Chairman Chronicles for 2019 Londonderry OHD

August 20, 2019

Once in a while, I need to do the Chairman Chronicles for Old Home Day.  This year is one of those years.  It was a pleasure once again to serve with such great people and volunteers who work tirelessly, with no fanfare, to make sure that everything works and goes without a hitch.  We hope that this was accomplished this year, and without further eloquence, here is the five-day event in a “Nutfield” – sorry, in a nutshell.  Get it?

Wednesday night was a first in the 20 years of running OHD, and it worked out perfectly.  The senior barbeque at the Lions was such a success and the Concert on the Common, with the Beach Boy tribute band All Summer Long, was groovy.  Cathy Blash, the Town’s Senior Center Director, planned and presented a perfect evening.  She coordinated purchasing the food, flowers, and all of the special upgrades to make this a fun event for our seniors in the community. They loved it and the laughter flowed.  You nailed it Cathy.

Thank you to LPD. They served the food to our seniors along with Senator Sharon Carson and Town Manager Kevin Smith.  To the Londonderry Police Department, YOU ROCKED OLD HOME DAY.  Thank you so much for your service and commitment to the community you serve.

And thanks to Stephen and Julie Lee.   They came up with an idea of taking Concerts on the Common through Old Home Day.  With less volunteers over the years, the committee jumped on it.  Could anyone ask for a better end to senior night?

Thursday night, the Kidz had their fun.  Bounce houses, wild animals, local PTA’s, clowns and so much more.  Once again Dan Lekas planned the event, and he did a great job.  Dan does his work behind the scenes, much like everyone else on the committee.  He cares about the community and wants everyone to just have a good time.  Some of the best pictures we get that night are of children and families crossing the street and heading over to the Lions parking lot.  Those beautiful shiny red trucks put such a smile on every child’s face, and the parents too. It just makes you feel like home.  Londonderry Fire, thanks for all you do and all of the hard work you put in for the entire weekend.  YOU ROCK, and the new firehouse is striking and befitting of the department and Londonderry.

Friday dawns and the weather has cooperated.   The Londonderry Police and Fire versus the Derry Police and Fire softball game is a hit.  LONDONDERRY WINS! Manchuka plays to a large crowd and the fireworks are just awesome. I can’t remember ever saying, “I can’t believe I’m actually getting tired of watching fireworks.”  The finale just blew us away.  If you left early to beat the traffic – mistake, big mistake.  Thanks to the ground crew from the school district.  You guys just quietly do your job.  We still think you should have turned on the irrigation system on the field to move the youth along so you could have gotten home earlier.

Saturday, at the crack of dawn, the committee is at work for the big day.  Thanks to Kristen Ducharme for putting all that work into the baby contest so Londonderry could crown our new Little Miss and Little Master.  Did you know that the baby contest has been around for over 25 years? Before the committee took the tradition over, it was run by the Women’s Club.  When they no longer wanted to do it, OHD felt it could not be lost.  Members of the committee stepped in and it has been under OHD ever since.  We were going to end it one year but the outcry from the community stopped that decision.

The parade.  The history of the many volunteers that have run the parade.  Hard work to the core.  Thankful for everyone that took the task on.  There is only a handful of us.  Maybe we should come up with a patch?   No one can understand unless they have done it.  Great parade and so thankful for seven bands this year.  The best part was three out of the seven were from our local high school rivals. Londonderry, we are always proud, but you’ve got some competition coming your way.  Bedford and Pinkerton band directors are both graduates of the Londonderry Lancer Music program.   What a living legacy to the retired leader of the band.

We did have a few politicians.  Only problem was Bill DeBlasio was supposed to have his own spot in the parade.  He changed has mind and decided to march with the Democrat contingent.  The parade organizers had no idea that this had happened.  When his security detail didn’t move, they got an earful.  A dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. You’ve entered Londonderry Old Home Day Parade.  All worked out in the end, and it gave us the best laugh of the day.

