V27-N04 December 2018

Amherst Citizen

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 1

Tree Lighting Festival PAGE 7

VOLUME 27 – NUMBER 4

DECEMBER 2018

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AM H E R S T , N E W HAM P S H I R E ’S C O M M U N I TY N E W S PAP E R

Amherst Community Foundation

Auditions

Amherst PTA Looking for Talent for Mulan Jr. Production!

FILE PHOTO: Amherst PTA Play - Little Mermaid Ensemble

Annual PTA Play to Feature First Junior Production of Disney Hit

AMHERST – The Amherst PTA is seeking Souhegan Valley’s most talented young thespians for its annual fundraising play. This year’s production is the organization’s first junior endeavor, Disney’s “Mulan Jr.” Auditions for the hit Disney production are January 2 & 3, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. at Clark Elementary School in Amherst. The PTA is looking for students grades 3 through 12 to audition for over 20 speaking roles plus several large ensembles. Singing and dancing talent are desired but nothing is more critical than a love of entertaining! When the show is cast, rehearsals will begin in January on Tuesday nights (6-8 p.m.) and Sunday afternoons (1-6 p.m.) at Clark School. In March, additional rehearsals will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday evenings. The show runs April 12-14 at Souhegan High School in Amherst.

Interested actors can gather more information by visiting the PTA Play’s website, https://sites.google.com/site/mulanjrauditions2019/. Additional volunteer opportunities for off-stage help, including set and costume designers, organizers, crafters, and many more, will be available after auditions. The PTA play is the Amherst PTA’s premier fundraising event, generating thousands of dollars for crucial curriculum enrichment programs and teacher grants for Amherst schools. In 2018, over $17,000 was raised by the PTA’s production of “The Little Mermaid.” ### The Amherst PTA will present Disney’s “Mulan Jr.” for the 67th edition of the its annual theatrical fundraiser. Show dates are April 12-14, 2019 at Amherst’s Souhegan High School. Tickets for the family-friendly, all-volunteer production will go on sale in early January, 2019. For additional information, visit www.AmherstNHPTA.org.

Amherst, New Hampshire

The Board of Trustees of the Amherst Community Foundation has voted to support and assist the efforts of the Congregational Church of Amherst in raising funds for the renovation and restoration of the historic church meetinghouse and parsonage on the Town Common. The Foundation and the church have formed a partnership, led by longtime residents Travis Warren and Paul Spiess, to raise funds from the community in support of maintaining and preserving this historic structure. Built in 1774 by the Town, the buildings form the centerpiece of the Historic District. The Foundation will act as fiscal agent for receipt of funds from the public. All donations will be tax exempt. “One of the primary objectives of the Community Foundation is to bring important community projects to the attention of our residents,” stated Warren, Foundation treasurer. “There is no building or structure in the town that more truly represents our community heritage and history than the church meetinghouse. We are pleased to have been asked to facilitate and participate in this worthy undertaking.” Speaking on behalf of the church, Spiess stated “The congregation is reaching out to the community because of the rising legacy costs of maintaining and safeguarding these historic structures. In our mind, there is no more beautiful example in New Hampshire of the combined architectural style and grace of the original meetinghouse.” A primary focus of the church meetinghouse project is to replace an aging fire suppression system and to update old wiring and electrical services. The historic original windows in the sanctuary will be rebuilt by an historic preservationist. A new kitchen will be installed to support community functions. Work in the historic parsonage will focus on the windows, and the electrical and plumbing systems. The total projected cost of the project is $850,000 and to-date over $500,000 has been raised from church members and grants. The church buildings are used by numerous civic organizations, including the Preschool in the Village, the Historical Society of Amherst, Amherst Junior Women’s Club, Friends of the Library, numerous Scout troops, community suppers and more. For almost 250 years, the meetinghouse has been the site of weddings, memorial services, baptisms, civic activities and other life events of community residents. For further information, visit the Community Foundation website (www.amherstfoundation.org) or the church web site (http://www.ccamherst.org/) and click on Community Campaign, or call (603) 785-4290. Donations may be made online or by check, payable to the Amherst Community Foundation and mailed to Community Meetinghouse Capital Campaign, PO Box 256, Amherst, NH 03031.

Rescue Me: Love Stories of Humans and the Animals They Saved Justin and Rhonda Gatchek of Amherst, along with their three dogs are featured in a new book that is now available on Amazon. The book, RESCUE ME: Love Stories of Humans and the Animals They Saved, was the creation of renowned author/ publisher/editor Fifi O’Neill. Fifi is well known for her decades of work in the home decor/design world. The Gatcheks who own Vintage Birch Designs, a home decor business met Fifi during a magazine photo shoot. “Fifi is an animal lover and while on location for the shoot, she fell in love with our (at the time) three dogs,” said Rhonda. “Fifi contacted us with her idea to create a book filled with stories of rescue animals and how they bond with their humans; with the added bonus that every cent from sales goes directly to rescues and an-

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Letters.................................. 2 Town News............................ 4 Library.................................. 5 Tree Lighting Festival............. 7 Schools/Sports...................... 8 Arts & Entertainment............. 10 Obituaries............................. 11 Mont Vernon......................... 12 Next Issue: January 2019

imal shelters in need. She collected stories and photos from folks willing to share their tales of rescue and love. We immediately submitted all three stories of our rescue dogs: Diablo (from FL), Dios (from OK) and Hurley (from FL). We received news that we would be featured in the book and were thrilled! To be part of a project that has the potential to have such an impact in the world of animal rescue is just a huge blessing.”

Always a favorite, BC’s bOp! ensemble will entertain Friday, December 7

Boston College’s BC bOp! Returns to SHS for Jazz Night #1 AMHERST – The Souhegan High School Music Department will host the first Jazz Night of the year on Friday December 7 at 7:00pm. This year marks the 18th anniversary of the Jazz Night series of concerts hosted at SHS. To kick off our 18th anniversary season, we are proud to welcome BC bOp! to SHS. In its 30th year at Boston College, BC bOp! is a 28 piece instrumental and vocal jazz ensemble that performs traditional and contempo-

rary jazz literature. Its repertoire of over 50 selections includes music from the 1940s to the present and is designed to satisfy a variety of musical tastes. BC bOp! may be heard frequently during the year, both on and off campus. Additionally, the band has performed at a number of prestigious public events around Boston, including the 50th wedding anniversary of former Speaker of Continued on page 9 u

Nine Melendy Road neighbors celebrate their donation of 30 acres of land to the town of Milford for conservation. People at the signing include (standing, back row) Sally Wilkins, signing for the Amherst Land Trust, Mark Bender, signing for Milford, and donors Olav Nieuwejaar, Bob Moulton, Jeanne Nieuwejaar, Sandra Frades, Steven Horlitz, and Michele Moulton (and sitting, front row) Tom Quinn, who configured the deal, and donors Pauline Boggis, Donald Boggis, and Carmela Horlitz.

Milford Neighbors Donate 30 Acres to Conservation MILFORD – For almost two years, neighbors worked with neighbors on Melendy Road in Milford to permanently protect 30 acres of land. The jointly-owned land abuts the Granite Town Rail Trail. Now, thanks to their generosity, the Milford Conservation Commission will protect the land with the Amherst Land Trust holding a conservation easement. Last week, neighbors Pauline and Donald Boggis, Sandra Frades, Steven and Carmela Horlitz, Bob and Michele Moulton, and Olav and

Jeanne Nieuwejaar signed the papers for the deal. They will save woodland and former hay land for recreation, forestry and agriculture. The property abuts the old Brookline & Milford railroad bed, saving the rail corridor’s rural, wooded character in perpetuity. “I can’t say enough about my gratitude and pleasure to work with these landowners for the last several years,” said Chris Costantino of the Milford Conservation Continued on page 5 u

2 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

DECEMBER 2018 • www.amherstcitizen.com

Letters & Opinions Voting in Amherst Was an Easy and Pleasant Experience

Columbus Day Should Not Be Recognized in New Hampshire

Stay Informed Using School Websites

To the editor:

To the editor:

To the editor:

I want to thank everyone involved in making voting in Amherst an easy and pleasant experience. We hear so many stories about problems in other places in the country, but not here. It helps, of course, to be a small town in a small state with lots of willing volunteers. More than that, though, our elections are run in a straightforward and transparent way. Ballots and instructions are easy to follow. There are plenty of booths. Everyone involved, from the people standing outside with signs to the ballots clerks and supervisors is friendly, helpful and very invested in the democratic process. Thank you Steve Coughlin, Jeanne Ludt, Maggie Paul, Donnie Hodgkins, Laverne Fucci, Nancy Demers and all the many volunteers! Faye O’Neill Amherst

Thank You for Ongoing Support To the editor:

I would like to thank voters for their on-going support in last week’s election. It has truly been my honor to serve as your State Senator over the past four years. Respectfully, Senator Gary Daniels District 11

Thank You to Supporters To the editor:

I would like to thank all my Amherst supporters and constituents for allowing me the experience and honor to serve you in our New Hampshire House for the past eight years. I cannot fully express to you the gratitude I feel for your encouragement, support, and belief that together we could maintain the New Hampshire Advantage and secure for us and future generations the best place to live and the best state in which to live. My sincere congratulations to our newly elected House members, Senator and Executive Councilor. I wish you well and encourage you to improve on the legacy left to us by each and every former member of the General Court and Governor’s Council from their very first assembly over two centuries ago. If I can be of any help to you please know I will be pleased to assist. Also I encourage our Amherst’s residents to engage with our state and local leaders at every opportunity to ensure your opinions, praise, criticism, protest, advice, and requests for information or services are heard. The interaction with all of you was the most rewarding part of the position and is the very foundation of our citizen legislature. You might consider placing your own name on the ballot. New Hampshire affords all her residents the opportunity to serve at all levels of government. It is an experience you will not regret. Again, thank you so very much. Peter T. Hansen Amherst

Speed Limit Signs Needed on Border Street

I am writing on behalf of the Souhegan High School Community CounOn a humid misty morning, the only sounds that break the silence are the occasional clinking of rough-hewn metal and the waves beating against cil, of which I am a proud member. Our Communications Committee the side of a vessel. Your eyes water with smoke of the burning forests, your would like to interest the citizens of Amherst and Mont Vernon to learn ears ring from the shouts of an unknown language, and your arms sting more about the many exciting activities and learning opportunities that with the pain of the chains digging into your skin. A world of disaster has are on-going at our school. It is easy to feel current with the events by visencompassed your own ever since explorers made landfall in your home. iting a few different sites for a variety of perspectives. These of course inChristopher Columbus was an Italian navigator who stood to gain much clude reading the many articles in the Amherst Citizen. You can also go to from his voyages west. His adventures led him to the Bahamas, where he the Souhegan High School website where a variety of information is made found the Arawaks and the Tainos. Proclaimed admiral, governor, and available and updated regularly. Once on the High School website (https:// viceroy, and promised the profit of 10% of all his findings in the New World www.sau39.org/shs), there is a center column entitled “SHS News” that by the Capitulations of Santa Fe, he proceeded to enslave and kill all native provides just that--news from within the programs. On the right side unpeople he found for profit. He greeted them with only a insatiable fervor for der “Quick Links”, there is also an electronic newspaper that is produced, the bounty of their lands and the fruits they bore. Columbus Day should designed and written by the students which often has fascinating perspecnot be recognized in New Hampshire due to his terrible actions against the tives of the activities and thoughts of the journalists. There is additional information in a very different context on the site of SAU 39 (https://www. people of the Caribbean. His presence quickly turned the islands into his golden heaven and the sau39.org) where information can be found related to SHS as well as the native peoples’ living hell. In 1495 he created the perverted “tribute sys- other 4 schools in our district. Our Superintendent of Schools, Adam Steel, tem,” which required every Taino over the age of fourteen to give him a provides a short video commenting on news related to the District as a “hawk’s bell” of gold every three months. Those who didn’t comply, as Co- whole in the form of a weekly review. Those video updates can be found on lumbus’ son Fernando recorded, were “punished by having their hands cut YouTube at (https://www.youtube.com/user/NHSAU39). They are archived off”. Author and historian James Nevius wrote that the Spanish historian there so that you can see not only the current short update but those in and Catholic priest Bartolome de las Casas, who witnessed the carnage, the recent past as well. Additionally, School Board meetings are open to said Columbus, in order “to test the sharpness of their blades,” directed the public, live streamed for later viewing by the public and the streaming his men “to cut off the legs of children who ran from them”. This monster content for all the local boards can be found on the left side of the SAU 39 enslaved countless natives, even writing after the first of them were sold in web site. Most of this content is easier and quicker to consume than the School Spain, “Let us in the name of the Holy Trinity go on sending all the slaves that can be sold.” And in one day, De Las Casas saw Columbus’s soldiers Board meetings but cumulatively there is a thorough and comprehensive “dismember, behead, or rape 3,000 natives”. This cruelty displayed by Co- amount of material available to both inform and excite. Our students are lumbus shows how little regard he had for human life, any human life. He provided with many unusual and formative opportunities for growth as had no moral qualms about murdering a culture and a civilization of peo- learners and as active citizens in this rapidly changing world in which they ple, and encouraged his men to continue. He was implacable in his con- are growing up. It is fun and challenging for me to keep up with all that quests and made this clear to all unfortunate enough to cross his path. goes on in their busy lives but as neighbors, friends and taxpayers, I think Forcing the natives to his bidding, he was clear it was all in the name of you will find that the effort to stay informed will excite you too. Christianity and for Spain. Eventually, even other Spaniards started to notice how terrible his practices were. Richard Katzenberg Columbus Day should not be recognized in New Hampshire. ColumCommunity Council Member bus’s ungovernable crusade against the original people of the Caribbean should be recognized as one of the darkest chapters in our history. I urge you to stand for the repeal of the day in our state. Several states across the country have stopped celebrating Columbus Day, and we should join them. Please speak to our state government to push for discussion of this issue. They can be contacted at (603) 271-3632, the email address gcweb@nh.gov, or their address is 107 North Main Street State House, Room 207, Concord, NH 03301. We need to stop celebrating Columbus Day because evil should not be memorialized. To the editor: Sincerely, As a student, there is nothing better than getting a big “A” on the top of Amanda Fulton your paper after a difficult test. But what does it really mean about what you 9th grade student have learned? What if, instead of an “A,” you get a bunch of threes or fours on the essay? This new competency-based grading system gives students, parents, and teachers a breakdown of more information about where students are in their learning. According to the 21st century learning resource Teach Thought, “Competency-based learning is an approach to education that focuses on the student’s demonstration of desired learning outcomes as central to the learning process.” As a student for the past five years in the Amherst and Souhegan school districts, an elected member of the Souhegan Community Council, and student leader of its Grading Committee, I To the editor: have taken a sincere interest in this subject. I believe our education is imOn behalf of the Congregational Church of Amherst, I wish to express portant. I also have experienced both the traditional grading system and the sincere appreciation of the members of our church community for the the competency-based learning approach. Although I have noticed some support of the Amherst Community Foundation in partnering with us to small doubts within the community, this new grading and learning system raise community funds for renovation and restoration of the historic meet- is far more beneficial than you may think; it allows a more in-depth grasp of inghouse and parsonage. The campaign’s goal is to raise $850,000, of which learning and provides more opportunities for student success. the church has received commitments from the congregation in excess of For Amherst and Mont Vernon students to be able to succeed in school, $500,000. they must understand how they learn. For so long, our education system These buildings, located on our picturesque common, are a community was built around preparing children for agricultural and industrial work. asset and a priceless historic and cultural legacy to the town. Now it’s time to make the learning fit today’s standard that helps students The Community Foundation’s partnership insures that our joint effort dig deeper and apply their learning to real world situations. Competenwill reach the community at large. The project is aligned with the Founda- cy-based learning is also the key to help students wrap their heads around tion’s mission to “enhance the quality of life in Amherst by raising and pro- how they learn. A bigger and better way for a student to dissect how they viding funds for programs that benefit our community.” are doing is the new grading scale of 1 (Beginning Standard), 2 (ApproachWe are also most grateful for the support of the Historical Society of ing Standard), 3 (Meeting Standard), 4 (Extending Beyond Standard). This Amherst, whose Board stated, “The Historical Society of Amherst strong- approach helps because instead of a “B” circled at the top of an assessment, ly supports preserving, protecting and maintaining the historical integrity there are now multiple small grades to break down and address the specific of the Congregational Church and parsonage for generations to come. As learning goals. Students will know exactly where they struggle and know such, we see the Community Capital Campaign as a worthy cause and an where they need their focus because the grades give them specific feedimportant investment in Amherst’s future.” back. After seeing these results, students will be able to self-advocate and As a community, we are confident that the goal of preserving our past for work on the areas they need to improve. Furthermore, in the future, stuthe residents of the future can be attained. dents and parents will even be able to track how the student is doing over time on a trendline. Kathy White, a Souhegan High School Dean of Faculty Paul Spiess who has worked extensively on competency-based learning for Souhegan Community Campaign Co-Chair High School states, “[The trendline] allows students to directly watch their Amherst learning grow and improve over time.” The trendline is one way that students can gain an understanding of how they learn. This knowledge helps

