City of Dover News

Dover Download round-up: New City Council and School Board to be sworn into office Monday; City offices closed Monday; Sign sweep planned; and more

City Manager | Executive

City Council and School Board inauguration is Monday

The newly elected City Council and School Board will be sworn into office on Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, at City Hall.

City councilors will gather at 5:30 p.m. at the City Manager's office to take the oath of office, choose a deputy mayor, and adopt a series of procedural rules.

School Board members will meet at 6 p.m. in the second floor conference room at City Hall to be sworn into office. School Board members will also choose a chairperson, vice chairperson and secretary.

Following the swearing in of the newly elected officials, an inauguration of for both bodies will be held at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at City Hall.

Don Briand will serve as master of ceremonies. The Rev. Marc Gagne of Parish of the Assumption will read an invocation and close with a benediction.

Dover Fire and Rescue will be on hand to play the bag pipes and drums. Julia Boudreau will sing the national anthem. Judge Stephen Morrison will conduct the oath of office.

A reception with light refreshments will follow the inauguration ceremony.

City offices closed on Monday

City administrative offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, for the New Year's Day holiday.

City Hall is closed on Fridays.

Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012.

Dover Recreation offers fitness classes

Dover Recreation is set to begin a new session of fitness classes to help kick off the New Year.

New session dates are available for Pilates, Body Sculpt, Tai Chi and Yoga as well as Zumba classes.

All classes begin in early January and are held in the fitness studio at the McConnell Center in downtown Dover.

For information on dates, times, instructors and prices, visit www.dover.nh.gov/rechome.htm or call 516-6401.

Trash pickup not delayed by holidays

Curbside trash and recycling pickup is not delayed by a day this week or next week.

Trash pickup will follow its regular schedule this week and next week, and is not affected by the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays.

For more information, contact Community Services at 516-6450.

City of Dover to remove illegal signs the week of Jan. 9, 2012

The City of Dover Department of Planning and Community Development will remove illegal and unpermitted temporary advertising signs citywide during the week of Jan. 9, 2012. The sign removal is part of a review of zoning compliances around the community. Illegal and unpermitted signs include those on utility poles, or in the right of way. This clean-up is the fourth conducted by planning staff in the past year.

The clean-up is in response to violations of City ordinance regarding the placement of signs in public rights-of-way and medians, on utility poles and attached to trees. Illegally posted advertising signs may create a safety hazard for traveling motorists and can be unsightly for residents. Such signs detract from the legitimate business signs approved under the City's established permitting process.

“I am confident that we will continue to see less signs than we have in the past,” said Christopher Parker, Director of Planning and Community Development. “I am always happy to see that the sweeps take less and less time to complete as we have more and more compliance from business and property owners. We have seen dramatic reductions in these illegal signs. I hope that this trend continues and we have only a handful of illegal signs at the end of the day.”

Parker added that the goal of the sweep is to reward those business owners that have properly placed and permitted their signs.

“We hope to remove the safety hazard, improve aesthetics and also ensure that those that follow the rules the community has established for signs are followed,” he added.

This will be the first sign sweep conducted with the City’s recently hired Zoning Administrator, Tim Corwin. Corwin joins the City staff on Jan. 3, 2012.

“This sweep is a good way for Tim to see how seriously we take zoning and code violations in Dover.” Parker explained.

Business owners who have placed these illegal signs are advised to remove them in advance of the City's clean-up effort.

All confiscated signs will be held for 30 days and then recycled or destroyed. Signs can be claimed by owners within 30 days, after paying a reclamation fee. Repeat offenders will be subject to prosecution and fines.

For more information, please contact the City of Dover Department of Planning and Community Development at 516-6008.

Reminder: Citywide winter parking ban in effect

A citywide winter parking ban is now in effect. It concludes on April 1, 2012.

During the ban, no vehicle can be parked on any city street or sidewalk between the hours 1 and 6 a.m., and is not limited to nights with snow in the forecast.

Vehicles parked in city controlled parking lots must display a winter parking permit which can be obtained free of charge, 24 hours a day, at the Police Department.

Vehicles found in violation of the winter parking ban will be issued a $15 parking ticket. Cars found interfering with snow removal may be towed.

In addition, an emergency parking ban for the downtown area will be declared when needed to facilitate snow removal.

The emergency parking ban will normally occur a day or two after a significant snow storm to allow crews to clear the sidewalks and road edges of the snow pushed from the travel lanes during the storm. The emergency parking ban will be announced by 3 p.m. each evening to take effect at 1 a.m. the following morning.

When the emergency parking ban is in effect, any car parked on a downtown street will be towed. Notification of the emergency parking ban will be conducted through local media, the City of Dover web site, cable channel 22, as well as through an e-mail or automatic phone notification system.

Restaurants, bars and other late night business are encouraged to sign up for the e-mail or automatic phone notification by contacting the Parking Bureau at parking@dover.nh.gov or by calling 516-2277.

On the nights that an emergency parking ban is declared, employees of downtown businesses may park in any city controlled lot without obtaining a winter parking permit.

Streets included in the Emergency Parking Ban area: Chestnut Street; Main Street; Chapel Street; School Street; First Street; Second Street; Washington Street from Belknap to River Street; Central Avenue from Sixth Street to Silver Street; Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Streets (Central to Chestnut); Henry Law Ave from Central Avenue to George Street; Broadway from Central Avenue to St. John Street; Hale Street; St. Thomas Street from Central to Locust; Locust Street from Hale to Washington Street.

A map is posted at dover.nh.gov/policepdf/DnTnSnowEmergencyMap.pdf.

Anyone wishing more information on either the Winter Parking Ban or the Emergency Parking ban can contact Parking Bureau at 516-2277.

Time to register your vehicle? Save time online

Did you know you can save yourself time and a trip to City Hall by registering your vehicle online?

Online vehicle registration renewal is easy, safe and secure. You can register online by providing a PIN number or your license plate number. Your PIN number is provided by the City of Dover and can be found on your renewal notice.

For more information on the E-registration process, visit our web page here.

Budget Revealed is your window to the City's budget

The City's new resource for residents, Budget Revealed, is where you will find a host of resources intended to provide detailed information about your government, including how the City's budget is created and managed. Detailed information about spending, including payments made by the City each month, purchase orders, City wages and the annual budget and related documents are all readily available. Budget Revealed will continually be updated with the most recent fiscal information. In addition, other content and multimedia are provided to help explain how local government functions.

Visit Budget Revealed at www.dover.nh.gov/budgetrevealed_home.htm.

Missed the meeting? Catch it again online

Don't forget: If you missed the live City Council, School Board or Planning Board on Channels 22 and 95, you can catch it again, online and on demand.

Simply visit the City's website at http://www.dover.nh.gov/dntv to begin watching meetings on demand. Online meetings are organized by agenda item for convenience.

City of Dover, NH

288 Central Avenue

Dover, NH 03820

PH: 603.516.6000

www.dover.nh.gov

Laconia Savings Bank Donates $15,000 to Assist Military Families

Louis Guevin, jr., Executive Vice President - Commercial Services for Laconia Savings Bank; Chaplain Steven Veinotte, Chaplain Emergency Relief Fund Trustee; James Goss, Executive Director – NH Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Laconia Savings Bank would like to thank its employees and local businesses who donated the 160 items that were auctioned off in this year’s Holiday Auction. The $15,000 in proceeds from the Holiday Auction were donated to the New Hampshire National Guard’s Chaplain Emergency Relief Fund.

The fund was established during Operation Desert Storm when many military families faced financial hardship during the deployment of their loved ones. Any person serving as a member of a military unit located in New Hampshire is eligible to receive support. Monies are used exclusively to assist military members and their families who are experiencing an unexpected financial crisis. In the four years that Laconia Savings Bank has been supporting the NHNG-CERF through their annual auction, the bank has donated more than $50,000 to the fund.

