EPPING--It’s the stuff that dreams are made of…the lovely story of Cinderella, playing October 28-Nov. 16, at the new beautiful Leddy Center on Ladd’s Lane in Epping. This musical telling of the classic fairytale was created by Rodgers and Hammerstein for television in 1957. Little did they know that it would transfer from the small screen to the stage and become such a wonderfully magical and popular production, enjoying many incarnations through the years. Directed by Elaine Gatchell, with musical direction by Bruce Gatchell, and accompaniment by Joseph Rojek, Leddy Center’s production of this magical show features the beauty and exquisite talent of Melissa Ransdell of Newmarket in the title role, with Mark Tuomanen of Kensington as her handsome Prince Charming. Becky Rush of Manchester plays the magical Fairy Godmother, while Carol Rodis of Doveris the stepmother and Alice Snow of Dover is Joy. Emma Kleinman of Exeter is Portia. Greg deZarn-O’Hare of Fremont is the King and Jennifer Batchelder of Farmington is the Queen, all backed up by an outstanding cast of 35, singing and performing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s memorable music. Also playing a starring role in the production is the beautiful set; a giant Fairytale Storybook, beautifully designed and painted by Chris Dupere of Candia.

Cinderella is sponsored by Core Physicians and McDonald’s of Epping and Raymond, and will be presented October 28 through November 16. Performances are Friday evenings at 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2pm, with one Wednesday 2pm matinee on November 9. School shows are Nov. 2 and Nov. 16, at 9am and 11:30am. To reserve tickets, go on line 24/7 at leddycenter.org or visit or call the box office at 603-679-2781, Monday through Friday, from 3pm-5pm. Tickets are $18. and $16., depending upon seating. Schools need a minimum of 8 students for school shows and school show tickets need to be reserved through the box office during office hours. Cinderella is sponsored in part by Seacoast Coke and THE SHARK at 102.1 and 105.3 FM.
Leddy Center is a 501c3 NH Arts and Education organization.

The crafters are coming, the crafters are coming! The Friends of the Library has decided to restart the once popular Crafter’s Nights at the library. Planning to meet once every other month, this group gathers to learn new skills, share advice and take a little time to spend on that hobby that never seems to get enough attention. Anyone with an idea or skill they would like to share with other crafters should contact the library. There are whispers of a soap-making workshop in October and maybe a knitting group as well! Keep checking the website and future press for dates and times as they are available.

Miss Tracie’s costume closet opens October 1st. With dozens of children’s costumes donated by local families, there’s bound to be something an undecided goblin might want to wear. The vast majority of costumes are preschool-sized, though there are many infant and toddler costumes, and a growing number of school age sizes as well. All that is required is a valid Harvey Mitchell Memorial Library card to borrow a costume for the entire Halloween “season”. Additional donations of gently used (or new) costumes will be accepted throughout October.

The Library Trustees have begun the process of expanding the library! Having been in the present building since 1964 it is time to grow in an attempt to keep up with the growth in Epping over recent decades. Library patrons and interested residents are invited to meet the Trustees and discuss the potential for Epping’s little library at an Open House on Tuesday, October 4th from 6:00 to 8:00. Refreshments will be served. Come be a part of an exciting new chapter!

Also in October: PJ Movie Night Friday, October 14th at 6:30 featuring the latest from Disney about those adorable talking canine ‘buddies’, and the Annual Halloween Party on Friday, October 28th from 5:30 to 7:30.

Epping’s public library is open Monday – Friday from 10 am to 8 pm and Saturday 10 to 2. For more information call 679-5944, or visit www.eppinglibrary.com.

After a summer full of adventure and relaxation everyone is getting back to routines and trying to get organized.  If it’s time to reorganize personal finances, make note of the library program scheduled in Epping for Saturday, September 17^th  from 11 to 1.  Jason B. Sullivan of Edward Jones in Epping will present a free information seminar on bonds, stocks, mutual funds,  asset allocation, retirement and saving for college. Lunch will be provided.  Build your investor IQ!

Even though the summer reading program is over, there is still a world of stories to explore.  The Harvey Mitchell Memorial Library has scheduled a bonus Pajama Night to showcase the talents of local Storyteller Shawn Middleton.  With an entertaining and unique style of storytelling he brings stories to life with finger puppets, sound effects, voice dramatization, pauses, rhythm, sign language, mime and Hip Hop dance.  On Friday, September 23^rd at 6:30, children from 3 to 10 are invited to wear their pajamas and get ready to listen, participate, dance sing and laugh out loud!

Epping’s public library is open Monday – Friday from 10 am to 8 pm and Saturday 10 to 2.  For more information call 679-5944, or visit www.eppinglibrary.com.

Harvey Mitchell Memorial Library

News for week of August 15, 2011

Epping’s summer reading program is winding down, but there is still time to earn “Book Bucks” and shop in the SRP Store before it closes on Saturday, August 27^th.  Every 30 minutes earns the reader (or listener) $1.00 right up until the 27^th.   One last event is on the summer calendar for Epping library patrons ages 7-10 and their families.  On Wednesday, August 31^st, join The Loon Lady as we take a peek into the life of a New Hampshire Common Loon named Grapenut.  After an interactive and entertaining show chronicling Grapenut’s growth from chick to adult with amazing photographs, children will have the opportunity to participate in fun hands-on loon activities that clearly demonstrate what makes this living dinosaur such a unique and special waterbird. The show begins at 1:00 in the children’s room of the Harvey Mitchell Memorial Library at 151 Main Street in Epping.

Epping’s public library is open Monday – Friday from 10 am to 8 pm and Saturday 10 to 2.  For more information call 679-5944, or visit www.eppinglibrary.com.

The Summer Reading Store is open and library Book Bucks is the only currency accepted. How to get Book Bucks? Read, read, read! For every thirty minutes a child reads or is read to s/he earns a dollar in Book Bucks. The proceeds from the Toy Sale in June have funded a great selection of snacks, toys, craft items, books and other incentives for kids to purchase. During a library visit kids can earn additional Book Bucks by solving the three weekly story scrambles and making colorful Title Strips to add to the World of Stories hanging from the ceiling. Each week the theme changes, as does the project at the craft table. So far we have explored Folktales, Toy Stories and Prehistory, and still have Nature Stories, Native American Tales and Fairy Tales to discover. Any time the library is open, kids can check in with their reading logs and receive their ‘money’, shop in the store and try the craft. We have a great crew of middle school volunteers who help during the day, and each staff person who works in the children’s room is well-versed in the summer program’s requirements and opportunities.

This Thursday at 10:00 the Little Red Wagon theater troupe from UNH will be at Epping Elementary School to perform Tomie DePaola’s classic story Strega Nona. There will be no morning Storyhour at the library that day, as we hope everyone will attend the play. Immediately following the show will be the annual summer barbecue with Epping Recreation. The town will be providing burgers, hot dogs and the basics, but folks attending the event are encouraged to bring a salad, chips or dessert to augment the feast.

The last week of projects and crafts ends August 12th with a World Story Faire from 11 to 1 to celebrate our summer explorations. Patrons may bring a picnic lunch and enjoy face painting, crafts and other hands-on activities before we hand out top reader awards and participation certificates at 12:30. The store will continue to be open until August 27th, so reading logs can still be tallied even after the 12th.

Epping’s public library is open Monday – Friday from 10 am to 8 pm and Saturday 10 to 2. For more information call 679-5944, or visit www.eppinglibrary.com.