Competency Based Learning Provides Opportunities for Success

Preserving Our Meetinghouse For the Future

Continued on page 9 u

Letters To the editor:

To the editor:

Residents of Amherst outside the Village District are forced to spend personal money and post their own safety signs to protect their children and neighborhood. The Select Board ignores notification of safety issue and refuses to place speed limit signs on town road. I ask that you re-assess the absence of any speed limit signage on Border Street. In the past absence of many if any children might explain the lack of speed signage however as often happens the neighborhood is changing and there are younger families moving onto this street. It seems appropriate for reconsideration at this time. Thanks Pete Hansen Amherst

AMHERST ­The

Cliff Ann Wales

Publisher & Editor

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ISSUE MONTH September 2018 October 2018 November 2018 December 2018 January 2019 February 2019 March 2019 April 2019 May 2019 June 2019 July 2019 August 2019

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Please direct your letters, views and commentary to the Editor, The Amherst Citizen, P.O. Box 291, Amherst, NH 03031-0291, or e-mail your submission to: news@amherstcitizen.com. We will attempt to run your letter as submitted (space permitting) providing it is signed and phone number is included. The Amherst Citizen assumes no financial responsibility for errors in advertisements except as produced by the newspaper and provided it is nied within 48 hours of publication, then which the newspaper will reprint that portion of the ad where the error occurs in the next issue. Photographs or artwork submitted become our property and will not be returned unless requested in advance. The Amherst Citizen reserves the right to reject and not to print any advertisement or article it believes to be offensive, defamatory or in otherwise bad taste, and not in keeping with the focus of this newspaper. Articles, ads, photographs, artwork, and any other material herein, may not be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the publisher.

www.amherstcitizen.com • DECEMBER 2018 •

People in the News

Region Southern New Hampshire Services Accepting Fuel Assistance Applications MILFORD – The Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) has begun taking applications for the winter season that runs from December 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019. The program is managed by Southern New Hampshire Services in Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties. An in-person interview is required of all new applicants. Households can call to make an appointment to come to their local SNHS’ office to apply. Information on program qualifications and documentation needed to complete the application process will be provided when the appointment is scheduled. Hillsborough County offices are open Monday through Friday in Manchester, Nashua, Peterborough and Milford. The office in Hillsborough is open on scheduled days. The Fuel Assistance Program is expected to open on December 1, but the actual date is based on when federal funds are released. Applications for assistance will continue to

Bill Long Dedication

be taken for anyone who wishes to apply for the program through its end in April, 2019. Fuel assistance benefits are a grant and do not need to be repaid. The benefits are not meant to pay for the entire winter heating bill but rather are there to help the client get through the winter. Benefits range from $105 to $1575 per season. The benefit amount is based on household income, annual heating costs and housing type. Clients whose heat is included in the rent may have their benefit sent to the landlord as a rental payment on the client’s behalf if their rent is not subsidized. Additional information, including household income requirements and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, can be found in the Fuel Assistance section under the “Energy Assistance” tab on the SNHS.org website. The website also lists the location of the Outreach Offices located in the two counties.

On October 31, a memorial dedication was held for the late Bill Long, a native of Amherst and avid outdoorsman who passed away in 2016. At the dedication of the Bill Long trail and bench which provides the hiker a welcome view of the beautiful meadow, Bill’s wife Sally and daughter Sue were in attendance. Working together on this project were the Amherst Conservation Commission and Opportunity Networks, a not for profit organization that offers adult day programming and employment services to individuals living with acquired and developmental disabilities.

Seated on the new bench are Sue and Sally Long. Standing: Rob Clemens, chairman Amherst Conservation Commission, Kim Rhault, director of Operations at Opportunity Networks, Jared Hardner, Amherst Conservation Commission and Rocky Morelli, executive director of Opportunity Networks.

2018 Mid-Term Election

Red Cross: Urgent Need for Blood and Platelets Donations Now Come to give by Dec. 19, receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card in thanks MANCHESTER— The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors to give now to ensure blood is available for medical treatments and emergencies during the holiday season. Blood and platelet donations often decline during the holidays. Regular donors are busy with holiday activities, and travel and severe winter weather may cause blood drive cancellations. Yet donations remain critical for patients like 4-year-old Wyatt Monacelli who is in the midst of intense chemotherapy treatments for leukemia. He has received a number of transfusions since his diagnosis in June and will likely need more. “We are fortunate to have had so many donors give the gift of life to our child so far throughout the course of his treatment, and even more so, we are lucky to have had

“Best midterm voter participation rate in my memory.”

– Steve Coughlin

a supply of blood available for him when he needed it,” said Julianna Monacelli, Wyatt’s mother. Donors are urged to give now to ensure that families like Wyatt’s don’t have to worry about the availability of blood this winter. In thanks for helping meet the urgent need around the holidays, all those who come to donate blood or platelets now through Dec. 19, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.) Make an appointment to donate blood or platelets by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Another way to help keep the blood supply strong is to host a Red Cross blood drive this winter. To learn more about hosting a blood drive and to sign up, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 26 - Dec. 19

Merrimack 11/27/2018: 1PM - 6PM, AutoFair Volkswagen of Nashua, 717 Rte 101-A 12/18/2018: 8:30AM - 1:30PM, St John Neumann Church, 708 Rte 101-A Milford 12/13/2018: 1:30PM - 6:30PM, VFW Post 4368, 1 VFW Way

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Amherst Girls On The Run Team Helps Animals In Need Girls On The Run team choose a group in the community they want to help in the form of a service project. The girls are responsible for deciding on, planning, and completing the project. This was the consecutive year the girls chose to help the homeless animals at the

Animal Rescue League in Bedford. They held a bake sale at Wilkins School that raised nearly $300 for the animals, in just one hour. The Animal Rescue League invited the team to come in for a tour and to present the donation they worked hard to raise.

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SNOW PLOWING ACCEPTING AMHERST HOMEOWNERS NEAR OUR ESTABLISHED ROUTES Ask us to plow and clear your driveway of snow this winter. We can also move snow away from garage doors foundations, or end of driveways, clearing entrances for better visibility and safety... Limited routes availabile. Schedule now!

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DECEMBER 2018 • www.amherstcitizen.com

Town News Bulletin Board Nashaway Chapter of the NH Audubon Society The Nashaway Chapter of NH Audubon welcomes the public to its free monthly gathering at the Nashua Public Library, in the large meeting room, on Tuesday, December 11 at 7pm. THIS IS A NEW ROOM LOCATION AND MEETING DAY OF THE MONTH SINCE OUR SPRING MEETINGS. At this meeting, we’ll be discussing the upcoming New Hampshire Christmas Bird Count. The Nashua-Hollis Christmas Bird Count has been a regular annual tradition for about 50 years. If you are not familiar with the CBC, come discover what it’s all about, and learn how you can participate, either in the field or from the comfort of your home and backyard. We’ll be coordinating final preparations for this year’s count and tally. September we will be trying a new program format: Share Night. Come meet others with a similar interest in enjoying, learning about, and taking care of our natural environment in a smaller more intimate meeting room at the library, instead of the large theater room where we have met in the past. Registration is not necessary. For more information, contact Jane Wing at 505-7539. The Nashaway Chapter of NH Audubon invites the public to participate in the 119th annual National Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Saturday, December 29, 2018. This is an all-day event of organized individual or small-group birding in Nashua and surrounding towns. Groups will be assigned specific areas within our 15 mile diameter count circle centered near the Nashua Hollis border, then working those areas on their own. The count will be end with a dinner and tally at Beaver Brook’s Maple Hill Farm, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis at 5:00pm (small donation for dinner requested). If you are familiar with bird identification and would like to participate, either as a feeder counter or in the field, contact Richard Bielawski at 429-2537 or rbielawski@mac.com.

AAUW Offers FREE Online Course: Closing the Gender Pay Gap The Southern New Hampshire Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is delighted to pass along information about an online course and offer guidance to women interested in closing the gender pay gap. The pay gap is the difference between what an average woman working fulltime is paid compared to the average man. American women earn only 80 percent of their male counterparts, a pay gap of 20 percent. Why does the Pay Gap matter? The pay gap has lifelong financial effects that grow over time, from the ability to pay for education and childcare to saving for retirement, impacting women in nearly every profession. 57 percent of men try to negotiate their salary, but only 7 percent of women do. AAUW has just introduced Work Smart Online — a free salary negotiation course to help women earn the pay they deserve. To access the online course type salary.aauw.com in your search bar and begin your preparation to negotiate a better salary and benefits. This easy, engaging e-tool will teach participants to learn the market value of their skills and experience, determine an equitable “target salary” based on skills and experience, and ask for the pay they deserve. Here’s the best part: The program works! In surveys with our participants, nearly all reported having more confidence and better negotiating skills after taking the class. AAUW’s salary negotiation program has already trained more than 30,000 women, and nearly all participants report increased knowledge, skills, and confidence in negotiating. A study of the AAUW

Work Smart in Boston program’s first year found nearly half of workshop participants successfully negotiated a competitive starting salary or pay raise following their training. Women come away from the workshops knowing how to determine their market worth based on their skills, experience, performance, qualifications, and responsibilities on the job and having the tools and business strategies they need to successfully negotiate for fair pay for the rest of their careers. Two members of the Southern New Hampshire Branch have facilitated these workshops and are available for consultations. If you have questions, contact Susan Hoover at 2136601 or by email susnhoover@aol. com. AAUW’s mission is to advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. The Southern New Hampshire Branch provides scholarships for young women who are pursuing college degrees with the intent to follow STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math) careers after graduation. In addition, the branch also hosts a book discussion group and Meet and Eat social evenings. In early February 2019, for the seventh consecutive year, they will sponsor the annual Candidates Night giving the public a chance to meet and hear the positions of candidates running for offices on the Amherst ballot in March. AAUW is a non-partisan, factbased organization advocating for all women to achieve economic self-sufficiency. For more information contact Susan Hoover.

Amherst Garden Club Charitable Fund Seeks Applications for Grants The Amherst garden Club Charitable Fund welcomes qualified applicants for the 2018-2019 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, Mont Vernon Village School Gardening Project, The Amherst Town Library Gardens and the Amherst Garden Club Garden House 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.

Annual Enrollment Open House The Amherst Preschool will hold its Annual Enrollment Open House on Saturday, December 8th from 10am-12pm. Feel free to stop in, tour our space, meet staff and ask questions regarding enrollment for the 2019-2020 school year. We are located in the Christ Church at 58 Merrimack Road in Amherst. For more information, please email ellen@theamherstpreschool.com or visit our website at www.theamherstpreschool.com

Preschool in the Village is an independent, non-profit early learning center, located across from the town common. PIV has been supporting families in Amherst and surrounding towns since 1995, and offers half-day learning programs for children 2.5 to 6 years old, as well as an extended day option until 3:00pm. We do have a few openings for this school year, so call Miss Tina if you would like to schedule a tour at 672-3168.

Historic Amherst

Dogs in 19th Century Amherst A Tale from the Archives of Amherst Town Hall

to choose whether or not to implement it. A N.H. statute that was passed in December 1842 (127:6) stated: “Any town Among the old records (re)discovered may make by-laws for licensing, regulatduring a formal inventory of the vault at ing or restraining dogs as they shall deem Amherst Town Hall, an initiative of Amexpedient, and may affix penalties for the herst’s Heritage Commission, is a record violation thereof not exceeding $5, and book of “Dog Licenses Issued in Amthe sum paid for any license not exceedherst: 1891-1895.” For the first time, a ing $2.” At their annual meeting in 1849, new licensing law in N.H. required the the voters of Portsmouth passed a by-law breed and name of each dog in town to taxing dogs $1 per head. (However, acbe recorded – fun trivia for the historical cording to the reporter of the N.H. Garesearcher. zette of Portsmouth, “A proposition to The most common dog names in Amtax hens and cats, who do much damage herst in 1891 were Jack (9); Major (6); to gardens at this season, was not sucTowser (4); Rover (4); and Boston (3, all cessful.”) Somersworth in 1852 voted to hounds). Among the 12 female dogs liimpose a tax of $2 on every individual censed in Amherst in 1891, there were who kept a dog on his premises, but then three named Fanny, four if one includes a special meeting was called to reconsidFan. There was a single Fido (male spaner and it was repealed. iel) and one Fida (female shepherd). In 1863 (during the Civil War), a dog Of the 96 dog licenses issued by the tax became mandatory throughout N.H. Town Clerk in 1891, by far the most comHence Amherst’s Selectmen-assessors mon breed was shepherd (30; plus 3 colbegan inventorying & taxing dogs, along lie-shepherd mix and 2 “full-blooded This little cutie, named Joker, was a Scotch terrier with livestock and other taxable propercoolie shepherd”), followed by hound (15; who belonged to Perley W. Dodge (1838-1902). He is ty, in 1863. It’s not clear what the prevailplus 7 mixed); spaniel (5); pug (5); New- pictured c. 1890 in the backyard of his home, 4 Main ing attitude toward dogs was, but the edfoundland (5); Saint Bernard (4; plus one Street, Amherst, N.H. COURTESY HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMHERST itor of the local newspaper was no fan of mix); and Irish setter (3; plus 2 mixed). canines: “If our town assessors do their The other breeds were bull dog and masduty in the matter of the dog law, our town tiff, and one each of beagle, Scotch terri- Dog Tax er, greyhound mix, and “Esquimo”-English Our neighbor State, Vermont as early as treasuries will be essentially benefitted. If acspaniel mix. 1825 passed a bill for taxing dogs, entering cording to the statute, every male cur is taxed each dog on the tax list as equal to an indi- a dollar, and every female cur two dollars, the History of Dog Laws vidual poll. (The poll was the minimum tax amount received will be vastly more than Back in 19th-century America, dogs often for each adult man, regardless of whether he the whole race is worth. We wish it were inwere a nuisance or worse: wild packs in cities owned any property.) The reason for these creased to an exterminating point.” (Farmers’ and sheep-killing dogs in rural areas. As ear- taxes was that dogs were causing tremendous Cabinet, Amherst, N.H., 9 April 1863.) The ly as 1811, the General Court of New Hamp- destruction of sheep in a place where some following news item appeared in the same shire passed a dog law that “no person shall farmers kept hundreds of sheep, finding them paper three weeks later: “Some of the Manbe liable by law for killing in this State any to be the most profitable livestock. The fol- chester Police were armed with rifles and redog which shall be found, not having around lowing year, a proposition was introduced volvers on Saturday afternoon, sent forth to his neck a collar of brass, tin or leather, with into the Legislature of Vermont to tax dogs slay dogs. Twenty dogs perished. The work is the name of the owner carved or engraved for the support of schools, but went nowhere. to be continued till every dog in the city is lithereon.” Philadelphia in 1821 sought a reme- In December 1828, a bill was introduced in censed or killed.” dy for their dog problem by offering a bounty the New Hampshire House of Representaon dog scalps, thus endangering even “house tives for taxing owners of dogs, not exceed- Compensation for Livestock Killed by dogs.” N.H. passed various wildlife bounty ing $1 per dog, to prevent the destruction of Dogs laws (such as, in 1842, $20 for wolf, $10 for sheep by dogs. Although it did not become The General Statutes of N.H. of 1867 (chapwolf whelp, $2 for bear, and $1 for Siberian law then, the seed had been planted. ter 105) kept the dog tax law with the $1/$2 lynx wildcat) but not on dogs. We’ll get to leA typical way for the N.H. Legislature to amounts, and clarified that dog owners were gal dog-killing sprees in N.H., but first, the introduce a new type of law was to pass en- liable for damage done by their dog, but addnext type of dog law: taxation. abling legislation and allow the various towns u BY KATRINA HOLMAN

