Ready for camp — The Hippo — 02/23/23

News and culture weekly serving Metro southern New Hampshire

Published every Thursday (1st copy free; 2nd $1).

195 McGregor St., Suite 325, Manchester, N.H. 03102 P 603-625-1855 F 603-625-2422 hippopress.com email: news@hippopress.com

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features editor

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Staff writers

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Katelyn Sahagian ksahagian@hippopress.com, Ext. 130

contributors Michelle Belliveau, Mya Blanchard, John Fladd, Bethany Foss, Jennifer Graham, Henry Homeyer, Chelsea Kearin, Michele Pesula Kuegler, Dave Long, Fred Matuszewski, Eric W. Saeger, Dan Szczesny, Michael Witthaus

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on the cover

12 Summer campS If you’ve got school-age kids you’re probably already thinking about what they’ll be doing this summer. Find camps for every interest in our big listing of area summer day camps (plus a few spots for overnight adventure). The summer excitement starts on page 12. alSo on the cover It’s your last! chance! to! vote! Vote in Hippo’s Best of 2023 readers’ poll through Tuesday, Feb. 28. Go to hippopress.com to vote for your favorite New Hampshire brewery, the eatery with the best burgers, the spot scooping out delicious ice cream and so much more. Vote now!

Looking for some live music this weekend? Check out our Music This Week listing of bands and performers at area restaurants, breweries and other locales. Or for a bigger show check out our listing of ticketed concerts on page 46.

InSIde thIS week

newS & noteS

4 newS In brIef

6 Q&a

7 SportS

8 QualIty of lIfe Index

9 thIS week

the artS

28 Voice in a Shattered world

29 artS roundup

InSIde/outSIde

30 GardenInG Guy

Henry Homeyer offers advice on your outdoors.

31 authorS at the vIneyard

32 kIddIe pool

Family fun events this weekend.

32 treaSure hunt

There’s gold in your attic.

33 car talk

Automotive advice.

careerS

34 on the job

What it’s like to be a...

food

36 the hIdden pIG In the Kitchen; Weekly Dish; Try This at Home.

pop culture

40 revIewS CDs, books, film and more. Amy Diaz feels like there’s too much quantum, not enough mania in AntMan and the Wasp: Quantumania

nIte

43 bandS, clubS, nIGhtlIfe

Nite Roundup, concert & comedy listings and more.

43 comedy thIS week

Where to find laughs.

44 muSIc thIS week

Live music at your favorite bars and restaurants.

46 concertS

Big ticket shows.

46 trIvIa nIGhtS

Find some friendly competition.

oddS & endS

47 rock ‘n’ roll croSSword

47 ken ken, word roundup

48 croSSword, Sudoku

49 SIGnS of lIfe, 7 lIttle wordS

50 newS of the weIrd

Money for outdoor amenities

The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation is now accepting proposals for the 2023 Land and Water Conservation Fund grants, according to a press release. The grants, funded by the National Parks Service and administered in New Hampshire by New Hampshire State Parks’ Bureau of Community Recreation, facilitate public outdoor recreational projects. Eligible projects may focus on developing new or renovating existing outdoor recreation support facilities, acquiring property for public outdoor recreation use, or a combination of both development and acquisition. Recent New Hampshire projects supported by LWCF grants include ball fields, a boat ramp, a ski lodge, rail trails, multiple municipal parks and other projects that improve public access to quality outdoor recreation experiences. “New Hampshire has been known worldwide for its recreational opportunities for generations,”

Brian Wilson, director of the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation, said in the release. “It’s one of the reasons so many people come to visit the Granite State, and it’s definitely why so many choose to live here and do business here.”

Project sponsors who are interested in applying for a grant should submit an Intent to Apply form to New Hampshire State Parks no later than June 2 at 4 p.m. Program staff will review the submitted forms and conduct inspections of the project sites to determine eligibility. If a project is deemed eligible, the project sponsor will be invited to complete the grant application process. Project sponsors must agree to contribute a 50/50 match

of the grant. Visit nhstateparks.org/ about-us/community-recreation/ land-water-conservation-fund-grant or call 271-3556.

Drug warning

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is warning residents about a growing trend of the animal tranquilizer xylazine being added to opioid street drugs like heroin and fentanyl. The non-opioid sedative, approved for use in veterinary medicine, can have dangerous effects when consumed by humans, such as sedation, respiratory depression, a slowed heart rate and muscle relaxation. According to a press release, the number of xylazine-positive overdose deaths has doubled in the Northeast between 2020 and 2021, and individuals who are struggling with substance use disorder may be unaware that they are ingesting xylazine when it is mixed with other drugs. “The increased presence of xylazine circulating in the Northeast is concerning,” Dr. Jonathan Ballard, Chief Medical Officer for DHHS, said in the release. “When added to opioid drugs like heroin and fentanyl, it may increase the risk of overdose and death.” Xylazine users are at risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms when they stop consuming the drug, and repeated exposure can cause the user to develop severe necrotic skin ulcers. If you suspect an overdose involving xylazine, call 911, then administer naloxone if available, DHHS advised in the release. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication that can quickly reverse the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Though it does not work to reverse the effects

of xylazine, it should be administered in an overdose situation as opioids are often consumed in conjunction with xylazine.

Disaster help

Gov. Chris Sununu sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Friday, Feb. 17, requesting a major disaster declaration and federal emergency assistance for the severe weather conditions that New Hampshire experienced from Dec. 22 through Dec. 25, which included flash flooding and heavy winds that resulted in downed trees, blocked roadways and power and heating outages and warranted execution of the State Emergency Operations Plan. “New Hampshire sustained major damages to state and local infrastructure that led to numerous requests for state assistance,” Sununu wrote in the letter, adding that “the response consumed staff time and exhausted available resources.” State and local damages have been valued at $1,965,549. If the declaration is granted, it will be the third major disaster declaration in New Hampshire in 18 months. Read the full letter at nh.gov/safety/divisions/hsem.

Citizen of the year

The Greater Manchester Chamber has selected Dr. Paul. J. LeBlanc, president and CEO of Southern New Hampshire University, as its next Citizen of the Year. According to a press release, the annual Chamber’s Citizen of the Year Celebration will be held on Tuesday, April 11, at 5 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, where Chamber members, community members, friends, family and colleagues of LeBlanc are invited to gather in

Optima Dermatology & Medical Aesthetics, led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Molly Cowdrey, will open a new practice at 176 S. River Road in bedford on Monday, Feb. 27, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to follow on Tuesday, March 14, according to a press release. This is Optima’s fourth practice in New Hampshire and fifth in New England.

Through March 26, Jordan’s Furniture in nashua is collecting donations of new and gently used prom dresses and gowns for its Belle of the Ball Program, which distributes donated prom attire to students with limited financial resources, according to the Jordan’s website. Visit jordans.com/about-us/philanthropy/belle-of-the-ball.

honor of LeBlanc and celebrate his accomplishments and dedication to the city of Manchester. “Paul LeBlanc has been an unwavering advocate for the residents of this community and used his impeccable leadership at Southern New Hampshire University to not only lift up his students, but to lift up our entire community,” Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig said in the release. “Paul’s presidency has helped shape our city into what it is today.”

Honoring Mcauliffe

By an executive order from Gov.

Confused about your Medicare options?

Feeling Overwhelmed? Recent life-change? Turning 65? How do you choose? What type of plan is best for you? When should you switch plans?

United Way of Greater Nashua will host food drives at stores in Greater Nashua every Saturday through April 22, starting with the Market Basket in hudson on Saturday, Feb. 25. The drives support pantries such as Nashua Community College Student Assistance Pantry, Milford SHARE Outreach and others, according to a press release. The schedule is at tinyurl.com/FoodDrivesUWGN.

Chris Sununu, a permanent memorial to Christa McAuliffe will be built on the Statehouse grounds, NHPR reported. McAuliffe, who taught at Concord High School, died in the Challenger space shuttle tragedy on Jan. 28, 1986, at the age of 37 and is buried in a local cemetery. Sununu’s order calls for $500,000 from the state budget to fund the memorial and the assemblance of a commission to study, design and oversee its construction. The memorial is expected to be unveiled by Sept. 2, 2024, on what would have been McAuliffe’s 76th birthday.

mention this Hippo

NASHUA

MANCHESTER NASHUA

Londonderry

Derry Merrimack

Bedford

Go stown

Hooksett Amherst Milford

Considering a Raw diet?

Crypto mining for charity

Concord software developer discusses his new app

Concord entrepreneur Russ Willey talked about his new company Crypto-Charities and how its software helps nonprofits, organizations and individuals generate passive income from their supporters. Learn more at crypto-charities.org.

What is Crypto-Charities?

ORDER

It’s a software that users download and install on their Windows-based PC, and essentially what it does is mine digital currency while the computer is active. … [The user] enters a code for the charity of their choice into the application, and all the digital currency that’s collected is sent back to our secure servers. At the end of the month, we [calculate] how much each code has received … and send out checks to all these charities.

How did you come up with it?

I went to UNH in Manchester and studied computer science and networking, but I didn’t graduate. I got into printing and variable data in my career. Back in the ’90s, I [was interested in] the use of distributed computing. … It was easier to collect and analyze data through distributed computing than through one supercomputer. I always kept that idea in my brain. Then, with the advent of digital currency, I thought, this would be a perfect application for distributed computing. … The idea developed over the years, and we went into full development last summer.

Is anyone else doing anything like this?

We’re the only ones in the world. The idea of mining digital currency is not a new thing, but no one else is … mining cryptocurrency for charities … or doing what we’re doing … with our workflow being able to tag that work for each charity using a code system. That’s what we’ve patented. It’s a great thing to be at the forefront of.

Who is using the app?

Anybody can use it. Someone who wants to

support a charity can just download the app and run it. There are companies we’re working with that have 100 to 200 computers running, so they just run this app in the background and they’re actually generating income. We’re also starting to work with content creators and streamers; they pick a charity they support and are passively fundraising for that charity when their followers and subscribers download the app and use that content creator’s or streamer’s code.

How much money can it generate?

Through our testing, we’ve found that, on average, [a single computer] will generate between $10 and $30 annually, possibly more depending on the strength of the computer. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but if you get 1,000 supporters who are each [generating] $10 a year, that’s $10,000 a year. Any charity that could get all of its supporters to give $10 a year would be tickled pink — and with the app, the supporter can do that without having to dig into their own pocket.

How can people start using the app to support a charity?

They can go to our website and download and install the application. We have a whole list of charities that we work with, so they just pick a charity and put that charity’s code in. The software will remember that code you’re using, but you can change the code anytime you want to. … Also, if people are involved with a charity or have their own ideas about what charities they’d like to see added to the app, they can reach out to us.

— Angie Sykeny

Russ Willey. Courtesy photo.

LONG’S LONGSHOTS the week that was

The Big Story: With the All-Star game history, the NBA begins what it calls the second half of its season even though the Celtics have already played 71 percent of their 82 games. The good news is that with 42 wins and 17 losses they start the stretch run to the playoffs with the best record in the league, a fact made more impressive by their doing it playing the first two months without Robert Williams and the last two weeks with a majority of their starters out with injuries.

The Bucks along with the 76ers and Cavaliers round out the Top 4 in the Eastern Conference and are the teams that pose the biggest obstacles to getting back to the Finals. Though I’m not counting out the Heat until I see them pick up their fourth loss in any playoff series.

Thumbs Up: The interim tag being taken off Joe Mazzulla’s title. Well-earned.

Thumbs Down: Can’t say I was happy to see Jaylen Brown play in the All-Star game. I know it’s a thrill, but when you miss three games going into the All-Star break it’s better to take the additional time off to heal, rather than risk getting dinged or worse. Leadership is about putting team over personal disappointment.

Sports 101: The most surprising nugget mentioned during the hoo-ha of LeBron James becoming the NBA all-time scoring leader was Bob Ryan writing in the Boston Globe that LBJ is fourth on the all-time assist list as well. So name the three people ahead of him and, just for fun, the six behind him to round out the Top 10.

News Item – Jayson Tatum: Even though the 184-175 final shows what a competitive joke the aforementioned All-Star game is, I guess Tatum was ready to play. When you think of the guys who’ve played in that game, it’s impressive he now sits atop all of them after going for a record 55 points as he also took home MVP honors. Though since three others scored over 30, including Brown, who had 36, it wasn’t exactly a defensive struggle. For the record, he was 22-32, 10-18 from deep while making just one free throw.

News Item – the Kyrie Irving Press Conference: Speaking of people who put themselves above team (and everyone else): The self-delusional quote of the week came from (who else) Irving, who said at his introductory press conference in Dallas that after getting suspended for supporting a racist film this year, derailing their 2021-22 season by refusing to get vaxxed and the previous two with his usual array of injuries, that he “felt very disrespected” by the Nets and that what he wanted was to be in a place where he’s “celebrated, and not just tolerated.” Oh, and after missing what would have been his third game with Dallas with a back issue on Thursday, he played in the All-Star Game a few nights later.

Random Thoughts – Lou Grant Award: Only old bucks will get this. But there is a famous scene in the late great The Mary Tyler Moore Show when her grumpy boss Mr. Grant says to her, “You’ve got spunk,” which Mary takes as a compliment until he adds, “I HATE spunk”! Well, that’s what you have to say about the Celtics bench, which likely is the best since the days when John Havlicek was the sixth man. Though the ones from ’85-’86 and ’07-’08 may take issue with that. But they have done the job all year long and especially during the recent deluge of injuries heading into the break. However, instead of Mr. Grant hating their spunk, it was Philly, whom they beat without four starters, and Milwaukee a few nights later when the Celtics narrowly lost in OT with all five starters missing, when the Bucks only got to OT because Jrue Holiday dropped a 70-foot heave at the end of the first half.

Giannis Antetokounmpo pulled off a box score miracle in the ASG by being credited with scoring two points while officially playing no minutes in the game. It happened because he played just one play due to a sprained wrist. So someone please explain what was the point of playing at all?

Media Notes:

(1) Somebody please tell Brian Scalabrine that LaMelo Ball is nothing like Pete Maravich as he continues to say on Celtics broadcasts. Pistol Pete was like trying to follow the sleight of hand of a great magician, which in Pete’s case was the ball because you were never sure where it was going. Low dribble, high dribble, hesitation dribble to the blow-by drive. Behind the back, through his legs or sometimes yours. No-look passes, high off the glass or pull up from 35. LaMelo is a nice young player, but he ain’t got any of that. Pete was a magician with the ball. (2) Similarly, please tell back-up play-by-play guy Sean Grande that an NBA player playing occasionally on back-to-back nights is not akin to scaling Mt. Everest like he makes it out to be by mentioning it over and over when they do it.

A Little History: For the record: In the year Wilt Chamberlain averaged 50 points a game (1961-62), he “only” scored 42 points in the All-Star game. However, if you take out the three-pointers that didn’t exist in those days Tatum only beats Wilt by three points, 45-42.

Sports 101 Answer: Nos. 1 through 3 are John Stockton, Jason Kidd, Chris Paul. Nos. 5 through 10 are Steve Nash, Mark Jackson (that one surprised me too), Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, Isiah Thomas and Russell Westbrook.

The Final Word: Glad the Celtics didn’t dismantle the team to get Kevin Durant. Great player, but trading a 25-year-old 27-point-agame scorer and key defender who also is a very good contributor to team rebounding for a 34-year-old who has missed all but 111 of his team’s last 300 games makes no sense to me.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress. com.

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H O P E

quality O f life in D ex

we love our teachers

The New Hampshire Department of Education received a record-setting 322 nominations for the 2024 Teacher of the Year award. According to a press release, the nominations, submitted by New Hampshire educators’ coworkers, students, students’ parents and school leaders, represented 118 schools across 59 towns. “New Hampshire has fallen in love with the bright, engaging and dedicated teachers that devote their careers to educating our youth,” Christine Brennan, deputy commissioner of education, said in the release. “We are overwhelmed with the large number of nominations for our Teacher of the Year program, and we are thrilled that the education field is eager to recognize these hardworking individuals.” Nominations are now closed. Nominated teachers must formally accept the nomination and apply for the award by March 20. The 2024 Teacher of the Year will be announced in October.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Christian Cheetham of Alvirne High School in Hudson currently holds the title of 2023 Teacher of the Year.

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A winning ticket for the Tri-State Megabucks lottery was sold at the New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet on Leavy Drive in Bedford on Saturday, Feb. 18, WMUR reported. The jackpot is estimated by the New Hampshire Lottery to be worth $1.77 million. The winner, who matched all five winning numbers and the Mega Ball number, has a choice between taking their winnings in graduated annual payments over 30 years or as one lump sum payment.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The last Megabucks jackpot, which was worth an estimated $1.5 million, was sold in Madawaska, Maine, on Nov. 12, 2022, and was never claimed, according to the article.

fundraising fun

Catholic Charities

Come out the 56th Annual NH State Home Show

Come out the 56th Annual NH State Home Show

NH State Home Show

Saturday, March 4 (10am to 6pm) and Sunday, March 5

Come

Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5

Center of NH Expo

Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5

Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5

Saturday, March 4 (10am to 6pm) and Sunday, March 5

Downtown Doubletree Hotel

Center of NH Expo

700 Elm Street, Manchester

Center of NH Expo

Saturday, March 4 (10am to 6pm) and Sunday, March 5 (10am to 4pm)

Downtown Doubletree Hotel

Center of NH Expo

Center of NH Expo

Downtown Doubletree Hotel

700 Elm Street, Manchester

700 Elm Street, Manchester

Over 200 businesses in the construction trade. Daily seminars and product demos! go to: NHStateHomeShow.com to learn more, buy tickets and review our list of vendors.

Downtown Doubletree Hotel

Downtown Doubletree Hotel

Center of NH Expo

Over 200 businesses in the construction trade. Daily seminars and product demos! go to: NHStateHomeShow.com to learn more, buy tickets and review our list of vendors.

700 Elm Street, Manchester

700 Elm Street, Manchester

Downtown Doubletree Hotel

700 Elm Street, Manchester

Over 200 businesses in the construction trade. Daily seminars and product demos! go to: NHStateHomeShow.com to learn more, buy tickets and review our list of vendors.

Over 200 businesses in the construction trade. Daily seminars and product demos! go to: NHStateHomeShow.com to learn more, buy tickets and review our list of vendors.

Over 200 businesses in the construction trade. Daily seminars and product demos! go to: NHStateHomeShow.com to learn more, buy tickets and review our list of vendors.

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Over 200 businesses in the construction trade. Daily seminars and product demos! go to: NHStateHomeShow.com to learn more, buy tickets and review our list of vendors.

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NH generated more than $200,000 to help Granite Staters in need from its 2023 Mardi Gras Gala, held on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown. According to a press release, the nonprofit’s signature event featured authentic New Orleans cuisine, cocktails, entertainment, a live auction, dancing and more. “As our first in-person Mardi Gras since 2019, we made up for lost time with the experience and celebration that our community deserves,” Karen Moynihan, vice president of philanthropy at Catholic Charities NH, said in the release. The funds raised will support programs that help to create lasting change in the lives of individuals and families struggling with a wide range of issues that impact communities across New Hampshire, such as hunger, poverty, financial despair, mental health, homelessness, unsafe environments for children

Plans are already in the works for the 2024 Mardi Gras Gala, which is set for Feb. 10, 2024, according to the release.

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

Brenda Watson, CNC Founder of Vital Planet Natural Digestive Care Expert

Catholic Charities NH Mardi Gras Gala. Photo by Mark MacKenzie, Capturing Wisdom Photography.

This Week

s aturday, feb. 25

Join Balin Books (375 Amherst St., Nashua) for a launch party for local author Elaine Isaak’s newest novel, A Wreck of Dragons Isaak, who was featured in the Jan. 26 edition of The Hippo, specializes in fantasy and science fiction. Her newest book combines robots, dragons and outer space exploration as characters try to find a place

t hursday, feb. 23

LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst) is bringing Takin’ It To The Streets, a Doobie Brothers tribute band, to perform today at 8 p.m. The performers will do all of the Doobies’ great hits as well as a few deep tracks.

for humans to live. For more information about this event, call 673-1734

Tickets start at $25 and can be bought at labellewinery.com.

f riday, feb. 24

Today, the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord) is hosting a Black History Month

Unity Concert. The show will feature Martin Toe and Destin Boy Official, two New Hampshire based hip-hop and Afro-beats artists. Both artists have recently released their debut albums. Showtime is 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are free and can be reserved at ccanh.com.

f riday, feb. 24

Join the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) for Songs of a Natural Woman: A Carole King Tribute tonight and tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. The show will feature the hits of Carole King, highlighting her 1971 solo album Tapestry , which won four Grammy awards. Tickets start at $30 and can be bought at palacetheatre.org.

s aturday, feb. 25

The Concord Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1631 (6 Court

St.) is hosting its 15th annual blues bash today starting at 6 p.m. There will be food, refreshments, raffles, items for sale, and, of course, live blues music. For more information about this event visit vfw1631.org.

s unday, feb. 26

Today is the first day of the Nashua Nor’Easter Run/ Walk/Drive race organized by the United Way of Greater Nashua. There will be 5k, 10k, half-marathon and marathon routes available for racers to choose from.

The event is self-timed, and money raised by racers will benefit nonprofits in the Gate City. Register to run or view maps and starting locations at tinyurl.com/ uwnano23.

save the Date! april 1

Celebrate the new season and warming weather at Springfest 2023 at Goffstown High School (27 Wallace Road) on April 1. There will be a kids’ carnival with a bouncy house, activities, slides and face-painting, plus food, 70 vendors, and a lot of fun. Tickets are $5, free for children 12 years old and younger. For more information email goffstowncc99@gmail.com.

AVIATION SUMMER CAMP!

Heart patient finds peace in “phenomenal

Cardiac surgery program ranked among best in country

Nearly two decades ago, Jean Jacques was diagnosed with a leaky aortic valve in her heart.  She was told that, worst case scenario, she might need to have it replaced someday.  “I also have Hashimoto’s disease,” says Jean of the progressive thyroid condition. “Everything is sluggish, especially when you have an episode—or a ‘storm’ as they call them.”

Jean had one such storm last spring while in Florida.  Her doctor adjusted her meds and she attributed her lingering fatigue to the busyness of life.  A few months later back in New Hampshire, she had an abnormal EKG and developed palpitations.

“I was getting ready to go back to Florida and my only symptom was palpitations. I went on Metoprolol and it calmed them down,” she recalls. Jean had recently retired

as a community health worker and health educator who did outreach to Manchester’s homeless population. Even with her professional experience, she didn’t think much of the palpitations, the fatigue, or the occasional shortness of breath, which she assumed was asthma-related.  “I was explaining my symptoms away.”

But CMC New England Heart & Vascular Institute cardiologist, Dr. Steven Beaudette, ordered further testing which revealed a more serious situation. “The mild to moderate leakage [in my valve] had gone to severe in a month.  The day before I was supposed to return to Florida he called me about surgery.”