"It's a pretty significant part of our budget," stated Chaplain Steven Veinotte, Trustee for the Chaplain Emergency Relief Fund on Monday morning as he received a giant novelty check from Louis Guevin, jr., Executive Vice President of Commercial Services for Laconia Savings Bank. “This donation gives CERF the flexibility to respond immediately to a serviceman or woman or their family member who is in a dire situation.” Monday's gift, he added, represented about 25 percent of the total donations for 2011. Approximately $50,000 in financial aid was distributed by CERF in 2011.

Guevin, who himself is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, said that “as a community bank with a statewide presence, supporting a program like CERF, helps the broadest range of New Hampshire residents which is reflected in Laconia Savings Bank’s mission.”

For more information or to make a tax-deductible contribution to CERF, write to: CERF, PO Box 3448, Concord NH 03302-3448.

Federal Savings Bank Sponsors Children’s Museum New Years Eve Celebration

Federal Savings Bank is once again partnering with the Children’s Museum of NH to present the annual Family New Years Eve Celebration.

There is no better way to ring in the New Year with family and friends of all ages than at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s annual New Year’s Eve Celebration. The museum will be open to the public on Saturday, December 31st from 10 am – 3 pm. Attendees will create festive party hats, write wishes for the new year on flying blimps and host “countdowns to midnight” at 11 am, 12:30 pm and 2 pm. The museum’s countdowns rival those that happen at midnight, with glittering ball drop, ginger ale toast, noisemakers and wishes drop.

“The museum staff does a wonderful job making the New Years Eve celebration fun for all ages and Federal Savings Bank is proud to support an event that promotes family and community,” said FSB President and CEO James J. O’Neill, Jr. For more information about the Museum’s New Years Eve celebration, visit www.childrens-museum.org or call 603-742-2002.

FREE SBA Consultations Offered at New Hampshire Corporate Division

WHERE:

NH Secretary of State Corporate Division

25 Capitol Street – 3rd Floor

Concord, NH 03301

WHEN:

January 05, 2012 Hours 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

January 12, 2012 Hours 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

January 19, 2012 Hours 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

January 26, 2012 Hours 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

No appointment is necessary

WHAT:

Q & A with SBA. Knowledge and planning are key ingredients in starting or growing a business and the SBA has resources available to help you. A Business Development Specialist from the U.S. Small Business Administration, NH District Office, will be available to meet one-on-one and provide business assistance to address your concerns, direct you to the appropriate resources and help get you started in the right direction.

WHY:

Starting and operating a business can be exciting and invigorating, but it can also be overwhelming. Visitors will discover how SBA supports small businesses through financial assistance, training, counseling, federal procurement opportunities, exporting or other areas of entrepreneurship to help small businesses start, grow and succeed. Visit the SBA Web page at www.sba.gov and find links to extensive resources, www.sba.gov/international, www.sba.gov/services, www.sba.gov/training www.sba.gov/vets.

For more information, please contact Miguel Moralez, Business Development Specialist/ Veterans Business Development Officer, in SBA’s Concord, NH office at (603) 225-1601 or via email at miguel.moralez@sba.gov

Planned Giving Advisory Council Community Education Series

Business Development Local Expert Series

"Goal Setting Using the Law of Attraction"

Where:

Wentworth Douglass Hospital

789 Central Avenue

4th Floor

Ann Torr Conference Room

Dover, NH 03820

"Goal Setting Using - Law of Attraction"

Peter Scott Stringham

Tuesday, January 17th

11:30am - 1:30pm

$15.00

(includes lunch & presentation)

(Incentive Members receive $5.00 each of our OMR events)

Peter Scott Stringham returns for another Brown Bag Lunch to help us get started in the new year with his hands-on mini-workshop, Goal Setting Using the Law of Attraction. In the workshop, you will learn the difference between a vision, an activity and a goal. You will create goals in key areas of your life for 2012. Then you will learn a simple Law of Attraction exercise that will create energy and momentum to propel you toward the results you really want.

This is an excellent opportunity for those of us in sales or who own small businesses to get the new year started on the right track, with clear goals and positive energy.

For those who have taken this workshop before, we encourage you to come again to craft new goals for the new year. As Tony Robbins says ", Repetition is the key to mastery."

Peter Scott Stringham has been leading goal setting workshops since 1991. He has been a civil engineer, a Portsmouth restaurant owner, an award winning owner of a commercial sign company and success coach. He is also a certified Law of Attraction facilitator having studied for the past four years with best selling author Michael Losier.

Laconia Savings Bank Prestige Plus Customers Travel to Alaska

Standing in front of the University of Alaska Museum of the North’s most impressive exhibit, an 8 foot, 9 inch brown bear is Ron and Carlene Petell, Valerie Drouin, Senior Vice President - Prestige Plus Manager for Laconia Savings Bank and Carolyn and John Peverly

As part of Laconia Savings Bank’s Prestige Plus Travel Program, bank executives and 52 customers spent 2 weeks exploring Alaska by land and sea.

Valerie Drouin, Senior Vice President - Prestige Plus Manager, stated, “Laconia Savings Bank’s Prestige Plus customers were treated to a trip of a lifetime as they explored the vast and undisturbed regions of Alaska. We combined the best of both land and sea on our unforgettable tour through the pristine wilderness of Alaska.” The scenic motor coach ride through Denali National Park left memorable impressions as they spotted numerous types of wildlife living in their natural habitat, and Prestige Plus members were awe-struck as the ship sailed along the amazing Inside Passage known for its natural beauty.

Some of the trip highlights included: Fairbanks, Stern Wheeler Discovery, Natural History Tour of Denali National Park, Denali Express Dome Rail Car, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, Vancouver and Seattle.

Drouin remarked, “We plan all of our tours months in advance, and customize them to meet the needs of our valued Prestige Plus customers. She went on to say, “With 22 years of experience in the bank travel industry, our customers know when they sign up for one of our tours, that the quality will be unsurpassed. We plan and arrange these tours as a way to thank our customers for banking with Laconia Savings Bank.”

If you would like to learn more about Laconia Savings Bank’s Prestige Plus program, please call Valerie Drouin, Senior Vice President - Prestige Plus Manager at (603) 527-3207.

Senior Vice President of Strategic Development Retires After 27 Years of Service at HRCU

Dana Flanders, HRCU Chairman of the Board; Jane Gettens, Sr. Vice President of Strategic Development and Brian F. Hughes, HRCU President & CEO




The Management Team and staff of Holy Rosary Credit Union (HRCU) recently gathered to celebrate the retirement of Ms. Jane Gettens, Sr. VP of Strategic Development after 27 years of dedicated service.

Ms. Gettens began her career in July of 1985 as a Teller at HRCU’s original location on Wakefield Street, in Rochester. Since then, she has experienced nearly every facet of the Credit Union industry having worked in: Lending, Marketing, IT, Branch Operations, Branch Acquisitions and Special Project Development.

Ms. Gettens played an instrumental role in establishing HRCU’s Dover branch and was also project manager for the additions in Farmington, Spaulding High School and most recently the Operations Center located on Brock Street in Rochester.

“Jane’s history, foundation and diverse knowledge of credit union operations have made her an invaluable asset to our organization,” said Brian F. Hughes, President & CEO of HRCU. “We thank her for her many years of loyalty and commitment to HRCU and on behalf of our volunteers and staff, we wish her the best of luck in her venture into retirement.”

Ms. Gettens served many years with the New Hampshire Credit Union League’s Social Responsibility Committee assisting in fundraising efforts for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Over the years, her support has helped New Hampshire Credit Unions raise over a million dollars for Make-A-Wish.