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AMHERST RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Amherst Recreation Programs and Events

4 Cross Rd, Amherst, NH 03031 603 673-6248 Peabody Mill Environmental Center 66 Brook Road 603 673-1141 www.amherstrec.org Like us on Facebook

Bring a small ladder or step stool Wheel barrow can hold a lot of stuff and best way to get things in and out. Please avoid Tinsel!!! Thank You!

Holiday Treats for the Family

Who doesn’t love handmade gifts? Head over to the Makerspace to create your own, or just keep them for yourself! Materials and instruction will be provided for creations for all ages, and every member of the family can bring home their own project. See below for a list of projects that will be available. Cookie Decorating, Handprint Tree Artwork, Snowman Decorations, Personalized Laser cut Picture Frames, Bath Bombs, and more!

Deck the Trails!

Deck the trails with boughs of holly… or anything that would help spread the holiday cheer! This holiday season join The Amherst Parks & Recreation Department and The Amherst Conservation Commission and help us decorate trees on the Joe English Reservation. Decorating starts November 17th. From there individuals, families or groups are invited to go out and find the decorated trees throughout the reservation, take a selfie and post it on Instragram or facebook with #deckthetrees. Prizes will be awarded to those Who find the most trees and also the best decorated tree. Participants are responsible for finding the right tree, decorating the tree and taking decorations down by Sunday, January 6th. Event Details: Who: All Ages What: Deck The Trails - Tree decorating on the Joe English Trails at PMEC When: November 17th - January 1st Where: Any trail on the Joe English Reservation, 66 Brook Rd Amherst, NH 03031 Fee: Free Decorating Rules and Tips:

Please notify Amy Hull ahull@ amherstnh.gov with the location of your tree. Amherst Rec and ACC is not responsible for any lost or stolen decorations. All decorations must be taken down by January 6, 2019. After that date all decorations will be removed. If using wire hangers wrap them around the branch so the wind or snow storms do not blow them off. Although edible decorations are encouraged, anything an animal can eat they will eat in 24 hours... so be aware that your decorations might not last long. Ribbon works well

Family Holiday Gift Making with the Makerspace

Event Details: Who: all ages Where: Makerspace, Amherst Middle School When: Saturday December 15th, 1 PM – 4 PM Fee: $5 per person/ gift Fee Includes: Materials and instructions to create gifts, supervision and help from experts

Trips for Adults Mom’s (and dads) On Mountains

Dust off those skis, “Moms (and dads) on Mountains” is back this winter! Once a month during ski season, Amherst Parks and Rec will be taking a group to a different mountain for a day of skiing and adult fun. Amherst Recreation will be providing transportation only. Your ticket to the mountain will need to be purchased on your own. We will be using our 14 passenger mini bus, which comes with plenty of room to store your ski equipment. Get your friends together for a mom’s (and dads) day out, and leave the driving to us! We will need a minimum of 8 passengers for the trip to run. Please Note: You do not need to be a Mom to participate! Dads are welcome too! Program Details Who: Adults 18+ What: Moms on Mountains Where: Meet at Birch Park, 11 Baboosic Lake Road When: See Schedule Below Fee: See Fee Breakdown below

Trip Schedule: - January 16 at Mt Snow - February 13 at Loon Mountain - March 13 at Mount Sunapee *Prices include transportation ONLY, Lift tickets will need to be purchased separately through each individual mountain. ** Please Note: Return times are approximate.

Boston Flower & Garden Show

The Boston Flower & Garden Show will return to the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston this March with the theme “The Beauty of Balance” which reflects on the soothing and stimulating effects of gardening. As another winter wanes, the exhibitors will inspire your plans for the season ahead with colorful gardens and floral artistry showcasing the latest design elements, popular food gardening trends, ideas for small-space gardens, homesteading hobbies, and family-friendly spaces for outdoor entertaining and relaxation. Register Early..this trip will sell out fast! Trip Details Who: 18+ What: Boston Flower Show When: Thursday, March 14th (depart Amherst at 9am; Depart Boston at 3pm) Where: Boston, MA (meet at Walmart in Amherst, NH) Fee: $28R; $38NR (Fee includes ticket/transportation, lunch is on your own)

Toddler Programs Tiny Toes Dance

Join us on Friday mornings for Tiny Toes Dance! This program is open to boys and girls ages 3-5 and will give students an intro to dance. Located at PMEC. Let’s get groovy! When: Fridays 10:15-11am

I Love Nature

Miss Nicole will be taking children outside to explore and learn about the natural world we live in. Children will begin each class with a craft project and then learn at circle time. And please join us for our optional weekly hike that begins at 10:00am, directly after class. Who: Children ages 3-6 When: Thursdays 9:00 AM- 9:45 AM

Start Smart Basketball

“Start Smart Programs, created by the National Alliance for Youth Sports, help kids get ready for sports…and succeed in life. It is an innovative step-by-step approach that builds confidence and self-esteem in a fun and safe sports environment.” This once a week program is an opportunity for children to be introduced to the game of basketball with the support and presence of a parent. Sessions will last one hour for six weeks. Skills will build with every session and exercises will become more challenging as the program progresses. We have divided the groups into 3 & 4 year olds and 5 & 6 year olds. Each participant will receive an individual manual highlighting the skills that will be developed though pictures and text. There is a maximum of 12 participants in each group.

Holiday Gift Making Party

Come make your own nature based gifts for your family and friends. There will be three crafts to make and share. We will be making homemade wrapping paper, so they will come home be ready for the holidays! All materials are provided. First session for ages 3-6, second session for grades 1-4. A minimum of 4 participants are needed to run this program. Program Details: Who: Ages 3-10 What: Holiday Craft Party Where: Peabody Mill Environmental Center When: Tuesday, December 11th Fee: $15R; $20NR

Youth Programs Winter Solstice Lantern Walk

Join Miss Nicole in a solstice Lantern walk at PMEC! This can be a family Event, or can be done individually. Come and celebrate the time of year When days are shortest, and nights are longest, heralding increasing hours of daylight. Meet upstairs at PMEC to create your very own lantern. We will then set out on an inspirational walk around the Beaver Pond and beat the winter blues. Please wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather. This is a program for visitors of all ages. Continued on page 5 u

www.amherstcitizen.com • DECEMBER 2018 •

AMHERST TOWN LIBRARY

Come and share a book with Brook, our favorite Australian Shepherd. Call 6732288 to make a reading appointment.

Amy Lapointe, Library Director 14 Main St., Amherst NH Phone 673-2288 Fax 672-6063 email: library@amherstlibrary.org web http://www.amherstlibrary.org Mon.-Thu. 9:30 - 8:30 Fri. 9:30 - 5:00; Sat. 9:30 - 5:00 Sun. 1:00 - 5:00 CLOSED: 12/23-25, 12/29-30, Closes 5:00 12/31 1/1/19

Family Storytimes (ages 3-6, younger sibs welcome)—Tuesdays, Dec. 4 and 11, and Wednesdays, Dec. 5 and 12 at 10:00am. S.T.E.A.M. Storytime (grades k-3) ---Wednesdays, Dec. 5 and 12 at 3:30pm Little Listeners—(newborn to 3) Thursdays, Dec. 6 and 13, and Fridays, Dec. 7 and 14 at 10:30am. Special Holiday Storytime—all ages—Wednesday, Dec. 19, at 3:30 We will have a holiday break in our regular storytime programming from Dec. 17-Jan. 4.

Storytimes in January will be held at the following times:

Family Storytimes (ages 3-6, younger sibs welcome)—Tuesdays, Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 and Wednesdays, Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10:00am. S.T.E.A.M. Storytime (grades k-3) ---Wednesdays, Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 at 3:30pm Little Listeners—(newborn to 3) Thursdays, Jan. 10,17, 24, 31 and Fridays, Jan. 11, 18, 25 (and Feb. 1) at 10:30am For storytime details, please go online to www.amherstlibrary.org and go to the Children’s Room page, call us at 673-2288, or come on down to the Children’s Room and get a copy of our Storytime Brochure. Minecraft Club –Thursdays at 3:30pm. Join other Minecraft enthusiasts each week when we show off our skills by completing a challenge---then we’re free to work on any aspect of the game that we’re interested in. There are several computers available for use, but feel free to bring your own. This is not an instructional class, although we’re always learning from each other. For kids ages 7 and up. Space is limited, so please register online.

PAWS FOR READING: December visit:

Monday, Dec. 10 from 3:30- 4:30

January visits:

Monday, Jan. 14 and Monday, Jan. 28 from 3:304:30pm.

Miss Sarah and Miss Lisa will present a special Holiday Storytime, highlighting some of their favorite stories and songs from the Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa traditions. We’ll read books, sing songs, and make a simple craft. It’s our way of saying ‘Happy Holidays’ to the patrons that make Amherst such a fun place to be! Ages 3 and up. No registration required.

Basketball For Youth

Don’t miss out on the opportunity for skill development, team building, fun and exciting weekly games! Please note that the start date for practices & games, date of the last game and the game/practice locations are tentative and may change based on the number of teams we field, gym availability and the weather. Weather permitting, all games will be completed by February school vacation with the exception of all Travel Basketball.

Divisions will include: 1st & 2nd Grade Recreation Hoops 3rd & 4th Grade Recreation Hoops 5th & 6th Grade Recreation Hoops Travel Very Limited Space Available. Call the Recreation Office to find out more.

Spanish Workshops

Welcome to Senora Rowley’s Spanish Extra Curricular Workshop! These before-school sessions will provide basics for beginners and challenge the more advanced student. Who: 1st-4th graders When: 7:55-8:25am Wed. 11/712/19 Where: Wilkins School, Classroom TBA

Has your child wanted to learn an instrument, but you aren’t sure you are ready to commit to the expense? Robert Allwarden, the music specialist at Wilkins, is introducing a brand-new program with Amherst Parks & Recreation: Learn to play the Ukulele!!

Who: 2nd-4th Graders* Where: After school at Wilkins When: Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15

February Vacation Discovery Camp

Most Happy Fellas The stage play and movie “Most Happy Fella” included the lyrics by Frank Loesser: ”Standing on the corner watching all the girls go by”. Here I am a few days before turkey day with seven of the birds in the yard. Me, I’m not standing. Just sitting in front of the stove, watching all the critters go by. Maybe some are girls. I’m not good on critter sexuality. Nature has already begun her seasonal decorating over a white blanket. To the greens of pine, spruce and holly, she has added lots of feathered reds, yellows, and blues. What a spectrum of life and color there is. There are some furred ones as well with an irruption of squirrels both red and gray. We are not alone on the squirrel invasion. Recently, the

COME AND BUILD

Come and create with our collection of legos, blocks, marble runs and other hands-on toys. Ages 4 and up.

Holiday Vacation Week:

Movie Matinee: Wednesday, Dec. 26 at 2:00. Bring your water bottle and a pillow—we’ll provide the popcorn! For movie title and details, please call the library at 673-2288. No registration required. Come and Play: Thursday, Dec. 27 from 10:00-12:00. Do your young ones need some playtime out of the house? Come on down to the library to have fun with our blocks, puzzles, cars, duplos, etc. Tech Time: Friday, Dec. 28 from 2:00-4:00. Come and explore our collection of S.T.E.M.-based activity kits: Snap-Circuits, Citiblocks, Ozmobots, more...we make them available, you enjoy an opportunity for make-your-own fun! For ages 7 and up. Craft Table: We’ll have the craft table set up while everyone’s on vacation, and materials will be available to make your own Snowman Stick-puppet. Come anytime the library is open to enjoy some creative time in the Children’s Room.

Special programs coming in January:

Mind and Body Storytime with Miss Becky Monday mornings in January/FebruaryWe are so happy to welcome Miss Becky back to the Children’s Room for another of her special story/mindfulness programs. We’re finalizing the details, and we’ll keep you posted, but we wanted to let you know this is coming! Watch our online calendar for details at www.amherstlibrary.org.

Amherst Recreation Programs and Events

Who: All Ages- (Parents will help young children make their lanterns) What: A lantern Walk at PMEC Celebrating Winter Solstice (dress accordingly to spend time outdoors!) When: Friday December 14th; 4:306PM Where: Meet Miss Nicole upstairs in building to make your lantern. We will provide all materials needed. Fee: $20/ Family (no more than 4) $10/ Individual

By Bruce B. Beckley, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Friday, Dec. 21 from 3:00 to 4:30 Friday, Jan. 18 from 3:00 to 4:30

Santa’s mailbox is located at the Amherst Town Library instead of Moulton’s this year. Send your letter early and you are likely to receive a letter from Santa.

Learn to Play Ukulele

Happy Fellas

Wednesday, Dec. 19 from 3:30 to 4:15

December storytimes will be held at the following times:

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It’s About Conservation

HOLIDAY STORYTIME with Miss Sarah and Miss Lisa

STORYTIMES No registration required.

February School Vacation will be here before you know it! What better way to spend it then take part in a fun-filled week at camp. This camp will be based around the beautiful art and nature that PMEC has to offer! Each day there will be outdoor exploration, snow play, nature hikes, group games, and of course...arts and crafts! Who: Children in grades K-5 What: February Vacation Day Camp Where: Peabody Mill Environmental Center When: February 25- March 1, 2019; 8:30-4:00pm Fee: Early Bird Special: Resident Rates: $40 per day, $165. per week; Non-Res Rates $60. per day $185. per week. After Jan 31st Res: $50 per day, $205. for week; Non Res: $70. per day, $225. for week.

