic Fred Show on Monday, July 10, 2 to 3 p.m (kids in grades 5 and under). A Shark Week Party is Monday, July 17, 2 to 4 p.m. (kids in grades 5 and under). Kona Ice and Games (for Summer Reading Program) is Friday, July 28, 1 to 2 p.m.

• Weare Public Library 10 Paige Memorial Lane, Weare, 529-2044, wearepubliclibrary.com. Scholastic Chess runs Tuesdays, 2 to 4 p.m., through Aug. 1 (except for July 4). Pokemondays are Mondays, 2 to 5 p.m., through Aug. 7. The Summer Reading Kick-Off Party is Thursday, June 22, 6:30 to 8 p.m. A Skywatch with the New Hampshire Astronomical Society takes place Thursday, June 29, 8:30 p.m. (rain date: Thursday, July 20).

• Whipple Free Library 16 Mont Vernon Road, New Boston, 487-3391, whipplefreelibrary.org. The Summer Reading registration is Monday, June 19, 10 a.m.The Wildlife Encounters Kick-Off event is Monday, June 26, 6:30 p.m.

• Wilton Public & Gregg Free Library 7 Forest Road, Wilton, 654-2581, wiltonlibrarynh.org. The Summer Reading Program: “All Together Now” begins Monday, June 19A Story Circle is held Thursdays at 10 a.m.

News & Notes 23/06/15

Protest at coal plant

A group of 75 climate activists and advocates of the No Coal No Gas campaign gathered outside Merrimack Station in Bow last week to demand the retirement of the coal plant and an end to the fossil fuel era. According to a press release, the event coincided with upcoming retirement offers for electricity generators in New England, providing an opportunity for the closure of Merrimack Station, and the activists expressed their determination to end the use of coal if the owners of the plant, Granite Shore Power, do not take action. Wearing white Tyvek suits, they raised signs with messages like “Happy Retirement, Merrimack Station,” “Shut it down” and “Climate justice now,” expressed concerns about the plant’s pollution’s impact on the environment and community health, and emphasized their belief in the need to phase out fossil fuels and the importance of not replacing the coal plant with a gas plant or expanding fracked gas projects, but rather turning to clean and renewable energy to mitigate the climate crisis. Law enforcement stood by, including Bow police, state troopers, an aerial drone and water patrol. The No Coal No Gas campaign is supported by various organizations dedicated to environmental justice and climate action. The gathering was part of a nationwide series of actions planned for June 8 through June 11 to end fossil fuel projects and address climate change, according to the release.

Guns scrapped

Gun violence prevention advocates, including GunSense NH and other members of the NH Gun Violence Prevention Coalition, organized a “Guns to Gardens” event at Concord Wesley United Methodist Church in Concord on June 10. According to a press release, the event allowed gun owners to voluntarily surrender their firearms, and 31 unwanted firearms, including an AR-15, were taken out of circulation. New Hampshire law prohibits the destruction of firearms by law enforcement, so Guns to Gardens offers an alternative for disposing of unwanted guns: The unloaded firearms were disarmed by trained volunteers and rendered inoperable, and the scrap metal from the firearms will be donated for metal artists to repurpose into garden tools. “This effort is a great opportunity for Granite Staters who want to remove unwanted firearms from their homes without putting them back out on the market,” Zandra Rice Hawkins, director of GunSense NH, a project of Granite State Progress, said in the release. “We are excited that so many people came out to our first Guns to Gardens event with the goal to reduce unwanted firearms in our homes and instead transform them into something more useful, and less harmful, to our community.”

Aeronautical Institute to open

A new online higher education institution, the New England Aeronautical Institute (NEAI), is set to open in New Hampshire. According to a press release, NEAI, approved by state legislators, will offer its inaugural term starting this fall, providing individuals with the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aviation degree. The Institute will specialize in flight operations and the managerial aspects of the aviation industry, aiming to address the future demands of aeronautics. With the first day of classes scheduled for Oct. 9, NEAI is poised to fill a gap in the state’s educational landscape by offering flight operations training and academic programs to enhance professional careers in aviation. The arrival of NEAI has been met with enthusiasm from state officials, including Frank Edelblut, the education commissioner, who highlighted the expanded academic and career possibilities it brings to New Hampshire students.

Fighting spam

Attorney General John M. Formella has joined a coalition of 28 state Attorneys General in urging the Federal Communications Commission to clarify telemarketing rules regarding consent for robocalls and texts. According to a press release, the coalition supports the FCC’s proposed amendment to ensure that National Do Not Call Registry protections also apply to text messages. The amendment aims to close a “lead generator loophole” by requiring consent for multiple entities that are logically and topically associated and listed on the same webpage. However, the Attorneys General argue in their letter that the proposed action may introduce ambiguity and suggest that clarification of the existing single seller-to-individual consumer language would be more effective.

House passes amended SB58

An amended bill addressing the issue of arrests without a warrant while under the care of medical professionals on the premises of residential care or health care facilities has been passed by the House. According to a press release, medical personnel have been required to provide emergency care to anyone who seeks it, even if they exhibit abusive behavior. However, if a health care worker is threatened or assaulted, law enforcement cannot make an arrest because the violence did not occur in their presence. The amended version of SB58 allows for the arrest of individuals who disrupt medical care through threats or actual violence. Once the necessary care is provided, the police will have the authority to remove such individuals from the premises.

