Talk of the Towns for the week of Feb. 18, 2024

Published: 02-18-2024 12:00 PM

Concord/Penacook

■Girl Scout Cookie Booths are now scheduled in our area! Visit girlscoutsgwm.org/en/cookies to find a Concord or Penacook cookie booth near you and support our local Girl Scout troops!

■Penacook Branch Library, located at 3 Merrimack Street, is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Thursdays from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

CHERYL STINSON

news03303@aol.com

■Late in Arriving: How Electricity Changed Rural New Hampshire is a free lecture on Saturday at 2 p.m. Many did not have access to the benefits of electric power until World War II No registration required. Hear this at New Hampshire Historical Society, 30 Park St.

■Community and church cookbooks are treasures that give us a glimpse of female social networks in a place and time and can also be a springboard to genealogical adventure. Join this virtual lecture, A Recipe for Success: Finding Women Through Community Cookbooks, on Wednesday, February 28 at 7 p.m. Admission is free for New Hampshire Historical Society members; $5 for nonmembers. Register through Eventbrite.

■Concord Community Music School, 23 Wall St., presents a free recital of private lesson students integrated with their own visual art. Go on Thursday at 7 p.m. For additional details, call 603-228-1196 or visit ccmusicschool.org/event/ccms-student-recital-feb-22-2024.

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■On Tuesday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 South Main St., Maine carpenter Matthew J.C. Clark visits to present Bjarki, Not Bjarki: On Floorboards, Love, and Irreconcilable Differences. This book of essays asks: How do we make sense of the world and of ourselves? Can’t make it? Order the book through our website and leave your signing request in the order notes!

■The next day, Wednesday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Gibson’s, Pembroke author Avree Kelly Clark visits with her novel about a local true crime, Malice Aforethought: A True Story of the Shocking Double Crime That Horrified Nineteenth-Century New England! In the summer of 1874, a beloved schoolteacher mysteriously goes missing. After a frantic search, the young woman is discovered horribly mutilated in the woods, and authorities question everyone in the small railroad village of St. Albans, Vermont. With the case turning cold, news arrives of an eerily similar crime committed in peaceful Pembroke in the autumn of 1875.

■Healing Through Art: A Day of Grief Support for Adults is a free Support Group by an art therapist to help adults heal from a recent loss happens on Sunday, February 25 10 a.m. at 85 Manchester St. Support will be provided during discussions on self-care and healing. Materials and light refreshments are provided. Please register. Seats are limited to 8 people. For more information, please call 603 575 9159 or email susan@capitalarttherapy.com.

■Go to https://concordnh.gov/588/Library for more great programs at our Library, 45 Green St! Here are some highlights:

■On Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., join them for a discussion of Amy Stewart’s Girl Waits with Gun. This historical novel is based on the true story of one of America’s first female deputy sheriffs! Copies are available now. This title is also available as a downloadable ebook on Libby and as an audiobook on Hoopla.

■Recommended for ages 10 to 17, it’s Teens & Tweens Melted Crayon Art on Monday, February 26 at 6 p.m. in the Blanchard Room. RSVP required. Get ready for a messy, marvelous, and melt-tastic time as you create a melted crayon masterpiece!

■On Wednesday, February 28 at 9:30 a.m. in the Auditorium, it’s Signing Morning Storytime. Learn to read a book using American Sign Language! The program will be interpreted for both Deaf and Hearing participants. No experience is necessary. Recommended for ages 0-5. RSVP required at https://form.jotform.com/Michelle_McConaghy/nh-shared-reading-program-registrat.

■Innovation Station: Gravity Cars happens on Thursday, February 29, in the Auditorium at 10 a.m. Learn how to engineer a LEGO gravity car with LetGoYourMind! This program is for tinkerers ages 6-8. RSVP required.

■Why would perfectly sensible New Englanders leave winter comforts and come to something called “Mardi Gras - The Jazz of Community?” To celebrate with each other!! Go today at 2:30 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church.

