Concord/Penacook
■Everyone is invited to the Penacook Village Association’s Annual Meeting, which will be held on Dec. 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the Merrimack Valley High School cafeteria, with guest speaker Mayor-elect Byron Champlin, who will discuss issues related to Penacook and the city and take your questions.
■The Catholic Daughters, Court Pope John Paul II No. 2602, is holding their annual Christmas Fair and Cookie Walk at Immaculate Conception Church, 9 Bonney St., on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church hall. Homemade cookies will be sold by the pound. You can take a chance at the raffle table and listen to Christmas music while shopping and supporting local crafters. A soup luncheon will be provided by the Catholic Daughters. Raffle winners will be pulled at 1 p.m.
■Penacook Winter Farmers Market is now open every Wednesday, from 3 to 6 p.m., at Riverhill Grange, 32 Horse Hill Rd.
CHERYL STINSON
news03303@aol.com
■On Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Concord Community Center, 14 Canterbury Rd, it’s Cookies and Cocoa Stories with the Gingerbread Man! Come for cookie decorating, stories, Crafts and holiday fun! It’s sponsored by The Friends Program.
■Get ready to be swept away as “The Nutcracker” brings enchantment, wonder and joy to life on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the City Auditorium, 2 Prince St.
■Say farewell to the longest evening of darkness at the Winter Solstice Soirée! Come light up the night with The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire on Thursday, Dec. 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Ralph Pill Marketplace, 22 Bridge St., fourth floor, for light appetizers, fun, live music and holiday cheer.
■On Sunday, Dec. 10 at 4 p.m., hear the Capital Jazz Orchestra at the Chubb Theatre at CCA, 44 S. Main St. Also at the Chubb Theatre, it’s the 96.5 The Buzz Beach Ball on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. There’s more music at the Capitol Center with Scotty Austin on Friday, Dec. 15 at 8 p.m.
■Northern New England is full of reminders of past lives. Adair Mulligan explores the rich. See how cellar holes are piecing together clues on Tuesday at the Library, 45 Green St. at 6 p.m. This program is offered in person and via Zoom, please register online through the library website. More library events include the French Club on Dec. 11, at 5 p.m. in the Shakespeare Room. Parlez-vous français? Join us and get reacclimated with your French fluency!
■On Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 1:30 p.m., spend time in the Blanchard Room sipping hot chocolate and folding book pages to create a beautiful book angel for a gift or for that spot in your home that needs a bit of holiday cheer! Registration is required.
■Speculative Fiction Book Talk for “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore” happens Dec. 13, at 5:30 p.m. in the Auditorium.Print copies of the book are available at the Main Library and on Hoopla and Libby. Please register online in advance.
■Books & Brew is on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Join for a low-pressure book club! Come talk about whatever you’ve been reading and get some great recommendations!
■It’s time to be creative and healthy at GoodLife Programs & Activities, 254 N. State St., with several events. On Monday at noon, there’s a Basket Class to create basket that holds a liner. The cost is $35. You must register in advance. All supplies included. Call 228-6630 for more information or email info@GoodLifeNH.org.
■On Tuesday at 3 p.m., Cyber-Seniors breaks down the basics of creating an email account, keeping it organized, and staying safe from scam emails. Cost is $5. Register on Monday by noon. This class is being held in-person and via Zoom.
■See Dr. Beth Ann Jacques for the free services: Hearing Screenings, Ear Cleaning and Hearing Aid Care. Dr. Jacques is at the center every Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m. Registration is required. Please call to schedule an appointment.
■Sometimes we aren’t sure what to do about aches and pains. Did you recently fall or stumble, experience back pain standing up or have discomfort that doesn’t go away? Megan Tepper, DPT will assess you on Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. to answer your questions and conduct injury assessments. Megan’s extensive experience as a physical therapist working with the older population will help you find the right path to a pain-free life. The cost is $5. You must register at 228-6630 in advance.
■Finally at GoodLife on Thursday at 11 a.m., Memory Boxes are decorated containers that can facilitate the bereavement process or provide closure to an experience or relationship. Boxes and paper will be provided; bring good copies of old photos, and any other memorabilia. The cost is $25 and please register.
■Bach’s Lunch: “My Body, My Instrument, My Performance with Joel Begin” happens on Thursday at 12:10 p.m. at the Concord Community Music School, 23 Wall St. He will present a free lecture on the relationship between music, movement, and healing from stress/trauma.
■Support BBHS Habitat for Humanity by attending Bishop Brady’s Annual Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday at 9 a.m. at 25 Columbus Ave.
■Join the NH Audubon’s Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Rd. Shop the fair and the Nature Store then enjoy tacos, cider, doughnuts and local cold brew. There’s more information at nhaudubon.org.
