BETHEL – The Bethel Republican Town Committee hosted the annual picnic at Al and Lee Barth’s home on Grover Hill recently. Graham Shafer, Republican National Committee Northeast Regional Political director, described strategies developed by the RNC to increase GOP success in 2004. Rep. Arlan Jodrey (R-Bethel), Randy Hotham (R-Dixfield) and Sawin MIllett (R-Waterford) highlighted key issues of the last session of the state legislature.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 and meeting at 7:30.

Comedy show

BERLIN, N.H. – Don Coulombe, a Berlin native, will appear at the Community Arts Center, 155 Emery St., at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28.

Coulombe, performer and director of resort operations at Indian Head Resort in Lincoln, will present his Vegas style comedy act, the “Don Who Show.” Tickets are $10 and available at the door.