Coming Soon…The 25th Annual Burke Fall Foliage Festival!

East Burke, Vermont - Mark your calendar for Saturday September 29th for the 25th Annual Burke Fall Foliage Festival!   It’s a full day of fun that brings friends, neighbors, and visitors together in East Burke Village to celebrate the season and 25 years of a wonderful community festival.  

Some extra special features have been added to the event this year including an even bigger & better parade to kick things off in the morning.   There’s plenty for the kids to do whether they want to meet some farm critters, go for a horse drawn wagon ride, have some FREE ICE CREAM, play in the bounce house, or check out the action at the rubber ducky race.  You definitely don’t want to miss the VINS Raptor Encounter on the gazebo starting at noon!

You’ll have several chances to win at the raffle tables including at the East Burke Congregational Church which will feature a shoebox auction and tag sale.  Inside the Burke Community Library you can partake in the silent auction and hope to take home a treasure crafted by one of our local artists.  This year will also feature a Chinese auction with products from the vendors at the festival craft fair and part of the proceeds from the raffle will go to charity.   Of course, you’ll have to stop by the Chamber info booth to place your bets on Cow Plop Bingo!   Special commemorative t-shirts and beautiful posters designed by Francesca DeLorme of Studio Fresca will also be for sale at the info booth.

On the green over 60 vendors will be showcasing their wares including hand-turned wooden bowls, jewelry, hand-made soaps, fiber arts, pottery, and much more.   While you peruse the offerings or enjoy a burger from the BBQ, you can enjoy the musical sounds of local favorite, the Crunchy Western Boys who will be performing in the gazebo from 1 – 3 pm.   And this year, the beer tent will also feature great music as well as great brews.  Chickweed featuring Linda Warnaar will perform from 3 – 5 pm.

To learn more about the festival visit www.BurkeVermont.com or contact the Burke Area Chamber of Commerce at 802-626-4124 or burkechamber@burkevermont.com.  We look forward to a great day at the festival!  See you on the 29th!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ticket go on sale for Manchester on September 27-30

Manchester, Mew Hampshire - Don’t miss Fully Charged, the all-new surge of circus entertainment from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey where megawatts of thrills explode off of the arena floor with breathtaking dare-devilry, superhuman stunts and never-before-seen performances that energize Children Of All Ages, and will run September 27-30 at the Verizon Wireless Arena. 

The action at Fully Charged begins an hour before show time at the All Access Power Up Pre-show Party – free to all ticket holders. Get to know the world’s greatest performers, meet some our amazing animals in person, and work to become CircusFit all before the show starts! The All Access Power Up Pre-show Party is the only place where you can register for a chance to win a pachyderm painting created by one of Ringling Bros. artistic Asian elephants right before audiences’ eyes. 

You can only experience this current of excitement at Ringling Bros. Fully Charged! Get your tickets for high-voltage fun today.

Performance Schedule: 
Thursday, September 27: 7:00 p.m.
Friday, September 28: 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 29: 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 30: 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.

Tickets are $92 (Circus Celebrity), $62 (VIP), $42, $27 and $17.  All seats are reserved, and tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster at (800)745-3000 For group rates and information, call (603)644-5000. 

For more information, visit www.Ringling.com.

Sparkling Clear Air and Thinner Crowds Make Castle in the Clouds More Attractive Than Ever

Moultonborough, New Hampshire - The Castle in the Clouds is open, ever day, until the end of the season on October 20. The award winning Carriage House Cafe and Terrance, with its fine gourmet food and daily specials, continues to serve meals from 11:30 to 3:30 every day, with bar service until 5 PM, although Cones in the Clouds, the little ice cream shop by Shannon Pond, will be open week-ends only. And it is perfect time to visit. The days are cooler, the views are clearer, the gardens are in their full late season glory, and the crowds are down, even at the very popular Cafe.

