■Help provide holiday cheer to the children of our community. Stop by the Allenstown Town Hall and pick up a tag from the Allenstown Angel Tree or make a monetary donation to the Allenstown Christmas Wish Program. Gifts need to be returned by Dec. 17 at town hall. For more information, call Trish at 485-4276, ext. 110.
■Bone Builders is held Monday and Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Suncook Senior Center.
■Bingo is played on Monday and Thursday at 10:15 a.m. at the Suncook Senior Center, 8 Whitten St.
■Sing-along with the Allenstown Elementary School kids on Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. The fourth-graders will be at the Suncook Senior Center with their teacher Mike Kenyon with songs of the season.
■Gentle Chair Yoga is held on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Suncook Senior Center. The cost is $5 per class.
■Pastel Drawing Class is held on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. at the Suncook Senior Center. The cost is $45 for a six-week session and includes materials. For more information, call 485-4254.
■Cribbage Club is held Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. at the Suncook Senior Center.
■Annual Holiday Dinner will be held on Thursday at 12 p.m. at the Suncook Senior Center. Enjoy a delicious and special holiday dinner and be treated to the smooth sounds of Jazz Americana singer Cat Faulkner with a holiday sing-along right after lunch. For more information, call 485-4254.
■Tai Chi Moving Meditation is held on Friday at 9 a.m. at the Suncook Senior Center.
■Knights of Columbus Church Supper with a wonderful prime rib dinner will be held Saturday at 5 p.m. at the St. John the Baptist Parish Hall, 10 School St.
■Let’s decorate. We need the help of men, women and children to decorate the church before the Christmas celebration. We will gather at St. John the Baptist after the 10 a.m. Mass on Dec.16 to have fun decorating.
CLAUDETTE VERVILLE
485-4437
cverville2@comcast.net
■The planning board is holding a special session Tuesday, in order to seek public input to several possible zoning changes and for discussion of the broad topic of business and housing planning in the town and the various village districts. All residents are invited to share their thoughts and opinions. This open discussion is part of a regular meeting and will begin at 8 p.m. There will be a second such open discussion Jan. 8. Both meetings will take place in the meeting room and town hall.
■There will be a Christmas Craft and Bake Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, sponsored by the Andover Community Church and held at the Highland Lake Grange, corner of Route 11 and Chase Hill Road in East Andover. There will be crafts of all kinds as well as homemade baked goods for sale. For more information, call Donna Thompson at 744-6858.
SUSAN CHASE
735-5135
srfchase@gmail.com
■The Christmas themed novel, Wishin and Hopin, by Wally Lamb is the topic of the Book Discussion Group’s meeting at the Boscawen Public Library on Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. Additionally, the library has set aside Christmas related books and movies for your selection. Not a Boscawen resident? Join the library for a lifetime fee of $20.
■A special mailbox at the Boscawen Town Offices is waiting for your letters to Santa Claus. Santa’s elves will come in every week before Christmas to pick them up. The elves have left a candy cane for every child that brings in their letter. The town offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. They are open until 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays.
■Looking for ideas for kids’ school vacation? The Boscawen Public Library is offering Kid’s Crafts when they will be making bird feeders on Dec. 27 starting at 2 p.m. Free or reduced passes are also available to patrons and their families to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord and the See Science Center in Manchester. Be sure to check with the library at 753-8576 to reserve your pass and for more information.
■In this season of giving, the Boscawen Food Pantry is grateful for your donations of cash, food items, paper products, and clothing. Hilda’s Pantry is located in the small building next to the Boscawen Congregational Church and provides thousands of meals annually to the community in addition to transportation services, medical supplies and clothing. They are open on Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon and on Wednesdays 3 to 6 p.m., or by appointment.
MARY ALLARD
753-8576
boscawenpl@gmail.com
■A Blue Christmas service will be held Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Bow Mills United Methodist Church, 505 South St., Bow. This quiet service will include prayer, reflection and candle lighting for those having difficulty during this season due to grief, illness, depression, stress or other struggles. Light refreshments will be served following the service. For more information, contact 224-0884. All are welcome.
