With the year drawing to a close, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your support of Seacoast Eat Local. It was an honor to be included as a beneficiary of Quest to Reinvest’s inauguration, and we appreciate all that you’re doing for the larger community.

Through Quest to Reinvest, the Heirloom Harvest Barn Dinner was able to continue its success and raise over $3,000, money that will go towards strengthening our local food community through education and outreach such as this event. Photographs of this special event may be found through this post :
http://seacoasteatlocal.org/2011/09/2011-heirloom-harvest-barn-dinner—a-gathering-of-community/

Also, here’s a link about coverage of the event by NH Chronicle:

http://seacoasteatlocal.org/2011/10/heirloom-harvest-barn-dinner-on-nh-chronicle/ 

Special thanks to Nicole, who with considerable grace and patience, steered us through the planning stages. It was a pleasure working with Exeter Events

and wish you all the best with next year’s Quest!

Sincerely,
Debra Kam
Seacoast Eat Local
www.seacoasteatlocal.org

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Schedule of the Day

Registration – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Barkin’ Market – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dog Walk – 1 p.m.
Canine Capers – 2:30 p.m.

When the Cocheco Valley Humane Society called me Tuesday it was my pleasure to help in any way possible.

There order was a little bit last minute. They hadn’t booked their event that was happening in just 5 days.  I happily created room on the schedule to setup their tents Thursday.    We substituted larger tents at no additional cost.  Then we provided them with a Quest to Reinvest grant.

It is an honor to work with such a fine organization as the Cocheco Valley Human Society who have the same strong core values that we embrace at Quest to Reinvest.

This year, CVHS will hold its annual dog walk on the wonderful fields, forests and orchards of DeMeritt Hill Farm in Lee. Along with the dog walk, there will be a craft fair, a doggie costume contest, and autumn activities. DeMeritt Hill boasts many trails, a children’s area, farm animals, and a store. There will be plenty to do and see!

The grounds of DeMeritt Hill Farm are not only ideal for walking – they’re great for scaring! CVHS is pleased to offer a family friendly preview of this year’s version of the popular Haunted Overload Day Haunt. The scare is now located on the farm and ten percent of the proceeds from this NH Halloween show will be donated to CVHS.

Register now on FirstGiving for this unique, fun-filled family event and help us reach our fundraising goal of $50,000 for the animals! Click here to download a paper registration.

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27th Annual Harvestfest & Kidsfest

October 15 & 16, 2011, 10am-8pm (Sat) & 10am-4pm (Sun)

Location: York Beach, Maine

This festival includes a variety of activities, live bands, an ox roast, bean hole beans and a mix of approximately 200 vendors: including Food Vendors, Juried Crafters, Marketplace Vendors, Go Green Expo Exhibitors and local Non-Profit Organizations. Harvestfest also includes a corn toss challenge, a POW-WOW, hayrides & much more. Kidsfest will take place both days during Harvestfest and will include kids games, crafts, special entertainment and Pumpkin Stroll on Saturday night.

Updates:

We have secured the very popular Don Campbell Band for the Saturday of Harvestfest at the beach!

General Schedule of Events at Harvestfest 2011

Saturday, October 15, 2011

10:00am – 4:00pm

Juried Craft Fair – Ballfield

Food Vendors – Ballfield

Kidsfest – back corner of Ballfield

Marketplace – Opposite Fire Station

Esplanade/Non-Profits – Opposite Fire Station

Go Green Business Expo – Opposite Fire Station

Face Painting by Hospice of York – Ballfield

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides – Entrance to Ballfield

Roaming Railroad – front of Fire Station

10:00am – 1:00pm

Ox-roast & Baked Beans – Ballfield

10:00am – 12:00pm

Pony Rides – Ballfield (Kidsfest corner)

1:00pm – 4:00pm

Pumpkin Carving – bring your own pumpkin to Daily Grind Cafe

2:00pm – 4:00pm

Pony Rides – Ballfield (Kidsfest corner)

5:30pm – 7:30pm

Pumpkin Stroll

Sunday, October 16, 2011

10:00am – 4:00pm

Juried Craft Fair – Ballfield

Food Vendors – Ballfield

Kidsfest – back corner of Ballfield

Marketplace – Opposite Fire Station

Esplanade/Non-Profits – Opposite Fire Station

Go Green Business Expo – Opposite Fire Station

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides – Entrance to Ballfield

Roaming Railroad – front of Fire Station

11:00am – 4:00pm

Native American POW-WOW

10:00am – 12:00pm

Pony Rides – Ballfield (Kidsfest corner)

2:00pm – 4:00pm

Pony Rides – Ballfield (Kidsfest corner)

3:45pm

Reap the Harvest Raffle – prize drawings

Schedule subject to change without notice.Click here to see the event layout map.

