Concord/Penacook
■Penacook Winter Farmers Market is open every Wednesday, from 3 to 6 p.m., at Riverhill Grange, 32 Horse Hill Road.
■United Church of Penacook has selected Pastor Jim Wilson as its new leader, who will begin in January of the new year. The church will welcome Pastor Jim and his wife Bonnie on Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
■Happy 2024!
CHERYL STINSON
news03303@aol.com
■The Brogan Family and the Friends of the Audi invite you to stop by the “Audi”, 2 Prince St. today at noon to 2 p.m. and congratulate Clara Brogan on the occasion of her 100th birthday. The former teacher, active in the local community since 1948, asks that there be no presents. In her words, “Your presence is my present…”
■It’s a Kids’ New Year’s Eve Balloon Party today at Uno Pizzeria & Grill, 15 Fort Eddy Road from 4 to 7 p.m. Party favors along with ginger ale toasts and balloon drops at 5 and 7 p.m. Reserve your spot by calling 226-8667. This event is free. Food is regular price.
■On Thursday, at 12:10 p.m., it’s the Bach’s Lunch Series: Drumming to Build Community at Concord Community Music School, 23 Wall St. Grace Schust & Lindsey Schust will give a talk on West African drumming traditions and the use of drumming as a cross-cultural bridge and community builder. Audience participation is encouraged. This event is free and part of our 40th Anniversary Year Celebration in our historic Recital Hall. For additional details, call 603-228-1196 or visit ccmusicschool.org/event/bachs-lunch-drumming-to-build-community.
■New Hampshire Audubon and the American Red Cross are hosting a blood drive on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 84 Silk Farm Road. Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today! One hour of your time can potentially save 3 lives. Appointments are encouraged but walk ins are welcome.
■Chapter 2 Thrift Shop is open on Sunday, January 7 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church, Centre St., parking lot entrance.
■Discover the enchanting world of handbells at Granite State Ringers Handbell Choir Open House on Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon., 2 Industrial Park Drive, Building 2. Visitors will be able to try playing the group’s handbells and handchimes and learn about the art of handbell ringing and GSR’s programs for new and experienced ringers. https://eventbrite.com/e/handbell-choir-open-house-tickets-779577937597?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse.
■Start the year off right at Concord Public Library, 45 Green St. Preschool Storytime is on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. This class includes stories, fingerplays, and songs, all designed to strengthen children’s reading or pre-reading skills. Space is limited. Please register at concordpubliclibrary.net/librarycalendar. Recommended for ages 0-5.
■Then on Thursday, go back for STEAM for Littles at 10 a.m. Research shows that an early introduction to science and math also boosts literacy! This is a program for preschoolers (and their caregivers) that allows them the chance to explore a new STEAM topic each month. Please register at concordpubliclibrary.net/librarycalendar . Recommended for ages 0-5.
■Also, on Thursday at the Heights Branch Library, 14 Canterbury Road at 5:30 p.m., Books & Brew lets you join other book lovers in our low-pressure book club and chat about what you’ve been reading and listen to suggestions and recommendations from other readers. There are no assigned books in this group; just come and share your latest reads! Library staff will be on hand to take notes and share the group’s recommendations on the library website.
■Again in the Heights location, Storytime Stations happens on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy books, crafts, activities, and felt board/manipulatives at your own pace with our self-guided stations. Recommended for ages 0-9.
■At the Gibson’s Book Club, 45 S Main St., it’s The Master and Margarita on Monday, January 8 at 5:30 p.m., which has captivated readers around the world ever since its first publication in 1967. Written during Stalin’s time in power but suppressed in the Soviet Union for decades, Bulgakov’s masterpiece is an ironic parable on power and its corruption, on good and evil and on human frailty and the strength of love.
■On Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 5:30 p.m., enjoy good company, conversation and eats for this Alumni Networking Event. Connect with Brewster alumni and Brewster faculty in New Hampshire at The Barley House. 132 N. Main St. Check brewsteracademy.org/alumni/reunion for updates on this and other alumni events.
■Candle-Making & Wine Tasting happens on Tuesday, Jan. 9 or Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Everyone will choose their scents and mix their colors. You’ll create and go home with 19 custom tealights. Plus, enjoy a wine tasting as you create! The cost is $40/person and limited to 20 people per night. See you at Wine on Main, 9 N. Main St.
■City offices will be closed on Monday in observance of New Year’s Day. Trash and recycling collection for Monday will be postponed to Tuesday. Collection will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week into Saturday. The Concord Transfer Station will be closed on Sunday and Monday.
■What is a New Year’s resolution? Something that goes in one year and out the other. I wish you and yours the very best of new years filled with love, peace, accomplishments, gratitude, forgiveness and friends and loved ones. A Super 2024 to you!
