■The Allenstown Town Hall will be closed at 3 p.m. on Thursday.
■Bone Builders meet on Monday and Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Suncook Senior Center.
■Bingo is played at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday and on Thursday at the Suncook Senior Center.
■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.
■Rebecca Rule and the Amazing Holiday Giveaway on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. at the Suncook Senior Center, 8 Whitten St. Be sure to sign up ahead. You won’t want to miss a visit from Rebecca Rule and her elf friend. We are giving a free raffle ticket with each lunch. When your number is called you get to pick a mystery gift. For more information call 485-4254.
■Tai Chi is held on Friday at 9 a.m. at the Suncook Senior Center.
CLAUDETTE VERVILLE
485-4437
cverville2@comcast.net
■A Senior Health Clinic will be held at The Andover Hub, 157 Main St., next to Pizza Chef, on Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., sponsored by the Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association. Services offered, by appointment, include toenail clipping and other foot care, blood pressure screening, and medication and nutrition education. Call Jean Chapman at the VNA, 410-9754, to schedule an appointment.
■Stop in at the Bachelder Library on Tuesday between 6 and 8 p.m. to make a festive holiday ornament, as well as to check out a book or movie and to meet the new librarian, Lee Wells. The library is at 12 Chase Hill Road, near the intersection with Route 11 and is open to all Andover residents.
■The featured performer at this month’s Andover Community Coffeehouse on Friday is Hiroya Tsukamo, a “talented transplant from Japan to New York” who will bring his guitar compositions and award-winning playing style to the local stage. The Coffeehouse takes place at the Highland Lake Grange Hall, corner of Route 11 and Chase Hill Road, and opens at 6 p.m. for light supper food and beverage purchases as well as for open mic sign-ups on a first come, first served basis. The performance is open to the public free of charge, although donations are much appreciated. For more information, check out the Coffeehouse website, AndoverCoffeehouse.org.
SUSAN CHASE
735-5135
srfchase@gmail.com
■The Merrimack County Stamp Collectors will hold its monthly meeting at the Bow Mills United Methodist Church, 505 South St., Bow, on Tuesday 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 information contact Faye Johnson 228-8149.
JOYCE KIMBALL
bowcomnews@comcast.net
■Church in the Woods on Foster Road will host “Cherishing Stillness in Advent,” today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with 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.
■Also at the CUCC, today at 4 p.m., “How Far Is It To Bethlehem?” Advent Walk, live Nativity and Potluck Supper. Meet in Church Sanctuary. Dress warmly. Potluck in Parish House at 5 p.m. Christmas Eve service, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m.
■Alternative New Year’s Celebration will be at the Quaker Meetinghouse, 11 Oxbow Pond Road for all ages. Bring a game to share, non-alcoholic bubbly, and finger food snack. From 6 to 10 p.m. Also, Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. followed by potluck. Call Ruth Heath 783-4401 for info.
■On Monday, Young Readers Group at 3:30 p.m. and Teen Time Read at 6 p.m.: Adult Book Group, Tuesday, 7 p.m., to discuss “Mr Dickens and His Carol” by Samantha Silva. Rug Braiding with Kate Goegel returns on Tuesdays, Jan. 8 – 29. Class is free, but materials needed, and limited to six people so sign up required. Call Sue at Elkins Public Library at 783-4386 .
■Belmont Middle School Holiday Concert on Thursday at 6 p.m. for Grades 5 and 6, 7 p.m. for Grades 7 and 8.
■The Canterbury Shaker Village Museum Store open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to Dec. 23.
■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, will be at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway through to Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Check days of opening on nhms.com/events/gift-of-lights. Admission is $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
■The town of Chichester has vacancies on the Zoning Board, two alternates; Heritage Commission, 2 alternates; Road Advisory, Economic Development Commission, 4 members and 2 alternates. Please have experience in budget or a business revenue background. Submit letters of interest to: Town of Chichester; Attn: Selectmen, 54 Main St., Chichester, N.H. 03258.
■The BCEP has announced significant changes in recycling procedures for 2019. Check the website at: bcepsolidwaste.com or pickup a brochure at the transfer station or town office.
■Selectmen will meet on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. town hall.
■Trustees of the Trust Fund will meet Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. town hall.
■Chichester School Board will meet Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at CCS.