■Lithermans Brewing Company, 126B Hall St., presents Live Music with Alex Cohen on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

■CAP Street Outreach Caraoke Dance Party, happens Friday at 7 p.m. at Tandy’s, 1 Eagle Square.

■Hear acoustic music from Rebecca Turmel at the Concord Farmer’s Market, 7 Eagle Square, on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

■Enjoy Lucas Gallo Live at Feathered Friend Brewing, 231 S Main St, on Saturday at 6 p.m.

■Makris Lobster and Steak House, 354 Sheep Davis Road, hosts Duo- Ray and I on Sunday, February 25 at 1 p.m.

■Rise & Shine: Yoga at Steadfast Spirits, 134 Hall St., rejuvenates your day on Sunday, February 25 at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy some light refreshments, a delicious breakfast-inspired cocktail, with all (and we mean all) experience levels. Bring your mat. It’s $25 when you reserve at steadfastspiritsdistilling@gmail.com or by stopping by the Distillery before.

■Monday, President’s Day, will close City Offices and the Library.

JEAN VER HOEVEN

jeanann@voicenet.com

Allenstown

■The Supervisors of the Checklist will be March 2 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at the Allenstown Town Hall, 16 School Street. Allenstown residents can register to vote and can change their party affiliation at that time.

■The Town Meeting Election Date will be March 12, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Parish Hall.

■The Suncook Senior Center will be closed Monday, Feb.19,2024 for Presidents Day.

■Hawaiian Bingo Day will be held Thursday, Feb.22 at 10 a.m. to bring some fun in and the sun back. So dress up in your favorite Hawaiian shirts and let us brighter up the center.

■Bone Builders is held on Monday and Wednesday from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. and Bingo is held on Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Klunk is held on Monday and Thursday from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and Cribbage Club is held Tuesday from 10:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Chair Yoga is held on Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. and the cost is $5.

■The Suncook Senior Center is planning a trip to the Regal Theater in Waltham, Mass. to see “The Magic of Ireland” with talent who have performed in NY and on the Boston stage. Dinner at the Chateau in Waltham. The cost is $137. per person. Call Nancy at 603-485-9181 for more information and to reserve a spot.

CLAUDETTE VERVILLE

cverville2@comcast.net

BOSCAWEN

■Looking for School Vacation Fun for the Kids? The Boscawen Public Library is holding their popular Pine Cone Bird Feeders workshop on Thursday, Feb. 29 beginning at 2 p.m. All supplies will be provided and includes the use of peanut butter. If interested, sign up at the library or give them a call at 603-753-8576.

■Skip Gorman is the featured musician at Boscawen’s High Street Coffee House on Friday, March 1, held in the sanctuary of the Boscawen Congregational Church. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Skip is a performer of traditional American and Celtic folk music and he opens the evening at 7 p.m. and wraps it up at 10 pm. Time is allotted for “Open Mic” venue that welcomes musicians, poets and comedians. To sign up for “open mic”, email Liz at HighStreetCoffeeHouse@gmail.com or call Chris at 603-520-9196 with your questions. Admission is free though a donation basket is passed. An array of delicious refreshments is available for purchase.

■Indulge your cravings! The Girl Scouts will be selling their cookies at the Municipal Town Offices on Thursday from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

■Coming to the Boscawen Public Library on Monday, March 4 is the presentation of “Big Trees of Northern New England” by Kevin Martin, author and wooden boat builder. The talk begins at 6:30 p.m. when Kevin shares stories of his 66 trips by paddles, bikes and hikes to the biggest trees in ME, NH, VT and northern MA. His book will be for sale at the presentation.

■If you are interested in writing and sharing your stories with others, check out the Writer’s Workshop at the Boscawen Public Library on Monday, Feb. 26 that starts at 6 p.m. All are welcomed and a facilitator is available to provide feedback.

■On Monday, the Municipal Town Offices and Boscawen Public Library will be closed in celebration of President’s Day.

MARY ALLARD

boscawenpl@gmail.com

BOW

■Town elections will be held March 12 at the Bow Community Center.