■The Merrimack County Stamp Collectors will hold its monthly meeting at the Bow Mills United Methodist Church, 505 South St., on Dec. 18, beginning at 1 p.m. Anyone interested in stamp collecting is invited to attend, share their interest, buy, sell and trade. Meet other collectors and learn more about their hobby and enjoy the fellowship of others with varied interests in Philatelic resources and issues. Gain new insight and knowledge, sharing news articles and stories about stamp collecting. For more information, call Dan Day at 228-1154.
■The Bow Heritage Commission is selling Holiday Cards of Bow scenes. They can be purchased in an assortment of six, or six of one scene for $15, paid on delivery. Order forms can be picked up at Parks and Recreation, the Municipal Building, or online at bownh.gov: homepage highlights. Mail, email or fax your order request to: Tonia Lindquist 10 Grandview Road, Bow, N.H. 03304, tlindquist@bownh.gov or fax 224-6680. For more information, contact Faye Johnson at 228-8149.
■The Bow Heritage Commission will be displaying recently received Native American artifacts on Thursday and Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. downstairs in the Baker Heritage Room at the Baker Free Library.
■The Bow Garden Club will be on hiatus until April 2019. Please visit their website to learn more about the club and how to join! Visit bowgardenclub.org.
JOYCE KIMBALL
bowcomnews@comcast.net
■Canterbury Community Farmers Market, last indoor market of this year! Held in the Canterbury Elementary School gym on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Winter produce and holiday crafts.
■Church in the Woods on Foster Road will host “Cherishing Stillness in Advent” on Dec. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The service will include prayer, poems, songs, walking, and reflection, outdoors in the woods with refreshments available in heated barn. Donations welcome. RSVP to Jo at info@kairosearth.org.
■CUCC members will gather Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. for “How Far Is It To Bethlehem?” Advent walk, live Nativity and potlucksSupper. Meet in Church Sanctuary. Dress warmly. Potluck in Parish House at 5 p.m. Christmas Eve service will be Dec. 24 at 5 p.m.
■Quaker Meeting House, 11 Oxbow Pond Road, will host Christmas Eve Service from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Pot Luck at 6 p.m.: Intergenerational New Year’s Eve Game Night from 6 to 10 p.m. Finger food pot luck and games. Call Greg or Ruth Heath at 724-4343 or 783 4401 for further details.
■On Dec. 17, Elkins Public Library Young Readers Group will meet at 3:30 p.m. and Teen Time Read will be at 6 p.m.: Adult Book Group on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. and will discuss Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva.
■CES PTO will be selling Christmas trees in the Center through Saturday.
■CES Holiday Musical The Elves Impersonator will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday. And Belmont Middle School Holiday Concert Dec. 20, 6 p.m. for fifth- and sixth-graders, 7 p.m. seventh- and eighth-graders.
■Canterbury Shaker Village Museum Store open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to Dec. 23. Tours of the Shaker Village now available on Saturdays and Sundays only, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. And Christmas with the Canterbury Shakers, 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. tours of the Village on Dec. 13 and 14. Cost $12 adults, $6 youth, half price members. See website for further details, advance registration required for each group of 15, at shakers.org/christmas-tours.
■Loudon Food Pantry will be closed after Christmas through Jan. 22 for inventory and cannot take donations of foods during this period. The Pantry is launching a new fundraiser, “The 12 Months of Giving” to encourage income throughout the whole year. Call Sue on 724 9731 with any inquires.
■Gift of Lights, presented by Eastern Propane and Oil at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, will run through Dec. 30, 4:30 to 9 p.m., check days of opening on nhms.com/events/gift-of-lights. Admission prices rise after Saturday from $20 to $25 per vehicle up to 15 persons. Anyone bringing three non-perishable items for the Loudon Food Pantry gets $2 off admission.
