The Art Roundup 22/06/23

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

• Live musical: Take in an underrepresented storyline following a group of women who bond over both the woes and joys of going through “the change” after meeting in a department store underwear section. Showing on Sunday, June 6, at 2 and 5:30 p.m. at the Capitol Center for the Arts’ Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St, Concord), Menopause the Musical is celebrating its 20th year in production, with an impressive stage history as the 15th longest-running show in Las Vegas history. It has been seen by more than 17 million people and played in more than 500 cities worldwide. The show runs for 90 minutes; tickets start at $44 each, dependent on seating. This show is recommended for viewers age 14 and up. Visit ccanh.com.

• Paint and sip: Join Wildlife Encounters Ecology and Wellness Center (270 Beauty Hill Road, Barrington) for a paint and sip night on Saturday, June 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event will offer guests painting instruction and a mini-tour of the Wildlife Encounters Sanctuary and will feature a live baby coatimundi known as “Diego” to model for the paintings. All needed materials will be provided. Tickets to the event cost $50 for non-members and $45 for members. Pre-registration is required. Visit weecocenter.com.

Landscape/Lakescape painting class
Learn some valuable painting skills from a seasoned professional at The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s acrylic landscape painting class at the Meredith Fine Craft Gallery (279 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith) on Saturday, June 25, from 10 a.m. to noon. The Gallery is also offering a watercolor “lakescape” painting class on Saturday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. The classes will be taught by instructor Ann Xavier, a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design with three decades of teaching experience. The classes are intended for all skill levels — the cost per each class is $70 per student, with a materials fee of $35 to be paid to the instructor on class day (register now, as space is limited). Visit meredith.nhcrafts.org.

• Free museum admittance: Every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., join the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester) for its Art After Work: Free Thursday Nights program. The program offers free gallery tours and admittance to the museum during the designated hours. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy live music, happy hour drink specials and a full menu. Tours will meet in the lobby and last about 30 minutes. Members of the museum will receive a 10 percent discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages with the presentation of a valid membership card. Visit currier.org.

• Music and art festival: Running from Friday, June 24, at 2 p.m. to Saturday, June 25, at 10 p.m., the Northlands Music and Art Festival will be held at the Cheshire Fairground (247 Monadnock Hwy., Swanzey). The festival will feature more than 15 live music performances over two days from local and nationally touring artists, in addition to installation art, performance art, local food trucks, a beer garden and local artisans. Tickets can be purchased in single day passes or for the whole weekend. A one-day general admission pass costs $79 for adults, $20 for kids age 4 to 12, and kids under 4 get in free. Two-day general admission passes cost $139 for adults and $35 for kids age 4 to 12. VIP tickets are also available. Visit: northlandslive.com.

Mural Festival Fundraising
Local artist James Chase in collaboration with Arts Build Community is seeking fundraising for their “Community Canvas” project. The funding will be used to produce a 10-day-long mural festival running from Aug. 11 through Aug. 21, involving local and non-local muralists working toward the completion of seven murals throughout Manchester. This project was created with the hope of uniting and inspiring the community through art. “This program that we’re launching is about building with the community, not for the community. So that way the murals reflect the community’s needs, values, and culture…. We’re doing our due diligence ahead of time working with nonprofits to really raise and reflect community voices as we’re making these murals,” Chase said. The program holds a goal of raising $50,000 by July; they currently have raised $18,000. Chase plans to use the funds raised to buy supplies, pay artists and hold community events. “I think that murals and art in general has an opportunity to uplift, to increase voices, to instill community pride.” Chase said, “and a lot of what’s going to be happening in the making in between is just as important as the final piece. So we really see this as community building when fostering connection.” For more information or to donate to the project, visit patronicity.com/abc2022.

• Exhibit: Art 3 Gallery is displaying its current exhibit, “Layered: Color and Texture,”in its gallery (44 W. Brook St., Manchester) now through Sept. 15. The exhibit aims to engage all senses of the viewers, incorporating vivid color use and varying texture. “The tactile quality of an object’s surface appeals to the sense of touch. Whereas creating hidden depths of light and color with layers of paint and glazes attract the viewer’s sense of sight,” the Gallery wrote on its website. There is a virtual gallery tour available online or visitors may come in person Monday through Friday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Visit art3gallery.com.