The parade ends.  Weather still cooperating.  And what to my wandering eyes should appear? A Fire Chief waiting for the Police Chief to show up for the Strong Man contest.  For a while there, we thought it might be a forfeit.  However, Chief Hart showed up and did we get a show.  Chief O’Brien, our money was on you all along. But nobody expected what Councilor Butler would do.  Jim Butler, the strongman of Londonderry!

The mystery of the empty time capsule still riddles us all. I think it was Colonel Pillsbury (Civil War Fame) and Miss Peabody Row, with a pipe, in the Derry Public Library. Nobody has a “clue” what happened there.  It was stored in the library sometime after being sealed in 1969. Did you know that Clue, the board game, is 70 years old this year?

The events on the common, wildlife encounters and of course our champion BINGO caller, Bob Ciarletta.  Mary Wing Soars with Sings.  Just everyone on the committee you are all special people.  Without you this great event would not happen.

Thanks to Londonderry Lancer, John Mortimer and Millennium Running for putting together a new tradition at Old Home Day.  The Boot Scootin’ Boogie 5K and Brewfest was a new high energy event to close out Saturday, and Old Home Day. It rocked!

On a final note, we could probably find a quote from someone with a much more eloquent tongue.  However, all of us are really happy with how it all turned out. We don’t know if it was the intention of the article published in a local newspaper to hurt Old Home Day or to be helpful.   Consequently, it did do something positive and amazing.  It brought a community that, through the daily hassles of life, cell phones, play dates, back to school, and anything else in between, made us all realize that we have a common goal.  Be happy; life is good in Londonderry.  No matter what you think or as hokey as it looks – Old Home Day is Londonderry.  It is the single most binding event for over 120 years in this community.

As the chairman, I do not speak for any member on the committee.  However, I do appreciate everything they do. The giving of their time. The volunteers that show up year after year.  The organizations that participate and care about the event as much as we do.

Londonderry, it was a blast!  See you next year!

And from Mr. Reed Paige Clark III – Carry On.

 

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By admin | Posted in Announcements, Around Nutfield, Around Town, History, Londonderry Landmarks, Music, Outdoors, Public Meetings, Schools, Seniors, Youth 0 to 6, Youth 10 to 18 | Tagged , , | Comments off

KCT’s School of Rock hits the Derry Opera House

May 21, 2019

There is no shortage of musical theatre choices in the Londonderry area and should a child want to be part of a troupe, they really have their pick of some very quality programs. One of the best, though, that has stood the test of time, is Kids Coop Theatre, Inc. that presents four productions a year at the Derry Opera House.  The latest in the offerings is School of Rock which will be presented Friday, May 24th at 7pm and Saturday, May 25that 1 and 7pm.

Eric Bourque as Dewey Finn

Eric Bourque as Dewey Finn

School of Rock is based on the movie of the same name, which tells the story of an unsuccessful rock star, Dewey Finn, played by Eric Bourque, who ends up as a substitute teacher at an upscale prep school.  What ensues is pure fun, as he transforms his otherwise straight laced students into a rock and roll sensation set to win at the Battle of the Bands.   The theatre troupe is so successful because of the attitude of the directors and actors involved. Often older siblings recruit their younger siblings (children must be 8 to be part of the company and age out at 18) as is the case with Leo, Kaylee and Rowan Gifford and Julian and Lily Barrett.

actors in School of Rock

Ensemble of KCT's School of Rock

Rowan Gifford, the middle sibling, began with KCT first and encouraged her sister to come.  She explained that KCT has great directors; they are flexible and the kids get along.  “If it’s the kids first show, there is a lot of patience.  The actors really want to do theatre; it is not something they are forced into and it shows.”  As soon as Leo turned 8 he tried out for the show and was cast as Tony Morgan, a student.  Rowan is playing Ms. Gordon, a teacher and Kaylee is playing a parent, Mrs. Mooneyham.

The Students!

