Splaine: Mostly free things to do before snow arrives

Labor Day weekend is kind of the end of summer for many of us. We know leaves are changing colors and falling. Air conditioners become our open windows with sweet breezes. And thermostats kick furnaces on in the morning, especially with those windows open all night.

But summer's not over. Fall doesn't officially begin until Saturday, Sept. 23, at 2:50 a.m. Here's a list of almost free activities for coming weeks in our wonderful spot on our planet. Hoping to get their minds off the November elections, I asked our Portsmouth City Councilors for their ideas, and here are the thoughts from those who responded:

Mayor Deaglan McEachern enjoys parks. He says he doesn't have a favorite but Pine Street Park is near his home. "Lori and I are big fans of walking. We do a loop around the North Mill Pond almost daily. In my family we call that body of water the Regan Riviera. Ann Regan was my grandmother and Paul's mother. I never got to meet her but often heard Paul refer to the North Mill Pond in her honor."

Assistant Mayor Joanna Kelley says, "I think one of the best free things that you can do in our community is donate your time." She mentions an afternoon making lunches at Gather, a volunteer shift at a charity event, walking dogs at the ASPCA, or volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters. "So if you're looking for a free activity — giving back costs nothing but means the world."

Councilor John Taborsays, "I take friends through Prescott Park gardens and they are amazed at the beauty of this spot." He says outdoor plays and concerts request only a $5-$10 donation. "And don’t forget walks in the Urban Forestry Center or Creek Farm — all with water views."

Councilor Beth Moreau says the Athenaeum in Market Square has days open to the public. She likes "either hanging in Market Square or visiting the African Burying Grounds."

Councilor Rich Blalock suggests watching baseball games at Leary Field or "take a break on Carl Collins’ bench in Market Square and just watch Portsmouth; it’s beautiful. Carl Collins was a wonderful man that helped a lot of people in our community, he’s an unsung hero of Portsmouth. One can only smile while sitting on Carl Collins’ bench."

Councilor Andrew Bagley observes, "Thankfully, Portsmouth, a picturesque seaport city, has made great strides in ensuring that everyone can enjoy its beauty and amenities, regardless of mobility concerns." He too mentions Prescott Park and the Urban Forestry Center. He terms it "a hidden, overlooked gem." He also likes the Little Harbour Loop Trail, saying "Wander in wonder: this picturesque trail meanders through woodlands, wetlands, and by the waterside."

Councilor Kate Cooksuggests, "Attend the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show (if you did not get a free parking pass there is great viewing at the Newington mall parking lot) and enjoy an evening of a ""Celebration of the Shaws Brothers music at Prescott Park Arts Festival at 6 p.m." Both events are Saturday, Sept. 9. Kate also suggests visiting Farmer's Markets.

Want more? How about simple things with a good friend, or your kids: tennis, pickleball, throwing catch, hopscotch, marbles, tag, hide-and-seek, playing cards outdoors, organizing a family treasure-hunt, looking at the cannon around South Mill Pond, exploring tracks and railcars near North Mill Pond, walking across the Memorial Bridge, exploring the South End, strolling downtown for no reason? Perhaps just exploring your own neighborhood, walking a street you've never been. Maybe a picnic or camping in your backyard or nearby park with your neighbors.

Or how about talking with someone? Just talking, maybe with the whole family. Humankind got along for quite some years that way.

Today's quotes: "Can I watch TV?" — Jim. "Go outside and play with your friends." — Mom, circa 1960. We just got our first black/white television. No cable, no cell phones, no texting, no computers. But with a TV antennae and a party line phone, we had it all!

Something else? You can join Bob Lister, Ray Will and I looking for the time capsule we buried at the high school in 1995. Free, no charge.

Next time: Onto nicer elections this November?

Jim Splaine has served variously since 1969 as Portsmouth assistant mayor for 12 years, Police Commission member and School Board member, as well as six years as state senator and 24 years as state representative. He can be reached at jimsplaineportsmouth@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Splaine: Mostly free things to do before snow arrives