We have found the Jacob Chase Horse Block — a large, low rock in front of Chester’s Town Hall — but my daughter is having none of it.
This is a real puzzler to her. I brought her out here to learn about a towering figure in greater Chester history, and maybe get a little hike in. She and I have been working on a field guide to famous or historic memorial stones around New Hampshire, and the Chase Block, to my eyes, fit the bill.
Born in Newbury, Mass., on Christmas Day 1727, Jacob Chase moved to Chester in 1751 and built the Chase Home at the junction of what are now Manchester and Candia roads. The horse block dates from that move and is even inscribed with the date, 1752. A few years later, Chase served in the Battle of Bennington and ran an important saw mill. His son, Stephen, made the first survey map of Chester, and his grandson, Benjamin, wrote the first book on the town.
Heady stuff for a historian nerd like me. But to my daughter?
“Daddy,” she says, hopping down off the rock, “how would you even tie a horse to this thing.”
“You didn’t, Little Bean,” I explain. “It’s a block, like a step in front of someone’s house. The carriage would ride up, and people would step down onto the block.”
“Like a stool,” she says.
“Well — ”
She’s giving me a look I’m well familiar with. It’s time to move on.
Fortunately, Chester comes to the rescue.
Just east up Route 102 in front of Chester Academy we make a pit stop at the Little Free Store. A variation of the Little Free Library idea, Chester’s Little Free Store is a small structure filled with notebooks, pens, toothpaste, soap and a whole host of other items for community use. Little Bean takes a pencil and notebook.
And then we’re off to our true destination, Wason Pond Conservation and Recreation Area. Not every New Hampshire outdoors recreation area needs to be steeped in history to be an idyllic natural draw, and the pond and nearby covered bridge certainly fit the bill.
In January 2003, the Town used conservation funds to purchase the 105 acres of land surrounding the small pond and set about creating a mixed-use recreation area. A conservation easement protects the property from development and is overseen by a Recreation Commission.
Nearly 20 years later, the area is a small testament to what can be accomplished with some long-range vision and some hard work: ball fields, a playground, trails around the pond, and the centerpiece of the area, a 2011 handmade timber covered bridge designed and built by the community with direction from the Timber Framers Guild.
Little Bean heads straight for the bridge, its soft brown colors gleaming in the afternoon sun, only a short walk of 100 feet or so from the parking lot. The structure is based on an 1850s-style covered bridge model that was popular back then, and even features a center cross-beam sign that reads “Chester, NH 2011.” Dozens of volunteers over the course of several months prepared for the bridge raising, but most of the bridge was raised over the course of one weekend.
There’s a trail that skirts the pond and there are plenty of interesting rocks and shoreline to explore. A few dragonflies are flitting about. Despite the pond and bridge’s proximity to the state road, squint just right and the area feels more off the beaten path.
“Daddy, look!”
She’s found a memorial stone, a low-to-the-ground granite slab about 10 feet from the bridge that reads, “This bridge was built in 2011 by volunteers from the town and Timber Framers Guild.”
“This is our stone,” she declares. “Isn’t it pretty?”
What’s old can be new. Tradition can exist where cars fly by on modern roads. A simple hike around a tiny pond can capture, like a memory photograph, a way that things were and are at the same time. And a little girl can crawl atop a brand-new rock, declare the granite to be special, and so it becomes.
The Jacob Chase Horse Block and Wasson Pond Covered Bridge If You Go: The Jacob Chase Horse Block is located on the grounds of Stevens Memorial Hall, home of the Chester Historical Society at 1 Chester St. The block is directly in front of the hall, right at the corner of Routes 121 and 102. Parking can be found next to the hall.
Wason Pond Conservation and Recreation Area is located at 603 Raymond Road (Route 102). From the Jacob Chase Block head east on Route 102 for about 3 miles and then turn left into the parking area for the Wason Pond Community Center. The bridge and trails lead off from there.
Summer is full of 5Ks and other opportunities to get off the treadmill and take your run outside. Find some races that fit your schedule and skill level. But first, thinking about new sneakers?
Find your sneakers
If you’re looking to lace up this summer, here are some helpful things to keep in mind before you visit your local athletic shoe store.
Fit for comfort
Foot comfort is something that John Mortimer of Millennium Running in Bedford emphasizes to his customers. Many people who decide to buy running shoes, he said, whether for casual wear or professional competitions, have the tendency to pick a size that fits and make a purchase based solely upon looks, oftentimes leading to physical injury.
