City Arts Nashua

This is a photo from the summer Artwalk taken in the John M. Hunt Memorial Library. Several performers played instruments and sang in the front room that day.

The Artwalk in Nashua has grown considerably in the past couple of years which is a profound jump for Arts in Nashua. Artists here are struggling to make an impact. Many people in the area are dedicated to further enable and grow the art scene here; I for one have just become one on the City Arts Nashua (CAN) Advisory Board. CAN is the premier Nashua organization who's purpose is to encourage and promote Art in Nashua.

I will be featured in their Quarterly Newsletter as Photographer, Designer and Guest History Column Contributor. The first newsletter (published by me) is completed: Vol 2 Issue 5 - download it and see what's coming up in Nashua during the holiday season.

I have not written my first Nashua Arts history article or taken any photographs for CAN yet.. I am planning to contribute more than design in the spring issue.

For more information on City Arts Nashua, please visit thier website www.cityartsnashua.org.

Donnalee WINS!

Donnalee Lozeau, seen here with her husband David during her thank you speach, filled the room with her gratitude and gave us all strength and encouragement to work beside her during the next four years of her civic position as the first elected woman Mayor of Nashua! I will walk side by side with her for the next four years making history in this city.

Davidson Endorses Donnalee

In a very low profile announcement yesterday where only a certain few of Davidson's and Lozeau's key Supporters were invited, Donald Davidson arrived at Donnalee Lozeau’s Pearl Street Mayoral Race Headquarters to publicly join her campaign. Donnalee is now officially endorsed by Davidson as his candidate for Mayor.

A short meet and greet was held in front of the office before they headed out of the hot Indian-summer sun and into the A.C. Smiling faces of both Davidson and Lozeau throughout the press conference was evident, you can tell they are mutually happy joining forces.

There were solemn moments when it came time to discuss serious matters affecting the city, but even through the distress, there was an air of enjoyment provided by both of these remarkable Leaders, which is their way to breakthrough and overcome whatever obstacles may stand in their way. Listening to both Donaldson and Lozeau, you get a true feeling for their complete passion and compassion for this city. Donaldson says,

"I want to see this city succeed. I have talked with both Jim and Donnalee.”

and he believes Donnalee is the one who has the skills to get the city where it needs to be. With Davidson on her team, this can be true. Davidson has an impeccable reputation for budget balancing and City Hall employee harmonics. Serving the city for many years, he has a grand scope of familiarity to popular city issues that he can share with Donnalee. Davidson told supporters and press yesterday that he is,

“More than delighted to share (with Donnalee) all of my experiences, and how we did that...so that when she get in there, she has a place to go to get it running in the right direction.”

Donaldson also said,

“The Voters of Nashua deserve to know how I feel about the election.”

He proceeds to then tell the story of Jim Tollner, and how he is a good man. Serving on the board of Alderman for fourteen years says that "(Tollner) does have the city at heart"; but Davidson does not agree with Tollner’s approach to the financial issues that are suffocating the city.

Donaldson admits he does not have his votes to ‘just give’ to Donnalee. He stresses to her that she has to earn them. Donnalee understands this but she really has to continue to shine on and show the voters of this city that she has the guns and she is ready to unload!

Donaldson is ready to mentor Lozeau before the city even goes to the voting booths on November 6th. He says,

“It’s not easy to do, you’ve got to make some hard decisions right upfront and you’ve got to put some things into place that will cause the end result to be what you want. Having done it, it’s not that hard…I’m confident she can do it.”

The only thing that is left is getting her supporters to the polls.

 

$1.7 Million Grant for Nashua’s School District

September 19, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hodes announced today that the Nashua School District has been awarded a $1.7 million federal grant. The money will be used to fund the district’s Smaller Learning Communities Program. Congressman Hodes contacted the U.S. Department of Education in July to support the grant application the school district had submitted.

“It’s kind of taken us by surprise,” said Superintendent Chris Hottel. “We’re really excited for our students, since this was written on behalf of both Nashua North and Nashua South.”

Smaller Learning Communities Program has improved Nashua’s graduation rate by 33%

The Smaller Learning Communities Program organizes students at large high schools into smaller, comprehensive academic teams. These academies have been proven to increase graduation rates by a remarkable 33% in Nashua since 1999. The funding will be used to set up smaller learning environments, increase enrollment in AP courses, and institute career and college placement workshops. Both Nashua North and Nashua South are architecturally designed to accommodate small learning communities.

“We really appreciate the help we’ve been getting from Congressman Hodes,” Superintendent Hottel said. “I was at the Nashua Adult Learning Center a few weeks ago when he announced the grant he had secured for them- so this is the second time Congressman Hodes has helped the city of Nashua and our education system. He was instrumental in getting this grant, which is one of our biggest ever.”

“I am proud to have been part of the team that got this done,” Congressman Hodes said. “I’m excited for our students and for what the Smaller Learning Communities Program has been proven to deliver. Every New Hampshire child has the right to a solid education, and this grant is a step towards keeping that promise.”

