MAY 2020 by The AMHERST CITIZEN

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Teacher Parade

CW Student Video #4 “Foo…

Clark-Wilkins School student dance to the tune of "Footloose" during remote learning periods

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Teacher Parade Driveby... AMHERST – In collaboration with the Amherst Police Department and the Clark-Wilkins staff, a Teacher Parade was held at Souhegan High School on Tuesday, May 5th from 3:00 to 4:00 for all of Clark-Wilkins students and families to participate in a “reverse parade.” Staff was spaced out along the property, using social distancing guidelines, and the police department assisted with traffic. Staff members were wearing masks out of safety, while wearing big smiles and greeting students.with signs of love and caring. Hundreds and hundreds of cars took part in a one hour slow crawl through the SHS roadways with the theme of the day “THANK YOU.”

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Amherst Town Library Has Stay-At-Home Programs

Boys Souhegan Basketball Hold Banquet over Zoom

AMHERST – Miss Sarah and Miss LISA entertain young children at home with Storytime and S.T.E.A.M. projects...

AMHERST – Awards were given out to members of all three teams in a well attended event held on online...

Dr. Joseph Raczek Optomistrists Dr. Philip S. Aubrey Optomistrist Jeffrey T. Manson Carpenter & Builder Jim Spellman BHHS Verani Realty Masiello Group BH&G Leslie Barrett Brian McGuigan, CFP McGuigan Financial Timothy McOsker, Jr. McOsker Kennels The Hackler Family New Hampshire Antique Co-op Traditional Cabinetmaker R. Nelson Ruffin Coldwell Banker Real Estate David Deysher Merryfield Design, LLC Kelly Merryfield Dave & Sam Theriault Theriault & Sons, Inc Teen Job Bank SHS Students Restaurants Open for Takeout, Curbside Pickup or Delivery

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SHS Team at Granite State Challenge

Amherst Resident is Honored at AFCEA

Memorial Day Parade and Observances

Amherst's Last Civil War Veteran

AMHERST – This team from Souhegan High School advanced the farthest in the finals than any other team in SHS history ...

LEXINGTON, MA – Phil Blanchard was commended for his leadership during Hanscom Air Force Base's Career Day ...

AMHERST – Theresa Grella has notified the office of Selectmen that it is necessary to cancel the Amherst Sunset Observances and Parade for Memorial Day.

AMHERST – The first Memorial Day observance in Amherst was conducted in June 1869. Historian Katrina Holman introduces us to Daniel A. Peabody ...

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Are Gun Stores Essential Businesses? ...

Abstract Paintings & Tribal Masks Exhibition at NHAC ...

Nashua Household Waste Collection Held June 4th ...

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Thank You to SHS Food Service Workers & Amherst Makerspace

Are Gun Stores Essential Businesses?

To the editor:

The Amherst School Board (ASB) would like to start by thanking the Souhegan food service workers for making over 100 lunch and breakfast meals every day. These hearty and healthy meals are delivered with the help of volunteers to 55 Amherst families. Meals have been provided at no cost to students since remote learning began as an extension of the Seamless Summer Meals Option of the National School Lunch Program. Thank you to John Lash, his dedicated staff, and all the volunteers for helping to care for our Amherst community! We also want to thank the Amherst Makerspace for donating masks to our food service workers and other SAU staff, including our facilities team who continue to work to prepare our schools for an eventual safe return for students. The masks have allowed our staff to work more securely and confidently over the last several weeks while they help our students. Our SAU 39 teachers continue to find creative and thoughtful ways to stay engaged with all learners. Our parent partnerships are more important than ever, and we appreciate how hard everyone is working together to keep our students moving forward during this unprecedented time. At our April meeting the ASB took a final look at the AMS plumbing lead remediation project and approved some additional work needed to complete the remediation. These tasks include replacing one final length of pipe leading from the gym into the main building, replacing a few water bubblers to better conform to our goals, and replacing plumbing to a couple of showers in the coaches’ locker room. We feel these final projects will complete the lead remediation in the safest and most efficient way possible for all stakeholders. Remaining funds from the original warrant article will be returned to taxpayers.

At the end of February, my husband had open heart surgery and the background noise on the TV in the hospital was chatter about a pandemic. And just a few weeks later, we are in full blown crisis where people are dying by the thousands, hospitals are short of supplies and daily new controls are being instituted to try to protect us from getting or spreading this deadly epidemic. How could we be this unprepared? Our governor has issued Executive Emergency Orders stating that only Essential Businesses are to be open, allowing for grocery stores and drugstores. We cannot go back to the hospital for our post op appointment. My kids cannot come to visit. Our library is closed. We have been asked to shelter in place, to leave only for food and prescriptions. But wait, Governor Sununu did not close gun stores? Gun stores are Essential Businesses? Corroborating my information, I reached out to the COVID-19 Business Resource. I emailed my question regarding Governor Sununu’s policy, as gun shops were not listed as either Essential or Non-Essential in the Executive Orders. The email reply from NH Business and Economic Affairs stated that gun shops could remain open if they do online sales or curb side pickup only. They are not open to the public. Curbside? I called several local gun shops to confirm this information. All of them were quite clear that, according to the ATF, it is illegal to sell firearms curbside. Their doors were indeed open to the public. I understand that the NRA was the single biggest supporter of this administration. However, I want Governor Sununu to justify that reaffirming Second Amendment rights serves to protect us in any way from this virus! Sales on firearms have skyrocketed in the last couple of months. The background system has been overwhelmed with background checks. You cannot shoot the virus away. Are we going to shoot someone who Important Dates: is sick? Or shoot someone who has grabbed the last roll of toilet paper in The last day of school this year will be May 29. Originally, the last projected day of school for the 2019-20 school year was June 11, but we the supermarket? I am concerned that in these most unsettling of times, have confirmed with the state of NH that enough instructional hours will be when we are coping with a base level of fear and anxiety, adding firearms to the equation is grossly irresponsible and unsafe. This is profit from fear. completed by the new May date. Fear divides us when our lives depend upon us working together to save SAU 39 is also planning a Capstone Week of Celebrations for all, our communities. We have to be on the same side to survive. bringing students and teachers back together for celebratory year-end Unless you are a hunter and providing food for your family, I cannot events such as field days, class parties, and graduations. The SAU is currently looking at two potential weeks for these exciting events, June 29- think of one single instance where owning a gun can help provide safety to anyone dealing with this Pandemic. July 4 or July 27-August 1. We will have an update by June 1 and will Is there a way the gun manufactures could instead be part of our continue to follow all state and local guidelines to make sure these solutions for health? Could they re-purpose a factory or two to produce ceremonies are safe. much needed ventilators? Our current pressing goal, at which thousands The next SAU meeting will take place on May 11 at 6 p.m. followed of our neighbors are working hard and risking their lives, is to protect our immediately by the Amherst School Board meeting. Please visit the SAU health and safety. The State promulgating the sale of firearms at this time, website, www.SAU39.org, for information on how to virtually attend these tacitly underlining this as an essential business, runs counter to our current online Zoom meetings. The ASB will be discussing our unreserved fund balance (excess funds that have not been spent) to determine if there are needs — to work together to foster our communities’ health and safety. This is disappointing, and scary, and needs community action for change. any essential projects to tackle before returning excess funds to the taxpayers. Jill Weber, As always, if you have any questions or comments please feel free to Mont Vernon NH email the board at ASB@sau39.org.