“Like any athletic endeavor that you want to be successful at … the first step is often having the right equipment,” Mortimer said.
Mortimer has been a runner since he was in middle school and has owned Millennium Running for the past 10 years. Millennium produces running events throughout the Granite State such as the Cigna/Elliot Corporate 5K Road Race and the Citizens Shamrock Shuffle.
Over at Joe King’s Shoe Shop in downtown Concord, assistant manager Rachel Halverson said it’s important for running shoe buyers to understand the risks associated with simply picking a pair up off the shelf without taking the proper measurements down.
“Making sure you have the correct size is very important, especially because sizing from one style can change from each sneaker, even in the same brand,” Halverson said. “We want at least a thumb’s width in the front, because our foot does move imperceptibly back and forth in the shoe when we are very active.”
Black and blue toenails, as well as hammer toes, a condition in which the toe is abnormally bent at the middle joint, can be possible down the line if a sneaker is not fitted appropriately. For example, Halverson said that prospective runners should look to take the time to pick out their sneakers based on the length, width and other conditions and characteristics of their feet.
Easy steps
There is such a thing as a perfect sneaker, and there are several effective ways to evaluate a legitimate fit. “Fitology” is the term Mortimer uses to describe his process in properly fitting customers within his specialized store.
The first step of this process is a simple consultation which helps in seeing where a customer may be in their fitness journey. When consulting with customers, it’s also crucial in understanding what they hope to achieve when purchasing their new sneakers.
Next, Mortimer said, is the static digital analysis, which is a three-dimensional scan of the foot measuring the arch height, foot length, foot girth and determining if the customer is a runner who puts weight on heels or toes. The last step in the fitting process is a video analysis of a customer running on a treadmill to study how the feet look while in motion.
“We want our runners and walkers to be successful, [just like] if you are going to drive a racecar, you need good tires, [and] if you are going to play baseball, you need a bat and a glove,” Mortimer said.
After completing these steps, Millennium Running store associates will bring out a few sneakers in the category the customer’s foot belongs to.
Local shoe stores • Alec’s Shoes (1617 Southwood Drive, Nashua, 882-6811, alecs-shoes.com) • Fleet Feet Sports (4 Coliseum Ave., Nashua, 598-1500, fleetfeet.com) • Joe King’s Shoe Shop (45 N. Main St., Concord, 225-6012, joekings.com) • Millennium Running (138 Bedford Center Road, Bedford, 472-7867, millenniumrunning.com) • Runner’s Alley (669 Elm St., Manchester, 606-6949; 142 N. Main St., Concord, 715-5854; 104 Congress St., Portsmouth, 430-1212; runnersalley.com)
B.J. Bottomley is the owner of Fleet Feet Sports in Nashua. Bottomley takes pride in also having a 3-D fit ID machine, which shows the true characteristics of clients’ feet up close. Once measurements are taken, it becomes easy to find a shoe for those looking for one that is stable, has a snug fit, or even a trail shoe perfect for cross-country running, Bottomley said. He suggests runners of all levels use non-cotton moisture-wicking socks to help your feet breathe and avoid the onslaught of constant blisters.
Additionally, Bottomley said there is a window between 300 and 500 miles for when someone should change sneakers, depending on the mileage and terrain of their runs.
— Jack Walsh
5Ks And Other Races
Once you get those new sneakers, take them out in public at one of the many 5K runs and run/walks scheduled this summer. Know of a race not mentioned here? Let us know at [email protected]. Many races have virtual participation options. Often races also charge additional fees for registration close to or on race day. See the individual event pages for details.
Millennium Running races
These races are run by Millennium Running. See millenniumrunning.com (where the following information is from). For most races, unless otherwise stated, register online by noon on the day before the event or at the race site from 90 minutes before the race to 15 minutes before the race (though some races do sell out), according to the website. Some of these races also have virtual options.
• The Windham Rail Trail Flat N Fast 5K takes place Saturday, June 11, at 8:30 a.m. on the paved rail trail starting at the Roulston Road entrance. Registration costs $25 per person, $100 for a family of up to five members, $20 for 65+. See windhamrailtrail.org.
• The Over the River and Through the Woods 5K & Fitness Walk takes place Saturday, June 11, at 9 a.m. at Northeast Delta Dental in Concord. The race is part of the Capital Area Race Series (see runcarsnh.com). Registration costs $20 per person (for in person or virtual).
