Suncook Valley town crier for Dec. 12, 2021

■The Holiday Lighting Awards Ceremony will be held on Dec.18 at 4 p.m. at the Community Center. They will award trophies and gift certificates for first, second and third place. This fun contest is sponsored by the Allenstown Economic Development Committee.

■The Selectboard will meet on Dec.13 at 6 p.m. at the Town Hall.

■The Planning Board Meeting will be held on Dec.15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.

■St. John the Baptist will be holding a Church Supper on Dec.18 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Parish Hall with roast beef and all the fixings. The cost will be $10 and will be take out only. This is sponsored by The Knights of Columbus.

■The Suncook Senior Center will hold its Holiday Dinner on Dec.16 at noon. Please call Eileen at (603) 485-4254 for more information, or to sign up for the meal.

■Suncook Senior Center activities: Bone Builders (9 to 10 a.m. on Monday and Wednesday), Bingo (10:30 to 12:45 p.m. on Monday and Thursday); Cribbage (10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday), Gentle Chair Yoga (1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday), Tops Group (11 a.m. to noon on Wednesday), Bowling (12:30 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday), and Klunk (12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday).

CLAUDETTE VERVILLE

485-4437

cverville2@comcast.net

■The Chichester Police Department and the Chichester Fire/Rescue have made arrangements with Santa Claus for a Christmas Parade on Dec. 19 at 9 a.m. The parade route will start at the safety building proceed down Main Street to Route 28 then up Bear Hill Road to Center Road and back to the Safety Building. Parking and viewing will be at Town Hall and the Library.

■The Chichester School Board will be meeting on Tuesday at 6 a.m., and on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the school. All are welcome to attend.

■The Chichester Police Association is hosting a Secret Santa Program. Applications will be taken until Dec 17. Contact Donna or Chief Clark at (603) 798-4911.

■The Chichester music and chorus program for 5th to 8th grade is being offered at the school. Sign up outside the music room. Contact msherburne@sau54.org for more information.

■The deadline to apply for a Holiday Food Basket from the Town of Chichester is Dec. 14. The basket will have a complete dinner. Call Kristy at (603) 798-5350-xs201 to make an application over the phone. All applications are kept confidential.

■BCEP Solid Waste District will hold a public budget hearing about the 2022 budget on Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the facility. The rain date is Dec. 17

■Chichester Grange will hold their annual Christmas Party on December 15 at 7p.m.

■Out of Your Attic Thrift Shop will be holding a ½ price sale on Dec. 16. Stop by their shop and you will be amazed with the abundance of items in the shop.

■Thank you sponsors! All 210 veterans were sponsored for a remembrance wreath to be placed at their gravesite. Wreaths Across American Day begins Dec. 18 at noon at Veterans Memorial Park. Volunteers will disperse to the cemeteries in Chichester after the cememony to place the wreaths. Please visit www. Chichesternh.org for updated information. Or contact Brenda (603) 491-8853 or Fred (603) 798-5543.

■The Still Oaks Funeral & Memorial Home honored Chichester Veterans Ted Bailey, John Colbert, Leland French, Richard Mackin, Paul MCCully, and Gene Smith with a donation in memory. Blue Star Mothers of New Hampshire received this donation and laid 3,500 wreaths at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery.

■The Chichester Planning Board will conduct a public hearing on zoning amendments on Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the fire Department complex. Proposed amendments to the Chichester zoning ordinances were prepared by the planning board and Central NH Regional Commission, and are available at the town hall for viewing. The final amendments for adoption will be voted on by ballot at the town meeting scheduled in March.

■Chichester Central School community holiday cards will be displayed in the school entryway for all to enjoy. If families would like to participate in sharing their family holiday cards for the season send them in with your child or bring them to the school office.

■15 students from Chichester were nominated for Pizza with the Principal in recognition of goals being reached, hard work, kindness and adhering to classroom and school expectations. School mascot “Rocky The Ram” joined for the presentation of certificates.

■Third graders from the school turned their room into a café so they could experience a book tasting. The students were able to rotate through six tables of different genres of books. Second graders participated in STEM projects using cranberries and toothpicks before Thanksgiving. Students worked on designing and building a structure and learning how to make the structure stronger.

■The SAU 53 Stakeholder Consultation Leadership Team is looking for feedback from the community that can help the schools to promote student growth and learning, as schools continue to navigate the challenges associated with the pandemic. Feedback will help with the terms of a grant and how to proceed. Contact SAU 53 for details.

■This is the time of the year that the Chichester Fire Department shares tips on having a fire safe holiday season. As we deck the halls be fire smart and keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that burns. Think about using battery operated flameless candles Also keep your holiday tree three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators and space heaters.

