Seacoast Science Center offers trips, baked goods at Labrie Family Skate: Community news

St. John’s music ministry’s Christmas concert raises money for Dover Children’s Home

The Rev. Jeff Hunt and music director Stephen MacKenzie, of St. John’s United Methodist Church, present a check to Melissa Larocque, ddirector of operations for Dover Children’s Home.
The Rev. Jeff Hunt and music director Stephen MacKenzie, of St. John’s United Methodist Church, present a check to Melissa Larocque, ddirector of operations for Dover Children’s Home.

DOVER — The Rev. Jeff Hunt and music director Stephen MacKenzie, of St. John’s United Methodist Church, at 29 Cataract Ave., presented a check to Melissa Larocque, director of operations for Dover Children’s Home.

On Dec. 3, 2023, the St. John’s music ministry presented its annual Christmas concert, this year titled A Holy Night. The concert was publicized to benefit DCH, and during a break in the music, DCH executive director Renee Touhey-Childress spoke about the organization’s long history serving children in need in Dover and beyond. While there was no admission to the concert, a free-will offering was received which totaled more than $1,000. St. John’s has had a covenant relationship with DCH for many years and was thrilled with the audience response.

Seacoast Science Center offers Family and Adult Eco-Adventure Trips

RYE — Seacoast Science Center has been offering custom-designed eco-adventure travel since 2011. In 2024, SSC is offering two eco-adventures: one designed for families and one specifically planned for adults. Trip itineraries are carefully crafted so participants experience the most significant and impactful activities and landmarks in coastal regions across the globe. While learning about the natural environment, culture and sustainability practices firsthand is the primary goal of the trips, there is always time factored in for travelers to choose activities that are most meaningful to them.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Sarasota, Fla.: April 20-27

Families, enjoy sunny Sarasota, Fla., for a week of fun and discovery, including science programs, outdoor adventures, and plenty of time to explore on your own, with SSC and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, April 20-27, 2024.
Families, enjoy sunny Sarasota, Fla., for a week of fun and discovery, including science programs, outdoor adventures, and plenty of time to explore on your own, with SSC and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, April 20-27, 2024.

Those with young nature-lovers can join SSC’s Program Director, Henry Burke, in sunny Sarasota, FL for spring break, April 20-27. During this trip, you will gain behind-the-scenes access and special programming with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

Azores, Portugal: Oct. 3-15

Join Seacoast Science Center President Jim Chase for an all-inclusive, Eco-Adventure in the Azores, Portugal, Oct. 3-15, 2024. A deposit, due by Feb. 26, will hold your spot.
Join Seacoast Science Center President Jim Chase for an all-inclusive, Eco-Adventure in the Azores, Portugal, Oct. 3-15, 2024. A deposit, due by Feb. 26, will hold your spot.

An adventure awaits those seeking to travel abroad — a custom tour prepared by Collette Explorations in the Azores, Portugal, Oct. 3-15. Together, with SSC President Jim Chase, you’ll explore this archipelago composed of nine volcanic islands in the Macaronesia region of the North Atlantic Ocean. All you have to do is pack your bags for this all-inclusive trip that includes transportation between SSC and the airport, airfare from Logan International Airport, as well as inter-travel, all accommodations, and several meals. You will be immersed in the local culture and communities, and gain an understanding of how their society integrates sustainability into their way of life.

An Azore’s trip information evening will be held at SSC on Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. Here, you can have all of your questions answered during this image-rich presentation by a Collette representative and meet host Jim Chase.

Information: seacoastsciencecenter.org/eco-travel.

Strawbery Banke Museum and Gather partner to sweeten visitor experience

Strawbery Banke announced a partnership with Gather to provide baked goods for the ice-skating season at Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond.
Strawbery Banke announced a partnership with Gather to provide baked goods for the ice-skating season at Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond.

PORTSMOUTH – Strawbery Banke announced a partnership with Gather to provide baked goods for the ice-skating season at Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond. Visitors are now able to purchase a range of treats freshly baked by the Gather Café at the Admissions Desk in the Lawrence J. Yerdon Visitors Center.

Strawbery Banke is sourcing cookies and other baked goods weekly from the Gather Café. Paired with hot chocolate, they have become a favorite among visitors, especially after a day of skating. With the prime skating season approaching, the museum plans to introduce additional menu options, enriching offerings for visitors.

The Gather Café at Great Bay Community College opened in the summer of 2022, partnering with the college to tackle the growing problem of food insecurity among college students. The Café is also open to the public, offering a two-tiered pricing system that ensures students access to nutritional meals at heavily discounted rates. The Café recently launched a popular catering service to further support operations.

Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond is open seasonally from December through February. Weather permitting the rink is open Monday through Friday and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Information: StrawberyBanke.org/skate.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Seacoast Science Center offers trips: Community news