Community Calendar

Join the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests for a tour of Fanny’s Playhouse at Forest Society North at The Rocks. The event will be held on Saturday, May 17 from 2-4 p.m. at 113 Glessner Road in Bethlehem. Registration is strongly recommended and the cost is $20 per person.

In 1886, Isaac Scott designed a log cabin playhouse for eight-year-old Fanny Glessner at the family's summer estate, The Rocks, in Bethlehem. It was complete with child-sized furniture and a working stove. It was in the playhouse that Fanny honed her skills at homemaking, hosting tea parties and making jams and jellies. The playhouse still stands outside the carriage barn at The Rocks.

Participants will learn about the history of The Rocks, hike up to the original site of construction, look at where the building was moved to by Fanny’s daughter, and then go through the building in its current location. After the tour, participants will move inside the newly renovated Carriage Barn to watch a viewing of the talk author Abigail A. Van Slyck recently gave about her new published book, Playhouses and Privilege: The Architecture of Elite Childhood. Playhouses and Privilege makes clear that, far from being frivolous, playhouses were carefully planned architectural manifestations of adult concerns, integral to the reproduction of class privilege.

ABOUT THE ROCKS
The Rocks is a 1,400-acre property, owned and managed by the Forest Society. Built as a working farm in the 1880s by John Jacob Glessner, a cofounder of International Harvester, The Rocks retains much of the grandeur of White Mountain retreats – exceptional period architecture, an Olmsted-designed Garden, and a network of woodland trails open to the public year-round. In 1978 descendants of the Glessner family donated The Rocks to the Forest Society, which has operated it since as a vibrant Christmas tree farm, conservation and nature education center, and working forest. Learn more about The Rocks at forestsociety.org/the-rocks.

ABOUT THE FOREST SOCIETY
The Forest Society is a private, non-profit land trust and forestry organization established in 1901. The Forest Society now owns 200 protected forests constituting nearly 65,000 acres in 105 New Hampshire communities across the state. In addition, it currently holds nearly 800 conservation easements statewide permanently protecting an additional 131,000 acres of New Hampshire’s natural landscape.

COMING SOON - ArtHub reopening!

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Reopened ArtHub gallery gets a new spring in its step along Nashua’s Main Street!
Celebrate this season of new beginnings, art and artists alongside NAAA

WHO + WHAT: ArtHub, the gallery of Nashua Area Artists Association, along with its members and new friends who are part of its opening exhibit
WHERE: 98 Main Street, Nashua, N.H.
WHEN: Grand reopening/artists reception: Sat., May 17, 2025, the gallery will be open and there will be a reception from 2:00 -7:00 p.m.
WHY: Celebrate the reopening of our gallery at its newest location, right on Main Street in Downtown Nashua, with our spring-themed exhibits!

ABOUT: ArtHub will be reopening soon in a new location, visible and right in the middle of downtown Nashua, in what had previously been the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Nashua gallery.

The NAAA couldn’t be happier to have a gallery space situated in this vibrant street-level location which was already set up as a gallery with workshop and class space already in place, as well. Gallery co-manager Sonia Lee Gilmore, a longtime NAAA member and a textile artist, said, “We really want to be a part of the downtown and all that that entails,” including the various downtown events such as the Holiday Stroll, Summer Stroll, and other events. “We are happy to be involved and right in downtown.”

ArtHub Co-Manager Jacqueline Barry, who is also a pastel artist, said, “One of the many reasons for opening a gallery is to be able to include ALL our artists. Currently, our exhibit venues only allow for our 2D artists and a gallery will give our 3D artists a chance to participate in highlighting their work. There is an amazing amount of talent in this area and to be able to bring that talent to our new downtown location will not only give the community the opportunity to see the local talent but inspire them to do their own work.”

The NAAA galleries in the past have always welcomed members and non-members. “There are not many outlets for artists or art lovers to come together and enjoy all the different arts but there is a camaraderie that forms among the artists as well as art lovers,” said Barry. The NAAA feels that opening up the gallery to all artists, members and non-members, brings in as much talent as possible, she said.

The NAAA's very first gallery was located on East Pearl Street. “We've had some beautiful galleries in the past around Nashua but this location is optimal for everyone,” Barry said. “This will also give the NAAA to once again participate in all the downtown activities throughout the year, including the Scarecrow contest, Plaid Friday, Taste of Downtown, to name a few. She added, “This gallery will also allow the NAAA to again involve itself with special exhibits, such as Angels of Addiction, Seven Hills Foundation, special fundraising events such as Military Dogs and Their Handlers.”

NAAA members have been busy working on the new 1,743 square-foot space since March, painting, bringing in furniture and displays, reusing some from the previous gallery, getting the hanging system in place, cleaning and polishing. Very soon, more than 20 artists and artisans will be bringing in their spring-themed artworks to be on view.