■The Hope in Christ Church is sponsoring Christmas Food Baskets. If you or someone you know could use a food basket call 798-4220.

■A Family Movie Night with “Home Alone” will be held at the library on Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy the movie, popcorn and cider

■Covid 19 is rising. As of Dec. 7, Chichester had 17 cases, the school had three and Pembroke Academy had 20.

■The Board of Selectmen will meet with the Budget Committee on Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. to discuss the 2022 budget for the following departments: highway, planning board, fire/rescue and BOS. Other businesses may also be discussed. All are welcome to attend.

■Dianne Schuett, State Rep for Chichester and Merrimack County Delegation Chair, announced that the county budgets for the upcoming year are anticipated to be a zero tax increase to taxpayers. The Federal American Rescue Plan money has been used to assist with several areas of cost in the county.

■The Chichester Student Council is working diligently with their Holiday Food Drive for the local food pantry. There will be boxes outside each classroom to collect items for the food drive. For every box that has at least 100 cans, the staff member will be wrapped up like a present. Food Pantry items can also be left at the school office.

EVELYN PIKE

broomtailfarm@hotmail.com

■The Town Hall Renovation Committee Meeting will meet Monday at 1 p.m. at 940 Suncook Valley Hwy.

■The Board of Selectmen Meeting will meet Monday at 6 p.m. at 940 Suncook Valley Hwy.

■The Conservation Commission Meeting will meet on Thursday at 6 p.m.

■The Budget Committee will meet Thursday at 7 p.m. at 940 Suncook Valley Hwy

■The Epsom School Chorus will be regaling the Epsom Public Library with music on Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m. Mark your calendars and come join us for hot cocoa and cheer as we listen to them sing/carol just outside the library under the lights.

■The Library will be hosting the VNA the third Thursday of each month from 10:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for a Foot Care Clinic. The first day will be Dec. 16. This service is open to anyone 65 and older. To schedule an appointment call (603) 224-4093, ext. 85815.

■The library will have a Giving Tree at the circulation desk with tags labeled with a child’s age and suggested gifts. If you wish to help a child in need, we invite you to come to the library and choose a tag. Please bring unwrapped gifts into the library by Dec. 22.

■On Tuesdays (1:30 p.m.) and Wednesdays (10 a.m.), children and their caregivers listen to stories, sing songs, and receive a take home craft bag. December themes include Christmas, Hanukkah, winter weather, and hibernation

■On Dec 28 at 1:30 p.m is “Paw Patrol: The Movie” at the library. The movie is rated PG and snacks and drinks will be provided! Masks are required except while eating. Maximum number is 30, total. Please sign up at the library or call (603) 736-9920. (No Story Time.)

■Adult Movie Matinee is at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 15, with “One Christmas Eve:” Christmas Eve…one of the most magical nights of the year, but not at the Blackmores. Anne Heche, Kevin Daniels, and one cute Beagle puppy lead the cast of this funny and moving film.

■The Library will be closed on Dec. 25 for Christmas Day and Jan. 1, 2022 for New Year’s Day.

■The Knitters Group will continue to meet on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

■Happy birthday wishes this week to Noah Davis on Tuesday, Keith Yeaton on Wednesday, George Foster on Thursday, and Christine Fitts on Friday! Have wonderful celebrations!

TERRY RIEL

rielt397@gmail.com

■The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a House Decorating Contest in the spirit of the season. All Pittsfield residents and businesses are encouraged to pull out those holiday lights and decorations and participate. There is no entry fee and there is a $100 Prize! Please visit the Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or our website (PittsfieldChamber.org) for more information. To register text or call Louie Houle at 603-848-1553. The judging will be held on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. (weather permitting). Any weather changes will be posted on the Chamber Facebook page, and a Google Map will be posted on Dec.18 after the judging so that others may enjoy the decorations and lights as well. Let’s “light up Pittsfield!” and holiday spirit!

■The PES PTO will hold their monthly meeting on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. at the PES Media Center.

■The Pittsfield Historical Society’s 2022 calendar makes a wonderful gift! The theme of the 2022 calendar honors the men and women of Pittsfield who have served in the Armed Forces. It contains 26 wonderful photographs of servicemen, servicewomen, various memorials, and provides a brief history of our loyal soldiers who fought for their country. The earliest image available to the Society is of Asa Bartlett, a captain in the Civil War. The calendar ends with Richard A. Brooks, a corporal in the Vietnam War. In between you’ll find history, insight, and perhaps even a relative! Calendars are available for sale at Town Hall, Josiah Carpenter Library, and at the Historical Society’s new museum on Oak Street on most Tuesday mornings (9 a.m. to noon). You may also call or text Fuzz Freese at (603) 848-4488, to arrange a purchase. The cost is $15, payable by check or cash.