Laconia Savings Bank Supports Rochester District VNA

Leslie Simpson, AVP – Rochester Office Manager for Laconia Savings Bank and Linda Hotchkiss, CEO of the Rochester District VNA



Laconia Savings Bank is pleased to announce their support of the Rochester District Visiting Nurse Association (RDVNA) with a $1,000 donation. Leslie Simpson, AVP – Rochester Office Manager for Laconia Savings Bank presented a check to Linda Hotchkiss, CEO of the Rochester District VNA to help support their mission in providing high quality, compassionate, cost-effective home, hospice and community health care services. “RDVNA has served over 2,000 patients in their homes in 2011; this donation along with others received will help defray some of the costs involved in caring for the many un-insured and under-insured that the Rochester District VNA care for every year,” stated Linda Hotchkiss, CEO of the Rochester District VNA.

Since 1913, the Rochester District Visiting Nurse Association has provided quality home health care to the residents of Strafford, Northern Rockingham, Southern Carroll and Belknap Counties. Their skilled and certified services and RN specialists set them apart from other home care providers. Rochester District VNA has once again been named in the top 25% of Home Care Agencies in the United States and for the second year in the top 500 (the only local non-profit in the top 500).

For more information, or to learn how you can make a donation of support to the Rochester District VNA, visit their website at http://www.yourvna.org/ or by phone at (603) 332-1133.

Food Drive for the Homeless Center for Strafford County a Success!

Brian F. Hughes, HRCU President & CEO; Susan Ford, Homeless Center for Strafford County Executive Director; Bill Shields, HRCU Maintenance Supervisor and Dana Flanders, HRCU Chairman of the Board

On Monday, December 19th, Brian Hughes, HRCU President & CEO; Dana Flanders, HRCU Chairman of the Board and Bill Shields, HRCU Maintenance Supervisor, delivered a full truck load of donated items to the Homeless Center for Strafford County. After noticing a heavy decline in contributions this year, HRCU extended the drive in hopes of collecting as many items as possible for the organization.

“This has been a difficult year for many organizations collecting items for those in need,” says Brian Hughes, HRCU President & CEO. “We are fortunate to offer our assistance and take great pride in supporting surrounding communities.”

“I would like to thank the Holy Rosary Credit Union's members and staff for the wonderful donation made to the shelter,” says Susan Ford, Executive Director. “It was one of the largest food donations made at one time to the shelter.”

The Homeless Center for Strafford County is a non-profit, all volunteer community organization, which provides less fortunate members of our community with safe overnight emergency shelter for single women and families during the winter months. For more information or to donate to this organization please visit their website at http://www.homelesscenterforstraffco.org/.

Service Credit Union’s toy donations help children in need

Service Credit Union Wish Trees were in full bloom at 20 branch locations in New Hampshire and online at servicecu.org.

This holiday season, Service Credit Union and its members made the season brighter for hundreds of children statewide by donating more than 425 gifts to Salvation Armies and New Hampshire community organizations during the credit union’s wish tree campaign. In addition, Service Credit Union stepped up in a time of dire need for Toy for Tots, contributing $1,000 worth of toys and a $4,000 monetary donation recently at a special toy drive for the organization.

“So many families in our New Hampshire communities struggle just to provide the necessities to their children. We wanted to make sure that these children had a Christmas to remember with enthusiasm,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union.

Beginning in late November, members stopped by any New Hampshire branch and picked an ornament off the Wish Tree. Each ornament had the gender, age and wish of the child. Service Credit Union members could also pick a wish from the Wish Tree online. Service Credit Union came forward to purchase the gifts for many wishes as well.

LSB Supports Salvation Army Teddy Bear Masquerade Ball

Candice Hada, Systems Support and Operational Analyst for Laconia Savings Bank; Lindsey Ball, Executive Administrative Assistant for Laconia Savings Bank; Captain Sally Warren, Salvation Army; Mary Ann Foley, member of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary

In conjunction with the Salvation Army each year the employees of Laconia Saving Bank dress teddy bears to brighten the holidays for local children. This year 108 teddy bears were on display enjoying the Holiday Masquerade Ball at Laconia Savings Bank’s 62 Pleasant Street, Laconia office. Each well-appareled teddy bear was chosen and brought home by a very special boy or girl.

The Bank has been involved for more than 19 years in this very worthy project which supports the Salvation Army’s annual “toy basket” distribution project for area children. “This entire event is very rewarding. The employees really enjoy dressing the bears and we enjoy creating the display and interacting with the children when they come in to choose their bear. We feel lucky to work for an organization that gives us the opportunity and encourages us to get involved with the community,” stated Lindsey Ball, Executive Administrative Assistant for Laconia Savings Bank and Candice Hada, Systems Support and Operational Analyst for Laconia Savings Bank.

For more information on the Salvation Army of Laconia, call(603)524-1834 or visit www.use.salvationarmy.org/laconia.

Rochester District Visiting Nurse Association Employees Give Back To The Community

Rochester Firefighters, Julie Reynolds, Chief Clinical Director and Patsy Jacques, Scheduler

Rochester District Visiting Nurse Association’s Employees, recently made a generous donation of toys to the Rochester Firefighters Toy Bank and to Holy Rosary Credit Union’s Food Drive for the Homeless Shelter of Strafford County. In lieu of Secret Santa gifts at the agency this year, the employees decided to give back and thank the community for all of the support the agency receives through the year.

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Children's Museum Gallery 6 presents What Is Home? Exhibit

This fanciful painting by Fleur Palau, titled Meeting At Home, is one of many works featured in the “What is Home?” exhibit at Gallery 6 in the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire January 11 – March 4, 2012.


What is home? Is “home” defined by an internal feeling or by external conditions? What is the difference between a place you happen to live and aplace you think of as home? Is it based on history or relationships? How doother creatures define their homes?

Gallery 6 at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover is presenting artistic responses to these questions and more in its “What Is Home?” exhibit, open from January 10 through March 4, 2012. The show will feature the work of artists from diverse backgrounds – young, old, immigrants, amateurs, professionals – working in a variety of media, as well as poetry from Mimi White’s Poet Laureate project. Each artist offers a different insight into the concept of “home,” creating an opportunity for museum visitors to react and reflect on their own ideas of “home.”

Participating artists in the “What Is Home?” exhibit include Ann Cattall, Cori Caputo, Arthur Copeland, Mary Rose Cullens, Dean Diggins, Marina Forbes, Nora Happny, Sarah Haskell, Nina Herlihy, Ethel Hills, Theresa LaBreque, Magi Leland, K. Lee Mock, Fleur Palau, ShawnPelech, Hannah Phelps, Eva Powers, Sue Pretty, Doug Prince, Runjuan, Susan Savory, Montana Sky, Ron St. Jean and Andrea Williams.

The “What Is Home?” exhibit can be viewed in Gallery 6 during regular business hours at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday noon – 5 pm. No admission fee is required to view the gallery only. Regular admission applies for families who wish to also explore the rest of the museum.

About the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire

The not-for-profit Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is located in the center of Dover and offers two floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits for children from newborn to age 12. Visitors can explore a wide range of interests, from dinosaurs, music and aeronautics to world cultures, art and natural history. Open year-round, the Silver LEED-certified museum specializes in creating memorable family learning experiences and works closely with schools, social service agencies and educators. The museum also hosts a variety of live performances, workshops, classes and special events. For more information, please visit www.childrens-museum.org

Gundalow PISCATAQUA is Launched!

Thank you for making this historic moment possible: the Gundalow PISCATAQUA is in the water and (nearly) ready to sail!


With hundreds of friends and volunteers gathered on and around Peirce Island, the Gundalow PISCATAQUA was launched on a bright and sunny day - Saturday, December 10, 2011.

We can all feel fortunate to live, work and play in a stunningly beautiful place – a place steeped in history and a place known as the Piscataqua Region that is defined by its connection to a network of rivers and bays. We built this boat with a huge outpouring of community support to be the flagship of the next generation of river and bay stewards. We built this new gundalow as a way to celebrate the past, present and future of the Piscataqua Region – this area of a dozen towns along eight rivers, bays and harbors in coastal New Hampshire and southern Maine. A place that 350 years ago was known simply as PISCATAQUA – because the Piscataqua River is the thread that connects all the riverfront towns and because the Piscataqua was the major highway that supported the economic development of all the towns connected by water.