• Theatre event: The Palace Theatre is hosting Night of 1000 Stars in celebration of their “ever so talented Palace Youth Theatre actors.” The event will be held at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) on Tuesday, June 28, at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $12 and are seating dependent. Visit palacetheatre.org.

Peterborough Players
The Peterborough Players are returning to the indoor stage for the first time since February 2020 with their season opening show, Cabaret, running from Thursday, June 23, through Sunday, July 3. Set in 1930s Berlin, this award-winning musical surrounds the themes of love, underground subcultures and politics. In a press release sent by the Theatre, Artistic Director Tom Frey was quoted as saying, “We all remember it as the ultimate song-and-dance musical, but at its core it asks really difficult questions about a moment in history that cannot, and must not, be forgotten. Not only is it timeless in its structure, but its themes remain sadly still relevant.” Tickets to the play cost $47 each and can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 924-7585. Visit peterboroughplayers.org.

ART

Exhibits

• “WARHOL SCREEN TESTS” In the mid-1960s, American multimedia artist Andy Warhol had shot more than 400 short, silent, black-and-white films of his friends at his studio in New York City. Warhol referred to the films, which were unscripted and played in slow motion, as “film portraits” or “stillies.” The exhibition will feature 20 of those films, provided by the Andy Warhol Museum, in loops across four large-scale projections. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). On display now through July 24. Museum admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 through 17 and is free for children age 12 and under and museum members. Current museum hours are Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday through Wednesday. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org for more information.

• “ARGHAVAN KHOSRAVI” Artist’s surrealist paintings explore themes of exile, freedom and empowerment; center female protagonists; and allude to human rights issues, particularly those affecting women and immigrants. The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester). On display now through Sept. 5. Museum admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 through 17 and is free for children age 12 and under and museum members. Current museum hours are Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday through Wednesday. Call 669-6144 or visit currier.org for more information.

• “THE PEOPLE’S SCULPTOR: THE LIFE AND WORKS OF JOHN ROGERS” Exhibit celebrates the art of American sculptor John Rogers, who came to Manchester in 1850, and explores the influence that Manchester had on Rogers’ life and work. Presented by the Manchester Historic Association. On view now through September. Millyard Museum (200 Bedford St., Manchester). Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors age 62 and up and college students, $4 for youth ages 12 through 18, and is free for kids under age 12. Call 622-7531 or visit manchesterhistoric.org/millyard-museum.

• “WOOL: CONTEMPORARY FIBER ART EXHIBITION Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen) through Sept. 2. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com or call 975-0015.

• “PIXELS, WOOD, CLAY” Two Villages Art Society presents an exhibition of work by artists Tony Gilmore, Rick Manganello and Caren Helm. The Bates Building (846 Main St., Contoocook). Aug. 12 through Sept. 9. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. There will be an opening reception on Sat., Aug. 13, from noon to 2 p.m. Visit twovillagesart.org or call 413-210-4372.

• ART ON MAIN The City of Concord and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce present a year-round outdoor public art exhibition in Concord’s downtown featuring works by professional sculptors. All sculptures will be for sale. Visit concordnhchamber.com/creativeconcord, call 224-2508 or email [email protected] for more information.

Fairs and markets

• CONCORD ARTS MARKET The juried outdoor artisan and fine art market runs one Saturday a month, June through October, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Market dates are July 30, Aug. 20, Sept. 17 and Oct. 15. Rollins Park, 33 Bow St., Concord. concordartsmarket.net. The first market will be held on Saturday, June 11. Visit concordartsmarket.net/summer-arts-market.html for more information.

• CRAFTSMEN’S FAIR The annual nine-day outdoor craft fair hosted by the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen features hundreds of craftspeople with vendor booths, plus special craft exhibitions, demonstrations, hands-on workshops and more. Sat., Aug. 6 through Sun., Aug. 14. Mount Sunapee Resort, 1398 Route 103, Newbury. Call 224-3375 or visit nhcrafts.org for more information.