The third exhibit of the season, The White Mountain Art of Daniel Santry, will be at the Carriage House art gallery throughOctober 20. It has become a tradition at the Castle to sponsor an exhibit of White Mountain Art at the end of every season. This year it is Daniel Santry's time. And it's about time! Santry, who never achieved the fame he deserved, gives the "starving artist" story several new twists. He grew up in a working class family in Boston, but knew from the time he was quite young that he wanted to be a artist. While he studied with local painters like Benjamin Champney, a well known member of the White Mountain School, he was also drawn to the then new impressionistic style centered in France. Champney encouraged him to continue his studies in Paris and after saving for three years, he headed to France where he sought out Camille Pissaro and asked to be his student. Pissaro said that he did not teach but agreed to let Santry accompany him on his painting trips. After three years with Pissaro, and other French painters, he felt ready to come home.

Returning to Boston he found that despite his expertise, he could not survive from his art--until he saw an ad for an Artist in Residence at the Sunset Hill House in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire, in the heart of the White Mountains. For the next 23 years, until his untimely death from Bright's disease at age 57, he lived and painted in the Franconia valley, in the summer staying at the hotel and easily selling his landscape canvases to the summer guests, and off-season living at a remote farm where he worked on paintings that capture the change of seasons and times in the now quiet countryside. There are many stories in this large exhibit; 38 wonderful small stories in the paintings, and Santry's own compelling life story. As with all exhibits at Castle in the Clouds, the Santry exhibit is free with regular Castle admission. The Daniel Santry exhibit is sponsored by Subway Sandwiches of Moultonborough.

Castle in the Clouds is a historic house museum property located on Route 171 in Moultonborough NH. The gate at 455 Old Mountain Road is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM; buildings close at 5:30. For directions and more information on admissions and events at the Castle visit the web site at www.castleintheclouds.org. For additional information and to make reservations, call 476-5900 x 500.

Goins Ties Mark For Most Hits In A Season

Van Kirk, Marisnick homer, but Fisher Cats drop finale

New Britain, CT - Ryan Goins matched a franchise record with his 158th hit of the season and Brian Van Kirk and Jake Marisnick homered, but New Britain completed a four-game sweep of the Fisher Cats, winning the season finale Monday afternoon 8-5 at New Britain Stadium.

For the fourth straight day, the Fisher Cats jumped out to an early lead. Brad Glenn doubled to start the top of the second and Van Kirk homered to make it 2-0.

The Rock Cats cut the margin to 2-1 in the bottom of the second inning. Dan Rohlfing and James Beresford singled, Shawn Roof reached by a hit-by-pitch, and Aaron Hicks drew a bases loaded walk for the New Britain run.

New Hampshire extended the lead in the top of the fourth inning. Van Kirk led off with a single and moved to third on a single by Gabe Jacobo, scoring on a Brian Jeroloman squeeze. Goins followed with his milestone hit, plating Jacobo to put the Fisher Cats up 4-1.

New Britain (75-67) scored five times in the bottom of the fourth inning, chasing starter Yohan Pino (10-8). Beresford and Estarlin De Los Santos singled to start the inning. Roof doubled in the first run and Hicks knocked in two more with a single. Oswaldo Arcia ripped a two-run homer to put the Rock Cats up 6-4.

The Rock Cats tacked on a run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Josmil Pinto walked, moved to second on a single by James Beresford, and scoring on a single by Shawn Roof. They also scored in the eighth inning when Beresford (4-for-5) singled with the bases loaded.

New Hampshire finished the 2012 season with a record of 61-81. New Britain fell one game short of a shot at the playoffs after Reading defeated Portland 7-3. Reading will host Trenton and Bowie will host Akron in the Divisional Championships as the Eastern League playoffs get underway on Wednesday night.

The Fisher Cats open the 2013 season on Thursday, April 4 at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium against the Reading Phillies. The annual Granite State Baseball Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, November 17 in Manchester. Follow the Fisher Cats at www.nhfishercats.com.

Mark Skinner Library Installs Two New StoryWalk Books at Rec!

Manchester, Vermont - Walk, Read, and have Fun with your friends and family while enjoying the great outdoors. As you walk, jog or ride your bike along the trail at the Manchester Rec, you will be able to read 2 new StoryWalk books, "Leaves" and "Looking for a Moose'," page-by-page. StoryWalk, is brought to you by the community partnership of the Manchester Parks and Recreation Department and the Mark Skinner Library: Manchester's Public Library. Response to StoryWalk throughout the summer has been enthusiastic: "This was awesome!" "Loved it, loved it, loved it!" "Thank you, we loved the stories!" Be part of the fun! Visit StoryWalk through the end of September. The StoryWalk™ Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library. It's a great way to move, read, learn and have fun!