■The Chichester Grange will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. upstairs in the Grange Hall.
■The Chichester Police Dept are accepting applications for “Secret Santa” thru Wednesday. Call 798-4911 if you or someone you know could use a little assistance this holiday season.
■The library does not have formal book sales during the winter. However, you can purchase books from the Down Under Book sale anytime the library is open. Also, there are “like new” and some new books for sale upstairs on a cart in the main library and children’s books in the entrance foyer. They make great gifts as well as the lovely nature photographs that are on sale through December. Purchase one for a special gift and help support the revamping of the children’s area.
CAROL HENDEE
247-7191
alexsmeme@hotmail.com
■Another concert in the Town Hall Restoration concert series will be held on Sunday. The talented band is called Honeysuckle, again being held in the town hall foyer. Doors open at 5:30, concert begins at 6 p.m. Suggested donation is $20. Check out upcoming events and updates at tinyurl.com/DunTownHall.
■Fraud Prevention and Awareness Tuesday will be held 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 Wednesday at noon. Everyone will share holiday treats and unveil the books for discussion in the coming year.
■School Holiday Break is Dec. 24 through Jan. 1. Town Offices closing at 2 p.m. on Dec. 24 and Dec 31.
■On Dec. 27, the Christmas Vacation Lego Party will be at the library, 1 to 3 p.m. Head to the library to free build with their collection of Legos.
■On Dec. 27, the Christmas Vacation Pajama Story Time will be at the library from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come down in your jammies for some bedtime stories and a snack.
■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 Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come do your Christmas Shopping.
NORA LEDUC
774-3141
dtowncrier@gmail.com
■Story Time is on Mondays at 10 a.m., Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m., and Thursday at 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 crafts.
■Thursday is Lego Club, everyone welcome at 3:30 p.m. at the library.
■Epsom Central School is pleased to announce a 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 (spagano@sau53.org) to make donation arrangements.
■The National Geographic Geography Bee for ECS grades 4 to 8 will take place on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the gymnasium. The student who wins will take a written test to see if he/she qualifies for the state level bee to be held in the spring at Keene State College.
■This year Epsom Central School is continuing with the Backpack Program. The Backpack Program’s goal is to provide a weekend supply of nutritious food for students when school breakfast and lunch are unavailable on the weekend or school holidays. All food is nonperishable and provided to the students free of charge. This program is open to all Epsom Central School students. It is funded through generous gifts from faculty and staff along with the Epsom Food Pantry. If you believe your child could benefit from this program, we encourage you to sign him or her up by contacting Rita Kiley, food service director, at 736-9331 or rkiley@sau53.org. This information will be kept confidential. Once your child is signed up, he/she will receive a backpack of food each week. We ask that the backpack be returned on Monday to be refilled for the next weekend. For more information or questions, please contact Rita Kiley, Food Service Director, Cynthia Learson, School Nurse, or Patrick Connors, Principal at 736-9331.
■The board of selectmen will meet on Monday at 6 p.m. at the town office.
■The budget committee will meet Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the town offices.
■The movie matinee at the library this Wednesday, is Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool. This story of a May-December romance stars Annette Bening and Jamie Bell. This bittersweet love story is rated R and starts at 1:30 p.m.
■Epsom Food Pantry Christmas Basket pickups is Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., regardless of weather. If you have questions call Priscilla at 219-3025 or Liz at 724-4006.
■Happy birthdays Christine Fitts, Bill Noyes and Rachel Eames! Hope you have great celebrations!
TERRY RIEL
rielt397@gmail.com
■Christmas trees are on sale at Franklin Shopping Center by Choose Franklin and Franklin Boy Scout until sold out. Proceeds assist local Boy Scout troops and other local nonprofits.
■The school board will meet Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Middle School library.
■The Planning Board meets Wednesday at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
■The Franklin Area Lions Club meets Monday at 5:30 at the Soda Shoppe. Contact Linda at LionCherylPwrs@aol.com.
■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.
■Winter Break Camp at Franklin Parks & Recreation is offered Dec. 26 to 28 from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $39 without field trips or $65 with both trips. Daily rate is $13 per day. Field trips: Movie and lunch at Smitty’s Cinema and ice skating at Plymouth State University. Call 934-2118 with questions or to register.
■The Franklin Public Library cookbook club meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. Call 934-2911 for more information.