LOIS SCRIBNER
scribnerlois@gmail.com
■On Sunday, the Chichester Youth Association will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall. They will be voting on new board members. It is important that all current members come and vote. The meeting is open to all as new members are always welcome.
■The Memory Cafe for Chichester and Epsom participants will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at the Epsom Library.
■The Library Trustees will meet at 4 p.m. Monday. This is an open meeting for residents to share thoughts on how the library can best serve the needs of the community.
■The Road Advisory Committee will meet Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Highway Sheds.
■Property taxes are due Tuesday.
■The Toddler Time at the library will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Time to hear about more adventures of Paw Patrol!
■The Chichester United Methodist Church, 45 Main St., will hold a Free Community Supper on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy a good hot meal. This week, meatloaf is on the menu. Donations gratefully accepted to use toward future meals.
■Parks and Recreation committee will meet Wednesday at 6:30 at the Town Hall. Stop by and hear how fundraising is going for the new playground and how you can help.
■The Library Evening Book Club will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m.
■On Thursday, the Pre-School Story Hour will be held at 10:45 a.m. at the library. A story, music, craft and snack will make for a fun time!
■The Conservation Commission will meet Thursday at 7 p.m. at the library.
■The Trustees of the Trust Fund will meet on Friday at 9 a.m. at town hall.
■The Pontine Theatre will be presenting A Christmas Carol at the Grange Hall at 7 p.m. This family-friendly program is free to everyone. Refreshments will follow.
■The “premier event” at the Gazebo in the Green Space next to the Town Hall will be a Carol Sing at 2 p.m. on Dec. 16. After the songs have been sung, there will be hot cocoa and cookies at the Methodist Parish Hall, across the street. The Historical Society Museum, next door, will be open from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Looking forward to seeing lots of Chichester residents and hearing their wonderful voices!
■Stop by the library and check out the beautiful note cards and framed photographs of backyard nature. The proceeds will be donated by the photographer, Barbara Sinclair-Pappas, to help raise funds for revamping of the children’s section.
CAROL HENDEE
247-7191
alexsmeme@hotmail.com
■“The Road Not Taken,” a fine art exhibit inspired by the poetry of Robert Frost, is making the rounds of libraries and nature centers throughout the state. The presentation, designed by three Derry artists, Ingeborg V. Seaboyer, Judy Krassowski and Corinne Dodge, features 20 to 30 works that reflect a variety of personal interpretations of the most famous, as well as some of the “less traveled,” works of one of America’s most inspiring poets, Robert Frost. Images in pen and ink, watercolor, acrylics and oils are accompanied by a selected verse that inspired each individual work. The art exhibit will grace the walls of the Dunbarton Public Library during December and January.
■On Wednesday at 7 p.m., PTO meeting will be held at the school. This meeting includes important info about board elections and upcoming events.
■The Thursday slots for Read to Dogs are filled. Next session all three dogs will be at the library, Jan. 10, 3 to 4 p.m. Call the library to schedule your 15 minute reading session with Jake, Sherman, or Cali. Call 774-3546.
■Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., come to the Spireside Coffee House & Open Mic for an open stage night with no feature to provide each open-mic performer additional time. Come see the regular crew of local musicians. They usually have an eclectic mix of eight to 12 local performers for your listening pleasure. Please join in for an evening of community fun, a traditional “Open Mic” Coffee House held in the intimate setting of our historic Congregational Church Vestry building situated on Dunbarton’s picturesque village green. Admission is $5. Doors open at 6:30 for signups. Show starts at 7 p.m.
■Another concert in the Town Hall Restoration concert series will be held on Dec 16. The talented band is called Honeysuckle, again being held in the town hall foyer. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., concert begins at 6. Suggested donation is $20. Get your tickets now! Check out upcoming events and updates at tinyurl.com/DunTownHall.