Thank you Elizabeth Kuzsma, Chair Tom Gauthier, Vice Chair Ellen Grudzien, Secretary Terri Behm Josh Conklin

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What's Up in The Children's Room During Stay-At-Home 2020 AMHERST – We can still have lots of fun while we practice social distancing! Watch our Storytime series on YouTUBE, join a book club on ZOOM, be a Minecrafter on Facebook, mega opportunities await us online ... READ MORE

HISTORIC AMHERST

Amherst's Last Surviving Civil War Veteran AMHERST – The first Memorial Day observance in Amherst was conducted in June 1869. Historian Katrina Holman introduces us to Daniel A. Peabody, the youngest Amherst man to reenlist for 3 years ... READ MORE

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Memorial Day Parade and Observances AMHERST – Theresa Grella has notified the office of Selectmen that it is necessary to cancel the Amherst Sunset Observances and Parade for Memorial Day ... READ MORE

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Amherst Town Clerk's O!ce is Open for Business ~ Call First! AMHERST – We still encourage citizens to renew online, by mail, or over the phone with a credit card. However if you still need to visit in person, please call ahead ... READ MORE

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Amherst Town Library AMHERST TOWN LIBRARY Amy Lapointe, Library Director 14 Main St., Amherst NH 03031 Phone 673-2288 Fax 672-6063 email: library@amherstlibrary.org web http://www.amherstlibrary.org

LIBRARY IS CLOSED DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC CRISIS

Amherst Town Library Children’s Room

What’s Up in The Children’s Room During Stay-At-Home 2020 During these weeks of social distancing, we are working hard to think of ways to keep in touch with our patrons, who all mean so much to us. With that in mind, and with the knowledge that children feel most secure when they are continuing with their predictable routines, we are offering video versions of our library programming. We do so with the full knowledge that we have neither the equipment nor the experience to create professionalgrade videos! Please forgive our many mistakes, and take these videos in the spirit in which they’re offered---as a way to connect with our wonderful patrons until we can sit together at the library again. We miss you all, and can’t wait until that day arrives…

Access our videos at the following link: http://www.amherstlibrary.org/childrens-room/online-storytime-links Family Storytime: Miss Sarah tries to upload a new episode on Tuesday mornings, and you can access any of the episodes we’ve already shown at any time by following the link. Little Listeners: Miss Sarah tries to upload a new episode on Miss Sarah entertains children during online Storytimes on YouTUBE. Thursday mornings, and you can access any of the episodes we’ve already shown at any time by following the link. S.T.E.A.M. Storytime: Miss Lisa is uploading video instructions for some of her most popular S.T.E.A.M. projects. Follow along and make your own---it’s fun! She tries to upload a new project on Wednesdays, and you can access any of the videos we’ve already shown at any time by following the link. *At the time we were all asked to practice social distancing, Miss Sarah was at work recording some of her children’s music. Although none of the tracks have been fully polished, she thought she’d make a few of them available for listening---just to keep in touch in another way! Look for the links on the Storytime page, and have a listen!

MINECRAFT CLUB (ages 7-14) While we practice social distancing, we will be connecting as Minecrafters via the Amherst Town Library Facebook page. Miss Sarah has created a special Minecraft Group, and hopes you’ll all be posting to it! Each week she will set you all a Minecraft Challenge---spend some time completing it, and when you’re done doing something really cool, take a screen shot, and post it to the group, where we can all take a look--Don’t forget to post a picture (with first name only) when you’re

Summer Reading at The Library

finished. Join the Amherst Town Library Minecraft Club on Facebook.

YES---the annual Summer Reading Program WILL be happening at the library! We are planning our summer activities under the assumption that Now that we’ve had some time to get used the idea of staying at home some number of social distancing restrictions will still be in effect. We for awhile, we are feeling almost overwhelmed with the online opportunities know you will understand our need to avoid certain types of activities while we try to offer as many of our well-loved programs as possible, sometimes we’ve been made aware of. With that in mind, we’d like to offer you a in slightly different ways. sampling of some of the countless resources that are out there, and We are in the process of working out the details, but here’s what we encourage you to share these and other great ideas with each other. We’d know right now--also like to remind you that this is actually a great opportunity for kids to get outdoors, and for them to have a chance to get bored---for it’s in those • Our target date for beginning the program is Monday, June 15. moments of boredom that your child finds an opportunity to create their Please visit our website (www.amherstlibrary.org) for updates and own fun! details as they become available. Find these resources on our website at the following link: • We will offer a reading program for our children that is as close as http://www.amherstlibrary.org/childrens-room/stay-home-fun-links-more possible to the wonderful program they have come to expect. The What’s up for tweens and teens? Follow this link to the library TEEN SPACE, “Summer Slide” doesn’t go away just because our social lives have where you’ll find some booklists to keep you reading along with some fun changed, and we want to keep everyone reading this summer. There will be reading logs for tracking reading hours, prizes to be and interesting links http://www.amherstlibrary.org/teen-space/blog earned, weekly craft kits, find-the-picture scavenger hunts, virtual storytimes, and, yes, there will be a virtual PET SHOW! • Our teens will have the opportunity to win gift cards to local business by submitting “Book Bucks”. We will offer some virtual craft programs, some challenges, and some opportunities for virtual get-togethers.

STAY-AT-HOME FUN LINKS AND MORE

We are planning to send out information through the schools, email newsletter and social media, and we’ll be updating our website as our plans are finalized. Although some things may not be possible this summer, and some things may be different, we think that Summer Reading is a great way to say, “We’re here, and we’re in this together---your library is here for you!”

We Miss Everyone! Stuck Inside S.T.E.A.M. Project with Miss Lisa - Erupting Volcano

Library Trivia is Going Virtual! Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 7 PM – 8 PM Hosted by Friends of the Amherst Town Library Thanks to Dolph Hoyt Presents, we are now able to bring you the 8th annual Library Trivia Night to you AT HOME! So, put on a nice shirt, grab a drink and get on that couch - it's time to play some trivia!! (This is a family friendly event, so everyone can play!)

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A library is a place of stimulation, learning, and connection. And it still is, but it is hard to have the building closed. The important thing is to keep patrons and staff safe, and halt the spread of the virus. This is why we made the decision to comply with state and local directives and close the building itself. But we are still “open” and have many services for you to use in the short term. Our virtual services include ebooks, downloadable audios and magazines, storytimes on youtube, virtual book groups, and many more. Visit our Website and Facebook page to check them out! You will love our Peeps entries. During this crisis, children and their families have done an amazing job with these marshmallow creations and kept the tradition going! Don’t worry about your checked out items! Due dates have been extended for them and you will not be charged any overdue fees. Your checkout limit on Hoopla has been increased and we’ve shifted monies for print materials into increased ebooks for you. http://www.amherstlibrary.org/tools-collections/ebooks-more We want to open as soon as it is safe to do that. This will be a phased operation. First our staff, who have been working diligently from home, will go into the building to get it ready and have the supplies we need to handle returned items safely. Then we’ll likely go to curbside pickup of materials that you will order remotely. The next step is to open the library for a few hours several days of the week, and limit the number of people in the building at one time. Gradually we will increase hours and resume programming. This will not happen quickly, so we all must be patient with the process. In the meantime we are here to help you. We miss everyone and have enjoyed engaging with you through social media. Reach out for help as you need it and ask what questions you have. We want to support and enrich you as we all live through this difficult time.

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Amherst’s Last Surviving Civil War Veteran BY KATRINA HOLMAN Memorial Day began as Decoration Day, an annual occasion to decorate the graves of soldiers who died in the Civil War. The Commander in Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Civil War veterans association, issued a general order to the posts throughout the country, designating May 30, 1868 as “a day for strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in the defense of their country.” The proclamation (reprinted in the newspaper of Amherst, N.H.) also said: “Let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist … the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.”

First Memorial Day The first Memorial observance in Amherst was conducted in June 1869, four years after the Civil War ended, led by Milford’s G.A.R. Post (established July 1868). Amherst’s Lawrence Engine Company of 40 firefighters escorted the procession to Meadowview Cemetery. After Amherst’s own G.A.R. Post, No. 43, was installed July 1879, it led subsequent Memorial Day observances in our town.

Greek Revival style house at 133 Amherst Street, built 1855 by/for Francis Peabody (1793-1872), farmer and carpenter. After the death of their father, Daniel A. Peabody & his two sisters opened it for summer boarders. Pictured are Daniel & wife Emma, circa 1900.