As the older, more experienced sibling, Lily has been in 10 shows with Kids Coop.  She said her brother, Julian had tried to get into other shows, but having only just turned 8, was unable to do so.  In this show he is a policeman, and Stanley, the record shop owner and, most excitingly, has lines!  Lily said of her brother, “He loves to sing and I really wanted to encourage him to have this experience.” Another sibling duo is Brandon and Brianna Marks.  As middle schoolers, and being among the older members of the company, Brandon and Brianna are terrific examples of why this troupe works.  Everyone is kept busy, allowing for the fun to happen in the learning of the dances, songs and blocking. Playing the lead is Eric Bourque, who has grown in his abilities over the 14 shows he has been a part of.  He has had many

Eric Bourque as Dewey Finn

supporting character roles, but of late has stepped into the more challenging lead roles.  He was most recently in Newsies and Sister Act.  He has stayed with KCT through all the shows because of the friends he has made along the way.  He says he sees himself in the 8 year olds who join, and wants to be a part of their success.   While Joey Cain doesn’t have any siblings in this show, he is no stranger to sharing the stage with any one of his talented brothers, all who have exhibited their abilities in Kids Coop productions over the years.  As the youngest, Joey has been able to work with the group in over 16 shows, including this one.  He likes playing more challenging roles, as he did when he played Pugsly in the Addams Family, but finds the ensemble to be more relaxing. There are many other veteran Kids Coop players, such as Emily Powers, and Joshua Ozaroff, Logan Young and Isabella Charlebois as well as Martin Dormer.  Each one of the players in the cast bring something special. They all deserve a shout out and a chance to show the audience what they can do.  Join them for some fun and song this coming weekend.   Tickets are available on line at www.kids-coop-theatre.org/ or at the door.

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By MWS | Posted in Around Town, Music, Performing arts, Youth 10 to 18 | Comments off

High School Musical presented by Kids Coop Theatre

July 26, 2018

HSM grouoIn 1972 a story appeared on the Broadway stage of a high school boy from the wrong side of the tracks and a girl from the right side, who meet over the summer and fall in love, without the pressures that their opposing ‘clicks’ would place on them. When school begins, so does a whole new scene, where they each have to be what their friends expect, not who they truly are. Fast forward to 2006 and the story gets a modern twist in the lives of Troy and Gabrielle, jock and shy beauty, of East High School.

Playing Troy, the accomplished singer, athlete and scholar in Kids Coop’s production of “High School Musical”. which will be presented Friday and Saturday, July 27th and 28th at the Derry Opera House, is Josh Ozaroff. Josh has delighted audience members in his past performances in other KCT productions, most notably the role of LeFou in Beauty and the Beast, and shows why the producers and directors choose him to be the lead in this production through his acting, singing, and dancing in his role.  Playing Gabriella is Allison Newey, presenting herself superbly as the shy new girl that no one at East Side High knows. She meets Troy over winter break, but when they get back to school, their friends try to keep them apart, breaking hearts along the way. Allison has been in four other Kids Coop productions and has earned her role in center stage.

Showing the versatility of the talent she possesses is Isabella Charlebois, playing mean girl Sharpay Evans who will do anything

HSM Twins

Ryan Carrigan and Isabella Chointere

to keep Troy away from Gabriella.  Isabella has played a myriad of roles with both Kids Coop Theatre and her Middle School, including Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, Tinkerbell in Peter Pan, Flounder in The Little Mermaid and Jemima Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  She has auditioned for and had call backs to company shows for Broadway and it is evident why she is pursuing this passion.

Ryan Carrigan plays Sharpay’s twin brother, a character who follows his sister without question, having, as Ryan says, “blond moments” but he eventually stands up to Sharpay.  Ryan has done several shows, most recently as Marty the Zebra in Madagascar, Jr., and Horton the Elephant in Seussical the Musical.

The relationships become more complicated when the audience learns that the Coach of Troy’s basketball team is Troy’s father, played by Dakota Gosselin.  Dakota notes the character is pretty hard on his son in the play, but of course will see the importanceHigh School Musical playing of Troy’s happiness over anything, as any good father would feel.  This is Dakota’s first show with KCT. Alumnus John Rodgers was student teaching at Dakota’s school and encouraged him to try out for the show.