■The TRIP Center is gearing up for a New Year’s Eve dinner on the 31. Family and friends are welcome. Festivities begin at 10:30, followed by a delicious dinner. Call 934-4151 to reserve and make 2019 the best year ever!
JUDITH ACKERSON
934-2543
franklintowncrier@gmail.com
■Weare’s Little Dribblers program begins Jan. 6 for children who were 4 years old by Sept. 30. To register for this program or for any questions on Little Dribblers please contact the Basketball Director: Cindy Lacasse at cindylacasse@mygsc.com.
■John Stark Regional High School students taking the “We the People” class with Mr. Dan Marcus this semester completed round one of the “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” competition on Dec. 7 at the Legislative Office Building in Concord. The JSRHS team advanced to the state finals.
■The Weare school board meeting is Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Finance Committee at 7:30 p.m. The school budget will be presented at that time.
■If you have a family member or friend with a drinking problem and are a young adult then consider attending the weekly Al-Anon meetings from 4 to 5 p.m. Mondays upstairs at the Congregational Parish Hall in Henniker, 33 Maple St.
TOM DUNN
dunn.t@comcast.net
■American Legion Post 59, Children’s Christmas Party is Saturday from 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 today.
■On Tuesday, GHSS is Heading to the Heights to check out the new Aldi’s along with stops at Walmart and Ocean State Job Lot. Cost is $6 and lunch is on your own. Leaving Shaw’s at 9:30 a.m. Call Lee Avery at 478-3432 for reservations.
■Tuesday is the Blue Christmas: A Service of Comfort and Remembrance to be held at 7 p.m. at Smith Memorial Congregational Church in Hillsborough, co-sponsored by the Deering Community Church.
■Concord Regional VNA is holding a Senior Health Clinic Maple Leaf Village Apartments, 10 Center Road in Hillsborough Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon. All Senior Health Clinic services are provided for a suggested donation of $10, however, services are provided regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Services offered include foot care, blood pressure screening, B-12 injections, medication education, and nutritional education. Call 224-4093 or (800) 924-8620, ext. 5815 for an appointment.
■Thursday is the annual Silver Tea and Luncheon. You are cordially invited to attend GHSS’s annual Silver Tea and Luncheon at St. Mary’s beginning at 1 p.m. We ask that you bring a favorite dish, sandwiches, salad, dessert or holiday specialty. We’ll enjoy seasonal music and maybe play a game or two. Also, we traditionally have a Yankee Swap. Gifts should be no more than $10. Call Pat if you plan to attend at 44-5029.
NANCY SHEE
nshee71@gmail.com
■Stop by the Contoocook Farmers Market at the Town Hall on Saturday for almost everything you need for your Christmas dinner plus goodies and gifts. Lots of vegetables, meat, jam, granola, maple syrup, breads and other baked goods, Indian food, alpaca, and holiday decorations. Open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. SNAP/EBT accepted. For more information, visit facebook.com/ContoocookFarmersMarket.
■Concord Regional VNA is holding a Senior Health Clinic at Slusser Senior Center on Jan. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Park Avenue Apartments on Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All Senior Health Clinic services are provided for a suggested donation of $10, however, services are provided regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Services offered include foot care, blood pressure screening, B-12 injections, medication education, and nutritional education. Call 224-4093 or (800) 924-8620, ext. 5815 for an appointment.
■Senior lunch Wednesdays at noon at the Slusser Senior Center. Suggested donation is $4. The sixth annual Holiday luncheon will be hosted this week by Hopkinton Rotary. Menu will be spiral ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, apple sauce, salad, rolls, cheese and crackers, pies and whipped cream. Seating limited to 60.
■Hopkinton Library Story Times 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. for chicken birth to 2½. Siblings are welcome to join the fun!
KATHLEEN BUTCHER
724-3452
kathb123@comcast.net
■In partnership with Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc., Concord Regional VNA is offering Better Choices, Better Health, a six-week self-management program to help adults living with ongoing health conditions feel better, regain control of their health, and start doing the things they want to do. The program is on Tuesdays beginning Jan. 22, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Pembroke Public Library. This is a free program. Registration is required. To register, call Concord Regional VNA at 224-4093 or (800) 924-8620, ext. 5815 or visit crvna.org.