• The Brewery Chase Relay will take place on Saturday, June 18, with start times from 7:30 to 11 a.m. The 26.2-mile, six-leg race will begin and end at the Backyard Brewery in Manchester and travel through Derry and Londonderry, hitting six breweries along the way. The cost in advance is $55 per person on the relay team (which can be split between two to six people). Register online through Friday, June 17, at noon or register on site on race day (if there is availability) from 6 to 7:15 a.m. for an extra fee.
• For the Veterans Count Pack & Boots 5K Road Race and 1 Mile Survival Run on Monday, July 4, in Portsmouth participants of the survival run will need to provide a pack of about 10 percent of their body weight. You can run either or both. The survival run starts at 8 a.m., the 5K run/walk at 8:30 a.m. and a kids’ fun run at 9:30 a.m. Registration for adults costs $30 for either event or $45 for both. (The kids’ fun run is free.) Register online by Friday, July 1, at noon.
• The Ribfest 5-Miler takes place on Sunday, July 17, at 9 a.m. as part of the Great American RibFest at the Anheuser-Busch complex in Merrimack. The event also features a 100-yard Stoneyfield Lil’ Piglet Race at 8:15 a.m. Races get early admission to the ribfest as part of their registration, which costs $40 for adults, $35 for 20 and under and $10 for kids age 8 and under in the Piglet race.
• The Canterbury Woodchuck Classic 5K, another in the Capital Area Race Series, takes place Saturday, July 30, at 9 a.m. at Canterbury Elementary School. Registration costs $20; $1 for a kids 2K fun run. See runcarsnh.com/canterbury-woodchuck-5k.
• The Cigna/Elliot Corporate 5K Road Race takes place in downtown Manchester on Elm Street (and surrounding streets) on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 6:20 p.m. The cost is $25 per person and you can register as an individual or as part of a corporate team.
• The 5K Race to the Ledges on Saturday, Aug. 13, at 9 a.m. features a course behind Concord Hospital that is part trail and part road, according to genesishcc.com/gl5k. Registration costs $20 (kids 6 and under are free). Participants will get “brunch to go” boxes, the website said.
• The Veterans Count Wolfeboro Pirates Cove 5K Run & Walk is on Saturday, Aug. 13, in Wolfeboro and 2021’s race featured two courses, one for more competitive runners and one for participants looking for something a little more relaxed. The race starts at 9 a.m. and registration costs $25 for 13+ and $25 for kids 12 and under.
• The Bedford Rotary Trails to Ales takes place on the cross-country ski trails at Legacy Park in Bedford on Thursday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m. according to rotarytrails2ales.com. Runners and walkers can pick a 5K or 2K course and there will be burgers and drinks (including craft beer and wine for 21+) and cornhhole. Registration costs $30 for 21+ and $15 for ages 13 to 20 (kids 12 and under can run for free). Register online by Sunday, Aug. 7, for a discounted registration fee.
• The Loudon Lions Club will hold its Angels 5K Road Race & Fitness Walk at Merrimack Valley High School in Penacook on Saturday, Aug. 20, at 8 a.m. Registration costs $25. The race is part of the Capital Area Race Series.
• The Boot Scootin’ Boogie 5K & Brewfest will take place Saturday, Aug. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Londonderry Athletic Field Complex (98 Sargent Road in Londonderry). Registration costs $35 for 21+ (and includes entry to the Brewfest), $25 for ages 12 to 20 and $10 for ages 11 and under.
• The NH 10-Miler, which you can run individually or as part of a two-person relay, will take place Saturday, Aug. 27, 8:30 a.m. Registration costs $40 per person.
• The Veterans Count Nashua 5K Fun Run & Walk takes place Sunday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m. (register online by noon on Friday, Sept. 9). Registration costs $30 for ages 13 and up.
2021 Brewery Chase Relay. Photo courtesy of Millennium Running.
• The Seafood Fest 5K, part of the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival that runs Sept. 9 through Sept. 11 (see seafoodfestivalnh.com), will take place on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m., preceded by Yoga on the Beach at 8 a.m. and a Lil’ Lobster Fun Run (100-yard kids’ run) at 8:30 a.m. Registration for adults costs $25 until Aug. 25 and includes Seafood Festival admission ($30 afterward; $35 on race day); youth (ages 12 to 20) cost $20 until Aug. 25 and kids (ages 11 and under) cost $10 until Aug. 25.