■Fraud Prevention and Awareness event will be Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at the library. Free for residents. This presentation will be hosted by Sgt. Chris Remillard of the Dunbarton Police Department and Doug Soares of the AARP Fraud Watch Network. This program is designed to provide information and tips to help prevent common frauds, scams and other types of elder financial exploitation in our community.
■The no book Book Discussion and Holiday Party at the library will be on Dec. 19 at noon. Everyone will share holiday treats and unveil the books for discussion in the coming year.
■Next DCC Book Club discussion will be on Jan. 3. Please start reading “The Last Policeman” by Ben Winter. Phil and Elanor Kimball will host at the Vestry at 7 p.m. Everyone welcome.
■Remember Curios on the Commons new store hours are Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come do your Christmas shopping.
■The next gathering of the Memory Café will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday. Local caregivers and folks living with memory loss are invited to come and enjoy a celebration of holiday music, decorations, and refreshments
■Story Time is on Mondays, 10 a.m.; Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m., and Thursday, 3:30 p.m. Children and their caregivers listen to stories, sing songs and enjoy crafts.
■Toddler Time is Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Toddlers and their parent/caregiver enjoy songs, stories, movement activities, and a craft.
■The children’s movie is Peppa’s Christmas on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Join us for this fun holiday movie with snacks and drinks!
■Wednesday movie will be Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. George C. Scott gives a powerful performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in this classic and timeless story. Movie starts at 1:30 p.m.
■Epsom Central School is pleased to announce our new clothes closet! Having new or gently used clothing is important to self-esteem and the ability for children to focus on education. Our clothes closet is here to help ECS students whose families or guardians are experiencing economic challenges. Students and/or their adults can reach out to Mrs. Learson or Mrs. Long to visit the clothes closet. All visits are confidential.
■If you have gently used or new, up-to-date clothing in sizes youth 5 to adult medium please reach out to Susan Pagano at spagano@sau53.org to make donation arrangements.
■Thursday is Lego Club, everyone welcome at 3:30 p.m. at the library.
■Just a reminder that if you knit, crochet, or do any kind of handwork, you are welcome to join the Tuesday night knitting group. The group meets informally in the cozy fireplace/magazine room at 6:30 p.m., and everyone enjoys an evening of knitting and socialization
■Board of Selectmen public meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. at the town office.
■Cemetery committee will meet on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Epsom Public Library.
■Budget committee will meet on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the town offices.
■Planning and Land Use board meeting Wednesday at 6:30 at town offices.
■Monday there is a School Board Meeting at 6 p.m.
■Monday P.T.O. Meeting at 6:15 p.m. in the library.
■Tuesday is the D.C. 2019 Fundraising Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in room 224.
■The Thursday Band/Chorus Concert will be at 6:30 p.m. in the gymnasium.
■The sixth- and eighth-grade dance to benefit D.C. Trip will be Friday from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
■Happy birthday to Doreen Mathison today and Joey Allen on Thursday! Have wonderful birthday celebrations.
TERRY RIEL
rielt397@gmail.com
■The Festival of Trees sponsored by the Franklin Opera House began Dec. 7 with two weekends to enjoy beautiful holiday decorations. Remaining hours are: Today from 10 a.m. to noon and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winners of the raffle will be announced following the last performance of Miracle On 34th Street, on Dec. 16. Visit franklinoperahouse.org for more information.
■Franklin Footlight Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street with showings Dec. 8, 14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. A great family show. Visit franklinoperahouse.org or call 934-1901 to order tickets in advance. Box office opens one hour prior to the performances.
■Pictures with Santa and pancake breakfast, presented by Franklin Area Lions Club, takes place Saturday at the Soda Shoppe from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Pictures when ready for pick-up will be posted on the bulletin board at the Soda Shoppe the following week. Cost is $5 per person and available at the Soda Shoppe, Pizza Chef, the TRIP Center and from Lions Club members.