Birthday Parties at PMEC

Create amazing birthday memories this year with a Birthday Party for your child age 3-12 at the Peabody Mill Environment Center! We have many themes to choose from!

Adult Programs Kitchen Cold Remedies

Looking to kick the cold season in a natural and convenient way? Come learn about the various culinary herbs that aid in fighting the common cold and that are found in your very own spice rack. We’ll be taking a closer look at 8 common culinary herbs and spices, their medicinal properties, and ways to prepare them. We will dive into the best herbal preparation for each plant, whether it be a warm tea, herbal steam bath, or infused honey. Observing and sampling as we go along! Then we’ll roll up our sleeves and make Fire Tonic. Fire Tonic, better known as Fire Cider, is a traditional herbal cold remedy that is made infusing vinegar with powerful spices and vegetables. Bring your hands and an open mind. All materials will be provided. Most of the herbs will be organic, depending on availability. *Please note that herbs in this recipe are VERY hot and spicy.

FAMILY VISION CARE Dr. Philip S. Aubrey, OPTOMETRIST

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continued from page 4

Who: 18+ Where: Amherst Makerspace When: Thursday January 10th Time: 7pm - 8:30pm

Weekly Card Games

Weekly Card Games have begun at Parkhurst Place on Thursdays at 1 PM. Feel free to join a group or bring your own cards and start a new one. This is an excellent way to meet people and be involved in a great community. Who: Seniors Where: Parkhurst Place, 11 Veterans Rd. Amherst Fee: Free! Parking: In the guest lot near the entry sign **If school is closed due to bad weather, the card game session will be canceled as well

Full Moon Hikes

Come join us for a full moon hike led by a naturalist at PMEC! Fun activities along the trail for all ages. Have you ever hiked in the woods at night without a flashlight? If you are willing, we will give it a try! You will be amazed how well you can see in the full moonlight without one. Afterwards there will be hot cider or lemonade (depending on the season) around the fire, as well as stories to share. Who: All Ages. Families welcome! What: Full moon hike at PMEC When: Times are dependent on season. Where: Peabody Mill Environment Center. Meet at the pond next to the parking area. Minimum of 6 participants required to run program. Full Moon Hikes: Schedule WinterHike at PMEC Sat. Jan 19th 5:30-7 PM

Snowshoe Yoga

Looking for a great way to get out of the house this winter? Then Snowshoe Yoga is for you! Join us for a snowshoe hike along the picturesque trails of PMEC, infused with mindfulness and yoga. Grab your friends and beat those winter blues! The class will consist of a 45 minute hike with some stops for meditation and asanas, followed by a 45 minute practice indoors in the lower level of the PMEC building. The class is open to all levels of fitness and will be held on Sundays

Portland Press Herald carried a feature article on the number of squirrels moving around this year. A longer legged (than squirrels) white-tailed deer joins the group without having to raise her chin to reach the feeder. Migrants? No, hungry members of creation doing the best they can. We emerge from a focused time of thanks giving and enter a time of opportunities. We have lists of family and friends to prepare gifts for. There should be another year-end list of the needy ones we may help. The ones watched over as far as resources permit by wildlife organizations, food banks, and shelters. This is a fine time to be a most happy fella with charitable gifting to others who help.

EDITORS NOTE: This is Bruce’s 420th submission to The Amherst Citizen. Bruce has been a writer for this publication for over 20 years, writing eloquently about the beauty he sees in his natural surroundings. He is a convincing advocate for conservation in Amherst urging the preservation of open space and stewardship of the land. He expresses his love of Nature and joy in all things natural through his expressive use of language. He is a fine artist who can turn an unwelcome weather event into a beautiful scene with a few well-chosen words. And his birds, butterflies, squirrels, deer and any other creature which enters his backyard have become surrogates in his long running dialogue on life, love, hope and charity. Thank you, Bruce.

– Cliff Ann

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Milford Neighbors Donate 30 Acres to Conservation

continued from page 1

Commission. “They are an inspiring group of landowners who had a dream and made it happen. We reap from their sowing.” Speaking for the neighbors, Sandy Frades said, “This has been a dream of ours for a long time, and we finally realized our dream. We’re happy to be able to give this land to Milford so it can be enjoyed by future generations.” In a meeting to consummate the deal, the neighbors first signed over their development rights to the Amherst Land Trust, chaired by Sally Wilkins. They then donated the property to the town of Milford, represented by Town Administrator Mark Bender, in a three-party agreement typical in today’s conservation deals. “Our mission is to protect land in Amherst and surrounding communities,” said Wilkins, Amherst Land Trust president. “Our board was happy to act as the third-party to assure that two entities—the town

and a private nonprofit group— work together to keep the land undeveloped, just as the Melendy neighbors wished.” The complex deal required the work of two attorneys. Jason Reimers, of BCM Environmental and Land Law, PLLC, working closely with all the parties, drafted the easement. Milford attorney Tom Quinn coordinated the deal’s presentation to the Town Boards and prepared the deeds and closing documents. Requiring so many signatures, by so many people, meant that it took two years to negotiate and well over an hour just for the signing. Still, the resulting arrangement was simple: One party, in this case Milford, owns the land, and a third party, the Trust, monitors compliance with the terms of the conservation easement. The separation of power and authority assures the neighbors—and Milford citizens—that the conser-

vation of the land will stand for all time. Said Constantino: “The Milford Conservation Commission is looking forward to our new partnership with the Amherst Land Trust, which will take an important role in the management of this conservation easement.” The Amherst Land Trust is a private, nonprofit organization supported by donations, memberships, and its annual Joe English Challenge race. Since 1975, it has saved over 400 acres of property from development and opened it to the public. In one of its most popular deals before the Melendy signing, it protected four acres of land in Amherst Village and raised money to build Joshua’s Park, a new playground and community garden on Courthouse Road. For more information on the trust or its annual fundraising race, see AmherstLandTrust.org or Joe-English.org.

from 9-10:30am. Class will meet at the Kiosk in the PMEC parking lot promptly at 9am. You will need comfortable warm layers, boots/ hiking shoes, yoga clothing, yoga mat, water, snow shoes and micro spikes to fit over your boots on icy days. Poles are optional.

Yoga for Adults

Recreation Department and the Amherst Middle School. An entire wing at the Amherst Middle School, is open to the surrounding communities during non-school hours. We provide the ultimate workshop for paid members, to use State Of the Art tools, share knowledge, work on projects, network, and build things. Our goal is to foster a highly collaborative learning environment that is excellent for individuals Who learn best by doing and making, with like-minded people or self-directed.

Session 1 - January 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th Session 2 - February 3, 10, 17th, and March 3rd (due to school vacation week)

True Potential

TRUE POTENTIAL is a program designed specifically for women which encompasses nutrition, result-based workouts and mindfulness. The workout is a high-intensity interval-based total body workout, which uses a cardio/strength/core format, ending with a moment of quiet reflection. Three class times: 7:45-8:45am at PMEC on M/W/F 9:00-10:00am at PMEC on M/W/F 7:00-8:00pm at SHS on T/Th

We offer three class options for Adult Yoga with long-time instructor, Leslie Formby. Make time for yourself with exercise and mediation and choose the one that works for your schedule! Tuesdays at PMEC, 8am-9:15am Wednesdays at SHS, 6:30-7:45pm Thursdays at PMEC, 8am-9:15am

Zumba

Zumba® is a dance fitness program designed for all level of group exercise participants. All moves will be kept simple and engaging to keep you sweating and having fun. Our instructor is Cheryl SturtVail. She has 25 years experience with group exercise training and 10 with Zumba. She is able to break down all types of dance styles to make it easy for all people to enjoy and master.

Amherst Makerspace What is The Amherst Makerspace?

Amherst Makerspace is a collaborative project with the Amherst

Repair Cafe

The Amherst Makerspace is hosting people with skills, to help you repair a broken item that you may treasure or something you wish to save from the trash heap. We will have woodworkers, welders, electricians, computer techs and general handymen/women on hand to help you fix your item. Broken furniture, bicycles, toys, toaster, vacuum cleaners, lamps or electronics. If we can fix it...it ain’t broke. When: Third Thursday of every month, from 6-9pm

Subscribe Today! Yup... we’ve got you covered! At anytime, anywhere, on any device. Try it!

Northeast Tree Removal

81 Mont Vernon Street – Milford

673-1330

Call: 630-0622 or 487-1009

Evening and Weekend Hours Available

Storm Damage Cleanup • Tree & Brush Chipping • Bucket Truck Work

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THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 5

FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES www.northeasttreeremoval.com

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6 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

DECEMBER 2018 • www.amherstcitizen.com

Toy Land Revisited at Amherst Town Library

Amherst Town Library

Jay Psaros in Concert

The Amherst Town Library is excited to welcome Boston based singer/songwriter Jay Psaros to kick off the four-part winter concert series at the library on Sunday, January 13, 2019 4:00-5:00PM. Jay Psaros writes songs. In fact, he writes lots of songs. Psaros is currently celebrating the release of his fourth studio release, a self-titled collection of ten songs ranging from mellow crooners to roots rockers. Psaros has developed a healthy career with the belief that music, like any art, must be created through a lifestyle dedicated to the craft in order for the art and artist to reach their full potential. To Psaros, it is an ongoing experience with a long road behind and a longer road ahead. Psaros has been called a ‘storyteller of precision,’ a ‘master guitar player,’ and a musical ‘painter of beautiful, rolling images.’ Over the past several years, Jay has completely immersed himself in the music industry. Jay has toured the country playing shows for audiences big and small. His musical versatility has allowed him to share the stage with a variety of international acts such as

Singer/songwriter Jay Psaros performs at the library on Sunday, January 13

Eddie Money, Rick Springfield, The Mavericks, Donovan Frankenreiter, Boz Scaggs, Daughtry, The Los Lonely Boys, Tower of Power, The Little River Band, Ziggy Marley, The Original Wailers, Lisa Loeb, Third Eye Blind, Nellie McKay, Three Dog Night, Rusted Root, Anders Osborne, Peter Cetera and many more. The winter concert series, which is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library, will continue on Sunday, February 3 with “Craft

Ensemble: Chamber Music Among Friends”. All adult programs offered at the Amherst Town Library are free and open to the public. However, registration is REQUIRED for each program due to space limitations. You can register for these events listed above by calling 673-2288 or by visiting the website at www.amherstlibrary.org and selecting the “Community Services” tab, then click on drop down “Sign-Up for Programs.”

ADVERTORIAL ADVERTORIAL ADVERTORIAL

Good Food Makes for a Better Day, Says Moulton’s Kitchen Manager AMHERST – Ask Moulton’s Market kitchen manager Paul Gillette why he loves to cook, and he’ll tell you it’s not only about the food. Of course, food is at the heart of everything he does – testing and creating recipes, doing prep work in the kitchen, filling customer orders -- but as Gillette explains, “The food industry is not just about the food. It’s about the people.” Most days, you’ll find Gillette at the popular market by late morning and until closing time, preparing soups, take-out dinners and daily specials. If things get busy during the lunch hour, and it’s no surprise that there’s a loyal lunch crowd, he also helps out behind the counter until things die down a bit and he’s back in the kitchen hard at work simmering soups, crafting pot pies, and making the night’s specials. Gillette’s ability to switch gears and do what’s needed when it’s needed comes from years of experience in the food and restaurant industries. He got his first kitchen job at the age of 16, and while at Brown worked in one of the sub shops on campus. His love of cooking took him to series of jobs, the first being as pizza maker at a local Bertucci’s. His resume eventually included restaurants familiar to any food-loving local – Lui-Lui’s, the Peddlar’s Daughter (as head chef), and the acclaimed Michael Timothy’s in Nashua. He also became a foster care provider along with his roommate, John, for those with developmental disabilities, work he found both challenging

u

Dog Taxes Support Schools

Another new aspect of the dog law of 1867 was that it brought to fruition the old idea of using dog tax revenue to support schooling. The N.H. Sentinel of Keene (4 July 1867) explained it this way: “A bill has passed both branches of the Legislature providing for the distribution among the several school districts in each town, for school purposes, of the surplus arising from the taxation on dogs. The law taxing dogs provides that the funds arising

The Friends of the Amherst Town Library is pleased to welcome back William Cheever Turner and his incredible oil paintings on display for the month of December and the first part of January at the library after ten years. Bill paints in the narrative realism genre and for this exhibit will have a focus of his Vintage Toys paintings. He will also be displaying some of his inspired toys with his paintings. There is an Artist Reception on Sunday December 9, 2018 from 2 to 4pm on the main floor of the library. Public is welcome to meet Bill and stop in to see his work both at the reception and any time the library is open. His exhibit will be from December 1 to January 15. Aside from the years spent in the Navy during the Vietnam era, Bill

has always lived in Milford. When he retired from a 30 years career in automotive body restoration, he decided to pursue his life-long passion of drawing and painting. Over the years he earned BFA and MFA degrees in Visual Arts-Painting and taught drawing and art history for nine years at Manchester Community College. Since his intimate knowledge and love of machinery has been so much a part of Bill’s life, he started to paint distressed vehicles and machinery to tell a story. Greek and Roman mythology as well as folklore have been an inspiration and Bill use his imagination to reinvent these tales using vehicles as surrogates for humans. Much time is devoted to research, preliminary sketches and composition in executing each piece.

Teddy Trucker and Son

Paul Gillette, Kitchen Manager of Moulton’s Market, Amherst

and rewarding. When John was diagnosed with brain tumors in 2001, Gillette gave up foster care and became John’s live-in aide. He resumed foster care during that time, while working at The Peddlar’s Daughter, left the area to be close to family, but returned when John was diagnosed with more tumors and needed a fulltime caregiver. He was hired at Moulton’s soon after, attracted by a schedule that allowed him to provide home care, and the opportunity to indulge his love of cooking. “This is more of a team,” he says. “I can suggest recipes, I have

Dogs in 19th Century Amherst

ed that those who suffered damage to their domestic animals by (someone else’s) dog could present claims to the Town. For the ten years from 1867/8-1877/8, the Town shelled out $376 taken from the dog tax revenue for “sheep killed by dogs.” The first person in Amherst to take advantage of this provision was Peter W. Jones (1817-1866), who owned & occupied the former tavern at 18 Jones Road; he was compensated multiple times by the Town for “sheep killed by dogs,” receiving $25 in 1867/8; a whopping $109 in 1871/2 for damage in 1870; $50 in 1872/3; and $56 in 1876/7. One Mark Putnam was paid $13 for sheep lost in 1872; $10 for losses in 1873; and $15 for 1874. Langdon Smith (1810-1894), a mason and farmer who owned & occupied the stone cape at 55 Christian Hill Road, was compensated $10 for sheep killed in 1872 and $20 for losses in 1875. Claims against the Town for livestock killed by dogs continued into the 20th century, although the amounts tended to be smaller later. For example, in 1890/1, G. F. Hanson received $2 and Mrs. S. A. Eaton $1.50 for chickens killed by dogs; in 1899/90 Michael Leavitt received $3 and in 1902/3 George E. Hill $3 for hens killed by dogs; in 1901/2 B. F. Whiting received $2 and in 1911/2 Mrs. Harvey Piper $2.50 for turkeys killed by dogs.

