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!

Contact Me Email Address Update

In the neverending battle against spam... I have combed through all the pages at Nashua History (.com/.org/.net/.info) and replaced all the contact me/contact us names with one (well actually two) addresses. I hope to receive emails and information on only one address and furthermore will be implementing a mandetory whitelist.

To contact Nashua History please use the address listed on my Nashua History Contact Page.

Upon receiving your email, a message will be sent to you where you must click a link to verify you are a real person; your email will then be forwarded to me! I hope you don't mind the added step - I think it will benefit us all in the long run.

Thank you and "May all your memories be historical."

Sincerely, Robin Ann