■Chag sameach! Happy Hanukkah! May your candles burn bright this season, this Friday and beyond!
JEAN VER HOEVEN
jeanann@voicenet.com
Allenstown
■Annual Christmas Lighting Contest sponsored by the Allenstown Economic Development Committee is from Nov. 17 to Dec. 10, 2023 to register your home decorations. The decorations will be judged from Dec. 1 to Dec. 14 at 5 p.m.
■Santa Parade is on Dec. 16 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. where Santa and his sled will parade through the town with the Police and Fire Dept. to escort Santa from the Allenstown Police Station to Town Hall. Santa and his elves will give candy to waiting children as they travel though town ending at Town Hall. The ARD Student Council will have hot chocolate and baked goods for sale to enjoy. Once Santa arrives at the Town Hall at 3 p.m.the Awards Ceremony will begin featuring refreshments, warming fires, Prizes for Best Decorations, and Christmas Caroling.
■The Allenstown Historical Society will meet on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at the MRF Building off Route 28 on Lavoie Drive. The meetings are open to the public, for more information call 485-4437.
CLAUDETTE VERVILLE
cverville2@comcast.net
BOSCAWEN
■Boscawen Town Offices are looking for your feedback on the idea of adopting a Town Flag. Contact the following if interested in this idea. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_pcPJoG6crur4snkept-hU78YkwWE6bJ_DcOuiQZ75GOiVQ/viewform?usp=sharing.
■There is only one day left to grab a tag off the Giving Tree at the Police Station. Purchase the presents requested by a grateful recipient and return, unwrapped, to the station by Monday.
■Stop by the Boscawen Public Library to see how they are in the holiday spirit with their colorful tree and decorations. Kids have their own tree to decorate as well. A special section of holiday books is on display and ready for kids and adults to enjoy. Looking for Saturday fun for the kids? Every Saturday, starting at 10 a.m., the LEGOS are ready and waiting for future designers!
MARY ALLARD
boscawenpl@gmail.com
BOW
■The annual Bow Rotary Christmas Tree and Wreath sale is well underway at the Town Pond that is located beside the Bow Community Building. Note: It will run only to Dec. 9. All the trees are from the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont and are 6 foot to 8 foot well-shaped fraser and balsam fir trees, which are best known for their long lasting qualities. The wreaths are pre-decorated balsam firs and come from the Black Forest Nursery. in Boscawen.
JOYCE KIMBALL
bowcomnews@comcast.net
BRADFORD
■Fire Chief Bryan Nowell advised they are preparing the Fire Station for energy improvements. The Fire Department is joining Parks & Recreation, Library and Economic Development to kick off the Holiday Season with the Jingle Bus, story time at the Library and a very special guest on Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the Station. The Fire Station will be the focal point for loading and unloading of the Jingle Bus. Bradford’s original Engine No. 1 will be available to receive food for the food pantry. The food drive is being done in conjunction with Kearsarge Regional Elementary School and the Girls Run Team who are hosting the toiletry drive to support the local food pantry too.
■At this time the Town Hall renovations seem to be moving slowly with the finishing touches, testing all the systems etc. The good news is it is expected that the project will be completed within budget. The tax rate is being worked on and should be received from the Department of Revenue very soon now.
■The children at Bradford Community Church will be putting on a Christmas Pageant during the Worship Service on Sunday Dec. 17 at 10 a.m.
MARGE CILLEY
mgcilley@gmail.com
CANTERBURY
■At Elkins Public Library, The Old Man Boring Book Club (OMBBC) and reports on favorite non-fiction titles. Join them on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m., back by the fireplace.
■At Elkins Cafe on Dec. 7 at 2 p.m., your thoughts, feelings, moods, and actions have important health effects. Join Granite VNA Community Health Educator, Brooke Noonan, for a discussion about developing ways of using your mind to help manage symptoms, including chronic pain.
■The Friends of Elkins Public Library are holding a holiday raffle. The baskets are on display at the library until Dec. 7. Raffle tickets cost $5 for one ticket, $20 for five tickets. The drawing will take place at the Indoor Farmers’ Market at Canterbury Elementary School on Dec. 9 at about 12:30 p.m. You do not have to be present to win. All proceeds are used to support programming at our favorite library.
■Trees will be sold in the town center starting on Nov. 27. The price will be $60 per tree. PTO volunteers will be selling trees on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. During the rest of the week, customers can pay inside the country store by check only made out to CES PTO. On Saturdays, a PTO volunteer will be present to assist customers and can accept cash payment.
RACHEL BAKER
bakercompany4@gmail.com
CHICHESTER
■Chichester Community Holiday Carol Sing is coming to Town Hall Green Space Gazebo on Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. Hot chocolate and cookies after the singing at the Parish House. Open House at the Historical Society Museum from 2 to 4 p.m. Dress for the weather and enjoy the fun atmosphere.
