Grantham on The Forum

Classical music continues

The Hanover Chamber Orchestra has changed its name to Camerata New England. Under the direction of Artistic Director Ronald Leonard, Camerata New England performs as small or large chamber ensembles in order to adapt to a wider variety of venues throughout New England in order to bring outstanding classical music to the Upper Valley and beyond, and to provide exciting educational outreach opportunities for students.

The 2009-2010 concert series starts with "All Bach, All the Time" at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Lebanon Opera House. Tickets are on sale now at http://www.lebanonoperahouse.org. Learn more about Camerata New England at http://www.cameratanewengland.org.

Grantham Dems hold picnic

The Grantham Democratic Committee will hold its annual family picnic and cookout from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Pavilion at the South Cove Activity Center in Eastman. Bring a salad, side dish or dessert to share. Burgers, hotdogs, rolls, condiments and soft drinks will be provided. Ann McLane Kuster, announced candidate for US Congress, will be present. Everyone is welcome. RSVP to granthamdems@gmail.com or 863-5663.

Music and food at Bistro Nouveau

Acoustical guitarist Jason Cann will be in Bistro Nouveau’s Tavern at The Center at Eastman from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4. Cann, who is the lead singer for Wherehouse, has a great following; reservations are suggested.

Perennial Upper Valley favorite Pete Merrigan also brings his music to the Tavern from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 17. Again, reservations are suggested to see this popular musician.

If you’re a foodie, don’t miss the Vegetarian Dining Club on Sept. 17 at Bistro Nouveau. The three-course dinner begins at 6 p.m. and will feature locally-grown products. Cost is $25 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. Beverages are additional. Reservations for the dinner are due to Carol Moses at carolannmoses@comcast.net by Sept. 12. Mention any dietary restrictions when making your reservation.
Bistro Nouveau at The Center at Eastman can be reached at 603-863-8000.

Community potluck tomorrow, Sept. 5

Everyone is welcome to tomorrow's monthly community potluck, which begins at 6 p.m. in the downstairs of the Grantham United Methodist Church. Bring a dish to share.

Hours change for one day

The Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office will be open on Sept. 8 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

Community luncheon

September’s Lunch Bunch community luncheon begins at noon Sept. 8 in the basement of the Grantham United Methodist Church on Route 10. Come at 11:45 for a free blood pressure screening. Donations are accepted and anyone is welcome; you don’t have to live in Grantham.

It’s time for Storytime!

Dunbar Free Library Storytime begins again in mid-September. Infant/Toddler Laptime (children up to 3 years with an adult) meets at 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 16-Dec. 9 (with the exception of Nov. 25). Preschool Storytime (3-5 years with an adult) meets at 10 a.m. Thursdays, Sept. 17-Dec. 10 (with the exception of Nov. 26). For more information, contact the library, 863-2172.

Not for the birds

Mark Suomala, a well known NH birder, will present a program called “Adventures in Birding” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 in the Draper Room at The Center at Eastman. The program is free and open to the public.

Homemade or home grown only

The last Community Market of the season will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Sept. 25 in the Old Town Hall/Church parking lot (inside if raining). There you’ll find pies, canned goods, pizza jewelry, handcrafts, vegetables and more?

If you’d like to set up a table to sell things, there is a $5 vendor fee, and tables are available for an additional $5. There is also a Community Table that also accepts items, with 10 percent of sales going to the Market to pay the sales person and the vendor fee. Items sold will be recorded and money will be given to the vendor. Questions? Call 863-2014.

Chowder galore on Sept. 27

Mark your calendar for the Sept. 27 annual Chowder Challenge in Sunapee Harbor. Between 12 and 3 p.m., taste soups and chowders and vote for your favorite. Cost is $10/person, with children 12 and younger free. Proceeds benefit the Sunapee PTO.

The event, which is co-sponsored by the Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce, includes a raffle, special children’s events, music and more. More information is available at www.chowderchallenge.org.

New Orchestra Organizing in Claremont

An Upper Valley group of orchestral musicians and orchestra supporters has formed a professional orchestra based at the Claremont Opera House. The Connecticut River Symphony Orchestra will draw its musicians from both sides of the river. The ensemble, made up of 65 professional players selected by competitive audition will play under the baton of noted conductor Max Culpepper at weekly rehearsals.

The orchestra plans a series of five concerts during the 2009-2010 season, which will feature thematic and seasonal programming, an engaging narrator, world famous soloists, a Young Person's concert, creative staging and a philosophy of presenting classical music of many genres in an artistic and audience appealing way.

The first concert be at 4 p.m. Oct. 25 in the opera house and will feature the world-acclaimed Norwegian tuba artist Oystein Baadswick. For more information call Harry Critchley, 863-6542

Reminders...

• The town has a food collection box in the town hall foyer. Food donations are brought alternately to The Listen Center and the Newport Food Pantry.

• Selectmen meet at 5 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays each month.

• School board’s next meeting is 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 in the downstairs meeting room at Grantham Town Hall.

• Grantham United Methodist Church Sunday service at 10 a.m. each week.

• Visit www.granthamnh.net for official minutes, meeting dates and more.

• Visit www.sunacom.com for great events throughout the Sunapee Region.

Don’t forget to send your news or events at least two weeks in advance to grantham-news@comcast.net. Let your neighbors know what’s going on.

Grantham on The Forum