-www.hodes.house.gov

Three Leaders in Nashua Mayoral Race

Voters gave Donnalee Lozeau 29% of their votes, finishing her second only to James Tollner with 35%. Donald Davidson came in a strong third at 21%. What does that mean for this city? Ultimately, it means that 36% of Nashua Voters need some real convincing.

Lozeau and Tollner are going to have to work really hard to get those remaining votes on their side. The issues, which swayed Nashua Voters towards the other candidates are primary pieces of real estate now up-for-sale. Both candidates have to take a hard look at their new and old opposition to see what the voters want, and then lead them to the voting booth to actually win. Clearly, Donald Davidson was a successful Mayor of our city – twice… and is still a wide receiver of votes. Either Lozeau or Tollner is going to have to step onto his field -- and play ball. To win this city, one of them must not only get the ball he was carrying, but also rush their own campaign for the winning touchdown.

Davidson showed us that he has the guts to shut the money-hungry Pennichuck takeover down. His supporters also looked to him to fix the budget; his record of accomplishment clearly shows his prowess in that department. Davidson’s strong opposition to the pending tollbooths and his smart and perceptive government leadership abilities all call out to voters the success of his abilities. However, some consider him an old-timer, which may be why he did not win this primary. We had inclement weather, which may have harbored some of his older supporters from making it to the polls, while other voters are willing to sacrifice his abilities for younger blood.

One thing is for certain, Nashua will not be happy with a close battle. History has shown us repeatedly how our city divides itself. The most disturbing was the dissension of the Nashua northern citizens who after a monumental town-wide argument formed their own town in 1842 and called it Nashville. They remained separated for eleven years before finally rejoining their original kinship. Most recently, we have seen the last four years with Bernie Streeter has been no walk in the park for this city either… One candidate must really take the lead for this city; otherwise, the remaining cast of citizens will make the next four years of Nashua politics a stalemate -- and we all know what that means for progress in Nashua.

We need some stronger voices. None of the members of this mayoral race has given the gas to push the voters in this city. Elections are full of controversy; there is a constant inundation of information provided by the candidates. They are making news, they are stuffed in your mailbox, and they are kissing babies. You drive down the streets and see friends, family, and supporters all holding, singing and swinging signs. You just cannot turn around without someone saying something about someone during election time… Right now, I am hard-pressed to know that there is even an election going on.

So step it up Mayoral candidates! Ms. Lozeau and Mr. Tollner, Find your platform, Shout it out loud, and Make us want to vote!

Local Authors at the Nashua Library

PRESS RELEASE:
Location: NPL Image Gallery
Thursday, September 6, 2007
7:00 PM

About twenty local authors (including Robin Ann Peters) will be appearing at the Nashua Public Library for a meet-the-author night. The writers will be on hand in the library's Image Gallery offering book signings, sales, free raffles, and refreshments. You'll also be able to talk to them individually about their books and how they came to be published.


Thank you to Dick Crow for the Nashua History Photo

Kathy MacKay was on hand last night. Her book will blow you away. The hemophilia tragedy she has written about has repeatedly been swept under the carpet. ‘Dying In Vein’ is a great awakening for those who have never heard of the Hemophilia AIDS/Hepatitis travesty and a great condolence for those healing and living in the wake of its effects.

Her book's Webpage is

http://kathymackayphoto.com/book.php


Links for Hemophilia

And here is a link I found on YouTube : YouTube : Tainted Drug

Scary Stuff.

An Artist's Guide to Marketing on the World-Wide-Web

I have written an in-depth article about the workshop I attended last night. Definitely worth reading!


Download PDF

Workshop:
City Arts Nashua Business Series for the Arts 2
Nashua Public Library Theater (bottom floor)
Thursday August 30, 2007 6:30 PM

This session introduces simple ways to use the Internet for exposure and information sharing. Sid Ceaser, CAN’s executive director, will explain the use of blogs and social networking tools such as MySpace and YouTube. The City Arts Nashua website will be used for easy demonstrations on how to put up shows, events or class listings, how to ticket events, and how to establish links to other websites.

This workshop can benefit any artist and is open to visual artists, musicians, theater arts, writers, as well as all related arts business within the greater Nashua area.

Series #2 Attending (partial list) :
Sid Ceasar - Ceasar Fine Art Photography & CAN Executive Director
Liz Racioppi - Development Director for Stray Communications & CAN President
Chris Kuntz - New England Voices In Harmony
Loretta CR Hubley - North End Studio for Fine Art
Paul Metzger - Director/Producer ActorSingers
Alanna Vancor - Publicity ActorSingers
Jeremy Sandler - Publicity ActorSingers
Kathleen Frank - Renaissance Glassworks, Inc.
Keith Spiro - Keith Spiro Photography
Nancy Ferrier - Chimera Gallery
Robin Ann Peters – Worldwide Photojournalist

Nashua Green Team - Building and Living Green Seminar

Clean Energy - It's time to fall in Love

Meeting from 8/28/07: How to go "off the grid". Listen to how two homeowners run homes that are completely energy independent. Come learn how they did it, what it means, and how you might be able to be your own energy producer…and if you’re just thinking about a solar panel or two for your home, come learn about the economics of going green.