■Parks and Recreation Pre-school and Kindergarten Basketball runs Saturdays from Jan. 5 to Feb. 16, pre-school from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. and kindergarten 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., at Bessie Rowell Community Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult and adult must stay through entire class. Fee $25 (resident); $30 (non-resident). Registration deadline is Jan. 3. Call 934-2118 with questions.
■Save Jan. 1 for Franklin’s First Day Celebration. Greet kayakers as they ride the rapids of the Winnepesaukee River, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This marks the 39th anniversary of kayakers welcoming the new year by running the river. Downtown businesses will be open for eating, drinking and shopping. Best viewing is at Trestle View Park (the big wheel) or put on your snowshoes and head for the Winnipesaukee trail across the street. A warming tent will greet you and paddlers with hot cocoa, “Hoppin’ Jack” chili and other treats. Organizations can reserve table space in the heated tent, free of charge, by calling 380-0246.
■Parks and Recreation can now accept registrations for activities. Go to franklinnh.recdesk.com/Community/Home. Create an account, add yourself as head of household, add your child(ren), register for programs. If you already have an account, log in and register for programs. Start the new year by participating in some of the many opportunities available to your family.
JUDITH ACKERSON
934-2543
franklintowncrier@gmail.com
■Weare Public Library is offering a Beginner Guitar Group on Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m. Learn the basics of rhythm and melody, learn and share some simple songs. Bring an acoustic guitar and a tuner if you have one. No charge and then Knit Night is at 7 p.m. Knit, crochet, sew, whatever fabric art you are into, come share the time and some fellowship.
■Weare school board has just changed the time of their Dec. 18 board meeting.This meeting will now be held at 4:30 p.m.(same place,Weare Middle School) This meeting will include a presentation of the Default Budget for the 2019-20 school year. The Weare School Board will meet with the Weare Finance Committee following their regular meeting. This is also a public meeting. The Weare School Board and Weare Finance Committee meeting will be at 7:30 p.m.
A Century in the Life of Henniker, N.H. A Birdseye View of 1900-2000, a new history of Henniker book signing by author Martha Taylor will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
■Henniker Historical Society and Museum’s Holiday Cookie and Gift Sale is also at the same times, both at the Grange Building, 21 Western Ave. For more information, call 428-7840.
TOM DUNN
dunn.t@comcast.net
■On Monday the Military Book Group at Fuller Public Library will meet to discuss Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly. Discussion starts at 2 p.m., all are welcome to join!
■Knitting Purls meets at 1 p.m. every Monday at Fuller Public Library. Bring your knitting questions, patterns to share, and enjoy the company of other knitters.
■Knitting Purls (the evening edition) meets at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Fuller Public Library. Call for more information at 464-3595.
■Scrabble Club meets at the Fuller Public Library at 1 p.m. every Thursday, bring a game of your own to play with others!
■The American Legion Post 59, Children’s Christmas Party, Dec. 22, 1 to 3 p.m. Children and grandchildren of members of the American Legion, Auxiliary and S.A.L., age 10 and under can attend. Please sign-up in the canteen or call 478-0091. Deadline to sign-up is Dec. 16.
NANCY SHEE
nshee71@gmail.com
■Stop by the Contoocook Farmers Market at the Town Hall on Saturday for goodies and gifts. Lots of vegetables, meat, jam, granola, maple syrup, breads and other baked goods, Indian food, alpaca, and holiday decorations. Open 10 to 1. SNAP/EBT accepted. For more information, visit facebook.com/ContoocookFarmersMarket.
■Registration is now open for the Bill Koch ski league. The mission of the Bill Koch League is to introduce children to cross-country skiing in a fun and supportive environment. It is open to all children grades one through eight. Practices will be held Tuesday, and Friday afternoons at the town fairgrounds (behind the Odd Fellows Hall) and some Sunday afternoons at Pat’s Peak.Registration is required and equipment is not provided, although some loaner equipment is available. Practices will begin in early December. More Information and registration can be found at: blackwaternordic.org/content/bill-koch-youth-league. If you have questions please contact Juliana Dapice at juliana.popper@gmail.com.