The gallery will first get their spring exhibits underway with a soft opening on May 14 and grand opening on May 17, and then workshops and classes will follow with registration to be on the NAAA website. Some of these, along with NAAA member meetings and monthly art demonstrations, are still being held at the NAAA office and studio on the third floor at 60 Main Street, a couple blocks away in the old Nashua Telegraph building next to the river.

Gallery hours:
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fridays: 2-6 p.m.
Saturdays: 2-7 p.m.

Exploring this year’s theme “In The Making,” our sculptors are:

• Valerie Funk of Germany;
• Danaë LeBlond-Joris of France;
• Yunmi Lee, of South Korea/Italy; and
• Casey Schachner of the U.S.

These artists will gift their finished sculptures to the City of Nashua to become part of its permanent collection following the three-week-long symposium. These new pieces will be celebrated with the public at the Closing ceremony event to be held starting at 1 p.m. on May 31, 2025.

GET INVOLVED!
There are various ways for families, organizations and businesses to get involved in a meaningful way and become part of the legacy of sculpture in Nashua during the Symposium:

• Plan to attend the Picker Artists Studios for the opening and closing ceremonies
• See the artists at work on their sculptures between May 12 – May 28.
• Sign up on our website to bring/provide a meal (lunch or dinner) for the sculptors
• Volunteer with NISS
• Sponsor a sculpture or donate to invest in the cultural, social, and economic value of public art in our city
• Schools and organizations are welcome to partner with NISS during the Symposium

The Nashua International Sculpture Symposium is an annual community event designed to elevate the awareness and appreciation of public art in Nashua. The Symposium allows Nashua residents and visitors to engage directly with guest sculptors from around the world and experience ‘art in the making’. Nashua has the distinction of being the only city in the U.S. which hosts an annual international sculpture symposium. This collaborative, three-week-long public event celebrates cultural exchange and diversity through creation and sharing. Curiosity and understanding are nurtured via the day-to-day interactions with our visiting artists.

Since 2008, guest artists from around the world have created 52 different sculptures which are permanently installed throughout the city. These large stone or metal outdoor sculptures stand in a variety of public spaces including downtown Nashua, schools, parks, neighborhoods, walking trails, and riverfront paths. They incorporate our motto, “art as everyday living,” enhancing the quality of life for New Hampshire citizens daily, and actively contribute to Nashua’s identity as a vibrant arts community.

Featuring: Music and laughter with the Mill Band, Pastor Chris Green, Ray School teachers Cathy Richardson and Robin Henry, and other friends.

Come enjoy a fun, low-key sing-along with some old classic and not-so-old tunes for all ages. Cookies and lemonade and even some surprise guests guarantee smiles and joy!

Sponsored by The Etna Library and the Church of Etna and Hanover Center. Free and open to the public.

THE MAJESTIC THEATRE YOUTH PRESENTS THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES ON MAY 16 - 18!

Majestic’s Emperor’s New Clothes stars children and teens of The Majestic Academy of Dramatic Arts under the Direction of Becky Rush with assistance by Krystal Timinski.

About the show:

Book by Karen Boettcher-Tate, Music & Lyrics by Bill Francoeur / The kingdom of Glump has been falling apart ever since the pampered emperor became wrapped up in his tasteless wardrobe! Not only is he a big-headed clothes-aholic, his three ’lovely’ daughters are quickly becoming chips off the old blockhead. Enter two con artists, Wart and Hog, who devise their ingenious plan for fleecing the emperor. Naturally, everyone pretends to ’see’ the magic cloth, until the emperor’s serving boy covers him up at the parade, laying bare the facts: the emperor has no clothes on! The serving boy’s honesty is contagious, and the emperor has quite a revelation. He’s been blind to his own selfishness — and nakedness! — until this fateful day. But make way for one more hilarious scene in which his daughters, who haven’t heard the news, appear in their underwear, too! (Tastefully done, we promise!) As the girls angrily chase Wart and Hog offstage, the emperor vows to his people that he will not only keep his underwear under wraps, but he will reform his ways… and his daughters! The naked truth has never been funnier!

Join us for The Emperor’s New Clothes on Friday, May 16 at 7pm, Saturday, May 17 at 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday, May 18 at 2pm. Performances will be held at The Majestic Studio Theatre, 880 Page Street Manchester, NH 03109. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors 65 and above, and $10 for youth 17 and under. Tickets can be purchased by visiting or calling the box office at 603-669-7469, online at www.majestictheatre.net or at the door prior to the performance.

Holderness, NH – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center celebrates the start of the 2025 public trail season on opening day, Thursday, May 1. Regular hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last trail admission at 3:30 p.m.)

For nearly 60 years, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center has been a favorite New England family destination, bringing joy, connection, wonder, and discovery to generations of visitors through live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, guided Squam Lake Cruises and the vibrant charm of Kirkwood Gardens. The Science Center is Certified Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity. The 3/4 mile live animal exhibit trail features coyote, fisher, red fox, bobcat, black bear, mountain lion, river otters, white-tailed deer, various owls and raptors, and more. Plan at least two and a half hours to walk the animal exhibit trail, which meanders through open meadows, mature forests, and marsh boardwalks on a packed gravel path.