■Town Annual Meeting is March 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Bow High School

■School Annual Meeting is March 15 at 6 p.m. at Bow High School.

■Bow Rotary’s Annual Speech Contest. Bow Rotary’s annual public speaking contest for high school students will be held in person at the Baker Free Library on March 20 at 6 p.m.

■Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Friday, March 8, so don’t delay. The top three speakers will split $1,000 in prize money. The contest challenges youth to use Rotary’s Four-Way Test to analyze their decision making. All four tests are to be included in the topic of their speeches. Contest details and an application form can be found at bowrotary.org.

■Bow High School Athletic schedules can be found at bowhighschoolathletics.org and include only one home event this coming week as the Bow varsity ice hockey team plays Manchester Central High School at Everett Area (Concord) on Feb. 21 at 5:30 p.m.

■Congratulations Bow Memorial School’s boys and girls’ basketball teams for winning the Tri-County Championship. This is the 1st boys title and 2nd girls title in school history. The boys game included a dramatic last second Jacob Filkins buzzer beater to win the game.

BRYCE LARRABEE

bryce_larrabee@trg.com

CANTERBURY

■With the success of the Soccer Program and Halloween event in Canterbury Center, the Canterbury Recreation Committee is looking to provide more to the community. To do this, we are exploring a low-to-no-cost activity for the spring (ultimate frisbee/frisbee golf for the youth of Canterbury) and are also looking for feedback from the community on what else you would like to see. While the events the Canterbury Recreation Committee has done in the past have been family and kid focus we do want to meet the needs of Canterbury residents of all ages. Please take a moment to fill out this survey and let us know your thoughts on the direction of Canterbury Recreation. Find the survey at: surveymonkey.com/r/NP9DPMK.

■The Cabin Fever Antique Market will be held Feb. 24 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day., at the town hall.

RACHEL BAKER

bakercompany4@gmail.com

CHICHESTER

■Meet the School Board and Board of Selectmen candidates for election at Chichester Meet the Candidates Night is scheduled for March 6 at 6 p.m. at town hall. There are two candidates for School Board and they are Brianna Stone and Frank Swirko. The three candidates for Board of Selectmen are Corie St. Germain, Frank Swirko and Michael Williams.

■Chichester Library is celebrating Black History Month. Stop by the library and see their display of reading material and others related items created for all ages. Other events to enjoy at the library is the knitting group meets every Wednesday at 3 p.m., the Book Group meets the first Wednesday at 7 p.m. and for the younger ages children storytime is every Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

■The Town Clerk has available absentee ballots for the March 12 town and school district election of officers. The request for an absentee ballot is on the town web site or stop by the office. A sample ballot is posted at town hall.

■The Supervisors of the Checklist will be in session on March 2 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at town hall to register voters, and make corrections. Party changes can be made at this time. Applicants should bring photo ID, proof of residency. Up dated checklist will be posted at town hall and library.

EVELYN PIKE

broomtailfarm@hotmail.com

DUNBARTON

■Town news: Town offices closed Monday for President’s Day. Supervisors of the Checklist will be in session at the town office on March 2 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. for additions and corrections to the Checklist. School vacation is Feb. 26 through March 1.

■The public library book group will discuss “The Lost Apothecary” by Sarah Penner on Feb. 21 at noon in the library. For more information or weather-related cancelation, please contact the library or check their Facebook page or website.

■More library news: Reading to Dogs is at the library from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 22 for grades 1 to 4. Call the library (603-774-3546) to register for 20 minutes of reading. Chair Yoga with Sherry Gamble will be held Feb. 29 at 11 a.m. Take a chair to the second floor of the town hall.

■There has been a date change to “A Visit with Local Wildlife Photographer Drew Groves.” The event will now be held Feb. 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper Town Hall, sponsored by the library. Dunbarton photographer Drew Groves will discuss his photography and techniques, as well as some prime locations on Dunbarton Conservation land where he gets many great shots. His photography is currently in the library on display. Overflow parking is at the elementary school lot.