Amazing Classical Singer Jackie Evancho

On this Labor Day we bring you an all new "Musician "Spotlight" featuring 12 year old classical singer Jackie Evancho. This 12 year old has an amazing voice for someone her age.

When Jackie Evancho first sang for the judges on NBC’s variety show “America’s Got Talent,” there were viewers who were so shocked by her beautiful singing they were thoroughly convinced she had to be lip-synching. How else could you explain how such a perfect soprano voice could come from a child?  During her next appearance in the competition, the judges asked their 10-year-old contestant to improvise a tune. She performed flawlessly, came in second place and her soon-to-be legendary career was launched.

It wasn’t just her musical gift and her age that astonished the AGT audience. It was her presence, poise and her charm that also made them take notice – “You’ve got the whole package,” AGT judge Piers Morgan explained.

“She is a prodigy; they break the rules by definition,” wrote music critic Andrew Druckenbrod in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette after seeing a then-11 year old Jackie perform to a sold-out crowd in her hometown in October, 2011. “[Her] voice mesmerizes.” She has become one of the performers who has been defining the “crossover classic” category of singers – those who are equally comfortable with Puccini or pop.

Jackie is 12 now and her career has exploded since her AGT debut.  Almost immediately after the competition ended, Jackie signed with Columbia Records and began fulfilling her dream.  New opportunities and extraordinary experiences keep presenting themselves. Most recently, Jackie has tried her hand at both acting and modeling. She will make her acting debut in a Robert Redford-directed film “The Company You Keep” coming out later this year. Additionally she was selected by GUESS owner, Paul Marciano, to star in the Fall 2012 GUESS Kids clothing campaign, which will be unveiled late summer 2012.

Jackie has participated in the lighting of the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., where she sang – and delighted – President and Mrs. Obama. And two months later she again performed for the President and Congressional leaders during the National Prayer Breakfast.

In early 2012, Jackie was selected to travel to Russia to perform in front of 100,000 people prior to the opening of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum.  Jackie, representing the United States, was honored to sing with two opera stars, Dmitri Hvorostovsky of Russia and Sumi Jo of Korea.

Jackie’s fan base also extends to Japan, where she was invited to perform for the Royal Family at the Imperial Palace. She tours regularly with the Tokyo Philharmonic to sold out venues. 

Her U.S. shows are sell-outs as well and have been taped for broadcast on PBS for the Great Performances series. Jackie’s first PBS special was one of the top pledge producing performances in PBS’ history.  When PBS aired Dream With Me In Concert during the latter half of 2011, it instantly became one of their most broadcast programs of the year and was used extensively during pledge drives.

She was asked to do another show for the Great Performance series in 2012:  Jackie Evancho: Music of the Movies which features Jackie singing classic songs from movies as diverse as “South Pacific” (Some Enchanted Evening), “Titanic” (My Heart Will Go On) and “Cinema Paradiso (Se). It premiered in August on PBS stations around the country and will be rebroadcast in the months ahead (check local listings).
To cap off her exciting year, Jackie has recorded her third album, Songs From The Silver Screen, which will be released on Oct. 2.

“I have had so much fun and done so many challenging things this year. But while I really enjoyed all the traveling and the acting and had such a great time posing in all those great clothes for GUESS, my singing is still the thing I love the most,” said Jackie.

In little more than 2 years, Jackie’s unique, gorgeous soprano has won her millions of fans and her recordings have dominated the music and DVD charts. Her warmth, charm and poise have helped her gain the support of legendary music producers like David Foster and filmmakers like Robert Redford. Billboard Magazine named Jackie to their list of music movers-and-shakers under the age of 21 because her “spellbinding, operatic vocals possess a power and poignancy that often moves listeners multiple times her age to tears.”

Jackie’s debut EP, O Holy Night, was released in November 2010; it became the year's #1 best-selling debut recording with sales exceeding 1 million copies and earning her a platinum certification. 