William Cheever Turner

Although distressed vintage vehicle compositions were his first love, Bill’s focus has changed to toys from the 50’s to the 80’s eras which show wear from use. Whether it be a Teddy bear, pull toy, or mechanical robot they illicit a special characteristic--they inspire a child’s imagination, as well as his own. Bill depicts these magical toys in unusual settings giving them a life of their own. It is a joy for Bill to create a story on canvas, and especially meaningful when someone relates to his work. Bill hopes you enjoy his work as much as he enjoys creating it. All are welcome to stop in the Amherst Town Library to view these amazing works. No sign up required to attend the artist reception on Sunday December 9 from 2 to 4pm. Visit Bill’s website, turnwoodfineart.com, to view archived works as well as paintings for sale and more information. Feel free to contact Bill personally by phone (603-673-3782) or e-mail through his website. Interested in having an art show at the Amherst Town Library, contact Sharron April at FOLArtists@gmail.com for more information.

input, and I like being involved in the customer experience.” “I love to cook, but I also love to create,” he says, and he gets plenty of opportunity as he oversees New Hampshire’s original “Soup Bar,” with a rotating variety of over 50 homemade recipes. Again, he returns to the idea of the chef as the ultimate people pleaser. “When you think about it, food can make or break a person’s day,” he says with a smile. For Paul Gillette, the goal has been and will always be a good meal and a great day.

What’s this?

continued from page 4

from such taxes shall be kept separate from other public moneys, and that owners of sheep who lose such property by reason of dogs shall be compensated from this fund. No provision was made for the distribution of the money which might accrue in excess of the losses, and in many towns quite large sums have accumulated. The act just passed will cause this surplus to be applied to the best of purposes, and every citizen will now have at least one good excuse for owning a dog.” In Amherst, the left-over income from dog tax and later dog license fees (after paying any damages and the dog killer’s fees) continued to go to the school district until 1950.

Dog Killer

Dog Licenses

The N.H. law passed January 1891 called “An act to prevent the destruction of sheep and other damages by dogs” (chapter 60) stated in Section 1: “Every owner or keeper of a dog three months old or over shall annually, on or before 30th day of April, cause it to be registered, numbered, described, and licensed for one year from the first day of May, in the office of the clerk of the city or town …” Section 3 stipulated that the fee would be $2 for a male dog and $5 for a female dog, and such proportionate sum for dogs becoming three months old after the first day of May. Failure to get a license subjects the delinquent to a fine of $15, $5 of which goes to the complainant. Stealing a dog or removing a collar subjects the perpetrators to a fine of not exceeding $50. The local newspaperman gave this commentary: “The town clerk has now licensed a total of 88 dogs in Amherst. A great variety of opinions are expressed by dog owners as to the new law, and it is not unusual, for a poor man to remark on paying the license on two or three dogs that “it is a good law and meets his

Page from fill-in-the-blanks record book of “Dog Licenses Issued in Amherst: 1891-1895,” 14” h x 8.75” w, two licenses per page.

approval fully,” while another man of abundant means, denounces the law as an oppressive burden upon the poor man. The fact is we do not realize here what a real “dog pestilence” is. In a farming community like ours, where dogs are harbored for their usefulness and assistance in carrying on the farm work and are a menace to no one, the law does seem like a burden and a useless tax. But let us exchange places with a citizen of the village of Newport, this State, or of Farmington, or Rochester, where itinerant canines have overrun the streets, some with rabbies, biting right and left until adults walk the streets with caution and children are not allowed out of their dwelling houses and causing the closing of schools, perhaps then we might more fully appreciate the advantage of having every dog registered and some one responsible for his action. Further than this it

is claimed that dogs have completely ruined the sheep raising industry in the State. A good dog is a useful animal, but a vicious, sheep killing dog, is a nuisance, and it is to weed out the bad from the good ones that this stringent law was passed, and we are glad to note that it is proving very effectual. At Nashua over a hundred dogs, whose owners themselves did not think them of enough value to have licensed, have been sacrificed to the care of the dog killer. There is a unanimity of opinion however, that it was a mistake in not repealing the law requiring the Selectmen to invoice and tax the dogs, and thus avoid the double tax.” (Farmers’ Cabinet, 4 May 1891.) Curiously, the double tax per dog ($1 or $2 to tax collector plus $2 or $5 for license from town clerk, continued till the end of the decade (1894 excepted). It was expensive to own a dog then!

The new 1891 dog law also made it legal for any person to kill a dog found out of the enclosure or immediate care of its owner or keeper, worrying, wounding, or killing sheep, lambs, fowl, or other domestic animals. In 1901 (79:21), a law was enacted to protect certain wildlife: “Any person may summarily dispose of any dog found pursuing or harassing any moose, caribou, elk, deer, or sheep.” Alternatively, the owner could be fined $5. The 1891 dog law also required selectmen within the first days of May to warrant one or more officers or constable dog killers, directing them to proceed forthwith to kill all dogs whose owners had lied to the tax assessor about owning a dog, whenever or whereever found. For several years until 1900, Amherst’s dog killer was R. S. Boutell. In 1899/1900, Boutell was paid $3 for killing dogs, $26 for services as constable; $38.02 in officer’s fees from the Town’s Police Court; and $5 as fire ward. He was succeeded by A. J. Livingston, who in 1901/2 was paid $15 for killing dogs, $32.97 as policeman, $16.78 in officer fees from Police Court, and $8 as fireward. The position soon disappeared, with dog duties taken on by the police. In his 1950 annual report, Amherst’s Police Chief provided these statistics: 9 dog calls; 1 dog bite; 4 dogs shot; 5 lost dogs retrieved; and 3 dogs killed by motor vehicles. The total population of Amherst in the 1890 census was 1053. In the 1891 tax record, 83 people were taxed as dog owners, with 29 of them living in District 1 (Village); 7 in District 2 (the Acre by Milford); 11 in District 3 (Cricket Corner, S of Village); 9 in District 4 (Christian Hill); and 6 or fewer in each of the other eight districts.

Today

Dog licensing continues to this day, but now a certificate of current rabies vaccination is a prerequisite. The State of New Hampshire (RSA 466:1) requires that every owner or keeper of a dog four months old or older shall annually cause it to be registered, numbered, described (its breed, sex, and name, for example), and licensed for one year (from 1 May or whenever to 30 April) in the city or town in which the dog is kept. The cost to the dog owner or keeper is $10 for an unaltered dog of either sex; or $7.50 for a spayed or neutered dog and for puppies aged 4-7 months; or $3 for the first dog of a senior citizen over 65 years of age. Amherst Selectmen take advantage of a N.H. statute that allows Towns to charge $1 extra over the minimum dollar amount set by the State to pay for expenses incurred by the Town for tags and other dedicated supplies. Of each license fee, the Town sends $2.50 to the State, of which $2 are for animal population control program (in accordance with RSA 466:9 and RSA 466:4 and section AGR 2804:02). In N.H. towns where the Town Clerk is paid by commission, $1.50 of the collected license cost would go to the Clerk, but this is not the case in Amherst; after subtracting $2.50 as the State’s share and $1 for supplies, the remainder goes into the Town’s General Fund. In our town of Amherst, this year so far (from May into November) the Town Clerk’s office has issued 2,490 dog licenses (red metal tags). The total human population currently is about 12,655 residents, with about 1,840 being school children, divided among about 4,300 residences. Comments to Katrina: email to HistoricAmherstNH @juno.com

Tree Lighting Festival www.amherstcitizen.com • DECEMBER 2018 •

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 7

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday – December 7, 8, and 9

2018 AMHERST TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL SCHEDULE Celebrating December and Winter Holidays observed by Amherst, NH Residents! FRIDAY, December 7 AMHERST TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

6:00 - 6:30 pm @ the Village Green across from Amherst Town Hall Free event!

SPAGHETTI SUPPER

6:30 - 8 pm @ the Congregational Church of Amherst Hosted by the Amherst Lions Club & Congregational Church of Amherst Donations accepted, no reservations needed

An Amherst Tradition – Breakfast With Santa!

Christmas Market in the Village Wigwam Museum, Middle & Cross Streets Saturday-Sunday, December 8 & 9, 10 AM to 3PM.

The first-ever Christmas Market at the Wigwam is THE place to pick up uniquely Amherst gifts that you won’t find anywhere else! Stop by for a hot cider and grab the Historical Society’s all new line of Amherst T-shirts, hoodie sweatshirts, baseball caps, blankets, and other favorites including the full line of Amherst-related books like Walking Tours of Amherst Village and Daniel Secomb’s History of the Town of Amherst! Many of your favorite local craft vendors will also be on hand with great gifts including hand-carved decoys, wooden primitives, hooked rugs, quilts, framed stitch work and pillows. You can even stock up on

Breakfast With Santa has been a holiday treat for many Amherst children over the years. Held at the Congregational Church of Amherst in the village on Saturday, December 15, there will be two seatings with plenty of one on one time with Mr & Mrs Claus. Amherst resident, Marsha Vander Mey from Harper Point Photography will photograph your children with Santa, as part of the registration fee. You are also able to take as many photos as you would like of the visit. A great opportunity for a Christmas Card shot. No waiting in line, and several age appropriate games and craft activities are on going during the event. One popular craft is making a bag of reindeer food for Santa’s faithful reindeer. A delicious hot breakfast is served with lots of variety for all ages.

Church volunteers make egg casseroles and Moulton’s market supplies bacon and sausage. Lull’s Farm supplies eggs for scrambled eggs.The craft and game room have age appropriate activities to do while you wait for your turn with Santa. This is a wonderful activity for grand parents to bring grandchildren, and something they never will forget. Each child get s to select a book from “Santa’s Library” selves. Registration is limited and we usually sell out so please register early by going to www.ccamherst. org and clicking on “Breakfast With Santa” on the black header. If you have any questions contact martiwarren@comcast.net. Payment can be made at the website, on line, $10.00 per person. Questions can be sent to martiwarren@comcast.net.

MEMORY TREE

Located in the Village Green across from the Brick School Hosted by the Amherst Garden Club. More information at https://amherstgardenclub.org/giving/the-memory-tree/.

SATURDAY, December 8 FAMILY GINGERBREAD-HOUSE WORKSHOPS

10 am & 1 pm @ the Amherst Town Library Space is limited, so advanced sign up is required. Register at www.amherstlibrary.org

SANTA AT SALZBURG SQUARE

10 am - 12:30 pm Hosted by Hodlbyte Coffee in Salzburg Square (292 NH-101) No charge to attend!

CHRISTMAS MARKET

10 am - 3 pm @ the Wigwam (on the corner of Middle and Cross Streets) Hosted by the Historical Society of Amherst

CRAFT & BAKE SALE

2 - 5 pm @ the Amherst Fire Station Hosted by the Girl Scouts of Amherst and Mont Vernon

PICTURES WITH SANTA

3 - 5 pm @ the Amherst Fire Station Hosted by Amherst Fire Rescue Free event, just bring your own camera!

CHRISTMAS FAVORITES CONCERT

7 pm @ Souhegan High School Given by the Souhegan Valley Chorus with special guests New Hampshire Youth Chorale Adults: $15; Senior/Students: $10; Children 12 and under are free. More information at www.souheganvalleychorus.org.

Amherst-made jewelry, soaps, and other great gifts! Join us at the Wigwam on the weekend of December 8 and 9th for a uniquely Amherst shopping experience!!

SUNDAY, December 9 PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH MRS. CLAUS 8 - 11 am @ the Amherst Fire Station Hosted by Amherst Fire Rescue Donations accepted, no reservations needed

SANTA AT SALZBURG SQUARE

10 am - 12:30 pm Hosted by Hodlbyte Coffee in Salzburg Square (292 NH-101) No charge to attend!

CHRISTMAS MARKET

2018 Holiday Toy Store

Directed by Jennifer K. Erdody Accompanist: Kimberly Vars Whitehead

presents

Christmas Favorites With special guests New England Youth Singers

Saturday December 8, 2018 7:00 PM Souhegan High School 412 Boston Post Road Amherst, NH Tickets may be purchased from Toadstool Bookshop, chorus members, or at the door Adults: $15

Seniors & Students: $10

Children 12 and under admitted free

H

Since 1987, the Holiday Toy Store, a 501(c)(3) organization, has been committed to assisting local families in need by providing children (aged newborn through 15) with holiday gifts, free of charge. Over the years, the Holiday Toy Store has evolved into an incredible community effort involving various individuals, businesses, and civic organizations. At the Holiday Toy Store, qualified parents/guardians “shop” for gifts for their children from a large selection of new, current, age-appropriate toys purchased with funds we have raised. Free children’s books are given to families. We even supply our families with wrapping paper! Shoppers leave the store with an overwhelming sense of relief and appreciation for those who have helped them. This year, the Holiday Toy Store will provide gifts for over 500 children of Amherst, Brookline, Milford, Mont Vernon, and Wilton. We have been successful in our mission due to the generosity of our Named “Best of NH”

WINE CELLAR & ART GALLERY VIEWING

community. We are asking for your help in continuing the work of the Holiday Toy Store. We are aware that you are constantly being asked to support different organizations, but hope you will consider the enormous value of our efforts to the local children we serve. We would appreciate your help through a monetary donation or a donation of gift cards to be used to purchase gifts for the children we serve. We ask you to consider making a tax-deductible donation today. Also, we accept donations of new toys- look for donation boxes in Amherst in Milford soon! Please make checks payable to “Holiday Toy Store”. Donations can be mailed to us at: Holiday Toy Store, PO Box 6, Amherst, NH 03031.

11 am - 1 pm @ LaBelle Winery More information at https://www.labellewineryevents.com/event-registration/?ee=1251.

HOLIDAY CONCERT

12:30 - 2 pm @ the Congregational Church of Amherst Given by the Amherst Town Band and SHS A Capella Singers Free event!

SATURDAY, December 15 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Two Seatings: 9 - 10:30am & 10:30 am – noon @ the Congregational Church of Amherst But tickets at http://www.ccamherst.org/bws/. Tickets are limited and are on a first come basis. $10 per person; 12 months & younger free. Contact Marti Warren at martiwarren@comcast.net with questions. FOR MORE INFORMATION ​ mherst Tree Lighting Festival schedule: A https://amhersttreelightingfestival.weebly.com/ Amherst Tree Lighting Festival contact: Michelle Arbogast (michelleatlf@gmail.com)

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8 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

DECEMBER 2018 • www.amherstcitizen.com

Schools

Strategy was key, looking for items on sale they split up to take a divide and conquer approach “$100 seems like a lot of money...”

The team that buys the most nutritious foods within the $100 budget wins the game.