About 104 Amherst men served in the Civil War, not counting non-resident substitutes paid for by Amherst. (The number varies a bit depending on how one attributes a man’s hometown.) Amherst’s beautiful Soldiers’ Monument, erected in 1871, lists 26 men who died while serving in the Union Army – 7 killed in or from battle action, 2 by accident (one in camp shot by a comrade, the other by collision of two steamers), 1 as POW, leaving 16 who died of disease. Their deaths resulted in 23 fatherless children. This chapter in our town’s history began in April 1861 when Amherst held its first meeting to support the war effort, shortly after President Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to serve for three (sic, 3) months (yes, months!), and 16 young men were inspired to sign up immediately. The following afternoon, 11 of

newspaper editor was relieved to be able to report that the houses of D. A. Peabody and three others in the Village would provide good accommodations for those attending the grand-jury court session held in town that May.) An example of a boarder who stayed in this house was the 24-year-old daughter of the minister of the Bulfinch Street Church in Boston, hoping the “pure air” here would cure her consumption but over two months in 1878 she gradually wasted away and died here. Another early summer boarder was an experienced art teacher named Miss Sophronia P. Oakes. It may have been her example that inspired Miss Margaret B. Peabody (1837-1893) to become an artist and art teacher. In 1876, Margaret was granted the use of a room in the Spring street school house, Nashua, for her class in that city and she had “the entire charge” of the drawing department at McGaw Institute, Reed’s Ferry; in 1880 and 1882 she had a studio for pupils and

them gathered and had a group photo taken (now in the collection of the Historical Society of

orders in Milford center during spring and fall. Sadly, the older sister, Miss Lydia E. Peabody

Amherst’s Civil War Statistics

Bungalow at 7 Lyndeborough Road, built 1912/’13 by/for Daniel A. Peabody (1842-1925), Civil War veteran and retired farmer.

through June of 1920, when he wrote: “There are nine in the ward now, six have died since last fall and four since I have been in here.” But he declared himself contented and happy to be there – although he had to miss Memorial Day at his hometown that year, but he did come

(now in the collection of the Historical Society of Amherst). As “three-months men” they received training but never even made it out of N.H. However, all but one of those eleven reenlisted; one lost a leg but lived and three of them died, two of disease before the year had ended. All were 19 years old or in their twenties, except the oldest was a 38-year-old married fellow and the youngest was 18-yearold farm boy, Daniel A. Peabody, who would end up being the last surviving Civil War vet of Amherst. Daniel (re)enlisted for 3 years in the 5th Regiment of N.H. Volunteers and served for one year in Company I, which contained a dozen Amherst men, before being discharged due to disease.

Daniel A. Peabody (1842-1925), Amherst’s last living Civil War vet

Daniel A. Peabody Born in New Boston the youngest of nine children, Daniel A. Peabody (1842-1925) arrived in Amherst at age 3 in 1846 when his father bought the Samuel Bell House (before the distinctive mansard roof was added by Harrison Eaton; now known as Country Mansion) at the west end of the Village. In the purchase deed, Francis Peabody (1793-1872) called his occupation “gentleman” meaning, I suppose, that he had made substantial money through the manufacture of sashes, blinds (window shutters) and doors, but in Amherst he was primarily a farmer though sometimes also carpenter and producer of chestnut shingles. In 1855, Francis sold the Samuel Bell House, reserving 8 acres on which he had built a new house next-door, the two-story Greek Revival style house still standing at 133 Amherst Street, “on the brow of the hill just south of the Village.” Francis & wife Lydia lived there the rest of their lives. It was from this home that young Daniel left for war and to which he returned in 1862. His mother died while he was off fighting for the Union. Daniel took over the farm when his father died, and his two unmarried sisters continued to live there with him, keeping house as they had for their widowed father. Around 1873 until at least 1880, the Misses Peabody turned the place into a summer retreat for boarders from Massachusetts cities. (After Amherst’s grand hotel was destroyed by fire in January 1876, the

Sadly, the older sister, Miss Lydia E. Peabody (1829-1886) died of pulmonary consumption at age 57. Daniel decided to travel west to Colorado, where his brother David had recently located. Margaret intended to accompany him, but suffered hemorrhage of the lungs while visiting in Massachusetts in July 1887, putting an end to her trip and delaying his. Daniel arrived in Colorado in January 1888. He staked his own claim there until a severe attack of rheumatic fever in March 1889 forced his retreat to his brother’s in Denver for better nursing. Next thing his surprised friends knew, he had returned to New Hampshire to fetch a bride. In April 1890 in her hometown of Greenfield, N.H., at age 48, Daniel wed Miss Emma Robertson, a 39-year-old teacher who had taught in Amherst among other nearby towns. However, “their surroundings in Denver were not congenial for a permanent residence” (as her obituary would later explain), so after about two years they returned to the Peabody homestead in Amherst. And soon after that, in 1893, sister Margaret died at 56. A few years later, the health of Daniel’s wife Emma declined as she suffered from debilitating rheumatism that restricted her to home. Her mother lived with them for a while, providing care and housekeeping, and for the 1902/3 winter, the Peasbodys stayed with her brother in Greenfield so that her sister-in-law and mother could care for her. Emma’s mother died at age 90 in March 1806 at Greenfield and Emma died aged 57 in Oct. 1906 at home in Amherst. What to do in that spacious house all alone? Daniel kept his room but rented the place 19071911 to his wife’s sister & husband, Mr. & Mrs. Fred W. Barnes with their five teen children, who ran the place again as a summer boardinghouse while Fred commuted to work in Milford.

New House, New Home In 1912, Daniel sold the house built by his father, and built himself a smaller one around the corner. Work for the new bungalow at 7 Lyndeborough Road began in October 1912 and it was ready for occupation in April 1913. When he sold it in Nov. 1918 to move to the Soldiers’ Home in Tilton, N.H., he auctioned off 12 hens and an “extra good driving horse, safe in every spot and place” and his “2 seated open surry.” Daniel had ongoing problems with his legs. In Nov. 1901, when he was 59, he had received treatment at Saint Luke’s hospital in New York city that enabled him to walk again without the aid of crutches or cane and with less pain. In 1904 he was a patient at the hospital in Manchester. And in 1907, having “suffered with varicose ulcers on his ankles for the past three years,” Daniel received a series of operations at Massachusetts General hospital in Boston, where he stayed from early August to mid November. In 1918, he would undergo a successful operation at St. Josephs Hospital in Nashua. At the Soldiers’ Home, Peabody was bed-ridden with bad ankles from February

at his hometown that year, but he did come down to Amherst in November to vote in the elections – when 295 votes were cast, of which 199 where by women voting for the first time.

Last Veteran

When Amherst’s G.A.R. post was organized in 1879, Daniel A. Peabody was one of 18 charter members, some of whom had moved to town after the war; more joined shortly. Peabody was a fixture at their annual meetings and Decoration Day exercises, especially in his later years. From around 1901, he was Adjutant of the Post. By 1904, Peabody, veteran of the 5th Regt., was one of only two men who had enlisted from Amherst still living in town, the other being J. Appleton Skinner (1830-1915), bugler of the 10th Regt., resident at 6 Manchester Road in the Village. In 1913, Peabody and another vet, Frank M. Ackerman, made a trip together to Gettysburg. After he moved to the Soldiers’ Home, he would still return to Amherst for Memorial Day. In Spring 1923, Peabody boarded at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson at the Hudson farm (the nowdilapidated house at 17 Christian Hill Road) so that he could attend the observances at which he acted as Commander of Phelps Post, which “had but two members” attending, assisted by two G. A. R. members of Milford’s Lull Post which still had 11 living members. In 1925, “only three members of Phelps Post [were still] living and all [including Peabody] were too feeble to attend,” although their comrade Eben Meserve of Lowell, a former member, was present. To close, let’s back up a bit to cover two late events of Peabody’s life. In August 1919, when he was 77, he married a 41-year-old divorcee, Celia Oske, recently “of Amherst.” The Milford Cabinet reported in Oct. 1919: “Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Peabody are keeping house for two months with a civil war veteran in Tilton. Later the veterans will return to the Soldiers’ Home and Mrs. Peabody will be with a family nearby.” (My guess is that the other veteran was his buddy Jefferson T. Benson who last visited Amherst for Memorial week 1920 and died in 1921, aged 77. Peabody accompanied his body to Amherst for the funeral and burial.) Wife no. 2 died in Feb. 1922, aged 44, the cause recorded as “organic disease of heart and rheumatism of years duration”; Peabody accompanied her remains to Amherst and then returned to the Soldiers’ Home. In Nov. 1923 at Conway, at age 81, Peabody married wife no. 3, 45-year-old widowed nurse, Florence Crawford of Cambridge, Mass., and they moved to Newton, N.H., where he died in their private home at age 83 from a fractured hip. The funeral and burial of this last Civil War veteran of Amherst were fittingly held at Amherst. Sources: Primarily the Farmers’/Milford Cabinet newspaper; also vital records and deeds.

Katrina Holman welcomes comments to HistoricAmherstNH@juno.com

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Amherst Transfer Station Notice

Temporary walkup/ramp to window at Town Clerk’s Office. Please call 603-673-6041 x203 or 208 before arrival or conduct business online.