JEAN VER HOEVEN
jeanann@voicenet.com
Allenstown
■Supervisors of the Checklist will hold Voter Registration Hours on Jan. 13 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at the Allenstown Town Hall. No change of parties.
■Voters Registration will also be held on January 23 from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the St. John the Baptist Parish Hall, 10 School Street.
■Winter Parking Ban is in effect until April 15, 2024. Vehicles parked on any portion of a public street after midnight until 6 a.m. can be ticketed and can also be towed depending on the circumstances. Please work together so that our Highway Dept. can focus on clearing the streets to make our travels safer.
■The Allenstown Historical Society will be meeting on Jan. 3 at 6 p.m. at MRF Building off Rte.28 on Lavoie Drive. Meetings are open to the public for more information call 603 485-4437.
■The Suncook Senior Center will be closed on Jan. 1
■Cribbage Club is held on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon. The Caregiver Suppourt Group is held from 1 to 2 p.m.
■Arts and Crafts is held on Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 10 a.m. will be making Mini Calander Display.
■Thursday, Jan. 4 at 10 a.m. we will hold a New Year Bingo Celebration. Holidays can be chaotic so come in and have a fun and relaxing New Year Celebration and play Bingo.
■Bone Builders is held on Monday and Wednesday from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m.. Klunk is held on Monday and Wednesday form 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
■Klunk is played on Monday and Thursday from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
CLAUDETTE VERVILLE
cverville2@comcast.net
BOSCAWEN
■Welcome to 2024!
■High Street Coffee House at the Boscawen Congregational Church starts the New Year off on Friday at 7 pm with the Heather Pierson Duo. Ms. Pierson is a singer/songwriter, pianist, song leader and performer. She performs with partner/bassist, Shawn Nadeau. A full line of open mic musicians and poets follow and take the stage for two songs or ten minutes. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m. and the evening is wrapped up by 10 p.m. Bring your appetite as there is a great array of refreshments for a light dinner or simply a sweet or salty snack. Admission is free, though a donation basket is passed. To sign up for ‘open mic’, email Liz at HighStreetCoffeeHouse@gmail.com or call Chris at 603-520-9196 with any questions. This event is sponsored by the Boscawen Congregational Church.
■Notice is by the Town of Boscawen that the Boscawen Planning Board will meet on Tuesday, after 6:30 p.m. to hold a public hearing for amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Information on the proposed amendments can be seen on the town’s website at www.boscawennh.gov. This hearing is in preparation for the Boscawen town meeting.
■Donations are needed for Town of Boscawen’s Local Backpack of Food Program. Up until the FY 2024 budget season, this much needed program has been funded through generous gifts from local businesses, community members, relief funds and a grant however the funding has run out! There has been a sharp incline in recipients but at the same time, a decline in donations. If you would like to donate funds, please make your check out to the Town of Boscawen and earmark it for the backpack program. Food donations are also needed. Please contact the Human Services Team at the town offices at 603-753-9188, ext. 2303 with your questions.
■Town Offices and the Library will be closed tomorrow in celebration of the New Year.
MARY ALLARD
boscawenpl@gmail.com
BRADFORD
■Jan. 1, 2024 is when some hearty soles will take the Polar Plunge at French’s Park in Lake Massasecum at 10 a.m. with the Group Plunge scheduled for 10:30 a.m.
■To participate in running for a Town Office, sign up is scheduled to begin on Jan. 24, and the last day is February 2. Contact the Town Clerk’s office at 603-938-2288 for additional information.
■The Bradford Community Church wishes to thank their community for their generosity in donations that were given at their mac and cheese dinner. The donations nearly reached $600 which enabled them to purchase winter coats, hats, mittens, sweaters and shirts for students in Bradford Elementary and middle schools. The Cards you’ve been Dealt is the topic for the Mens Breakfast on Saturday morning Jan. 6 at 8 a.m. in the Friendship House. Sister to Sister will meet on Saturday, January 13 at 8:30 a.m. in the Friendship House with the topic: Moving Forward.
MARGE CILLEY
mgcilley@gmail.com
CHICHESTER
■The Board of Selectmen will meet on Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. at town hall. The School Board will address the budget and other business items on Jan. 3 at 6 p.m. The Town Clerk has available absentee ballots for the January 23 Primary. No change of party affiliation according to state law can be changed until after the Primary.
■The Planning Board will meet for a public meeting on the proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance on Jan. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the fire station. The effects of the proposed amendments would be to permit solar farms in the Rural Ag district and Route 28, to clarity frontage on Routes 4, 202 and 9, and to accommodate Recreational Vehicles in various zoning areas. Other articles and full descriptions of amendments can be viewed at town hall.