Students learned that food is expensive, and it is a challenge to feed a family on a budget

The Grocery Game Even a Nor’ Easter can’t keep Amherst Middle School students from doing good! Thirty-one eighth grade students from Mrs. Vordenberg’s Family and Consumer Science class met at Market Basket on the morning of Saturday October 27th at 9AM to play the Grocery Game. Mrs. Vordenberg teaches balanced meal planning and how to make a smart shopping list as a part of her 8th grade curriculum. Students form teams and each team is given a $100 budget, and a three-recipe menu. They’re challenged with purchasing at least ten fruits and vegetables, breakfast or lunch foods, and an unexpected scenario that requires adding a few more items to their grocery list. The team that buys the most nutritious foods within the $100 budget wins the game. The six teams competing were: Team Sponge Bob, The Consumers, Number 7, Gordon Ramsey 2.0, The Real Beans, and Team Default. “Strategy is key”, says Hunter Dailey, “We are looking for items on sale; and we split up our team to look for different items, a divide and conquer approach.” “We focused on the daily necessities”, say’s Corrine McNamara from Team Sponge Bob, “We bought things like baby food, tooth brushes, and bottled water.” “$100.00 seems like a lot of money, but when we had all of our items at the checkout, it didn’t feel like we bought that much food!”, remarked Eamon Griffen of the Number 7 Team. Students learn that food is expensive, and it is a challenge to

feed a family on a budget! The game was a great success. The competition at the checkout “finish line” was fierce, as groups added items to spend exactly $100.00; or return items, if they anticipated going over budget. Team Gordon Ramsey 2.0 won the game with the most produce, and all-around nutritious meal plans. Parent chaperones then loaded groceries and students into cars and minivans and everyone met at the SHARE Food Pantry in Milford where the group was met by Chris Jansen the director. She talked to the students about poverty in New Hampshire and gave them a tour of the facility. Students then loaded all their grocery items onto the shelves in the pantry or into the refrigerators or freezers, collected their prizes for the day and headed home with happy hearts. “This was so much fun! I learned a lot and feel good about helping out my community!”, remarked Riley Devine. “$600 of food was donated to SHARE today, and it is definitely something to feel good about,” says Mrs. Vordenberg. “I am so grateful to live and teach in a community of such generosity. All the parents of my students at AMS donate money every year, so that all the eighthgrade students have an opportunity to play the grocery game three times a year, for a total of $1500.00 of groceries donated. It’s a great game, and a lot of fun. Everyone walks away having learned something, while helping out a great cause to end hunger in New Hampshire.”

Teams were challenged with purchasing at least ten fruits and vegetables, breakfast or lunch foods

The competition at the checkout “finish line” was fierce, as groups added items to spend exactly $100.00 or otherwise return items to the shelves

Church Services Village Bible Church of Amherst 25 1/2 Middle Street Pastor: Mike Sacco Church Office: 673-4063 Website: www.villagebiblechurchamherst. org email: VillageBibleChurch@comcast.net Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 a.m

For the children Nursery: to age 3; Super Church: ages 4 thru grade 7; Village Bible Church of Amherst will host their annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Monday, December 24th from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. All are welcome to join in the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Congregational Church of Amherst UCC

11 Church Street Associate Pastor Maureen Frescott Church office: 673-3231 Web site: www.ccamherst.org

Sunday worship begins at 10:00 a.m. Fellowship time follows the service. The church extends a warm welcome to residents and visitors to the area to join in worship, discussion, service and social activities. Consult the website for current information, and check out the church Facebook page (Facebook.com/ccamherst) for timely updates and images.

Christ’s Church of Amherst

58 Merrimack Road Amherst 673-8292 www.ccnh.org Email: contact@ccnh.org

Sunday Morning Worship is at 10:30am. Nursery Care is available for children under 3. Kids’ Connection Program 3 years to Grade 6. Youth Group meets on Monday evenings during the school year. Please visit our website and Facebook page for more information.

Messiah Lutheran Church 303 Route 101 PO Box 488 Amherst, 673-2011 (office) 673-7707 (meeting and fax) messiahnh@comcast.net

Worship 9:30 am Sunday School (Sept-May) 10:45 am

St Luke Anglican Church

St. Lukes Anglican Church 3 Limbo Lane, Amherst Rev. Dr. Alexander H. Webb Church office: 672-6054 Website: www.st-luke,amherst.nh.us

All welcome and invited to attend Sunday Worship and Celebration of Holy Eucharist using the Traditional 1928 Book of Common Prayer weekly at 8:30 and 10:00 AM Church School at 10:00 AM Refreshment & fellowship following the service. Weekly Bible Studies: Tuesday Evening Soup & Study, 5;45~7:00PM Saturday Morning 11:00 AM ~ Noon.

Amherst Christian Church

Corner of Patricia at 134 Hollis Rd. Amherst Phone: 672-1541 Website: amherstchristianchurch.org Sunday Discipleship classes 9-10 Children’s class (Grades 1-6) 10-10:30 Sunday Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Small groups: 9 a.m. Small groups and youth meet evenings. Women’s ministries meet Thursday, 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Children’s church for ages 2 thru 5th grade during service Childcare provided for infants Office Hours: Tues – Fri, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church Craftsman Lane, Amherst Pastor Peter Korthals 821-9891 pastor@stpaul-amherst.org

St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church welcomes you to join us each Sunday for our worship service. Our Sunday Service begins at 9:30 a.m. with our Sunday School at 10:55 and adult Bible study at 11:00. Nursery service is available. Please be our guest as we celebrate the Lord and all he has done for us. Pastor Peter Korthals 821-9891pastor@stpaul-amherst.org

Church of Our Saviour, Episcopal

10 Amherst Street Milford Phone: 673-3309 E-mail: office@coosmilford.org Website: www.coosmilford.org Interim Rector: Rev. Hays Junkin

Sundays – 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist - 10 a.m. Choral Eucharist Wednesdays – 11:30 a.m. Lectionary and Lunch Eucharist followed by bring-your-ownlunch (coffee provided) and a discussion of the week’s lessons. We strive to live the message of Christ, in which all are welcome.

Mont Vernon Congregational Church

United Church of Christ 4 South Main Street Mont Vernon Church Office: 673-3500 (open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Web site: www.montvernonchurch.org E-mail: montvernonchurch@montvernonchurch.org

Office hours Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., or at other times by appointment. Join us for Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m. Sunday School is available for children aged 6 and old. Child Care provided for children under 6. All are invited to coffee hour in the Round Room following worship. House of Prayer every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7 p.m. – everyone is welcome.

Saint Patrick Catholic Community of Milford

Website: www.ccnh.org Phone: 673-1311 Website: saintpatrickmilfordnh.org

First Church Of Christ, Scientist 103 South St., Milford Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Meeting: 8 p.m.- Child care available – Sunday and Wednesday

Christian Science Reading Room 87 Union Square, Milford Mon. through Fri. 11a.m. - 3 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. to 1p.m. Wed. 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Last Sun. of the Month 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Email – readingroom@csmilfordnh.org Website – www.csmilfordnh.org

Unitarian Universalist Congregation

20 Elm St. Milford Rev. Carol Strecker is interim minister www.uucm.org or call 673-1870.

Sunday services are at 10:30am. Varied services are family oriented and include Whole Congregation Worship and Sunday Morning Circles for children and youth. Child care (infant to Kindergarten) is provided. See www.uucm.org for details and calendar. Fellowship hour follows the service. Family-oriented programming offers covenant groups for adults, High School Youth Group, Middle School Youth Group and Faith Formation for all ages. UUCM is a welcoming diverse community that participates in many social action initiatives. A FREE Community Supper is offered on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30-6:30pm. UUCM is located at 20 Elm Street and is handicapped accessible. The Rev. Carol Strecker is interim minister. More information at www.uucm.org or 673-1870.

St. John Neumann Catholic

708 Milford Road - Rt 101A Merrimack

880-4689 www.sjnnh.org Fr. Chris M. Martel

Weekend Mass: Saturday 5:30pm Sunday 8:00am & 10:00am Sep – May 6 p.m. Weekday Mass: 12:15pm Holy Days: 5:30pm vigil, 12:15pm and 7:00pm

Household of Faith

30 Merrimack Rd. Amherst www.hofonline.org

Sunday: Worship Services at 9:00 and 11:00am Monday: Young Adult Bible Study and Discussion for ages 18-25 (HoFX) at 7:00pm Tuesday: Shava Praise & Prayer at 7:00pm Wednesday: Middle & High School Youth Groups for 5th-7th graders at 7:00pm Thursday: Addiction Recovery Group at 7:00pm (HoFX)

Temple Beth Abraham

4 Raymond Street, Nashua 883-8184 Website: www.tbanashua.org Rabbi: Jonathan Spira-Savett Religious School Director: Noreen Leibson Religious School Phone: 883-9844

Temple Beth Abraham is a congregation serving Jewish families throughout Southern New Hampshire. Our members come from all kinds of Jewish backgrounds and we welcome interfaith families to our community. Shabbat Morning Services begin at 9:30 am. Shabbat Evening Services begin at 8:00 pm. If there is a change in time or a special service, it will be on our calendar. Evening Minyan (daily service) begins at 7:30 pm Mon-Thur. For more information please visit www.tbanashua.org or call 883-8184. Religious School Schedule is K - Grade 2 Sundays from 9:30 am – 12:00 Noon. Grades 3 – 7 Tuesdays 3:45 – 5:30 and Thursdays 3:45 – 6:15.

www.amherstcitizen.com • DECEMBER 2018 •

School Subjects Students in the News

Students Named to 2018 University Singers

Amherst Resident Daniel Oates Returns Following Intensive Research Project

WORCESTER, MASS - Daniel Oates of Amherst, a member of the class of 2020 majoring in robotics engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), was a member of a student team that recently completed an intense, hands-on research project in Glacier National Park. The project was titled Parking Reservation System for Glacier National Park. In their project summary the students wrote, “Our team designed a multi-step phase in plan for a parking reservation system for both national parks using asset mapping and cost-benefit analyses.”

Bob Jones University recently named several students to the 2018 University Singers.The choral program at BJU is a developmental program comprised of seven graded choirs. Performances include concerts of standard choral literature, sacred service music, and the annual opera and oratorio performances. Each participant will have the opportunity to learn to use music for the service of God and to reach their individual technical and artistic choral potential within a program that strives for the highest level of musical excellence. Elizabeth Haggarty, a resident of Mont Vernon, is a freshman majoring in Nursing.

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 9

Sports Shorts Zlotnick, Trudel Lead Sabers at NH Meet of Champions! Senior Captain, Arielle Zlotnick has raced among the elite runners in New Hampshire for 4 years, but her 7th place finish (18:39) at Saturday’s Meet of Champions was one of her best ever, as she led the Souhegan Girls to a 6th place team finish (194 points) and a berth at The New England Cross Country Championships next weekend! Arielle’s patience over the 1st mile, as she tucked in the back of the chase pack through the wind, water, and mud of the fields and trails at Mine Falls Park, paid off, as she crushed the 2nd and 3rd miles, dropping the 10 or so girls in the chase pack, and then outracing several of the girls in the lead pack! Not far behind, her teammate, and freshman sensation Chloe Trudel was also having an outstanding race! She too, ran a smart race and closed with incredible tenacity, passing 8 runners over the last 1000M to capture 12th place overall in 19:00! Chloe was one of only 2 freshman in the top 30! Sophomore, Molly Jennings

(L to R): Sophia Lunati, Adrianna Zlotnick, Jenny Ladd, Molly Jennings, Chloe Trudel, Arielle Zlotnick, and Emma Herrero.

also ran her best race ever, with a personal best of 20:33, good for 66th place in the field of 147 finishers. Seniors Jenny Ladd, and Sophie Unger completed the scoring for Souhegan with their fastest

times of the season despite the adverse conditions. Exeter took first place team honors with 118 points, followed closely by Coe-Brown with 121. The top 6 New Hampshire teams advance to the New En-

gland Championships. The Sabers captured the 6th and final team spot, edging out Bishop Guertin by 7 points. Complete results can be found at lancertiming.com

Informational Session for Amherst Scouting BSA Troop 7 This will be an all-female youth-led scouting unit starting February 1st, 2019! On Wednesday, November 7th from 6:45-8:15 PM at the Amherst Middle School there will be an Informational Session for Amherst Scouting BSA Troop 7, an all-female youth-led scouting unit starting February 1ST, 2019. After extensive research and listening to families and top Scouting leaders from across the country, the Boy Scouts of America voted favorably to welcome girls into its iconic Cub Scout program and to deliver a Scouting program for older girls that will enable them to advance and earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Amherst NH Cub Scout Pack 613 was successful as one of New Hampshire’s early adopters welcoming girls since March 2018. The girls had a great time participating in their rank advancement

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adventures and were able to attend Summer Camp! These girls along with many new recruits are continuing their scouting journey that now includes having a troop to crossover in to. Beginning February 1, 2019, Scouting BSA will begin accepting girls between the ages of 1117. Please come and meet with the newly formed Troop 7, an all-female scouting unit, committee members and program leadership and learn more about the Scouting opportunity for your girls! We look forward to talking with you and answering any questions pertaining to girls in scouting. If you are unable to attend the night, or just cannot wait, please email us at AmherstNHTroop7@gmail.com.

Competency Based Learning

Sabers football defeated Bow in Division II quarterfinals 34-13 sending the Souhegan Sabers into the semi-final game against Plymouth. Souhegan fell to Plymouth 45-28 in the Division II semifinal game ending their season.

SHS Football Team Place Wreaths

continued from page 2

them take more control of their learning because they know what they are doing right and wrong. While every student can learn, everyone processes and advances at different paces; no one is the same. With competency-based learning, students are not limited when it comes to opportunities to expand their learning at their own pace. Now success is more possible for various types of learners. Competency-based learning provides Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) for students who want to accelerate their learning. It also provides support for students who learn at a slower pace. Dian Schaffhauser, who studies and writes on education and technology topics states in the article, Technologies That Unlock Competency-Based Learning, “learning becomes the constant, time becomes the variable.” Another benefit is that because not all learning happens in the classroom, students can learn through outside experiences. They can demonstrate competency through opportunities such as internships or community service. These ELOs allow students to be more in control of their learning. School is more than just books, books, books, and endless memorization. Skills that students will need after school are being stressed even more such as critical thinking, self-direction, collaboration, communication, and problem solving. More students will be driven to accomplish their objectives inside and outside of school because of these opportunities. Despite these positive benefits, some still question what competency-based learning replaces. While many people are excited about what competency-based learning brings, others aren’t too quick to hop on board to the competency-based learning approach. Lisa Westmans, in an article for The Education Week Blog, “Finding Common Ground,” makes a good point in her article, “Standard Based Grading Made My Kid Average.” A friend of Westman’s “relayed that her daughter (who was formerly an “A” student) had received all ‘meets requirements’ and no ‘exceeds requirements’ on her report card, and, therefore, her daughter was now, ‘just average.’” It may feel more difficult to exceed the standard and achieve more, but every child’s goal range varies. The truth is competency-based learning does not directly align with the traditional system, according to Westman. It is its own completely different system. “Meeting standards” does not mean average; it just means the student is where they should be. Students have the option to exceed and learn above where they need to be at any point. Earning an “A” does not really show what the student has mastered. We need something that better prepares our children for today’s world. Through competency-based learning, I have taken more ownership of my learning and noticed my peers slowly but surely adapting to this effective way of learning. I encourage our community to embrace this change because it has so much more to offer. Parents and community members are concerned for their children’s learning; they want them to be happy and to have a good education, which will carry them through to the rest of their lives. Education is more than it was before. So many schools all over the world have realized how much better competency-based learning is, and that’s why they are switching. If you are a parent or guardian of a student making the transition into competency-based learning, please learn what you can about it by reaching out to administrators or teachers in your district or by going to OneSchoolStreet. Make sure to communicate with your child as transitioning into anything new can be stressful. Competency-based learning will have a positive impact on the students going through school today. Sincerely, Shannon Hargreaves Shannon Hargreaves is a student athlete at Souhegan High School in Amherst. She is a grade representative on Community Council for her freshman class. She also is a student leader on Community Council’s Grading Committee. Shannon wants to be a voice for her peers and hopes to be a future leader at SHS.

