Beach Buggy Bookmobile, Goodwork's new cohort and Merry Mac Regatta results: Community news update
Con Tutti honors Sanctuary Arts with award
PORTSMOUTH — Con Tutti, Portsmouth’s 100-plus member community chorus, presented its 2022 charitable giving award to Sanctuary Arts of Eliot on July 1.
Sanctuary Arts began in 1997 when founder Christopher Gowell purchased the old church on Bolt Hill Road in Eliot with the intention of creating a community of artists that she could work with and learn from. Over the years, Sanctuary Arts has evolved into a community art space that focuses on fine art education from talented artists.
Con Tutti’s gift was given in remembrance of the chorus’ beloved tenor Tom Ingle who was a member and avid supporter of Sanctuary Arts for many years.
According to Director Joanne Connolly, Con Tutti has the dual missions of “sharing our music with the community and supporting our members and the community through charitable giving.”
“We share our music with the community through concerts in May and December of each year. After cancelling concerts in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, Con Tutti joined forces with its cousin chorus, Voices from the Heart, to present an outdoor concert at Green Acre in Eliot Maine on June 4th. The concert, billed "For the world We Raise Our Voices!" presented songs of hope, peace and support for Ukraine to a sold-out audience. Over $6,000 was raised for Ukrainian humanitarian relief efforts.”
Regarding its charitable giving program, Con Tutti President Joe Salsbury said, “Each year, Con Tutti provides an award to an organization that supports education, the arts, and the well-being of community members both here and other locations where we have developed social connections.” Recent recipients include the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation (2019), HAVEN Violence Prevention and Support Services (2020) and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (2021).
Community members interested in joining the group or learning more should contact Connolly at joannasing@aol.com.
Beach Buggy Bookmobile to make stops in Somersworth
SOMERSWORTH — The Somersworth Ready Together Coalition presents the Beach Buggy Bookmobile to encourage parents and children to enjoy reading together this summer. The Bookmobile will visit Noble Pines and Jules Bisson parks (alternating weeks) from 4:30 to 6 p.m., on Tuesdays through Aug. 2. All Somersworth children with their parents or caregivers are invited to stop by, visit with Idlehurst teachers, listen to a story and take home a book. Community partners including WIC, Somersworth Early Learning Center, Strafford CAP, and the YMCA will be available to share resources and information with families. The bookmobile will be parked at Noble Pines Park on July 26 and Jules Bisson Park and Aug. 2. Contact Patrice at patrice@pinetreeinstitute.org for more information.
Goodwork announces new cohort
PORTSMOUTH — GoodWork, a nonprofit incubator that provides high-value customized services including executive coaching, expert training, professional development, and peer-to-peer networking, has announced its newest group of nonprofit participants to receive strategic and operational support. The idea phase and early-stage nonprofit founders, leaders, and board members attended the GoodWork Orientation and Kick-Off recently at Carey Cottage.
Startup nonprofits often have little to no technology, legal, human resources, and operational expertise in-house. At GoodWork, incubator participants have access to pro bono professional consultation and support.
The GoodWork 2022 cohort members are: New England Young Fisherman’s Alliance, New Hampshire Children’s Law Center, Reach for the Top Therapy, Soul Models and The Alex Manfull Fund.
The New England Young Fisherman’s Alliance was created in response to the nationwide “graying of the fleet,” which is the increasing average age of commercial fishermen across the United States. The Alliance plans to provide educational resources and networking for young fishermen throughout Southern Maine, New Hampshire, and Northern Massachusetts and launched a Deckhand to Captain training program earlier this year for six trainees.
The NH Children’s Law Center provides wrap-around legal services and social service advocacy to children growing up in poverty involved in criminal abuse or neglect and special education systems. The Law Center plans to utilize a multidisciplinary approach by employing both social workers and individuals with lived-in experience.
Reach for the Top Therapy provides comprehensive child therapy services focused on the family-centered model, in which family members are included in each session. Reach is committed to specialty program development, case-care collaboration hours, weekly ‘Lunch & Learns,’ mentorship support, and Wellness Wednesday for staff self-care.
Soul Models provides middle school girls in New Hampshire and Maine with after-school programming with central themes of self-care. Experienced facilitators provide hands-on activities and tools to increase self-confidence and resiliency through a focus on mindfulness, meditation, creative expression, community service, and leadership. Its mission is to empower girls to discover their authentic selves as they become mindful, confident, creative, and engaged leaders.
The Alex Manfull Fund supports awareness, education, and research of post-infectious neuroimmune disorders such as PANDAS, PANS, and Autoimmune Encephalitis. The fund was created in memory of Alex Manfull, who lost her battle with PANDAS in 2018 by her parents Susan and William Manfull.
For more information about GoodWork visit goodworkseacoast.org, email molly@goodworkseacoast.org or call 603-953-4709.
Rochester resident among first Peace Corps Volunteers to return to service
ROCHESTER – Rochester resident Alicia Oumsang is among the first Peace Corps volunteers to return to overseas service since the agency’s unprecedented global evacuation in March 2020. The Peace Corps suspended global operations and evacuated nearly 7,000 volunteers from more than 60 countries at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Peace Corps provides an avenue for me to work within my passions of global health and intercultural interactions within one experience, and this combination is what mainly motivated me,” said Oumsang.
Oumsang is a graduate of Pepperdine University with a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine. She will serve as a volunteer in Uganda in the health sector.
Volunteers have already returned to a total of 19 countries around the world. Americans interested should apply to Peace Corps service at www.peacecorps.gov/apply.