■The Town Library is in temporary quarters in the lower level of the Slusser Center. The library will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All online services continue to be available, as is InerLibrary Loan. Also area libraries have volunteered for residents to use their library while our library is closed. Please have your library card or proof of Hopkinton/Contoocook residency. The follow libraries have reached out; Bow, Concord, Henniker, Webster, Hillsboro, Dunbarton, Warner, New England College, and Weare. For assistance call 746-3663 or email info@hopkintontownlibrary.org.
■Senior lunch takes place Wednesdays at noon at the Slusser Senior Center. Suggested donation is $4. Menu: roast pork loin, loaded mashed potatoes, honey garlic roasted carrots, broccoli salad, rolls, and strawberry cake with fresh strawberries and shaved chocolate.
■Hopkinton Library Story Time are on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for children 3 to 5 and a caregiver. Laptime will be held Fridays at 11 a.m. Siblings are welcome to join the fun!
KATHLEEN BUTCHER
724-3452
kathb123@comcast.net
■The Nutcracker Ballet will be performed on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Concord City Auditorium by the Turning Pointe Center of Dance under the direction of Lisa Drouin Goff will feature local dancers. Tickets are $18 if purchased by calling 485-8710, online at Turning Pointe’s Facebook page or at the UPS Store on Main Street in Concord. At the door, tickets are $20 on the day of the event.
JOCELYN CARLUCCI
485-3352
taihi@comcast.net
■The PHS Class of 1979 is making plans for their 40th Class Reunion. Class members are asked to contact Randy Severance at ransev@comcast.net for details. Help is needed in locating class members.
■The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a House Decorating Contest in the spirit of the season. Any address in Pittsfield, home or business, that wishes to participate may enter by submitting an entry form. Entry forms are available for printing at PittsfieldChamber.org or on Facebook: The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce. Mail, email or drop off your entry at Epping Well on Main Street by Dec. 15. Entry is free and the prize is $100! A Google Map link will be posted for the Dec. 20 judging date so that others may enjoy the decorations and lights as well. Judging will take place from 7 to 10 p.m., weather permitting. Any weather changes will be posted on the Chamber Facebook page in a timely manner. Questions? Email GPCCNH@hotmail.com or message us through our Facebook page The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce.
■The Suncook Valley Rotary Club is holding a Holiday Charity Fundraiser. They are selling bird seed wreaths – made with fresh, dense and delicious bird seed. The cost is $19.95 and 100 percent of each sale supports local charities. Please contact Adam Gauthier at 219-7284 to place your order.
■Pittsfield Elementary School (PES) PTO, has been selected as a beneficiary of the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program for the month of December. For every reusable Community Bag purchased at the Hannaford store located at 174 First N.H. Turnpike in Northwood during the month of December, PES PTO will receive a $1 donation. PES PTO is proud to be a beneficiary recipient of the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program and has a goal of raising $50 by the end of December, which is equivalent to 50 bags purchased. Learn more about PES PTO by following their Facebook page. For more information on the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program, visit hannaford.bags4mycause.com.
■The PES PTO will hold a Holiday Open House on Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the PES Learning Commons. Ugly sweaters are encouraged but not required. Cookies and cocoa will be served. Meet others from the PES Community (a few agenda items will be discussed). Child care will be available. Stop in and see what the PES PTO is all about.
■Today, the PMHS Drama Club will be performing A Christmas Chaos in the PMHS gym. Sunday’s matinee is at 2 p.m. Admission costs are $7 for adults and $3 for children. Tickets are cash only and are available at the door. The Drama Club will also have a 50/50 raffle and Bake Sale on the day of each performance.
■The Parks and Recreation Committee will meet on Tuesday at 615 p.m. at town hall.