NORA LEDUC

noleduc2000@yahoo.com

EPSOM

■The town office will be closed on Monday. The Board of Selectmen will convene on Tuesday at 6 p.m., and the ZBA Public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the ECS Cafeteria.

■At Epsom Central School, EYAA meets at 7 p.m. in Room 224 Winter Sports Awards are Thursday at 5 p.m. in the cafe, followed by a Student/Staff basketball game at 6:30 p.m. in the gym.

■Library Events include Monday: Lego Club at 3:30 p.m., Morning Storytime at 10 a.m.

Monday Makers at 3:30 p.m. featuring Lego, Duplo Blocks, and more!; Tuesday: Mahjong at 10:15-12:15 p.m., Knitters Group at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Adult Matinee at 1:30 p.m. featuring “The Retirement Plan.”; Thursday: Bouncing Babies at 10:30 a.m., Bone Builder at 9 a.m.; Thinker Thursdays Club at 4 p.m., focusing on Dr. Seuss Science.

Family Storytime is on Saturday at 10 a.m., celebrating Love Your Library Month.

■Epsom supervisors of the checklist will meet on March 2 at Epsom Town Hall from 1-1:30 p.m., with the opportunity for extended hours. The Friends of the Epsom Public Library will host the Meet the Candidates forum on Saturday, March 2, at 2 p.m., with a snow date on March 9.

■Happy 15th birthday to my beautiful twin granddaughters Emma & Ava on Friday and Kaite Glennon on Saturday!

TERRY RIEL

rielt397@gmail.com

Hillsborough/Deering

■Vendors wanted for the American Legion Auxiliary Craft Fair on April 13. American Legion, 538 West Main St. For more details or to reserve a table call Katie at 603-680-4010.

NANCY SHEE

nshee71@gmail.com

Hopkinton

■The official voting day is March 12 at Hopkinton Middle/High School to elect officers and vote on zoning amendments. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The business session is on March 21 at 6 p.m. at Hopkinton Middle/High School to act upon the remaining Articles, representing a change from the usual Saturday meeting time. For more information, visit hopkinton-nh.gov/select-board/pages/2024-town-meeting-information or call (603) 746-3170.

■Thanks to the Friends of the Hopkinton Town Library and SMP Architecture, discounted or free passes are available for various attractions, including Boston Children’s Museum, Canterbury Shaker Village, Children’s Museum of NH, Currier Museum of Art, The Fells Estate and Gardens, McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Kearsarge Indian Museum, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, NH Historical Society, NH State Parks, NH Telephone Museum, SEE Science Center, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Strawberry Banke Museum, and Woodman Museum. To reserve a pass, contact (603) 746-3663 or info@hopkintontownlibrary.org. More information is available at hopkintontownlibrary.org/museum-passes.html.

■Free tax return preparation is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 4 at Hopkinton Town Library, by appointment only. Book online at nhtaxhelp.org or call 211 to schedule your appointment. Free tax preparation is available to all ages and occupations.

KATHLEEN BUTCHER

kathb123@comcast.net

Pembroke

■Pembroke Town Library Preschool Storytime will be Feb. 20 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. This program is designed for kiddos ages 3-5. Bedtime Stories will be Feb. 21 from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Put your comfy pajamas on and head to the library for an evening storytime! We will share stories, songs and a craft!

■Tiny Tots meets Feb. 22 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This program is designed for kiddos ages 0-3 years. This is a caregiver/child program. Mahjong is held Thursday 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.

■Suncook Senior Center Trip will be on March 10, we will be traveling to the Regal The ater in Waltham, Mass., to see “The Magic of Ireland” with talent who have performed on the NY stage and Boston. Dinner at the Chateau in Waltham. Call Nancy at 603-485-9181 to reserve.

JOCELYN CARLUCCI

taihi@comcast.net

Pittsfield

■On Feb. 19 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the Community Supper will be held at the First Congregational Church. Price is a donation only. Please join us for a delicious meal and visiting.