In June 2011, Dream With Me, her first studio album was released. A mix of operatic arias, show tunes and pop standards, it debuted on the Billboard Top 200 chart at #2 and was certified Gold after only four weeks of release. Heavenly Christmas, was released in November 2011 and became one of the top-selling holiday albums of the year.

Jackie’s beauty and poise attracted attention from more than just the recording industry. Legendary actor/director/producer Robert Redford cast Jackie to play his daughter in the upcoming thriller “The Company You Keep,” which will be released later this year.

“I am so happy that Mr. Redford picked me to be in his film. And I am excited to learn from performers that are amazing at what they do,” says Jackie, who will be part of a star-studded cast that included Susan Sarandon, Shia LaBeouf, Terrence Howard, Anna Kendrick, Nick Nolte and Stanley Tucci.

Looking back, Jackie says her desire to perform was born after her family saw the film version of “The Phantom of the Opera” when she was just seven years old.
“We went to see it in the movie theater. It was very, very good,” Jackie told Pennsylvania television station WPXI.

The film made such a lasting impression on Jackie that the showstopper “Music of the Night” was the first song she selected for Songs From The Silver Screen.

It’s not the sort of dramatic tune that other pre-teen singers would pick to record. While they are limited to pop tunes, Jackie understanding of classical phrasing and her perfect pitch and diction allow her to tackle difficult music that is far beyond the ability of her peers.

We here at Rocky Coast News had the chance to ask this amazing young singer questions about how she got started to her career goals.

- Jackie, when did you start singing?

I really started when I was 8 - I went to see the movie of Phantom of the Opera and came home and started singing the songs from the film!  It had a very big impact on me and still does today.

- Was it your dream to be a singer? 

After I saw the movie Phantom of the Opera, it definitely was.

- Tell us what got you into being a classical singer and are there challenges? 

I never really wanted to be a pop singer like all my friends. I always wanted to be my own self. When I started singing, the sound I made fit better in the classical crossover style. For me I’m able to put more emotion into the classical crossover style of music more than any other style so I guess this is the style of singing that moves me the most.

- Do your parents support you?

Yes, they are a huge support.  My mom has coached me a lot as well as having singing teachers.  Music has always been a large part of who my family is, including my extended family.

- Where was your first performance, were you excited?

My first performance was in front of my extended family at a party but my first performance in front of people I didn’t know was at a regional singing competition. My big break came from AGT though.

- Where have you been able to perform? 

I have performed all over the US and also performed in places like Russia, Japan and the UK.

- Who inspires you with your singing? 

Many people inspire me - obviously singers like Sarah Brightman, and Andrea Bocelli who sing in a similar way to me.  But I also love pop music singers- Lady Gaga being one of my favorites.

- If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I would like to sing for the Pope someday because I believe that my singing is a gift that I’m able to share with the world.

- Along the same line, who would you love to perform with? 

I would like to perform with many singers - it's always nice to share the stage.  Lady Gaga would be awesome. 

- What are some of your goals for your music? 

It's always to sing the best I possibly can and to give the audience my best.

- What do you hope to accomplish with your singing?

I hope to touch people with my style of singing. Not just adults but kids too. I want to show everyone that music is beautiful no matter what style of singing it is.   

- Do you have any advice for those wanting to start a career in singing? 

My advice would always be to work hard, stay focused and never give up the dream… you always have to believe in yourself.

- Is there anything else you want our readers to know about you, your singing/songwriting?

That in addition to singing I also recently made a film - I play Robert Redford's daughter in a movie called 'The Company You Keep'.  Acting is also fun and something I love doing!

- Last question, how was your trip to Japan and what were your experiences? 

It was amazing!  I did a concert with the Tokyo Philharmonic and also visited and performed in Hiroshima for a Peace concert.  I love Japan!

Jackie has an amazing gift of singing to share with the world. It is worth for everyone to keep an eye and ear out for this 12 year old classical singer for great things. If you want to learn where Jackie will be performing than head over to http://www.jackieevancho.com/us or http://www.facebook.com/jackieevancho.