• HAMPTON FALLS LIBERTY CRAFT FESTIVAL More than 75 juried artisans from all over New England will feature their work. Hampton Falls town common (4 Lincoln Ave.). Sat., July 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun., July 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit castleberryfairs.com.

• GUNSTOCK 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND CRAFT FAIR There will be more than 90 artisans displaying and selling their work. Gunstock Mountain Resort (719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford). Sat., July 2, and Sun., July 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit joycescraftshows.com.

• CRAFT FAIR AT THE BAY More than 75 juried artisans from all over New England will feature their work. Sat., July 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun., July 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community House and Waterfront (24 Mount Major Highway, Alton Bay). Visit castleberryfairs.com.

• GREELEY PARK ART SHOW The annual outdoor juried art show hosted by Nashua Area Artists Association features a variety of artwork for sale. Greeley Park, 100 Concord St., Nashua. Sat., Aug. 20, and Sun., Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit nashuaarts.org/greeleyparkartshow.

Tours

• NASHUA PUBLIC ART AUDIO TOUR Self-guided audio tours of the sculptures and murals in downtown Nashua, offered via the Distrx app, which uses Bluetooth iBeacon technology to automatically display photos and text and provides audio descriptions at each stop on the tour as tourists approach the works of art. Each tour has 10 to 15 stops. Free and accessible on Android and iOS on demand. Available in English and Spanish. Visit downtownnashua.org/nashua-art-tour for more information.

Workshops and classes

• ART CLASSES Art classes for teens and adults, including Pottery, Stained Glass, Intermediate Watercolor and Clay Hand Building. Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester). Five-week sessions. Classes met for two hours a week. Call 232-5597 or visit 550arts.com for the full schedule and cost details.

• DRAWING & PAINTING CLASSES Art House Studios, 66 Hanover St., Suite 202, Manchester. Classes include Drawing Fundamentals, Painting in Acrylic, Drawing: Observation to Abstraction, Exploring Mixed Media, and Figure Drawing. Class sizes are limited to six students. Visit arthousestudios.org or email [email protected] more information.

• GENERAL ART CLASSES Weekly art classes offered for both kids and adults of all skill levels and cover a variety of two-dimensional media, including drawing and painting with pastel, acrylic, watercolor and oils. Classes are held with small groups of three to eight to five students. Diane Crespo Fine Art Gallery (32 Hanover St., Manchester). Kids classes, open to ages 10 and up, are held on Thursdays and Fridays, from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. Adult classes are held on Thursdays, from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tuition is pay-as-you-go at $20 per student per class, due upon arrival. Call 493-1677 or visit dianecrespofineart.com for availability.

THEATRE

Classes/workshops

• STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS Monthly workshop series hosted by True Tales Live storytelling showcase. First Tuesday (except November), from 7 to 8:30 p.m., virtual, via Zoom. Registration is required. Visit truetaleslivenh.org for more information.

Shows

• LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) presents the musical through June 26, with showtimes on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at noon. Tickets cost $25 to $46. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

•​ PRIVATE LIVES The Winnipesaukee Playhouse (33 Footlight Circle, Meredith) presents through June 25, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $23 to $39. Visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.

•​ ANYTHING GOES The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents. June 16 through July 23, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $32 to $52. Visit seacoastrep.org or call 433-4472.

• THE BALD SOPRANO Produced by the Community Players of Concord. The Hatbox Theatre (located inside the Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord) through Sun., June 26. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com or call 715-2315 for more information.

• FOOTLOOSE Prescott Park Arts Festival (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) presents this outdoor musical through Aug. 14, with showtimes on most Thursdays and Sundays at 7 p.m., and most Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with some matinee showtimes TBA. General admission costs $5, and reserved seating tickets cost $55 to $150. Visit prescottpark.org or call 436-2848.

•​ MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord). Sun., June 26, with showtimes at 2 and 5:30 p.m. Tickets cost $44. Visit ccanh.com or call 225-1111.