• The Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day race begins on Elm Street and ends at the Wild Rover in downtown Manchester on Sunday, Sept. 18, starting at 10:15 a.m. There are 5K and 10K options. Register online by Saturday, Sept. 17; registration for adults costs $35 for the 10K and $30 for the 5K. For kids, registration is $25 for ages 12 to 20 and $10 for 11 and under. The event is part of a larger Celtic Festival, featuring food and music. The first 500 registrants will get a free kilt.
Total Image Running races
See totalimagerunning.com for more on these races.
• The Lite Up the NiteRun/Walk for Mental Health 5K will step off at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, at McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester. For registration costs on the day and more, see mhcgm.org.
• Bring your dog to Bagels and Biscuits 5K on Sunday, June 12, at 9 a.m. in Derryfield Park in Manchester. The event supports Animal Rescue League of NH and Temple Adath Yeshurun and costs $25 for 20+ (until June 10) and $20 for 19 and under. See runsignup.com/Race/NH/Manchester/BagelsandBiscuits5K.
• The Christmas in July 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 10, at the Stumble Inn (20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry). Enjoy a post-race party with costume contest and entertainment. Registration in advance costs $30 for adults, $25 for youth. The race benefits Catholic Charities of New Hampshire. See totalimagerunning.com/christmas5k.
• The LaBelle Winery Wine Run will take place Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m. at the winery’s Derry location. Runners 21+ get a glass of LaBelle wine after the run. Registration in advance costs $35 for adults, $30 for youth. The race benefits the Moore Center.
• The Manchester Fire Cross-Country 5K takes place Saturday, Sept. 10, at 5 p.m. The cost is $30 until the day before the event ($20 for kids). The event is dog-friendly. See runsignup.com/Race/NH/Manchester/ManchesterFireCrossCountry5K.
• Hunger is the Pitts 5K BBQ, Bash & Bonfire will take place Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. at Auburn Pitts (167 Rockingham Road in AUburn). The cost in advance is $30 for adults, $25 for youth. The post-race party will feature barbecue eats available for purchase.
• The Hillsboro Fire Fighters Association Five Alarm 5K will take place Sunday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m. at Rear Grimes Field in Hillsborough. Registration for adults is $25 in advance ($30 on the day of the race); youth registration costs $20 in advance, $25 on the day.
More races
• The Amherst Lions Club will hold its 1st Annual 5K Race and Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 11, with the race starting at 10 a.m. Registration costs $25 through Thursday, June 9, online and $30 on site (until 30 minutes before the race). There will be food, entertainment and games post-race from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. See e-clubhouse.org/sites/amherstnh.
• Plaistow Old Home Day will hold a 5K run/walk on Saturday, June 18, at 9 a.m. Registration costs $20 in advance ($16 with no shirt) and $25 on the day. See running4free.com and search for Plaistow.
• Marina’s Miles, a 5K that begins at Oyster River High School in Durham, will take place Saturday, June 18, at 9 a.m. Registration costs $25 in advance or $30 in cash on race day. See marinasmiles.org.
• Go running with Dad at the Father’s Day 5K on Sunday, June 19, at 9 a.m. at the Margaritas in Dover. Registration costs $25. See goodwinch.org/events/fathers-day-5k.
• The Smuttynose Will Run for Beer 5K is slated for Sunday, June 19, at 9:30 a.m. at Smuttynose Brewing in Hampton. After the flat race, runners (who are 21+) get complimentary beers. The post-race celebration will also include food and live music. See smuttynose5k.com.
• The Downtown Gym in Laconia will hold its summer event in its Pay It Forward 5Kseries on Saturday, June 25, at 9 a.m. The run/walk will begin at The Downtown Gym (171 Fair St. in Laconia). Registration costs $25. See downtowngymlaconia.com.
• The Eddie Chambers 5K Run/Walk, in memory of Manchester student Eddie Chambers to benefit Mental Illness Awareness and Suicide Prevention, will take places Saturday, June 25, at 10 a.m. on the campus of Southern New Hampshire University. Online registration costs $25. See miasp.org/News/2022-eddie-chambers-5k-runwalk.
• The Milford Recreation Department will host the Star Spangled 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, July 2, at 9:30 a.m. starting in Keyes Park Register by June 14 for $20; same-day registration costs $25 ($10 for ages 12 and under). Kids 12 and under can also run in a 1K race for free. Strollers and dogs on leashes welcome, according to milfordnh.recdesk.com.