Rocky Coast News is pleased to have Jackie Evancho as our latest "Musician Spotlight", where we highlight, promote up and coming musicians that have amazing vocals, sound, style and/or who are able to play an instrument well singing.

Celebrate the arrival of Fall Foliage Aboard the M/S Mount Washington

Weirs Beach, N.H. – Celebrate the arrival of New Hampshire’s colorful fall foliage season aboard the M/S Mount Washington. Cruising Lake Winnipesaukee offers the opportunity to enjoy some of New England’s best leaf peeping from the comfort and perspective of the M/S Mount Washington. Passengers can view the variety of fall’s colors and see the sun set on Lake Winnipesaukee during one of the most popular seasons in New Hampshire.

The Sunday Fall Foliage Dinner cruises begin Sunday, September 16 and run through October 14. Departing from Weirs Beach, cruising time is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The family price for the cruise, dinner, and entertainment is $113 (2 adults and 2 children). Single price tickets are adults $45 and children $23.

The M/S Mount Washington is a 230-foot ship with 4 levels, 3 dance floors, and several outside areas for enjoying the cruise during the daytime or evening.

It is also possible to check in on a cruise from anywhere by accessing the web camera on the website www.cruisenh.com. The camera is mounted above the wheelhouse, providing a captain's view.

The family-owned Mount operates May through October, offering daytime scenic, evening dinner & dance, and special themed cruises. With a capacity of 1,250 passengers, the Mount serves as the largest restaurant in the state and a popular gathering point for school proms, college reunions, large corporate celebrations and weddings. Approximately 700 happy couples have tied the knot aboard the M/S Mount Washington.

To learn more about Mount Washington Cruises, purchase tickets or gift certificates please call toll-free 1-888-843-6686, local 603-366-5531, or visit their website for cruise schedule information at www.cruisenh.com

Brad Glenn Hits Team-Leading 19th Homer

Ryan Goins adds two hits but Fisher Cats fall in New Britain 10-3 Sunday

New Britain, CT - Ryan Goins went 2-for-4 with an RBI and Brad Glenn homered, but the Fisher Cats fell for the third straight day in New Britain, 10-3.

The Rock Cats, winners of five straight overall, remain in contention for an Eastern League playoff spot, trailing second-place Reading by one game with one game remaining in the regular season.

For the third straight game, the Fisher Cats scored the game's first run. Jake Marisnick led off the game with a double, scoring on a single by Ryan Goins. New Hampshire made it 2-0 in the top of the fourth on Glenn's team-leading 19th homer.

New Britain (74-67) chased New Hampshire starter Ryan Tepera (7-3) in the bottom of the fourth inning, sending ten to the plate, scoring six runs. Nate Hanson doubled and moved to third on a wild pitch. James Beresford (3-for-4, 2 RBI) singled in the first run. Aaron Hicks walked to load the bases. Chris Herrmann singled home two for a 3-2 lead as Tepera departed. Oswaldo Arcia tripled off reliever Joel Carreno to make it 5-2 and he scored on a sacrifice fly by Chris Colabello.

The Rock Cats added a run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Hanson led off with a solo homer to make it 7-2.

The Fisher Cats (61-80) scored in the top of the sixth inning to close to 7-3. Sobolewski singled, moved to second on a single by Gabe Jacobo, scoring on a single by Brian Jeroloman.

New Britain added another run in the top of the sixth inning and two more in the seventh. In the sixth, Arcia singled, Colabello walked and Pinto ripped an RBI double to centerfield. Beresford tripled in the seventh, plating Dan Rohlfing, who had walked. Hermann's sacrifice fly made it 10-3.

The Fisher Cats play for the final time in 2012 on Labor Day at 1:35pm in New Britain. Yohan Pino (10-7, 3.25) is slated to start against New Britain LHP Logan Darnell (10-12, 5.01). Coverage begins at 1:15pm with Bob Lipman on the WGIR Fisher Cats Radio Network. Follow the Fisher Cats during the off-season at www.nhfishercats.com.

Sobolewski Hits 18th Homer Saturday

Rock Cats stay alive in playoff race with 7-3 win over Fisher Cats  
   
New Britain, CT - Mark Sobolewski moved back into a tie for most home runs by a Fisher Cats player this season, hitting his 18th, but New Britain took Saturday night's game between the teams 7-3 at New Britain Stadium.