Trail rates for 2025 are $28 for adults; $26 for seniors (age 65+); $22 for youth (ages 3-15); free for children 2 and under and Science Center members.
Tickets and information are available at www.nhnature.org

Join Gibson's Bookstore for an afternoon storytime as we welcome two New Hampshire children's authors, Kari Allen (Maddie and Mabel Make a Friend) and Carrie Kruck (Alfred Blooms)! A signing line follows our storytime.

Maddie and Mabel are sisters. Maddie and Mabel are friends. Best friends. Will their "best" be put to the test when a moving truck pulls up next door? A new friend is exciting at first. But soon it starts to feel like there is not enough room in the playing and laughing and secret-telling for more than two friends. Healing differences and growing friendships will take a lot of listening, curiosity, a little humor, and open hearts.

Shy Alfred wants to befriend the girl whose yard is filled with other kids and flowers but he doesn't know how.

This free event includes a traditional a Family Ceilidh, picnic, Morris Dancers, sing-along, Community “Barn Dance” and, of course, a Maypole. The family event is open to all, with donations accepted but no admission charge.

Exploring this year’s theme “In The Making,” our sculptors are:

• Valerie Funk of Germany;
• Danaë LeBlond-Joris of France;
• Yunmi Lee, of South Korea/Italy; and
• Casey Schachner of the U.S.

These artists will gift their finished sculptures to the City of Nashua to become part of its permanent collection following the three-week-long symposium. These new pieces will be celebrated with the public at the Closing ceremony event to be held starting at 1 p.m. on May 31, 2025.

GET INVOLVED!
There are various ways for families, organizations and businesses to get involved in a meaningful way and become part of the legacy of sculpture in Nashua during the Symposium:

• Plan to attend the Picker Artists Studios for the opening and closing ceremonies
• See the artists at work on their sculptures between May 12 – May 28.
• Sign up on our website to bring/provide a meal (lunch or dinner) for the sculptors
• Volunteer with NISS
• Sponsor a sculpture or donate to invest in the cultural, social, and economic value of public art in our city
• Schools and organizations are welcome to partner with NISS during the Symposium

The Nashua International Sculpture Symposium is an annual community event designed to elevate the awareness and appreciation of public art in Nashua. The Symposium allows Nashua residents and visitors to engage directly with guest sculptors from around the world and experience ‘art in the making’. Nashua has the distinction of being the only city in the U.S. which hosts an annual international sculpture symposium. This collaborative, three-week-long public event celebrates cultural exchange and diversity through creation and sharing. Curiosity and understanding are nurtured via the day-to-day interactions with our visiting artists.

Since 2008, guest artists from around the world have created 52 different sculptures which are permanently installed throughout the city. These large stone or metal outdoor sculptures stand in a variety of public spaces including downtown Nashua, schools, parks, neighborhoods, walking trails, and riverfront paths. They incorporate our motto, “art as everyday living,” enhancing the quality of life for New Hampshire citizens daily, and actively contribute to Nashua’s identity as a vibrant arts community.

THE MAJESTIC THEATRE YOUTH PRESENTS THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES ON MAY 16 - 18!

Majestic’s Emperor’s New Clothes stars children and teens of The Majestic Academy of Dramatic Arts under the Direction of Becky Rush with assistance by Krystal Timinski.

About the show:

Book by Karen Boettcher-Tate, Music & Lyrics by Bill Francoeur / The kingdom of Glump has been falling apart ever since the pampered emperor became wrapped up in his tasteless wardrobe! Not only is he a big-headed clothes-aholic, his three ’lovely’ daughters are quickly becoming chips off the old blockhead. Enter two con artists, Wart and Hog, who devise their ingenious plan for fleecing the emperor. Naturally, everyone pretends to ’see’ the magic cloth, until the emperor’s serving boy covers him up at the parade, laying bare the facts: the emperor has no clothes on! The serving boy’s honesty is contagious, and the emperor has quite a revelation. He’s been blind to his own selfishness — and nakedness! — until this fateful day. But make way for one more hilarious scene in which his daughters, who haven’t heard the news, appear in their underwear, too! (Tastefully done, we promise!) As the girls angrily chase Wart and Hog offstage, the emperor vows to his people that he will not only keep his underwear under wraps, but he will reform his ways… and his daughters! The naked truth has never been funnier!

Join us for The Emperor’s New Clothes on Friday, May 16 at 7pm, Saturday, May 17 at 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday, May 18 at 2pm. Performances will be held at The Majestic Studio Theatre, 880 Page Street Manchester, NH 03109. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors 65 and above, and $10 for youth 17 and under. Tickets can be purchased by visiting or calling the box office at 603-669-7469, online at www.majestictheatre.net or at the door prior to the performance.