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Bake sale economics
How parents, booster groups and cupcakes are trying to fill the funding gap
By Heidi Masek hmasek@hippopress.com

When operating budgets get tight for school districts, arts and sports often suffer cuts first. Middle and high schools in the region are seeing impacts in those programs and others this year. Some elementary schools are reporting their field trips have been cut. Few schools believe their paper supplies will last through June.

PEOPLE: Weather man
Josh Judge forecasts strong book sales

WMUR meteorologist Josh Judge takes weather to the kids. Together with former New Hampshire Environmental Educator of the Year Kathe Cussen, Judge wrote Weather Facts and Fun, released this past weekend. The 40-year-old Hampstead resident will give a presentation and sign books at SEE Science Center in Manchester (200 Bedford St.) on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 1 p.m. (free with paid admission to the Center). Proceeds from book sales at the event will benefit SEE. The book is available at area stores and at www.weatherfactsandfun.com.

THEATER: Chicago and Psycho Beach Party
Directors talk about two of the many shows opening this weekend
By Heidi Masek hmasek@hippopress.com

“All that Jazz”
Director Joe Vago said his Chicago cast is one of the best he’s worked with in 18 years. Leads in this Best Foot Forward Productions performance include many locally recognizable names. Cast members have experience with several companies in the area, including professional work with the Palace Theatre and Yellow Taxi Productions.

LONGSHOTS: The mid-year report for the NFL
by Dave Long

Being that I’m a drive-by college football fan and I wrote about the college game last week, this week we’re going back to my more favored football topic: the NFL. So with the season at the official midway point here are some observations about the Patriots season progress and the NFL in general and the categories they fall into.

FOOD: Ciao Italia at Cotton
Mary Ann Esposito celebrates 20 years on air and a new book
By Linda A. Thompson-Odum food@hippopress.com

What’s the longest-running television cooking show? Here’s a hint: It stars a New Hampshire resident and will soon mark its 20th anniversary on the air.