■The Josiah Carpenter Library’s next Story Walk, “The Great Santa Stakeout” by Betsy Bird, has been posted! Book pages have been mounted in 14 windows throughout the downtown area. Go ahead and tie up your walking shoes, and enjoy a stroll through our beautiful little town. Families can grab a map from the mailbox that is attached to the community bulletin board at Dustin’s Park. As you return to the library on Main Street, stop in to pick up a small gift!

■The library would like to remind people that they continue to offer delivery of library materials. If you’re homebound for any reason, or are simply avoiding all the cold, flu and covid germs swirling around, the library can come to you! For more information call 435-8406.

■The Suncook Valley Rotary Club will not be meeting Dec. 15. The Suncook Valley Rotary Club is transitioning to a new location, as we no longer meet at Dominick’s restaurant. If you are interested in joining a meeting please contact Fallon Reed at Fallon.Reed@gmail.com or Jessica Drouin at Jessica26drouin@gmail.com for the meeting location.

■The Pittsfield Senior Center is transitioning between PYW and Joy Church. We are starting to have a few functions at Joy Church, but because we will be going between the two different locations we are asking people not to show up before 9:30 a.m. Bingo will be every Monday and Thursday at 10 a.m. Please contact Carol Schiferle at cshiferle@bm-cap-org or call 435-8482 if you have any questions.

■There is a Christmas Party at the Senior Center on Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. There will be a Yankee gift swap. If you want to participate in the gift swap, please bring a gift of no more than $10. The Christmas dinner will be served at noon. No bingo on this day!

■At the Senior Center, there will be serving community lunches, (when we get the paperwork complete) on Mondays and Thursdays at noon. Our goal is to start serving lunch on Dec. 16, at the Christmas party. Please remember reservations are required to help with planning the meal.

■The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the Pittsfield Parks & Recreation Committee, Pittsfield Police and Fire Departments, Pittsfield Youth Workshop, Josiah Carpenter Library, Granite Image, Jitters Café, Main Street Variety, Bob Giegerich, Suncook Valley Area Lions Club, Pittsfield Circle of Home & Family members, Victory Workers 4-H Club, Pittsfield Players, St. Stephen’s Church, Pittsfield Clothes Closet, Sam Locke, Mike & Gretchen Wolfe, Joe Darrah, Fuzz Freese, Louie and Patty Houle, and Mark Riel for their help, support and involvement with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration. Thank you and happy holidays!

■The Chamber would like to thank all the participants of the Decorated Wreath Contest. There were eight wonderful wreaths entered in the contest this year. New this year (due to Covid-19 safe practices of not sharing pens), a panel of judges selected the winner (instead of the pubic voting). They selected the wreath made by Michaela St. George. Congratulations!

■The First Congregational Church will host Soup’s On! on Dec. 13 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Church. Your choice of hot and hearty soups, bread and beverage will be served. The cost is by donation.

■The Pittsfield Players will hold auditions for their Kid’s Theater Workshop production of “Godspell, Jr.” on Dec. 13 and 14 at 4 p.m. each day at the Scenic Theater in Pittsfield. The workshop is open to kids ages eight to 18, and is a program designed to introduce kids to all aspects of theater, from auditions to set building and lighting design, to the performing in the actual show. This year, the show will run Feb. 24, 25 and 26, 2022. Auditioners for the show will be taught a song, basic dance steps and they will be asked to read from the script. They may also prepare a solo from the show to sing, but this is not mandatory. Anyone who is interested in participating in the technical aspects of the show should also attend these auditions. In addition, this year we will begin a program to teach choreography design to interested dancers ages 14 to 18. For more information please contact mayehart@yahoo.com.

■The BCEP Solid Waste District 2022 Proposed Budget Public Hearing will be held on Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m., at the BCEP Facility. The public is encouraged to attend and participate in the event. In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will be rescheduled to Dec. 17.

■The Pittsfield Youth Workshop is open for Drop-In from 3 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Stop in and check out this wonderful program. For more information, please contact PYW at 435-8272 or info@pittsfieldyouthworkshop.org.

■Happy Anniversary wishes to Fred and Liz Hast on Saturday.

■Belated Happy Anniversary wishes to Alan and Tammy Flanders on Dec. 10.

ANDREA RIEL

435-6346

pittsfieldtowncrier@hotmail.com