The Tip Sheet

Ski Jump, Iron Furnace, New England Center top 2009 Seven To Save list

EAST DERRY:  Appearing on an annual list of the state's most threatened or endangered historic properties might not seem like a victory, but for historic preservation advocates from around the state, celebration was in order on October 28 as the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance announced  its 2009 Seven to Save.

The First Parish Church in East Derry hosted the event, and also received one of the seven designations.  Originally built in1769, and enlarged in 1822 by adding 24 feet in the center of the building, the church still serves an active congregation, but is facing nearly $1 million in repair costs for critical structural improvements. 

The 2009 Seven to Save announcement included a walking tour of the East Derry historic district, and a slide presentation of the listed sites.  About a hundred people attended to show their support for  these buildings and structures, share their challenges and offer encouragement and support for continued efforts to protect the best of New Hampshire's heritage.

12 photographers selected for Currier photo slam Nov. 5

MANCHESTER, NH — Recently, the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NH, offered the opportunity for photographers to compete to have their works displayed at the museum and to participate in a "Photo Slam." After reviewing nearly one hundred entries, event curator Gary Samson, Chair of Photography at the New Hampshire Institute of Art, selected twelve finalists. These photographers each get 5 minutes to present their digital images at the Currier Museum’s Photo Slam.

Come view the selected photographers for yourself at the event on Thursday, November 5, part of the Currier’s First Thursday series. Then, choose your favorite to win our Visitor’s Choice Award.

The evening begins with a social hour at 5:30 pm. At 6 pm a 15-minute gallery talk will look at the exhibition Brett Weston: Out of the Shadow. Photo Slam presentations run from 6:30 to 7:30 pm followed by the announcement of the Visitor’s Choice Award winner at 7:45 pm. This event is free with museum admission.

Preservation Alliance announces 2009 "Seven to Save" sites Oct. 28

CONCORD, N.H. -Do you care about New Hampshire's irreplaceable historic places? Come to East Derry for the announcement of the Preservation Alliance's annual Seven to Save and a tour of the historic village on Wednesday October 28th.  The Seven to Save program recognizes endangered historic properties in need of attention and resources, and highlights the challenges faced by New Hampshire's historic landmarks, villages, main streets, and rural communities.  Selection criteria include historic significance, severity of threat, and the potential impact of the listing.

The First Parish Church plays host to the event, which starts 4-5 p.m. with a walking tour of the gracious homes and public buildings of the East Derry Historic District. The tour includes the Upper Village Hall (a Seven to Save listee in 2007), the boyhood home of astronaut Alan Shepard, and the historic Old Nutfield Cemetery with its impressive collection of elaborately carved 18th and 19th century markers. Local experts will offer commentary at each location.

Snow-vember/December kicks off Waterville Valley Ski and Stay Savings

Waterville Valley, N.H.- As winter approaches and the snow starts to fly, skiers and riders can get an early start on the season with this ski & stay package of two nights lodging and two days of lift tickets. Through November to December 20, rooms start at $80 per person for one night in a double occupancy room. Add on a semi private tune-up ski lesson for $45 per person. The Waterville Valley Ski Area is scheduled to open Sat., November 21.

Hitting the slopes isn't the only activity to enjoy in the valley during these months. Waterville Valley Resort hosts a variety of early season events like the Northern Lights celebration with fireworks on November 29, and annual Demo Day on December 19. Enjoy Cookies & Snow on Dec. 12 with candy cottage workshops, Curious George Studio Open House and story time with Santa.

Association of Historical Societies of NH recognizes 2009 award winners

The Association of Historical Societies of New Hampshire honored five historical societies and two individuals at a ceremony at the New London Historical Society on October 17.  These first-ever awards pay tribute to outstanding examples of preserving, interpreting or promoting appreciation and understanding of an aspect of New Hampshire history.
 
"We feel that this awards program is an important way to thank people for their innovative and generous contributions, and to inspire others," said AHSNH president Tom Haynes.
 

"We were impressed with the breadth and depth of the nomination pool," said Jennifer Carroll-Plante, Association board member and awards committee chair.