•​ THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) [REVISED] The Winnipesaukee Playhouse (33 Footlight Circle, Meredith) presents. June 29 through July 9, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., plus matinees on Thurs., June 30, and Tues., July 5, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $29 to $39. Visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.

• INTO THE WOODS RGC Theatre presents. Hatbox Theatre (inside the Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord). July 8 through July 17, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $22 for students, seniors and members and $19 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com or call 715-2315.

• TRUE TALES LIVE Portsmouth-based storytelling showcase. Monthly, last Tuesday (no shows in July and August), from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Shows will be held in person (Portsmouth Public Media TV Studio, 280 Marcy St., Portsmouth) starting in April, and returning to the Zoom format for the winter, starting in November. Each month’s showcase is centered around a different theme. The series is free and open to all who want to watch or participate as a storyteller. Pre-registration for attendees is required for Zoom shows but not required for in-person shows. Visit truetaleslivenh.org and email [email protected] if you’re interested in being a storyteller.

• TITANIC THE MUSICAL Presented by the Manchester Community Theatre Players. Manchester Community Theatre Players Theatre, located at the North End Montessori School (698 Beech St., Manchester). Showtimes on Fri., Oct. 14 and Oct. 21, and Sat., Oct. 15 and Oct. 22. Visit manchestercommunitytheatre.com or call 327-6777.

CLASSICAL

Open calls

• THE RHYTHM OF NEW HAMPSHIRE SHOW CHORUS Women’s a cappella chorus is looking for female singers in the region to join. The group, an affiliate of the North American singing organization Harmony, Inc., performs a wide variety of music, including Broadway musical songs, patriotic songs, pop, jazz and seasonal pieces, for community and veterans’ events and private functions. Rehearsals are held weekly on Thursdays from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. at the Marion Gerrish Community Center, 39 W. Broadway, Derry. Masks are required for singing, but both vaccinated and unvaccinated singers are welcome. Visit rnhchorus.org or email [email protected] for more information.

Going to Hollywood

Author Paul Brogan discusses new book

By Delaney Beaudoin

Paul Brogan became pen pals with Doris Day at just 8 years old. After viewing the 1960 comedy Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, starring Doris Day as a mother of four, at a drive-in movie theater with his parents, Brogan wrote a fan letter addressed simply to “Doris Day, Hollywood, California.”

book cover for A Sprinkling of Stardust Over the Outhouse by Paul Brogan
Memoir by Paul Brogan

“I just thought as a little boy, oh, she is the most wonderful mother. In my fan letter, I said, ‘Miss Day, if I didn’t have my own mother, I’d love to have you,’” Brogan said. “And she wrote back. And she said it was the sweetest fan letter she had ever gotten. And she said, please stay in touch. And she sent me her home address.”

Despite Brogan’s early desires to travel to tinsel town and pursue a career in screenplay writing, Doris Day remained Brogan’s only connection to Hollywood and his dream of writing for the majority of his life.

Brogan, who now lives in Concord with his spouse, Alan, will be at Gibson’s Bookstore on Thursday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m., to discuss his third and latest book, A Sprinkling of Stardust Over the Outhouse: Musings, Memories, Madness, and Pillow Talk! The book retells the trajectory of Brogan’s life and the lessons he’s had to learn for himself about the importance of being true to yourself, even in the face of hardship.

“This time I returned to a topic I sort of know: myself,” Brogan said. “When you’re in your late 60s, you start to realize that life is finite, you’re not going to live forever. And if there is a philosophy, or something that you feel should be shared, that other people might either benefit from or just be entertained from sharing it, that it’s the time to do it.”

Brogan’s whirlwind of a life, which began with growing up gay and Catholic in the 1950s and ’60s, took many twists and turns as the author slowly began to realize the key to happiness is listening to your own desires and wants, rather than the ones others impress upon you.

“Growing up, I was told, well, you can’t go to Hollywood, Paul, you’re not good-looking enough. And I would say, but I don’t want to be in the movies, I want to write, I want to do something. And they would say, Oh, you’re not a very good writer, so don’t, don’t follow that, you’re only going to be disappointed when you fail,” said Brogan.

