Puzzle race & swap, pumpkin decorating, live swordplay: Community events Sept. 9-15

Active Retirement Association picnic

STRATHAM — The Active Retirement Association kicks off the start of its wide-ranging 2024-25 program season with a free picnic on Monday, Sept. 9, at 12:30 p.m., at Stratham Hill Park, 270 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham. A light lunch of sandwiches, chips, cookies, and bottled water will be provided. This free event is open to the public so please come and invite a friend - adults only. For information, email [email protected].

‘The UNH Flax-to-Linen Project: The Lane and Brown Families of Stratham’

STRATHAM — On Monday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m., the Stratham Historical Society and Wiggin Memorial Library will present the first program of the 2024-25 season: “The UNH Flax-to-Linen Project: The Lane and Brown Families of Stratham” in the Morgera Community Room, Stratham Fire Department, corner of Winnicutt Road and Portsmouth Avenue, Stratham. The presenter will be Kimberly Alexander, a UNH senior lecturer and director of the Museum Studies program. Free and open to the public.

Meet Berwick’s new Town Manager

BERWICK, Maine — The Berwick Public Library will be holding a meet and greet with Berwick’s new Town Manager Arthur Capello on Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 3 to 6 p.m. This is a drop-in event.

Portsmouth Democratic Roundtable Sept. 10 canceled

PORTSMOUTH — The monthly Portsmouth Democratic Roundtable usually held on second Tuesday of each month, from 6:30-8 p.m., at a local restaurant in Portsmouth has been cancelled because Sept. 10 is primary Election Day in New Hampshire. The roundtable resumes on Oct. 8. For information, contact Peter Somssich at 603-436-5382 (no texts) or [email protected].

Dover Public Library’s Puzzle Race

DOVER — On Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m., eight teams of two to four people will compete in the Dover Public Library’s Lecture Hall to see who can put together their 500-piece puzzle first. Teams will be given the same puzzle to complete, which will not be unveiled until the competition. Spectators are welcome. The winning team will receive $80 in gift cards to Diversions Puzzles & Games. Visit library.dover.nh.gov to register your team.

Family Place Workshop

DOVER — Friday, Sept. 13 at 10 a.m., spend time together, play, make friends and talk one-on-one with specialists on child development during this enjoyable five-week workshop series at the Dover Public Library. For caregivers and children one to four years old. Topics include early literacy, child development, speech, hearing and language, nutrition, and music, play and health. Register once for the entire five-week series: library.dover.nh.gov or call 603-516-6050.

Natural Dye Day at the Wentworth House

ROLLINSFORD — Rollinsford’s historic Colonel Paul Wentworth House will host Natural Dye Day, a free education day on dying wool with plant-based dyes on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At the event, there will be two wool-dyeing sessions with instruction provided. For more specific information about the day’s schedule, consult the Southeast New Hampshire Spinning Guild’s Facebook page or send an email to [email protected].

Dover Public Library’s Puzzle Swap

DOVER — Join the Dover Public Library at their fall puzzle swap on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 1-3 p.m. During the two-hour period, puzzles are limited to five per person. After 3 p.m., all puzzles leftover are free for the taking (no limitations). Please bring a bag or box to take home puzzles in. Free and open to the public. For information, visit library.dover.nh.gov or call (603) 516-6050.

Forte Swordplay to appear in Eliot

ELIOT, Maine — Forte Swordplay of Haverhill, Massachusetts., is bringing their live action demonstration program to the grounds of the William Fogg Library on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 1:30 p.m. The program will feature active demonstrations of the art of longsword, and review of the physical training required to successfully wield such a weapon. The program will also include a fascinating discussion on the importance of the longsword, historical impact, how the blades are made, and more. There will also be opportunities to ask questions of the instructors and to learn more about HEMA clubs, which offer instruction. For information, call 207-439-9437 or visit williamfogglibrary.org.

Pumpkin decorating

MILTON — The Milton Free Public Library pumpkin decorating family event, for a fall pumpkin centerpiece, will be Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All ages welcome with adult supervision. There will be hot wax used. Bring your creativity

Sound meditation

KITTERY, Maine — Sound Meditation with Peggo Horstmann Hodes “Begin Again” will take place Sept. 15, from noon-1 p.m. at the Dance Hall Kittery, 7 Walker St., Kittery, Maine, by donation or on ZOOM, by request. Bring something to lay on and cover up with, chairs also available. Information: [email protected].

Inspirational speaker Randy Pierce to give talk in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH - Randy Pierce, president and CEO of Future In Sight (formerly N.H. Federation For The Blind), will speak at the next Portsmouth Lions Club meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Portsmouth Public Library. This event is free and open to the public. Bring along family members and friends. The talk will take place at the Levenson Room in the library. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Puzzle race, pumpkin decorating, live swordplay: Community events