Still, Jean wanted to take some time to decide what to do and discuss the options with her family.  Then, she says, she got a sign.

“I had a picture of an angel hanging on the wall of my living room for years.  Overnight, it fell off the wall and the prayer beads hanging from it went flying across the room.  I thought, ‘God’s trying to get my attention. I’m not listening.  I’m listening now.’”

Her aortic valve was replaced November 16th by a team led by Dr. Gerald Sardella, one of four cardiothoracic surgeons at CMC’s New England Heart & Vascular Institute.  From her tests and surgery prep, to the procedure and recovery, Jean says “everyone was top notch.  You could see the caliber of knowledge, expertise, and experience along with the human piece. Never did I think of going anywhere else.”

That combination of skill and compassion is what makes the cardiac surgery program at the New England Heart & Vascular Institute one of the top 50 in the country for 2023, as rated by Healthgrades.  The program is also recognized by Healthgrades as a five-star recipient for coronary artery bypass surgery and valve surgery, and it received an excellence award for cardiac surgery.

“The specialty of cardiac surgery is constantly evolving and we have a very strong tradition here of staying on the cutting edge,” says CMC Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dr. David Caparrelli.  “When you come to CMC for cardiac surgery, you can be confident you’re getting the most stateof-the-art care.”

“With more than 60 providers, we have just about every aspect of cardiac care covered by someone who is a leader in their field,” says New England Heart & Vascular Institute Executive Medical Director Dr. Louis Fink. ”But we balance that technology and expertise with a culture of truly caring for our patients. It’s a really great combination.”

Jean describes a sense of calm leading up to her surgery, as though she was surrounded by angels.  Marc Guillemette, CMC’s Director of the Office of Catholic Identity, visited her daily. When Fr. Bartholomew Ogumelu came into pray with her and her husband the night before surgery, “He picked out a prayer about

angels!  My husband squeezed my hand, I was crying in joy.”

She felt informed every step of the way and knew what to expect when she woke up from surgery.  Just three weeks later, Jean started cardiac rehabilitation to strengthen her heart and body. “The care I got was the cream of the crop in expertise.  That’s why I advanced so quickly.”

“The team here works very well together and we’re able to communicate what the patient’s needs are,” notes Dr. Caparrelli. “We also have a very strong relationship with those patients so moving forward after heart surgery, we’re able to deliver excellent collaborative care.”

By mid-January Jean had a post-operative follow up with her cardiologist, Dr. Beaudette, and she was cleared to go back to Florida.

“I never was afraid. Never,” says Jean. “I was so at peace because I was in phenomenal hands and I knew God had this all figured out.” •

hands”

From L-R: Gerald Sardella, MD, FACS, Benjamin Westbrook, MD, FACS. Gregory Smaroff, MD, FACS, David Caparrelli, MD, FACS

Jean Jacques and her husband, Wayne, near their home in Florida.

We are committed to what we do. We have compassion in what we do. And we try to do it with the highest integrity.

—Dr. Jamie Kim

VA LVE SURGER Y FIVE-STAR RECIPIEN T

FOR find adVentUre and excitement at area sUmmer

Compiled by Matt Ingersoll, Mya Blanchard, Katelyn Sahagian and Angie Sykeny listings@hippopress.com

Whether your kids are looking to boost their creativity with music, arts or theater, or stay active with sports like soccer, lacrosse or golf, they can find all of those opportunities and more at area summer camps. Did we miss one? Let us know at listings@hippopress.com.

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College Preparation; Find Your Voice – Jump Start Your College Essay The Derryfield School, 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/page/summer/ college-prep What: This intensive writing workshop is designed to create a space for 11th- and 12th-graders to begin drafting their college essay. In the collaborative setting, students will uncover their unique stories and draft an essay that truly reflects their values and life experiences. On the final day of the workshop, a college admissions officer will provide the college perspective on the personal statement and read essay drafts. Who: Students entering grades 11 and 12 When: Monday, June 26, through Friday, July 30, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. (session is taught remotely) Cost: $395

SAT/ACT Preparation The Derryfield School, 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/page/summer/college-prep What: Students will learn strategies and components of the SAT and ACT from Derryfield teachers and test-prep instructors in one-on-one settings as well as with group work. Who: Students entering grades 11 and 12 When: Verbal sessions run Monday through Friday from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m., and math sessions run from 12:15 to 2:45 p.m., dates offered July 31 to Aug. 4. Cost: Ranges from $395 for half-day sessions to $685 for full-day sessions

art

Creative Ventures Art Gallery 411 Nashua St., Milford, 672-2500, creativeventuresfineart. com What: Programs include a nature-inspired art camp for kids and an art camp for teens. Who: Nature-inspired art camp is open to ages 8 through 12, and teen art camp is open to ages 12 through 16. When: Monday, July 31, through Thursday, Aug. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon each day; teen art camp runs Monday, Aug. 7, through Thursday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Cost: $125

Currier Art Center, 180 Pearl St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org/ education-programs What: The Currier Museum of Art’s education center will offer five weeks of summer programming. Who: Varies by program. When: Program dates are TBA. Cost: Call for details. Online registration opens in early March.

Kimball Jenkins School of Art 266 N. Main St., Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins. com/summer-camp-2023 What: Campers explore artistic media, including sculpture, painting, clay, printmaking, drawing and more, and spend time outdoors, collaborating in group activities and learning about history. This year’s camp week themes include Branching Out, Art Olympics, Into the Wild, Fantasy & Cosplay, Mythology & Folklore, Kinetic Art, Choose Your Own Adventure and Bite Sized Art. Who: Ages 6 and up When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 18

Cost: $300 per week.

New England College’s Institute of Arts & Design Pre-College Summer Program, 148 Concord St., Manchester, 623-0313, nec. edu/precollege What: Two-week residency program for high school students that includes college-level courses covering creative writing and visual arts, and elective courses and workshops in sculpture, mixed media, comic arts, drawing and painting, game design, graphic design, illustration, photography and portfolio development. Campers who complete the program are eligible to earn up to four college credits. Who: Students ages 14 through 18. Space is limited — apply by May 1 for priority consideration. When: July 9 through July 22

Cost: $3,200 for the Resident Program, which includes on-campus housing, meals and materials, and $2,200 for the Commuter Program, which includes meals and materials.

Studio 550 Kids Art Camp Studio 550 Community Art Center, 550 Elm St., Manchester, 232-5597, 550arts.com What: Programs include an Arts Explorer camp, in which students sample a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms, working with paint, paper, pencil and clay; and a Clay camp for teens and tweens, in which students learn the basics of the pottery wheel as well as various sculpting techniques. Who: Arts Explorer camp is open to ages 8 and up; Clay camp is open to ages 11 and up When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, in half-day sessions. Dates TBA. Cost: Call for details.

DanCe

Alicia’s School of Dance 563 Route 106, Loudon, 496-9762, aliciasschoolofdance. com What: Campers will learn all styles of dance, including tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical and hip-hop, and will also have the opportunity to play games and make crafts. A mini performance will be held on the last day of camp. Who: Ages 6 and up When: Monday, July 17, through Friday, July 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day Cost: $130 per child, plus a $25 required deposit. Register by June 30.

Broadway Bound Performing Arts Center 501 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 429-8844, broadwayboundpac.com What: Programs include a two-week Musical Theatre Camp, in which campers will prepare and perform a junior production of Annie; Kids Dance Camp, where campers will practice various styles of dance, singing and acting and participate in theater games and crafts; and an Intensive Dance Camp, modeled after the intensive dance workshops in New York City. Who: Kids Dance Camp is open to ages 4 through 11, and Musical Theatre Camp welcomes campers ages 6 through 15 as performers and campers ages 14 through 18 as assistants and backstage crew. When: Musical Theatre Camp runs July 10 through July 22; Kids Dance Camp runs July 30 through Aug. 4; and Intensive Dance Camp runs Aug. 7 through Aug. 11. Cost: $500 for Musical Theatre Camp and $275 for the Kids Dance Camp and the Intensive Dance Camp. A $50 deposit is required to reserve a spot.

Concord Dance Academy 26 Commercial St., Concord, 226-0200, concorddanceacademy.com What: Recreational dance camp teaches a variety of dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop. A mini camp for younger children and an intensive camp for serious dancers are also offered. Who: Recreational dance camp is open to ages 4 through 12; mini camp is for ages 3 through 5; and intensive camp is open to ages 8 through 13. When: Monday, July 24, through Friday, July 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a full day and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a half day. Cost: $250 for a full-day week and $150 for a half-day week.

Martin School of Dance 288 Route 101, Suite 202, Bedford, 488-2371, martinschoolofdance.com What: Dance camp features dance instruction, crafts, outdoor activities and more. games, crafts and more. Themed weeks include Princess Tea Party, Under the Sea, Safari Adventure and Tropical Vacation. A three-week dance intensive is also offered.

camps

Who: Camp is open to ages 3 through 6, and the intensive program is open to ages 7 through 18. When: Camp dates are offered July 10 through Aug. 25. Intensive runs July 24 through Aug. 11. Programs run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Cost: Varies, depending on the program.

Miss Kelsey’s Dance Studio 2626 Brown Ave., Manchester, 606-2820, mkdance.com What: Dance camps include a half-day afternoon camp with the theme All Things Disney; and two full-day camps with the themes Under the Sea and Spa Retreat. Who: All Things Disney is for ages 6 and up, Under the Sea is for ages 5 and up and Spa Retreat is for ages 8 and up. When: All Things Disney runs Monday, June 26, through Friday, June 30, from 3 to 6 p.m. each day; Under the Sea runs Monday, July 17, through Friday, July 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Spa Retreat runs from Monday, July 24, through Friday, July 28, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Call for details

Nancy Chippendale’s Dance Studios 49 Range Road, Building No. 2, Suite A, Windham, 458-7730, chippswindham.com What: Programs include themed dance camps like Princess Power, Popstar Bop and Royal Academy, as well as a dance boot camp. Who: Themed camps are open to dancers in preschool through grade 2, and boot camp is open to dancers in grades 2 through 12. When: Themed camps are offered July 24 through Aug. 4 and Aug. 21 through Aug. 25 and run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon each day; boot camp runs Monday, Aug. 7 through Friday, Aug. 11. Cost: Themed camps are $250 and boot camp is $500

New England School of Dance 679 Mast Road, Manchester, 935-7326, newenglandschoolofdance.com What: A week-long summer intensive and musical theater workshop provides a comprehensive multi-level experience for dancers with at least two years of dance training that includes technique classes in a variety of dance styles, mind-body wellness sessions, stretch workshops, Progressing Ballet Technique, pilates, dance-related art projects, choreography exploration and more, culminating with a showcase performance for family and friends. Two-day mini camps are also offered for younger dancers. Who: The intensive is open to ages 6 through 19, and the mini camps are for ages 3 through 6. When: The intensive runs Monday, July 24, through Saturday, July 29; mini camps are offered various dates from July 18 through Aug. 10 Cost: Mini camps are $110 each, and the intensive is

$750, with a musical theater workshop for an additional $50.

Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater

19 Harvey Road, Bedford, 637-4398, snhdt. org What: Programs include Princess Camp and Prima Ballerina Camp; the Young Dancer Workshop for beginner and intermediate dancers; a Nutcracker Dance Intensive; and a three-week Summer Intensive for serious dancers. Who: Princess and Prima Ballerina camps are open to ages 3 through 5; Young Dancer Workshop is open to ages 6 through 12; the Nutcracker Intensive is for ages 8 through 11; and the Summer Intensive is for ages 10 and up. When: Princess Camp is offered June 27 through June 29 and July 11 through July 13; Prima Ballerina Camp is offered July 6 through July 8; the Nutcracker Intensive runs Aug. 14 through Aug. 18; the Young Dancer Workshop runs July 17 through July 21; and the Summer Intensive runs July 24 through Aug. 11. Cost: $165 for Princess and Prima Ballerina camp; $225 for Young Dancer Workshop and Nutcracker Intensive; and the Summer Intensive ranges from $750 to $1,500, depending on the number of weeks.

general interest

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Hampshire Locations in Andover, Concord, Epsom, Holderness, Hopkinton, Laconia, New London, Pittsfield, Stoddard, Sutton Warner and Weare, 224-1061, nhyouth.org What:

Each center offers general camps and specialty camps, with activities that include arts and crafts, sports, water games, field trips and more. Who: Children entering kindergarten through 8th grade When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from the end of the school year through Aug. 25 Cost: $185 per week if registered before May 1, plus a $40 registration fee.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem 3 Geremonty Drive, Salem, 898-7709, salembgc. org What: Activities include field trips, swimming, gym, games, outdoor play and more. Who: Ages 4 and up When: 10-week sessions run Monday through Friday, dates offered June 19 through Aug. 25 (no camp Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4) Cost: $260 per week ($156 for the shortened week of July 5 through 7), plus a $50 membership fee

Boys & Girls Club of Manchester Camp Foster, 36 Camp Allen Road, Bedford; Union Street Clubhouse, 555 Union St., Manchester; 625-5031, mbgcnh.org What: A wide variety of activities are available to campers each day. Camp Foster (grades 1 through 7) features daily activities like swimming, arts and crafts, playgrounds, field games, athletics, hiking and canoeing. The Teen Adventure Camp (grades 8 and up) features weekly adventure field trips, like beach trips, hiking and biking. Teen campers split the rest of their days between programming at Camp Foster and

the Union Street Clubhouse. The Club also remains open for its oldest campers all summer long with a drop-in program of daily and special activities. Who: Grades 1 through 12 When: Various days and times, dates offered June 19 through Aug. 25 (no camps on Tuesday, July 4). Cost: $185 per week ($150 for the week of July 4), plus a $25 membership fee

Brentwood Recreation Day Camp 190 Route 125, Brentwood, hosted by the Brentwood Parks & Recreation Department, 642-6400, brentwoodnh. gov/recreation What: Traditional day camp with activities like weekly field trips, arts and crafts, team-building activities, games and more. Who: Children entering grades 1 through 8

When: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 18 (no camp on Tuesday, July 4). Before and after care are also available. Cost: Online registration of a $100 deposit for Brentwood residents and $150 for non-residents is required to hold your spot. Weekly rates are $150 for residents and $175 for non-residents through June 1. After June 1 they are raised $175 and $200, respectively.

Camp 603 13 Blevens Drive, Concord, 5688107, camp603.com What: Activities include trips to Lake Winnisquam for water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing and other water sports; Mount Major, Mount Cardigan and other local mountains for days of hiking; and Hampton Beach for beach trips, swimming and more. Who: Ages 10 to 16 When: Weekly sessions run from Monday through Friday, dates offered July 10 through July 28 Cost: $975/week

Camp Kettleford 26

Camp Allen Road, Bedford, hosted by Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, 888-474-9686, girlscouts gwm.org What: Set on 30 wooded acres on the shore of Sebbins Pond, this traditional day camp features swimming, boating, archery, cooking out, day trips and more. Who: Girls who will be entering kindergarten through 8th grade When: Sessions run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 18 (closed from Monday, July 3, through Friday, July 7) Cost: $350 per week, or $625 for two-week sessions.

Camp Lincoln 67 Ball Road, Kingston, 642-3361, ymcacamplincoln.org, hosted by

Boys and Girls Clubs of Central NH. Courtesy photo.

Southern District YMCA, sdymca.org What:

NORTH END

School

698 Beech St, Manchester NH 03104 Montessori

Summer Session: June 19 – September 1, 2023

Ages 3-10 | PALEONTOLOGY CAMP

North End Montessori School is planning a DY-NO-MITE summer filled with fun.

Join us to learn about fossils and dinosaurs from Allosaurus to Zephyrosaurus.

We will have archeological digs, complete dinosaur skeletons and much more.

Our sister school – Meeting House Montessori School in Bow, NH – will also have Paleontology Camp this summer. Contact that office at 603-227-9300 or email casadeibambini@comcast.net for more information.

Monday - Friday | 7am - 6pm | www.northendmontessori.com Call 603.621.9011 for more

A wide variety of programming is available to campers, with activities that include archery, arts and crafts, hiking, boating, basketball, baseball, ropes courses, climbing walls and more. Who: Ages 3 and up When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, dates offered June 19 through Aug. 25 — see program guide online for details on programming as it pertains to each age group Cost: Ranges from $330 to $345 per one-week session, or $660 to $690 per two-week session, depending on the camper’s age.

Camp Lovewell 2nd Nature Academy, 10 Groton Road, Nashua, 881-4815, camplove well.com What: Campers will enjoy hiking, field games and sports, swimming, skits and songs, kayaking, arts and crafts, a ropes course and more. Who: Ages 6 to 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on Tuesday, July 4) Cost: $400 per week for kids entering grades 1 through 3, and $390 per week for kids entering grades 4 through 9. Extended care is also available, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. or from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Camp Ponemah Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, 673-7123, ext. 272, hampshirehills.com/camp-ponemah

What: Day camps feature activities like swimming, tennis, weekly field trips, crafts, dance parties, playgrounds, trails, games and more. Who: Kids entering kindergarten through 7th grade. A full-day camp for teenagers called Troop T is available for campers entering 8th grade, and there is also a half-day camp called Little Warriors for kids ages 3 and 4. When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, dates offered June 12 through Aug. 25 (some weeks are full or have waiting lists; visit the website for the most up-to-date status) Cost: Camp Ponemah starts at $283 per week for Hampshire Hills Athletic Club members and $367 per week for non-members. Troop T is $256 per week for members and $347 for non-members. Little Warriors is $85 for two days and $160 for four days for members and $119 for two days and $228 for four days for non-members.

Camp Seawood 350 Banfield Road, Portsmouth, hosted by Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, 888-474-9686, girlscouts gwm.org What: Set among pine forests, wetlands and wildlife, this traditional day camp features archery, cooking out, nature hikes, day trips and more. Who: Girls who will be entering kindergarten through 8th grade When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., dates offered July 10 through Aug. 4 Cost: $350 per week, or $625 for twoweek sessions.

Camp Starfish 12 Camp Monomonac Road, Rindge, 899-9590, campstarfish.org What: Camp Starfish provides structured, nurturing and fun group programs to foster the success and growth of children with emotional,

behavioral or learning problems. Who: Kids and teens ages 6 and up When: Weekly camps run from June 25 through Aug. 19 Cost: Rates vary depending on type of camp.

Camp Trek Teen Adventure Camp 116 Naticook Road, Merrimack, hosted by Merrimack Parks & Recreation, 882-1046, merimackparksandrec.org What: Camp Trek Teen Adventure Camp is a trip- and activity-based summer camp program geared towards campers entering grades 5 to 9 in Fall 2023. Camp Trek is intended as an alternative to the traditional day camp experience found at Merrimack Parks & Recreation’s Naticook Day Camp. Each week of the summer will feature a mix of traditional camp activities, along with five weekly field trips exploring destinations across New England. Camp tuition fees include transportation and admissions fees to all field trip destinations, as well as activities when they are at Wasserman Park. Who: Kids entering grades 5 to 9 When: Nine weekly sessions, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each weekday, dates offered June 19 through Aug. 18 Cost: $320 per week for Merrimack residents, and $370 per week for non-residents

Camp Witzel McKelvie Intermediate School, 108 Liberty Hill Road, Bedford, hosted by the Bedford Parks & Recreation Department, 472-5242, BedfordRecOnline.com

What: A traditional summer day camp featuring themed weeks (past themes have been Let’s Go Green and Gold Rush Week), in addition to games, crafts, swimming on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and weekly field trips on Wednesdays. Who: Ages 6 to 13 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 11. Before and after care is also available. Cost: Varies, depending on how many days per week are chosen and on the camper’s residential status.

Candia Springs Adventure Camps Candia Springs Adventure Park, 446 Raymond Road, Candia, 587-2093, candiasprings.com/ camps What: Activities include ziplining, aerial ropes courses, arts and crafts, color wars, nature walks, fire building, shelter building and archery. Each week also features a different theme. Who: Ages 7 to 13 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., dates offered June 19 through Aug. 18

Cost: $269 per week; full payment is due by May 1

Dreamers’ Ranch 125 N. Lowell Road, Windham, 327-4449, youthstorm.org

What: Dreamers’ Camp (ages 8 to 12), according to Dreamers’ Ranch’s website, is a faith-based camp hosted in an outdoor setting offering activities like experiential entrepreneurship games, gardening, farm and animal care and more. Other programs include a Little Dreamers’ Camp (ages 6 and 7), a youth cattle program (ages 10 to 14) at Normanton Farms in Litchfield, a cowgirl camp (girls ages 13 and up) and Follow Your Dreams Farm in Derry

and a young entrepreneurs program (ages 10 to 17) Who: Ages 6 to 17 When: Dreamers’ Camp runs Monday, July 31, through Thursday, Aug. 4 (Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 a.m., overnight on the ranch. Little Dreamers’ Camp runs Monday, Aug. 7, through Thursday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon. The youth cattle program has three sessions available, Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered June 20 to June 22, July 18 to July 20 and Aug. 15 to 17. Cowgirl camp runs Friday, Aug. 25, at 9 a.m., overnight through 3 p.m. on Satur day, Aug. 26. Dates and times of the youth entre preneurs program TBA

Cost: on the program; see web site for details

Manchester, 617-615-0004, experiencebase camp.org

ment, leadership skills and personal fitness, this outdoor camp features a variety of handson activities, such as archery, swimming, crafts and more. A special family camp program is also available, offering a variety of open areas

for families to enjoy activities like arts and crafts, camping and hiking together. Who: Rising 1st- to 5th-graders When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered July 3 through Aug. 18 (no camp on Tuesday, July 4). The family camp has two sessions on Fridays and Saturdays, dates offered July 21 and July 22 or Aug. 4 and Aug. 5. Cost: $330 for Granite Base Camp and $50 per attendee for family camp

6 p.m. (preschool hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), dates offered June 12 through Aug. 25 Cost: $325 per week or $75 per day

Naticook Summer Day Camp Wasserman Park, 116 Naticook Road, Merrimack, hosted by Merrimack Parks & Recreation, 882-1046, merrimackparksandrec.org What: Campers participate in a wide variety of activities, including swimming, boating, group games, team building, archery, drama, nature exploration, sports, arts and crafts, special events and more. Who: Kids who will be entering kinder-

through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday), offered various weeks from June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camps on Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4) Cost: Ranges from $100 to $325 per week, depending on the number of days, the camper’s age and the length of each session. Registration begins March 6.

Pelham Veterans Memorial Park Summer Camp 109 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Pelham, 635-2721, pelhamweb.com What: Activities include swimming, kayaking, field games, mock olympics, arts and crafts, tal-

a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Enrichment Camp, dates offered June 20 through Aug. 25 Cost: $320 per week for SummerQuest and $350 per week for the Enrichment Camp. Extended hours are also available for both camps for an additional $20 per week.