Rochester Elks raise drug awareness at Lilac City Funfest
ROCHESTER — On Saturday, July 9, officers and members of Rochester Elks Lodge No. 1393 distributed drug awareness information and complimentary bottles of water at Rochester’s Lilac City Funfest at the Spaulding High School athletic field.
Over 500 gift bags were handed out to Funfest attendees and six cases of bottled water were distributed.
Volunteering for this endeavor included the following Rochester Lodge members : Deanna Souza, Loyal Knight and Co-Chair of the Lodge Drug Awareness Program; Peter Ducharme, Leading Knight and his wife Tisha Ducharme; Tom Ducharme, Past Exalted Ruler, Lodge Trustee and his wife Sherry Ducharme and Jim Clark, Past Exalted Ruler, Lodge Trustee and his significant other, Kathy Akerman.
Former US Senator Scott Brown and his wife Gail Huff Brown stopped by the New Hampshire State Elks Drug Awareness Trailer to say hello. Scott and Gail are members of the Portsmouth, NH Elks Lodge No. 97.
For more information about the Rochester Elks Lodge #1393, visit www.elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?LodgeNumber=1393.
Join Dover Public Library’s new Creative Writing Group
DOVER — Join a community of local writers with Dover Public Library’s new creative writing grouo Cocheco River Writers.
The group meets the fourth Thursday of every month, with the first meeting on Thursday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m., and welcomes all skill levels. Discuss ideas, get tips, and share your work with others in a low-key, inviting atmosphere.
The group is open to the public and not restricted to Dover residents or library card holders. For more information, email Aimee at a.lockhardt@dover.nh.gov or call the library at 603-516-6050.
Ned McIntosh Memorial Merry Mac Regatta winners announced
DOVER POINT — Fourteen Merry Mac catboats sailed by sailors both young and young at heart answered the call for the First Annual Ned McIntosh Memorial Merry Mac Regatta held Saturday, July 16.
Young sailors new to the club’s historic Merry Mac – that perfect little catboat designed by Ned Mcintosh - sailing in their first regatta were joined by sailors who raced at GBYC in their first regatta back in the 1950s. The sailors competed in a light breeze and an incoming tide, completing three races. The blue skies and favorable weather were perfect for the barbecue and awards ceremony following the regatta, presented by Sailing Master Tom Brown.
Winners were: 1st Place: Captain Matt Glenn and his Gundalow Camp crew; 2nd Place: Viki Guy; 3rd Place: Jeremy Small;4th Place: Nate Piper and his daughter, Soren; 5th Place: Katie Paine
Best First-time Captain award to Carter Craig, also of the Gundalow Camp crew, and sailing with Laurie McIntosh
This community tradition will continue this season with a Fall Merry Mac Regatta scheduled for Sept. 11.
Free public garden tours of Prescott Park on Fridays
PORTSMOUTH – Now that the gardens of Prescott Park are nearing their summer peak, the City of Portsmouth Parks and Greenery Department is offering free weekly tours of the formal gardens. Tours are guided by Vincent Brigagliano, Sean Fagan and Erin Finken.
The garden tours are offered every Friday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The one-hour tour starts at the Liberty Pole on Marcy Street and then explores the extensive garden beds of the South Lawn and the formal garden planted around the anchor at the end of Prescott Park closest to the river. While discussing the plants and care that goes into maintaining the gardens, the Parks and Greenery staff will answer questions, identifying plants and explaining plant selection and care.
Enjoy outdoor summer concerts in style
DOVER — Fans of the Dover Chamber of Commerce’s Cochecho Arts Festival concerts now have an opportunity to enjoy the performance from the comfort of the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s outdoor Play Patio. The Museum and Play Patio are situated inside the park and have a great view of the Rotary Arts Pavilion where the concerts take place. For a $15 ticket, guests will be able to enjoy a cash bar, VIP seating within the Patio underneath the shade sails, a snack box for each guest, and access to the museum’s many restrooms.
Access to the patio seating will be available Friday, Aug. 5 for Rockingham Groove and . Friday, Aug. 12 for Studio Two. Concerts From the Patio are 21-plus and doors open at 6 p.m. Concerts start at 6:30 p.m. The Children’s Museum of NH indoor exhibits will not be open for play. Guests are welcome to order takeout from local restaurants (no alcoholic drinks). Advance tickets are recommended. They can be purchased at the door if space is available. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit childrens-museum.org/things-to-do/events/concerts-from-the-patio.
Wireless Zone announces Backpack Giveaway event
STRTATHAM — Cell Site Corporation d/b/a Wireless Zone (Wireless Zone), a Verizon Wireless Authorized Retailer, will hold its 5th annual Backpack Giveaway on Sunday, July 31, from 1 to 4 p.m.
The Wireless Zone stores participating in the giveaway are located at 1209 Main Street in Sanford, Maine; 71 Calef Highway in Lee; and 15 Portsmouth Avenue, in Stratham. Approximately 400 bags between the three stores will be provided to any student under the age of 18 on a first come first serve basis.
Wireless Zone has also teamed up with other local community businesses to make the day even more enjoyable. The Lee store will be hosting Wildlife Encounters and will have live music by DJ SLiCKO. The Sanford store will be partnering with the Sanford Mainers, featuring the one and only Bruce the Moose. And the Stratham store is hosting a dance party with DJ Johnny B from Party Time DJ. The Children’s Museum of NH, Water Country, Portland Sea Dogs, and the NH Fisher Cats have all provided generous donations, For more information, visit www.wirelesszone.com and select one of the locations.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Beach Buggy Bookmobile, Goodwork, Merry Mac Regatta results