Despite others’ doubt, Brogan did eventually make it to Hollywood, where he met Doris Day in her home in 1973. Their friendship would persist through the duration of her life.

In his life, Brogan made many career changes in his pursuit of happiness. Originally working traditional jobs for many years made Brogan realize his dissatisfaction with the path laid out for him.

“I was basically in the era where I thought, Paul, you need to find a nice job. Stick with it for 40 years; when you retire they’ll give you a gold watch and a pension. And these crazy ideas you have about wanting to be a writer or go to Hollywood, that’s all up in your head. And it’s just not realistic,” he said.

Day continued to act as a mentor for Brogan, who in the mid-’80s suffered a mental breakdown caused by his unfulfillment in daily life.

“She said to me, Paul, right now, you’re at a juncture in your life, you need the ocean, you need the calming sea,” Brogan said.

Brogan heeded Day’s advice and moved up to Ogunquit, Maine, shortly after, where he took up a job playing piano at a restaurant.

“I’ve been playing piano since I was 5, but I’d never done it professionally. So the ocean and everything helped to give me a whole new perspective on what had value and what mattered. And that I had to stop listening to other people’s concepts of what I was supposed to be or do, and that I had to find my own niche,” he said.

Brogan would go on to work in the nonprofit sector, helping people who were “infected and affected” at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Eventually, Brogan fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a writer, just not in the guise of the silver screen as he originally imagined.

“I was in my 50s when I wrote the first book 11 years ago, the first time I really dipped my toe in the water, so to speak, and said I’m finally going to do this. I talked about it when I was 15 and 16…. When the book became successfulI said, wow, it’s nice in your late 60s to be able to call yourself a writer.”

The unique title, which interestingly enough Brogan developed before writing the book, refers to a commonly used phrase.

“Pardon me, sh*t happens…. In the book, I basically say, yeah, that’s gonna happen, but you don’t dwell on it and make that your mantra in life. You put that crap into the outhouse, where it belongs, and forget about it. And just to make sure, just sprinkle some stardust — your hopes, your dreams, the next chapter of your life — over the outhouse. Then you’re able to move on to whatever is the next thing that’s in store for you,” Brogan said.

Paul Brogan Presents at Gibson’s Bookstore
Where: Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 S. Main St., Concord
When: Thursday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m.
Visit: gibsonsbookstore.com

Featured photo: Paul and Doris Day in Beverly Hills. Photo courtesy of Paul Brogan.

This Week 22/06/23

Big Events June 23, 2022 and beyond

Thursday, June 23

This is the last week to see the award-winning musicalLegally Blondeat the Palace Theatre (80 Hannover St., Manchester). The musical follows Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandals while attending Harvard Law School and pursuing her dreams. The high-energy musical closes on June 26. Ticket prices range from $25 to $46. Showtimes are on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at noon. Tickets can be purchased online at palacetheatre.org.

Friday, June 24

The Canvas Roadshow Studio (25 S. River Road, Bedford) is giving people a chance to customize their sneakers at the Custom Sneaker Workshop today from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The studio will supply materials and patterns for people to choose from. Just make sure to bring a pair of canvas shoes to decorate. The workshop is for people ages 12 and older and costs $35 per person. Register at thecanvasroadshow.com/workshop-events/custom-sneaker-workshop.

Sunday, June 26

Help support the Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity by entering in their Cornhole Competition from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Budweiser Brewery Experience (221 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack) This is the only fundraiser this year for the Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity. Tickets for competing teams costs $75 and they have to register a team name and a T-shirt size. The top three winning teams will earn prizes for their bag tossing skills. In addition to the competition, there will be food trucks and drinks and alcoholic beverages served at the Biergarten. Sign up at nashuahabitat.org/cornhole.

Monday, June 27

Larry Gagnon is holding his fundraiser, PMC Piccola Night, at Piccola Italia Ristorante (815 Elm St., Manchester) tonight from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50 and include a buffet and drinks. All the money raised will be donated to the Pan Mass Challenge, a biking course that raises money for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Email Gagnon at [email protected] for more details.