UNH Youth Programs and Camps University of New Hampshire, Thompson Hall, 105 Main St., Durham, 862-7227, unh.edu/ youthprograms What: More than 50 programs are offered in a variety of areas, from academic enrichment and creative arts to athletics, STEM and traditional camp recreation. See website for a full list. Who: Boys and girls ages 5 and up When: Various dates/times from June through August Cost: Varies depending on the program.

YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown Branch of Granite YMCA, 116 Goffstown Back Road, 497-4663, graniteymca.org What: Kids at Camp Halfmoon (ages 6 to 11) and Camp Quartermoon (ages 4 to 5) will enjoy weekly themes and activities like swimming, field games, sports, arts and crafts, and more. Specialty programs are also available including sports and specialty camps (ages 6 to 13), Discovery Camp (ages 6 to 11), gymnastics camps (ages 4 to 15), tennis camp (ages 7 to 15), adventure camps (ages 10 to 14), teen camps (ages 12 to 16), leadership camps (ages 14 to 16), and more. Who: Ages 4 to 16 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4). Before and after care are both also available for an extra charge. Cost: Varies by week and camp.

YMCA Day Camp of Hooksett Branch of Granite YMCA, Hooksett Memorial School, 5 Memorial Drive, Hooksett, 497-4663, graniteymca.org What: Campers participate in weekly themes and activities like swimming, field games, sports, arts and crafts and more. Teen camp (ages 11 to 13) and leadership camps (ages 14 to 16) are also available. Who: Ages 5 to 16 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4). Before and after care are both also available for an extra charge. Cost: Varies by week and camp

YMCA of Concord Branch of Granite YMCA, 15 N. State St., Concord, 228-9622, graniteymca.org What: Kids at Camp Mowkawogan (ages 5 to 11) will enjoy weekly themes and activities like swimming, field games, sports, arts and crafts and more. Leadership camp (ages 13 to 14) is also available. Who: Ages 5 to 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4). Cost: Varies by week and camp.

YMCA of Downtown Manchester Branch of Granite YMCA, 30 Mechanic St., Manches-

ter, 623-3558, graniteymca.org What: Kids at Camp Namoskeag will enjoy weekly themes and activities like swimming, field games, sports, arts and crafts, and more. Specialty programs are also available including sports camps, specialty camps and more. Who: Ages 6 to 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4). Before and after care are both also available for an extra charge. Cost: Varies by week and camp.

YMCA of Greater Londonderry Branch of Granite YMCA, 206 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 437-9622, graniteymca.org What: Kids at Camp Pa-Gon-Ki (kindergarten to Grade 9) will enjoy weekly themes and activities like swimming, field games, sports, arts and crafts, and more. Specialty programs are also available, including Windham Explorers Camp (kindergarten to Grade 8), Derry Voyagers Camp (kindergarten to Grade 5), sports and specialty camps (grades 2 to 8), leadership camps (ages 14 to 16) and more. Who: Ages 5 to 16 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4). Before and after care are both also available for an extra charge. Cost: Varies by week and camp.

YMCA of Greater Nashua 10 Cotton Road, Suite 1, Nashua, nmymca.org/summer camps What: Summer camps at the YMCA of Greater Nashua are all about discovery — kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, build on sports skills, make new friendships and more. Day camp options are available for ages 3 through Grade 12 at each of the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s branches (24 Stadium Drive, Nashua; Westwood Park, 90 Northwest Blvd., Nashua; 6 Henry Clay Drive, Merrimack) as well as at Camp Sargent (141 Camp Sargent Road, Merrimack) Who: Ages 3 and up When: Various dates offered throughout the summer, beginning in June and through Sept. 1 Cost: Varies.

YMCA of Strafford County Branch of Granite YMCA, 63 Lowell St., Rochester, 3327334, graniteymca.org What: Kids at Camp Coney Pine (ages 4 to 12) will enjoy weekly themes and activities like archery, adventure, swimming, arts and crafts, and more. Specialty programs are also available including coding camp (ages 8 to 12), lego camp (ages 8 to 12), fort building camp (ages 5 to 12), ultimate sports camp (ages 8 to 12), art camp (ages 8 to 12), teen trip camp (ages 13 to 14), leadership camp (ages 13 to 14) and more. Who: Ages 4 to 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4). Before and after care are both also available for an extra charge. Cost: Varies by week and camp selection.

YMCA of the Seacoast Branch of Granite YMCA, 176 Tuttle Lane, Greenland, 431-2334,

SUMMER DAY CAMP CAMP

250-acre wooded property in Manchester, NH

Swimming Archery

Fishing Songs and skits

Outdoor Fun! Fort Friendship, Pirate’s Cove, Native American Village, and even a mini golf course Join Base CampWith our ADVENTURE CARD

Tons of Fun - Plenty of Perks at 3 Locations across New England!

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139772

graniteymca.org What: Kids at Camp Gundalow (ages 5 to 13) will enjoy weekly themes and activities like swimming, field games, sports, arts and crafts and more. Specialty programs are also available including ultimate sports camp (ages 8 to 12), theater camp (ages 8 to 12), lego camp (ages 8 to 12), football camp (ages 8 to 12), soccer camp (ages 8 to 12), art camp (ages 8 to 12), leadership camp (ages 14 to 15) and more. Who: Ages 5 to 15

When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on July 3 or 4). Before and after care are both also available for an extra charge. Cost: Varies by week and camp selection.

MultiMeDia

Flip the Script Camp SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org What: Campers work together to write, film, direct, star in, and edit science videos that are creative, factual, and fun. Who: Ages 10 to 14 When: One-week session runs Monday, July 24, through Friday, July 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Cost: $300 for the week

Londonderry Access Center Media Camp

281 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 432-1100, lactv.com What: Kids will learn to make better-quality videos appropriate for YouTube, Instagram or TikTok, composing shots and learning about editing and graphic design. They’ll learn not only about short-form videos but also longer television shows in a professional studio setting, where they get to be the camera operator, sound technician and director. New this year is a podcast studio, where campers can put their voiceover skills and podcasting ideas to the test. Who: Rising 5th- to 8th-graders When: Two-week session runs Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., dates offered July 10 through July 21 (campers must be able to attend for the entire two week session) Cost: $85

MusiC

Concord Community Music School 23 Wall St., Concord, 228-1196, ccmusicschool. org What: Programs include a weekly Music & Movement program for young children

and their caregivers that includes songs, stories, movement games, rhythm instruments, improvisation, art, dance and more; a Piano Dynamos Camp for piano students with at least one year of study that includes instruction in ear training, theory, sight reading, improvisation, practice strategies and more; Folk Frontier Camp for string players with at least one year of study that includes building musical skills, learning about folk traditions and performing in a group; Summer Jam Camp, where campers of all experience levels can play their chosen instruments in a collaborative setting, exploring a variety of musical genres while developing ensemble skills, working in a recording studio and creating an album together; and Creative Arts Camp, where campers will create musical, dance and visual arts pieces Who: Music & Movement is open to children ages 5 months through 7 years and their caregivers; Piano Dynamos is open to ages 9 through 15; Folk Frontier is open to ages 8 through 16; Summer Jam is open to students entering grades 5 through 12; and Creative Arts is open to students entering grades 1 through 6. When: Music & Movement is held on Tuesday mornings, June 6 through July 18; Piano Dynamos runs Monday, June 26, through Friday, June 30, (full-day sessions); Folk Frontier runs Monday, July 10, through Friday, July 14 (full-day sessions); Jam Camp runs Monday, July 17, through Friday, July 21 (half-day sessions); and Creative Arts runs Monday through Friday and is offered for three weeks, from July 24 through Aug. 11. Cost: $350 for Piano Dynamos, Folk Frontier and per week of Creative Arts; $275 for Jam Camp; rates for Music & Movement are TBA.

Manchester Community Music School

2291 Elm St., Manchester, 644-4548, mcmusicschool.org

What: At Musical Exploration Camp, campers will explore a variety of musical instruments, play musical games and grow in their musical knowledge. Who: Grades 1 through 3, and grades 4 through 6 When: Camp for grades 1 through 3 runs Monday, July 31, through Friday, Aug. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon; camp for grades 4 through 6 runs Monday, Aug. 7, through Friday, Aug. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Cost: $225

Nashua Community Music School 2 Lock

St., Nashua; outdoor programs will be held at Greeley Park Bandshell, 100 Concord St., Nashua, 881-7030, nashuacms.org

What: Outdoor music camp themes include Instrument Safari, Broadway Babies and Music Around the World. Indoor music camp themes include Broadway Week, Rise Up & Create and DJ Camp. Three-day ensemble programs for preteens and teens include Chamber Ensemble, Rock Band and Voices of Steel. Who: Outdoor camps are for ages 4 through 7; indoor camps are for ages ranging from 8 through 14, depending on the camp; and ensemble programs are for ages 12 through 17. When: Outdoor and indoor camp weeks are offered July 10 through July 28 and run Monday through Friday, outdoor camp in half-day sessions, and indoor camp in full-day sessions. Ensemble programs run on various dates in August. Cost: $185 for outdoor camps, $325 for indoor camps, and $150 for ensemble programs.

Walden School Young Musicians Program

18 Lehmann Way, Dublin, 415-648-4710, waldenschool.org/young-musicians-program

What: A five-week music residency camp where campers study musicianship, composition, improvisation, music theory, computer music and chorus at the school’s Dublin campus. Who: Ages 9 to 18 When: June 24 through July 30. An abbreviated three-week program is available for students who have not yet completed 8th grade. Apply by April 5. Cost: $9,300 for the five-week residency, which includes full tuition, room and board; $6,200 for the abbreviated three-week residency. There is a $55 non-refundable application fee. Need-based financial aid is available.

Beaver Brook Nature Camps Beaver Brook Association, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis, 465-7787, beaverbrook.org What: Campers will explore, learn and play outside, building forts in the forest, catching frogs, cooking at the campfire, hiking, drawing, learning survival skills and more. Who: Pre-K through 9th grade When: Sessions run from June 26 through Aug. 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: TBA; registration opens March 1 for Beaver Brook Association members, March 6 for non-members

Educational Farm Camp Educational Farm at Joppa Hill, 174 Joppa Hill Road, Bedford, 472-4724, theeducationalfarm.org

What: Each week features a different theme based on animals living at the farm. Campers will have the opportunity to explore the farm and forest grounds, interact with the animals, and engage in a variety of hands-on learning experiences. Who: Ages 5 to 8 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, half days from 9 a.m. to noon, and full days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 19 through Aug. 18 Cost: $175 per half-day week, $325 per full-day week

Lake Discovery Family Days New Hampshire Boat Museum, 399 Center St., Wolfeboro Falls, 569-4554, nhbm.org What: This program features a variety of hands-on activities related to New Hampshire’s lakes, rivers and streams, including boating safety, boat games and building, science experiments, arts and crafts, map-making and more. Who: Grades K through 5 When: Thursdays, June 29, July 27 and Aug. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to noon Cost: Free

New Hampshire Audubon Nature Day Camps McLane Audubon Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord; Massabesic Audubon Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn; 224-9909, nhaudubon.org What: Programs include a half-day Wonders Camp for ages 4 and 5; Discovery Camp (ages 6 through 9), featuring hikes, crafts, storytelling, games and live animal presentations; Explorers Camp (ages 10 through 12), which includes field trips, hiking, swimming and conservation projects; and

Nashua Community Music School. Courtesy photo.

Leaders-in-Training (ages 13 through 15) for teens interested in building leadership skills and becoming camp counselors in the future. Who: Ages 4 to 15 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (9 a.m. to noon for Wonders Camp), dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 Cost: Ranges from $180 to $300.

Paleontology Camp North End Montessori School, 698 Beech St., Manchester, 621-9011, northendmontessori.com

What: Campers will learn about fossils and dinosaurs, from Allosaurus to Zephyrosaurus, as well as various aspects of paleontology, from archeological digs to identifying dinosaur skeletons. Who: Ages 3 to 10 When: Summer session runs June 19 through Sept. 1 Cost: Call for details

Pony Farm Summer Camp Touchstone Farm, 13 Pony Farm Lane, Temple, 654-6308, touchstone-farm.org What: The camp integrates horseback riding into its program, and each camper has a horse or pony of her own during her stay to ride and care for. Campers may also bring their own horses to ride. Small group riding lessons are also offered. Who: Girls ages 8 to 14 When: Sessions run Sunday through Saturday, dates offered June 25 through Aug. 12 Cost: $1,100 for a one-week session or $2,150 for a two-week session, with a 50 percent deposit required to hold the spot.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center 23 Science Center Road, Holderness, 968-7194, nhnature.org What: Programs include weeklong outdoor natural adventure camps taught by experienced naturalists and educators. Who: Preschoolers through 12th grade When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, dates offered June 26 through Aug. 11 Cost: Ranges from $390 to $435, depending on the program; registration will open in March

OVERNIGHT

Camp Allen 56 Camp Allen Road, Bedford, 622-8471, campallennh.org What: Activities include nature exploration, creative arts, games, sports, music and more. Residential and day camp options available. Who: Campers ages 6 and up When: Sessions run various days and durations. Residential camp runs from June 11 to Aug. 25. Day camp runs from June 19 to Aug. 18 (some weeks are full or have waiting lists; visit the website for the most up-to-date status) Cost: Day camp programs are $475 per week; residential camp programs range from $1,050 to $2,250 per week

Camp Bernadette 83 Richards Road, Wolfeboro, 931-5500, bfcamp.com What: Traditional overnight camp for girls, with activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing, baseball, softball, lacrosse, ropes courses, archery, arts and crafts and more. Who: Girls ages 5 to 16 When: Residential camp runs for two-week, four-week, six-week or eight-

week sessions, dates offered June 25 to Aug. 12 Cost: Starts at $1,950 per two-week session

Camp Birch Hill 333C Birch Hill Road, New Durham, 859-4525, campbirchhill. com What: Campers can choose their own schedule from dozens of available activities, including land sports, water sports, arts and crafts, zip-lining, rock-climbing, ropes courses and more. Who: Boys and girls ages 6 to 16 When: Two-, four- and six-week sessions run various days/weeks from Sunday, June 25, through Saturday, Aug. 5 (some sessions may be full or near capacity — see website for the most up-to-date details) Cost: Starts at $3,600 for a two-week session, $6,400 for a four-week session and $7,600 for a six-week session; payment is due by June 1

Camp Brookwoods 34 Camp Brookwoods Road, Alton, 875-3600, christiancamps.net

What: A Christian-based outdoor camping experience for boys Who: Boys ages 8 to 16

When: Various one-week, two-week, fourweek or eight-week sessions are available, dates offered June 25 to Aug. 19 (some weeks are full or have waiting lists; visit the website for the most up-to-date status) Cost: Starts at $1,345 for a one-week session and $2,745 for a two-week session

Camp Carpenter 300 Blondin Road, Manchester; hosted by Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America, 625-6431, nhscouting.org

What: Located on the outskirts of Manchester, Camp Carpenter is a 250-acre wooded property offering outdoor activities such as archery, BB gun shooting, field sports, scout skills and more. Camp Carpenter consists of nine campsites, six Adirondack shelters, eight unheated cabins and program theme areas. Who: Rising 1st- to 5th-graders When: Overnight sessions are from Sunday through Thursday, dates offered July 9 through Aug. 10. Cost: $600

Camp Deer Run 34 Camp Brookwoods Road, Alton, 875-3600, christiancamps.net

What: A Christian-based outdoor camping experience for girls Who: Girls ages 8 to 16

When: Various one-week, two-week, fourweek or eight-week sessions are available, dates offered June 25 to Aug. 19 (some weeks are full or have waiting lists; visit the website for the most up-to-date status) Cost: Starts at $1,345 for a one-week session and $2,745 for a two-week session

Camp Deerwood Route 3, Deerwood Road, Holderness, 279-4237, campdeerwood.com

What: A resident camp for boys with activities like ceramics, mountain biking, riflery, archery, tennis, woodworking, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, swimming and more. Who: Boys ages 8 to 15 When: One full eight-week session or two half four-week sessions are available, dates offered June 24 through Aug. 12 Cost: $5,900 for a half session and $10,200

for the full session

Camp Fatima 32 Fatima Road, Gilmanton Iron Works, 931-5500, bfcamp.com What: Traditional overnight camp for boys, with activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing, baseball, softball, lacrosse, ropes courses, archery, arts and crafts and more. Who: Boys ages 5 to 16 When: Residential camp runs for two-week, four-week or six-week sessions, dates offered June 25 to Aug. 12 Cost: Starts at $1,950 per two-week session

Camp Foss 242 Willey Pond Road, Strafford, 269-3800; hosted by the Granite YMCA, 232-8642, graniteymca.org What: Campers enjoy a traditional camp experience with arts and crafts, archery, various sports, swimming, whitewater rafting, ropes courses and more. Who: Girls ages 8 through 15 When: Oneweek sessions offered each week from Sunday, June 25, through Saturday, Aug. 12; two-week sessions are offered from Sunday, June 25, through Saturday, Aug. 5 Cost: $1,350 for one week and $2,300 for two weeks.

Camp Fully Involved New Hampshire State Fire Academy, 222 Sheep Davis Road, Concord, info@campfullyinvolved.com, campfullyinvolved.com What: Camp for girls considering a career in firefighting or emergency medical services. Curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of the firefighting profession through hands-on drills and activities. Please note that this camp is very intense and physically demanding. Who: Girls ages 14 through 20 When: Sunday, July 30, through Friday, Aug. 4 Cost: $400

Camp Gottalikeachallenge Brewster Academy, 80 Academy Drive, Wolfeboro; Lions Camp Pride, 180 Lions Camp Pride Way, New Durham; 868-2140, campgottalikeachallenge.org What: Camp Gottalikeachallenge is a one-week overnight creativity camp. Campers dabble in plenty of hands-on learning and challenging activities, from muscle-stretching games to programs focusing on critical thinking, leadership skills, problem-solving and teamwork. Who: Ages 10 to 14 (going into grades 5 to 9) When: Overnight sessions run Sunday through Friday, dates offered July 30 to Aug. 4 (at Lions Camp Pride) and Aug. 6 to Aug. 11 (at Brewster Academy) Cost: $775; financial assistance is available. A 10 percent early-bird discount applies for registrations submitted by March 31.

Camp Kabeyun 43 Camp Kabeyun Road, Alton Bay, 875-3060, kabeyun.org What: A resident camp for boys with activities like archery, arts and crafts, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, ropes courses, stand-up paddleboarding and more. Who: Boys ages 7 to 16 When: Two-week, four-week, six-week and eight-week sessions are available, dates offered June 25 through Aug. 18 (some weeks are full or have waiting lists; visit the website for the most up-to-date status) Cost: Starts at $4,490 for an introductory two-week session

Camp Mi-Te-Na 65 YMCA Road, Alton, 776-3000; hosted by the Granite YMCA, 232-8642, graniteymca.org What: Campers enjoy a traditional camp experience with arts and crafts, archery, various sports, swimming, whitewater rafting, ropes courses and more. Who: Boys ages 8 through 15 When: One- and two-week sessions offered from Sunday, June 25, through Saturday, Aug. 19 Cost: $1,350 for one week and $2,300 for two weeks; discounts are available for current Granite YMCA members

Camp Quinebarge 100 Sibley Road, Moultonborough, 253-6029, campquinebarge.com

What: An overnight camp offering activities like swimming, boating, fencing, archery, horseback riding, ropes courses, a zip-line and much more. Who: Ages 6 to 16 When: Residential camp runs for two-week, four-week, six-week or eight-week sessions, dates offered June 25 to Aug. 19 Cost: Starts at $3,925 per two-week session

Camp Sno Mo Hidden Valley Reservation, 260 Griswold Lane, Gilmanton Iron Works, hosted by Easterseals, 364-5818, easterseals. com/nh What: Campers participate in activities like water sports, hiking, archery, ecology, riflery, adaptive horseback riding, wood working, black smithing and more. Who: Children and young adults ages 11 through 21 with disabilities and special needs When: Sessions run overnight Sunday to Friday, dates offered June 25 through Aug. 18, with an additional week from Aug. 20 to Aug. 25 for campers ages 22 and up Cost: Ranges from $1,400 to $1,900

Camp Walt Whitman 1000 Cape Moonshine Road, Piermont, 1-800-657-8282, campwalt.com What: An co-ed overnight camp offering activities like ceramics, woodworking, drama and music programs, ropes courses, weekly hikes, whitewater rafting, sports and more. A one-week program for families is also available in August. Who: Boys and girls entering grades 2 through 11 When: Several sessions are available throughout the summer, dates offered June 25 through Aug. 11. The one-week Family Camp runs from Monday, Aug. 14, through Friday, Aug. 18 Cost: Ranges from $1,750 to $15,000, depending on the length of each session

Cohen Camps Camp Tel Noar, 167 Main St., Hampstead, 329-6931, camptelnoar.org; Camp Tevya, 1 Mason Road, Brookline, 6734010, camptevya.org; cohencamps.org

What: Jewish educational and cultural camps where campers will enjoy swimming, boating, outdoor learning, athletics, arts and crafts, plus shira (singing) and rikud (Israeli dancing). Who: Grades 2 through 10 When: Session dates offered Wednesday, June 28, through Wednesday, Aug. 16 Cost: Starts at $7,000 for the first session (June 28 through July 23) and $6,700 for the second session (July 24 through Aug. 16)

New Hampshire Police Cadet Training Academy New Hampshire Technical Institute, 31 College Drive, Concord, nhpcta.org What: This program is designed to help young people develop their skills and knowledge of law enforcement and to refine their life skills in the future. Who: Ages 14 to 20 When: Saturday, June 24, through Friday, June 30 Cost: TBA; applications should be available by March 1

Water Monkey Camp 298 Merrymeeting Road, New Durham, 617-855-9253, watermonkeycamp.com

What: Campers will enjoy wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakesurfing and wakeskating on Merrymeeting Lake in New Durham. Who: Ages 10 through 17 When: Sessions run Sunday through Saturday, dates offered June 18 through Aug. 11 Cost: $2,950/week, all-inclusive.

Windsor Mountain Summer Camp 1 World Way, Windsor, 478-3166, windsormountain.org

What: A co-ed overnight camp offering a variety of activities, including sports, arts, music, swimming, boating, ropes courses, cooking, videography and more. Who: Ages 7 through 16 When: Two full-length sessions are offered, each lasting four weeks. Dates run June 25 through July 19, and July 23 through Aug. 16. Mini sessions are also available within those dates (some weeks are full or have waiting lists; visit the website for the most up-to-date status) Cost: $7,295 for each fulllength session; mini session rates range from $3,795 to $4,395

SCIENCE

Aviation Summer Camp: “Flights of Discovery” Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, 27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, 669-4820, aviationmuseumofnh.org What: Campers will learn about aviation and aerospace by engaging in curriculum-based lessons, handson activities and challenges. Flight simulators, wind tunnels and guest speakers will help students better understand the many different aviation careers through a hands-on approach. Field trips are incorporated into the end of each lesson to help kids see what they learned in practice. Two programs are available: Level 1 (ages 10 to 13) and Level 2 (ages 14 to 17). Core subjects for both will include aeronautics and aerodynamics, aircraft structure and function, aviation history, airports, astronomy and astrology, space exploration and more. Who: Ages 10 to 17 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered July 10 through Aug. 3; a special endof-camp field day will be held on Aug. 3, complete with pizza delivered by helicopter. Cost: $450 per week, or $1,800 total for the full four-week program.