• The Greater Derry Track Club of Southern New Hampshire will host the Run for Freedom 5K & 10K on Monday, July 4, at 7:30 a.m. to support Liberty House in Manchester. The courses, maps of which are available at gdtc.org/run/index.php/run-for-freedom, wind through residential roads in Derry, the website said. Registration costs $30 for the 5K and $35 for the 10K.
• Hillsboro Summerfest will host a 5K Road Race on Friday, July 8, at 6:30 p.m. along the Contoocook River in Hillsborough. Registration costs $20 before June 18 (afterward, same-day registration costs $25 from 5 to 6:15 p.m.). See hillsborosummerfest.com/activity/5k-road-race.
• The Bill Luti 5 Miler, part of the Capital Area Race Series, starts Saturday, July 16, at 8 a.m. at Memorial Field (70 S. Fruit St. in Concord). There will also be kids’ fun runs starting at 9:15 a.m. Register online by Thursday, July 14, at 9 a.m. for $20; see gsrs.com/luti for information on late registration.
• Dancers Dash 5K Run/Walk is slated for Saturday, July 16, at 8 a.m. beginning and ending at Campbell High School in Litchfield. Registration costs $30; see dancersatheart5678.org/events/dancers-dash-2022.
• The Cathy Cray 5K will be Saturday, July 16, at 9 a.m. at the Congregational Church in Amherst, according to runsignup.com/Race/Info/NH/Amherst/TheCathyCray5k. Registration costs $25 and proceeds support The White Ribbon Project, a lung cancer awareness organization (see thewhiteribbonproject.org).
• The Live Free or Die 5000 is a 5K described as “suitable for runners and walkers of all skill levels” according to the registration page, which can be found at livefreeordie5000.squarespace.com. The race takes place on Saturday, July 16, at 9 a.m. in Atkinson (the registration page also features a map of the race route). Registration in advance costs $30.
• The Chester 300th Anniversary Committee is holding a Tricentennial 5K Race on Saturday, July 23, at 9 a.m. on the conservation trails at Wason Pond in Chester. Registration costs $25. The day will also feature a Fireman’s Muster. See chesternh300.org/5k.htm
• The Get Your Rear in Gear 5K run or 1.5-mile walk to raise money for colon cancer will be held Saturday, Sept. 10, at 9 a.m. at Gould Hill Farm in Contoocook. A kids’ run for 10 and under takes place at 8:45 a.m. Registration costs $28 for adults in advance and $15 for youth ages 12 and under (kids’ run runners cost $12 per person). See donate.coloncancercoalition.org/newhampshire.
• The Jack Sharkey 5K Knockout the Hills Highnote takes place Saturday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. at 173 Prescott Road in Epping. Registration costs $20 in advance, $25 on the day. See running4free.com/RaceDetails.aspx?raceid=457.
• The Hooksett Kiwanis Club will hold its 11th annual 5K Trail Race on Saturday, Sept. 17. Last year’s race included a kids’ fun run and goodie bags. See hooksettkiwanis.org/kiwanis-5k.
• The 6th Annual Greenfield Fire Department Road Race takes place Saturday, Sept. 17, at 9 a.m. at Oak Park in Greenfield. The event will include a 10K, a 5K, a half marathon and a race for kids; registration costs vary by event. Find information on the fire department’s Facebook page.
• Saturday, Sept. 17, is Old Home Day in Pelham. A 5K run and walk will take place at 10 a.m. See pelhamoldhomeday.org for information on Old Home Day.
• The Pant for Paws 5K to raise money for Darbster Rescue is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m. at Rollins Park in Concord. The event is family- and pet-friendly. Registration costs $30. See darbsterfoundation.com/events/ or runsignup.com/Race/Info/NH/Chichester/PantforPaws.
Clubs, ongoing events & more
• The Millennium Happy Hour Hustle takes place many Thursdays at 6 p.m. with courses near downtown Manchester through Sept. 29. The cost is $25 per race; advance registration required. See millenniumrunning.com/happyhour.
• The Millennium Running club costs $75 for annual membership and is open to all levels of fitness, according to millenniumrunning.com. Upcoming events include the Pub Run at the Fisher Cats game on Thursday, June 23.
• The Women Run NH is an event held by the Bedford girls cross-country program that will feature workshops for all ages and abilities on Saturday, Aug. 20, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Bedford High School. Admission will be available for individuals as well as teams of all ages. See womenrunnh.org.
