Week in Preview
Wednesday
One determined sole
Had it not been for Alvin “Al” King, a shoe store owner in Emporia, Kansas, we might not be celebrating Veterans Day today. Nov. 11 was originally designated as Armistice Day, a day to commemorate the armistice signed in 1918 that ended the hostilities of World War I and to honor the veterans of World War I.
In 1953, with men and women having further served their country in World War II and the Korean War, King had the idea for a holiday to honor all veterans.
With the support of local veterans organizations as well as the business community and school board, King took his idea to U.S. Rep. Ed Rees, who was also from Emporia.
A bill written for the holiday hustled its way through Congress all the way to the desk of President Dwight Eisenhower, who signed it into effect May 26, 1954.
Armistice Day was now a day to honor all veterans. Its name would be changed to Veterans Day through an amendment by Congress on Nov. 8, 1954.
To all the veterans who have fought for our freedoms (especially our freedom of the press), you have our deepest gratitude and respect. If you can read a newspaper, thank a teacher. If you have newspapers to read, thank a veteran.
Thursday, Saturday
Count your blessings
After seeing what your dog did to your son’s track shoes (the ones that almost required a second mortgage on the house), you could use a little comfort. See how much worse things could be at a free showing of “Marley & Me” at 6:30 p.m. at the Rodgers Memorial Library at 194 Derry Road in Hudson.
Based on the best-selling memoir by columnist John Grogan, “Marley & Me” chronicles the adventures of Grogan and his family with the world’s worst dog. Marley, a yellow Lab with a heart of gold, is a lost cause when it comes to obedience school but still manages to teach the family a few important lessons of his own.
You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for your dog – or failing that, your cat.
The movie will be shown again at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Refreshments will be served at both showings. For more information, call 886-6030 or visit www.rodgerslibrary.org.
Friday-Sunday
Anchors aweigh!
Long before The Love Boat set sail, the SS American set the standard for madcap romance. Set sail on a delightfully zany quest for true love at the Actorsingers’ production of “Anything Goes” this weekend at Elm Street Middle School’s Keefe Auditorium at 117 Elm St. in Nashua.
Billy meets Hope at a party and falls head over heels in love. When he sees her boarding the SS American, he stows away on the ship to find out if she reciprocates his feelings.
Hope does indeed reciprocate, but there’s one tiny detail standing in the couple’s way: her engagement. Comedic chaos ensues as Billy enlists the aid of an evangelist turned nightclub singer and a second-rate gangster and his sidekick to turn the tables on Hope’s fiance.
How things will end is anyone’s guess, but in the meantime, anything goes.
Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Ticket prices range from $12-$18. Veterans and active duty personnel admitted free at the door with proper ID. Call 320-1870 or visit www.actorsingers.org for details.
Friday-Sunday
Food for thought
The holiday gift-giving season will soon be upon us, and no amount of whining, bargaining, or pleading will slow its coming (trust us, we’ve tried). Accomplish some serious shopping this weekend at the 14th annual New England Craft and Specialty Food Fair at the Rockingham Park Racetrack at 79 Rockingham Park Blvd. in Salem.
Browse 250 booths offering everything from handmade jewelry and leather handbags to quilts and folk art, along with a variety of specialty foods, many of which will be available for sampling.
We especially encourage you to taste-test anything you’re considering purchasing for a gift. After all, giving Grandma anything less than the finest whoopie pie would be an insult. Maybe you should buy multiples and conduct further research at home. You know, for Grandma’s sake.
The fair will be open Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, free for children under 14. For more information, call 332-2616. Get a sneak peek at the vendors and a discount admission coupon at www.castleberryfairs.com.
The Week in Preview is a whoopie pie filled with local flavor, made fresh each week by Teresa Santoski. Know of an event worthy of filling this space? Call 594-6467 or e-mail tsantoski@nashuatelegraph.com. Information should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event. Follow TWiP, Daily TWiP, Tete-a-tete and Teresa’s other writings at www.twitter.com/.esaInPreview.