■Pittsfield Youth Baseball and Softball signups will be held Feb. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Feb. 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Community Center. Cost is $50 per player with a max of $125 per family. Limited scholarships are available. Coaches, concession and field clean up volunteers are needed. New Board members are welcome. Please contact us at pittsfieldyouthbaseball@gmail.com.

■If you are a 501(c)(3), have you heard about the Globe Community Fund? Established by the former fourth-generation family owners of Globe Manufacturing Company in Pittsfield, the donor-advised fund is administered by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. The fund’s purpose is to enhance community well-being with a focus on the towns of Pittsfield, Barnstead, Epsom, Northwood, Gilmanton, and Chichester. For more information and an application, email the fund at GlobeCommunityFund@globefiresuits.com

ANDREA RIEL

pittsfieldtowncrier@hotmail.com

Salisbury

■The Salisbury Board of Selectmen are looking to appoint five (5) town residents to a newly established “Community Power Advisory Committee”. The committee will research the enrollment of the entire Town of Salisbury into the Merrimack County Community Power Electric Aggregation Plan, in conjunction with the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire. The committee will act in an advisory capacity, to make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen. Anyone interested in serving on this committee please email salisburyadmin@tds.net.

■The Salisbury Board of Selectmen will be holding a 2nd Public Hearing, pursuant to RSA 41:14-a, Acquisition or Sale of Land, Buildings, or Both; Demolition or Disposal of Buildings, at a regular Selectmen’s Meeting on Wednesday, February 21 2024 at 7:30 p.m. upstairs at Academy Hall, 9 Old Coach Road, Salisbury, to receive public comment on the purchase of approximately ten (10) acres of land located on Mutton Road and identified as Tax Map 244, Lot 17, owned by Carol Haber. All those interested are urged to attend. Anyone needing additional information or assistance please contact the Selectmen’s Office at 603-648-6320 in advance.

JENNIFER HOYT

jimjen505@tds.net

Warner

■On Saturday, Feb. 24, from 5 to 8 p.m., support Warner’s 250th Birthday Celebration at a Spaghetti dinner fundraiser featuring the presentation "Snow Train Era" by Rebecca Courser. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will gain insights into upcoming 250th Anniversary events and can purchase 250th lawn signs, magnets, and tickets for a 50/50 raffle. Co-sponsored by Reed’s North, the evening's proceeds will benefit the big Celebration. Tickets for dinner and the presentation are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12. For more information, contact Rebecca at 603-456-3997.

■Spring is approaching! Register now for girls' and boys' spring baseball and softball through Warner Youth Sports Association atwarnersports.org. Additional details can be found at warnersports.org/sports.html. The offerings include boys' T-Ball, Rookies, Minors, and Majors, as well as girls U-8, U-10, and U-12. Volunteers are also needed.

■The Warner Housing Advisory Committee is updating the Housing Chapter of the Town’s Master Plan and seeks input from the community. The survey is available online at surveymonkey.com/r/WarnerHousing24 or can be completed on paper at Warner Town Hall (outside the Town Clerk's office), the United Church of Warner (first floor), and Sugar River Bank (front entry).

ELIBET CHASE

warnertowncrier@gmail.com

Webster

■Town Offices and the Webster Free Public Library will be closed on Monday, February 19 all day. The Select Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 20 at 6:30 p.m.

■The next Book Group meeting will be on Thursday, February 29 at 7:15 p.m. Join us for our discussion of The Wager, David Grann’s most recent New York Times bestseller.

■If you are curious about the duties of the Town Clerk, here is a listing of her varied and various jobs. Some of the general duties include registering motor vehicles and boats, licensing dogs, and issuing marriage licenses; as well as birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates. The Office also administers elections, absentee ballots, and voter registrations. The Clerk maintains Town records and oaths of office. In addition, the office processes wetlands applications and issues transfer station (dump) permits.

NANCY PICTHALL-FRENCH

jobar2003@yahoo.com