Super Souhegan football fans made the drive to Bow to cheer on the team

“We Are the Champions!” Nine year old Samantha Swanbon of Wilkins Elementary School, poses after helping the Gate City Striders/Nashua PAL Cross Country Team win the Northeast USATF Jr Olympic championships in the 9-10 year old division, held at Van Cortland Park, The Bronx, on November 18. Coach Bowkett with members of his SHS fottbal team

After a moment of silence in honor of the passing of President George H.W. Bush the beautiful green wreaths with red bows were placed at veterans’ graves at Meadow View Cemetery with the assis-

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SHS Jazz Night #1

the U.S. House of Representatives, Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, the American Cancer Society Ball, and a John F. Kennedy Memorial Ceremony at the Massachusetts State House. Over the years, BC bOp! has traveled far and wide, swinging hard before both national and international audiences. Annual performances at the BC Arts Festival include the always popular “Dancing with bOp!” and featured performances with jazz greats like Mike Monaghan and Herb Pomeroy. In February 2012, BC bOp! was the only university ensemble selected

tance of many volunteers and the Souhegan football team and their head coach Robin Bowkett. They then fanned out over town and finished the job at the additional gravesites. Thanks, Marie. continued from page 1

for the Young Artists Concert at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho. Most recently, bOp! performed at the ShapeShifter Lab in Brooklyn, NY. BC bOp! will be joined by jazz ensembles from Souhegan HS, Londonderry HS, Milford HS and the Manchester Community Music School. General Admission at the door is $10.00. Doors will open at 6:30pm. For event information, please contact Carl Benevides at cbenevides@sprise.com.

Subscribe Today! The Amherst Citizen e-newsletter. It’s free, private and secure. Sent to you by e-mail between print editions.

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Registration for 2019-2020 begins January 7th

Morning classes for 3 and 4-year-olds with extended day option. An extra year before kindergarten for your 5-year-old. Music and natural science enrichment programs. * Serving families since 1996 * 11 Church Street * Amherst, NH 03031 * 672-3168 www.preschoolinthevillage.org pivamherst@gmail.com

10 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

DECEMBER 2018 • www.amherstcitizen.com

Arts

&

Entertainment

Exhibits

Symphony NH Announces 2018-2019 Season: Celebrating Mozart NASHUA – Symphony NH presents the 2018-19 Season: Celebrating Mozart, to include The Music of John Williams; Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony”; followed by An Irish Christmas (Saturday, December 8, Nashua and Sunday, December 9 in Concord), featuring the songs, stories, and dance music of Ireland and its Celtic influences around the world, all in celebration of the holiday season. The band Ishna will accompany Ciaran Nagle, an Irish Tenor, and Tara Novak on violin and vocals. The members of Ishna have performed with Riverdance, received Grammy awards, recorded many albums with other musical groups, and are world renowned musicians. Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles with Sympho-

ny NH (Saturday, December 29 in Nashua); Mozart and Beethoven (Saturday, January 26, 2019 in Nashua); from early Beatles music on through the solo years, Classical Mystery Tour features “Penny Lane” with a live trumpet section; experience the beauty of “Yesterday” with an acoustic guitar and string quartet; enjoy the rock/classical blend on the hard edged “I Am the Walrus.” From early Beatles music on through the solo years, Classical Mystery Tour is the best of The Beatles like you’ve never heard them: totally live with the Symphony NH orchestra. Mozart 40 and Elgar Cello Concerto (Saturday March Cellist, Brant Taylor

Gareth Johnson

PHOTO: LOUISE NOAKES

Howard Muscott is Artist of the Month at the ArtHub Gallery

Jaffrey Civic Center Annual Autumn Art Exhibit

The Jaffrey Civic Center is hosting its Annual Autumn Art show this month from Friday, November 23 – Tuesday, December 18. A mixed media event, the exhibit will include all types of media including but not limited to: photographs, paintings, drawings, textiles, glassworks, paperworks, pottery pieces, woodwork and other 3D disciplines. Our final exhibit of the year, this is a well-attended exhibit for both new and experienced artists. Most of the artwork is for sale so a great place to start your holiday shopping. The Jaffrey Civic Center is located at 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, next to Library, parking in rear. Admission is free. Information: 5326527, e-mail: info@jaffreyciviccenter.com

NASHUA – Howard S. Muscott will be displaying his artwork at the Nashua Area Artists Association Art Hub Gallery, 30 Temple Street, Nashua, during the month of December. A reception will be held Thursday, December 6, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. It is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Howard Muscott’s photography has captured the exquisite beauty of the natural world and the amazing wildlife within it for more than 45 years. Grounded in his early years of hiking, backpacking, and mountain climbing, Howard’s love for nature photography is fueled by the exquisite beauty of the natural world. “The ideal photograph tells a story that speaks directly to the heart and moves people to self-reflection. It combines one’s vision for the image with the best natural, ideally golden

A Dickens Christmas At JCC JAFFREY– Join the Jaffrey Civic Center for a very special fundraiser, “A Dickens Christmas, Saturday, Dec. 22nd at 5 pm. Arrive at the Civic Center where the heavenly voices of festively attired Victorian carolers will greet you at the door, attend a special presentation of Project Shakespeare’s “A Christmas Carol”, and feast on a traditional Victorian era dinner with roast turkey, plum pudding and authentic fare from the era of Dicken’s. Adults can enjoy a nice glass of Smoking Bishop. Live piano music in the background will be provided courtesy of Louise and Bernie Watson. Tickets can be purchased on the homepage of our website at www. Jaffreyciviccenter.com or at the Civ-

ic Center. Ticket prices are Adults: $50 and Children (under 10): $35. Purchase your tickets by Dec. 8th and receive 20% off the price. Limited seating available. Proceeds will directly benefit the Jaffrey Civic Center and Project Shakespeare. The Jaffrey Civic Center, is located at 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, New Hampshire, parking in rear. We are a designated 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to art, education and civic activities. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am- 12 noon, 1to 5 pm and Sat 10-2. Admission is always free. For more information about us, call 603-532-6527, e-mail us at info@jaffreyciviccenter.com. Find our website, www.jaffreyciviccenter.com, or “Like” us on Facebook.

Small Works – BIG

IMPACT

light, and requires both persistence and opportunity.” Self-taught, Howard has had more than 25 individual and 40 group shows highlighting among other things autumn colors, Southwestern peoples and light, the mountains of Alaska, Colorado and the Pacific Northwest, and wildlife. Howard’s work has been published on the cover of national journals in education, in newspapers and books, and used on educational and other websites. He is currently the chairperson of the High School Scholarship program at the Manchester Artist Association. His work can be found on his website (www.chasingthegoldenlight.com) and at various stores, galleries, and office buildings around NH.

9, 2019 in Nashua and Sunday, March 10, 2019 in Concord); and Barber’s Adagio and Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony (Saturday, April 6, 2019 in Nashua); with performances at Keefe Center for the Arts, 117 Elm Street Nashua and the Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince Street Concord. The orchestra’s 95th season introduces an exciting new concert series, “Symphony NH Presents,” which combines exceptional performers with your symphony. Whether you enjoy a fresh take on your favorite Beatles songs or delving into a piece of music to listen in new ways, Symphony NH’s

ADVERTORIAL ADVERTORIAL ADVERTORIAL

J.M. Princewell is the “Go To” Gift Shop in Southern New Hampshire

MILFORD – Find a unique gift at the 12 year old J.M. Princewell, gift boutique on the Milford oval. So said the readers of “The Hippo” in the 2018 Best of NH issue. JMP has been distinguished as the #4 shop in New Hampshire to find a unique gift. With familiar products as Rhode Island based Alex & Ani jewelry, Baggallini handbags – founded by an Amherst NH flight attendant & friend, Massachusetts based Mariposa – recycled aluminum home décor, South Carolina based Spartina 449 – Linen & Leather Handbags and small accessories, and the internationally renowned Danish Pandora Jewelry… one might ask how this maps out. There are so many unexpected, quality, well priced products from ethical local, regional and worldy sources. Shopping for the masses is not our aim. We shop for the discriminating gift shopper. JMP works closely with owners and representatives to create a collection for the respective seasons. One stop shopping. And, you’ll be supporting a local store run by local people.

Snowy Owl Prayerful

Holiday Show & Sale

Enjoy our fabulous Small Works – BIG IMPACT show filled with affordable original art work from local artists just in time for the Holiday shopping season, now through December 26. Pick up original artwork for those who you think about over the Holidays. Gift certificates available. Works include: oil, watercolor, fiber, acrylic, pastel, drawing, color pencil, handpulled prints, mixed media, and sculpture. For details, call us at 672-2500 or visit: www.creativeventuresfineart.com

Creative Ventures Gallery

411 Nashua Street, Milford, NH 03055

Black Bear in Storm

2018-19 season has music for everyone. Single tickets went on sale July 1st. Subscription Series tickets are $18 to $52, with subscriber discounts, discounts for seniors 62 and older, $10 student tickets and free tickets for younger audience members ages 15 and under. Symphony NH Presents tickets are $25 to $65. For concert and ticket information visit: www.symphonynh.org, call (603) 595-9156, or stop by the Symphony NH office located in the Court Street Theater Building at 6 Church Street in Nashua. Symphony NH continues the holiday tradition with An Irish Christmas on Saturday, December 8th at 7:30 in Nashua and Sunday, December 9th at 3 pm in Concord, Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles joins Symphony NH on Saturday, December 29th at 7:30 pm at Keefe Center for the Arts.

Grand Awakening

J.M. Princewell is conveniently located on the Milford Oval

See www.jmprincewell.com & enter our professional FB page from there to access latest info. Holiday hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30am-ish-7pm-ish; Sunday until 5pm-ish.

www.amherstcitizen.com • DECEMBER 2018 •

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 11

Obituaries Carter Mock Carter’s three-year battle with osteosarcoma came to an end on November 11th 2018. Through this battle he showed us how to live courageously. Now it’s our time to be courageous like Carter and live a life of which he would be proud. Carter brightened this world with his love, laughter, creativity, and passion for life. His beautiful life was short but impacted so many people. In memory of Carter, try and live each day to it’s fullest with courage, love and laughter, just as he did. Please no flowers and in lieu make a donation to Carter’s Jimmy Fund Give Page. All of the donations given to this page will go to early phase clinical trials of newly developed drugs specifically for children with osteosarcoma. www.myjimmyfundpage.org/give/cartermock Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor of children, adolescents, and young adults. In contrast to other pediatric cancers, there has been no significant improvement in outcomes in the past 30 years, and no new therapies have been identified. For those children like Carter, who have metastatic disease or a recurrence of their dis-

ease, current treatment options are limited. New treatments with better survival rates are needed now. Please consider making Carter’s Jimmy Fund Give page one of your yearly charitable donations. The reality of childhood cancer is real; share your awareness in hopes of uniting to make advancements in necessary pediatric oncology treatment. This page will be up throughout the year and for years to come.

Ann Woodbury Davis

William J. Jordan

Ann Woodbury she volunteered at Davis passed away the Animal Resat Crestwood cue League and Center, Milford together with her on Sat, Nov 10th daughter fostered following a perilitters of kittens od of declining and adult cats for health. She was Kitty Angels. one month shy of Following the her 94th birthday. death of her husAnn was born band, Ann reat home in Milturned to college. ton Mills, NH on She designed her December 15th, own program of 1924 to William study, Non FicElliott and Doris tion Writing, and (Horne) Woodgraduated with a bury. Despite the BA in 2002 from Depression, she the College of Ann Davis had a wonderful Lifelong Learnchildhood growing (UNH). She ing up on her father’s poultry farm wrote and published “Memoirs of a and playing with cousins at Horn Marriage”, “Cat Tales”, and “GrowPond. She graduated from Milton ing up in Milton Mills”. Mills Grammar School, and Nute Ann was an avid quilter and atHigh School, class of 1942. During tended Quilt Camp through the ElWorld War II she worked for one der Hostel program in Lyndonville, year in Miltonia Mill – one of the VT for many years. She also particfirst two women to do a man’s job. ipated in poetry and writing workAnn attended Chamberlain School shops held on the Isles of Shoals. of Fashion and Retailing in Boston She loved camping, hiking, travelfor two years and following gradua- ling, her cats, her family, and really tion with honors, was employed for good chocolate chip cookies! five years at Gilchrist Department She will be missed by her daughStore in Boston. ters Susan (Scott) Adams of AmWhile on a hostelling trip (via bi- herst, NH and Elizabeth/Betsy cycle) she met Robert Davis at his (Robert) Mullen of Grand Island, FL family’s farm in Amherst, NH. They and by her only grandchild Kathermarried in 1950 and honeymooned ine Mullen (Steve) Ballard of Owin Europe travelling by bicycle and ensboro, KY. She leaves behind motorcycle. They continued their her sister Jane Seeling of Colorado travels by motorcycle around the Springs, CO and a brother in law, Western United States, Alaska, and Victor Misek of Hudson, NH. She Mexico, and gave a series of illus- was predeceased by her parents, her trated travel lectures to local civ- husband of 44 years, Robert C. Daic groups and schools. When faced vis, her brother and his wife, Stewith an “empty nest”, Ann and Bob ven and Eleanor Woodbury, her sisspent one summer backpacking on ter, Susan Misek, her brother in law the Appalachian Trail, completing Fred Seeling, and her brother in law approximately 1200 miles of its to- and his wife, Roy and Patricia Davis. tal length of 3200 miles. Ann’s father was one of 10 chilWhile living in Amherst, Ann dren and she had more than 30 first and Bob built their own home. Ann cousins. One of her great joys was was a Girl Scout leader as well as a attending the Woodbury Family member of the American Legion Reunion held every other year on Auxiliary, the Amherst Histori- Cape Cod. She leaves behind over cal Society and the Congregation- 200 members of extended family. al Church’s Woman’s Association. There will be no services. A celFor many years she was active in ebration of life will be held in the the Christian Science church in spring. In lieu of flowers, donations Milford, serving as Reader, Reading in her memory can be made to KitRoom librarian, and Board Mem- ty Angels, PO Box 638, Tyngsboro, ber. She worked at Jordan Marsh in MA, 01879, or to the Nashua Soup Bedford, NH where she rose to the Kitchen is P.O.Box 3116, Nashua, position of Training Director. Later, NH 03061.