Wednesday, June 29

This is the first night of the Free Concerts on Pelham Village Green for the summer. The green outside the library (24 Village Green) will be ready for families and music lovers to listen to music by All Day Fire Band. The Pelham Parks and Recreation department is encouraging people to bring lawn chairs or blanket, a book, ball, Frisbee, or other outdoor activities to do while they listen to the live music. The concert is free and runs from 6 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, June 29

Manchester’s “Summer Series Movies in the Park at Veterans Park” kicks off today at 8 p.m. with a screening of Black Panther (PG-13, 2018). Upcoming screenings include Jim Henson’s Labyrinth (PG, 1986) on July 13 and Encanto (PG, 2021) on July 27. The series finishes off with The Wedding Singer (PG-13, 1998), starring Manchester’s own Adam Sandler, on Aug. 10, according to a post on the Manchester Parks & Recreation Division’s Facebook page.

Save the Date! Saturday, July 2
The Fifth Annual Tree Streets Block Party will be on Saturday, July 2, from 2 to 6 p.m., on Ash Street between Central and West Hollis streets in Nashua. There will be a hot rod car show, a cookie competition, a skateboarding and BMX bike competition, and carnival games that will raise money for charity. Food vendors Los Amigos Barbecue and Soel Sistas will also be there, and live music will be featured. Admission is free. Visit involvedtoimpact.wordpress.com/home/tree-streets-block-party for more details.

Featured photo. Black Panther. Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 22/06/23

Turn off those lights

New Hampshire residents should prepare to pay higher utility bills as electricity rates are expected to increase this year, according to WMUR, with one utility saying bills could increase more than 100 percent. The Office of the Consumer Advocate attributed the rising costs to New England’s heavy reliance on natural gas, the costs of which are influenced by the global market and have been especially affected by the war in Ukraine, the report said.

QOL Score: -4 (-2, with a 100 percent increase)

Comments: House Speaker Sherman Packard released a statement on June 17 in regard to the rising energy costs in the state, saying, “The House and Senate are actively working on a legislative solution to help ease the burden on New Hampshire families as energy prices continue to soar. Our priority is to help secure relief for those who are worried about having to choose between putting food on the table and heating their homes this winter.”

Funds for mental health

The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester was awarded $10,000 as the first place winner in New Hampshire of the 2022 Impact Award presented by the Boston Red Sox and Ruderman Family Foundations, according to a press release. The IMPACT Awards allow Red Sox fans to nominate and vote on their favorite nonprofit organizations throughout New England and recognize organizations that have had an impact in their communities by raising awareness and improving mental health care. Officials from the Mental Health Center accepted the check at Fenway Park in Boston on June 15.

QOL Score: +1

Comments: The second-place winner in New Hampshire is The Webster House in Manchester and the third-place New Hampshire winner is Marguerite’s Place Inc. in Nashua. In all there were 18 winners across the six New England states, the press release said.

At least it’s something!

The average price of gasoline in New Hampshire went down by 3.7 centers per gallon last week, averaging $4.94 per gallon as of June 20, according to a GasBuddy price report. The data is based on a survey of 875 gas stations throughout the state. Prices are still 28 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and a whopping $2 higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel is currently at $5.80 per gallon, the report said.

QOL Score: +1

Comments: Sure, it’s just 3 cents, but you’ve got to celebrate the tiny victories.

Happy birthday to CHaD

The Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center recognized its 30th anniversary on June 20 with staff celebrations at its original hospital in Lebanon and at Dartmouth Hitchcock clinics in Manchester where pediatric services are provided. According to a press release from CHaD, it was June 20, 1992, when New Hampshire’s only children’s hospital was officially approved by what is now known as the Children’s Hospital Association.

QOL Score: +1

Comments: In 1893, the first patient at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital (MHMH) in Hanover was a pediatric patient: a 13-year-old girl treated for a hip condition, the press release said.

