The Music Hall to Host Free Community Forum: 'Let's Talk About Poverty'

The Music Hall's new series of free community forums called Let's Talk About... is an outgrowth of the discussion of the heroin epidemic last spring, when citizens gathered at the Loft to talk frankly about a topic that has touched many in the Seacoast. The conversation continues on February 17, at 6pm at the Loft, as they delve into the topic of local poverty, what's being done, and how individuals can help bring about positive change.

The event starts with a brief presentation from four panelists, Beth Mattingly, Director of Research on Vulnerable Families at The University of New Hampshire's (UNH) Carsey School of Public Policy, Kristy Martino, from Results.org, Deborah Anthony, Executive Director of Seacoast Family Food Pantry, and Craig Welch, Executive Director of the Portsmouth Housing Authority. Then, the conversation opens up to a discussion of the challenges and potential solutions, moderated by Monte Bohanan, Director of Marketing at The Music Hall, and Crystal Paradis, Director of Communications at Vital Design. Attendees will have a chance to talk, ask questions, get informed, and get connected.

"How can I help? What can I do? These are questions that I've asked myself, so many times," said Bohanan. "The biggest take away for me, is that the even though this problem is complex, there are concrete steps that individuals can take to make real progress toward understanding challenges and collaborating on solutions. It all starts with a conversation."

The Music Hall Loft is located at 131 Congress St. Go to TheMusicHall.org for information. The event is set for Wednesday, February 17 • 6pm This is a free event, RSVP is recommended.

The Music Hall is a performing arts center featuring curated entertainment from around the world in two theaters in its downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire campus - one, a landmark 1878 Victorian theater, designated an American Treasure for the Arts by the National Park Service's Save America's Treasures Program, the other the intimate Music Hall Loft around the corner, recently named "best performing arts venue" by Yankee Magazine and the recipient of the NH AIA award for design excellence.