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. A Google Map link will be posted for the Thursday judging date so that others may enjoy the decorations and lights as well. Judging will take place on Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m., weather permitting. Any weather changes will be posted on the Chamber Facebook page in a timely manner. For more information 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 all proceeds supports local charities. Please contact Adam Gauthier at 219-7284 to place your order.
■Pittsfield Elementary School 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, 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. 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 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 Sunday and Monday, 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 more information, contact director Maye Hart at maye@pittsfieldplayers.com.
■Join your friends and neighbors and bring the whole family to a wonderful traditional candlelight service Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, 7 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, 24 Main St. The service includes beautiful music by the Chancel Choir and the JuBellation Handbell Choir, scripture lessons, the story of the first Christmas, the sanctuary shimmering in real candlelight and the singing of “Silent Night.” Include this lovely evening service in your holiday plans. Parking and wheelchair accessible entry are available at rear of church at Chestnut Street. For more information, call the church office at 435-7471.
■The Josiah Carpenter Library Trustees will meet on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the library.
■The Suncook Valley Rotary Club will meet on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Dominick’s Restaurant. For more information, contact Donna Keeley at keeledm@yahoo.com.
■The Infant Toddler Diaper Pantry will be open on Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church. Young families are given supplemental diapers and wipes. Everyone is welcome. Please use the Chestnut Street entrance. Monetary and product contributions are always welcome. Please call the church at 435-7471 to arrange drop-off.
■Joy Church will be holding a Christmas Eve celebration at 5 p.m. This year we are expecting the unexpected. Joy Church is located at 55 Barnstead Road, Pittsfield.
■The Zoning Board of Adjustments has some openings. If you are willing to give the time and have a desire to help our town, the ZBA would welcome your participation as an alternate board member. Citizenship in the town of Pittsfield, a desire to learn, and an open mind are the only requirements to serve. We are also looking for full time board members as well. Anyone interested in serving please contact us at zoning@pittsfieldnh.gov
■Old Views of Pittsfield Highlight 2019 Calendar – Photographs of Pittsfield dating from 1864 up through a winter aerial view from the 1940s or early 1950s are depicted and described in the 2019 calendar from the Pittsfield Historical Society. Also included with the 14 photos is a current map of Pittsfield’s Historic Trail. Calendars can be purchased at the Pittsfield Town offices, the Josiah Carpenter Library and the Pittsfield Historical Society headquarters on most Tuesday mornings between 9 a.m. and noon, or by calling Fuzz Freese at 435-7777. Cost is still only $10. Don’t leave 2018 without one.
■Happy birthday wishes to Aunt Carolyn Davis and to Rich Hillsgrove. I hope you both enjoy your special day!
■Happy Anniversary to Fred and Liz Hast!
ANDREA RIEL
435-6346
pittsfieldtowncrier@hotmail.com
■Planning Board will meet Monday at 7 p.m. upstairs in Academy Hall.
■Selectmen meet Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. upstairs in Academy Hall. At the Wednesday meeting, they will be honoring all volunteers. Please come to the meeting and help celebrate the end of the year and all who have been so helpful volunteering. Refreshments will be served.
KATHIE DOWNES
648-2473
kdownes@tds.net
■Join the United Church of Warner celebrating “All is Calm and Bright” at the Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will follow the service in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome!
■The Warner Historical Society’s museum store will be open extra hours during the holiday season. On Saturday the Upton Chandler House Museum will be open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. featuring holiday items from the Barn Sale, gift baskets, Mt. Kearsarge items, hand-painted holiday ornaments of the Waterloo and Joppa covered bridges and the Simonds Free High School, the 2019 Celebrating the Artwork of Warner’s Charlie Brown, Part 2 and Jack Noon’s new publication, The Tornado of 1821. The store will also be open when the Open flag is displayed at the office.
■“StoryTime with Simonds” at MainStreet BookEnds is in partnership with Simonds Elementary School. Come enjoy a read-aloud for grades K-2 with friends! The first Thursday of each month from 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. in the Gallery! The next storytime is Jan. 3, and will feature local author Matt Forrest Esenwine reading Flashlight Night and Don’t Ask a Dinosaur!
■Open Mic every Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at Schoodacs Coffee Shop.
■Simonds Elementarydecember break is Dec. 24 to Jan. 2.
NEIL NEVINS
456-3614
info@mainstreetbookends.com