QOL score: 80

Net change: -1

QOL this week: 79

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at [email protected].

Final thoughts on Celtics

After coming up just two games short of winning the NBA title, the inevitable happens for your Boston Celtics. The exclamation point is that they had a 2-1 lead in the series before coughing up three straight losses to Golden State. And since they can only be described as (use your own word) bad to horrendous losses that saw them blow double-digit leads in all three, let the finger-pointing begin.

I don’t like the words “blame” or “fault” because those are words for losers who get stuck in the past and don’t focus on the future, which is where you need to be to find a solution, which is what Brad Stevens and the brass need to do.

So, while this may be semantics, I prefer to think about “responsibility” because it identifies areas that need to be improved in the off-season. That could be a weakness in personnel, questionable coaching decisions, repeated mental mistakes or just playing against a better team.

First thing is to assess what the season was in relation to expectations. This can be looked at two ways.

Glass Is Half Full: Getting to the NBA Finals was a major step forward with a disappointing ending. Especially in light of their train wreck first two months of 2021-22, which suggested we were in store for a repeat of the same infuriating under-achievement as last year. After somehow finding their mojo in early January it turned into a major step forward for a team that exceeded everyone’s expectations, which, after a few minor tweaks, makes the future look bright.

Glass Is Half Empty: This Celtics loss doesn’t approach a blown opportunity by the favored Lakers over the Celtics in 1984. They’re hardly the first underdog to blow a 2-1 series lead. I mean the Celtics put that same number on the defending champion Bucks just last month.

But what I care most about is how a team loses. And the way the C’s lost to GS raises major red flags about their heart and collective ability to hold their attention firm during adversity. They had their moments earlier in the playoffs, but they really needed the same mental toughness when the Warriors put the heat on, and this time the top three melted like a stick of butter in a hot frying pan.

Is that just part of the growing process, or in their DNA?

That’s where Stevens’ assessment should begin as he decides what steps are needed to win those last two games next year.

The Opponent

Golden State: First, the Celtics lost to a better team in a series GS earned. A surprise to me because I underestimated two things: their team defense and Steph Curry.

The D was exceptional because Andrew Wiggins (mostly) did a great job on Jayson Tatum in his forgettable series and their quickness to close out on open shots took away what the C’s do to put opponents on their heels. It especially flummoxed them in the half court during crunch time.

As for Curry, I somehow forgot how good he is at scoring around the basket, which destroyed my “crowd him to make him drive” strategy. This dude’s just good and raised an interesting question from my nephew, who asks, is he a Top 10 player all-time? I never thought of him that way, but since he’s the leader of a team that’s won more titles than Larry Bird did, maybe we should.

The Red Flags

Heart and Grit: They were resilient all through the playoffs even amid hiccups vs. Milwaukee and Miami. But it’s a tough call because good opponents can cause them. But at the end of it all, I’m back to where I was in December on Tatum. While he has the talent, does he have the make-up to be the team leader or do they need to find a Jimmy Butler team leader to pair with him?

Turnovers: Careless, mindless T.O.’s thrown up for grabs handed the Warriors free baskets that killed Boston all series. Tatum set a record for most T.O.s in a playoff season and in Game 4 alone Marcus Smart handed GS 10 free points himself on five totally mindless cross-court passes. As for Jaylen Brown, despite his occasional brilliance, almost every drive was an adventure because he has the worst handle I’ve seen since Tom Boerwinkle retired.

Can they fix this issue internally or do they need a point guard to do so?

The Bench: Despite some earlier heroics, Derrick White aside, it was mostly a Finals no show. So is it good enough?

IQ And Instincts: It made Jeff Van Gundy crazy all through the series and me for much longer than that. With the peak being Tatum giving take fouls to stop a fast break early in Games 5 and 6 that led to first-half foul trouble both times. Somehow he and Smart think that’s smart but risking early foul trouble over two points is just dumb.

Most amazing is they kept repeating the same dumb mistakes.

What Next

Since they also had similar collapses twice against Milwaukee and Miami, my view is they have to address all their red flag issues to take that next step.