THIS IS THE PISCATAQUA REGION

The PISCATAQUA will carry a different cargo than gundalows of the past – she will carry a cargo that is a message of appreciation for our maritime heritage as well as hope and action to protect the rivers and bays in the Piscataqua Region. We believe that when you take a trip on the PISCATAQUA it will give you a chance to experience and care about our rivers – and if we care about our rivers we will protect them. The PISCATAQUA will awaken in all of us a “sense of place” – a link to the past but also a bridge to the future as we confront the results of 400 years of human impact on our estuary. We want the PISCATAQUA to be a sailing classroom for kids growing up in this area and we want it to be an attraction for locals so you can experience your rivers from the deck of a regionally significant historic vessel. And we want this to be a tourist attraction that sets the Piscataqua Region apart from other seaport towns. Because where else in the WORLD can you go sailing on a gundalow but here! We hope you will ALL come sailing with us – so you can see your place from a historic and future perspective!

Please see our website for a full listing of all the business sponsors and over 500 individuals who have contributed to this effort. We launched the PISCATAQUA for all of you– long may she sail and carry a message of hope and action to protect our rivers!

Help us finish the PISCATAQUA!

The Gundalow PISCATAQUA is in the water, and after a quick test of the engine is wrapped up for the winter. She still needs her yard, mast, sail and some important finishing touches to sail in the spring. Won't you consider a year-end gift to help finish her and reach our campaign goal? Thank you!

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News from City of Dover

Save Our Bridge Committee reaches 54 percent of fundraising goal

The Save Our Bridge Committee continues to raise money and in-kind donations to relocate the pedstrian bridge over the Cocheco River between Henry Law Park and One Washington Center.

At the Dec. 14, 2011, City Council meeting, Committee Chairman Ray Bardwell updated City Councilors on fundraising efforts. To date, Bardwell said the group has received pledged donations of about $70,000. The group needs to raise $129,500 for the relocation. As a result, the City Council extended the deadline for the group's fundraising to Dec. 30, 2012.

Among the businesses and contractors who have pledged services are Moores Crane Rental; Skip Powell Electric; McEneaney Survey Associates; Turcotte Concrete; Mark Wentworth; John Turner Consulting; North/South Construction; and Great Mills Management. As a result of the City Council's vote to extend the deadline, Bardwell said additional vendors and contractors will be contacted.

According to Bardwell, the group has spent some of the money raised, including $6,375 on surveying and $341 on wetlands permitting.

Bardwell said the group has devoted significant time to the work needed to complete the project, including promoting the project at community events such as Apple Harvest Day and the Holiday Parade, establishing a social media prescence, and developing a line-item budget.

Bardwell's presentation to the City Council and subsequent discussion can be seen on Channel 22 and online, on demand by visiting http://www.dover.nh.gov/dntv.

Committee members continue to encourage residents and community members to help support the fundraising efforts.

Donations can be made to the City of Dover, 288 Central Ave., Dover, NH 03820, to the attention of "Foot Bridge Fund."

For more information, contact Bardwell at 749-6422 or committee member Sam Allen at 742-6699.

Last chance to sign up for a call from Santa

Dover Recreation and Dover Rotary Club have made special arrangements for Santa Claus to telephone children under 6 years of age from Santa’s Workshop at North Pole Headquarters.

Santa calls will take place on Monday, Dec. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Santa forms are now available at all Dover Recreation facilities (McConnell Center, Pool and Arena) and the Dover Public Library Children’s Room. A Santa form must be filled out and submitted to receive a call. No requests will be taken over the phone.

This service is free due to the generosity of the Dover Rotary Club.

Deadline to get forms into Dover Recreation is Sunday, Dec. 18, by 4 p.m.

For more information, call Dover Recreation at 516-6401.

FastTrans informational session planned for Dec. 29

The public is invited to an informational session on proposed long- and short-term changes to the FastTrans service. The session will be held on Thursday, Dec. 29, at 5:30 p.m., at the Dover Transportation Center.

FastTrans is a downtown transit loop intended to encourage public transportation for trips between two Dover locations, such as from home to work, from home to shopping, or for personal service appointments.

During the Dec. 29 session, COAST and City of Dover officials will discuss the history of the service, and look to the future, including funding. The public is encouraged to share comments and questions.

A transcript of the session will be made available on the COAST and City of Dover websites.
For more information, contact COAST at 743-5777.

Planning Board meets next week

The Planning Board will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m., in Council Chambers at City Hall.

The meeting agenda can be found here: www.dover.nh.gov/meetings/2011.12.20_PlanningBoard.Agenda.pdf.

The meeting will be televised live on Channel 22 and will be available for repeat viewings on Channel 22 and online.

City of Dover annual food drive under way

The annual City of Dover food drive is now under way.

Each year, the City's Community Services Deparment organizes a citywide food drive to collect food items and donations for local charities. This year, food and donations will benefit the Dover Food Pantry and the Dover Children's Home.

City employees and residents participate in the drive each year. Last year's food drive generated thousands of food items and over $4,000 for local food pantries.

Nonperishable food donations can be dropped off at any City department. To make a monetary donation or for general information, contact Meghan Heaphy Moisan or Stacey Hager at 516-6450. Food items and donations will be collected until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Deliveries of donations will be made on Thursday, Dec. 22.

Businesses setting up donation boxes can contact Community Services to pick up the items.
For more information on the annual food drive, contact Community Services at 516-6450.

2011 Dover Fire Toy Bank still accepting donations

The 2011 Dover Fire Toy Bank continues to collect toys for delivery to needy families.

The Dover Fire Toy Bank has been organized by current and retired members of Dover Fire & Rescue for more than 35 years.

The community -– area businesses, seniors, families, school groups, civic groups and others -- have been very supportive and generous in the past. Donations of toys, games, clothing, gift certificates and monetary donations have enabled the toy bank to help those less fortunate each year. The Toy Bank would not be successful without the community's continued help.

This year, the 2011 Dover Business of the Year, Holy Rosary Credit Union, has graciously offered support and sponsorship of the Dover Fire Toy Bank. St. Mary church has again offered the Dover Fire Toy Bank a location to organize and wrap all the gifts in the basement of their Parish Hall.

Here is how you can help:

• Collect new toys within your organization for age groups from newborn to 15 years old. If you need a collection box, please call 603-516-TOYS, leave a message and we will get you one for your business;


• Gift cards to area businesses, mall stores, and grocery stores are always appreciated;


• Hand knitted hats and mittens are needed for the cold winter;


• Collect monetary donations within your organization and shop for gifts;


• We will pick up donations at your site or you can drop off new, unwrapped items at these locations: Dover Central Fire Station (9-11 Broadway), South End Fire Station (27 Durham Road) or the North End Fire Station (262 Sixth Street) up until Christmas evening;


• Monetary contributions can be picked up at your location or mailed to following address. Please make checks out to The Dover Fire Toy Bank: The Dover Fire Toy Bank, P.O. Box 1712, Dover, NH 03821-1712.
  

Also, Holy Rosary Credit Union will accept donations on behalf of the Toy Bank. Stop in and make a donation at any time and it will be forwarded to the Dover Fire Toy Bank.

Contact Jenn Myers at 603-516-6153, Brendan Driscoll at 603-516-6169 or Josh Ambrose at 603-516-6153 to help out with wrapping or for more information.

To leave a message, call 603-516–TOYS (8697). Join us at the toy workshop (downstairs at St. Mary’s Hall on Chestnut Street) to help wrap presents. All ages are welcome.

Dover Chamber offers Peek at the Week

The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce offers a weekly newsletter with information about upcoming special events, business events and specials, and live entertainment and music listings.

For more information, or to sign up for the newsletter, visit the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce website at dovernh.org.

Reminder: Citywide winter parking ban in effect

A citywide winter parking ban is now in effect. It concludes on April 1, 2012.