■The Pittsfield Players will hold auditions for their 2018 Kids’ Theater Workshop production of The Addams Family at the Scenic Theatre, 6 Depot St., in Pittsfield on Dec. 16 and 17 at 4 p.m., both days. The Kids’ Theater Workshop is a program by kids for kids ages 8 to 18, and participants not only perform on stage but also work behind the scenes, learning about set design and construction, set painting, stage managing, stage lighting and sound and costumes and make-up. The group rehearses two days a week after school and on Saturdays and then performs the show at two matinees for local schools and three evening shows for the general public. This year, the shows will be performed Feb. 19 through 23, with a set strike and cast party on Feb. 24. For further information, contact Maye Hart at maye@pittsfieldplayers.com.
■Come to the library on Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. to create your own gingerbread house! We will have all the decorating supplies for families and children to enjoy this holiday tradition. The snow date is Dec. 22.
■The adult book club, Read, Meet, Talk, will meet to discuss The Thanksgiving Visitor and A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote and This Year will be Different by Maeve Binchy at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Pittsfield Senior Center. The club will also begin book selections for 2019. Anyone who would like to attend can pick up the books at the library, come and enjoy some inspirational conversation.
ANDREA RIEL
435-6346
pittsfieldtowncrier@hotmail.com
■Don’t forget Carols at the Crèche on Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. at the Salisbury Congregational Church. Lunch will be served.
■Budget Committee meets Monday at 7 p.m. upstairs in Academy Hall.
■The decorative 250th commemorative holiday envelope stamps will be available at the town office and library until the end of the year. Regular postage must be used and mail sent as usual. There are still a few medallions, tote bags, tee shirts and commemorative 2018 calendars and license plates for sale, great Christmas gifts. Call 934-2172 if interested. Note the commemorative license plates must be removed from your vehicles Dec. 31.
■Wow, November was a busy month at the library! And two snow days already! Just as a reminder, while we usually close when the Merrimack Valley Schools close, that is not always the case – i.e. Saturdays and days when we’re open 1 to 7 p.m., instead of closer to school hours. Also, I occasionally disagree with the schools and would feel much safer if everyone stayed home. However, we also always post on WMUR closings and on the Friends and Citizens of Salisbury Facebook page, and our own Facebook page.
■Thank you to Simon Brooks and the Children’s Literacy Foundation! Last month, Simon Brooks, the storyteller, visited East Andover Village Preschool thanks to the Children’s Literacy Foundation rural grant that was awarded to Salisbury Free Library earlier this year. Every child who attended was given two free books. Simon Brooks also visited the Salisbury Elementary School and the Salisbury Free Library was awarded $2,000 worth of children’s books for its collection. A number of these books are already ready to be checked out, but it’s a lot of books so we’re still working on cataloging and processing them!
■Yoga, Gentle Flow at the Salisbury Free Library is held Wednesdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. for a suggested donation of $8 per person and Tuesdays 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. for a suggested donation of $5 an individual. Our apologies for getting the suggested fee wrong last month – it went up not long ago for Wednesday mornings and we forgot to change it here! Also, please keep in mind that it is suggested and no one will be turned away for inability to pay.
■No December book club book. We’ll be back in January with The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede. Copies should be available around the end of December. There is now a Kindle to loan at Salisbury Free Library! The Kindle is preloaded with e-books read for you to read. Call for more information or check it out the next time you are in.
■As 2018 is winding down, I will be giving up as Town Crier for Salisbury. My last column will be Dec. 30. I’ve enjoyed doing this for many years, time for new face to carry on and bring information to our fellow neighbors. Anyone who might like to pursue this endeavor should contact either myself at kdownes@tds.net or the Concord Monitor at towncrier@monitor.com. Still looking for someone who might like to take over this for the town.
KATHIE DOWNES
648-2473
kdownes@tds.net
■The Webster Free Public Library book group will meet on Thursday at 7:15 p.m. to discuss the book Made in the U.S.A. by Billie Letts. The meeting is at the library and open to all.
SARAH CHALSMA
webstertowncrier@gmail.com