Stepping in front of the lights is Ruthie Vinson who plays Kelsi, a follower of Sharpay.  Ruthie has been involved with nine Kids Coop shows, directing three of them. Her most recent production with Kids Coop was Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  Ivy Phillips has her first role out of the ensemble in the character of Miss Darbus. She is the theatre teacher and director in the play and says it is a really fun character to portray.  Ivy believes that the arts are important and she pushes for that in her school, so it is fitting that she has this role: art imitating life. She says her character is ‘very out there’ and loads of fun to play.

The directors are an amazing team who have worked together before: Marilyn Olbricht, artistic director; Amanda Morgan, music director; and Jen Ryder, choreographer.  Amanda Morgan is seen around the theatre scene as music director for several different companies, such as Peacock Players, and Actor Singers, sometimes doing two shows simultaneously.  This summer her focus is completely on this show which she is enjoying tremendously. Marilyn Olbricht commented that the 13-18 year old actors in this show are a delight to work with. While she did this show with Hood Middle School students, she notes that each cast brings their own energy and flavor; this case has such great talent that it is evident in each number.  Jen Ryder, though new to Kids Coop, is not new around the theatre scene having worked with Actor Singers, the Palace Theatre and the Majestic. She received her training at the Bedford Dance Center.

 

Playing cheerleaders are Zelda Howard-Mart, Ella Koelb, Nicolette Manrique, Adriana Nadeau, Gabrielle Page, Emily Smith, and Zoe Sternberg.  Brainiacs abound and are played by Colleen Bahan, Ellie Cook, Maya Lincoln, Lindsay McAlpine, and Bryn HSM cheerleadersSteinmetz. Those playing actors within the play are Lily Barrett, Jason Cain, Madison Cayer, Annalise Kuhlmann, Simone Labell, Bella Perrotta, and Alletta Remillard.  The skaters in the show are Madison Barbrick, Joelle Choiniere, Erin Downey, Maddison Sylvain and Braeden Tremain. Rounding out the cast is Jenna Sylvain as Chad Danforth, Jack Downey as Zeke Baylor, Chase Elliott as Jack Scott, Gianna Fowler as Taylor Mckessie, Angelina Gonzalez as Jason, Madison Hawkes as Martha Cox and Alyssa Rzasa as a Jock.

Tickets for this show will be available at the door.  The show will be presented Friday, July 27th and Saturday 28th at 7pm, and Saturday at 1pm at the Derry Opera House, Derry, NH or online at kidscooptheatre.org.

 

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By MWS | Posted in Around Nutfield, Around Town, Arts, Music, Performing arts, Schools, Youth 10 to 18 | Comments off

Moose Lottery Deadline is May 25, 2018

May 20, 2018

Want a chance to hunt moose in New Hampshire this fall? The deadline for entering the New Hampshire moose hunt lottery is May 25, 2018. It costs just $15 for residents and $25 for nonresidents to enter the lottery (non-refundable). A total of 51 permits are proposed to be issued this year. The state’s moose hunt will run from October 20-28, 2018. Last year, the statewide hunter success rate was 69%.

Each applicant can enter the lottery once a year. A bonus point system improves the chances for unsuccessful applicants who apply each consecutive year. Don’t miss a year, or you’ll lose your points! If you know you’ll be unable to hunt in 2018, just apply for a bonus point only to continue to earn points. Hunters who are drawn and accept a permit are not eligible to enter the lottery or apply for a bonus point for the following three years.

Apply now by clicking here, where you can apply online or print out a mail-in application. Lottery applications for 2018 must be postmarked or submitted online by midnight Eastern Time on May 25, 2018, or delivered to NH Fish and Game headquarters in Concord before 4 PM that day.

Whether you’re applying online or with a paper application, don’t wait until the last minute to apply! To minimize the chance of an error, applicants are encouraged to apply online.