Recommended running spots
We asked local experts to recommend a few of their favorite spots for a run.
Goffstown Rail Trail Recommended by John Mortimer, owner of Millennium Running in Bedford Where: Goffstown Length: 7.5 miles Difficulty level: Easy Trail info: The Goffstown Rail Trail is a 7.5-mile point-to-point trail that begins in Goffstown Village and ends at the Manchester city line. The trail is suitable for walking and running, and has relatively flat terrain.
Les Clark Nature Trailhead Recommended by Gabe Ouellette of Joe King’s Shoe Shop in Concord Where: Concord Length: 1.5 miles Difficulty level: Easy Trail info: Located on Portsmouth Street near the headquarters of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, the Les Clark Nature Trailhead is a mostly flat route that’s perfect for beginner trail runners.
Piscataquog Trail Recommended by John Mortimer, owner of Millennium Running in Bedford Where: Manchester Length: 2.1 miles Difficulty level: Easy Trail info: Located on Manchester’s West Side, this 10-foot-wide paved recreational trail crosses the Piscataquog River and connects runners and walkers from the Queen City to Goffstown.
Rockingham Rail Trail Recommended by John Mortimer, owner of Millennium Running in Bedford Where: Multiple towns from Manchester points east Length: 25 miles Difficulty level: Moderate Trail info: This multi-use trail begins at Page Street in Manchester and ends at Ash Swamp Road in Newfields.
Mine Falls Park Recommended by B.J. Bottomley, owner of Fleet Feet Sports in Nashua Where: Nashua Length: 9.7 miles Difficulty level: Easy Trail info: Mine Falls Park is a roughly 300-acre park located in Nashua with 9.7 miles of trail options for runners to choose from. It’s directly beside the Nashua River and is known for the forest-like trees overlooking the park. There are sports fields, fishing spots, and trails full of wildlife. “It’s far and away the best spot in Nashua,” Bottomley said.
The SEE Science Center (200 Bedford St. in Manchester; see-sciencecenter.org) is open seven days a week through Labor Day. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Admission costs $10 for all guests 3 and up and advance reservations are recommended. And plan now for SEE’s Kickoff to Summer event June 20 through June 26, which will feature three daily shows with yo-yo performer Brett Ooch and hands-on activities, according to the website.
Fun for all
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St. in Dover; childrens-museum.org, 742-2022) will hold “Exploring Our Way: Sensory Friendly Playtime” on Tuesday, June 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. “These monthly, low-sensory events are designed for children with autism spectrum or sensory processing disorders allowing them to explore the museum along with their families without the noise, crowds, and stimulation of a typical open day,” the website said. Reserve a spot online in advance. Admission costs $11 for everyone over 1 year old ($9 for 65+).
Kids on stage
The Palace Youth Theatre will presentOliver! Jr.on Tuesday, June 7, and Wednesday, June 8, at 7 p.m. at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588). Tickets cost $15 for adults.
Summer of outdoor exploring!
If you’re planning some nature adventures this summer, check out NH Fish and Game’s website, wildlife.state.nh.us, specifically the “Connect Kids to Wildlife” section (under the “Education” tab). In addition to information on wildlife programs, the site has some fun printable PDFs to take with you on a hike. One is a pocket guide to animal tracks but it’s likely most kids will be all about the guide that’s all about poop. The “Wildlife Scat” printout offers a guide to figuring out what animal made the poop you might find out in the woods — or in your yard.
I like to say that plants can be as fussy as a 2-year-old facing a plate of overcooked broccoli. Plants know what they want, and will not behave the way you want them to unless you accommodate their wishes. Today let’s look at a few that love wet feet.
First, please understand that plants need oxygen but do not get it from their leaves. No; they get oxygen from their roots. Some plants have evolved ways to get their oxygen despite sitting in water-logged soil while others quickly drown or develop root rot. If you have heavy clay soil that holds water, be sure to pick plants that can tolerate wetness.
I have a small stream running through my property, so much of my land stays quite moist, even in dry summers. In spring I often have standing water between raised beds in the vegetable garden. Yet I have plenty of wonderful flowers that thrive here. Here are a dozen I like, arranged roughly according to bloom time, from early spring to late fall.
1. The drumstick primrose (Primula denticulata) blooms in early spring in hues of blue to red or white. Then comes P. kisoana, which spreads by root in either wet or dry places. Last, starting now, there is the candelabra primrose (P. japonica) which sets out a series of blossoms on an increasingly tall stem over a month of bloom time. All love growing under old apple trees in dappled shade.
2. Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica). I have these blooming now by the hundred everywhere I look, sun or shade. These lovely low-growing blue (or sometimes pink or white) flowers self-sow bountifully. They prefer rich moist soil and will do well in sun or shade. Because they come back from seeds so easily we let them bloom, then often pull them out like weeds to plant something else.
3. ‘Thalia’ daffodil. Most bulbs require good drainage, but ‘Thalia’ does fine in soggy soil. She is nearly white, and each bulb can produce three flowers at once. She blooms with the forget-me-nots. Order now for fall planting.
4. Globeflower (Trollius spp.). An early summer bloomer, it does best in part sun and moist soil, but will also grow in ordinary garden soil and in full shade. The blossoms are an inch or so across and bright yellow. Blooms in late May to June, but may sometimes re-bloom in the fall.
5. Japanese iris (Iris ensata). These beauties will bloom in standing water or in damp soil. They are like the Siberian iris, but their falls (petals) lay back almost flat. Blues and purples. Early summer.
6. Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis). These flowers are native plants that bloom on 3-foot stalks in fire engine red! I’ve seen them growing on the banks of the Connecticut River, but they do well in moist soil and full sun in my garden. Will tolerate some dryness, but prefer wet. I avoid modern hybrids that are other colors but not as hardy.
7. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata). Related to ordinary milkweed, this likes moist soil and full sun. Unlike the wild one, this does not send runners out and spread by root. Mine get 3 to 5 feet tall and come in pink or white. Readily available at garden centers.
8. Astilbe (Astilbe spp.) These flowers come in red, pink and white and various heights. They can survive in drier soil in shade, but really love moist, rich soil and full sun. Good cut flower with an almost woody stem.
9. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.). There are many species, some of which spread by root while others do not. It is the very best perennial for supporting pollinators. Mid-summer to fall. ‘Fireworks’ is my favorite.
10. Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum). This is a native plant that thrives on stream beds and swampy areas that has been domesticated. A cultivar known as ‘Gateway’ is the best but gets to be over 6 feet tall. ‘Baby Joe’ is supposed to be a smaller version, but I haven’t tried it yet. Pollinators love this plant, which blooms in fall with pinky-purple blossoms.
11. Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii). Gorgeous tall stems loaded with pink flowers shaped like helmets – or turtle heads. Will do sun or shade, loves moisture but will grow in ordinary gardens, too. Bumblebees force themselves inside, and seem to growl in there at times. Great cut flower. Fall.
12. ‘Henry Eiler’ rudbeckia. One of the latest flowers I grow. Petals are distinctive: They have space between each one, like missing teeth. Tall, often 6 feet or more. Needs to be staked early, or perhaps cut back in early June to reduce height. Blooms past frost. Full sun, rich moist soil.
If you have a clay-based soil that is sticky when you rub it, wet, between your fingers, you would do well to add compost to the soil before planting any of these lovely flowers. Yes, they like the moisture clay holds, but compost — a shovel or more mixed into the planting hole — will improve their performance.
I’m pleased to report that our new young dog, Rowan, is learning to stay out of garden beds. He’s an 18-month-old golden/Irish setter mix with lots of energy. But so far, he hasn’t dug up any plants.
Featured photo: Pollinators are attracted to Swamp milkweed by color and scent. Photo by Henry Homeyer.
Makers in all media — from robotics to arts to food — are invited to the NH Maker Fest, hosted by the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, on Saturday, June 4.
The Maker Fest, which celebrates its 10th anniversary, describes itself in the Maker Fest Manual as, “a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. … Fest visitors can spend the day discovering new things from the Makers either through hands-on activities, workshops, presentations or performances.”
“I think this annual event is important to have a place for people to showcase the things that they love. The whole thing about the maker movement is really built around community and sharing, as much as it’s about creating your own things,” said Wayne Moulton, who describes himself as a purveyor of magical memories.
Moulton and co-owner Kali, who is also his wife, will represent their STEAM enrichment business, Sages Entertainment, by walking around with their balloon puppet, a bird named Leo, and performing an on-stage magic show. Moulton participated in the Maker Fest from the beginning.
Multimedia artist Lindsey Castellon volunteered on the Fest’s planning committee and collaborated with the museum as an AmeriCorps VISTA member before she hosted her own booth as owner of Angry Gato Designs.
