ENTERTAINMENT

Eclipse viewing party, Earth Fest 2024 and more: Community events April 8-14

Portsmouth Herald

Eclipse Viewing Party at Dover Library

DOVER — Come to the Dover Public Library to share the wonder of the solar eclipse with a viewing party on Monday, April 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. on the library’s front lawn. The all-ages event will feature activities and refreshments. Since Dover’s view is not of a total eclipse, glasses must be worn the entire time when viewing the sun. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit the library’s website at library.dover.nh.gov or call 603-516-6050.

Millions of people in the U.S. traveled many miles see a total eclipse in August 2017. Here, the SDO spacecraft captures an image of a partial eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017.

Seabreeze Quilt Guild to meet April 9

EXETER — Seabreeze Quilt Guild will meet on Tuesday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Exeter Senior Center, Court Street, Exeter. Nationally known quilt maker and author Amy Friend will present a trunk show and lecture on “Intentional Piecing: Using Fussy Cutting in Quilt Design.” Doors will open at 6 p.m. Those who participated in the challenge quilt can bring their entry to be voted on by those attending the meeting. Non-members are asked to contribute $5.

Portsmouth Democratic Roundtable

PORTSMOUTH — The next Portsmouth Democratic Roundtable will be on April 9, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Call or contact Peter Somssich for the location. The Roundtable is an opportunity to socialize with Democrats and other friends without any agenda or rigid structure.  For information or questions, contact Peter Somssich at 603-436-5382 (no texts) or peter.somssich@gmail.com

Forest Bathing 101

DOVER — Have you ever heard about "forest bathing" and wondered what it means? Find out at the Dover Library at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10. Forest bathing reconnects people with nature and claims to have many benefits, such as reducing your stress levels, strengthening your immune system, boosting your energy, and even helping you lose weight. Sign-up is needed to view virtually.

Beat the Librarians Trivia Night

DOVER — Do you think you have what it takes to defeat the Dover Public Library staff at trivia? Test your knowledge at Garrison City Beerworks (located at 455 Central Ave., Dover) at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, in honor of National Library Week. Join in for general knowledge trivia, food, drinks, and fun. All are welcome.

Author Henry Grabar to talk 'Paved Paradise'

KITTERY, Maine — Join the Rice Public Library on Thursday, April 11, at 6 p.m., to welcome Slate magazine writer and author Henry Grabar to discuss his 2023 book "Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World." The interactive and engaging book discussion will be followed by a Q&A.  Reserve your seat for this free event at www.rice.lib.me.us or www.kitteryme.gov/reads.

Learn how to minimize food waste

DOVER — Sarah Robertson-Barnes, founder of Sustainable in the Suburbs blog, will speak at the Dover Library at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 11. She will discuss how to minimize or eliminate food wastage in your family, especially with kids. All ages are welcome. Sign up on the library’s website for a link to the live stream.

Blueberry Pancake Breakfast

ROCHESTER — The First Church Congregational, at 63 South Main St., will host a Blueberry Pancake Breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m., Saturday, April 13. Join them for blueberry pancakes (or plain), scrambled (real) eggs, bacon or ham, juice and beverages. The cost is $8 for adults, $5 for children aged 5-10, and under 5 eat for free. 

Earth Fest 2024 at Dover Library

DOVER — The Dover Public Library will host Earth Fest on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature several local community groups working to make our world a better place to live. There will be hands-on activities and merchandise for sale. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit the library’s website at library.dover.nh.gov or call 603-516-6050.

Pollinator Pathways NH presentation

GREENLAND — The Greenland Conservation Commission and the GFWC Greenland Women’s Club will host a free presentation by Pollinator Pathways NH from 10 a.m. to noon on April 13 at the Weeks Public Library, 36 Post Road in Greenland. The presentation is open to all. Attendees are asked to park at the Greenland Central School.

Sustainability Fair in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth Public Library and more than 30 other local organizations will present the second annual Sustainability Fair on Sunday, April 14. The event will be held from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Connie Bean Center, 155 Parrott Avenue. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit portsnh.co/sustainfair24.