Easterseals NH will soon reveal design concepts for its planned military and veterans campus, which will be the first of its kind in the state, according to a press release. Supported by $23 million in Covid Relief Funding from the state, Easterseals NH aims to enhance its efforts in the military community through the redevelopment of its 15-acre campus in Franklin. The campus will feature affordable rental housing for veterans, a hub of services for various military service providers, a retreat center and opportunities for therapeutic recreation.

Intown Concord’s Market Days, the largest annual festival in downtown Concord, will return for its 49th year on Thursday, June 22, with festivities through Saturday, June 24, including local vendors, live entertainment, family-friendly activities and more. According to a press release, this year’s festival will have a new approach as a sustainable event, featuring initiatives to promote recycling, waste reduction and eco-conscious practices. Staffed recycling stations, reusable cups in the beer tent and vendor composting are among the sustainability initiatives. Visit marketdaysfestival.com.

The Manchester School District will hold graduation ceremonies for all four of its high schools, on Saturday, June 17, at the SNHU Arena in Manchester. According to a press release, there will be two ceremonies in the morning — Manchester School of Technology High School at 8 a.m., and Manchester Central High School at 10 a.m. — and two in the afternoon — Manchester High School West at 2 p.m., and Manchester Memorial High School at 5:30 p.m. West High School will be hosting its 100th anniversary gala at the Millyard Museum from 4 to 6 p.m. on the same day.

The write stuff

Dan Crohn’s comedy craft

On his 1977 live album Let’s Get Small, Steve Martin riffs about the wonders of the world, and ends by quipping, “the most amazing thing to me is I get paid for doing this.” It’s a thought that echoes during a conversation with Dan Crohn. One reason is he credits Martin for inspiring him to become a comic, but the other is that to Crohn standup isn’t just a job. It’s a way to hang out with like-minded friends and do what he loves.

That said, Crohn is a workaholic. If he’s not on stage, he’s home in Somerville writing jokes. During a recent phone interview, it’s Tuesday night and he’s booked to do 10 minutes at Boston’s Bell in Hand. Lately he’s spent a lot of time testing material at Modern Pastry, an 80-year-old North End Italian bakery. “I always feel like if I’m not doing new stuff, what’s the point?” he said. “My jokes get old, and I get tired of them.”

Crohn did his first set in 2004 — he still has the tape. Ten years later he quit a job teaching fourth-graders to go full-time. Now he regularly headlines throughout New England and often beyond, at places like Gotham Comedy Club in New York City. In August he’ll do two nights at Helium in St. Louis, and he’s performing on a Caribbean cruise ship in late December.

As a child Crohn was a comedy nerd, encouraged by his parents. Shows like In Living Color and SNL were appointment television. His father owned a record store that provided albums and VHS tapes; he remembers hearing Henny Youngman on the family turntable at a tender age.

“My parents would go in their room and listen to Redd Foxx with the door closed.” Crohn recalled. Though less adult, his own comedy fare was captivating in its own way. “I was listening to standup very early, and got obsessed with it almost immediately.”

A year or two after turning pro, he made his own album, It’s Enough Already. In May he recorded a second, to be released later this year on Virtual Comedy Network, a label that in 2019 included him on Best of Boston Standup, Vol. 1. His clip, “I Think About Death a Lot,” discussed true crime shows that keep him paranoid and always noting the time, lest he get called as a witness. My whole life “is preparing for police questioning that’s never gonna happen,” Crohn said.

He’s had the opportunity to work with many great comics and compare notes with them, like his favorite comic, Dave Attel, who he shared the stage with at Boston’s Wilbur Theatre. “The highlight of my career,” he said. “We talked forever about it, which was really nice.”

Crohn spent a couple of years supporting Sebastian Maniscalco, and he has also opened for Nikki Glaser, John Oliver, and Jon Lovitz. In 2013 he was a panel guest on a Boston-centric episode of Marc Maron’s WTF Podcast. Another great memory is a long conversation with Steven Wright at the prestigious Nantucket Comedy Festival.

“Writing is my favorite part of this,” he said. “My second is getting to work with incredible acts.”

For Crohn, the discipline of standup is part of its appeal. “A great comic, Nick Di Paolo, once said, ‘Oh, you’re funny off the cuff, well, that’s why you become a comedian — now go write some jokes.’ I believe that it’s a lot harder to write jokes and entertain people. When you’re just making stuff up, that’s improv. If you wanna do improv, go for it.”

To that end, he didn’t share the antipathy many comics had toward online shows during the pandemic. “I love Zoom,” he said. “I approached it as a way to workshop jokes, with cards and my notes out. I refused to let that muscle atrophy.”

On the other hand, crowd work — the comic’s euphemism for bantering with an audience — holds little appeal for Crohn.

“I hate it! I like writing,” he said. “The craft of standup, the editing and the refinement of material, is what I’m addicted to the most. I love how jokes work, and I love how my jokes work specifically. I love the creative process. It’s what drew me to it originally, and it’s what continues to sustain me in a business that shouldn’t be called a business.”

All the while, the words of his wild and crazy comedy idol ring in his ears. “I continue to be enamored about it to this day,” Crohn said. “I still can’t believe that people give me money.”

Dan Crohn
When: Saturday, June 10, 8 p.m.
Where: Headliners Comedy Club, 700 Elm St., Manchester
Tickets: $20 at headlinersnh.com
Also supporting Mike Koutrobis on Friday, June 9, 8 p.m. at Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry ($22 at tupelohall.com)

Featured photo: Dan Crohn. Courtesy photo.

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