The Buntin-Rumford-Webster Chapter is currently planning a gathering to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Buntin Chapter. The Buntin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was organized in Allenstown on Dec. 5, 1896, with 14 original members. The Chapter name honors one of the first settlers of Pembroke. Andrew Buntin commanded one of the first Revolutionary War companies raised in NH in 1775. Sara F. (J. Henry) Dearborn was the Organizing Regent of the Buntin Chapter. The name of the chapter changed to the Captain Andrew Buntin Chapter in 1992. On June 21, 2001, the chapter merged with the Abigail Webster Chapter from Franklin and the Rumford Chapter from Concord. The BRW Chapter has been researching the history of the Buntin Chapter and is attempting to locate historical documents which may be tucked away at historical societies, libraries, or in someone’s attic. To date, the committee has found items at the NH Historical Society, the Pembroke Historical Society and the NHSODAR archives. One of the documents which has not been located is the original charter for the Buntin Chapter. It would be wonderful if we could find the charter. We would appreciate any leads or history from the community. Please join us on Dec. 5 at 1 to 3 p.m. for a tea and celebration. Please contact Kay Sternenberg (Chapter Regent) at kas@sternenberglaw.com or Sheila Knight (Chapter Historian) at 228-8029 with any leads or to RSVP for the tea. The public is welcome.
The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction is excited to announce that the Cycle Mania fundraiser that benefits the auction will return this year with an event on Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Gilford Hills Tennis & Fitness Club. Participants may sign up to cycle for one hour or multiple one-hour slots during the event; the cost is $20 per hour, and all funds benefit the Children’s Auction, which will be held Dec. 7 through Dec. 10 at the Tanger Outlets. Registration is required in advance at childrensauction.com. Anyone interested in taking part should sign up soon, as there are limited slots; when you register, you can choose a 2021 Challenge team, and your fee will count toward that team. Cycle Mania debuted in 2007 at the Laconia Athletic and Swim Club by its owners at the time, Tom and Lori Oakley. Mike “Mad Dog” Gallagher of Gilford and John “Blue Dog” Jurczynski of Holderness broke the current Guinness World Record of 111 hours, 11 minutes and 11 consecutive seconds spent on a stationary cycle that year. “For our 40th year celebration, we thought it incredibly fitting that we bring back Cycle Mania,” said auction Executive Director Jennifer Kelley. “We were thrilled to be hosted by Gilford Hills Tennis & Fitness Club, where we will have 18 bikes with people pedaling for 12 hours. There will be lots of music and energy. Cycle Mania is rolling back into town to raise money for children and families in need.” While many auction items have been received at this time, there is a need for thousands of items to raise enough money to meet the needs of the community. Auction leaders will collect new, unused, unwrapped items right up to the week of the auction. Gift cards, electronics, tools, toys, sporting goods and household items all bring the highest bids. Go to our website at ChildrensAuction.com for a list of convenient donation drop-off sites throughout the Lakes Region. And on Black Friday weekend, Nov. 26 to Nov. 28, visit the collection site at Tanger Outlets and drop your items off between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn more about the auction at ChildrensAuction.com.