Attended City Arts Nashua Business Seminar

From the first of three (for more information), I attended last night's City Arts Nashua (CAN) Seminar from 6:30-8:30 featuring how to be 'optimizing publicity through news publications.'

Wonderfully orchestrated, the information presented by Jen O'Callahan, Editor of the Nashua Telegraph's weekly Encore, and Nashua Hippo Arts Reporter Heidi Masek coupled with the forum created by the attendees made yesterday's evening whish away ever so quickly with entertaining information and motivating strategies.

I believe all the artists who attended walked out better equipped to promote themself and future events... I know I did!

Article in the Nashua Hippo

John Andrews wrote a nice article about me and the 'Nashua' book (last year -- sorry it took so long to post this!) The text from the article is below if the hippo link is down.. enjoy!

Pictures of you
Visual history of city published
By John "jaQ" Andrews jandrews@hippopress.com

Photographer, writer, Gate City Fencing marketeer and one-time musician Robin Ann Peters recently released Nashua: Then & Now from Arcadia Publishing. It shows images of the city from early cameras and Peters’ own photographs in the 21st century. She signed copies at the Taste of Downtown Nashua June 7 and will also appear at the June 17 Art Walk, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Nashua Historical Society, 5 Abbott St., and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Hunt Memorial Building, 6 Main St.

I did notice a lot of the pictures, it looked intentional, were taken from the same angles to kind of get the same image of the building, but you could very easily see what had changed around it.
That right there was key in creating the pictures. Going from, I’d say, there’s probably 85 to 90 percent are exact, or as exactly precise as I could be with the lens ... And then there were other considerations ... stuff that made me move. Like, now there’s a huge obstruction. Okay, I’m sorry, but you really don’t want a picture of this giant tree. I know it’s the same spot, you can see the building behind it, but I’m not publishing a tree.

There’s a very, very, very intentional, in the Streets section, progression from City Hall to Railroad Square. So when you read the book, when you turn the page, you’re walking down the street.

The Then & Now series, that’s a series from Arcadia, right? Did you pitch the Nashua idea to them?
No, this is crazy. I wrote www.nashuahistory.com. That was 2002. I got an e-mail, and this e-mail was from one of the girls in the publishing office in Portsmouth. She sent it to, like, info@nashuahistory.com, saying, “Is there anyone in your organization that would be interested in writing this book for us?”

Your organization?
My organization of one. Right? Am I going crazy now? First of all, not to be too modest or anything, but the Nashua History site is pretty big. And it looks like probably a lot of people worked on it, and to be honest, I do have a lot of people out there that help me create it, but nobody did it. I did it.

There’s one [photo] on page 60 where the then and now pictures, the cars are in almost the same position.
I have two like that. That one and the Hunt Building ... yeah, it’s [page] 34. If you look in the background, it’s identical.

How long did you have to compile the whole book?
Initially, it was a shorter amount of time, but because of the crash of a computer, I got an extension. It was supposed to be July [2005], I think, because I wanted to have it out for the Holiday Stroll. Well, it turned out, I passed it in December of 2005, so it’s come out now.

How did you gather all the old photographs?
My first stop was the [Nashua] Historical Society, because I really thought that that would be the best place to go. I thought they’d have the most. I heard about the library, and I wanted to go to the library, but I just said, I’ll start at the Historical Society. Maybe I won’t have to go anywhere else. I had several meetings with them, and everybody was wonderful ... I had criteria, I actually went in there with goals.

You didn’t just go in and say, “Show me what you got”?
Right, it wasn’t like that. Although it did turn into that ... at the very end, I was a little frantic, because I had lost a whole chapter. I couldn’t publish it because it didn’t fit in with the context of the book. It was all about people, and it didn’t make sense — then people and now people?

But I’m not satisfied, because they don’t have everything that I want. And I’m like, I’m in big trouble. I’m in huge trouble! This is not good. I was freaking out ...

[Years ago,] Frank Mooney, we put up a fence at his house, and my cousin came back to Gate City Fence with an envelope. He says, “The guy whose job I was just working on, he told me to give this to you. He asked, ‘Your cousin is the history girl, right?’” So I open it up, I’m not kidding, this [Nashua Gazette newspaper] is from 1834. I’m holding a piece of gold right now ... He had put his card in it too. Nashua Collectibles, always collecting, distributing, whatever. I just hung onto it, because I’m solely doing the Web site at that point. I get this book offer, I go to the Historical Society, I get my pictures from them ... I said, “You know what? I’m gonna get that guy’s number. I’m calling that guy” ... it was like a gold mine! That was it! I said, “Okay, I don’t need anything else! This guy has everything. I could write five, six, seven books just right here.”

So that was step two on the photography, collect pictures. And I was doing really good, but then I got told, I actually submitted, and they said you have to get rid of that whole chapter because it just doesn’t work.

The people one?
Yeah ... so then I said, “You know what? I’m gonna go to the library. I know they have pictures there, I just have to find out where they are.”

Do you keep taking pictures of the city?
Oh yeah, yeah. Lately, I’ve kind of cooled down, because, oh my gosh, I have a lot of archives already. So right now I’m doing events, because that’s fun.