■The Pittsfield Area Senior Center working with The Community Action Program welcomes Chichester residents to their facility on 55 Barnstead Road in Pittsfield. The hours are Monday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunch at noon and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meals on Wheels is delivered to Chichester residents and can be arranged by calling the center at 603-435-8482. Bus Transportation is available to residents on Wednesday to Concord and to Tilton on Tuesday with bus pickup at 8:30. Call the CAT dispatch at 225-1989 to reserve your seat.
EVELYN PIKE
broomtailfarm@hotmail.com
DUNBARTON
■The Congregational Church Book Group: Beyond the Book will discuss “Human Kind” by Brad Aronson on the first Thurs of the month Jan. 4, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. “This Wall Street Journal Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller and Canadian Book Club Awards Winner is filled with true stories about how one small deed can make a world of difference. ‘The most uplifting and life-affirming book in years” (Forbes).’” All are welcome to attend. For the link or more information contact: barbbennett51@gmail.com.
■The Library announces Henry Dearborn 1751-1829 From Captain to Cabinet Secretary Presented by George Morrison on Jan. 9, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper Town Hall. In this presentation, George Morrison explores the life and career of Henry Dearborn, born in North Hampton, New Hampshire, in 1751. He began his career as a young doctor before joining the Continental Army, where he served for over eight years. Post-war he served two terms in Congress, later as a cabinet secretary, and was, before retiring in 1824, President Monroe’s Minister to Portugal. But in 1818, he found himself in the middle of a controversy that would extend to 1843. This program is possible thanks to a generous grant from the New Hampshire “Humanities to Go.”
■Attend the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (NH ICAC) presentation on Tues, Jan. 30, 2024, at 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Elementary School library on 20 Robert Rogers Road, Dunbarton. The NH ICAC Task Force was established in 1998 and is responsible for investigating cases of child sexual exploitation involving the use of high technology throughout our state. The NH ICAC Task Force allows law enforcement agencies to work together to acquire the technical skills, specialized equipment, and resources to investigate effectively and prosecute offenders. Registration required. Email Chief Christopher Remillard at chrisremillard@gsinet.net.
NORA LEDUC
noleduc2000@yahoo.com
EPSOM
■The town office will be closed Monday.
■ZBA Public Meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Epsom Central School.
■Budget Committee will meet Thursday at 7 p.m. at Epsom Public Library
■No School Monday for ECS.
■Tuesday: Baby pictures and brief congratulatory messages of current 8th-grade students are due today.
■Tuesday: School Board Meeting at 6 p.m. in the ECS library
■Library News: Movie Matinee at 1:30 on Wednesday; Bed time Story Time continues on Thursday at 6 p.m. and includes books and calming movements; Mahjong meet at 10:15 to 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday; Knitters Group Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.; Bouncing babies meet Thursday at 10:30 a.m.; Bone Builder Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m..; Bed time Story Time is on Thursday at 6 p.m. and includes books and calming movements.
■The Book Discussion group will meet the first Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m. This is a great way to make reading a social activity, try books you may never read on your own, or chat with neighbors! January 6th we will be meeting to discuss Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkle . Please stop by the library to pick up a copy!
■Presidential Primary Election is Jan. 23, 2024 Epsom Bible Church 398 Black Hall Road Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering for the day or part of the day please contact Laura at the town office for an application to fill out!
■Happy Birthday today to Dawn Armstrong-Elliott, Josh Preve and Joni Kitson on Monday, Sherry Jackson Notaey on Friday, Robin Davis and Dave Vaillancourt on Saturday! May you all have wonderful celebrations!
■Have a sparkling New Year! May it bring you peace, joy and happiness!
TERRY RIEL
rielt397@gmail.com
Henniker/Weare
■The Henniker Swap Shop at the Transfer Station has closed for the winter. See you in the Spring!
■January 6 and 7 is tree pickup for the Jan. 27 Christmas Tree Bonfire at the Henniker Brewing Company. For pickup ($15/tree proceeds to benefit fuel assistance) visit hennikerlions.com.
■First public hearing for 2024 Proposed Zoning Amendments is Jan. 11, 2024 at 7 p.m. at the Weare Town Office Conference Room.
■Jan. 9: Henniker School District Board Meeting at 6 p.m. and 2024-25 Budget Hearing at the Henniker Community School at 7 p.m. live streamed on SAU 24 YouTube channel.
■Jan. 10: Weare School District Board Meeting at 6 p.m. at the Weare Middle School, 2024-25 Budget Public Hearing at 7 p.m. and live streamed on SAU 24 YouTube channel.