Brainwave STEAM Camps 2nd Nature Academy, 10 Groton Road, Nashua, 881-4815, 2ndnatureacademy.com/brainwave What: A variety of STEAM day camps that are all about creative exploration and mind expansion, with themes like science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Who: Ages 6 through 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 Cost: Ranges from $250 to $440 per week, depending on the session, plus a $35 registration fee; includes all supplies. Extended care is available at an additional cost.

Camp Summer Science SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org What: Through handson activities, campers will explore four topics — Chemistry Capers, Earth, Space & the Universe, Exhibit Design & Prototype and Reverse Engineering. Who: Ages 7 to 13 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered July 10 through July 14, or July 17 through July 21 Cost: $300 for the week.

iSpy Camp SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter .org What: This camp will encourage kids to use their investigation skills in an introduction to crime scene investigation, espionage, and forensic science. Who: Ages 7 to 13 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered July 10 through July 14, or July 17 through July 21 Cost: $300 for the week.

LEtGO Your Mind Multiple locations throughout New Hampshire, 731-8047, letgoyourmind.com What: Campers explore STEM subjects through activities with Lego bricks, introduction to robotics, stop-motion animation, and programming Minecraft. Who: Ages 4 through 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered June 19 through Aug. 18. Half days from 9 a.m. to noon are also available for kids ages 4 and 5 Cost: Starts at $385 per week for a full day and $225 per week for a half day. Before- and after-school care is also available.

Manchester Community College Camps

1066 Front St., Manchester, 206-8161, mccnh.edu What: Week-long summer day camps with programs that include Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs, STEM Camp, Solid Modeling and Robotics Who: Rising 6th- to 8th-graders When: Sessions run Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., dates offered from July 10 through Aug. 3, depending on the camp Cost: $175 per week

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center 2 Institute Drive, Concord, 271-7827, starhop.

STEM Summer Camps

The Workforce Development Center at MCC is offering four STEM-based Summer Camps. Enroll today. It’s not too early... Technology summer camps fill quickly!

CAMPS — SUMMER 2023

• Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs

• Robotics Camp

• Solid Modeling

• STEM Camp (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)

Water Monkey Camp. Courtesy photo.

com What: Campers will learn about astronomy, aviation and Earth science through hands-on activities and adventures. This year’s seven themes are “Blast Off!,” “Storm Chasers,” “Up, Up, and Away!,” “Codename: Robot Camp,” “Discover the Dinosaurs,” “So You Want to be an Astronaut?” and Star Hunters. Who: General age range is 5 to 14 but varies depending on the program theme When: Most sessions run Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 11 (no programs Tuesday, July 4, or Wednesday, July 5) Cost: Ranges from $210 to $345 per week

sPOrts

Auburn Parks & Recreation Summer Basketball Camp 483-5052, auburnparksandrec.com, find them on Facebook @ auburnnhparksandrec What: Campers will have the opportunity to work on ball handling and defensive skills as well as how to move and handle themselves on the court, practicing in daily full scrimmages. Who: Students entering grades 5 through 8 When: A one-week session will be held from Monday, Aug. 14, through Friday, Aug. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the gymnasium of Auburn Village School (11 Eaton Hill Road, Auburn) Cost: $199 for the full week

Caramba Soccer Skills Camp Locations in Concord, Nashua, Canterbury and Chichester, 496-3579, soccerskillscamp.org What: Soccer program specializes in skill development for goaltenders, defenders, midfielders and strikers. Players are divided by age for the first half of the day, then by ability level for the second half. Who: Grades 1 through 12 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, times vary depending on the location (a halfday option is also available), dates offered July 10 through Aug. 3 Cost: $235 per week for a full-day program, and $150 per week for a half-day program

Challenger Sports Soccer Camps Various NH locations, 800-878-2167, ext. 280, challengersports.com What: Campers will develop core soccer skills and understanding of the game as well as sportsmanship and leadership skills. Locally, this year’s programs take place in conjunction with the New Boston Recreation Department, the Weare Athletic Club, the Windham Soccer Association, the Hopkinton Recreation Department, the Pelham Parks & Recreation Department, the Gilford Recreation Department, the Gilmanton Youth Organization, the Exeter Parks & Recreation Department and the Northwood Recreation Department. Who: Ages 2 to 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday; exact dates and times vary depending on the location; see website for details Cost: Varies, depending on the camp and the location

The Derryfield School Co-ed Basketball Camp 2108 River Road, Manchester, 6419426, derryfield.org/summer/sports-camps

What: Run by Derryfield School facul-

ty member Courtney Cheetham, this camp will include skills stations, breakout groups, games, a contest of the day and other activities revolving around basketball. Who: Rising 4th- to 10th-graders When: Monday, June 26, through Friday, June 30, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost: $250, with a $30 lunch option (lunch paid separately)

The Derryfield School Field Hockey Skills & Shooting 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/summer/ sports-camps What: Derryfield School head field hockey coach Kelsey Federico will lead this three-day camp. The first hour will focus on the fundamentals of passing and receiving for players of all positions, and the camp will then progress into goal scoring drills. Who: Rising 6th- to 12th-grade field hockey players When: Sessions run Monday through Wednesday, from 1 to 3 p.m., dates offered June 26 to June 28 or Aug. 7 to Aug. 9 Cost: $150

The Derryfield School Field Hockey Goalkeeping Camp 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/summer/ sports-camps

What: Derryfield School head field hockey coach Kelsey Federico will lead this three-day camp, which will focus on the fundamentals of saving and clearing, as well as diving, split saves and more. Who: Rising 6th- to 12th-grade field hockey players When: Sessions run Monday through Wednesday, from 2 to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 to June 28 or Aug. 7 to Aug. 9 Cost: $150

The Derryfield School Summer Strength & Conditioning 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/summer/ sports-camps What: Program focuses on the essentials of foam rolling, mobility and motor control, as well as proper strength training and conditioning, to maximize the results of a camper’s performance and minimize the risk of injury. Who: Rising 8th-graders to newly graduated 12th-graders When: Sessions run June 20 through Aug. 3 Cost: Ranges from $120 to $450, depending on the number of sessions taken and the length of each

Fisher Cats Baseball & Softball Camps

Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, 1 Line Drive, Manchester, 641-2005, nhfishercats. com What: Instructed by New Hampshire Prospects Baseball Club players and Fisher Cats front office staff, these camps teach the fundamentals of the game, including throwing, fielding, hitting and pitching. Who:

New Hampshire Fisher Cats baseball and softball camps. Courtesy photo.

Boys and girls ages 6 through 15 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon, offered April 24 through April 28; June 26 through June 30; July 24 to July 25 and July 27 to July 28; and Aug. 21 through Aug. 25 Cost: Ranges from $150 to $175 per week, depending on the session. Campers also receive a T-shirt and complimentary tickets to an upcoming Fisher Cats home game (dates vary depending on the sessions chosen).

Foster’s Golf Camp Derryfield Park, 581 Bridge St., Manchester, 622-1553, fostersgolfcamp.com What: Campers travel to different par-3 courses across New Hampshire and participate in practice clinics, chipping and putting contests, time on the driving range and at least nine holes of golf with instruction. Trophies and certificates are awarded at the end of the session. Drop-offs and pick-ups are at Derryfield Park in Manchester. Golf camps take place at a variety of locations, depending on the day of the week. Who: Ages 7 to 16 of all experience levels. When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered April 24 through April 28 and June 19 through Sept. 1 (no camp the week of July 4) Cost: $325 per week

Hogan Camps Various NH locations, 3401719, hogancamps.com What: Specialty basketball and soccer camps under the direction of Paul Hogan, retired athletics director and men’s basketball coach at NHTI in Concord. Programs include the Point Guard Basketball Camp, Rip City Basketball Camp, Shooter’s Gold Basketball Camp and a Specialty Basketball Camp Who: Boys and girls entering 1st grade and up; individual camps vary on the age range When: Sessions run various days and times, dates offered June 23 through Aug. 3 Cost: Varies.

In the Net Sports Academy Locations in Bedford, Hooksett, Manchester and Nashua, 429-0592, inthenetsportsacademy.com What: A variety of sports camps, including baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, field hockey, lacrosse and volleyball Who: Ages 3 through high school When: Sessions run Monday to Friday, with half-day, full-day, evening and overnight options, dates offered throughout June, July and August Cost: Ranges, depending on the sport

Magic Touch Soccer Academy 120 Huse Road, Manchester, 232-2314, magictouchsoccer.com What: Run by varsity soccer coach Jeff Cousineau of The Derryfield School in Manchester, this soccer camp is oriented around a playful and game-like atmosphere with a focus on building a player’s technical skills, using music as a unique foundation to teach creative flair with the ball. Who: Boys and girls entering grades 9 through 12 When: Sunday, Aug. 6, through Thursday, Aug. 10, from 5 to 8 p.m., at The Derryfield School (2108 River Road, Manchester) Cost: TBA

NH Climbing Camps NH Climbing and

Fitness, 10 Langdon Ave, Concord, nhclimbing gym.com What: Programs include Summer Indoor Camp, in which campers can learn basic top-rope climbing; and NH Adventure Camp, in which campers take hiking-based field trips across the state. Each day is loaded with toprope climbing of the facility’s 40-foot walls, bouldering games, crafts and more. Who: Ages 6 to 12 When: Summer Indoor Camp sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and NH Adventure Camp sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 18 for both programs. Cost: Varies; see website for details.

NH Hoop Skills Stan Spirou Field House at Southern New Hampshire University, 2500 N. River Road, Manchester, 645-9662, nhhoopskills.com What: A basketball camp for girls featuring SNHU women’s basketball coach Karen Pinkos as the director. Campers learn the basic fundamentals, rules and sportsmanship of basketball through fun-filled instruction and exercises. Who: Girls entering grades 2 through 10 When: Sessions run Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered June 26 through June June 29 or July 24 through July 27 Cost: $275 per week

NH Tomahawks Girls Lacrosse Camp Back River Sports Complex, 15 Camp Allen Road, Bedford; Joppa Fields, 176 Joppa Hill Road, Bedford; girls.nhtomahawks.com

What: Players will be divided by position, age and ability, and will focus on improving fundamental skills in lacrosse, including offensive moves, shooting, cutting, feeding and one-onone defense. Goalies will have specific training and integrate in with the rest of the camp for game play. Who: Girls ages 5 to 17 When: Three weekly sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon this year, dates offered Monday, June 26, through Thursday, June 29, at the Back River Sports Complex; Monday, July 10, through Thursday, July 13, at Joppa Fields; and Monday, July 24, through Thursday, July 27, also at Joppa Fields Cost: $195 per session

Nike Basketball Camps Locations in Manchester, Nashua and Hampton, 800-645-3226, ussportscamps.com/basketball/nike

What: Camp for basketball players who want to improve their skills. Includes lectures, team games and daily emphasis on fundamental development. Who: Boys and girls ages 8 to 16. When: Sessions run Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dates vary depending on the location; see website for details. Cost: Most camps range from $180 to $375 per week, but may vary depending on the location and the length of each session.

Pro Ambitions Hockey Day Camps TriTown Ice Arena, 311 W. River Road, Hooksett; Conway Arena, 5 Stadium Drive, Nashua; proambitions.com What: At the Battle Camp, players learn skating skills and game theory elements while engaging in a situational bat-

tle. The Boston Bruins Camp features training in all aspects of ice hockey, plus daily appearances and autograph sessions with members of the Boston Bruins organization. A goaltending camp is also offered. Who: Ages 6 to 16

When: The Battle Camp and the goaltending camp run from Wednesday, July 5, through Friday, July 7, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Boston Bruins camps run from Monday, July 17, through Thursday, July 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Ranges from $499 to $649.

Soccer Sphere Summer Soccer Camp Locations in Madbury and Portsmouth, soccersphere.org What: Programs include day and residential soccer camps, high school preseason training, goalkeeper training and more. Who: Boys and girls ages 5 and up When: Four-day sessions run at various days and times, dates offered June 19 through Aug. 4 at Tibbetts Field (25 Lee Road, Madbury) and July 31 through Aug. 4 at Portsmouth Community Fields (Campus Drive, Portsmouth) Cost: Ranges from $185 to $275.

UNH Wildcats Camps University of New Hampshire, 145 Main St., Durham, 862-1850, unhwildcats.com What: Programs offered for basketball, field hockey, gymnastics, track and field, football, soccer, volleyball and more. Day and overnight options are available. Who: Boys and girls entering kindergarten through 12th grade When: Sessions run various days/ weeks, beginning the week of June 26 (some dates TBA; see website for the full up-to-date schedule) Cost: Varies depending on the camp

tHeater

Bedford Youth Performing Company

155 Route 101, Bedford, 472-3894, bypc.org What: A variety of dance and musical theater camps are offered for all ages, as well as music and movement camps for preschoolers. Who: Ages 3 and up, varies by camp When: Dates and times vary by camp, dates offered June 12 through Aug. 17 Cost: $275 for preschool camps; dance and musical theater camps range from $95 to $395

The Derryfield School Repertory Theatre Camp 2108 River Road, Manchester, 6419426, derryfield.org/summer/theatre-camp

What: Campers will practice acting, singing, script writing, dance and improvisation and participate in a performance at the end of the camp. Who: Rising 4th- to 12th-graders

When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered July 10 through July 21, and July 24 through Aug. 4

Cost: $630

The Majestic Theatre 880 Page St., Manchester, 669-7469, majestictheatre.net What: Campers will learn about all aspects of theater and build skills in acting, movement, improvisation, music and cooperative abilities. Who: Ages 5 through 14 When: One-week half-day camps for ages 5 through 7 are offered June 26 through July 1 and July 24 through July 29. For ages 8 through 14, a two-week full-day

camp runs July 10 through July 22, and a oneweek full-day camp runs July 31 through Aug.

5. Cost: $160 for the half-day camps, $225 for the one-week full-day camp and $325 for the two-week full-day camp

Merrimack Summer Stage Wasserman Park Theater, 116 Naticook Road, Merrimack, hosted by Merrimack Parks & Recreation, 882-1046, merrimackparksandrec.org/

summer-stage What: In this week-long theater camp, participants will learn about scene acting, vocal work, dance and creative movement, theater games and improvisation. Campers will put together and perform a youth production of The Wizard of Oz Who: Ages 8 through 15

When: Monday, July 17, through Friday, July 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day Cost: $265 for Merrimack residents and $275 for non-residents.

Palace Youth Theatre 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org

What: Campers will learn about all aspects of theater, including music, dance, acting, costume design, technical theater and more, all while developing teamwork skills, confidence and creativity. Each camp concludes with a fully staged production on stage. This year’s productions include Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Jr., Peter Pan, Elf the Musical Jr., Snow White, High School Musical Jr. and Winnie the Pooh Who: Rising 2nd- through 12th-graders When: One-week or two-week sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (see website for details on when each theater performance is held and which sessions last one week versus two weeks) Cost: Ranges from $250 to $499 per session

Peacock Players 14 Court St., Nashua, 8867000, peacockplayers.org What: Campers will spend a week immersed in theater, music and dance to prepare a variety showcase performance. Camp themes include “Blast from the Past,” “Getting Spooky,” “Rock & Roll,” “Tales & Legends” and “Hollywood.” Who: Rising 1st- to 9th-graders When: Camps are offered July 17 through Aug. 18. Cost: $350 per week

Triple Threat Theater Camp Londonderry Dance Academy, 21 Buttrick Road, Londonderry, 432-0032, triplethreattheatercamp. com What: Focuses on the core aspects of theater, including acting, dancing and voice. Led by experienced theater educators, directors and choreographers, campers will participate in workshops and rehearsals to prepare for a public performance at the end of the session. Who: Ages 7 to 17 When: A three-week program runs July 10 through July 28, with full-day sessions. A one-week program with full-day and half-day options, open to ages 6 through 11, is offered July 10 through July 14 and July 17 through July 21. Cost: $850 for the three-week program; the one-week program costs $325 for full days and $200 for half days.

inspiring voices

Poetry Society hosts virtual session with displaced Ukrainian poets

By Katelyn Sahagian ksahagian@hippopress.com

As the first anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine looms, the New Hampshire Poetry Society is showing its support for Ukrainian poets.

Through a virtual event, the New Hampshire Poetry Society will have poets who are currently or have been refugees in Poland read poetry written in their native language.

Ewa Chrusciel, a member of the New Hampshire Poetry Society and the person who proposed the reading, said that she, state’s poet laureate Alexandria Peary, and Society president Melanie Chicoine will read the translations of the poems.

Chrusciel said she wanted to find a way to respectfully honor the beginning of the war and the experiences of those displaced by it.

To her, written word, especially poetry, is one of the main ways she can show support

voice

When: Saturday, Feb. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: On Zoom, link is listed on the website. Visit: psnh.org

for Ukraine, especially if those writers hail from the war-torn nation.

“When countries are occupied, [written word is] how we carry on when languages are banned or when we are divided by other countries,” Chrusciel said. “When the territory is divided, the language becomes the nation, the poetry becomes the nation.”

When Chrusciel visited a theater she loved in her native Poland, she said, she was shocked to see the space was being used to house displaced families from the war in Ukraine. She had intended to take in a show on her routine visit, or at least catch up with some members of the artistic community.

Through some connections at the theater, Chrusciel quickly made a workshop for 14 writers who found themselves stranded by the war in their homeland.

“It was a bit like the tower of Babel,’” Chrusciel said. “I speak Polish and English, some spoke Polish, Ukrainian and English. There was lots of translation going on, but it still felt like a very united, transcendent moment.”

It took all of three hours in the performance space for Chrusciel to feel that these women were her close friends. Over the course of the war, Chrusciel said, she has met up with many of the writers still in Poland. Many members of the group have moved around,

AnimAls And hAppiness

The Two Villages Art Society’s gallery (846 Main St. in Contoocook; twovillagesart.org) will present “Secrets of happiness,” a solo show by Ty Meier, Saturday, Feb. 25, through Saturday, April 1. On Saturday, Feb. 25, from 3 to 4 p.m. there will be an opening reception followed by live music from 4 to 6 p.m. by Hydro-Geo Trio, a Hopkinton-based band, according to a press release. Meier’s pieces are “acrylic and inks, generally painting stylized animals and birds,” the release said. “Happy Fox” by Ty Meier.

staying with family in other parts of Europe or in America. Chrusciel said she knows two of the writers went back to Ukraine.

When the group met, Chrusciel hoped to keep the meeting lighthearted. She didn’t intentionally bring up the writers’ displacement as a source for the workshop. She brought humorous poems to inspire the writers, but the poets were drawn to tackling the most relevant topic in their lives.

“That experience of loss was palpable,” Chrusciel said. “[The poems] would always transpire on the topic of loss and displacement and homesickness.”

At the virtual reading, Chrusciel hopes

art Exhibits

• “MULTI-MEDIUMS” exhibit featuring works on canvas and panel, wall reliefs in ceramic and metal and sculptures in stone and wood is open now at the Art 3 Gallery (44 W. Brook St. in Manchester; 668-6650), according to a press release. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and a virtual exhibit should be available soon, the release said.

• “LOVE, PASSION & CHOCOLATE” The Lakes Region Art

the writers, and the listeners, can learn more about how the war has affected the poets. She said that having people hear the poetry will be a step toward understanding the pain and hope of the Ukrainian writers.

While not all the writers from the original group will be joining the virtual event, Chrusciel said all of them have continued writing, and will continue to document their experiences any way they can.

“Poetry can save a human,” Chrusciel said. “They write down those details they see and feel. Their poetry isn’t just a playground, it’s a witness, it’s a testimony, and it’s a responsibility.”

Association’s exhibit will run through Friday, Feb. 25, at the Lakes Region Art Gallery (120 Laconia Road, Suite 300, in the Tanger Outlets, Tilton), according to a press release. See LRAANH.org.

• “LET ME SHOW YOU WHAT

I LOVE” The Seacoast Artist Association exhibit at the Association’s gallery at 130 Water St. in Exeter (the gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.) is on view through Saturday, Feb. 25.

• “BEGINNINGS,” the first group

show at the art studio Girl from Mars (135 Route 101A in Amherst), will feature 14 local artists showing 24 pieces of new work. The show will run through the end of February. The Gallery’s hours are Thursday through Saturday by appointment. Visit marsartstudio.weebly.com.

• WORLDWIDE PRINTMAKING The Art Center (1 Washington St. Suite 1177 in Dover; theartcenterdover.com, 978-6702) has its “Worldwide Printmaking Exhibition” on display now through February. The exhibit features works of

Ukrainian writers group in Poland. Photo courtesy of Ewa Chrusciel.

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

• Meet the Marches: The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) brings the March sisters (Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy) and their Marmee to the stage with Little Women, the Broadway musical, which will run Friday, March 3, through Sunday, March 19. The shows run Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 to $46.

• Postponed until Friday: The Community Players of Concord’s production of The 39 Steps, originally slated to run at the Concord City Auditorium last weekend, will hit the stage Friday, Feb. 24, through Sunday, Feb. 26, according to a Players press release. The show will go on Friday, Feb. 24, and Saturday, Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m., with tickets purchased for the original show dates valid for the same day of the week. Tickets are on sale for the new dates at communityplayersofconcord. org. Ticket holders who want a refund or to change the day of the week can contact box office chair David Murdo at 344-4747 or nhdm40@comcast.net, the release said.

• Postponed until May: Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, who had been scheduled to play the Dana Center for the Humanities at Saint Anselm College (100 Saint Anselm Drive in Manchester; anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities) on Thursday, Feb. 23, will now

more than 40 artists from 11 countries, according to a press release.

The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• KATE HIGLEY New Hampshire Art Association fine printmaker Kate Higley will have her work on display at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center (49 S. Main St., Suite 104, in Concord) through Friday, March 3. The gallery hours are general Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

theater Shows

• MAN OF LA MANCHA The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St. in Portsmouth; seacoastrep.org, 433-4472) will present the musical Man of La Mancha, through Sunday, March 5. The show follows Don Quixote, a man who lives in a fantasy world of his own creation that baffles everyone he meets but changes the world for the better and inspires those around him, according to a press release. This show contains adult themes including violence. Tickets start

play the Dana Center on Wednesday, May 31. Tickets purchased for the February show will be valid. Tickets cost $45.