The Amherst Town Clerk’s service window is installed and ready for business. We still encourage citizens to renew online, by mail, or over the phone with a credit card but if you need to transact business in person please call ahead of time. Rich Ray and Rick Keyes from the DPW have done a wonderful job constructing this temporary window so that we can assist our residents during these difficult times. The ramp is still under construction and should be completed in a few days. Our hours are 9AM-3PM Monday - Friday or earlier by appointment .Tuesday evening hours are suspended until further notice. Please call us if you have any questions or email us. ndemers@amherstnh.gov lfucci@amherstnh.gov 673-6041 x 203 or 208 We thank you for your support and understanding. Be safe

The DPW is preparing for staffing shortages at the transfer station. We have our highest priority set as accepting trash. We may find it necessary with no notice to close the scale house to support taking trash. We have alternate personnel to use, but we may not get them there on short notice. Running the scale house requires a weighmaster license. We will use the town webpage and the DPW Facebook page to give as much notice as possible; however if our weighmaster(s) call out sick, or if the deck attendant(s) call out at the last minute we may have to use the weighmaster on the deck and we may only be reporting the closure as it occurs. Please check the Transfer Station webpage (https://www.amherstnh.gov/public-works/transfer-station) or our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AmherstNH.DPW/) daily for closures and other updates. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding throughout this state of emergency as we continue to evaluate what needs to be done to keep our staff and residents safe. Please feel free to contact our office at 673-2317 with any questions. Normal office business hours are Monday thru Friday, 7am to 3pm. To support social distancing at the transfer station, DPW has marked out 4 dedicated parking spots for the trash compactors. They are designated with barricades/cones/barrels and we have divided the trash bins into a left and right side. There are two parking spots per side. Except for: Recycling, Still Good Shed and Book Swap the remainder of the transfer station functions remain in operation. If things change, we will continue to provide updates via our Facebook page and the DPW and Transfer Station webpages.

Rabies Clinic Shots Reduced

Memorial Day Parade and Observances Canceled Theresa Grella has notified the office of Selectmen that it is necessary to cancel the Amherst Sunset Observances and Parade for Memorial Day. Theresa noted that the Souhegan High School band and the Amherst Middle School band and Scouts would not be available to participate in the parade. A gathering of veterans and citizens walking to the monuments many put many at risk. Social distancing would be difficult to practice. Also, we are not going to have the Flag Day 5k in June. The event may be scheduled in the fall to raise funds for the Veteran wreaths.

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The Hillsborough County Veterinary Hospital has offered the following service: Because of COVID-19, Rabies Clinics were unable to occur this year. In light of that, we at HCVH will be reducing the cost of all rabies vaccines to $20.00 from now until the end of May. Please call 603-6722300 to schedule an appointment. There is no charge for the office visit for this shot. Dog licenses expired on April 30th but state law allows the month of May as a grace period. We continue to process auto renewals and dog licenses online and by mail and we thank our residents for taking advantage of this service. Auto renewals and boat renewals can be done over the phone with a credit card but the credit card company charges an additional fee. New registrations are being processed at our new service window but we request that an appointment be made so that we have no waiting line. If you have any questions, please call us but if we don’t answer please leave a message so we can call you back or send us an email. 603-673-6041 x 203 or 208 ndemers@amherstnh.gov lfucci@amherstnh.gov

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Seeking 2020 Amherst Citizen of The Year Nominations

Danielle Pray, President Amherst Lions Club with Don Potter, 2019 Citizen of The Year

AMHERST – The Amherst Lions Club invites nominations for the Amherst 2020 Citizen of The Year. The 45th annual presentation during July 4th celebration. Nominations are due by June 24th ... READ MORE

HONOREE

Amherst Resident Honored at AFCEA International Conference LEXINGTON, MA – Phil Blanchard was commended for his

leadership during Hanscom Air Force Base's Career Day with prestigious Distinguished Youing AFCEAN Award ... READ MORE

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Old Home Days Committee Plan for Bigger Event September 12th AMHERST – Discussions now underway with other Amherst non-profit and civic groups to join forces and work toward a special one-year event ... READ MORE

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Creating Landscapes and Displays to Envy

Maj. Philip Blanchard receives the Distinguished Young AFCEAN Award from: (left) Lt. Gen. Robert M. Shea, USMC (Ret.), AFCEA President and CEO; and DeEtte Gray, CACI, AFCEA International Chair of the Board. The presentation took place at an AFCEA International conference held in San Diego, CA earlier this year. (AFCEA Photo)

Amherst Resident Honored at AFCEA International Conference LEXINGTON, MA – Philip Blanchard was honored at an AFCEA International conference held in San Diego, CA, earlier this year. AFCEA is a non-profit association serving the military, government, industry and academia as an ethical forum for advancing professional knowledge and relationships. Blanchard is a resident of Amherst, New Hampshire. He received the prestigious Distinguished Young AFCEAN Award for his outstanding support to AFCEA’s Lexington-Concord Chapter. Blanchard was specifically cited for organizing and spearheading the Lexington Minuteman High School Career Day event and procuring a senior Department of Defense Keynote Speaker for the Chapter’s Signature New Horizon Symposium. He was also commended for his leadership during Hanscom Air Force Base’s Career Day, where he personally worked with the Massachusetts National Guard, UMass Lowell ROTC students and program offices on the base to produce a highly successful STEM-centric event. In addition, Blanchard has professionally done AFCEA’s LexingtonConcord Chapter proud in two areas: As Hanscom AFB’s Chief of Protocol, he’s personally interacted with senior government leaders, including SAF/AQ, SecAF and VCSAF during AFCEA events, who’ve publicly acknowledged his exceptional attention to detail, strong work ethic and diligence when planning and overseeing visits. As a Major in the Massachusetts National Guard and Directorate Executive Officer, he has helped enhance AFCEA exposure while ensuring communications continuity and assisting Commonwealth Public Affairs Officers during training and real-time military operations. In the words of Lexington-Concord Chapter Board Chairman Pat Marr, “Phil Blanchard has done it all … he’s a rising star in our Chapter.”

We had Merryfield Design come to our home to do some landscaping, maintenance, and pruning. Kelly struck us immediately as welcoming and extremely knowledgeable about her craft. She listened to our ideas and had great suggestions that conveyed her vision. She was flexible with respect to the scope of her involvement, and also helped us create a plan for future landscape architecture on the property. Kelly left such a great impression on us that I thought of her talents this past Christmas Kelly Merryfield when I wanted to send a wreath to Merryfield Design LLC my mom in Maine. Kelly was happy to create a festive hand-crafted wreath and have it delivered. Because I was able to describe to Kelly what I was looking for, my mom received a wreath that was personal and meaningful. Merryfield Design provides a wide scope of services, and we look forward to working with them again soon. Merryfield Design offers full garden and landscape consultation, design, installation and maintenance. From renovation of existing landscapes to creating new spaces of organic and fragrant beauty! We dream, design and execute with plants! Looking for gift ideas this time of year? Why not consider a gift of Kelly's services as a unique idea for Mom or Dad this season? From big spaces outside to small containers on doorsteps or dramatic arrangements inside, we provide the expertise to make any holiday or special occasion, a celebration to enjoy… Kelly Merryfield embraces the great outdoors as a Master Gardener in NH and MA with over 25 years experience in design and maintenance, and teaches homeowners how to maximize curb appeal and enjoyment of their property. She’ll even provide you with a hands on experience, coaching you to succeed in the art of gardening. Follow Kelly on Facebook at Merryfield Design, message her, or email k@kellymerryfield.com to discover more.

Amherst Garden Club Begins to Maintain Town/School Gardens Amherst Garden Club members start the task of prepping for Spring the 10 gardens in town under their tender, loving care and maintenance. These gardens beautify Amherst for the next six months. The gardens welcome home commuters and visitors with their colorful beauty and design at Welcome signs. They enhance the historic beauty of the Town Hall and water trough. The lawn at the Brick School bordered by perennial gardens of day lilies and roses give the property a look of belonging in a mostly residential village. And a trip to the library is always educational. How many herbs and veggies are planted among the flowering annuals along the entryway? Around to the back of the library, a quite reflective garden awaits offering cool shade and perennials as companions to your lunch break. This year, as a nod to Covid 19 the AGC has canceled their annual plant sale to the dismay of so many home owners and seasonal businesses. But their commitment to beautifying Amherst even while wearing face masks and observing social distancing remains steadfast. Thank you.