Who To Build Around: I don’t think a big change is needed. But if a big deal surfaced to make them clearly better, the two untouchables are Tatum and Robert Williams. Though I’d be reluctant to move on from the wisdom, versatility and toughness of Al Horford as well. While I think everyone else deserves appreciation for a terrific season I’d be willing to part with anyone else in the right deal.

One-Player Wish List – Damian Lillard: Wouldn’t give up both Brown and Smart for him. But he’s a real point guard and the kind of seasoned leader to reduce that burden on Tatum.

So, overall mostly a job well done. But get to work, Brad, because you’ve got some holes to fill.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

Leading the Y

Granite YMCA names first female interim president

Meet Michele Sheppard, who was recently appointed interim president and CEO of The Granite YMCA, becoming the first woman to hold the position.

What is your background in this kind of work?

I’ve been in the Y movement since 1986. I came to New Hampshire to become an executive director for the Granite YMCA at the Allard Center and have been with this organization for 12-plus years and have moved up in opportunities to oversee operations for our organization, our branches, our camps and our service delivery in various programs. I’ve become the interim CEO and president here in a transition that occurred this winter. It’s a wonderful opportunity to grow my skill set and leadership, and to help support our organization and our communities to serve more people, especially as we’re coming out of so many challenging things that have been happening in these past couple years.

What does your job entail?

One of the most important things I do is work as a mentor for staff in the organization, as well as strategic thinking and leadership, working with our board of trustees and our local advisory boards to see how the Y … can make a further difference … beyond our typical types of programs that people know us for — building community partnerships and collaborations and visioning along with other agencies how to support the citizens of New Hampshire and their health and wellness, their community needs for child care, as well as mental health, which is a struggle these days, so how can the Y be relevant in people’s lives to give them a place of respite and support?

What do you hope to accomplish during your time in this position?

One of the biggest things I’d like people to know is that the Y is more than just a place where you go for a swim or to work out or for child care. We are proud to be all those things, but there’s so much more we do … from education support, mental health support and chronic disease prevention to just being a place where groups can gather and learn from one another and really feel connected. In today’s world, a lot of folks don’t feel connected; they don’t have what you call the ‘third place’ — the church or the community group — and the Y can and has been that. … We have a long line of building relationships with people and helping people find friends and places where they can feel like they belong, where they can make a difference and where they can grow their skills and achieve. That’s what I hope to continue doing.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’re facing right now?

We know that society is changing. … We’ve been working hard on diversity inclusion efforts … and [being] a Y where folks from all different walks of life feel comfortable coming in. We’ve been working hard on finding a way that the Y can be more present in places where there’s not a facility. An example of how we do that currently is our chronic disease prevention and diabetes prevention classes. We partner with the state and local public health departments to … offer a virtual program that is available in all 10 counties in the state. … Those are the types of things that challenge us, but we’re seeking alternative ways of delivering services to help people have better health and feel better about their day-to-day lives.

Summer camps are starting soon. What will those look like this year?

We’re so excited that we’re opening our doors and having summer camp again. … They’re going to be full of very well-trained staff; they’re going to have exciting, refreshed facility spaces and some new program offerings; and they’re going [be a place] for each of the [campers] to be cared for … where they can cultivate leadership development, new friendships, and better health and wellness. I think the camps are going to be a great, fun way to get away from the stressors of the world, from being connected to electronics, from being in a classroom; and to get outdoors, get some fresh air and be in a place where a child can be a child … and not have to worry about some of the stresses they’ve been experiencing the past couple years.

What do you enjoy most about this work?

The people. I love the fact that every day we transform lives in one way or another. … We have the capacity to do that, and we strive to do that. … I love the fact that I get to do this with other people who care and have a heart for taking care of others … and doing something good in the community — a big shout out to all the [Y] volunteers. … Without them, this movement doesn’t exist. The Y started with volunteers, and we’re proud to maintain that tradition. It’s an honor to serve with [them] and the staff. We’re also grateful for the members, because they make our days filled with fun and a lot of interesting experiences.

Featured photo: Michele Sheppard.

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