■Its that time of year! The PTO has made arrangements with Santa to come to the school on Dec. 9 at 8 a.m. to share breakfast with him starting at 8 a.m. This annual event is always colorful.
■The Zoning Board of Adjustment will meet on Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the fire station to hear an applicant request on Map 9 Lot 116 for a Community Scale Solar Farm.
■The Chichester Planning Board will have a scheduled meeting Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m.at the fire station. Contact town hall for the agenda.
■The Board of Selectmen are meeting on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at town hall.
■Chichester Youth Assn will meet Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. at the fire station. BCEP will hold their public proposed budget hearing for 2024 on Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. at the facility.
EVELYN PIKE
broomtailfarm@hotmail.com
DUNBARTON
■The church in the town center will host their annual Christmas Concert in-person on Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. Tickets at the door: $12 per ticket or $25 for a family of three or more. For more information, contact Lizz@DunbartonUCC.org.
■The Book Group: Beyond the Book will discuss “The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dove, Thursday at 7 p.m. For more info on time and place, contact barbbennett51@gmail.com.
■Dubarton PTO will host Cookies with Santa on Dec. 9 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the elementary school. Games, photos, cookie decorating, crafts and raffles at DES! Admission is free. Raffles are cash and Venmo. Santa will arrive for free photos with kids of all ages at 3:30 p.m.
■Library Programs: The Concord Coachmen Chorus rescheduled for Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. This will be a Holiday Concert Extraordinaire. Wear your Christmas sweaters.
■Reading to Dogs will be at the library from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 14 for Grades 1 to 4. Call the library at 774-3546 to register for 15 minutes of reading.
■Chair Yoga with Sherry Gamble will be held Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. Come early and take up a chair to the second floor of the town hall. Sponsored by the library. For more information, call 774-3546. It’s Puzzle Time! Puzzles galore to swap out, trade, or just take. They currently have most all levels and sizes.
NORA LEDUC
noleduc2000@yahoo.com
EPSOM
■BCEP public Hearing on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at 115 Laconia Rd., Pittsfield.
■Budget Committee Meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Epsom Public Library
■Morning Story Times are Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. and feature books, movement, snacks, and crafts!
■On Mondays at 3:30 p.m., join us for the fun! The library has a large selection of Legos and Duplo blocks for you to use. All ages are welcome.
■Bed time story time continues on Thursdays at 6 p.m. and includes books and calming movements; Knitters Group Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.; Bone Builder Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m.; Movie Matinee on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.
■The Friends of the Library will be hosting a fundraiser on Dec. 10. Have dinner at UNO’s in Concord. You print your coupon at home or pick them up at the library, show your server to have 15% of your bill credited to the Friends of the Library.
TERRY RIEL
rielt397@gmail.com
Henniker/Weare
■John Stark Regional High School art students recently visited and created at the New England College Institute of Art and Design in Manchester. They were also invited to continue their work at the Saturday Morning Art program at no cost.
■Pat’s Peak is now open. Slopes will be closed Monday through Thursday, and they are planning on re-opening for skiing/riding on Dec. 8. Their snowmaking team plans to continue to make snow as temperatures allow. Check out some snowmaking photos on our Facebook and Instagram pages!
■Senior holiday meal will be held Dec. 6 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at WMS cafe. Free to seniors 65 and over. Limited tickets available at library. Visit weare.nh.gov for more information.
■The Weare Board of Selectmen will hold a Public Hearing on Dec. 18, beginning at 7 p.m. for the purpose of hearing public testimony and comment on the acceptance of the following two items: 1. Acceptance of one (1) AFIS Machine 2. Acceptance of unanticipated revenue in the amount of $79,797.36
■Thanks to Weare Pack 24 Cub Scouts for doing the Fall clean-up of Bolton Field.
TOM DUNN
dunn.t@comcast.net
Hopkinton
■Today is the last day of Starry, Starry Weekend. Two Villages Art Society 2023 Winter Members Show and Sale ends today. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Contoocook Artisans Holiday Craft Fair at the American Legion ends today. Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Starry Starry Quilt was created and donated by The Contoocook QuiltWorks. The quilt is being raffled and tickets are on sale at Contoocook QuiltWorks. The drawing will be Sunday afternoon. Proceeds benefit the Hopkinton Food Pantry.
■A Christmas quilt by Suki Wright is being raffled at the American Legion. The drawing will be at the children’s Christmas party on Dec. 17.
■The flea market is held every second and fourth Sunday at the American Legion. The next is Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. to noon.
■The Contookuleles is New Hampshire’s newest ukulele meetup group. We are a fast-growing group of experienced players and beginners. New members are welcome. Meetings are the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room at the Hopkinton Town Library. For more information, visit meetu.ps/c/51TCC/10w3Cx/a.