Historical Society of Amherst’s Old Home Day

Mark Your Calendars: Taste For a Cure For Cystic Fibrosis, Rescheduled for Nov. 5th

MANCHESTER – Due to current social distancing recommendations, our 14th Taste For A Cure For Cystic Fibrosis, has been rescheduled to Nov 5th. The event will still take place at The Executive Court Banqueting Facility in Manchester! Our fabulous Restaurants and Food businesses will be serving their signature dishes and we will still have our amazing silent auction. We are so grateful to local Restaurants, businesses and friends for your continued support, we could not do this without you, and we ask you to support our Restaurants, sponsors and donors in these uncertain times. Taste For A Cure has raised over $1.2 million in 14 years, and during that time the quality of life and life expectancy for people living with CF has increased tremendously. Thank-you, and we look forward to seeing you on November 5th – tickets now on sale https://events.cff.org/tasteforacurenh

2020 Citizen of the Year Nominations The Amherst Lions Club invites nominations for 2020’s Amherst Citizen of the Year. This year has surfaced many who are deserving of the award which will be presented at the July 4th celebrations on The Green. It will be the 45th annual presentation whose past awardees include at least two couples. The award recognizes friends, neighbors, and colleagues who have made significant contributions to the community welfare through volunteerism, innovation or ingenuity. Along with a medal, the winner receives a silver engraved bowl and their name engraved on a permanent plaque in town hall. Nominations are due by June 24 by using the form found on the club’s web site (e-clubhouse.org/sites/amherstnh) or by contacting the Lions at amherstlionsclub@gmail.com. Letters of recommendation are encouraged. Should the town’s July 4th celebrations be postponed, the presentation will be made when the event is re-scheduled or at another appropriate event.

With all the uncertainly around social gatherings at the moment, we wanted to let everyone know that Old Home Day is still on for September 12th and that we would love to see this community event grow this year as a celebration of all things Amherst in light of the current social distancing quarantines in place. The Old Home Day event committee is working to make this year’s event even bigger and better, and if your Amherst non-profit or Civic Group wants to be involved, please let us know. A final decision won’t be made until June, but in the mean time, keep us on your calendar for 2020 and remember the memories of all the fun we had at the 2019 Old Home Day! We have already had some preliminary discussions with other town groups about combining events into Old Home Day if necessary, so if your group is developing contingency plans for postponing your own event, the Old Home Day committee would be happy to discuss making Old Home Day a special one-year event that would work for everyone’s benefit. We know there is a pent-up demand in Amherst for a community event and are looking forward to when we can all celebrate again!

Amherst Area Newcomers

The Souhegan Valley Women’s Social & Newcomers Club, aka Amherst Area Newcomers Club, is a non-profit, social group for women. We welcome new residents as well as those who have lived here for years. We offer monthly general events and over 21 interest groups. Contact us at nhnewcomers@gmail.com, & check out our website at NHNewcomers.com.

Amherst Garden Club Charitable Fund Seeks Applications for Grants AMHERST – The Amherst garden Club Charitable Fund welcomes qualified applicants for the 2019-2020 year. Proceeds from our fund raising activities as well as memorial gifts are added to our fund each year and then awarded to local community projects that are consistent with our mission. Our mission is to provide education, resources and networking opportunities for our members to promote the love of gardening, civic landscaping and environmental responsibility. Recent grants have been awarded to the Women’s State Prison Gardening Program, Joshua’s Park and Community Gardens, The Amherst Town Library Gardens and the Amherst Garden Club Garden House Project and The Souhegan Valley Boys and Girls Club Edible Garden Project. Information and applications can be found on our website: www.amherstgardenclub.org. Questions can be directed to Sheila_steele@comcast.net. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis and reviewed when applications are received.

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Katherine G. Schae!er

Brenda L. Simmons Ward

Lawrence R. Haughey

Katherine (Gould) Schaeffer

Brenda Simmons Ward

Lawrence R. Haughey

AMHERST – Katherine (Gould) Schaeffer, 78, resident of Amherst, NH died after a brief illness on April 24, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Nashua, NH surrounded by her family. She was born in Medford, MA on March 20, 1942, a daughter of Clarence W. and Helen (Wyman) Gould. Katherine made her home in Amherst for the past 10 years and formerly lived in Milford for many years. After retiring from Digital Equipment Corp, she opened her own dressmaking and alterations business, Kascheens of Milford. She was a creative and gifted seamstress who also enjoyed quilt making, knitting, conversations with friends and supporting her local wildlife. She was also an avid Red Sox and Bruins fan. Katherine was talented, smart, loving, kind and will be missed by all. Katherine was predeceased by her parents and by a sister, Dorothy Bosselman. Family members include her son and daughter-in-law, William and Faith Schaeffer of Hudson, NH; her daughter, Elizabeth Thibodeau of San Diego, CA; the love of her life, Kenneth Munsey of Amherst, NH; her grandchildren, Ian and Heidi Schaeffer and their son, Beckett of Napa, CA, Brian and Lisa Schaeffer and their children, Amadea and Nixon of Nashua, NH, Teagan and William Dow and their children, Stephen and Caroline of San Diego, CA; her sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Warren Turner of W. Bridgewater, MA; many nieces and nephews; and a large extended Munsey family. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Nature Conservancy, 22 Bridge Street, 4th Floor, Concord, NH 03301. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com

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GOFFSTOWN – Brenda Simmons Ward, 63, resident of Goffstown, NH passed away on April 23, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Norwood, MA on December 18, 1956, a daughter of the late Frederick W. and Louise (Lovejoy) Simmons. Brenda was raised and educated in Amherst, NH and graduated from Milford Area Senior High School, Class of 1974. She had been a resident of Goffstown, NH for the past 15 years and formerly made her home in New Boston, NH for many years. Brenda had worked as a customer service representative for Digital Equipment Corp, Hewlett Packard, and more recently for FLIR Systems of Nashua. She enjoyed reading, gardening, dancing to her favorite music, watching the birds on her deck, and most of all, time spent with her family. Family members include her beloved daughters, Sarah Galvin and her husband, Bryan of Boxford, MA, and Molly Ward of Denver, CO; her cherished grandchildren, Finnian and Clementine Galvin; a brother, William Simmons and his wife, Jennifer of Champagne, IL; two sisters, Pamela Porter and her husband, Phillip of Milford, NH; and Polly Kyle and her husband, Jeff of Cape Coral, FL; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Audubon Society. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com

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ESTERO, FL – Lawrence R. Haughey, 85, of Estero, FL, formerly of Amherst, NH, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2020 after a brief illness. He was born September 7, 1934 in Newton, MA, the son of the late John D. and Grace (Fowler) Haughey. Lawrence served 20 years in the United States Air Force as a pilot, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1974 and while serving earned his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He then owned and operated Wallace Press in Milford, NH for over 20 years with his brother Bill. Lawrence was an avid golfer who also enjoyed tennis, bocce, bicycling and exercising. He was a proud Rotarian of 35 years and a Paul Harris Fellow. Nothing was more important to him than his family. Survivors include his beloved wife of 65 years, Marjorie (Piotti) Haughey; his loving daughters, Deborah & Carl Maxner, Diane Reiff, Sandra & Raymond Bent; a sister, Elizabeth Wolf; 8 cherished grandchildren Justin, Christopher, Lyndsey, Derek, Trevor, Amanda, Jacob, Morganne and great grandchild Tyler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five of his siblings. A memorial service will be celebrated at a later date. Lawrence will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in his memory to the Milford Rotary Club, P.O. Box 618, Milford, NH 03055. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.

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SHS Team in Semi Finals of Granite State Challenge AMHERST – From 32 high schools and the first time in Souhegan High School's history, the Sabers made it to the semifinals, but lost to Merrimack 370-490. Final Challenge is this Saturday, May 9th at 6:00pm on NHPBS ... READ MORE

Sabers Boys Basketball Team Celebrate Banquest on Zoom AMHERST – Awards were given out to members of all three teams in a well attended event held on online. To read award details and view the team photo, click the "READ MORE" link ... READ MORE

Souhegan High School Sends Messages of Love AMHERST – As part of a state-wide initiative to create artwork to bring messages of hope and connectedness to neighbors in assisted living and healthcare facilities, Souhegan Advisories and Art classes are making digital slide shows of their art work. ... READ MORE

Joint Facilities Advisory Committee Provides Update AMHERST – SAU 39 Joint Facilities Advisory Committee continues to meet regularly with Lavallee Brensinger Architects to discuss the most pressing needs in our schools as well as sharing critical information which will assist them in their review ... READ MORE

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Signs of Spring: Hedgehog with Dandelion by Jules Hazen

Souhegan High School Sends Messages of Love to Local Care Homes As part of a state-wide initiative to create artwork to bring messages of hope and connectedness to neighbors in assisted living and healthcare facilities, Souhegan Advisories and Art classes are making digital slide shows of their art work. Souhegan students are contributing both visual and performance art to the cause sponsored by the NH Arts Educators Association. Students are sharing photos of their creative works, which include photography, painting, drawing and three-dimensional art forms, along with links to youtube videos of their own performance art. The program is being publicized through the month of May to help relieve some of the vulnerability and loneliness felt by those in assisted living facilities due to the high risk of contracting the corona virus. Students are asked to share or make artwork that conveys hope and appreciation for our neighbors who have limited visitors. Students can use color choices, patterns, and images to convey the message. Any student, teacher or group is encouraged to participate by visiting the New Hampshire Art Educators Association website for information about the Art is Love project. In addition to creating digital slide shows for long-term care facilities, students, teachers and schools are also encouraged to pick up a blank Art is Love lawn signs to decorate. These will be place outside the windows of care facilities to demonstrate a sense of connectedness and community.