• The girls’ story: Cue Zero Theatre Company will open its fourth season on Friday, March 3, with the play Radium Girls, by DW Gregory, about the women who painted watch dials with radium paint in the early 20th century and became sick from radium poisoning, according to a press release. The play will run Friday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 5, at 2 p.m. at the Arts Academy of New Hampshire (19 Keewaydin Drive, No. 4, in Salem). Tickets cost $15 per person and are available online at cztheatre.com and at the door.

• About Jackie: The Derry Public Library (derrypl.org) will hold a virtual program on Wednesday, March 8, at 6:30 p.m. called “Jacqueline Kennedy: Beyond Style” featuring a docent from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum to discuss the first lady’s life and legacy, according to the website. The program will include photographs and documents from the Kennedy Library’s archives, the website said. Register online.

at $35 and can be purchased at seacoastrep.org. The show runs on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 & 7:30 p.m.

• THE 39 STEPS A spoof of the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film, this comedy will be presented by the Community Players of Concord at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St. in Concord) on Friday, Feb. 24, and Saturday, Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for 17 and under and seniors. See communityplayersofconcord.org.

• BREADCRUMBS a play by Jennifer Haley, will be presented by Theatre Kapow at Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com) on Friday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. In-person tickets cost $28 for adults, $23 for students (plus fees); livestream tickets will also be available.

• VANITIES a comedy-drama by Jack Heifer and produced by Creative Ambitions Performance Studio, will run at the Hatbox Theatre (270 Loudon Road in

Concord; hatboxnh.com, 7152315) Friday, March 3, through Sunday, March 19, with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets cost $22, $19 for seniors and students.

• SKIN DEEP will be presented by Bedford Off Broadway on Friday, March 3, through Sunday, March 5, and Friday, March 10, through Sunday, March 12, with evening shows on Friday and Saturday (at 8 p.m.) and matinees on Sunday (at 2 p.m. at the Bedford Old Town Hall at 3 Meetinghouse Road in Bedford. See bedfordoffbroadway.com.

Classical

• “CHANSON d’ AMOUR”

The Manchester Community Music School’s faculty performance of “Chanson d’Amour” featuring Harel Gietheim on cello and Piper Runnion on harp will take placeThursday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. at the school, 2291 Elm St. in Manchester. Admission is free but pre-register at mcmusicschool.org to attend in person or online.

Meredith Carver, Heidi Krantz, and Gabi Homonoff in Radium Girls. Photo by Paula Trout.

the benefits of organic vs. chemical soil treatment

By Henry Homeyer listings@hippopress.com

On a cold and snowy day I paused to think back a few years to a conference I attended run by the Ecological Farming Association in Pacific Grove, California. There were several sessions by scientists presenting research confirming what organic gardeners have always known: organic techniques yield plants that resist disease and insects better, and produce better-quality and healthier vegetables. I dug out my notes, and would like to share some of what I learned.

Dr. Larry Phelan, a research scientist at Ohio State University, explained that he wanted to see if organically grown plants attracted insect pests differently than those grown using conventional techniques. He collected soil from two farms that were across the road from each other. The soils were identical except for how they had been tended for the past several years. One farm was organic, the other conventional.

To reduce other variables, Dr. Phelan brought the soil to his greenhouse and potted it up in large

cow manure in some, and composted manure in others, using both types of soil for each method. When the corn was at the appropriate size, he released corn borers into the greenhouse and watched what happened.

Not surprisingly, the corn borers preferred the corn grown conventionally. Not only that, but the long-term history of the soil also mattered. The soil from the organic farm had higher levels of organic material in it, and consistently was less attractive to the borers, even if used with chemical fertilizers.

Why should this occur? Dr. Phelan explained that plants evolved over the millennia getting their nutrients through the soil food web, depending on the symbiotic relationships between plants and microorganisms. Soils rich in organic matter provide much needed nutrients in a slow, steady stream, the way Mother Nature does it.

He said that when a plant gets too much nitrogen, the excess is stored in the form of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. For insects, this is like candy for kids: they can detect it, and go to the source.

Dr. Autar Mattoo of the United States Department of Agriculture Research Station in

of tomatoes grown with chemical fertilizer on black plastic to the health of those grown organically using a mulch of hairy vetch, an annual cover crop. He found that tomatoes grown with hairy vetch were dramatically better at resisting fungal diseases, especially those that cause blackening and dropping of leaves, which is often the bane of gardeners.

Dr. Mattoo explained that the vetch fixes nitrogen when growing. Which is to say it extracts nitrogen from the air and turns it into a form that plants can use. It was mowed down before flowering and allowed to stay on the surface of the soil, producing a considerable biomass to nourish soil microorganisms.

Compared to chemical fertilizer and black plastic, Dr. Mattoo found a 25 to 30 percent increase in yield using vetch. He explained that eventually the organic tomato plants would develop fungal diseases, but that for the first 84 days after transplant (late August for us), there was virtually no leaf blackening. At the same time, the tomato plants grown conventionally were severely damaged.

He attributed much of the difference to hormone signaling. Anti-fungal proteins can be produced when specific genes are activated,

are turned on or off. He was able to show this by photographing specific genes in the leaves of the tomatoes to see their size and thus their levels of activity. It appears that something in the vetch stimulated the tomatoes to produce those anti-fungal proteins.

What does all this prove? Being an organic gardener has many benefits, and scientists are just catching up with us! So as you plan your garden projects for the spring, think about giving up your use of chemical fertilizers.

Henry is a lifelong organic gardener and the author of four gardening books. His website is www.gardening-guy.com, where you can find

This artichoke from my garden was grown without chemicals. Photo by Henry Homeyer.

story to tell

Authors at the Vineyard event returns

By Mya Blanchard listings@hippopress.com

Local authors, illustrators, publishers and book-lovers will gather at Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown for Authors at the Vineyard, returning on Sunday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the New England Author Expo, founded in 2006 by Chris Obert, of the Bradford, Mass.-based Pear Tree Publishing. Obert said he was looking for a way to get not only his own books into the hands of readers, but those of other independent authors as well.

“I came up with the idea of doing a local book event … and we invited any local author that we could find,” Obert said in an email.

Authors at the Vineyard functions as a book sale, meant to connect authors with potentially new readers.

One such author is Karri Moser, who currently lives in Lebanon, Maine. With both her father and husband having served time in the military, Moser has lived in many places all across the country. But it was her time in Maine that has served as an inspiration for many of her stories.

“We had been stationed up here and had a house, and I loved Maine, and I loved the coast and we got orders to move,” Moser said. “I really missed the ocean and those kinds of towns, so [what] inspired my first book was basically being away from that kind of environment.”

Moser’s latest release, The Road to Abilene, is her first book that lacks any connection to New England, as well as her first that transcends her usual genre of women’s fiction to romance.

“It fits the tenets of romance and it’s also military fiction,” Moser said. “It’s based on [the] military lifestyle when the main love interest is in

authors at the vineyard

When: Sunday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Zorvino Vineyards, 226 Main St.,

Sandown

Cost: Admission is free; books written by each of the featured authors will be available for purchase

Visit: newenglandauthorsexpo.com

Hippo is looking to bring on a weekly Hippo delivery person for the Manchester area. Drivers use their own vehicle to deliver the Hippo to various locations in Manchester on Wednesdays or Thursday during normal business hours. Route averages about 4 to 5 hours.

This is a contract position and drivers must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.

the army. … It takes place on [an] army post and it kind of mirrors my own experiences.”

California native Anita Oswald, another fea tured author, moved to New Hampshire at the beginning of high school. It was around this time that she started experimenting with writing.

“I used to write these little stories instead of journaling or writing in a diary. I couldn’t actual ly find myself sitting down to commit to writing … every day,” Oswald said. “So I used to take whatever I was feeling at the time and write it down in a … quick one- or two-page story, and then I … just kind of filed them away and never did anything with them.”

Oswald has continued to use writing as an out let for her feelings and emotions, which resulted in her first published book, Letters to My Ex, a collection of letters she wrote over the course of a year following a difficult breakup.

“It was a very cathartic process for me, and I hoped that maybe [by] … putting my process and experience out there, I could help other people,” she said.

Oswald’s latest release, 2022’s Brother Where Art Thou, falls into the psychological thriller genre, another style she connects with in addition to the modern-day romance.

“I want to entertain people with my writing, and the more people that I can get it out there to, the better,” she said. “I think I’m going to consider the [author event] … personally [to be] successful if I can introduce myself to new people, introduce my books to new people and have those people share their excitement for being able to read them.”

Authors at the Vineyard returns on Sunday, Feb. 26. Courtesy photo.

insiDe/OutsiDe

ALL FUNK NO JUNK

Family fun for whenever vacation at the museum

• The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive in Concord; starhop.com, 271-7827) will be open daily through Sunday, March 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with planetarium shows every hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $9 for children ages 3 to 12, $11 for seniors ages 62 and older and for students ages 13 through college. Planetarium shows cost an additional $6 for everyone older than 3.

Quality, Style & Comfort

Our collection of furniture and unusual items will inspire your creativity. Visit our warehouse boutique for high end new and used quality furniture that’s affordable. Come visit us soon!

• The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St. in Dover; childrens-museum.org, 742-2002) recommends purchasing tickets in advance during winter vacation, when the museum will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays, with sessions from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m., and Sundays 9 a.m. to noon. There will be additional drop-in activities focusing on arts, STEM and stories included in the play session, according to a press release. Admission costs $12.50 for everyone over 12 months, $10.50 for 65+.

• The SEE Science Center (200 Bedford St. in Manchester; see-sciencecenter.org, 669-0400) has updated its hours for school vacation. The center will be open Monday, Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in addition to being open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission on weekdays is at 3 p.m., on weekends is at 4 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for visitors ages 3 and older. SEE’s website also recommends making advance reservations.

• Spend more time at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry; aviationmuseumofnh.org, 6694820) with its extended vacation hours. On Tuesday, Feb. 28; Wednesday, March 1, and

insiDe/OutsiDe TREASURE HUNT

Hi Donna, My question is about this carriage clock. I think it is French and is in top shape. Any ideas? Thank you.

Scott

Dear Scott, Your carriage clock does look to be in good shape.

Although the clocks used for traveling were originally French, they soon were made in many other countries. They can be very valuable in the antiques and horological (clock and watch) market. This would be for specific makers, movements, jewels and elaborate cases and so on.

There were so many made, some common and mass-produced. The value on one such as

Thursday March 2, the museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in addition to its usual hours of Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to the extended hours, the museum will have activities including a story time on Wednesday, March 1, at 10 a.m. and a flight simulator for kids 12 and up on Tuesday, Feb. 28, and Thursday, March 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission for children under the age of 6 is free, kids ages 6 to 12 and veterans and their families are $5. Standard admission for visitors age 13 and older is $10.

Movie theater fun

• Sugar up at Theater Candy Bingo at Chunky’s Nashua location (151 Coliseum Ave.) on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. The live hosted bingo night will have candy and a few Chunky’s giveaways as well as prizes at the end of each round. It costs $10 to reserve a seat (with an included $5 food voucher) and a box of candy to go into the pot. Only one bingo per customer. Visit chunkys.com to reserve a spot.

• Get dazzled by Ben Pratt at his family-friendly magic show at Chunky’s in Manchester (707 Huse Road) on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 6:30 p.m. Pratt, who has won many awards for his illusions, is a Granite State native who has performed across New England and in Las Vegas. Tickets for his high-energy magic-meets-standup comedy show cost $15 and can be bought at chunkys.com.

winter festivities

The 31st annual Winter Carnival is on Saturday, Feb. 25, at Wasserman Park in Merrimack. The carnival will have a special appearance by Mack, the Police Department’s comfort dog, as well as the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. The event will get the family out frolicking in the cold winter air (and hopefully snow) to celebrate the season. There will be warm food and drinks to keep the chill away. The event starts at noon. For more information visit merrimackparksandrec.org/winter-carnival.

yours would be in the $100 range. To be sure, you could bring it to a jeweler and they would evaluate the movement for you.

Donna

Donna Welch has spent more than 30 years in the antiques and collectibles field, appraising and instructing, and recently closed the physical location of From Out Of The Woods Antique Center (fromoutofthewoodsantiques.com) but is still doing some buying and selling. She is a member of The New Hampshire Antiques Dealer Association. If you have questions about an antique or collectible send a clear photo and information to Donna at footwdw@aol.com, or call her at 391-6550 or 624-8668.

low-profile tires and lousy driving make a bad combination

Dear Car Talk:

I bought a 2019 BMW 540Xi brand new. I love the car. But here is the problem: The car comes with run-flat tires and no place for a spare or jack.

for you since they sell this car with both types of tires. If I were you, I’d also ask your dealer to tell you the highest profile tire size that will fit on your car.

By Ray Magliozzi

I hit a pothole on the highway in the middle of the desert. Although the tires are run-flat, they recommend driving not more than 50 miles and at no more than 50 mph. Being much further than 50 miles from home, I needed to get towed into a dealer.

My question is, can I put regular tires on the car? Do I have to replace the wheels, too? The run-flat tires are low profile. Because of that, I have already had two cracked rims that needed to be replaced.

I would be happy to use the trunk for a spare, jack and lug wrench. — Don

Yes, you can replace the run-flats with traditional tires, Don. And you don’t have to replace the wheels. You’d want to replace all four tires, rather than mix run-flats with nonrun-flats. And then you’ll need a fifth one and an extra wheel to toss in the trunk as a spare.

I don’t know if you’d need to do any reprogramming to the tire pressure monitors, but your BMW dealer can answer that question

Your low-profile tires, combined with your apparent lousy driving, Don, are causing those cracked rims. Low-profile means short sidewall. And, because there’s so little sidewall between the road and the wheel, when you hit a pothole or drive up onto the sidewalk to park and get coffee, it’s very easy to dent or damage those rims. And, as you know by now, they’re extremely expensive to replace.

So, a higher profile tire will give you more sidewall and more rim protection. It’ll also make the ride more comfortable and quieter as will the non-run-flat tires, by the way. The higher profile tires might make the handling of your 540Xi a tad less sharp, but at $1,000 a wheel, that’s probably a trade-off you’re ready to make.

Dear Car Talk:

My question is not about the mechanics of a car, per se, but about the use of certain types of vehicles.

What is the actual purpose of so many new vehicles sold with outrageously high horsepower ratings, like 500 horsepower or more? Some are now in the 700-horsepower range. Why? For what reason? Bragging rights?

We all know that those high horsepower vehicles cannot even begin to use their potential legally on public roads. Are they being taken to a track? Are they hauling loads as heavy as a house?

Those horsepower ratings to me are so ridiculous that I find them humorous. Am I missing something here? — Paul

It’s as old as human history, Paul. Trying to compensate for an inadequacy elsewhere.

If I were writing a newspaper column during the Paleolithic Era, I have no doubt someone would write to me asking why some cavemen feel the need to have such enormous clubs. “They can hardly swing them!”

That same desire to stand out and signal that you’re “more powerful” or “better able to provide” has always played out in the car market.

And, rather than try to fix this genetic human vulnerability, car companies said “Hey, I bet we can use this to sell more Dodge Chargers!”

So, you’re not missing anything, Paul. The vast majority of people who buy overpowered cars don’t go to the track. And there’s very little they can do with these cars on public roads, except show off for half a block. But on some level, they believe that driving a more powerful car makes them more powerful.

And don’t expect the horsepower race to slow down with the introduction of electric vehicles.

When EVs first came out, they were seen as economical appliances. But the auto industry, which has 100 years of experience selling cars, figured out that it’s a lot easier to sell an EV if it’s not only cleaner and quieter but also faster.

So now you’ve got the Lucid Air with 1,100 horsepower and a 1,000 horsepower Tesla Model S.

And I have to admit, it is kind of fun to step on it once, just to feel your lips peel back to your ears.

To be fair to EVs, it’s much easier to make tons of power with an electric car. The motors are simpler, and the power delivery is far more direct and efficient.

It’s not like an internal combustion engine, where you have to suffer with 7 miles per gallon to carry the weight of a 700-horsepower engine around. The penalty you pay for power in an EV is much, much lower.

So, these “power wars” are going to be with us for the long haul, Paul. Fortunately, when our modern-day cave men get lured over to EVs, at least they’ll be making less pollution and noise. Visit

Jen O’Brien

medical aesthetics provider

Jen O’Brien is an advanced practice nurse who provides aesthetic injections and skin treatments from her medspa Relevé Medical Aesthetics (Salzburg Square, 292 Route 101, Amherst, 460-5706, relevemedicalaesthetics.com).

Explain your job and what it entails.

People enter my office seeking subtle, natural aesthetic treatments to help reclaim their confidence and feel great. I perform minimally invasive aesthetic treatments like Botox, filler, chemical peels, and platelet-rich plasma procedures. Our consultation process is relaxed and thorough, and most procedures have minimal pain or downtime.

How long have you had this job?

I opened my practice in the fall of 2021. I’ve been a nurse for 17 years and a certified registered nurse anesthetist for 11 years. Before Relevé, I provided anesthesia services at Catholic Medical Center.

What led you to this career field and your current job?

As many women and men have experienced, I lost my sense of self when my kids were little. Learning to love and honor myself has been a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey. How we feel about what we see in the mirror is only a piece of the puzzle, but I have found great purpose in helping women and men feel confident about their appearance so they can go out and live their most full life.

What kind of education or training did you need?

I received a bachelor of science in nursing degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a master of science in nursing degree from Bos-

ton College. I then sought training in aesthetics at Beautiphi Academy in Michigan and have since continued my education in advanced aesthetics and facial anatomy. Last year I traveled to Switzerland to learn from world-class clinicians in the field.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

Jen O’Brien. Courtesy photo.

Sometimes I wear scrubs, but usually black pants and a fun T-shirt. I love wearing graphic T-shirts that show my personality.

What is the most challenging thing about your work, and how do you deal with it?

Helping my clients develop reasonable expectations for their results can be really delicate. The treatments I offer are generally the least expensive, least downtime and lowest risk, but they will also give the most subtle results at first.

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

At first I worried that performing aesthetic procedures would be at odds with my personal values of building others up and loving our imperfect selves, but what I have found is that when we feel good about what we see in the mirror, we bring our best selves to the world around us. I’m a better mom for Botox, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

Just because some people [receive treatments that are] overdone doesn’t mean all treatments will give you bad results. Many, many people receive treatments with Botox and fillers and have beautiful, subtle results.

What was the first job you ever had?

I was a veterinary technician when I was 14. This mostly involved cleaning areas of the office that had never been cleaned before and caring for the daily needs of the pets.

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?

“Your vibe attracts your tribe.” Be your most authentic self, and the right clients will find you. ... What you see on my Facebook and Instagram accounts is the real me, so if you’re curious about treatments, check them out to see if I’m a good fit. — Angie Sykeny

five favorites

Favorite book: Persuasion by Jane Austen

Favorite movie: Love Actually

Favorite music: I’m eclectic — pop, rock, indie.

Favorite food: Oreo ice cream

Favorite thing about NH: The outdoors — mountains, lakes, beaches.

WANTED Ambassador of Eclectic Funk

Deja Vu is looking for an engaging, social person who loves feather dusters, stylish and unique furniture, antiques, kitch, and can tolerate quick changes in the pace of their day. We are a one of a kind store/museum/oversized gift shop that attracts a wide variety of visitors. Must be able to lift at least 25-50lbs, shift and navigate dollies through tight areas. Applicants can apply in person or send an email to; dejavulondonderrynh@gmail.com

Join

Part-Time Delivery Driver for Manchester Needed

Hippo is looking to bring on a weekly Hippo delivery person for the Manchester area. Drivers use their own vehicle to deliver the Hippo to various locations in Manchester on Wednesdays or Thursday during normal business hours. Route averages about 4 to 5 hours. This is a contract position and drivers must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.

DUTIES

• Picking up and loading printed material

• Delivering to designated racks and drop locations in delivery window

• Removing any old copies and recycling them

• Record keeping as required

• Lifting 30 lb often

• Getting in and out of vehicle often

JOB TYPES:

Part-time, Contract

News from the local food scene

By Matt Ingersoll food@hippopress.com

• African eats at the library: Join the Nashua Public Library (2 Court St.) for a Taste of Africa on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m., featuring LaFortune Jeannette Djabea of Mola Foods. Attendees will have the chance to immerse themselves in African culture and cuisine, sampling small plates of food hailing from different parts of the continent while enjoying music and meeting Djabea. A native of Cameroon, Djabea founded Mola Foods in 2016, and expanded her brand of globally inspired spice blends and chili relishes in the form of a retail store front, tasting room and commercial kitchen, which opened at 9 Simon St. in Nashua in February 2021. Since debuting them last April, her Taste of Africa lunch and dinner series has been wildly successful, with events continuously selling out at her shop. The Feb. 25 event is free and sponsored by the Friends of the Nashua Public Library, but registration is required. Vegan options are also available for attendees. Visit nashualibrary.org.

• Almost time for ice cream: Brookline softserve ice cream stand Sundae Drive (346 Route 13) will hold its opening day of the 2023 season on Saturday, Feb. 25, according to a recent post on its Facebook page. Since 2018, the Route 13 ice cream stand near the Brookline and Milford town line has been known for its rotating flavors of soft-serve, in addition to its seasonally inspired themed sundaes — last year, for instance, they offered a special “red, white and blue” strawberry shortcake sundae for Memorial Day weekend, featuring vanilla soft-serve with fresh strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream and sprinkles. According to the post, Sundae Drive is also now booking events for the 2023 season, like birthday parties, weddings and work gatherings. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @sundaedrivenh or call 7215209 for details on their specials.

fOOD Burgers, bacon and beyond

The Hidden Pig opens in downtown Nashua

By Matt Ingersoll mingersoll@hippopress.com

New life has been breathed into a Nashua restaurant building that has sat dormant for more than three years. The Hidden Pig opened Feb. 9 in the former Riverside Barbeque Co. storefront on Main Street, bringing with it a thoughtfully crafted menu of gourmet burgers, sandwiches, rice bowls, doughnuts and even bacon boards — yes, boards filled with juicy slabs of candied bacon.

The eatery may be new to the Granite State, but it’s actually the second Hidden Pig location for owner Phil Bentham II, a native of Methuen, Mass., who opened the first one in downtown Haverhill in 2018. Bentham, who’s been working in the industry practically his entire life, got his start at Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant in Lawrence, which was also where he would meet future Hidden Pig head chef Brandon Allardice.

Unexpected and consistent success in Haverhill would soon open the doors for Bentham — along with his wife, Ashley, who mostly handles operations and marketing — to look into the possibility of a second spot. Through a Realtor friend, he learned of an available restaurant space overlooking the Nashua River. It had last been occupied by the Riverside Barbeque Co., which closed in December 2019 after a nearly decade-long run.