KATHLEEN BUTCHER
kathb123@comcast.net
Pembroke
■Christmas In The Village, hosted by the Pembroke Woman’s Club, is today from 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy face painting, cookie decorating, hay rides, balloon art, children’s crafts, and meeting Santa Clause – all on Main Street in Suncook Village. This free event is made possible by generous donations from local businesses and organizations.
■Suncook Senior Center Trip, Christmas Show at the Famous Indian Head Resort, will be Dec. 6. Buffet luncheon and entertainment by Marlene Phillips. Space is limited. Call Nancy at 485-9181 for more information.
■Santa is coming to town Dec. 9 from noon to 3 p.m. The Pembroke Fire Department will be escorting Santa Claus all through town. Watch for the Tower Truck in your neighborhood. The route is posted on pembroke-nh.com/fire-department.
■Final Frost Poetry Discussion The Pembroke Town Library will host the final discussion group about the poetry of Robert Frost on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. Two of Frost’s summer poems will be featured: “The Oven Bird” and “Rose Pogonias.” Participants are urged to read the poems before the meeting. The discussion will be led by Pembroke resident Martie Driesbach. The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. Contact the Library for more information at 485-7851.
JOCELYN CARLUCCI
taihi@comcast.net
Pittsfield
■Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for Cully Troughton will be held Dec. 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at PMHS Café. Menu of spaghetti with homemade sauce, salad, rolls, drink, and cookies. Many great raffle items! Cost is $10, cash only please.
■Pittsfield Players present “A Very Pittsfield Players Christmas Show” on Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. It’s time to get into the Christmas Spirit at the Scenic Theater! This year’s “Holiday Production” features a fully staged Two Act production of “The Little Match Girl” in First Act, and a Christmas themed Second Act production! Immerse yourself in a spectacular Christmas-themed production that will leave you laughing, singing, and feeling merry all around. Tickets may be purchased at pittsfieldplayers.org.
■The Chancel Choir and the JuBellation Handbell Choir of the First Congregational Church, 24 Main St., are pleased to present a free Christmas concert entitled, “Joyful Christmas,” Friday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. This special one-hour concert will feature many of your favorite Christmas songs and some new ones! And wear your favorite Christmas attire to the concert. Light refreshments will be served. Parking and wheelchair accessible entrance are located at rear of church. Call the church office for more information at 435-7471.
ANDREA RIEL
pittsfieldtowncrier@hotmail.com
Warner
■Warner 4-H Club and the Pillsbury Free Library are hosting Sew and Take on Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Make re-usable cloth potholders, napkins, or fabric gift wrap. To sign up, call 456-2289 or go to signup.com/go/tYuDwRf. Open to all ages and abilities (youths must be accompanied by an adult).
■The 4th Annual Teen Writing Contest, sponsored by the Center for the Arts, is open to all writers between the ages of 12 and 18 in the Lake Sunapee region, including Warner. Submit your short fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction for prizes and recognition. Deadline is Dec. 15 for submissions. For more information, visit centerfortheartsnh.org/teen-writers.
■Looking for support? Get help with back taxes or seek exemptions/credits through the NH Homeowners Assistance Fund with help from the town’s Assessing Clerk (assessing@WarnerNH.gov or call 456-2298, ext. 1223.) The Welfare Office (welfare@warnernh.gov or 456-2298) helps ensure that people can meet their basic needs, supporting them with health care, nutrition, housing, and financial assistance. The Community Action Program at 49 W. Main St., offers fuel assistance and other programs. And, of course, The Family Closet Thrift Store and Warner Food Pantry, both at 49 W. Main St., provide affordable clothing and food support.
ELIBET CHASE
warnertowncrier@gmail.com
Webster
■The Webster Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. The hearing will be held at Webster Town Hall in the Grange Hall; 945 Battle St., Webster NH, 03303. The Board will consider an application from Christopher Chesley for a Special Exception to Article V Section 2 of the Webster Zoning Ordinance regarding a Home Business Exemption for a car towing business. The property is located on map 7 lot 17 at 155 Battle St., in the residential/agricultural zone. If the application is approved, then a second public hearing at the same location will be held during the Planning Board meeting of Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. to review the Site Plan as required by the Town of Webster Zoning Regulations.
■The Town of Webster seeks an individual to shovel out the Town Hall after and sometimes during snowstorms. The responsibilities are to shovel out the Town Office entrance, the Library entrance, the handicapped ramp, and the front steps to the Grange Hall. The pay is $50 per storm. If interested, please contact Dana Hadley, the Town Administrator at 603-648-2050 or stop in the office.
NANCY PICTHALL-FRENCH
jobar2003@yahoo.com