During the ban, no vehicle can be parked on any city street or sidewalk between the hours 1 and 6 a.m., and is not limited to nights with snow in the forecast.

Vehicles parked in city controlled parking lots must display a winter parking permit which can be obtained free of charge, 24 hours a day, at the Police Department.

Vehicles found in violation of the winter parking ban will be issued a $15 parking ticket. Cars found interfering with snow removal may be towed.

In addition, an emergency parking ban for the downtown area will be declared when needed to facilitate snow removal.

The emergency parking ban will normally occur a day or two after a significant snow storm to allow crews to clear the sidewalks and road edges of the snow pushed from the travel lanes during the storm. The emergency parking ban will be announced by 3 p.m. each evening to take effect at 1 a.m. the following morning.

When the emergency parking ban is in effect, any car parked on a downtown street will be towed. Notification of the emergency parking ban will be conducted through local media, the City of Dover web site, cable channel 22, as well as through an e-mail or automatic phone notification system.

Restaurants, bars and other late night business are encouraged to sign up for the e-mail or automatic phone notification by contacting the Parking Bureau at parking@dover.nh.gov or by calling 516-2277.

On the nights that an emergency parking ban is declared, employees of downtown businesses may park in any city controlled lot without obtaining a winter parking permit.

Streets included in the Emergency Parking Ban area: Chestnut Street; Main Street; Chapel Street; School Street; First Street; Second Street; Washington Street from Belknap to River Street; Central Avenue from Sixth Street to Silver Street; Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Streets (Central to Chestnut); Henry Law Ave from Central Avenue to George Street; Broadway from Central Avenue to St. John Street; Hale Street; St. Thomas Street from Central to Locust; Locust Street from Hale to Washington Street.

A map is posted at dover.nh.gov/policepdf/DnTnSnowEmergencyMap.pdf.

Anyone wishing more information on either the Winter Parking Ban or the Emergency Parking ban can contact Parking Bureau at 516-2277.

Time to register your vehicle? Save time online

Did you know you can save yourself time and a trip to City Hall by registering your vehicle online?

Online vehicle registration renewal is easy, safe and secure. You can register online by providing a PIN number or your license plate number. Your PIN number is provided by the City of Dover and can be found on your renewal notice.

Budget Revealed is your window to the City's budget

The City's new resource for residents, Budget Revealed, is where you will find a host of resources intended to provide detailed information about your government, including how the City's budget is created and managed. Detailed information about spending, including payments made by the City each month, purchase orders, City wages and the annual budget and related documents are all readily available. Budget Revealed will continually be updated with the most recent fiscal information. In addition, other content and multimedia are provided to help explain how local government functions.
Visit Budget Revealed at www.dover.nh.gov/budgetrevealed_home.htm.

Missed the meeting? Catch it again online

Don't forget: If you missed the live City Council, School Board or Planning Board on Channels 22 and 95, you can catch it again, online and on demand.
Simply visit the City's website at http://www.dover.nh.gov/dntv to begin watching meetings on demand. Online meetings are organized by agenda item for convenience.

HRCU Staff Collects Items for Families in Transition

Back Row (pictured from left to right):Chris A. Patrowicz, HRCU Vice President of Human Resources; Dana Flanders, HRCU Chairman of the Board; Kathy Bostrom, Families in Transition Staff; Mary Moriarty, Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Brian F. Hughes, HRCU President & CEO.
Front Row (pictured from left to right):Leah Esslinger-Sprowl, SHS Branch Manager and Jacky LeHoullier; Families in Transition School Coordinator.

On Friday, December 16th, Brian Hughes, HRCU President & CEO; Chris A. Patrowicz, Vice President of Human Resources, Dana Flanders , HRCU Chairman of the Board and Leah Esslinger-Sprowl, Spaulding High School Branch Manager; presented a check to Families in Transition (FIT) along with 50 HRCU t-shirts. In addition to this, the HRCU staff donated several boxes of items along with more than $450 in gift cards.

FIT is a nonprofit organization providing innovative, comprehensive, and effective programming to help end the cycle of homelessness. They employ a unique combination of affordable housing as well as inclusive services to empower individuals and families to lead healthy, happy and successful lives.

“Families in Transition is a wonderful organization that offers support for homeless families, children and teens,” says Chris A. Patrowicz, Vice President of Human Resources. “While there are several organizations that center around families and children, homeless teens are often overlooked. Many are left without families or guardians and are forced to care for themselves. As an organization, we felt it was vital to give back to our youth and our entire staff pitched in to help support this worthy cause.”

For more information or to donate to Families in Transition, please visit their website at http://www.fitnh.org/

New Hampshire Business Review - Dover NH Article 12-16-11 (2010 U.S. Census revealed Dover was the "Fastest-growing city in the state")

Is Dover the next Portsmouth?

By Kathleen Callahan

Friday, December 16, 2011

Figures from the 2010 U.S. Census revealed that Dover was the fastest-growing city in the state.

If the city of Dover, N.H., were updating its resume, there are a few new accolades it would probably include.

For one, there's its recent ranking on CNN Money's 100 Best Places to Live in America. The listing placed the "classic New England town" with a "family-friendly atmosphere" in 90th place.

It's likely some of that family-friendliness that landed the city a spot on the list of 100 Best Communities for Young People, presented by America's Promise Alliance and ING, which recognizes communities that offer youth programs and work to lower their dropout rates.

There's one more accomplishment that would almost definitely be guaranteed a mention, and that's Dover's newly minted title as the fastest-growing city in the state.

That's according to the latest U.S. Census figures, which found that Dover's population grew 11 percent from 2000 to 2010 -- from 26,884 residents at the turn of the decade to just shy of 30,000 last year. Comparatively speaking, the statewide population grew 6.5 percent.

"It's really experienced a perfect storm of growth," said Molly Hodgson Smith, executive director of the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce.

The census results didn't come as a surprise to Dan Barufaldi, Dover's economic development director. Rather, they confirmed what he's been seeing firsthand since coming on board three years ago: Dover is growing, and growing fast.

Over the past decade, Dover has grown from the seventh-largest city in the state to fifth largest. Over the same period it's also experienced a more than 14 percent job growth and added more than 1,700 housing units.

It's important to note that Strafford County in general is experiencing a population boom; Census figures revealed that the county is New Hampshire's fastest-growing, increasing 9.7 percent over the decade.

Still, Dover's population swell has far eclipsed that of its neighboring cities: Rochester was a distant second, at 4.5 percent, Somersworth at 2.5 percent, while Portsmouth trailed the pack, its population remaining virtually flat over the period.

Many factors are driving the city's rapid redevelopment -- some a result of community efforts and others based on the luck of geography, said economist Brian Gottlob, principal at PolEcon Research in Dover and a 20-year resident of the city.

And contradictory though it may seem, the process to transform the old mill city into the state's fastest-growing has been, well, slow.

"It's been ongoing, maybe on a more subtle scale, for many, many years," said the chamber's Hodgson Smith, who recalls the countless design charrettes held throughout the years to determine the best ways for the city to grow sustainably. "This is a dozen years or work, and really I think it's remarkable -- it shows what careful, mindful, strategic, long-term vision can do."

Driven by manufacturing

For a long while, Dover's downtown just wasn't vibrant, said Barufaldi, which didn't bode well for the city, since people looked at it as the bellwether for the health of the entire community.

But now, he said, "Our downtown is beginning to really bubble."

Pam Simpson, owner of Harvey's Bakery, a staple of the downtown since 1932, said she's seen its rebirth really take shape the past five years or so. But it hasn't happened organically; rather it's been the result of efforts like Dover Main Street and redevelopment projects that have seen offices and apartments moving downtown.

"Dover is just up and coming," said Simpson. "I think Dover has been developing over the years with a lot of good guidance from city councilors and city managers and we've worked at keeping our downtown active."