At nearly 4,000 square feet, The Hidden Pig’s Nashua restaurant more than doubles the size of its Massachusetts counterpart, with completely renovated interior dining and bar areas.

the Hidden Pig

Where: 53 Main St., Nashua

Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday, 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (brunch only) and 3 to 9 p.m. (dinner only)

More info: Visit thehiddenpig.com, find them on Facebook and Instagram or call 402-9640

“The ‘hidden’ part of the name is a play coming from the idea of being a hidden gem north of Boston,” Bentham said, “and then we started incorporating little bits of bacon in all of our food, kind of like they are ‘hidden,’ almost.”

While some barbecue-inspired items like burnt ends and pulled pork are offered, Bentham said The Hidden Pig is not a barbecue restaurant; rather, he categorized the concept as more of a gastropub with particular focuses on burgers and local craft beer — and, of course, bacon. Lots of bacon. Look no further for it than the bacon board, which comes with a homemade bacon shallot jam and baguette crostinis; or any one of the burgers, most of which are topped with bacon or pork belly, or have a bacon-infused aioli or jam.

“We try to be a bacon- and a gourmet burger-focused restaurant, for sure,” Bentham said. “We try not to get too weird with the burgers, but we do do some funky stuff. … Our most popular burger … is called the Big Bad Wolf. It’s got a blueberry jam spread on there, mixed with a maple bacon aioli, and then it’s got a piece of pork belly and cheddar cheese.”

The Hidden Pig is also known for its Sunday brunches — those menu items are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with highlights including Fruity Pebbles chicken and waffles, and Reese’s “overload” buttermilk pancakes. Doughnuts are a huge deal too, from maple bacon glazed to Oreo and Reese’s flavors, and even a “Dunkaroonut” with animal crackers and sprinkles.

“We do a doughnut board with a big handle … and we decorate it with four, five, six doughnuts on there,” Bentham said. “We put it right in the center and people just go to town on it.”

The craft beer side is where Bentham said The Hidden Pig’s Nashua restaurant will mostly differ from Haverhill, and that’s because he is looking to incorporate more New Hampshire brews on tap. For the past few years, he has worked with Ali and Rob Leleszi of Rockingham Brewing Co. in Derry to brew a house New England-style double IPA that also comes canned.

The restaurant is open six nights a week, with the bar usually staying open an hour later than the kitchen, depending on the night.

“If there’s a good crowd, we’ll continue to stay open,” Bentham said. “There’s not really much up here, I feel, as far as on a Sunday evening, so hopefully we can change that.”

Doughnut board. Courtesy photo.

Bacon board. Courtesy photo.

The Hidden Pig’s house craft beer. Courtesy photo.

Kitchen

WiTH SuE PouliN

Sue Poulin is the co-owner of Bouillon Bistro (123 Union Square, Milford, 718-3305, bouillonbistro.com), known for its rotating menu of scratch-made artisan soups, chowders and stews. Poulin left her corporate career to purchase Wicked Pissah Chowdah, at the time located on South Street just off the Milford Oval, from founder Ellen Muckstadt in June 2020. She and business partner Lisa Gamache have also since opened a second location in Townsend, Mass. Last October, Bouillon Bistro of Milford reopened in its current spot on the opposite end of the Oval — the restaurant is unique for featuring a different lineup of six home-cooked options every single day.

What is your must-have kitchen item?

One thing that I never thought I would ever have … is this big paddle. It’s probably eight inches wide and 24 inches long, and it’s great because it scrapes the bottom of the pot as you’re making your mirepoix in the beginning and all the butter and the vegetables. It grabs all of that before any burning happens. … This paddle has really become the be-all, end-all tool in the kitchen. A spoon never really does the job.

What would you have for your last meal?

Prime rib, medium rare, with au jus, a baked potato with all the fixings, and a side of any kind of vegetable.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

I think that Buckley’s does such a phenomenal job. … I like to use their Hollis bakery, and I’m really impressed by what they do there.

What celebrity would you like to see eating in your restaurant?

I do love myself a good John Mayer song. … So I think if he came in, had some soup and played some acoustic music for us, then that would be a great day.

Lemon chicken orzo (broth finish)

What is your favorite thing on your menu?

For soup, the beef barley is my ultimate favorite. There’s just so much flavor in that one, and it’s so hearty. … Then for non-soup, it’s the braised beef Ragu, which is chuck roast meat in a tomato sauce, and it’s processed over a long period of time and all that juice is then poured into the pot. It’s so good.

What is the biggest food trend in New Hampshire right now?

We get so many requests daily [to] offer more gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. … Whereas those options were things that only a handful of people used to request in the past, now the tides have turned where that’s the majority.

What is your favorite thing to cook at home?

I find that because I blend so many things together in the pots at work, that when I cook at home I like to keep it very simple. So I’ll typically do something like a chicken, rice and vegetable dinner, or a filet mignon with a potato side or a vegetable side.

— Matt Ingersoll

From the kitchen of Sue Poulin of Bouillon Bistro in Milford

½ stick butter

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 bay leaves

3 cups chopped onions

3 cups chopped celery

3 cups chopped carrots

10 cups chicken stock

Dry chicken bouillon to taste

3 cups cooked cubed chicken

3 cups baby spinach

Zest of 1 whole lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

In a pot, combine the butter, black pepper, bay leaves, onions, celery and carrots and saute until softened. Add the chicken, chicken stock, chicken bouillon, spinach, lemon zest and lemon juice. Simmer on low until the temperature reaches 165 degrees. Serve with orzo noodles.

weekly Dish

Continued from page 36

• Drink wine, win a prize: There’s still plenty of time to participate in the New Hampshire Winery Association’s annual Wine Trail for a chance to win prizes. Through April, participants can visit 10 or more Granite State locations on the trail and collect “stamps” in their passports. Each year, the Association holds a drawing to select prize winners. Available prizes include a $250 gift certificate redeemable at any of the member wineries; a one-

night stay at RiverCrest Villas in Epping, and two tickets to a wine tasting at neighboring Flag Hill Distillery & Winery in Lee; and a $50 gift certificate to Fire & Spice Bistro in Newfields. Passports are available at any of the wineries on the tour, or they can be downloaded at nhwineryassociation. org. Mail them no later than May 15 at Squamscott Winery (P.O. Box 1050, Newfields) to be included in the drawing.

Sue Poulin of Bouillon Bistro in Milford. Courtesy photo.

Try This aT home

Chicken Parm meatballs

Sometimes you want chicken Parmesan — a hearty, filling meal that makes you think a nap is a good idea. Other times you want all the flavors of that meal but want to feel a little less weighted. This recipe is here to do just that.

These chicken parm meatballs deliver all of the cheesy, herby flavors of their namesake but are baked, not fried. Even better, as they are meatballs, they could be served on their own as an appetizer, or they could be made into an entrée, either atop a bowl of pasta or nestled in a sub roll.

This recipe is pretty straightforward in its ingredients and directions. For the ground chicken I used a blend of dark and white meat. If you want to make it even healthier, ground chicken breast would work well.

For the bread crumbs, panko is essential. It provides more texture than a typical bread crumb would. For the mixing, I highly recommend using your hands. That will allow better distribution of herbs and cheese throughout the mix. Using a spoon most likely won’t provide the same effect.

Chicken Parm meatballs

Makes 20

1 pound ground chicken

1/2 cup panko

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1 large egg

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 to 2 cups marinara

3/4 cup shredded mozzarella

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil.

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground

Say goodbye (or see you later, anyway) to fried chicken parm, and hello to chicken parm meatballs.

Michele Pesula Kuegler has been thinking about food her entire life. Since 2007 the New Hampshire native has been sharing these food thoughts and recipes at her blog, Think Tasty. Visit thinktasty.com to find more of her recipes.

chicken, panko, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, oregano, basil, and black pepper. Mix well. (I prefer to use my hands to make sure it is thoroughly combined.)

Form mixture into balls the size of walnuts. Place on the prepared baking sheet, an inch or two apart.

Bake for 12 minutes.

Cover the bottom of a medium-sized casserole dish with marinara.

Add meatballs and top with additional marinara.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Remove from oven, and sprinkle with mozzarella.

Bake for 15 additional minutes or until the mozzarella is fully melted.

FRI. 2/24

Big Sky Country Band

THURS. 3/2

Comedian Jimmy Dunn

FRI. 3/1O

Bell Bottom Blues: Eric Clapton Experience

THURS. 3/16

Celtic St. Patrick's Day with Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio

THURS. 3/23

Aquanett: 80’s Rock

THURS. 3/3O

THURS. 4/6

Nearly Diamond Red Not Chili Peppers

THURS. 2/23

Takin' It to the Streets: Doobie Brothers Tribute

THURS. 3/9

Live Bullet: Bob Seger Tribute

THURS. 3/23

Comedian Corey Rodrigues

THURS. 3/3O

Workin' For A Livin': Huey Lewis and The News Tribute

THURS. 4/6

Barely Manilow

Chicken Parm meatballs. Photo by Michele Pesula Kuegler.

pg40 • Nite Skye, Vanishing A

• Charming Disaster, Super Natural History A

BooKS pg41

• The Moon Over the Mountain B

Includes listings for lectures, author events, book clubs, writers’ workshops and other literary events. To let us know about your book or event, email asykeny@hippopress. com. To get author events, library events and more listed, send information to listings@hippopress.com.

FilM pg42

• Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania C

POP C ulture

MUSIC, BOOKS, MOVIES AND MORE

Nite Skye, Vanishing (Sonic Ritual Records)

I’m like 100 percent positive I’ve talked about this father-son duo before, unless it was someone else. This is their debut album, which doesn’t jibe with my (probably faux) memory, but anyway, here they are, ex-Film School vocalist-guitarist Nyles Lannon and his 12-year-old boy Skye on the drum kit, stomping out the shoegaze/dream-pop vibes. You may have heard of Film School but I haven’t; they were a shoegaze act back in the day, so Nyles is a good dad for Skye to have picked, no question. Some very listenable stuff, particularly if your outdated tastes run to Tangerine Dream sans any krautrock elements, which is what album opener “Dream State” is about. “Guided By A Hand” is even more ’80s-ish, like Raveonettes without all the annoying performative noise. “Doing Time” finally brings us to the shoegaze subject that the record was supposed to be about in the first place; it’s not a wildly original tune but like everything else here it’s got plenty going for it. A —

Eric W. Saeger

Charming Disaster, Super Natural History (Sonic Ritual Records)

This year’s full-length entry from the Brooklyn, N.Y.-based goth-folk duo, with Ellia Bisker on ukulele and Jeff Morris on guitar. I liked their 2022 record, Our Lady of Radium, a concept album focused on Marie Curie’s ghost, and that’s how they remain here, inspired by the gothic humor of Edward Gorey and Tim Burton, the noir storytelling of Raymond Chandler, traditional murder ballads and old-time cabaret. I like that these two really take their trip seriously; they’re releasing an “oracle deck” of cards similar to a tarot deck, which is brilliant strategy when you’re singing about monsters and ghosts like they do here again, although they have more musicians helping this time around, which makes for a more Built To Spill- or Lou Reed-style vibe, all told, more of a lo-fi post-punk thing. It’s goth-con stuff of course; they’ve opened for such good fits as Dresden Dolls and Rasputina. Nothing wrong here.

A — Eric W. Saeger

PlAYliST

A seriously abridged compendium of recent and future CD releases

• Our next general CD-release date is this Friday, Feb. 24, as the awful winter starts running out of gas forever. LOL, remember when we thought January was just going to be an early spring and some of you were walking around in cargo shorts, remember that? And then it was a frozen ice storm the week of the 24th, and each shovelful of slush weighed 80 pounds? I can’t wait for that to be over, but in the meantime, there are albums we need to discuss, and we’ll start with the one that needs the least introductory verbiage, Adam Lambert’s new album High Drama , heading our way this very minute! Lambert is of course the Star Search version of Freddie Mercury in the current lineup of the classic rock band Queen, sort of; he has to share the singing duties with Paul Rodgers, who sang for Bad Company before they started putting out decent tunes like “No Smoke Without A Fire,” the only “Bad Co” song I like. Where were we, right, so Lambert is considered by many non-singing producers and non-singing musicians to be one of the best singers in the world, and I refuse to get trolled into an argument about that, so let’s have a listen to what’s on the new album, his first since 2020’s Velvet , which gave us “Feel Something,” a crooner ballad that’s so antiseptic that it sounded as if it had to get approval from some random Today show audience before it was released to the five people who actually bought the album. I’m hoping to hear a little originality in his new single, which is — wait, it’s a cover song, “Holding Out for a Hero,” that old Bonnie Tyler tune. He sings good, of course, and he dressed his band in Daft Punk helmets for some reason, maybe just so he’d have a reason to use a Daft Punk-y beat on a song from Footloose that should have been forgotten in 1985. But do have at it, whoever buys this dude’s albums.

• Radiohead drummer Philip Selway releases a new album on Friday, titled Strange Dance . That’s the only neutral thing I have to say on the matter, given that I can’t stand Radiohead, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and do the dance anyway with this thing, because I am a professional at this. The single, “Check For Signs Of Life,” starts off with a slow, rainy, melancholy acoustic piano line — good lord this guy has an awful voice — and leads me to think that he had Zero 7 or maybe Portishead in mind when he wrote this song, and then it slowly becomes a ripoff of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” but more upbeat (what isn’t?). Anyway, no idea why anyone would want to make an album with this song on it, but voila.

• English singer and bass player Gina Birch founded post-punk rock band The Raincoats in 1977, right after she saw a Slits concert (today I learned that The Slits have been around since forever, how about that). Her new solo album, I Play My Bass Loud , is on the way this Friday. The title track is interesting and survivable enough, fitted with a subterranean, urban groove, some agreeable ’80s-ish art rock, and a weird, mocking vocal line from Birch that’s all doused in patch effects and that kind of thing. It’s not hard stuff like The Slits, if you’re wondering, but it’s still no-wave in my book, and besides, I doubt she’s shooting for actual punk these days anyway.

• And finally we have Gorillaz, a cartoon band whose appeal never struck me, not that I feel guilty about it. Cracker Island is the band’s new album, and the title track has a pretty neat electro beat, kind of goth-krautrock-buzzy, to be more specific. I’ve heard worse. — Eric W. Saeger

PUBLIC AUCTION

The Moon Over the Mountain, by Atsushi Nakajima, illustrated by Nekosuke (Vertical, 56 pages)

The Moon Over the Mountain is the second entry in publisher Kodansha’s “Maiden’s Bookshelf” collection, which presents acclaimed short stories from Japanese literature in illustrated collectible volumes.

First published in 1942, “The Moon Over the Mountain” is the most well-known work by writer Atsushi Nakajima. The story is set in 8th-century China where a ferocious man-eating tiger stalks the roads at night. When a government official decides to take a perilous nighttime journey, he discovers there is more to this mad beast than meets the eye. The story is more introspective than action-packed, delving into emotions and ambitions people would rather keep buried.

The physical book is small, but the cover will draw a potential reader in. There is thoughtful design with some beautiful typography and

Books

Author events

• CAROL PHILLIPS will discuss her book Stop Struggling: Give Yourself the Gift of Healthy Living at Bookery (844 Elm St. in Manchester; bookerymht.com) on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 5:30 p.m.

• ELAINE ISAAK A launch

a good preview of illustrator Nekosuke’s art style. The illustrations have a distinct mood to them with deep reds and blacks, reminiscent of journeys along unlighted roads in the dead of night. When there is contrast, it is in the vibrant hues of nighttime feline eyes. The stark contrast of red and white is a subtle representation of the story’s themes with red as the character’s animal nature versus white as human reason and morality. The human character designs themselves are androgynously delicate with large doll eyes and long flowing hair, and many of the pieces explore the melding of man and beast. They circle around each other like an ouroboros, never fully accepting or rejecting their opposing nature.

Some readers may find themselves confused when reading, thinking the art is an exact representation of the story, trying to match the words and the images together, but it becomes the artist’s interpretation of the themes of the story which may not mesh with what the reader has in

party for Isaak’s young adult science fiction novel A Wreck of Dragons willl be held Saturday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. at Balin Books (formerly Toadstool, 375 Amherst St. in Nashua; 6731734).

• JOSEPH MONNINGER will discuss his new memoir Goodbye to Clocks Ticking: How We Live

While Dying at Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St., Concord, 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore. com) on Wednesday, March 8, at 6:30 p.m.

• JOHN FORTI The Concord Garden Club presents a literary lunch time (bring a sack lunch or buy something from the cafe) on Thursday, March 9, at 12:30

NH’s #1 Homemade

mind. In

that light, while the tiger is the heart

of The Moon Over the Mountain, illustrator Nekosuke seems to have a penchant for cats as many illustrations feature all varieties of domestic cats. As the narrative progresses, it becomes important how the man-eating tiger came to be. The meaning would be different if it were only a common house cat yowling into the night, so having them featured almost feels like a distraction. Also hindering the presentation of the story is the porcelain beauty of the artwork, so detailed and unblemished it almost feels sterile. As the story progresses and the reader learns more about why the tiger prowls the roads at night, the perfection is unable to carry the weight of the character’s anguish.

There is also a layout aspect of the book that divides the writing from the illustrations. Some page spreads are completely devoid of art, and for a book of little more than 50 pages this is noticeable. The pages are not left plain white but are instead in bold colors of black and gold fitting with the tiger theme. This design choice keeps the text impactful, but it still feels like something is

p.m. at Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St., Concord, 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com) with Forti, the author of The Heirloom Gardener: Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World

• MIKE MORIN will discuss his new book If These Walls Could Talk: Celebrating More than 100 Years of the Red Arrow,

missing. The detailed illustrations using different patterns thematically repeat throughout the story, so it would not seem too far off to have some of those patterns run across the empty spreads, tying the text and art together.

Issues aside, what pushes the book into the worth-reading category is the story itself. The closest piece of writing to compare it to would be Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis.” The Moon Over the Mountain does not have the grotesque imagery of “The Metamorphosis,” but the human condition presented is equal in ugliness. Both have the existential theme of what it means to fall short of society’s and one’s own expectations of living a meaningful good life. A man-eating tiger is no hero, but in The Moon Over the Mountain he is no villain either.

Scanning through different book marketplaces there does not seem to be a lot of Atsushi Nakajima’s writings circulated in the United States, and rarely does such an out-of-the-way story get such a thoughtful presentation, making this version of The Moon Over the Mountain unique and worth delving into. B — Bethany Fuss

America’s Most Beloved Diner at Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St., Concord, 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com) on Tuesday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m.

• ADAM GOPNIK will discuss his new book, The Real Work, at The Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St., Portsmouth, 4362400, themusichall.org) on Tues-

day, March 14, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $47 plus fees and include a signed book and post-show meetand-greet.

• MATT TAVARES will discuss his graphic novel Hoops at Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St., Concord, 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com) on Thursday, March 16, at 6:30 p.m.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (Pg-13)

Eternally youthful Paul Rudd returns for an adventure in the tinyverse in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Rudd) has a pretty good post-Thanos life. He’s written a book, he’s publicly beloved and his girlfriend Hope Van Dyne/the Wasp (Evangeline Lilly) is using science to make the world a better place. But then he gets a call from the police department where his daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton) is being held after getting arrested at a protest where she may have shrunk a police car (Hope slipped her an Ant-Man-like suit). When Scott brings her home to the Pym/Van Dyne house, he learns Cassie has been working with Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Hope on tech to map the quantum realm. Everyone’s proud of young Cassie’s invention but Hank’s wife/Hope’s mom Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) gets panicked when she realizes the device sends a signal into the quantum realm. She tries to shut it off but the device malfunctions and sucks them all in — or down, I guess, as the quantum realm is the submicroscopic world below or inside or whatever our world.

Janet, you’ll remember, was once stuck in the quantum realm for decades and when the gang — separated into two groups: the Pym/ Van Dyne family and Scott and Cassie — arrives they realize she knows more than she’s ever explained about this world. For one, it’s populated by an assortment of beings, some

at tHe

sofaplex

Aftersun (r)

Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio.

Dad Calum (Mescal, nominated for actor in a leading role) and tween-ish daughter Sophie (Corio) vacation while, a few decades in the future, adult Sophie (Celia Rowlson-Hall), now married with a child, remembers the visit in this bittersweet drama. Primarily, Aftersun just gives us father and daughter hanging out in a sunny, slightly shabby resort. He appears to not be her primary parent, so there is some catching up and attempting to reconnect. Sophie seems to be finding her way into this world where she enjoys being goofy with her dad and playing video games with a kid her own age but also seems nervously entranced by the older kids she plays pool with. Corio excellently captures kid confidence with teen uncertainty at the fringes and makes Sophie into a recognizable 11-year-old. We see the vacation mostly from her perspective. It’s only gradually that we see that Calum is having some kind of slow-motion breakdown while trying to keep up the facade of a happy visit. Aftersun, directed and written by Charlotte Wells, has great performances all around and is an enjoyable movie even if its sweetness is delivered with a degree of sadness. A Available for rent or purchase.

more humanoid than others. And one of those beings is apparently the big noise of the quantum realm with some kind of old score to settle with Janet.

Eventually we meet this guy and he is Kang (Jonathan Majors), a name to remember for Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If you watched Loki and didn’t give up after one episode like I did, apparently he is familiar (and also there’s some Loki content in the post-credits, according to the internet; I only stayed for one mid-credits scene, which was wearying). He is the villain — I guess? Mostly, he just feels like the start to a Whole Thing.

This movie is primarily made of goofiness, some of which I enjoyed (a cute if not wellused cameo, some business with Hank Pym’s ants) and some of which I just found to be tiresome. Everything to do with the fraying of the

film

• 80 for Brady (PG-13, 2023) will screen at Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St., Concord; 224-4600, redrivertheatres.org) on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 4:15 & 6:46 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 24, through Sunday, Feb. 26, at 1:45, 4:15 & 6:45 p.m.; Thursday, March 2, at 4:15 & 6:45 p.m.

• Oscar nominated shorts — live action (NR, 2022) a 110-minute presentation of the live action short films nominated for an Oscar this year will screen at Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St., Concord; 2244600, redrivertheatres.org) Thursday, Feb. 23, at 3:45 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 24, at 1:30 & 6:15 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 25, at 4 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 26, at 1:30 & 6:15 p.m.

• Oscar nominated shorts — documentary (NR, 2022) a twohour-and-45-minute presentation of the short documentaries nominated for an Oscar this year will screen at Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St., Concord; 224-4600, redrivertheatres.org) Thursday, Feb. 23, at 6:15 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 25, at 6:15 p.m.; Thursday; March 2, at 6:15 p.m.

• Oscar noinated shorts — live action (NR, 2022) an hour and 50 minute presentation at Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St., Concord; 224-4600, redrivertheatres.org) on Friday, Feb. 24. at 3:45 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 25, at 1:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 26, at 3:45 p.m.; Thurs-

multiverse or whatever, the half-baked “secrets Janet never divulged” stuff, and Kang’s whole deal all just feel like a drag on whatever fun the movie could have had.

