NH Dream Vacation Photo Contest : Celebrities

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Celebrities
For a small state, New Hampshire is home to a wide range of celebrities. We have movie stars, Olympic athletes, NASA astronauts, supreme court justices and rock stars to name a few. Whether born here, made famous here or calling the Granite State their "home", these celebrities want to show you why they "love it here!"


	Al Roker Born Albert Lincoln Roker on August 20, 1954, in Queens, New York. After graduating from Xavier High School in Manhattan, Roker studied communications at State University of New York at Oswego, where he got his first shot at weather-casting. He reported the weather in Ohio and D.C. before returning to New York in 1983. There, Roker gradually made his way up the ranks from backup weatherman to chief meteorologist for various networks, eventually landing the job he is best known for, weatherman for NBC's Today show, in 1996. On June 25th, NBC Today Show's Al Roker arrived at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, New Hampshire, with two truckloads of much needed supplies and equipment. The Center was one of six 2010 Lend a Hand recipients, and the only environmental education institution to be recognized.


	Mark Ericson 30 year broadcast veteran...has worked in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts. Member of the New Hampshire Country Music Association as well as the National CMA. Other: Proud Dad of daughter, Heather and grandfather to Mackenna. Mark was named the "Broadcaster of the Year" in 2008 by the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters. He's won the NHAB Personality of the Year in 2001, 2003 & 2005. Also, Mark has been nominated for the NAB Marconi Award for "Broadcast Personality of the Year" in 2007 and has been nominated 6 times for the CMA Personality of the Year, 3 times for the ACM Personality of the Year and was named, along with Danielle, as the "Best Morning Show in NH" by readers of NH Magazine in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008 & 2009. "I love that I get to talk to New Hampshire every morning on the radio and that we get to enjoy all the seasons of the year. I love the fact that you can almost always find a secluded spot along the beach if that's your mood, or you can join the crowd along the boulevard at Hampton Beach. I love driving to the North Country because at least once a year I encounter a group of cars pulled over and a bunch of people using their cell phones to snap a picture of the moose that's standing there ignoring them!" - Mark Ericson


	Karen Kiley Karen (2K) Kiley’s radio career began over twelve years ago in New Hampshire at an adult contemporary radio station. She comes to WOKQ after spending ten years reporting news and traffic for Metro Networks. Karen, a New England native was requested for several Boston radio and television stations including, WBZ-AM 1030 and WHDH TV. Karen was also chosen to be part of Applaud Women’s “Inspirational Women in Media,” Spring 2010 edition. The online magazine highlighted the careers of 24 of the Top Women in Radio, Television and Newspapers throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts. "I love New Hampshire for so many reasons. Where else can you enjoy the salt air while walking in the sand, gazing at a sunrise over Hampton Beach and then travel a bit north, stopping along the way of course, for antique shopping, outlet shopping and great eats before catching the sunset over the Presidential Range in the White Mountains. Heaven, pure heaven!" - Karen Kiley


	Sarah Silverman Sarah Silverman is a comedian/writer/singer/musician and actress who was born in Bedford, NH. She has been a writer for "Saturday Night Live" and "Mr. Show with Bob and David" and has also acted in movies like "Bulworth" and "There's Something About Mary". Most recently she had a comedy program on Comedy Central aptly titled "The Sarah Silverman Program". Her biography was published in April of this year, called "The Bedwetter". "There is a reason to explore each season of NH. Each offers an experience all their own -- the greenery of the summer, the feast for the eyes of the autumn, the cold, quiet serenity of the winter, and the flowery rebirth of spring." - Sarah Silverman		The front stoop of the Woodbury Cottage at the Bedford Village Inn in Bedford, NH.


	Matt Bonner Matt was born in Concord, New Hampshire in 1980. He graduated from Concord High School First in Class in 1999, before going on to attend college at the University of Florida and play for the Gators. He earned the Verizon Academic All-American of the Year honors for basketball in each of this final two seasons, becoming the first basketball player in Florida history to win the award. He was drafted into the NBA by the Chicago Bulls in 2003 and traded to the Raptors where he played for two seasons. In 2006 he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs, where he currently plays as a Center/Guard and has for the last four seasons. Bonner is only the second player from New Hampshire to play in the NBA and the first since 1986. He is married to Nadia Bonner and they have one daughter, Evangeline-Vesper. "My favorite place in New Hampshire is Funspot, the funnest place in the world." - Matt Bonner		Matt Bonner poses with the kids in his basketball camp at Rundlett Middle School in Concord.


	Tomie dePaola Tomie dePaola (Tommy da-POW-la) is best known for his books for children. He has written and/or illustrated nearly 250 books, including STREGA NONA'S HARVEST and MY MOTHER IS SO SMART. He, and his work, have received many awards, including a Caldecott Honor, a Newbery Honor, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure. "I love it here in New Hampshire, especially the New London and Lake Sunapee region. I love eating at Rockwell's at the Inn, especially eating at the bar. I love Morgan Hill Bookstore where they carry ALL my books. Spring Ledge Farm wins the Best Farm Stand in my eyes. Art of Nature is a small shop in New London. Its owner Mauli McDonald is one of the most creative people in town. (You will find me occasionally wandering out of New London to have dinner at Burdick's in Walpole. By the way, their chocolates are awesome.) It is wonderful living in a small town with a small college. The students keep looking younger and younger each year! You'll still find me working in my 200 year old barn where I have my studio. I love it here in New Hampshire!" - Tomie dePaola