Directions:

From the South on I-95: Take I-95 North to Exit 7 (York exit). Bear right onto Spur Road. Go left at stoplight onto Route 1 North. Turn right at Yorks Wild Animal Kingdom. Follow the road down to the parking lot.

From the South on Route 1: Follow Route 1 North to York. Turn right at Yorks Wild Animal Kingdom. Follow the road down to the parking lot.

From the North on I-95: Take I-95 South to Exit 7 (York exit). Bear left onto Spur Road. Go left at stoplight onto Route 1 North. Turn right at Yorks Wild Animal Kingdom. Follow the road down to the parking lot.

From the North on Route 1: Follow Route 1 South to York. Pass the 1A intersection in Cape Neddick. Take left at Yorks Wild Animal Kingdom. Follow the road down to the parking lot.

Handicap Parking at the Winebaum Center Parking Lot. See layout map here.

The parking meters are free at Harvestfest. Locals who would prefer to park at Ellis Park and any other town metered parking may do so! There may also be private parking lots available for a fee around the downtown of Short Sands.Dogs are NOT permitted at Harvestfest (except service dogs).

We discourage the use of baby strollers in the Food Tent on Saturday for safety reasons.

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A  W E E K E N D  O F DISCOVERY, OBSERVATION, & FUN! OCTOBER 14 AND 15, 2011

Univeristy Of New Hampshire

Hundreds of telescopes, Billions of starts! View them through telescopes available courtesy of astronomers from all over New England.

Free Admission (Donations Welcome)

Friday, October 14 Beginning at 6 p.m.

•  Astronomy talks
• Night sky observations all night long
• Light concessions available for purchase through 10 p.m.

Saturday, October 15 Beginning at 10 a.m.

• Astronomy for Kids – check our website for times and details
• Safe solar viewing
• Telescope clinic/demonstrations
• Astronomy Talks
• Night sky observation all night long
• Lunch and dinner available for purchase, light concessions until 10 p.m.

The October sky promises a fabulous family weekend of astronomical proportions.

• Meet an astronaut
• Telescope Clinic
• Hands-on activities for children and adults
• Astronomy talks for all ages
• See the stars up close at the UNH Observatory
• Safe solar gazing
• Ask an astronomer!

All activities take place at:
UNH Observatory, Spinney Lane, UNH,
Durham, N.H. (on the west end of campus)
Hours:
Friday, October 14, beginning at 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 15, beginning at 10 a.m.
Hosted by the UNH Physics Department and
staffed, organized, and driven by members

Learn more:
http://physics.unh.edu/observatory/NEFAF
Visit the website for parking and accessibility
questions, weather updates, and a complete
listing of participating organizations.
of the New England astronomical community.

• Enjoy food and refreshment

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Here’s a little background info about the mission, at the University of New Hampshire Observatory, which is run by the Physics department. There is no way for me to make an apples to apples comparison between what you are trying to do and what we are trying to do, but one common element is giving back, or providing an important service without expecting payment.