The 2009 awards are:

• Hayes-Genoter History and Geneaology Library for documentation and collections management
• C. Christopher Pratt, Sullivan Public Library Archives for collections management and archival education
• Hancock Historical Society for its Life in the 1890s partnership program with 5th grade teachers and students at Great Brook School
• Hillsborough Historical Society and Hillsborough Pride for their Living History Event
• Claremont Historical Society for their living history programs and generous mentoring of others
• Portsmouth Historical Society for their new Discovery Portsmouth Center, a destination for visitors and residents, in collaboration with other cultural institutions and the City of Portsmouth, and
• Paul Holmes of Plaistow for lifetime achievement in archeology

IBEX space research results to be announced October 15

WHAT
Mission results from the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) will be announced after a year long operation to study and map the last unexplored region of our solar system – where solar wind goes subsonic and meets interstellar medium.

WHEN
Thursday, October 15, 2009
2 p.m.

WHERE
Results will be released from NASA and available at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, 2 Institute Dr., Concord, NH 03301.

Local history success stories to be celebrated October 17

The Association of Historical Societies of New Hampshire (AHSNH) will honor five historical societies for outstanding achievement in collection management, documentation and education at a ceremony at the New London Historical Society on October 17 at noon.  Two individuals will also be recognized for outstanding contributions to the public’s understanding and appreciation of New Hampshire history.
 
The AHSNH received nominations from across the state for this inaugural year of its award program. Award categories are Research/Documentation, Collections Management and Public Education/Public Programs.
 
The organization was formed in 1950 is to encourage and assist in the study, preservation, and understanding of New Hampshire’s history. It acts as a networking organization to serve the state’s historical societies and organizations, cultural institutions, and other interested organizations and individuals.
 
-30-

Contact: Jennifer Carroll-Plante, 603-527-1278 or Jennifer Goodman, 603-224-2281

Local lawyer tackles ultramarathon distance to benefit legal services

On November 1st, 2009, New Hampshire lawyer Ron Abramson will run the City of Manchester Marathon, as a designated pace group leader for runners looking to finish just under 3 hours and 50 minutes.  But, instead of stopping at the official finish line after covering the 26.2-mile distance, Abramson will keep running, until he’s covered a total of 38 miles for the day.  The total distance marks the 38 years that New Hampshire Legal Assistance has been providing legal representation to low-income New Hampshire residents. 

    Abramson, a  former Public Defender staff attorney who now works at the Manchester law firm of McLane, Graf, Raulerson and Middleton, P.A., volunteered to run as part of a team raising money for the Campaign for Legal Services.  "I wasn’t planning on doing a marathon this fall," said Abramson, who has run 4 marathons in the previous 18 months. "But I couldn’t say no when the chance arose to do something to benefit legal services for the poor."

November schedule of events at the Currier Museum of Art

MANCHESTER, NH-- Brett Weston: Out of the Shadow, is on display October 10, 2009 through January 3, 2010 at the Currier Museum of Art. It is the first major exhibition in 30 years dedicated to this brilliant, visionary, and prodigious photographer, showcasing his prolific body of work with more than 100 exquisitely printed vintage photographs from the 1920s through the 1980s, all handcrafted by the artist. Evolution of a Shared Vision: The David and Barbara Stahl Collection is also on view through January 3, 2010, and features an extraordinary collection of prints and drawings carefully assembled over 50 years by long-time New Hampshire residents David and Barbara Stahl.

The museum's entrance is located at 150 Ash Street and parking is available in the parking lot. Museum hours are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday - Friday 11 am - 5 pm, Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, open the first Thursday of each month 11 am - 8 pm, and closed Tuesday. Admission to the museum is always free for children 17 and under, and every Saturday from 10 am - noon admission is free to everyone.

HEAL promotes healthy eating, active living at annual conference

Concord, NH -  On October 6, 2009 at the HEAL Annual Conference, state and local policy makers, school administrators, teachers, doctors, nurses, business owners, human resource managers and others joined together to continue working to create a New Hampshire where all residents improve personal wellness through healthy eating and active living.

Nationwide, healthcare reform is a prominent topic of discussion among all sectors of American society. With healthcare reform comes an examination of costs, especially crucial in our challenging economic climate. Rising obesity rates increase healthcare costs, and New Hampshire's rate is on an upward trend. According to obesity data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2008, the rate of obesity in New Hampshire was 24.0%. In 2006 the rate was 22.4%. The Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Initiative is working to reverse obesity trends in New Hampshire.