TEACHER PARADE In collaboration with the Amherst Police Department the Clark-Wilkins staff, a Teacher Parade was held at Souhegan High School on Tuesday, May 5th from 3:00 to 4:00 for all of Clark-Wilkins students and families to participate in a “reverse parade.” Staff was spaced out along the property, using social distancing guidelines, and the police department assisted with traffic. Staff members were wearing masks out of safety, while wearing big smiles and greeting students.with signs of love and caring. Hundreds and hundreds of cars took part in a one hour slow crawl through the SHS roadways with the theme of the day “THANK YOU.”

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(L to R): Coach Sarah Kunyosying, Captain Alec Reitter, Coach Travis Nason, Ari Garnick, Daniel Svendson, Zach Cotter, Nick Giannakopoulos, Amanda Fulton and Coach Dave Jasinski (missing Sam Chistolini)

Souhegan High School Granite State Challenge The Souhegan High School Granite State Challenge team made it all the way to the semi-finals, the farthest any team has gone in Souhegan history. The Granite State Challenge is a quizbowl which starts with 32 NH high school teams and ends with one champion. Souhegan defeated Londonderry High School and Nashua South High School to compete in the semi-finals against Merrimack High School. Team members include Captain Alec Reitter, Zach Cotter, Ari Garnick, Amanda Fulton, Nick Giannakopoulos, and Daniel Svendsen, and Sam Chistolini. Advisors are Dave Jasinski, Sarah Kunyosying and Travis Nason.

May Update from the Joint Facilities Advisory Committee

During this time of social distancing, the SAU 39 Joint Facilities Advisory Committee continues to meet regularly through videoconferencing. We are committed to keeping you informed of our progress and findings. We have begun meeting with the firm Lavallee Brensinger Architects to discuss the most pressing needs in our schools as well as sharing critical information which will assist them in their review. Some of these issues include aging systems requiring costly maintenance, HVAC challenges, outdated science labs, and a varied use of our classrooms resulting in overcrowding of the traditional classroom space. We have provided capital maintenance schedules, virtual building tours, and a number of historical documents as well. As you see below, a process timeline document has been created to inform the public of the steps moving forward. Community input will be an important component as we look to the future of public educational space in Amherst. We are targeting July/August for community feedback sessions. We will leverage technology to allow residents to provide feedback in many ways while protecting the health and safety of our community. Please stay tuned to The Amherst Citizen for details as we draw closer. *The Joint Facilities Advisory Committee meeting dates and login information (for virtual meetings) are located on the SAU 39 website www.sau39.org

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Souhegan Boys Basketball Held Banquet over Zoom with Great Attendance From All 3 Teams

CHaD All-Star Football Game Moving to August 1 Date change necessitated by COVID-19 pandemic

BEDFORD – Due to the uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD) is moving its annual all-star football game to Saturday, Aug. 1. The move is based on a desire to play the CHaD NH East-West High School All-Star Football Game under as normal circumstances as possible. The new game date is the only change to the fundraiser that has generated over $2 million for CHaD over the last eight years, thanks in part to the efforts of the lead underwriter, Bedford and Nashua Ambulatory Surgical Centers. Kick-off will remain 4 p.m. at Grappone Stadium on the campus of Saint Anselm College. It will still feature more than 80 of the best players and over 20 outstanding coaches from across New Hampshire. “There were many factors that went into the decision to move this event from June to August, paramount among them the safety of our players, fans, and community.” said Dr. Keith Loud, physician-in-chief at CHaD. “But we also wanted to acknowledge and reward these seniors for their outstanding high school careers and their fundraising efforts for CHaD. Many of them are experiencing a very different spring than previous high school classes and we felt it was important to do our best to provide this opportunity for them. “It is, however, important to note that health and safety will always lead the discussion on the status of the game. While trends are moving in the right direction, we will continue to monitor the situation over the coming months. If physical distancing measures need to remain intact, we will make the appropriate decisions when necessary. Fundraising for CHaD is critical to operations but we will not play the game if there is a health risk to players, fans, volunteers, and the community.” The original game date was June 27, following the graduation of these all-stars. Now, the game will be held days before players head off to the next phase of their lives, whether college, the workforce, or the armed services. The new date will also give players the opportunity to reschedule fundraising events they planned before stay-at-home orders were issued in late March. These were expected to be big fundraisers for the players, who have already raised over $38,000 for the game. Fans who purchased tickets to the game already will receive new tickets in the mail in the coming weeks. Fans interested in supporting CHaD on the new day can visit CHaDAllStarFootball.org to get their tickets today. Tickets are $10 each for general admission. Ticket purchases can be credited to individual players to support their fundraising mission. Fans can also make a donation to their favorite all-star (or a player from their community) while visiting the website, CHaDAllStarFootball.org.

JV awards: Offensive player of the year – Matt Canavan Defensive player of the year – Madux McGrath Coaches Award – Zavier Lawrence Saber Award – Charlie Maroun

Varsity awards: Offensive player of the year – Matt McCool Defensive player of the year – Mike Maroun Most Improved Player – Dawson Hamele Coaches Award – Curtis Redd Tony Barksdale Award – Bryce Desmarais Sportsmanship Award – Matt McCool

Nashua Telegraph Honors Matt McCool – 2nd team all state, 1st team NH sports page, and 1st team Curtis Redd – Honorable mention team Mike Maroun – Honorable mention team

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Area Swimmers from Executive Swim Club Competed in New England Championship Meets. MANCHESTER – Over the weekend of February 27-March 1, swimmers competed at the New England Age Group Championships at WPI for ages 11-14. The meet was represented by over 60 teams throughout New England. Sean Bailey was a top ten finisher in the 200 Butterfly (2:08.43), as well as high finishes in the 50 Freestyle (23.43) and 100 Freestyle (51.55). Ethan Steichen was also a A finalist (top 10) for the 11-12 age group (100 Backstroke 1:04.69 and 200 Backstroke (2:18.65). William Erdtmann was an A finalist in the 200 Butterfly (2:25.22), as was Andrew Gordon, 12 (50 Backstroke, 30.85) and Jessica Black, 11, (200 Butterfly, 2:27.05). Qualifying for B finals (places 11-20) were: Meredith Lubelczyk of (100 Breaststroke, 1:09.68 and also qualifying for New England Seniors), Morgan Daudier (100 Backstroke), Kylie Donoghue (100 and 200 Breaststroke), Josh McDonald (100 Butterfly), and Noah Richardson (200 Butterfly). Also qualifying for the competition was Evan Allen (50 and 100 Freestyle, 100 Backstroke, 100 Breaststroke, and Butterfly), Ela Goucher (50 Freestyle), Ian Hinsley (1000 Freestyle), Garrett Lande (50 Backstroke), Audrey Sambrook (50 Freestyle), Milena Whitney (100 and 200 Breaststroke), Jake Oliviero (50 and 100 Freestyle, 50 and 100 Backstroke). Swimming on relay teams were: Andrew Bilsbury, Maxwell