Dover is New Hampshire's oldest continuous settlement, and ever since its mills were erected in the early 19th century, manufacturing had historically been its driving industry -- a natural progression, given its prime location along the Cochecho, Salmon Falls, Piscataqua and Bellamy rivers.

Over the centuries -- from the Dover Cotton Factory right on up to Clarostat and Davidson Rubber -- the city has built industries around everything from ships and cotton goods to bricks, shoes and auto parts.

But as the manufacturers began closing down operations, the city "was seeing its traditional industries go by the wayside," said Gottlob.

Left in its wake was a city whose labor force was tailored to an industry that it no longer had.

Around the early 1990s, Gottlob said, he remembers delivering a presentation to the chamber of commerce with news that nobody wanted to hear: The industry on which the city had been built was gone, and it wasn't coming back.

"When it's your own hometown, there's nothing worse than saying that, but it was in fact the case," said Gottlob. "It was the point at which it was clear we needed to make that transition" into new industries.

For many old-line industrial New England towns, adapting to the changing tides of industry can be a near-crippling challenge; and while there was certainly resistance, Dover has not only adapted, but prospered, said Gottlob.

"It's transitioned really quite nicely from just another New Hampshire mill town to a pretty thriving community that's really changed its industrial base, its economic base and its demographic base," said Gottlob.

A lot of it has to do with Dover's fortuitousness of location. For one, there's its ability to draw from the educated workforce at the University of New Hampshire, just six miles away in Durham.

There's also the long-discussed Portsmouth overflow effect.

As Portsmouth's economy boomed, and its high-tech sector flourished, well-educated and well-off people were drawn to the region, and as real estate prices there rose, Dover promoted itself as a more affordable seacoast alternative.

'Unique product'

As much as the Garrison City naturally benefits from its neighbors, much of the transformation has been the result of careful city planning.

The old mill buildings have been restored into office space and apartments. Three new city parking lots are in the works for downtown, and next spring a massive waterfront rehabilitation project is slated to get under way, which in multiple phases will include the addition of high-end apartments and condos, a conference center, restaurants and more retail space.

Nowadays, Dover's largest employers are in health care and professional services. Liberty Mutual Insurance, its anchor employer, employs more than 3,100 people, while Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has 2,000 employees and Measured Progress has more than 400.

Barufaldi said the city's economic development efforts now lie in making the city a center for advanced manufacturing and high-tech clusters.

But it was the draw of surfing that lured NEMO Equipment Inc. away from its Nashua headquarters this fall.

"We liked the younger atmosphere of the Seacoast as well as the location (close) to all the outdoor activities," said Kate Ketschek, marketing director for NEMO, which specializes in making high-end tents.

When the company first started talking about moving to the Seacoast, Portsmouth was always at the top of the list, she said.

But when they began searching, they couldn't find a building with the character they wanted that was within their budget, she said. They didn't want to move into an already built-out office space, and were hoping for something similar to the restored mill building they'd inhabited in Nashua.

They found what they were looking for in the Cochecho Falls Millworks, the anchor property of downtown Dover that was built in 1870 and turned into office space.

"It had a lot of character and history, and the landlord was willing to work with us on rent."

Plus, she said, they liked the character and community in Dover.

"The downtown of Dover really seems to be progressing, and it's got a lot of great shops and restaurants -- and believe me, we've been trying them all out."

On paper, it all sounds a bit familiar -- a seacoast city with a diverse, walkable downtown; scores of restaurants with all types of cuisine; a redeveloping waterfront with new downtown living options; and an economic development team that's actively recruiting high-tech companies.

Is Dover the next Portsmouth?

Not according to Barufaldi or Hodgson Smith or Gottlob or Simpson. It's not that they resent the comparison to Portsmouth, the cultural hub of the New Hampshire Seacoast that has also long been the driver of the region's economic engine.

The characterization is just inaccurate, said Barufaldi.

"I don't think Dover is ever going to be a Portsmouth look-alike," said Barufaldi.

While Dover does get some tourists -- due largely to the Children's Museum of New Hampshire, which relocated there from Portsmouth in 2008 -- it'll never be the city's driving industry, he said.

"I don't think that tourism is ever going to be Dover's main suit," said Barufaldi.

Hodgson Smith said Dover has its own character and charm. "I think Dover is very careful to make sure that it has its own identity, that it has a very unique product in and of itself."

Portsmouth has a certain cachet -- that unquantifiable "coolness" factor -- that Dover will probably never attain, said Gottlob. As he sees it, Portsmouth is a destination, a place people wander around and spend a day, while Dover, on the other hand, is a place people visit for something -- the Cochecho Arts Festival, or the Woodman Institute Museum, or the ice arena, for example.

Still, he said, Dover's cachet is growing -- "And that's a good thing."

http://www.nhbr.com/news/943325-395/is-dover-the-next-portsmouth.html

400 New Advanced Manufacturing Jobs to Be Created in Rochester, NH

Gov. John Lynch and the Executive Council on Wednesday approved a $4 million Business Finance Authority loan to complete a major economic development agreement between the State, Safran USA, and the City of Rochester.

The agreement will enable the construction of a previously announced 275,000 square-foot facility, in which Safran USA and Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) will be co-located. The facility will employ approximately 400 workers. The State, through the Department of Resources and Economic Development, worked with Albany, Safran USA and the City of Rochester to ensure an agreement could be reached.

“We have been working closely with Safran USA and Albany to see the project through to completion. Today’s news is a major economic development win for Rochester and the entire state of New Hampshire, and will result in the creation of hundreds of jobs,” Gov. Lynch said.

As part of the effort to recruit the new facility, the state has also partnered with Great Bay Community College to create a new composite manufacturing curriculum to train workers to fill the new jobs.

“Safran USA and Albany could have located their new facilities anywhere in the country, but they chose New Hampshire because they recognize that we have a strong workforce and a winning economic strategy. We worked intensely with the companies over the past several years to make the construction of this new plant, and the hundreds of jobs that come with it, a reality,” Gov. Lynch said.

“I want to thank (DRED) Commissioner George Bald and his staff, particularly state business recruiter Cindy Harrington, as well as New Hampshire’s Business Finance Authority, under the leadership for Jack Donovan, for getting us to where we are today. I also want to thank Mayor T.J. Jean and Rochester city officials for their work and commitment to this project,” Gov. Lynch said.

“Finally, I want to thank Albany International’s President and CEO Joseph Morone and Safran USA leadership for their commitment to New Hampshire and for working cooperatively to move this critical project forward.”

“This agreement, and the manufacturing plant and new jobs that will result from it, is a reflection of not only the strength of the relationship between the State of New Hampshire, the City of Rochester, Albany International and Safran USA, but also of how tightly our futures are connected. The efforts of Governor John Lynch and his team in this process cannot be overstated, and the new plant and new jobs that will be created are the direct result of his efforts on behalf of State of New Hampshire,” said Albany President and CEO Joseph Morone.

The new facility will manufacture composite engine components.

“We are very pleased to launch the construction of a manufacturing plant in Rochester, where the Safran group and AEC will combine their resources in order to produce advanced composite parts for the LEAP aircraft engines developed by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Safran and GE,” said Peter Lengyel, President and CEO of Safran USA, Washington D.C. Operations.

Albany Engineered Composites is a subsidiary of Albany International, Corp., which employs about 225 workers at its existing Rochester facility. Last year, the company relocated its corporate headquarters from New York to Rochester.

“The City of Rochester is honored to be selected by Safran USA and Albany Engineered Composites to host their new world-class advanced manufacturing facility. This investment demonstrates Rochester’s commitment to attracting and securing sustainable industrial development and providing valuable jobs to our local economy,” said Rochester Mayor T.J. Jean. “Today’s announcement is a milestone for Rochester as we emerge from these difficult economic times.”

“This is a great day for Rochester and for the state of New Hampshire as a whole,” said Commissioner George Bald. “We thank Safran USA for making the decision to locate their facility in New Hampshire and commend the City of Rochester for its hard work in bringing in a quality company that will create new jobs and add to the economic vitality of our state.”