If you are submitting a paper application, allow yourself a little extra time in case your application is incomplete or not filled out properly. If this happens before the deadline, your application will be returned and, if there’s time, you can correct and resubmit it. Every year, Fish and Game gets a few last-minute paper applications that cannot be corrected in time, as well as calls from disappointed folks who waited until the last minute to apply online and missed the deadline because of a computer glitch. Don’t wait, apply now!

For more information on moose hunting in New Hampshire, click here.

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Majestic Academy presents Bye, Bye Birdie

January 25, 2018
Cast of Majestic's Bye, Bye Birdie

Cast of Bye, Bye Birdie

Under the direction of Jocelyn Duford with Musical Direction by A. Robert Dionne, the Majestic Academy of Dramatic Arts will present Bye, Bye Birdie, Friday and Saturday, January 26 and 27 at 7pm with a Sunday, January 28 matinee at 2pm at the Derry Opera House.

Bye, Bye Birdie takes place in a 1960s, small-town America, teenagers, and rock & roll and centers around teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie who has been drafted into the arm.  He chooses an all-American girl, Kim McAfee, for a very public farewell kiss.  Audiences will recognize many of the songs which include, “Put on a Happy Face,” “One Last Kiss,” and “A lot of Livin’ to Do.”

The talent is strong in this production with local favorite Alyssa Beaulieu in the role of Rosie; Nicholas Grzywacz as Albert Peterson and James Bridges as Conrad Birdie.  Creating the conflict in the relationship between Albert and Rosie is Albert’s mother, Mrs. Peterson played flawlessly by Amelia Hansen.  Other favorites to theatre goers include Meghan Dolley, Landyn Byrd, Theo Boyd, Sara Leone, Ian Dolley, Antonio Giovagnoli, Sarah Sutherland, Lily Mayhew, Brooke O’Neill, Sawyer Broderick, Lexi Hansen, Kristina Rosie Character from Bye Bye BirdieMcCarthy, Bethan Colangelo, Hailey Ayotte, Caelan Gustafson, Dara Brown, Harley Cassady, Larissa Gault.  These named characters are strongly supported by the ensemble that includes Maddy Gelinas, Nevaeh Gagne, Audrey Labbe, Cecilia Lomanno, Talia Merrill, Zoe Henry-Hughes, Eliana Lomanno and the youth ensemble Rowan Gifford, Owen Paquette, Megan Shamer, Morgan Cantor, Cora Erskine-McWhirter, Jolieann Burtram.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (65 and over), and $10 for youth 17 and younger and can be purchased by visiting or calling the box office at 669-7469 or online at www.majestictheatre.net or at the door prior to the performance.  The Majestic is a non-profit NH community arts organization.  Visit their website for more information.

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By MWS | Posted in Around Town, Arts, Music, Performing arts, Youth 10 to 18, Youth 6 to 10 | Comments off

STEPs: The Last Hurrah

January 5, 2018

chicago posterNot unlike a sports team preparing for a big game, members of the company of Specialized Theatre Enrichment program STEPs spend a full half hour warming up, both vocally and physically, before they are ready to begin their rehearsal. The program, established in 2012, has presented fantastic shows year after year, allowing their company to shine as they’ve learned their craft of acting, singing and dancing.

For their final presentations, STEPs shows, once again, the high standards they have for their company and are presenting both “Chicago” and “Seussical” as their last hurrah. Chicago will be presented at the Derry Opera House on January 11th, 12th and 13th, while Seussical will be presented January 18th, 19th and 20th.

Chicago is an ambitious show when working with a group of teenagers, 13 to 18 year old.  Many of the company are alumni and know the standard Yvonne Sarafinas and Nicole Murray, the co-founders, set for their players, however, there are a few of the company who are just being introduced to