400 Medley Relay (3:28.11). The other first place finish for Executive Swim Club was the 200 Freestyle mixed relay of Crane, Watelet, Grace Walker, and Isabelle Tagliaferro who set a New England record of 1:29.44. Also competing in finals were: Kyra Chen (200 and 500 Freestyle), Milo Clement (200 Breaststroke), Connor Donoghue (1000 and 1650 Freestyle, 400 IM), Alex Estano (100 Butterfly), Sam Granger (100 Freestyle, 200 Backstroke), Victoria Novinskiy (200 Butterfly, 100 and 200 Backstroke, 400 IM), Connor Quirbach (100 and 200 Freestyle, 100 Backstroke), Mario Rodriguez Santana (1000,1650 Freestyle, 100 and 200 Backstroke), Emma Schulman (100 and 200 Butterfly, 200 and 500 Freestyle), Olivia Shusta (500 Freestyle), Matthew Song (200 Butterfly, 400 IM), and Katie Witkop of (100 Butterfly, 100 and 200 Breaststroke). Also competing for the meet was Jerry Xu, Scott Anderson, Katie Dominici, Jack Buffett, Gavin Duhamel, Abigail Gribbin of Tyngsboro, Kylie Hoar, and Katelyn Rakiey. The Ten and Under swimmers of Executive had their New England Championship meet February 21-23 at the University of New Hampshire. Patten Bilsbury scored in the 100 Backstroke (1:12.88), and swam in six other individual events. Helena Smart, 10, swam in four individual events, highlighted by her 50 Freestyle (30.32). Also competing for Executive

Bilsbury, Jack Dorsey, Reed Erdtmann, Edward Goucher, Emmie Goucher, and Logan Pray. March 6-8 was the same meet for ages 15-18, again at WPI. Winning events for the Executive were Matthew Crane in the 50 and 200 Freestyles (21.20/1:41.34), Jack Januario in the 1000 Freestyle (9:28.08) and Allegra Walker (200 Breaststroke 2:17.06). Januario and Crane combined with Cameron Watelet of and Ivan Dodor to win the

were: Caden Chang of, James DiNardi, Samuel Erdtmann, Brooks Hardie, and Kylie Vaske. The Executive Swim Club is gearing up for the long course season. They train at both the Executive Health and Sports Club in Manchester, and The University of Lowell-Massachusetts.

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Abstract Paintings & Tribal Masks Exhibition At New Hampshire Antique Co-Op Now on view through May 31, 2020 MILFORD - We are reaching out to you as we all navigate through this unsettling time. First and foremost, we hope that you all are healthy and staying safe from COVID-19. We have been extremely busy behind the scenes here at New Hampshire Antique Co-op for the past few weeks preparing for virtual antiquing and expanding our online inventory in anticipation of New Hampshire’s statewide order for the closure of all non-essential businesses, now through May 4. During this time, NHAC is offering curbside pick up, delivery, shipping and free storage. New Hampshire Antique Co-op presents Abstract Paintings & Tribal Masks, an exhibition and sale of modernist 20th & 21st century paintings juxtaposed alongside a collection of Oceanic and African hand-carved masks and figural carvings. The paintings in this exhibition include works by noted 20th & 21st century artists, such as New Hampshire Cubist painter Fannie Hillsmith (1911-2007), contemporary Monadnock region artist Christopher Myott (b. 1982), Peterborough based artist Nora Spicer Unwin (1907-1982), Mazhar Akyut (1911-2001, Turkish), Timothy Sanchez (b. 1945, American), Richard Lytle (b. 1935, American), Stephen Trefonides (b. 1926, American), as well as works from the school of Jackson Pollock. Tribal masks and objects featured in the exhibition include works from the Baule, Pende, Senufo and Dan African tribes, as well as war and canoe prow shields from Papua New Guinea. Examples of helmet masks, hand-held masks, dance masks, buffalo and elephant masks, Sepik hooks and more are on view.

Christopher Myott (b. 1982), Box Canyon, oil on wax panel, 42”h x 41 ̋

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Mazhar Akyut (1911-2001), Bottles #3, oil on panel, 25”h x 32 ̋

This combination of abstract art and tribal works in Abstract Paintings & Tribal Masks represents the influence of African tribal art on Cubist artists such as Picasso and Braque. The artists of the early 20th century were inspired by the bold abstract designs that they discovered in African tribal masks. They collected and used these works of art to influence their own styles of Cubism. Since abstract art does not attempt to capture an accurate depiction of visual reality, it instead uses shape, color, form and gestural marks to achieve its goal. In effect, Cubist artists were sparked by African culture to refresh the tradition of figure painting in Western Art and to move toward total abstraction. Tribal masks have been used in African rituals and ceremonies for centuries, likely originating from the Paleolithic era. African tribal artists who made masks were highly respected in their societies and given special status. It is considered an honor to wear masks and only a few select members of a tribe are allowed to wear them—usually men or elders. Making masks required artistic skill as well as knowledge of the spiritual world. Masks were believed to represent the spirits of animals or ancestors and the individual who wore the mask transformed into the spirit. Designed with human or animal characteristics or a mixture of both, tribal masks are typically made of wood, metals, fabric and stone, and are often embellished with seashells, animal hair, feathers, straw, horn, and teeth. The most common uses for masks were in tribal dances during harvest festivals, in processions to honor distinguished visitors, at the funerals of important figures, for war and aggression against enemies, and for other ceremonial and sacred traditions.

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African Igbo tribe helmet mask, hand carved wood, 21”h x 11”w x 13”d

Abstract Paintings & Tribal Masks will be on view through May 31, 2020 in the Tower Gallery and accessible after we reopen at New Hampshire Antique Co-op. New Hampshire Antique Co-op is a destination shop for fine art, period furniture, folk art, Americana, silver, collectibles, porcelain, jewelry, books, vintage decor, unique antique finds and more. NHAC is one of the largest group antique shops in the state. Established in 1983 by the Hackler family, the shop features more than 200 dealers and 2,000 consignors. The shop is located at 323 Elm Street in Milford, New Hampshire, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please call (603) 6738499 or visit online at www.nhantiquecoop.com or www.facebook.com/nhantiquecoop. New Hampshire Antique Co-op 323 Elm Street | PO Box 732 | Milford NH 03055 603.673.8499 | rebecca@nhantiquecoop.com nhantiquecoop.com | Facebook | Instagram

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Governor Sununu's Stay at Home 2.0 Click this link to learn more more. Information includes opening dates: May 1, 2020 - Campgrounds May 1, 2020 - Manufacturing May 1, 2020 - State Parks May 4, 2020 - Hospitals May 4, 2020 - Universal Guidelines May 11, 2020 - Barber and Hair Salons May 11, 2020 - Drive In Theaters May 11, 2020 - Golf May 11, 2020 - Retail Guidance May 18, 2020 - Restaurants

June 4th Nashua Household Hazardous Waste Collection What – Household Hazardous Waste Collection When – Thursday June 4, 3:00-8:00PM Where – Nashua Public Works Garage, 9 Stadium Drive, Nashua Who Can Attend – Residents of Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, Pelham, and Windham Cost – $15 user fee per vehicle, additional charges for quantities exceeding 10 gallons or 20 pounds No Latex Paint, No Electronics, No Medications For more information and a complete list of accepted items, please visit: http://www.nashuarpc.org/hhw or call 603-417-6570.

Manchester & Nashua Hospitals Collaborate to Share Resources, Support in Congregational Church Stays Connected Response to COVID-19 Pandemic The most up-to-date information about church activities can be found SO. NEW HAMPSHIRE – In an unprecedented act of collaboration and coordination, four hospitals in southern New Hampshire have banded together to support their front line responders, coordinate efforts of care, share resources, and tell the story of sacrifices front line responders are making to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic. Often seen as corporate competitors in the healthcare field, the four hospitals, located in Nashua and Manchester— Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and Elliot Health System (members of SolutionHealth); Catholic Medical Center; and St. Joseph Hospital (a member of Covenant Health)—are expecting a significant increase in the numbers of COVID-19 patients in the coming weeks as they work tirelessly to transform their operations in preparation amidst a nationwide shortage of personnel, supplies, and equipment needed to save lives. The hospitals, in a coordinated effort, are preparing for the surge of patients that may extend well into the many weeks ahead. Floors, units, and cafeterias of their facilities have been reengineered for the continuing influx, creating more than 10,000 square feet of additional care space, as well as tent facilities, making up 450 new beds. “These four hospitals have been here serving our region for more than a century,” said Sherry Hausmann, President and CEO, SolutionHealth. “We have brought together every resource we have to help us save lives. We hope we don’t need them.” As the team moves forward, they have launched Front Lines New Hampshire (www. FronlinesNH.org), a dedicated site that edifies the heroic efforts of physicians, nurses, and other providers who meet the extraordinary challenges associated with this worldwide pandemic. Front line responders remain at personal risk during this time, exposing themselves, and by extension their families, to this deadly virus in service to their patients and communities. Conscious of the sacrifice and personal commitment of providers and staff on the hospitals’ front lines, hundreds of members of the greater Nashua and Manchester communities have kindly and generously stepped up to support this work. In addition to donations, large and small, of surgical and N95 masks, gloves, protective eye gear, disinfecting wipes, and thousands of hand-made fabric masks, residents and businesses alike have donated care packages, meals, and other gifts, often accompanied by notes of appreciation and inspiration for staff—all within the confines of social distancing and stay-at-home guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We have never before worked so effortlessly as a team of hospitals to meet the needs of the greater good,” said Joseph Pepe, MD, President and CEO, Catholic Medical Center. “We will find the good that has come from this, and we will do so by working together to defeat this enemy.” John Jurczyk, FACHE, Covenant Senior Vice President and St. Joseph President adds, “When we look back on this time, we will see an amazing feat. A time when every leader in healthcare threw out the bureaucracy and embraced medicine and healing.” To see highlights of the caregivers and the preparations these four organizations have made to fight this virus, or to make a contribution, visit the site.