The UNH Observatory has been managed by students for over 27 years. It has been that way since I have been involved with it since the original observatory was erected in Boulder Field in late 1985. I can remember building it while I was going to school nights at UNH! The student manager, usually a grad student, recruits a staff and works to train the staff of students and other volunteers. Each and every month we hold two public observing sessions where we open the observatory and encourage the public, including UNH and area students of all ages to attend. It is free. And only the Manager of the observatory is paid and there is strict limit as to how many hours that can put in for. It never covers the number of hours they actually work, but it is a good lesson for them. The manager and staff are responsible for all aspects of the observatory, maintenance, scheduling, cleaning. Everything. Last year we provided astronomy outreach either to church groups, school groups, scouting groups, etc to over 700 people. This year we will top that number! Over the last few years, the managers have worked hard with the staff to make it “cool” for college students to spend at least part of their Saturday nights at the observatory! Our public sessions are held from 8 – 10 PM on the first and third Saturdays of every month–even in January when it is quite cold. The kids learn a lot about people, astronomy and what it takes to successfully operate an observatory. In addition, we are frequently called upon to travel to local schools and other locations to present and share our knowledge with others. I’ve even gone to peoples’ houses to assist them with the telescope that may have been sitting in the attic for 20 years! Of course that is all free. The important point I would like to make is that in a free society, it is of the utmost importance for every one of its citizens to be at least a little bit scientists. We certainly don’t need everyone to be astronomers, but I think you’ll agree that most people do not know too much about how things work in our world. And, that is very dangerous. We believe that if someone tells you that the world is going to end in 2012, you need to be at least smart enough to pull out your bologna detection kit, and start asking them some questions. Knowing which questions to ask is very important. The good news is that learning which questions to ask and recognizing the correct answers is not difficult. It just takes a little time and for someone to take the time to work with you and help you to learn that stuff by yourself and to be there if you have any questions. And, you would not believe some of the questions we are asked during our public and private sessions with school groups! That is our mission, Michael. And, that’s what the New England Fall Astronomy Festival is all about. It is our first attempt at trying something so big. I am sorry to say that we picked a terrible year to start it. But, that’s my fault. I don’t think we can let economics deter us from our duty to inspire and instruct. So, we’ve had a tough time raising funds. We are not looking for your company to give us a free tent. Although we would gladly accept it if it was offered to us, we are just seeking a discount for us to help make our cost covering goal. John S. Gianforte

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Fallfest was a huge success!

Five Rivers Conservation Trust and friends celebrated more than 20 years conserving special open space lands in New Hampshire’s Capital Region! 

The $50 donation to their great cause will earned you:

* an unforgettable evening with a gorgeous view from Dimond Hill Farm, a property we preserved. 

* an all-local gourmet dinner 

* beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages

* bluegrass music and dancing with the GrassDawgs

* silent and live auctions featuring fantastic NH goods and services

* the best views in town!

* and, of course, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve done your part to keep this part of New Hampshire so beautiful and special

Heirloom Harvest Barn Dinner in Stratham

The Heirloom Harvest Project, in collaboration with Seacoast Eat Local and Slow Food Seacoast, has announced its third annual Heirloom Harvest Barn Dinner. It will be held (rain or shine) on Sunday, Sept. 18, at Meadow’s Mirth / Berry Hill Farm in Stratham.

Beverages and passed hors d’oeuvres will be served from 4–5 p.m. and white tablecloth dinner in the barn will begin promptly at 5 p.m. The cost is $110 per person.

This year, the five-course meal will highlight not only local heirloom vegetables, but also heritage breed animals, all raised by local farmers and growers. The grand historic barn at Berry Hill and Meadow’s Mirth Farms in Stratham will again host this event.

Its goal is to raise funds for local food-based community organizations while generating awareness of sustainable food and farming, agricultural biodiversity, and the community’s extraordinary collaboration of farmers and chefs. Ten of the area’s most celebrated chefs will collaborate on a menu that will be served by a volunteer crew of community members.

Led by Chef Evan Mallett of the Black Trumpet Bistro, ten chefs will prepare elegant dishes highlighting heirloom vegetables grown by local farmers. Locally produced beverages and live music from Mary Dellea will emanate from the hayloft. Organizers say the Heirloom Harvest Barn Dinner is always a night to remember. Farmers, chefs and community volunteers will be in attendance and honored at the event.

In addition, Slow Food Seacoast will be distributing free heirloom seeds of the produce featured at the dinner, as well as teaching about how to save your own seeds in the future. Knowing that genetic diversity begins with open pollinated heirloom plants and rare breeds livestock, this dinner highlights the Slow Food philosophy which suggests that if you value the preservation of these historically significant varieties, “…the best thing you can do is eat them!”

Chef Mallett says that, in 2009, he was “not alone in being a chef who had a vision to host a dinner in a barn, but my desire to do something like this didn’t have a cause linked to it.” That was until Evan participated in Slow Food’s Ark of Taste–a celebration of heritage and heirloom varieties that are considered to be at risk or endangered. Now inspired by the plight of heirloom vegetables, Mallett has become engaged with organizations that are striving to preserve and protect this tradition.