Billy and Roxie

Emma Stanganelli and William Maloy (Roxie & Billy)

the rigors of STEPs and who have risen to the occasion.  In the lead roles are Abigail Palmer (Velma Kelly), Emma Stanganelli (Roxie Hart), and William Maloy (Billy Flynn), three who bring different levels of experience to the roles.  Abigail is a veteran of many shows, having worked with STEPs, Kids Coop and LHS, where she is currently a junior in the Drama Club. She values the opportunity Nikki and Yvonne have given her, knowing that this is their final show.  She is ready to show the audience what she has learned in the five years she has been working with STEPs.  She notes that her character is “extremely sassy,” and notes that Emma [who plays Roxie], “is my good friend so it’s funny to ‘battle’ her throughout the show.”  Emma has also worked with STEPs over the years, showing she has what it takes to carry the role of Roxie, with all the sassiness and brass needed to make the character come alive.  Emma absolutely loves how complex Roxie is. “One minute she is afraid of her bleak future; the next minute she is seemingly in control of her situation.” Emma continued, “She has been a difficult character to portray, but has been one of my favorites.” Though this will be their last show, those who have recently joined the program are grateful to have the opportunity to work with Nikki and Yvonne.  William is a Derryfield Senior who is debuting with STEPs in his role.  He brings with him the experience he gained through is theatre activities at Derryfield.  He has risen to the challenge of the role,  liking the air of confidence that surrounds the role. His voice is very strong, and William finds the songs to be very enjoyable.  He’s also enjoyed learning the dance routines as he lives the character “Billy”.

Joey Tannalfo shows his versatility in the roles he plays in the show.  He is the Master of Ceremonies as well as a featured lounge singer.  He has been in many productions, beginning his theatre career at Kids Coop and branching off to other community and school theatre groups. He brings an

Chicago Cell block group

The Cell Block Group

energy to the part and leaves the audience wanting more.

Others in the show are Ben Dionne (Amos Hart), Olivia Perrault (Mama Morton), Michelle Bozzi (Mary Sunshine), Sophie Sargent (Liz), Katie Manchester (Annie), Lexi Nimetz (June), Faith Occhipinti (Hunyak), Julia Dellsle (Mona), Mike Crowley (Fred Casely), Allison Newey (Kitty), Noah Payeur (Harry/doctor/judge/reporter), Katie Tetu (court clerk/featured lounge singer/reporter), Carson Gregoire (Sargent Fogarty/Martin Harrison/reporter) and rounding out in the ensemble are Nicole Raza, Gabby Page and Paige Boyon.

Chicago will be presented January 11th, 12th and 13th,  at 7 pm at the Derry Opera House, in Derry.  Tickets are available at the door and on line at stepsnh.org.  General admission is $15, senior and student tickets are $12.
Seussical Poster

Seussical

The second show they are presenting is Seussical, the Musical.  Many of the characters in this show are veterans of the program: Evie Brunette, (Cat

Evie Brunette as The Cat in the Hat

Evie Brunette as The Cat in the Hat

Seussical character Maya Lincoln as Maziein the Hat), Maya Lincoln (Gertrude McFuzz), Brenna Kimball (Mayzie), Riley Anderson (Jojo), Carson Gregoire (Horton) havase years of experience between them that they bring to this production.  Evie brings the experience she has garnered from Kids Coop Theatre, the Palace and the LHS Drama Club, as well as her work with STEPs, to the stage in the production.  She loves the energy, excitement and movement of the character as well as the mysterious side of him; one never knows what the Cat will do next!

 

Seussical character Jojo

Riley Anderson as Jojo

The character of Jojo is the “Who” Horton hears. Riley notes the work she has done with the company has given her “‘so much confidence,” and she is excited for the challenge of the role.  She likes how her character “always uses his imagination and follows his dreams, even if he feels that he is alone in the world.”

Others in the cast include Nicole Raza, Paige Boyon, Julia Delisle, Gabby Page, Colby Lynch, Haley Hines, Claire Dormer, Hope Occhipinti, Angelina Gonzalez and Elle Cook.

Seussical will be presented January 18th, 19th and 20th at the Derry Opera Center in Derry, NH.  Tickets are available on line at stepsnh.org or at the door.  General admission is $15, senior and students $12.

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By MWS | Posted in Around Town, Arts, Music, Performing arts, Schools, Youth 10 to 18, Youth 6 to 10 | Comments off