on the church’s website (ccamherst.org) or by calling the church office at 673-3231. Sunday services are broadcast on FacebookLive and recorded for later on-line viewing. Services are followed by a Virtual Fellowship Hour. Links for these and other events can be found on the website. The church’s Facebook page is another source of information, including updates and video messages from the pastors. Pastors Maureen Frescott and Kate Kennedy are available to provide pastoral care during this time, and the church welcomes community members to connect with this loving, serving, open and affirming community of faith.

New Hampshire YMCAs Continue to Innovate to Meet Critical Community Needs During Covid-19 Pandemic NASHUA – Throughout its 160-year history, the YMCA has supported communities through incredible challenges, including world wars, economic recessions, and public health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the YMCA continues to innovate to meet critical needs and wants everyone to know: We’re here for good. The New Hampshire YMCAs continue to mobilize staff, volunteers, community partners and financial resources to provide critical services during the pandemic, including childcare for essential workers, emergency food distribution, online wellness classes, and check-ins on seniors. Across New Hampshire, the nine YMCAs have raised more than $700,000 from foundations and individual donors since mid-March to ensure that those in need have access to these critical services. The YMCAs continue to demonstrate their ability to adapt based on community need and public health guidelines. These innovations include: * Partnering with hospitals to provide childcare to frontline healthcare workers * Distributing food to those in need, including meal delivery to people’s homes * Providing virtual fitness classes on platforms such as Facebook and Zoom * Providing families with educational activity kits for children At the same time the YMCAs are providing these services, they are diligently preparing to reopen when it is safe to do so. The Ys will adapt their facilities, programs, services, and staffing to comply with CDC and local public health guidelines. The Ys look forward to welcoming community members back into their facilities and resuming in-person programming, and appreciate everyone’s patience as they work in partnership with federal, state and local authorities to do this safely. The YMCA Alliance of New Hampshire supports collaboration amongst the state’s nine Ys and community partners to increase our impact and advocate for positive change in our communities. For information about the Alliance, visit its website: www.ymcasofnh.org.

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Mont Vernon Daland Memorial Library News A note from your library...the Daland Memorial Library building remains closed to the public but, we hope that you are taking advantage of our virtual library offerings. You can now get a library card online and use it to access FREE online eBooks, audio books, and magazines through NH Overdrive. New adult and children’s virtual programs are also being developed and delivered online. Please visit the library website at www.dalandlibrary.com for more information and be sure follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We miss you! Be well Mont Vernon!!

NEW! GET A LIBRARY CARD ONLINE! Visit the library online catalog at https://daland.biblionix.com/catalog/ and click on the “Sign Up” button to fill out an online application. Once approved, you’ll receive an email with your free library card number. Gain instant access to eBooks, audio books, and magazines through NH Overdrive with your new library card. Questions? Email the library at dalandlibrary@comcast.net Happy Reading!!

Online Storytime with Miss JoAnn

Daland Digital Picks by Amy

Don’t miss a single storytime with Miss JoAnn. Visit the Daland Memorial Library Facebook page every Tuesday and Thursday for new online stories and crafts.

Are you using NH Overdrive for eBooks and audio books? Check out Amy Wyman’s weekly book reviews and recommendations on the library website at www.dalandlibrary.com or on the library Facebook page. Need help with NH Overdrive or need a library card? Email us at dalandlibrary@comcast.net. Happy Reading!

Ancestry Library Edition @ Home Ancestry has generously offered FREE access from home to Ancestry Library Edition until May 30th. Take advantage of this time and explore your family history. Follow these 3 simple steps to access Ancestry Library Edition. 1. Visit the the library online catalog at the link below https://daland.biblionix.com/catalog/ 2. Log In with your library card number and phone number. Need your card number? Email the library at dalandlibrary@comcast.net. 3. Click on the Ancestry Library Edition icon (bottom left hand side of the page). This will take you to the Ancestry website.

Pins and Needles by Zoom Pins and Needles is back! Get out your knitting, needlework, or any other project that requires pins and needles and join us for an hour of social stitching from home on Zoom. Visit the library website at www.dalandlibrary.com for the latest Zoom invitation with log in and password. Can’t wait to see what you are creating Mont Vernon! Visit Mont Vernon Recreation's Facebook page for the latest.

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Restaurants Open for TakeOut Bar One ~ 249-5327 ~ Online ordering with Curbside pickup Bentley’s Roast Beef ~ 883-2020 ~ Take Out and Delivery Buckley’s Bakery & Café ~ 262-5929 Café’ On The Oval ~ 673-8599 ~ Takeout, Curbside Pickup Frederick’s Pastries ~ 882-7725 & 603-647-2253 Giorgio’s Restaurant ~ 673-3939 (Milford) 883-7333 (Merrimack) ~ Takeout Greenleaf Milford ~ 213-5447 ~ Takeout Grill 603 ~ 213-6764 ~ Takeout & Curbside Pickup Hayward’s Ice Cream ~ 213-6764 (Milford) 603-424-5915 (Merrimack) Takeout Homestead Grocery & Deli ~ 672-8383 ~ Takeout & Delivery Joey’s Diner ~ 577-8955 ~ Takeout La Medina ~ 249-3600 ~ Takeout & Delivery Labelle Winery ~ 672-9898 x 1 ~ Open for Curbside pickup & Delivery Longhorn ~ 579-6975 ~ Takeout & Curbside pickup Mangia Sano ~ 554-8534 ~ Takeout & Curbside pickup Milano’s Pizza ~ 673-7713 ~ Takeout Moulton’s Market ~ 673-2404~ Takeout Papa Gino’s ~ 429-1476 ~ Contact directly for hours The Pasta Loft ~ 672-2270 ~ Open for Takeout Pastamore – 578---9696 -Takeout Pizzico ~ 424-1000 ~ Takeout Smokehaus Barbecue ~ 249-5734 ~ Takeout TGI Friday’s ~ 886-0130 ~ Takeout & Curbside pickup The Flying Butcher ~ 598-6328 ~ Takeout & goods The Hills at Hampshire Hills ~ 673-7123 ~ Reopening May 4 Union Street Grill ~ 672-4180 ~ Takeout & Curbside pickup *SOURCE: Greater Merrimack Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce

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Library Videos ~ April 22, 2020

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Emergency Post ~ March 20, 2020

n the midst of the current pandemic which has spread across the country, Amherst confronts the current situation with resolve and a spirit of community. We appreciate those among us who continue to work for the essential town departments. It is reassuring to know that those who serve are vigilant and prepared to perform their mission in the face of mounting peril. Thank you. Our professionals in the school department continue their work with our children and again we can be confident of their on-line teaching skills and their unwavering commitment to their students. They have shown themselves to be inspiring role models as they teach the next generation about responsibility.

Managing the Coronavirus in NH 211NH is New Hampshire’s statewide, comprehensive, information and referral service operated by Granite United Way and replaces the current Department of Public Health Hotline – 603-271-4496 – for COVID-19 related questions. Follow these clickable links:

Miss Sarah keeps in touch with this home video with Little Listeners

Stuck Inside S.T.E.A.M. Project with Miss Lisa - Marbled Paper

Amherst Emergency Response to COVID-19 Mont Vernon Emergency Response to COVID-19 Amherst Town Library SAU39 – Amherst and Mont Vernon Schools Chamber of Commerce List of Restaurants, Town Information New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Gov. Sununu's COVID-19 Emergency Orders 1-15 and 16 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Data and Charts from World-O-Meter

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Amherst Board of Selectmen Meeting April 6, 2020

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