With the win, the Rock Cats moved to within a game of second place Reading with a playoff spot on the line. There are two games remaining in the 2012 regular season.

The Fisher Cats (61-79) opened the scoring in the top of third inning. Koby Clemens doubled, moved to third on a single by catcher Joel Galarraga, scoring on Jake Marisnick's sacrifice fly for a 1-0 lead.

New Hampshire extended the lead in the top of the fourth inning. Sobolewski led off with his home run off winning pitcher Luke French (4-1) to make it 2-0.

French worked 7.2 innings, allowing four hits, none after Sobolewski's home run. He allowed two runs, walked two and struck out four.

New Britain (73-67) rallied to take the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. Aaron Hicks tripled and scored on a single by Chris Herrmann. Oswaldo Arcia beat out an infield single and Chris Colabello followed with a single plating Herrmann to tie the game. Deibinson Romero put the Rock Cats up 4-2 with a two-run single off New Hampshire starter and losing pitcher Fernando Hernandez (5-8).

The Rock Cats pulled away with three more runs in the bottom of the seventh inning.   New Britain started the frame the same way they started the sixth with a Hicks triple and an RBI single by Herrmann. Josmil Pino doubled home two more for a 7-2.

New Hampshire did bring the tying run to the plate in the top of the ninth, scoring a run on a Ryan Goins double and a Brian Van Kirk groundout. With the bases loaded, Rock Cats closer Bruce Pugh induced a game-ending grounder by Koby Clemens to seal the win. It was his ninth save.

The Fisher Cats and Rock Cats meet again on Sunday at 1:35pm. RHP Ryan Tepera (7-2, 4.44) will start for New Hamphire against New Britain RHP Steve Hirschfeld (8-9, 4.38) Coverage begins at 1:15pm with Bob Lipman on the WGIR Fisher Cats Radio Network and at www.nhfishercats.com.

Schimpf Homers For Fisher Cats In Tough 4-3 Loss

Marisnick has two hits including RBI Triple
   
New Britain, CT - Ryan Schimpf hit his eighth home run of the season, but New Britain plated a run in the bottom in the ninth inning to give the Rock Cats a 4-3 win over the Fisher Cats on Friday night at New Britain Stadium.

With the game tied 3-3, Aaron Hicks drew a one-out walk. Chris Herrmann (3-for-5) doubled as Hicks slid in under the tag at the plate to give New Britain the win, which keeps alive their playoff hopes with three games remaining in the season.

Bruce Pugh (4-2) earned the win in relief, getting out of a bases loaded jam in the top of the ninth inning as the Fisher Cats threatened to move in front. Ron Uviedo (5-3) took the loss for New Hampshire.

The Fisher Cats (61-78) opened the scoring in the top of the first inning. Jake Marisnick singled, moved to second on a Ryan Goins bunt, and scored on a single by Mark Sobolewski for a 1-0 lead.

New Britain (72-67) bounced back in the bottom of the first inning to take a 2-1 lead. Aaron Hicks led off with a double and Oswaldo Arcia homered.

The Rock Cats extended the lead in the bottom of the third inning. Hicks reached on a bunt single, stole second, moved to third on a dropped third strike, and scored on a single by Arcia.

Schimpf homered in the top of the sixth to pull the Fisher Cats to within a run at 3-2. It was his 8th since joining the Fisher Cats and his 22nd of the season overall, tops in the Blue Jays Minor League Organization.

In the top of the seventh inning, Koby Clemens drew a two-out walk and scored on a triple by Marisnick to tie the game at 3-3.

Deck McGuire made his final start of the season, but did not figure in the decision. He allowed six hits and three runs in five innings. McGuire did not walk a batter and struck out one.

The Fisher Cats and Rock Cats meet again on Saturday at 7:05pm. RHP Fernando Hernandez (5-7, 4.24) starts for New Hampshire against New Britain LHP Luke French (3-1, 2.06). Coverage begins at 6:45pm with Bob Lipman on the WGIR Fisher Cats Radio Network and at www.nhfishercats.com.