This movie feels so invested in being the first chapter of a new thing that it seems like it forgot to put together a compelling standalone story. And while I have affection for both Paul Rudd and Scott Lang, that affection isn’t enough for the movie to skate by with so few redeeming elements of its own. C

Rated PG-13 because that is the most profitable rating — I mean, for violence/action and language, according to the MPA on filmratings.com. Directed by Peyton Reed with a screenplay by Jeff Loveness, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is two hours and five minutes long and distributed in theaters by Walt Disney Studios.

day, March 2, at 3:45 p.m.

• Reality Check movie series at the Park Theatre (19 Main St., Jaffrey theparktheatre.org), a “free series on addiction, recovery and mental health to help raise awareness around issues impacting our communities” according to the theater’s website. The films all start at 6 p.m. The schedule is My Emotional Life shown in three parts on Feb. 13, Feb. 20 and Feb. 27.

• Oscar nominated live action shorts (NR, 2022) will screen at Park Theatre (19 Main St., Jaffrey theparktheatre.org) on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m.

• Oscar nominated live action shorts (NR, 2022) will screen at the Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth; 436-2400, themusichall.org) on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m.

• Oscar nominated documentary shorts (NR, 2022) will screen at Park Theatre (19 Main St., Jaffrey theparktheatre.org) on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m.

• Of Land and Bread (NR, 2019) will screen at Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St., Concord; 2244600, redrivertheatres.org) on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m.

• The Tower (PG, 2018) will screen at Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St., Concord; 224-4600, redrivertheatres.org) on Wednes-

day, March 1, 7 p.m.

• NH JEWISH FILM FEST

New Hampshire Jewish Film Festival will run Thursday, March 16, through Sunday, March 26, at locations in Manchester, Bedford, Keene, Concord, Portsmouth and Hooksett. The festival will include 11 feature-length films and a fivefilm shorts program, according to nhjewishfilmfestival.com, where you can purchase tickets for individual shows ($12) or for an all-access package ($200). Of the features, six will be screened in theaters and five can be streamed at home, the website said. From Monday, March 17, through Sunday, April 16, four of the films shown in theaters will be available to be viewed at home. See trailers for the feature films and the shorts on the festival website.

• Home (PG, 2015) will screen at all three area Chunky’s as part of the “Little Lunch Date” series on Friday, March 17, at 3:45 p.m. Admission is free but reserve a seat with a $5 food voucher.

• The Letter— A Message for Our Earth (NR, 2022) will screen at Red River Theatres in Concord on Wednesday, March 22, at 6 p.m.

• Hop (PG, 2011) will screen at all three area Chunky’s as part of the “Little Lunch Date” series on Friday, April 7, at 3:45 p.m. Admission is free but reserve a seat with a $5 food voucher.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

local music news & events

By Michael Witthaus mwitthaus@hippopress.com

• Poetry slam: The weekly poetry open mic night hosted is headlined by Ryk McIntyre, a veteran poet who’s appeared everywhere from Lollapalooza to the first Legends of the Slam showcase in 2006. McIntyre’s work has appeared in the Worcester Review and the fusion anthology Short Fuse, and he’s published two collections; his latest is 2018’s The Man at the Door. Thursday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m., Stark Brewing Co, 500 N. Commercial St., Manchester, $3 to $5 cover (cash or Venmo), facebook.com/slamfreeordie.

• Mosh men: A four-band punk show is topped by Already Dead, a no-nonsense Boston trio who recently released the single “My Collar is Blue,” a Dropkick Murphys-adjacent reflection of their lead singer’s day job as a pipe fitter. Formed during a fit of creative restlessness during the pandemic, their name comes from one of their songs, “Stability.” Rounding out the bill are Graniteers, TFR and Neglected Witches. Friday, Feb. 24, 8 p.m., Nashua Garden, 121 Main St., Nashua, $10 at the door; alreadydeadmusic.com.

• Grooviversary: Celebrating 25 years together, Club d’Elf is a musical collective with an ever-changing lineup drawn from the jazz, world music, rock and DJ scenes of Boston, New York City and beyond. Performing on this special tour are Randy Roos on guitar, keyboard player Paul Schultheis, turntablist Mister Rourke, drummer Dean Johnston and Mike Rivard on bass and sintir (a threestringed Moroccan lute). Saturday, Feb. 25, 9 p.m., The Press Room, 77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, $20 to $25 at eventbrite.com.

• Laugh night: The upcoming Scamps Comedy Productions show is led by Steve Donovan, a Rhode Island standup who had a long run as morning drive host in Providence. Along with radio, Donovan earned an Emmy nomination for hosting NESN’s The Batter’s Box, appeared in several commercials and acted in a stage production of Shear Madness. Also on the bill are L.A. transplant Adam Groppman, Jennifer Howell and Ajay Thakker. Saturday, Feb. 25, 8 p.m., Murphy’s Taproom, 494 Elm St., Manchester, $20 at eventbrite.com.

• Power trio: Psychedelic country rockers

The Cadillac Three wrap up the East Coast swing of their Bandana Tour with a show in downtown Manchester. Along with Grammy, ACM and CMA nods, the genre-floating band’s front man Jaren Johnston has contributed songs to Tim McGraw, Thomas Rhett and Keith Urban, along with producing Steven Tyler’s and the Foo Fighters’ Chris Shiflett’s attempts at being Nashville cats. Sunday, Feb. 26, 8 p.m., The Goat, 50 Old Granite St., Manchester, $27 at ticketmaster. com (21+).

nite Heartfelt

Teddy Thompson plays solo in Manchester

By Michael Witthaus mwitthaus@hippopress.com

At the end of a benefit show in New Jersey last month, Richard Thompson invited his son Teddy onstage to perform with him. The elder Thompson is folk music royalty, while Teddy Thompson is a singer-songwriter who over two decades has dipped his toes in many musical ponds including country, pop and, on his 2020 LP Heartbreaker Please, Muscle Shoals soul.

The song they led off with that night, however, wasn’t one of those genres. Instead, they covered Eddie Cochran’s “Cut Across Shorty,” a rousing rave-up from rock ’n’ roll’s early days.

This suited Teddy Thompson perfectly. When he was twelve and his friends were hooked on MTV fare like Madonna, he was time traveling. “1955 to 1959 … that’s all I listened to,” he said by phone recently. “I thought, this is my first taste of what music is, and if it’s this good, I can’t wait to hear more. It turns out actually that’s as good as it got … everything I’ve heard since then has been a sort of slight letdown.”

He eventually learned to embrace artists of his own era like Culture Club and Crowded House. This was a reflection of what his mother, Linda Thompson, termed a “catholic” music taste that ran in his family. “It doesn’t matter where it comes from,” he said. “If you like it, you like it.”

For his own material, which he’ll perform

teddy

thompson

When: Saturday, Feb. 25, 8 p.m.

Where: Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester

Tickets: $29 at palacetheatre.org

solo at an upcoming show in Manchester, Thompson remains committed to just one thing, which in his telling is, well, everything.

“When it comes down to it, I’m really mostly enamored and focused on the song itself, hopefully something that is a strong suit,” he said. “I write the songs with just me and the guitar and then, depending on the album, sometimes it leans one way or the other.”

On Thompson’s latest project he collaborated with Jenni Muldaur, another child of a famous musician, to cover classic country duet partners. Three songs each from Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, and Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, they recorded it mostly to pass time during the pandemic, then put it out online. “We sort of half-ass released it,” he said.

“Our mutual friend David Mansfield, who is a real autodidactic and renaissance man, really put the whole thing together,” Thomson continued. “By the time we finished it, we sort of realized, ‘Oh, this should be a record.’ So we’re in the process now of getting a deal together to put it out … hopefully next year.”

Thompson’s worked with a lot of musicians over the years, both as musician and producer. His production began with his mother’s 2002 return Fashionably Late. Since then he’s helmed Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer’s haunting Not Dark Yet, three LPs from Dori Freeman, and Roseanne Reid’s 2019 Trails

When asked what draws him behind the console, Thompson is a bit self-deprecating.

“I think it’s a little bit to do with not being very disciplined in my own writing and direction,” he said. “I’m not somebody who’s terribly focused and ambitious and has a real long-term view of what my career should be, when my next album should come out, all that stuff. So I think I’ve turned to collaborations

cOMeDy ThIS WeeK anD beyOnD

Venues

Chunky’s 707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham; chunkys.com

The Flying Monkey 39 Main St., Plymouth 536-2551, flyingmonkeynh.com

Franklin Opera House 316 Central St., Franklin 934-1901, franklinoperahouse. org

Fulchino Vineyard 187 Pine Hill Road, Hollis 438-5984, fulchinovineyard.com

Headliners Comedy Club DoubleTree By Hilton, 700 Elm St., Manchester headlinerscomedyclub.com

LaBelle Winery Derry 14 Route 111, Derry 672-9898, labellewinery.com

Murphy’s Taproom 494 Elm St., Manchester 644-3535, murphystaproom. com

The Music Hall Lounge 131 Congress St., Portsmouth 436-2400, themusichall.org

Rex Theatre 23 Amherst St., Manchester 668-5588, palacetheatre.org

Rochester Opera House 31 Wakefield St., Rochester 335-1992, rochesteroperahouse. com

Tupelo Music Hall 10 A St., Derry

437-5100, tupelomusichall.com

Events

• Amy Tee Music Hall Lounge, Thursday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m.

• Kelly MacFarland & Friends Rex, Friday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.

• Amy Tee Chunky’s Manchester, Friday, Feb. 24, and Saturday, Feb. 25, 8:30 p.m.

• The Irish Comedy Tour Flying Monkey, Saturday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m.

• Steve Donovan Murphy’s Taproom, Saturday, Feb. 25, 8 p.m.

• Mark Scalia Headliners, Saturday, Feb. 25, 8:30 p.m.

• Mark Riley Chunky’s Manchester, Saturday, Feb. 25, 8:30 p.m.

• Ben Pratt Chunky’s Manchester, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m.

• Jimmy Dunn LaBelle Derry, Thursday, March 2, 7 p.m.

• Mark Scalia Chunky’s Man-

in between things. When I don’t feel like I’m ready to make another record of my own, it’s a musical project to do in the meantime.”

This logic didn’t apply on 2014’s Family, a record Thompson conceived, produced and played on. He was joined by his mother and father, a once-acclaimed musical duo who divorced when he was young, his sister Kami, nephew Zak Hobbs, half-brother Jack Thompson, and a few other relations. The New York Times wrote brilliantly about the often fraught effort.

“Even if you’re not a musician, you can just imagine trying to do any kind of project with your entire family; there’s gonna be difficult moments,” he said. “There were a lot of emotions involved, mostly just for me. Because it was my idea, I was in charge, it was all on my head … it was pathetic in a way, as it really was enjoyable once it all came together.”

Heartbreaker Please was a breakup album, and Thompson thinks the best songs come from pain in relationships.

“That’s just what we feel the most and it’s the subject that everybody’s drawn to,” he said. “I guess some people are writing songs about other things but it’s tough for me to do anything really heartfelt when it’s not about the heart, if you see what I mean. I tend to write more songs about me and my woes, but it never seems boring or old to me … it’s endlessly interesting and fascinating and moving.”

chester, Friday, March 3, and Saturday, March 4, 8:30 p.m.

• Pouring Comedy Fulchino Vineyard, Saturday, March 4, 6 p.m.

• Joe Yannetty and Rob Steen Franklin Opera House, Saturday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.

• Robbie Printz/Alex Giampapa Tupelo, Saturday, March 4, 8 p.m.

• Frank Santorelli Headliners, Saturday, March 4, 8:30 p.m.

• Tim McKeever Chunky’s Nashua, Saturday, March 4, 8:30 p.m.

• Christine Hurley & Friends Rex, Friday, March 10, 7:30 p.m.

• Steve Sweeney and Friends Rochester Opera House, Friday, March 10, 8 p.m.

• Brad Mastrangelo Chunky’s, Friday, March 10, and Saturday, March 11, 8:30 p.m.

• Chris D. Murphy’s Taproom,

Saturday, March 11, 8 p.m.

• Chris Zito Headliners, Saturday, March 11, 8:30 p.m.

• Chris Zito Chunky’s Manchester, Saturday, March 11, 8:30 p.m.

• The Carol Burnett Collection Franklin Opera House, Thursday, March 16; Friday, March 17, and Saturday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 19, at 2 p.m.

• Comedy Poured St. Patrick’s Day Fulchino Vineyard, Friday, March 17, 6:30 p.m.

Teddy Thompson. Courtesy photo.

The Irish Comedy Tour

thursday, feb. 23

Bedford

BVI: Ryan Williamson, 6 p.m.

Copper Door: Jordan Quinn, 7 p.m.

Concord

Hermanos: Brian Booth, 6:30 p.m.

Derry

Fody’s: music bingo, 8 p.m.

Epping

Telly’s: Henry Laliberte, 7 p.m.

Gilford

Patrick’s Pub: Sev and Co., 6 p.m.

Goffstown

Village Trestle: Justin Jordan, 6 p.m.

Hampton

CR’s: Steve Sibulkin, 6 p.m.

Whym: music bingo, 6 p.m.

Hudson

Lynn’s 102: karaoke w/ George Bisson, 8 p.m.

Kingston

Saddle Up Saloon: karaoke with DJ Jason, 7 p.m.

Derryfield

Raga 138 Main St. 459-8566

San Francisco Kitchen 133 Main St. 886-8833

Shorty’s Mexican Roadhouse 48 Gusabel Ave. 882-4070 New Boston Molly’s Tavern & Restaurant 35 Mont Vernon Road 487-1362

Newmarket Stone Church 5 Granite St. 659-7700

Northfield Boonedoxz Pub 95 Park St. 717-8267

Penacook American Legion Post 31 11 Charles

laconia

Fratello’s: Eric Grant, 7 p.m.

Tower Hill: karaoke w/ Luke Skyrocker, 8 p.m.

londonderry

Stumble Inn: Mugsy Trio, 7 p.m.

Manchester City Hall Pub: The Latch Key Gang, 7 p.m.

Currier: Isha from the 978, 5 p.m. Elm House of Pizza: Dave Clark, 6 p.m.

Foundry: Ariel Strasser, 5 p.m.

AisseZ les BOn Temps

ROUleR

Get ready for Mardi Gras with rebirth brass band, who have been bringing the sound of New Orleans’ second line brass bands to the world since 1983. The band rolls into the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester; 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $39, plus fees.

Fratello’s: Sean Coleman, 5:30 p.m.

The Goat: Sugah Rush, 9 p.m.

Strange Brew: Mike Sudderth, 8 p.m.

To Share: Miketon Graton, 6:30 p.m.

Merrimack

Homestead: Ralph Allen, 5:30 p.m.

Tortilla Flat: Clint Lapointe, 7 p.m.

Milford

Riley’s Place: open mic, 7 p.m.

Nashua

Fody’s: DJ Rich karaoke, 9:30 p.m.

San Francisco Kitchen: Kimayo, 6:30 p.m.

Portsmouth

The Goat: Isaiah Bennett, 9 p.m.

Salem

Copper Door: Chris Lester, 7 p.m.

Seabrook

Backyard Burgers: Jennifer Mitchell, 6 p.m.

friday, feb. 24

Concord Area 23: Open jam with Crazy

Steve and Stoned Wasp, 7 p.m.

Epping

Telly’s: Marc & Carl, 8 p.m.

Francestown

Crotched Mountain: Blue Monkey, 7 p.m.

Goffstown

Village Trestle: Charlie Chronopoulos, 6 p.m.

Hampton

CR’s: Clandestine, 6 p.m.

The Goat: Alex Anthony, 8 p.m.

Wally’s: Eric Marcs, 8 p.m.; The Cadillac Three, 9 p.m.

Hudson

Lynn’s 102: karaoke w/ George Bisson, 8 p.m.

Kingston

Saddle Up Saloon: Jonny Friday, 8 p.m.

laconia

Fratello’s: Doug Thompson, 6 p.m.

Tower Hill: Alex Cohn, 9 p.m.

londonderry

Coach Stop: Clint Lapointe, 6 p.m.

Stumble Inn: J-Lo, 8 p.m.

Manchester

Backyard Brewery: D-Comp, 6 p.m.

Bonfire: Phil Maurice, 9 p.m.

Derryfield: Dancing Madly Backwards, 8 p.m.

Fratello’s: Jordan Quinn, 6 p.m.

The Foundry: Justin Cohn, 6 p.m.

The Goat: Rob Benton, 9 p.m.

Shaskeen: Gaviiformes, 9 p.m.

South Side Tavern: Cox Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Strange Brew: Mica’s Groove Train, 9 p.m.

Meredith

Twin Barns: Kimayo, 5 p.m.

Merrimack

Homestead: Lou Antonucci, 6 p.m.

Milford

Stonecutters Pub: DJ Dave O karaoke, 9 p.m.

Nashua

Millyard Brewery: Stephen DeCuire, 6 p.m.

New Boston

Molly’s: Travis Rollo, 7 p.m.

nite MUSIC THIS WEEK

Northfield

Boonedoxz Pub: karaoke night, 7 p.m.

Penacook

American Legion Post 31: JMitch Karaoke, 7 p.m.

Portsmouth

Gas Light: Ralph Allen, 9:30 p.m.

The Goat: Chris Toler, 9 p.m. Mojo’s: KOHA, 7 p.m.

Salem

Luna Bistro: Ryan Williamson, 6 p.m.

Smuttynose: music bingo, 6 p.m.

Tilton

Pour Decisions: Dancing Madly Backwards, 7 p.m.

saturday, feb. 25

Bow

Chen Yang Li: Justin Cohn, 7 p.m.

Concord

Area 23: Acoustic circle with John Farese, 2 p.m.; Carrie & the Wingman, 8 p.m.

Downtown Farmers Market: Hank Osborne, 9 a.m.

Hermanos: John Franzosa, 6:30 p.m.

Epping

Telly’s: Chuck n John Duo, 8 p.m.

Epsom

Hill Top Pizza: JMitch Karaoke, 7 p.m.

Francestown

Crotched Mountain: Rick Campbell, 7 p.m.

Goffstown

Village Trestle: J. Michael Graham, 6 p.m.

Hampton

L Street: Up-Beat w/J-Dubz, 9 p.m.

Whym: David Corson, 6 p.m.

Jaffrey

Park Theatre: Bernie & Louise Watson, 5:30 p.m.

Kingston

Saddle Up: Jodie Cunningham and Close Range Band, 8 p.m.

laconia Tower Hill: line dancing, 7 p.m.

londonderry

Coach Stop: Pete Peterson, 6 p.m.

Stumble Inn: Jonny Friday, 8 p.m.

Manchester Backyard Brewery: Rebecca

Turmel 6 p.m.

Bonfire: Neon Rodeo, 9 p.m.

Derryfield: Off the Record, 8

p.m.

Fratello’s: Paul Gormley, 6 p.m.

Foundry: Ryan Williamson, 6

p.m.

The Goat: Brooks Hubbard

musical brunch, 10 a.m.; Rob

Pagnano Band, 9 p.m.

McIntyre Ski Area: Jordan

Quinn, 5:30 p.m.

Shaskeen: Cosmic Blossom, 9

p.m.

Strange Brew: Jake Pardee & Friends, 9 p.m.

To Share: Paul Nelson, 4 p.m.

Wild Rover: Ralph Allen, 5 p.m.

Meredith

Giuseppe’s: Andre Balazs, 6 p.m.

Merrimack

Homestead: Joanie Cicatelli, 6

p.m.

Nashua

Millyard Brewery: Connor Coburn, 4 p.m. San Francisco Kitchen: Josh

Foster, 6:30 p.m.

New Boston

Molly’s: The Incidentals, 7 p.m.

Newmarket

Stone Church: Super Jam, 5 p.m.

Portsmouth

Gas Light Pub: Sean Coleman, 9:30 p.m.

The Goat: Mike Forgette, 9 p.m.

Salem

Luna Bistro: Sam Hammerman, 7 p.m.

Seabrook

Chop Shop: Gain 211, 6:30 p.m.

sunday, feb. 26

Bedford

Copper Door: Lilly Innella, 6 p.m.

Goffstown

Village Trestle: Bob Pratte, 3:30 p.m.

Hampton

CR’s: Just the Two of Us, 11 a.m.

L Street: Up-Beat w/J-Dubz, 9 p.m.

Kingston

Saddle Up Saloon: David Hoffman, noon

laconia

Belknap Mill: open mic, 2 p.m.

Tower Hill: karaoke w/ DJ Tim, 8 p.m.

londonderry

Stumble Inn: Chad LaMarsh, 3 p.m.

Manchester

Bonfire: line dancing, 6 p.m.

Foundry: David Newsam, 10 a.m.

The Goat: Mike Forgette, 10 a.m.; Mike Forgette 7 p.m.

Strange Brew: One Big Soul Jam, 7 p.m.

Milford

Riley’s Place: open mic w/ Blues Jam, 1 p.m.

Newmarket

Stone Church: Jim and Jordan Irish, 8 p.m.

Northfield

Boonedoxz Pub: open mic, 4 p.m.

Portsmouth

The Goat: Rob Pagnano, 9 p.m.

Salem

Copper Door: Jon Paul Royer, 11 a.m.

Luna Bistro: Steve Baker, 4 p.m.

Monday, feb. 27

Dover

Cara Irish Pub: open mic, 8 p.m.

Gilford

Patrick’s Pub: open mic w/ Paul Luff, 6 p.m.

Hudson

The Bar: karaoke with Phil

COUnTRY UndeR A BiG sKY

Since forming in 2013, big Sky country has played with marquee country acts like Jake Owen, Craig Morgan and Clare Dunn. Come on down to LaBelle Winery (14 Route 111, Derry; 672-9898, labellewinery.com) on Friday, Feb. 24, at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35 plus fees.

londonderry

Stumble Inn: Lisa Guyer, 7 p.m.

Manchester Fratello’s: Phil Jacques, 5:30 p.m.

The Goat: David Campbell, 8 p.m.

Salona: music bingo with Jennifer Mitchell, 6 p.m.

Meredith

Guisseppe’s: Lou Porrazzo, 5:30 p.m.

Merrimack

Homestead: Justin Jordan, 5:30 p.m.

Nashua

Fody’s: karaoke night, 9:30 p.m.

Portsmouth

The Goat: Alex Anthony, 9 p.m.

Seabrook

Red’s: music bingo, 7 p.m.

tuesday, feb. 28

Concord

Hermanos: Dave Gerard, 6:30 p.m.

Tandy’s: open mic, 8 p.m.

Hampton

Shane’s: music bingo, 7 p.m.

londonderry

Stumble Inn: music bingo, 7 p.m.

Manchester Fratello’s: Justin Jordan, 5:30 p.m.