Josh and Jean Jennings of Meadow’s Mirth were extremely receptive to having the event held at their barn. The final piece of finding chefs who also supported the cause easily fell into place. “The deep-rooted collaboration of chefs and farmers will sustain this idea well into the future,” says Mallett. In recent months, this event has led to the development of the Heirloom Harvest Project, a network that will continue to build these connections between farmers, chefs and community year-round.

The event would not be possible without the support of many businesses from the community, including Dole & Bailey, Exeter Events and Tents, Farnum Hill Cider, General Linens, Maine Shellfish Co., M.S. Walker, Salmon Falls Winery, Smuttynose Brewery, Throwback Brewery, and Vermont Butter & Cheese.

Tickets for this event have sold out in record time this year, and participating organizations are grateful for the community’s overwhelming response. If interested in supporting the Heirloom Harvest Barn Dinner as a volunteer, please contact Briana Cribeyer, event coordinator, at briana.cribeyer@gmail.com.

For more information: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heirloom-Harvest-Project/150781324991804

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Timberland’s Serv-a-palooza turns 13

Hundreds volunteer to spruce up 12 local sites

By Jennifer Feals

jfeals@seacoastonline.com

PORTSMOUTH — More than 700 Timberland employees and volunteers will lend their hands Thursday throughout the Seacoast as part of the company’s Serv-a-palooza.

Twelve local service projects will be part of the 13th annual event at area camps, parks, social service organizations and environmental agencies.

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Revitalizing local communities is the focus of the day, and the projects will address a number of community needs including community greening and environmental awareness, education and youth recreation.

“It’s the feeling of helping other people and the rewards from their faces at the end of the day,” said Donna Goodwin, a Timberland employee who has participated in Serv-a-palooza from the beginning.

Goodwin also works nights at Betty’s Dream in Portsmouth, which will undergo some changes Thursday, thanks to the volunteers. Betty’s Dream provides fully accessible housing for low-income and physically handicapped young adults capable of living in a non-medical environment.

Light posts knocked down by winter weather will be replaced, an outdoor path will be created, a wheelchair-accessible picnic table will be built and landscaping and painting will be refreshed.

“Their grounds will be beautified when they go out,” Goodwin said. “It makes it much easier for them to live in their world.”

The locations of the 12 service projects are as follows: Betty’s Dream in Portsmouth, Exeter Junior League Baseball in Exeter, Kingston Children’s Center in Kingston, Rochester Child Care Center in Rochester, Seacoast Cal Ripken Youth Baseball in Hampton Falls, The James House Association in Hampton, Stratham Recreation Commission in Stratham, Seacoast Youth Services in Seabrook, Portsmouth Girls Softball Association in Portsmouth, Exeter Main Street School in Exeter, East Kingston Recreation Department in East Kingston and Seacoast Hospice in Stratham.

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WOW, what great race on Labor Day!  Congratulations to all who conquered the 15th annual St. Charles Home 5K! As another “Quest to Re-invest” winner we were proud to help out by supplying our tables, chairs, staging or whatever was needed to help the event go smoothly and worry free. The event kicked of at 9 AM at Martins’ Point Healthcare in Pease International Tradeport

The had may things to see and do here are just a few of them;

• Professional timing by Granite State Services using the new ChronoTrack disposable timing devices.
• Free Children’s Fun Run and activities after the race
• T-shirts to first 1000 runners, then we will keep passing them out until they are gone
• Special custom made keychain “PR” awards for anyone who runs their personal best
• Huge raffle with generous prizes for both adults and children
• Grilled hamburgers & hotdogs, pizza, baked goodies, fruit, bagels & more!

About the course

The race is a flat, fast course and cash awards were given for the fast runners. At the same time it welcomed children, beginners and walkers. What an encouraging opportunity to support the St. Charles Children’s Home and encounter a great race experience no matter what level of runner. We have included the top ten finishers in Men’s and Woman’s is there someone you know?