“Right now, I specialize in digital illustration, so in that realm I actually am able to apply it to a bunch of different things. My most popular items right now are my stickers,” said Castellon. “I’ve been a maker ever since I can remember. When I was a kid, I would just make stuff out of popsicle sticks, and I taught myself how to sew using my mom’s old sewing machine, and that was my preferred form of play.”
The makers encourage attendees to combine their natural passion for arts and sciences to make a positive change in the world.
Founder of Plastic Recycled Nathan Gray debuts at Maker Fest to do just that by refurbishing plastic waste into practical products, taking a “three-pronged approach to the global plastic waste crisis,” where those three prongs are to educate the community, collect plastics in the local and surrounding area, and refurbish the plastic into practical products.
“It’s a great opportunity to be able to work [with] the museum,” Gray said. “We’ve already done some legwork to create a bottle cap drive so people can actually start the process of thinking about plastic waste and how they can properly steward their plastic waste from home by collecting and cleaning their bottle caps and bringing them to the Maker Fest. With their bottle caps, they will be able to make keepsake, take-home sea turtles.”
The museum, in collaboration with Gray, will be collecting bottle caps before, during and after the Maker Fest to go toward the recycled construction of a park bench.
“We’re actually providing a bench so they can show it off as well,” Gray said.
Michael Roundy, co-founder and co-director of the Lowell Kinesthetic Sculpture Race, plans to display a sculpture as part of his presentation as well.
“The beauty of a sculpture is they can actually picture themselves on the sculpture, driving this thing,” Roundy said. “They’re, like, car-sized kind of vehicles, so there’s an impact of having the human-sized element that’s there.”
Roundy, who has previously participated in the Fest, returns to promote the race, which takes place in September. The race, inspired by similar events hosted in California and Maryland, encourages participants to combine technical construction with visual appeal to create a human-powered, sculptural vehicle capable of racing across multiple terrains, such as mud and water.
“Everyone is a maker in some way or another,” said Neva Cole, the museum’s communications director. “The fest is always such a fun time, and we’ve made it as accessible as we possibly can. It’s by donation; it’s a suggested $5 per person donation, but that is a suggestion.… Just come on by, because we don’t want anyone not to visit and not to participate because of financial situations.”
10th Annual NH Maker Fest When: Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, 6 Washington St., Dover Tickets: suggested donation of $5 per person at entry (the event will also feature food vendors) More Info: childrens-museum.org/things-to-do/events/nh-maker-food-fest
• The Palace Youth Theatre will presentThe Little Mermaid Jr.on Thursday, May 26, at 7 p.m. at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588). Tickets cost $12 to $15 for the show, which features performers in grades 2 through 12.
The cold never bothered her
Also at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) this week, Dimensions in Dance Presents The Snow Queenon Saturday, May 28, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. “The story of the Snow Queen is told through dance … ballet, jazz, modern, tap, hip-hop, acro, pointe and lyrical,” according to the Palace website. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $20 for kids.
Museum fun
• Thursday, May 26, is the final World Culture Thursday on the schedule at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St. in Dover; childrens-museum.org, 742-2022). At 10 a.m. during the morning play session (9 a.m. to noon) and at 2 p.m. during the afternoon play session (1 to 4 p.m.) the World Culture event features a craft, game or other activity celebrating a different culture. The sessions are part of regular admission, which costs $11 for everyone over 1 year old ($9 for 65+). Reserve an admission spot online before heading out. The Children’s Museum is closed Mondays and is open Wednesdays through Saturdays for morning and afternoon sessions and Tuesdays and Sundays for morning sessions only.
Nature on land, nature on water
• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (23 Science Center Road in Holderness; nhnature.org, 968-7194) opened its public trails at the beginning of May (daily hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last trail admission at 3:30 p.m.) and last weekend it started its Squam Lake Cruises, which are on the schedule daily at 1 p.m. The cruises are about 90 minutes long on a canopied pontoon boat and advance reservations are required. Cruises cost $27 for adults, $25 for 65+ and $23 for youth up to ages 15).
Prefer to stay on land? The three-quarters of a mile live animal exhibit trail features coyote, fisher, foxes, bobcats, black bear, river otters, deer, owls, raptors and more, according to the press release, which recommends planning a two-and-a-half-hour visit to walk the trail, which winds through meadows, forests and marsh boardwalks. Admission costs $22 for adults, $20 for ages 65+, $16 for ages 3 to 15, and is free for children 2 and under.