AMHERST – races, matches, William J. “Bill” fishing trips, and Jordan, 79, resigolf outings. dent of Amherst, Bill’s caNH, died on Noreer took many vember 24, 2018 at turns. From the his home. Marine Corps to He was born on Air Traffic ConMarch 9, 1939 in trol, carpentry, Boston, MA, the high volume techson of William nology manufacH. Jordan and Elturing and finallen (Fournier) Jorly to real estate, dan. He was raised there was no proand educated in fession that Bill Charlestown, MA. was unwilling to Following gradutry. His exemation, Bill entered plary dedication Bil Jordan the U.S. Marine lead him to a great Corps and was number of suca veteran of the cesses and friendVietnam War era. He was honor- ships in his professional life. Noably discharged in 1969 at the rank where was this more evident than at of Staff Sergeant. Teradyne in Nashua where he met While in the Marine Corps, Bill and married his wife Kathleen. studied Uechi-Ryu Karate in OkiHe is survived by family memnawa, and had attained the level bers including his wife, Kathleen of 2nd degree brown belt. His ap- (Hineman) Jordan of Amherst, NH; preciation for Japanese culture re- a daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer mained a theme throughout his Jordan and Tom Cassetty of Nashua, adult life. Bill was renowned for his NH; three sons and daughters-insushi meals and lessons, which he law, Matt and Flora Jordan of Nashwas willing to provide to family and ua, NH, Derek and Shannon Jordan friend alike. of Holliston, MA, Ryan and Terry Though he was raised in the city, Jordan of Chandler, AZ; a stepson, Bill learned to ride horses in the ro- Brad Deveau and his wife Sarah of deo and often attended bull riding Travelers Rest, SC; 14 grandchilevents when the opportunity pre- dren; 7 great-grandchildren; and his sented itself. He was particular- cousin Georgia Lippman. Visiting hours are on Wednesly fond of the rodeo and barbecue at the Buffalo Chip Saloon in Cave day, November 28th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm in the Smith & Heald FuCreek Arizona. For more than 20 years Bill made neral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, his home in Epping, NH and has re- NH. A mass of Christian burial will sided in Amherst, NH for the past be celebrated at 10:00 am on Thursday, November 29th in St. Patrick’s 16 years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf- Church, 34 Amherst Street, Miling and was an avid New England ford. Burial with military honors sports fan; especially the Red Sox will be held in the New Hampshire and Bruins. In his youth, he was the State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawdrum major of the Majestic Knights en, NH. Arrangements are in the in Charlestown Ma. In his later care of Smith & Heald Funeral years, his hobbies largely revolved Home. To share a memory or ofaround his wife and adult children’s fer a condolence, please go to www. pursuits, and he would ambitious- smith-heald.com ly climb behind the wheel to get to

Richard H. Haas

Carter Mock brightened this world with his love, laughter, creativity, and passion for life.

Bruce Sturtevant On November plants, and grilling 25, 2018, Bruce in the yard. Sturtevant, garBruce is surdener, birder, vived by his fafoodie, musician, ther and his wife, cat lover, smitDonald Sturtevant ten husband, and and Barbara Sturloving father and tevant; his mothgrandfather died er, Elva Roy Kolley; in his home at the his wife, Pamela A. age of 70. Morin Sturtevant; Bruce was his two children, born and raised Jonah Sturtevant, in Lynn, MA. He and Amy Sturmoved to New tevant Lopez; his Hampshire in the sisters and broth1960’s and has ers, Elaine Borbeen a long time ry, Sheri-ann BerBruce Sturtevant resident of Amnard, Jodi Kolley herst, where, with Shattuck, Joel Kolhis wife, Pam, he took great joy in ley, Lisa Sturtevant Castine; and spoiling ornery cats and tending to his grandchildren, Rebecca Lopez, his lawn and garden. Isaias Lopez, Maximus Sturtevant, Bruce loved food and cooking and and Lucas Sturtevant. happily and generously shared his Should friends desire, memoriculinary adventures with friends al contributions may be sent to the and family. He loathed an over- Dana Farber Cancer Institute or cooked ham. the American Cancer Society Hope Bruce was a music lover and a tal- Lodge. To share a memory or offer ented drummer. He was most hap- a condolence, please go to www. py listening to jazz, caring for his smith-heald.com

NASHUA — his heart for NanRichard H. Haas, tucket Island and 93, also of Gilspent many sumford, NH, and mers there with Bradenton, FL, his family. One of died November his favorite hob22, 2018. bies was operatHe was born in ing a Hamm radio. Snyder, NY, June After his retire25, 1925, to Emil ment he and his and Charlotte wife built a house (Henry) Haas. on Mountain He had one sisDrive in Gilford, ter, Georgia. He NH with a view of grew up in NewLake Winnipesauton MA. He is an kee. There they enalumni of Govtertained friends ernor Dummer and family with Richard Haas Academy, The their beautiful Governors Acadviews and excuremy of Byfield, sions on the boat MA, and an alumni of Tufts Uni- around the Lake. In their later versity, in Boston, MA. years, they purchased a condo in He served in the Army Air Force Bradenton FL where they spent the as a Navigator on a B29 Bomb- winter months. er during WWII. He was also emHe was predeceased by his wife ployed by Sears Roebuck for many of over 50 years, Julia Parker Haas years as a financial auditor. (Judy). He was a wonderful husband, faHe is survived by his three chilther, grandfather, brother, and un- dren, Richard H. Haas Jr., Bradencle. ton, FL, Roger E. Haas of Mont VerHe and his wife Judy, raised their non, NH, and Nancy L. Haas, of family in Nashua, NH. They were Boscawen, NH, six grandchildren, members of the Nashua Coun- Shanna Cote, Ryan Haas, Benjamin try Club and were both avid golf- Haas, Christopher Haas, Alexander ers. They were also early support- Haas, and Dana Ruland, and twelve ers of the Nashua music scene and great grandchildren. He also is surprovided a rehearsal space for their vived by several nieces, and nephchildren and fellow musicians as ews well as supporting their perforHe will be laid to rest at the Vetmance efforts. Some of these young erans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH. musicians eventually formed the It will be a private ceremony. A celband known as Aces and Eights in ebration of life is planned for latNashua, who are still performing er. Arrangements are in the care of today. The family spent many sum- Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 mers with their friends and neigh- Elm Street, Milford, NH. To share bors on camping trips around New a memory or offer a condolence, England. He had a special place in please go to www.smith-heald.com

Gertrude Whitall Martin G er t r ude Whitall Martin of Concord MA, formerly of Amherst, NH, died on Saturday November 24, 2018. Born in Katonah, NY on November 5, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Josephine C. and Thomas W. Whitall. She was predeceased by her husband, Pierre E. MarGertrude tin and their son Thomas W. Martin. She is survived by her daughters Josephine C. Martin (Melissa Meyers) of Arlington, VA and Martha L. Shethar (Alan Shethar) of Littleton, MA; grandchildren Thomas W. Martin, Jr (Alexandra), Christopher S. Martin (Kristin), Katharine L. Martin, Daphne F. Shethar, Eric P. Shethar and Eleanor W. Martin; a great granddaughter Harper K. Martin and a sister-in-law, Anne Marie Morotte. She attended the Rippowam School in Bedford NY and graduated from Miss Hall’s School in Pittsfield, MA. She received a BA in Education and a MA in Early Childhood Education and General Special Education from Antioch College in Keene, NH. She and her husband lived in Boston MA and Harvard, MA before moving to Amherst NH where they lived for 53 years. She taught in the Milford School system. She was a founder and Executive Director of the Souhegan Valley Association for the Handicapped, serving on the Board of Trustees for several years. In the 1980s she helped to organize the hot-air balloon rally for High Hopes, an organization that grants wishes to terminally ill children. For 29 years, she served as a volunteer at the Hillsborough County

House of Corrections in Manchester, NH teaching reading and literacy skills. She was moved by the humanity and potential of these men and dedicated herself to improving their lives; it was a passion and a calling for her. She worked as a volunteer counselor at Thresholds, an inmate release Martin counseling program. She was a member of the Amherst Garden Club and served 2 terms on the NH Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women. She served on the Board of New Horizons of New Hampshire during which time she was an enthusiastic supporter of their decision to add Angie’s Shelter for Women in Manchester. After the death of her husband, she moved to Newbury Court in Concord, MA and lived there for 10 happy years. She was an ardent supporter of the Democratic party and she was a champion for those whom society neglects. She was a remarkable role model for her family and for many others. Her commitment to social justice, community service and English grammar will be remembered by all. The family would greatly appreciate any memorial donations to New Horizons of NH (199 Manchester St, Manchester, NH 03103 www.newhorizonsnh. org). Memorial service December 8, 2018 at 1pm Duvall Chapel, Newbury Court, Concord, MA Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Concord, MA For online guestbook please visit www.deefuneralhome.com

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12 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

DECEMBER 2018 • www.amherstcitizen.com

Mont Vernon Mont Vernon Cocktail Blogger Wins International Award

Amy Traynor, blogger, photographer, mixologist

Local Mont Vernon cocktail blogger and photographer, Amy Traynor, of the blog Moody Mixologist, was announced a winner of SAVEUR Magazine’s 2018 Blog Awards. Traynor was announced as the winner of both the Editor’s Choice and Reader’s Choice awards for the Best Drinks Blog category. SAVEUR Magazine’s Blog Awards highlight some of the world’s best developed blogs in the areas of food, beverage, culture, and travel. This year’s 9th annual awards received

over 20,000 nominations in 11 categories covering everything from Most-Inspired Weeknight Dinners to Best Travel Blog. From the nominations, 6 blogs were selected as finalists in each category. Two winners were selected in each category: an Editor’s Choice, selected by the magazine’s editors, and a Reader’s Choice, selected by the largest number of online votes. Traynor was announced as the Best Drinks Blog award winner November 8th at the awards ceremony held at Clayborn Temple in Memphis, Tennessee. She was unable to attend the event, but delivered her acceptance speech via video. Launched only eight months ago, Traynor’s blog is an extension of her rapidly growing, creative cocktail Instagram account by the same name. Moody Mixologist is a collection of original and classic cocktail recipes, tutorials, and photography focused on sharing the beauty of botanical ingredients and exploring unusual syrups, infusions, and techniques. The content is focused on sharing creative, simple, and accessible cocktails that anyone can enjoy, no matter your skill level or the size of your home bar. Amy Traynor is a Mont Vernon, NH-based photographer, cocktail

designer, and forager of wild edibles with a love of organic ingredients and a propensity for creating dark and moody imagery. Originally from Connecticut, Traynor first moved to New Hampshire in 2005 to study photography at Chester

College of New England. She later relocated to New York City to complete her undergraduate degree at the School of Visual Arts, and moved back to New Hampshire to live permanently in 2011.

Mont Vernon Congregational Church, United Church of Christ

New Mural at Village School Welcomes Students and Visitors “Be the Nice Kid. Start with Hello.”

4 S. Main Street, Mont Vernon Telephone: 673-3500 Interim Minister: Dr. Alex Gondola Email: montvernonchurch@comcast.net Website: www.montvernonchurch.org

We are very excited to announce that Rev. Dr. Alex Gondola of Amherst will be joining our congregation as Interim Minister to help lead us in our Mission and our search for a new Settled Pastor. He was most recently Interim Minister at the First Congregational Church of Milford, N.H. For more information, please check our website at http:// montvernonchurch.org/ Please join us for Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m. Sunday School, for children aged 4 – 12 years. Our monthly Community Dinners are held on the third Thursday of each month from 5 – 6:30 p.m. There is no charge for this meal, although donations are welcome. We will not be serving our monthly Community Dinner in December as the third Thursday is so close to Christmas Day. We hope to see everyone on January 17, 2019.

Gospel Children’s Choir practice.

Mont Vernon Village School is honored to have this mural presented by the Mont Vernon PTA. Ms. Hannah Kershaw, an alum of MVVS, painted this mural adding her own touch to this well-known quote authored by Bryan Skavnak. The mural greets everyone as they enter the building in the lobby of the school.-John Schuttinger, MVVS Principal. One of the PTA board members found this quote and expressed interest in having it be a permanent installation at MVVS. We were so excited when Mr. Schuttinger agreed to it and Hannah accepted the commission. We enjoyed seeing the mural come to life over the

week that Hannah was working on it. The PTA board was so happy to be a part of welcoming the students back to school with these wonderful words of encouragement. Jessica Hinckley, MVVS PTA President This summer Hannah painted a mural of flowers for an Amherst family after being recommended by the SHS Art Department. Hannah has also painted murals at Amherst Middle School and Red Sauce Ristorante. Miss Kershaw is currently a freshman studying Environmental Science at The University of Vermont and is accepting inquiries for commission at: sharkkershaw@ gmail.com.

Does your child love to sing? If so, come and join us every Tuesday from 4 - 5:30 p.m. when we host the Gospel Children’s Choir practice.

MONT VERNON HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWS Where will Santa be during Town Tree Lighting Festivities?

port PTA projects.

Historical Society Museum located on the second floor of the Town Hall from 5:30-7 p.m. during the Town Tree Lighting Festivities on Saturday, December 8th. Families are invited to visit and enjoy some festive holiday music played on the piano by Mary Alice Minor. Bundle up as there is no heat in the museum. Historical society members will participate in the Mont Vernon Village School’s PTA fundraiser decorating a Christmas tree. They are working on an original masterpiece that will be auctioned at the school during the “Breakfast With Santa” on December 1. Proceeds will sup-

For the holidays consider ordering a customized house plaque for your home or given as a gift. They are suitable for old homes and new. You choose the wording. There are two shapes and three sizes available with the prices ranging from $40-60. Order forms available at the Mont Vernon General Store, Daland Memorial Library, and Selectmen’s Office in the Town Hall. Payments need to accompany each order. Money raised will be used for ongoing preservation projects in the museum.

Customized Plaques – Ongoing Santa will be in the Mont Vernon Fundraiser

Membership

Please support the historical society and become a member. Annual dues per person are as follows: adults $20; 18 and younger $5; lifetime $200. Join when visiting the museum when open, or mail to the Mont Vernon Historical Society, PO Box 15, Mont Vernon, NH. Please include name (s), mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address. Checks made out to Mont Vernon Historical Society. Questions, contact Mont Vernon Historical Society President Eloise Carleton ateloise_carleton@comcast.net; Museum Curator Mary Jo Marcely at Hannahsgarden@hotmail.com; or Assistant Museum Curator Sandy Kent at slkent57@ gmail.com.

Daland Memorial Library News Library Director: Bonnie Angulas Children’s Program Director: JoAnn Kitchel Email: dalandlibrary@comcast.net Hours: Tuesday 10-8 Wednesday 10-8 Thursday 10-8 Friday 2-6 Saturday 10-1 Sunday Closed Monday Closed

New Adult Book Club...”Just the Classics”

Have you always wanted to read or reread the classics? The library is excited to announce the formation of a new adult book club for 2019 call “Just the Classics”. Readers will meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7pm for dessert and discussion. Stop in to pick up the Jan-

uary title, “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott and join us on Thursday, Jan. 17th at 7pm for a book discussion and planning meeting to help pick the titles for 2019. Questions? Call facilitator Amy Wyman at the library for more information.

Dec. 11th at 7pm. All supplies included. Space is limited to 16 participants. Registration is required. Call 673-7888 to reserve a seat.

Kids Holiday Movie Night

Miss JoAnn loves the movie “Elf”! Children ages 5 & up are invited Make-N-Take Holiday Wreath to watch the movie “Elf” at the liFlorist Sue Ries is back to help brary on Tuesday, Dec. 18th from us make a beautiful wreath for the 6-7:30pm. This is a drop off event. holidays! Sign up to make a gor- Pajamas encouraged. Refreshgeous holiday wreath for your home ments will be served. Room for just on Sunday, Dec. 2nd at 11:00am. 25 children. Come early for a front Space is limited to 12. Registration row seat! is required. $30 material fee. Call the library at 673-7888 to hold your Holiday Hours The library will be closed Sunday spot. Dec. 23rd- Wed. Dec. 26th and SunAdult Craft Night day Dec. 30th -Tues. Jan 1st. Happy Make a sweet little bird nest orna- Holidays!! ment to bring “Peace & Joy” to your house for the holidays on Tuesday,

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees are here

THREE SIZES 5/6 ft, 7/8 ft, 9/10 ft

Thank you

MONT VERNON VOTERS!

for

T aking and posting signs in your yards H osting gatherings in your homes A nswering your doors to talk with us N ever giving up your optimism K nocking on doors to talk about our team of candidates S taying involved with our community We appreciate all of the efforts of our volunteers, the voters, the town election officials and everyone associated with this record-setting mid-term election. We look forward to representing you.

Our very best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season!

Kat McGhee, David Woodbury, and Donna Mombourquette

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