Construction of the new plant, near the existing Albany facility, will begin in the spring of 2012.

Please drop off your food donations by Dec 21st!

Local holiday gift ideas from the Strafford Rivers Conservancy

The holidays are here and the Strafford Rivers Conservancy has some last minute gifts ideas. Buy local AND support local conservation at the same time!

The Strafford Rivers Conservancy is offering "Give Local" merchandise just in time for the holidays. These items are produced locally and support local economies as well as the conservation efforts of the Strafford Rivers Conservancy. View our "Give Local" gift ideas and purchase online at http://straffordriversconservancy.org/index.php/shop/, or download and print the brochure to mail in your order.

Consider sending your friends or family members a one-year Gift Membership to the Strafford Rivers Conservancy and show your support for local land conservation. Add one of our "Give Local" items and save. All gift membership recipients receive a welcome certificate and a holiday card with information about their membership, which includes regular newsletters with conservation updates, invitations to special events, and reduced program fees for monthly events. Memberships are tax deductible. All items can be shipped to you or directly to your recipients.

Save at Philbricks! 20% OFF Outerwear!

A Very Ida Christmas – starring Susan Poulin

December 16, 17, 18, 2011 at the Garrison Players Arts Center, Route 4 in Rollinsford. Evening shows at 8 p.m., Sunday matinee at 3 p.m.

It’s Christmas in Mahoosuc Mills, Maine and Ida LeClair’s holiday spirit could light up an entire inflatable penguin village. Come on over to Ida’s and pick up a few holiday decorating tips, discover the “secret” in the not-so-secret Santa plan and get the latest scoop on Ida’s Christmas craft project with her pals, the Women Who Run With the Moose. Ida’s no Scrooge, so banish your bah-humbug’s and prepare to laugh!

Tickets, at $18 for adults and $10 for students are available by calling 750-4ART, or online at www.garrisonplayers.org.

Edible Arrangements

STILL TIME TO ORDER HOLIDAY GIFTS!!!

Edible Arrangements - Portsmouth

800 Islington St.

Portsmouth, NH

603-431-2999

Order today!!

Stop in for that last minute gift.

Open everyday until 7:00 PM

Saturday until 5:00 PM

Sunday until 2:00 PM

Why Cities Need Artists

Artists create visual images which powerfully affect how residents and others feel about their cities.

Despite the slump in our economy, in spite of a tough market and depressed consumers, and in the face of mounting odds, artists are more needed than ever as primary agents of positive and lasting cultural change. They step in to provide seeds of revitalization, and make a huge difference in the perception of residents and visitors.

As reported in USA Today and quoted by well-respected artist and blogger Lori McNee: “It is interesting to note that UN demographers project that as the Earth’s population grows, more people will live in cities. In 1950, only 28.8% of the world’s population lived in urban areas, and now over 50% are urban dwellers. The United Nations projects that almost 69% will live in cities by 2050, when the population is expected to reach 9.3 billion. The number of people who live in cities by then will almost equal today’s world population!”

How are those cities to grow and claim or reclaim their identities and evolve culturally? How do residents view their hometowns? Committed people working in the arts, whether performing, musical or visual, are the trailblazers integral to bringing blighted urban areas back from the edge.

Witness how artists and thinkers in the rust belt city of Syracuse, New York took action to redefine a city rocked by industries in decline:

A LOVE LETTER TO SYRACUSE from samuel j macon on Vimeo.

A foundation of collaboration is key in planning and building a creative community. City planners, advisors, politicians, zoning board members, and artists work together, often with consultants who help develop a vision, execute it and use strategies to maintain the momentum.

Making a major public impact through art and performance is a jumpstart to revitalization. Artists open studios and gallery spaces in abandoned or vacant industrial buildings and retail stores, making a statement and defining the intention of a city poised for growth. City planners and leaders can deliberately start and fuel a renaissance, but creatives of all types are the vehicles through which this happens. They provide the excitement and the images that appeal, attract and emotionally connect with city residents.

As a synergy develops around an art renaissance, it uplifts the local population, and provides a draw to others who want to come and be a part of it. The existence of a vibrant arts district can deeply affect tourism, bring jobs to related sectors such as restaurants, hotels, museums, and many other industries which derive their income from this influx, who owe their existence to the work of pioneering artist “first responders.”

People are moved by and react to images and experiences that reach them emotionally, and artists are masters at touching the hearts and minds of their audience. Public murals, festivals, and art spaces draw crowds. Local pride in an arts district builds hope and encourages tourism. Once declining areas become bright and energized. Some even become meccas for art lovers everywhere.

It begins with a creative spark, a willingness to give and share, and hard work. Artists are skilled in these things. They are powerful agents of change in a world which needs connection and strong communities to thrive.

www.artsbusinessinstitute.org

Holy Rosary Credit Union Announces Release of “Comme D’Or” the First Fifty Years

Holy Rosary Credit Union (HRCU) will celebrate its 50th Anniversary next year and to commemorate this milestone they have published an historical memoir. Written by Michael Berhendt, Comme D’Or (Good as Gold) chronicles the unlikely rise of this remarkable institution and explores the broader credit union movement and the rich Franco-American experience.

The 196-page book explains the origins, the trials and tribulations, and the commitment of the organization to its local community throughout its 50-year history. It tells how Holy Rosary Credit Union was established in 1962 by a group of parishioners of Holy Rosary Church. How business was conducted in the basement of the church on Sundays after Mass where funds were collected and reserved in a shoebox. The parishioners of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish in Rochester, originally founded HRCU to provide credit to French Canadian immigrants who had difficulty securing loans from local banks.

Now, fifty years later, HRCU has grown into a full-service community credit union with 17,000 members, over $170 million in assets and operates four branches in the surrounding communities. Several book signings are scheduled beginning December 15th, please visit HRCU.org for details.

Author Michael Berhendt will sign release copies of Comme D’Or which will be sold at a reduced price of just $10.00 (regularly priced at $14.99) during the holiday season, and all proceeds will go to local charities. According to Berhendt, “Many mythic stories - some charming, some outlandish - are captured: The elderly lady who borrowed $20 every September to play Beano at the Rochester Fair. The owner of a wrecking company, who had his truck hauled away for nonpayment, only to have it returned by the credit union the very next day, after he kvetched to everyone in town, and many others featuring local and well known members of the community.”

At its heart though, Comme D’Or is a valentine to Holy Rosary. The publication is timely, as many citizens now consider moving their savings from large banks into member-owned credit unions. Mr. Behrendt serves as the Rochester City Planner and is also the author of the acclaimed The Architectural Jewels of Rochester, New Hampshire: A History of the Built Environment.

also author of the acclaimed: The Architectural Jewels of Rochester, New Hampshire: A History of the Built Environment.

HRCU President and CEO, Brian Hughes said, “Michael Berhendt has done an exceptional job chronicling the history of our institution. He shows that HRCU’s dedication is to the community, to families and to education. This book project has been in the works for over a year and we’re all really excited to see it come to fruition to help kick off our fiftieth year anniversary celebration. We take pride in our compassionate and personalized service that has been responsible for our growth and the loyalty of our membership. For fifty years we have remained faithful to delivering greater access to and awareness of our products and services, and have never failed to donate and volunteer in the communities in which we serve. We know that we have made a difference in people’s lives and we look forward to our next fifty years of outstanding service and continued success – it’s exciting to have our history captured in a book that will also stand the test of time.”

Holy Rosary Credit Union was founded in 1962, on a shoestring and literally in a shoebox, operating out of the church basement on Sundays after Mass. Comme D’Or chronicles the unlikely rise of this remarkable institution, and explores the broader credit union movement and Franco-American experience.

