There's nothing like a cute, furry or feathered pet or friend to bring a smile, even as we struggle these days with many, many things in our families and communities.

Jade is a senior terrier mix wanting a new home.

Stella needs a home.

DERRY — The walls of the lobby of the Stockbridge Theatre at Pinkerton Academy are full of colorful artwork created by students in the Derry district as well as nine of Pinkerton's sending schools, with students in grade kindergarten through 8 putting their talents on display.

DERRY — Student actors will take the stage at Gilbert H. Hood Middle School to present "Shrek the Musical Jr."

Alder is one of a group of fluffy cats ready to find a new home.

Rudy is a fluffy, elder calico cat wanting a new home.

Chuck is friendly, loving and ready for a new home.

DERRY — A longstanding youth theater troupe is bringing one of Disney's most beloved shows to a local stage.

Carina is an adult female, gentle girl hoping for a new home.

Claire is a petite tabby needing a new home.

AUBURN — Winter is a season for outdoor activities and also welcoming many birds to the backyard feeder.

Meet Boomer.

Ovation Theatre Company kicks off the 2020 season with a unique production featuring a small cast of youth actors taking on a powerful story.

Tommy is a tiger/white long-haired male cat ready to find a forever home.

Derry News readers were asked to send in a few of their favorite seasonal shots to celebrate winter and family. A favorite feathered pet was even submitted by one local reader.

Patrick is ready to find his forever home.

He wants to be your baby.

As 2020 gets its start, it's time to look back at a few festive holiday times that made this season bright in the area.

DERRY — It was a common occurrence to run errands for his family.

Blaze is 3 years old and a sweetheart.

DERRY — It was a journey of a lifetime for young explorers hoping to find that perfect holiday prize while visiting a famed frosty land.

DERRY — Pizzastock 3.5, a fundraising event held in memory of Derry teen Jason Flood and presented by Tupelo Music Hall, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 29, noon to 4 p.m.

Camille is a sweet girl ready to find that forever home.

Tucker is ready for a forever home.

CONCORD — The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen showcases the personal and professional growth and change of its members and guest artists with two exhibitions at its headquarters in Concord through Dec. 20.

To honor the autumn season with its colors, harvest splendor and cooler temperatures, we asked readers to submit some favorite photos showing off pets enjoying the outdoors and special excursions, colorful scenic shots around the area, and even a solemn owl perched in a tree.

Youth dancers from Derry will join other young performers representing communities all over southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts for New England Dance Ensemble's upcoming holiday performances of "The Nutcracker."

LONDONDERRY — Young dancers from Londonderry will join other dancers on stage for the Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater performances of the holiday classic "The Nutcracker" set to take the stage at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, Friday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 1.

He's sweet, orange and white, and ready for a new home.

DERRY — On Nov. 1, The Derry Friendship Center held a celebration fundraiser at Brookstone Park and Event Center, celebrating 40 of service and also posthumously honoring founder Arthur Mills and his surviving family members.

LONDONDERRY — A cool, crisp fall morning drew crowds to run through some of Londonderry's most scenic spots while supporting a local elementary school.

Peaches is a cute, petite dark tortoise-colored kitten, ready to find her forever home.

LONDONDERRY — It's a fall favorite for families and those wanting to find a bit of seasonal adventure amidst rows and rows of cornstalks and paths.

Claire is a petite little Tabby girl, ready for that new, forever home.