■Jan. 12: John Stark School District Board Meeting, 6 p.m. and 2024-25 Budget Hearing at John Stark and live streamed on SAU 24 YouTube channel.
■Jan. 15: No school any SAU 24 schools. Civil Rights Day
TOM DUNN
dunn.t@comcast.net
Hopkinton
■Plan your First Day Hike on Jan. 1! Celebrate our community as we recognize and appreciate the value of our trails and lands in Hopkinton. Meet us at Kimball Cabins at 11 a.m. for a hike around the Greenway Trail Loop with volunteers from the Hopkinton Conservation Commission. The hike will conclude with hot cocoa and treats at the cabins. This event is free and is weather dependent. Registration is not required. If we need to cancel for inclement weather, we will post that on Facebook at Facebook.com/hopkintonNHRecreation.
■Adventure Snowshoe will be held Wednesday, Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 18-plus. $20 per person. Join fellow winter hikers for a morning exploration of the 2.5-mile Dagody Hill Loop Trail, on the Weir Road trails in Boscawen. This is a beautiful trail that provides a variety of sights, including a huge beaver dam, several up-and-down hilltops, an old farmhouse site, and picturesque streams. Depending on the weather, we’ll be snowshoeing or using ice spikes. Bring water, a hearty snack, appropriate winter clothes for active movement, stability aids as preferred, and your snowshoes or spikes. Two pairs of snowshoes are available to borrow. The program will be canceled for inclement or hazardous weather. 6 participants minimum. Please register at: https://hopkintonnh.myrec.com.
KATHLEEN BUTCHER
kathb123@comcast.net
Pembroke
■Pembroke Town Library hosts Mahjong, Thursday, January 4 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Come play and socialize with friends old and new! Contact: Ryan O’Hora at rohora@pembroke-nh.com or 603-485-7851. Free and open to the public.
■Happy New Year!
JOCELYN CARLUCCI
taihi@comcast.net
Pittsfield
■On Tuesday, Jan. 2 at the First Congregational Church of Pittsfield, the Infant Toddler Diaper Pantry will be open from 9 to 11 a.m. The pantry is open for families to receive supplemental diapers once per month. Each family receives diapers/product per child in need, and one package of wipes per family. We use the parking lot off Chestnut Street. Financial donations, donations of diapers (including open packages) and donations of wipes are always welcomed. Please call 603-435-7471 with any questions.
■The Suncook Valley Rotary Club will meet on Wed, Jan. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Historical Society Museum, Oak Street. The Suncook Valley Sno-Riders will meet on Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Pittsfield Fire Station. The Josiah Carpenter Library Mead & Read Book Club will meet on Mon, Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Over the Moon Farmstead.
■The Pittsfield Budget Committee will hold a public hearing on the 2024 municipal and school budgets on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Lecture Hall of the Pittsfield Middle High School, 23 Oneida Street, Pittsfield NH, 03263. The snow date for this meeting will be Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 – same start time and location.
ANDREA RIEL
pittsfieldtowncrier@hotmail.com
Warner
■Volunteers are needed for Stream Monitoring in the Warner River Watershed. Join the Warner Conservation Commission Wed., Jan. 3, 7pm in the Town Hall for a brief review of brook trout conservation projects and stream surveys in the Warner River Watershed. Registration will be available for training sessions. Equipment supplied by the Basil Woods Jr. Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
■Warner Youth Sports Association needs volunteers! If you have experience running a small charitable organization, or are willing to learn, WYSA has a few vacancies including Vice President and Volunteer and Fundraising Coordinator. Please contact WYSA President Nathan Kendrick at president@warnersports.org for information. Help keep the fun going for the kids in Warner!
ELIBET CHASE
warnertowncrier@gmail.com
Webster
■The Webster Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold two public hearings on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. at the Webster Town Hall. In the first hearing. The Board will consider an application from Robert and Stephenie Klages for a Special Exception to the setback requirements under Article V Section 8 of the Webster Zoning Ordinance to build a detached Garage using the 25-foot setback. The property is located on map 11 lot 35 at 51 Clothespin Bridge Road in the residential/agricultural zone. In the second hearing the Board will consider an application from Dominic & Betsy Zackeo for a Special Exception under Article V Section 6 and a Variance under Article IV Section 2 to the road frontage requirements to build a seasonal camp. The property is located on map 6 lot 100 on Frost Lane in the residential/agricultural zone. If a decision is not reached, the hearing(s) will be continued at the next scheduled meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustments.
■The Town Hall, Library, and Transfer Station are closed tomorrow, January 1, 2024. The Transfer Station will not be open on Tuesday as they usually are after a federal holiday.
■Happy New Year!
NANCY PICTHALL-FRENCH
jobar2003@yahoo.com