The Goat: Rob Pagnano, 8 p.m.

KC’s Rib Shack: Paul & Nate open mic, 7 p.m.

Strange Brew: David Rousseau, 8 p.m.

Meredith

Guisseppe’s: Michael Bourgeois, 5:30 p.m.

Merrimack

Homestead: Henry Laliberte, 5:30 p.m.

Nashua

Raga: karaoke, 7:30 p.m.

Portsmouth

The Goat: Isaiah Bennett, 9 p.m.

Seabrook

Backyard Burgers: music bingo with Jennifer Mitchell, 7 p.m.

Red’s: country night, 7 p.m.

wednesday, March 1

Concord

Hermanos: live music, 6:30 p.m.

Tandy’s: karaoke, 8 p.m. Uno Pizzeria: Mikey G, 6 p.m.

Derry

Fody’s: karaoke, 7 p.m.

Hampton

Bogie’s: open mic, 7 p.m.

L Street: karaoke with DJ Jeff,

9 p.m.

Wally’s: Chris Toler, 7 p.m.

Kingston

Saddle Up Saloon: Musical Bingo Nation, 7 p.m.

Manchester

Fratello’s: Rebecca Turmel, 5:30 p.m.

The Goat: Mike Forgette, 7 p.m. Stark Brewing: Cox karaoke, 8 p.m.

Strange Brew: open mic w/ Will Bemiss, 8 p.m.

Meredith

Guisseppe’s: Don Bergeron, 5:30 p.m.

Merrimack

Homestead: Chris Lester, 5:30 p.m.

Milford

Stonecutters Pub: open mic, 8 p.m.

Portsmouth

The Goat: Alex Anthony, 9 p.m. Press Room: live music, 5:30 p.m.

Rochester

Porter’s: karaoke night, 6:30 p.m.

trivia Events

• Adam Sandler movies trivia 21+

on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. at Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road in Manchester; chunkys.com). Reserve a seat with a $5 food voucher.

Weekly

• Thursday trivia at Station 101 (193 Union Sq., Milford, 249-5416) at 6:30 p.m.

• Thursday trivia at Great North Aleworks (1050 Holt Ave., Manchester, 858-5789, greatnorthaleworks.com) from 7 to 8 p.m.

• Thursday trivia with Game Time Trivia at Hart’s Turkey Farm (223 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith, 279-6212, hartsturkeyfarm.com) from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

• Thursday trivia at Yankee Lanes (216 Maple St., Manchester, 625-9656, yan-

Concerts

Venues Bank of NH Stage in Concord

16 S. Main St., Concord 225-1111, banknhstage.com

Capitol Center for the Arts Chubb Theatre, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com

Colonial Theatre 609 Main St., Laconia 800-657-8774, coloniallaconia.com

Dana Center Saint Anselm College 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester anselm.edu

The Flying Monkey 39 Main St., Plymouth 536-2551, flyingmonkeynh.com

Franklin Opera House 316 Central St., Franklin 934-1901, franklinoperahouse.org

Jewel Music Venue 61 Canal St., Manchester 819-9336, jewelmusicvenue.com

LaBelle Winery 345 Route 101, Amherst 672-9898, labellewinery.com

LaBelle Winery Derry 14 Route 111, Derry 672-9898, labellewinery.com

Lakeport Opera House 781 Union Ave., Laconia

keelanesentertainment.com) at 7 p.m.

• Thursday Kings trivia at Game Changer Sports Bar (4 Orchard View Dr., Londonderry; 216-1396, gamechangersportsbar.com) from 8 to 10 p.m.

• First Thursday of every month trivia at Fody’s (9 Clinton St., Nashua; fodystavern.com) at 8 p.m.

• Friday Team Trivia at Cheers (17 Depot St., Concord, 228-0180, cheersnh.com) from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the lounge.

• Monday trivia at Crow’s Nest (181 Plaistow Road, Plaistow, 817-6670, crowsnestnh.com) at 8 p.m.

• Tuesday trivia at Reed’s North (2 E. Main St. in Warner, 456-2143, reedsnorth.com) from 6 to 8 p.m.

• Tuesday trivia at Fody’s (187 Rockingham Road, Derry, 404-6946, fodystavern.com) at 7 p.m.

• Tuesday trivia at Area 23 (254 N. State St., Concord, 881-9060, thear-

519-7506, lakeportopera.com

The Music Hall 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth 436-2400, themusichall.org

The Music Hall Lounge 131 Congress St., Portsmouth 436-2400, themusichall.org

Palace Theatre 80 Hanover St., Manchester 668-5588, palacetheatre.org

Park Theatre 19 Main St., Jaffrey 532-9300, theparktheatre.org

Rex Theatre 23 Amherst St., Manchester 668-5588, palacetheatre.org

Rochester Opera House 31 Wakefield St., Rochester 335-1992, rochesteroperahouse.com

SNHU Arena 555 Elm St., Manchester 644-5000, www.snhuarena.com

Stone Church 5 Granite St., Newmarket 659-7700, stonechurchrocks.com

The Strand 20 Third St., Dover 343-1899, thestranddover.com

Tupelo Music Hall 10 A St., Derry 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com

lUCK OF The iRish

St. Patrick’s Day is a few weeks away, but you can pre-party with The Irish comedy Tour. These talented standup comics come to the Flying Monkey (39 Main St., Plymouth; 536-2551, flyingmonkeynh.com) on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $45, plus fees.

ea23.com) at 7 p.m.

• Tuesday trivia at Lynn’s 102 Tavern (76 Derry Road, Hudson, 943-7832, lynns102.com), at 7 p.m.

• Tuesday Geeks Who Drink trivia at Peddler’s Daughter (48 Main St., Nashua, 821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter. com), from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

• Wednesday trivia at Main Street Grill and Bar (32 Main St., Pittsfield; 4350005, mainstreetgrillandbar.com) at 6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday trivia at Popovers (11 Brickyard Sq., Epping, 734-4724, popoversonthesquare.com) from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

• Wednesday Kings Trivia at KC’s Rib Shack (837 Second St., Manchester, 627-7427, ribshack.net), sponsored by Mi Campo, in Manchester 7 to 9 p.m..

• Wednesday trivia at Millyard Brewery (125 E. Otterson St., Nashua; 7220104, millyardbrewery.com) at 7 p.m.

• Wednesday trivia at The Bar (2b

The Word Barn 66 Newfields Road, Exeter 244-0202, thewordbarn.com

Shows

• Takin’ It to the Streets (Doobie Brothers tribute) Thursday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., LaBelle Amherst

• Sara Evans Thursday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey

• Rebirth Brass Band Thursday, Feb.

23, 7:30 p.m., Palace

• Marshall Tucker Band Thursday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m., Tupelo

• Dave Becker and Max Chase Thursday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m., Stone Church

• Alan Doyle Thursday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m., Bank of NH Stage in Concord

• Croce Sings Croce Thursday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., Chubb Theatre

• Big Sky Country Friday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m., LaBelle Winery Derry

• Koch Marshall Trio Friday, Feb. 24,

7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s

• Songs of a Natural Woman (Carole King tribute) Friday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m., Palace

• Natalie MacMaster Friday, Feb. 24,

7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey

• Matt Nathanson Friday, Feb. 24, 8 p.m., Music Hall

• All About Joel Friday, Feb. 24, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Lakeport Opera House

• Lotus Land Friday, Feb. 24, 8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 25, 8 p.m., Tupelo

• Recycled Percussion Saturday, Feb. 25, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 26, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Rochester Opera House

• Teddy Thompson Saturday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m., Rex

• Griffin House Saturday, Feb. 25, 8 p.m., Music Hall Lounge

• The Robert Cray Band Saturday, Feb. 25, 8 p.m., Colonial

• Winery Dogs Sunday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m., Tupelo

• Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley Sunday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m., Music Hall Lounge

• Sunny War Tuesday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m., Press Room

• HITS! (Broadway tribute) Wednesday, March 1, 7:30 p.m., Chubb Theatre

• Kylie Morgan/Eric Marcs Thursday, March 2, 7 p.m., Bank of NH Stage

Burnham Road, Hudson, 943-5250) at 7 p.m.

• Wednesday trivia at Fody’s (9 Clinton St., Nashua, fodystavern.com) at 8 p.m.

• Wednesday World Tavern Trivia at Fody’s Tavern (9 Clinton St. in Nashua, fodystavern.com, 577-9015) at 8 p.m.

• Wednesday trivia at the Park Theatre (19 Main St., Jaffrey; 532-9300, theparktheatre.org) at 8 p.m.

• G-Nome Project Thursday, March 2, 8 p.m., Stone Church

• Matt Siopes Friday, March 3, 6 p.m., Millyard

• Cathedral: The Tribute to Van Halen Friday, March 3, 7 p.m., Rochester Opera House

• Chatham Rabbits/Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light Friday, March 3, 7 p.m., Word Barn

• Mark Erelli Friday, March 3, 7:30 p.m., Music Hall Lounge

• Chadwick Stokes Friday, March 3, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey

• Watchhouse Friday, March 3, 8 p.m., Music Hall

• Soule Monde Friday, March 3, 8 p.m., Stone Church

• Yung Gravy Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m., SNHU Arena

• Rockin’ Daddios Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m., Majestic

• Divas with a Twist Saturday, March 4, 7:30 p.m., Rex

• The Machine (Pink Floyd tribute) Saturday, March 4, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey

• Billy Childs Quartet Saturday, March 4, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s

• Deb Talan Saturday, March 4, 7:30 p.m., Music Hall Lounge

• Moondance (Van Morrison tribute) Saturday, March 4, 8 p.m., Rochester

Opera House

• Il Divo Saturday, March 4, 8 p.m., Music Hall

• Couch Saturday, March 4, 8 p.m., 3S Artspace

• Continuum Arts Collective Presents The Last Waltz Saturday, March 4, 9 p.m., and Sunday, March 5, 2 p.m., Press Room

• Chelsea Berry/Bad Penny Sunday, March 5, 2 p.m., Rochester Opera House

Marshall Tucker Band

Happy Gilmore

an sOs

some of these, for rich stars

64. Kaiser Chiefs “__ God I can’t believe it”

65. The Eagles ride in the ‘Fast’ one Down

1. Tori Amos ‘Abnormally Attracted __’

2. ‘99 Garbage hit ‘__ Grow Up’

3. Countoff: “And a-__”

4. Brits Spear Of Destiny (abbr)

5. Pennywise song for UFO visitor

6. Melodic mode in Indian classical music

7. Yello ‘Base For __’

8. Cleansing Bjork song?

9. Sting and Justin Timberlake have both been these on big screens

10. ‘Pump Up The Volume’ one-hitters

11. ‘Sit __’ was Jimmy Smith’s album inspired by Happy Days?

12. Leeds band __ Saints

13. U2 ‘Who’s Gonna __ Your Wild Horses’

21. Big & Rich ‘Save A Horse (__ Cowboy)’

22. Coal Chamber song for a villain

24. ‘Guitar Town’ Steve

27. Billy Joel ‘We __ Start The Fire’

38. Soundgarden’s hangman has a ‘Pretty’ one 39. ‘11 Strokes single ‘Taken For __’

44. They decide the winners of the polls

46. Astonish on guitar

47. Black Sabbath/Dio drummer Appice

48. Gloria Estefan ‘__ Your Feet’

49. Female X singer

50. Slide Guitarist Bob from Wilco’s ‘Being There’

51. Eurythmics ‘Would __ To You?’

52. Chris Isaak ‘Wicked __’

53. ‘05 Beck smash (hyph)

54. UK indie band __ & The Whale

55. Out of shape rockers get this, pretour

59. ‘Gettin’ Enough??’ __ Chris

© 2023 Todd Santos

Todd’s new book Rock and Roll Crosswords Vol. 1 is available now on Amazon.

Across

1. Star couples come in these

5. United __ Emirates

9. Goes with Stevie Wonder’s ‘Cherie’ and 37. Across

14. ELO ‘__ Not Susan’

15. Crash Test Dummies ‘Oooh __!’

16. Cars plea ‘Why __ Have You?’

17. Mudvayne song they planted to grow something?

18. When The Buzzcocks won they said ‘What Do __?’

19. 3-note chord

20. The Darkness hit ‘I Believe __ Thing Called Love’

21. ‘88 Ratt album ‘__ Sky’

23. Panic At The Disco’s weird time title: ‘__ The Afternoon’

25. Guns ‘N Roses song titled after a kind of US agent (abbr)

26. ‘Sleeping My Day Away’ band that is not called “Mom”

27. ‘Black And White Town’ band that flys away at funerals?

30. Scott Weiland band (abbr)

33. “Stop and __, I think I’m moving but I go nowhere” OneRepublic

35. Mary J Blige looked him up and down, then sang ‘__ Love You’

36. ‘Crocodiles’ __ and the Bunnymen

37. The Police ‘78 debut

40. Madonna “__ took a holiday”

41. ‘86 REM hit ‘Fall __’

42. Blink-182 were nervous on ‘__ Date’

43. ‘Summer Girls’ popsters

44. What band does to oust member

45. Neil Young’s ‘Man’ wasn’t young but this

46. Police “I’ll send an __ to the world”

47. Lakeside went on a ‘Fantastic __’ before Coolio

50. ‘96 Bryan Adams album ‘__ I Die’

56. Lone Star state Fabulous

Thunderbirds are from (abbr)

57. Tour bus sight problem while driving

58. Kind of graffitti Extreme does, perhaps

59. Pear shaped classical guitar

60. He shoots for the stars?

61. Nelson dries off ‘After The __’

62. Part of ‘Wasted Years’ band, w/Maiden

63. Huge mansion and fast cars are

28. __, All Ye Faithful

29. Flowers thrown on stage go in them

30. Abnormal tuning and Italian for “discord”

31. Sting ‘Wilt Thou Unkind __ Reave Me’

32. ‘12 Shins album ‘__ Of Morrow’

33. ‘Redefine’ band that has a potter’s need?

34. Bob Marley brand __ Gong

36. The Deadly Syndrome ‘__ Paints’

Last Week’s Answers:

● Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating.

● The numbers within the heavily

11-9-22

outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners.

JOnesin’ CrOsswOrD By MATT JONES

“ where is the library?”— read-y or not.

Across

1. “Will you allow me to demonstrate?”

5. Rainbow fish

10. Comedian Miranda

14. Multivitamin additive

15. “Explain, please?”

16. Latin for “you love”

17. Feat in a two-on-two wrestling match?

19. Traveled by bus or bike

20. What a welcome sight relieves, idiomatically

21. “The old-fashioned way” to make money, per a classic ad

23. Mag. positions

24. Billy Ray or Miley Ray (that is her full name)

25. Long March leader

27. “Air mail” or “63 cents,” for instance?

33. Magnum follower

35. “Ya know?”

36. “Little Women” character

37. Type of code or colony

38. News story

42. Repetitive

44. Bird that a “de-extinction” company is trying to bring back

45. Fake info leading to a wrong (but funny) location?

49. ___ Brands (KFC owner)

50. Accumulate

51. What you can’t stand to have?

53. “Big” WWI cannon

55. Short personal stories?

60. “Cinderella Man” antagonist

Max

61. Nickname for a gangster with bags under his eyes?

63. Neighborhood

64. Window features

65. Poker throw-in

66. Highway entrance

67. Lock of hair

68. Word that can follow both words of each long answer

Down

1. Medium range speakers, slangily

2. Buck’s ending

3. Ump’s statement

4. Asleep, usually

5. Pronoun chosen as the American Dialect Society’s latest Word of the Decade

6. Flower in a dozen

7. Nocturnal flyers

8. Stadium chant, sometimes

9. Big volume

10. Senate Majority Leader from 2007 to 2015

11. King of gods, in Egyptian myth

12. The “R” in “pi R squared”

13. Malaria fly

18. Decreased

22. German for “eight”

25. Type of mentality

26. Koko, e.g.

28. Not live, so to speak

29. Make changes to

30. Secondary course of study

31. Babble on

32. Lots (of)

34. It helps keep your heel from falling out of your heel

39. Small keyboard

40. Scholastic URL ender

41. Tattoo of the ancient mariner?

43. Still-alive member of CSNY

45. Name after Abdul46. 1998 Masters and British Open winner Mark

47. Name before Abdul48. Scheduling spot

52. Cult classic Britcom with the theme song “This Wheel’s On Fire”

54. Planner abbr.

55. Dermatology case

56. Tiny Tim’s strings, for short 57. “___ of the D’Urbervilles”

58. Bi- times four

59. Hide-and-go-___

62. Rower’s need

© 2023 Matt Jones

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. See last week's puzzle answers on pg xx.

Puzzle B

Puzzle

signs Of life

All quotes are from Prehistoric Predators , by Brian Switek, born Feb. 26, 1983.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) As the sun rises in prehistoric Texas, 275 million years ago, predators set about getting their breakfast. While a sail-backed Dimetrodon nabs the shark Xenacanthus … the giant amphibian Eryops makes off with a boomerang-headed Diplocaulus. Just another day at the office.

Aries (March 21 – April 19) The Permian was a protomammal-eat-protomammal world. They didn’t have tofu then.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Dinosaurs weren’t dominant right from the start, though. They had to put in the practice.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Eoraptor wasn’t the only hunter in its habitat. It lived alongside the sharp-toothed Herrerasaurus, which could grow up to 10 feet long. It’s good to have someone who understands.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Going down to the water for a drink was risky business during the Late Triassic. The lakes and rivers of the time were home to … crocodile-like carnivores that hid beneath the surface…. And all you have to do is turn a faucet handle.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Dinosaurs filled the Jurassic world with a stunning variety of shapes and sizes. So much to marvel at.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept.

22) The bones of Cryolophosaurus were found in what might seem like a very unusual place for a dinosaur: Antarctica. Today, the cold rocky exposures where the fossils were found are inhospitable, but during the Jurassic period the same land was much closer to the equator. Stuff moves around.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct.

22) During the Jurassic, dinosaurs were getting fluffy and fuzzy. Dinofuzz — the wispy precursors to true feathers — were a common feature of carnivorous dinosaurs. IT’S SO FLUFFY!

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) And … feathered dinosaurs often had unique color patterns and feather shapes that wouldn’t have been useful for flying but would have been great for display. If it’s not good for one thing, it might be good for something else.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) Baby dinosaurs weren’t tiny copies of their parents. Dinosaurs changed dramatically as they grew up…. Don’t we all.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) Daspletosaurus and other tyrannosaurs were doing something with those little arms, but what? No comment.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) No one knows why Suchomimus had a sail on its back. If you grow up to be a paleontologist, maybe you’ll find out! And let everyone know.

Last Week’s Answers:

sudoku answers from pg40 of 2/16

Puzzle a

Puzzle B

Puzzle C

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it’s come to this

In what prosecutor Owen Beale called an “organized criminal matter,” Joby Pool, 32, pleaded guilty to theft and criminal damage in Kidderminster, England, magistrates court, The Guardian reported. His crime? Pool broke into a warehouse on Feb. 11 and towed away a trailer with about 200,000 Cadbury Creme Eggs, valued at about $37,000. He didn’t get very far; when police stopped him, he “walked toward [them] with his hands up.” “This clearly wasn’t spur-of-the-moment offending,” Beale said. “You don’t just happen to learn about a trailer with that kind of value being available.” The “Easter bunny,” as police dubbed him, will be sentenced in March to about two years in jail. — The Guardian, Feb. 11

Bright idea

In the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, one gas station is employing a dramatic tactic to try to keep people experiencing homelessness away: blasting opera music over its outdoor speakers. WPVI-TV reported that neighbors aren’t fans: “I heard all this music, I couldn’t tell where it was coming from. Loud, it was unbelievable that time of night,” said Clinton Barnes, who lives close by. “I don’t think it’s a deterrent,” said Karen Clark. “They have to find something else.” One neighbor said it was as loud as if someone had “cranked the volume all

the way up” on the TV inside their home. Gas station employees refused to comment.

— WPVI-TV, Feb. 15

suspicions confirmed

Police in Santa Cruz, California, are warning locals not to “engage” with the Cookie Monster, KION-TV reported on Feb. 15. A man named Adam Sandler (not the actor), known to dress up as “Sesame Street” characters and harass people, has surfaced in Santa Cruz. Resident Sarah Jones said he entices people “to want to take a photo with him,” but as soon as they approach, he flips up his costume head and starts yelling. “Based on how dirty his costume was I knew it wasn’t going in the right direction,” she said. Sandler has not been charged with any crimes. — KION-TV, Feb. 15

update

News of the Weird reported last August about a 3 1/2-foot-tall, 200-pound bronze statue of Dennis the Menace that had disappeared from a playground in Monterey, California. On Feb. 8, Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto announced that Dennis had been found in Roberts Lake after authorities received an anonymous tip, the Associated Press reported. They were sure it was the same statue because the thief had cut through one of Dennis’ feet to remove it, and the recovered statue’s foot is damaged.

“Today is a happy day!” Nieto gushed. —

Associated Press, Feb. 8

weird fashion

It’s about time! Japanese garment company Takikou has developed a wearable bean bag, Oddity Central reported. “This concept was born out of the idea of a cushion that would allow you to totally let go, anytime, anywhere,” said the company’s Shogo Takikawa. “You can put this on and chill out in your living room or loads of other places.” The bean bag is available in different sizes and colors, but it does weigh about 11 pounds (which might make you want to sit down more often). Prices range from $60 to $119. — Oddity Central, Feb. 14

family values

Tony Toto and his wife, Frances, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, are celebrating 57 years of marriage, WFMZ-TV reported in a feelgood Valentine’s Day story. “We have been blessed that we had all these years,” Tony said, noting “that one time when we had a rough time.” Yeah, that was the time in 1983 when Frances hired teenaged hitmen five times to kill Tony. “I don’t think I was thinking straight,” Frances said. “It was like it was a love-hate kind of a thing.” Of course, the murder attempts weren’t successful, and Frances and the young hitmen were arrested. She spent four years in prison, but their

love never wavered. A feature film called “I Love You to Death” was made about their troubles, and they became minor celebrities, traveling to movie premieres and giving interviews. Tony and Frances got counseling and committed to better communication, and decades later, have a long marriage to show for their efforts.

the aristocrats!

On Feb. 11, during an intermission at the Hannover State Opera House in Hannover, Germany, ballet director Marco Goecke shocked even himself when he approached the dance critic from the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper, Wiebke Huester, and smeared animal feces on her face. The Associated Press reported that Goecke was unhappy with a recent review of a production he staged in The Hague. Following the incident, he took off through the crowded theater lobby. But strangely, Goecke seemed to justify his actions in a later interview, saying that after having his work “soiled for years ... Once a certain point has been reached, I disagree.” The opera house suspended and banned him from the facility until further notice. — Associated Press, Feb. 11

Sources according to uexpress.com. From the editors at Andrews McMeel Syndication. See uexpress.com/contact