See everyone at The next “Quest to Re-invest” event Wednesdays “

http://runningnuns.com/labor-day-race/race-photos/

Top Ten Males & Females

                              TOP TEN RESULTS

                15TH ANNUAL ST. CHARLES CHILDREN’S HOME 5K

Sept. 5, 2011   5 Kilometers (USATF Certified #NH08011RF)     Portsmouth, NH

Timing By: Granite State Race Services www.gsrs.com (See our Event Calendar)

Results Questions: Steve@gsrs.com

================================================================================

             ************************************************************

                                 TOP TEN MEN OVERALL

             ************************************************************

Place Div Div   Nettime Pace  Guntime  Name                     Age Sex Race# City/state             

===== === ===== ======= ===== =======  ======================== === === ===== =======================

    1   1 M3135   15:35  5:01   15:35  Daniel Hocking            31 M       8 Dover NH               

    2   1 M4145   15:50  5:06   15:50  Joseph Koech              42 M     479 Chelmsford MA          

    3   2 M3135   16:00  5:09   16:00  Benjamin Ndaya            35 M     494 Chelmsford MA          

    4   3 M3135   16:15  5:14   16:15  Nathan Huppe              31 M     181 Dover NH               

    5   1 M1620   16:36  5:21   16:36  Jonathan Vinnenberg       17 M     266 Bow NH                 

    6   4 M3135   16:48  5:25   16:48  Jason Bigonia             34 M     372 Newcastle ME           

    7   1 M3640   16:52  5:26   16:54  Tim Cox                   38 M     197 Northwood NH           

    8   2 M4145   17:08  5:31   17:09  Jeff Kelly                43 M    1461 Byfield MA             

    9   1 M1215   17:28  5:38   17:28* Cameron Barth             14 M    1147 Lee NH                 

   10   3 M4145   17:36  5:40   17:36  Kevin Bosma               42 M    1305 Rye Beach NH           

Record 14:58 by Mark Miller in 2009

* Under USATF Age-Group guideline

             ************************************************************

                                 TOP TEN WOMEN OVERALL

             ************************************************************

Place Div Div   Nettime Pace  Guntime  Name                     Age Sex Race# City/state             

===== === ===== ======= ===== =======  ======================== === === ===== =======================

    1   1 F2630   17:37  5:41   17:37  Lesley Hocking            30 F       9 Dover NH               

New record.  Old record 17:57               by Lesley Hocking in 2010

    2   1 F3135   18:55  6:06   18:56  Nicole Toye               34 F      34 Durham NH              

    3   1 F5155   20:15  6:31   20:16* Cathy Merra               52 F    1199 Amherst NH             

    4   1 F4650   20:53  6:44   20:55  Liz Mooney-Arcieri        49 F     299 Newmarket NH           

    5   2 F3135   21:13  6:50   21:16  Amanda McMeniman          34 F    1134 Hampstead NH           

    6   3 F3135   21:23  6:53   21:26  Sarah Hill                33 F     196 Northwood NH           

    7   1 F2125   21:28  6:55   21:34  Elizabeth Morrissey       23 F    1113 Portsmouth NH          

    8   2 F2630   21:34  6:57   21:38  Steohanie Brewer          30 F     486 Portsmouth NH          

    9   2 F4650   21:48  7:01   21:50  Janice Platt              46 F    1266 Amherst NH             

   10   1 F0811   21:58  7:05   21:58* Violet Sullivan           10 F     282 Exeter NH               

* Under USATF Age-Group guideline

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Starting in 2009, Big Brothers Big Sisters reformatted its annual gala at the Wentworth Hotel to a series of “soirees” at private residences around the Seacoast. In 2010, Big Brothers Big Sisters hosted three Little Soirees on differing nights in New Castle, Newington and then Rye. Each soiree celebrates the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters with a custom theme while guests enjoy cocktails, fine food, live music and auctions. Exeter Events and Tents continue its “Quest to Re-invest” mission by gifting the use of tents for each of these three events. These events are open to the public giving our readers a chance to attend these great Themed events while helping the Seacoast chapter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters fulfill their mission. Depending on the event there are live bands tasty for supplied by local restaurants or caterers and just an overall great opportunity to meet like minded people in the local community. All monies raise go directly to the local chapter to help mentor a deserving child. You can follow the supplied links to register for the event theme of your choice. We will be attending all three.

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