The many mythic stories - some charming, some outlandish - are captured: The elderly lady who borrowed $20 every September to play Beano at the Rochester Fair. The owner of a wrecking company, who had his truck hauled away for nonpayment, only to have it returned by the credit union the very next day, after he kvetched to everyone in town. The Planning Board meeting when the proposed new building was reviewed - “The Monsignor, eyes blazing, turned left to look at the crowd and then right, as if to say, ‘Should any of you heathens so much as contemplate speaking against this project, then you and your entire family are going straight to Hell!’ ”

The telling is enlivened by the author’s frolicksome and sprawling vision. He arranges for cameos with Rocky Marciano, Marilyn Monroe, women in burqas, and Marvin Gaye, and riffs on permeable pavement, arachnophobia, and an unusually aggressive eggroll, all of which, of course, were inextricably connected to the credit union.

At its heart though, Comme D’Or is a valentine to Holy Rosary. The publication is timely, as many citizens now consider moving their savings from large banks into member-owned credit unions.

Laconia Savings Bank makes $116,000 donation to local United Ways

Mark Primeau, President & CEO of Laconia Savings Bank, is pleased to announce that the bank has donated $116,000 to local United Ways. Demonstrating unmatched commitment, focus and enthusiasm, Laconia Savings Bank employees raised $55,927 increasing their contribution by 14% compared to last year. The $116,000 campaign sets a new high for Laconia Savings Bank. “Year after year, the employees of Laconia Savings Bank remain dedicated to the bank’s mission of supporting New Hampshire communities. Our annual United Way contribution is an outstanding example of that dedication,” stated Primeau.

In addition to employee contributions, the Laconia Savings Bank United Way Committee, consisting of Cindy Bodah, Donna Harris, Candice Carrier, Lindsey Ball, Karen Seymour, Tiffany Benton, Michele Thomas, Maddie Barnaby and Karon Thibault, coordinated fundraisers such as an intranet auction, bake sales and a cutest pet photo contest to raise an additional $3,820. Cindy Bodah, VP - Quality Service and Training and Donna Harris, AVP - Customer Service Center Manager, volunteered to be the campaign co-chairs for the bank. Through creativity and hard work, the employees delivered a record level of funding and employee participation. Jack Terrill, President of the Lakes Region United Way stated, “I would like to congratulate the United Way committee and employees at Laconia Savings Bank. We sincerely appreciate their support. Laconia Savings Bank is a staple in our community and one of the reasons we have had so much success at United Way.”

The United Way mobilizes and invests resources back into the communities with an emphasis on successful children, family stabilization and community engagement.

Local Businesses Partner to Provide Fuel Assistance - Encourage Others to Do the Same

The company names are synonymous with community giving, so it should be no surprise that DF Richard and Federal Savings Bank have joined forces to provide additional fuel assistance to individuals and families in need this winter.

Betsey Andrews Parker, Executive Director of Community Action Partnership of Strafford County (CAP), was saddened to learn that funding for the organization's fuel assistance program would be cut this year. "The demand has increased while the funding has decreased, which means families in need are receiving less assistance and due to eligibility requirements CAP has had to turn some people away," she said.

Upon reading about the shortfall of fuel assistance funding, Federal Savings Bank immediately took notice and offered a donation to CAP, but they didn't stop there. They also contacted DF Richard, a locally owned heating oil and propane business who has been a strong supporter of CAP. Together the businesses are contributing $3,000 for CAP's Low Income Heat and Energy Assistance Program. "It is our pleasure to provide assistance to people in need. This challenging economy has impacted so many families in the community and while we are saddened to know of their hardships, we are pleased to take this opportunity to give back," according to Bob Richard, DF Richard President.

DF Richard and FSB are unquestionably making a difference with their generous gifts, but they are encouraging other local businesses to do the same. "I believe this community can accomplish great things by working together," according to FSB President & CEO, James J. O'Neill, Jr. "Regardless of the economic challenges we are all facing, I would encourage other local businesses to review their community reinvestment programs and consider making a donation to support fuel assistance programs. Every dollar donated means a warmer winter for deserving people in our very own backyards," O'Neill added.

Community Action Partnership of Strafford County is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization established in 1965 that works with community, state and federal partners to assist children, families, low-income and elderly residents with their efforts to become or remain financially and socially independent. For more information, visit www.straffordcap.org.

For more than 75 years, D.F. Richard Energy has been providing the people of seacoast New Hampshire and southern Maine with heating oil and propane to heat their homes and water, and power their appliances. DF Richard is one of the community's most active corporate partners contributing thousands of dollars annually to local, non-profit organizations. For more information, visit www.dfrichard.com.

Tax Benefits for Education

To assist taxpayers with the ever-increasing costs of higher education, there are a variety of tax advantages available. For the 2011 tax year, there are two tax credits (reduce the amount of tax owed) available, the American Opportunity Credit, and the Lifetime Learning Credit. In addition, some taxpayers may be able to deduct tuition and fees (to reduce the amount of taxable income). Lastly, both parents and student should consider whether opening tax-advantaged savings accounts to help pay for education may yield some benefit. Additional education-related benefits exist (interest deductions for student loans and work-related education expenses) - be certain to address any questions you have with your tax professional soon so you can take the necessary actions before December 31, 2011.

The American Opportunity Credit

The American Opportunity Credit is available as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The American Opportunity Credit was originally set to expire in 2010 but was extended with a few small changes. In 2011 and 2012, the American Opportunity Credit applies to a broader range of taxpayers, the credit can be applied towards four years of post-secondary education instead of two years, and adds required reading materials to the list of qualified expenses.

The maximum annual credit allowed is $2,500 per student. The full credit is available to taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is $80,000 or less for individuals and $160,000 or less for married couples filing jointly. Expenses such as tuition, course materials, and supplies necessary for enrollment or attendance are considered qualified expenses. A computer may qualify as a qualified expense if it is needed as a condition of enrollment or attendance at the educational institution. If you have questions about what does or does not qualify, be sure to contact your tax advisor for guidance.

Lifetime Learning Credit

The Lifetime Learning Credit could reduce taxes up to $2,000 per year for qualified educational expenses. It is most useful for graduate students, part time students, and those who are not pursuing a degree because there is no limit on the number of years the lifetime learning credit can be claimed for each student. A taxpayer may not take both the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning credit for the same student in the same year. But, if you pay for qualified educational expenses for more than one student in the same year, you can choose to take credits on a per-student, per-year basis. The American Opportunity Credit may be available for one student and the Lifetime Learning Credit for another.

Tuition and Fees Deduction

If your income is too high to claim the American Opportunity Credit, you may be able to deduct qualified education expenses paid during the year for yourself, your spouse or your dependent. The tuition and fees deductions can reduce the amount of income subject to tax by up to $4,000. The tuition and fees deduction is not allowed if any of the below conditions are true:

• Your filing status is married filing separately,
• Another person can claim an exemption for you as a dependent on his or her tax return,
• Your modified adjusted gross income is more than $80,000 (single) or $160,000 (married/joint), you were a nonresident alien for any part of the year and did not elect to be treated as a resident alien for tax purposes or
• You or anyone else claims an education credit for expenses of the student for whom the qualified education expenses were paid.

Savings Plans

Section 529 of the IRS Code allows taxpayers to prepay or contribute to certain specified savings accounts to pay for a student's qualified higher education expenses. Distributions from 529 plans are tax-free if they are used to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, required fees, books and supplies. If the designated student attends school at least half-time, room and board expenses also qualify. These plans offer significant flexibility if a student's education plans change - be sure to discuss these options with your tax professional.

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts were also created to incentivize both parents and students to pay for both primary and secondary education. Total contributions for the beneficiary of a Coverdell Education Savings Account cannot be more than $2,000 in any year, no matter how many accounts have been established so it is important that all contributors to these accounts for a child communicate with one another. Contributions to a Coverdell Education Savings Account are not deductible. However, the principal grows tax-free until distributed. When distributed, the beneficiary is not required to pay tax on these funds provided the amount distributed is less than the qualified education expenses incurred in the year distribution occurs.

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