V27-N05 January 2019

Amherst Citizen

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 1

VOLUME 27 – NUMBER 5

JANUARY 2019

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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

Happy New Year Born To Run Foundation Makes First Prosthetic Donation to 3Year Old from Amherst

Isaak Depelteau with Noelle Lambert at Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics Inc.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BORN TO RUN FOUNDATION

MANCHESTER– The Born to Run Founda- tist Jason Lalla who not only fit Noelle with her tion made its first prosthetic donation today to walking prosthesis for everyday activities but 3-year-old Isaak Depelteau of Amherst at a press also fit and helped her learn how to use her athconference at Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics. letic prosthesis. Jason also fit Isaak with and is Isaak’s new prosthetic running leg was officially helping him adjust to his new running prosthepresented by foundation founder Noelle Lam- sis which he received today. bert, 21, of Manchester, a college senior who After the presentation of Isaak’s new running lost her left leg in a moped accident on Martha’s prosthesis at the press conference, his mother, Vineyard in 2016. Isaak was diagnosed neuro- Sarah Depelteau said that the family is grateful fibromatosis which led to the amputation of his for what The Born to Run Foundation and Next lower left leg. Lambert, is a Division 1 college Step has done for her son. “This is a gift that we athlete who plays lacrosse at the University of will be forever grateful to Noelle and The Born Massachusetts Lowell. She established The Born to Run Foundation. She is a source of inspirato Run Foundation to help young amputees ob- tion to us and we couldn’t be happier. We have a tain specialized prosthetic devices so that they saying that there are ‘no limits’ for Isaak and his can live fulfilling lives. new running leg will help him do whatever he “As an athlete who has lost a limb, I know how wants to do,” said Depelteau. At the press conimportant it is to be able to achieve my dreams ference Isaak was also accompanied by his faand I want to provide the same opportunities ther Derek and baby sister Faith in addition to for other young amputees, that is why I started his mother.

The Born to Run Foundation,” said Noelle LamThe Born to Run Foundation was the recipient bert. “Today’s first prosthetic donation to Isaak of the Boston Bruins Foundation 50/50 raffle at means so much to me and to everyone who has the December 27th home game versus the New helped me with the foundation as we try to ease Jersey Devils. the financial burden for young amputees and their families.”

The cost of an athletic prosthetic can range from $5,000 to $100,000 and they need to be replaced every three to five years as they sustain wear and tear and as amputees get older and require new sizes. Health insurance rarely covers athletic prosthetics, which is why The Born to Run Foundation was established.

“We are thrilled to be helping Noelle bring awareness to The Born to Run Foundation which will allow more of our patients the opportunity to lead fully active lives,” said Matt Albuquerque, President and Founder, Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics.

Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics is where Noelle Lambert David Dage, Noelle Lambert, Sarah, Isaak, Derek and Faith worked with certified prosthe- Depleteau, Matthew Albuquerque and Jason Lalla

Liberty is Our Motto!: Songs and Stories of the Hutchinson Family Singers Performed by Nashua’s Steve Blunt Sunday, January 27 at 4:00 PM Sanctuary of the Meetinghouse at 11 Church St.

AMHERST – The Congregational Church of Amherst, with support of NH Humanities presents: Liberty Is Our Motto!: Songs and Stories of the Hutchinson Family Singers, Performed by Steve Blunt of Nashua on Sunday, January 27 at 4:00 PM in the sanctuary of the meetinghouse at 11 Church St., on the common in Amherst.

The public is invited to this entertaining program of storytelling and song, withSteve singing and playing guitar.

The Congregational Church is proud to sponsor this event in the community meetinghouse.

The year is 1876, and New Hampshire’s own John Hutchinson sings and tells about his famous musical family “straight from the horse’s mouth.” Originally from Milford, NH, the Hutchin-

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Letters.................................. 2 Town News............................ 4 Recreartion........................... 4 Library.................................. 5 Arts & Entertainment............. 7 Obituary................................ 9 Schools/Sports...................... 11 Mont Vernon......................... 12 Next Issue: February 2019

AMHERST – Souhegan High School senior Arielle Zlotnick has received an appointment to the United States Military Academy. Souhegan HS hosted a signing ceremony for Zlotnick on December 17. She was awarded congressional nominations by U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and U.S. Sen. Margaret Hassan.

Zlotnick is a three-time all-state and three-time all-division athlete. At Souhegan, she is a captain of the varsity cross country and track teams. She will join the NCAA Division I cross country and track teams at West Point.

Zlotnick is on the high school high honor roll and

serves as the secretary and treasurer of the National Honor Society. She is a certified lifeguard and also holds certifications in first aid, CPR and AED. Zlotnick will report for Cadet Basic Training in July. Upon graduation from West Point, she will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and will serve five years on active duty.

She is the daughter of Adam and Christina Zlotnick of Amherst. Her father works as an attorney and also serves as a volunteer firefighter at the Amherst Fire Department. Her mother is a U.S. Air Force veteran and meteorologist.

Morning Program – 10:30 a.m., January 3

“Lilacs and Wildflowers”

Steve Blunt

Steve Blunt

audiences of all ages. He holds an MA in Teaching of English from Teachers College at Columbia.

The Hutchinson Family performed a concert in the Amherst Congregational Church on Thanksgiving, 1847 for 12½ cents. The original Hutchinson Family Singers quartette members were Judson, John, Asa and Abby. Organized about 1842, Abby joined her three older brothers, and they gave concerts nationwide for about a decade. They sang in a close harmony style to great acclaim, and even toured in Europe.

New Tax Laws! How Will They Affect You? AMHERST – Join us at the Amherst Town Library on Tuesday, January 8, at 2:00PM, for a tutorial on the new tax laws put forth by the Trump Administration. We will look at what is law, the effective dates and what may still be under consideration. We will examine how this may affect you. This presentation will be in plain vanilla language, not ‘taxese’!

Presenter Norma Boyce is a graduate of New Hampshire College with a BS in Business Administration, concentration in Accounting.

She has been an Enrolled Agent

Arielle Zlotnick Receives Appointment to West Point

REMINDER: Amherst Garden Club

son Family Singers were among America’s most notable musical entertainers for much of the mid-19th century. They achieved international recognition with songs advancing social reform and political causes such as abolition, temperance, women’s suffrage, and the Lincoln presidential campaign of 1860. In this living history program, Steve Blunt portrays John Hutchinson. He tells the Hutchinsons’ story and shares their music with lyrics provided. Audience members are invited to sing along on “The Old Granite State,” “Get Off the Track,” “Tenting on the Old Campground,” and more.

Steve Blunt is an award-winning musician and storyteller with over 20 years’ experience in education and the arts.

He has been selected seven times as a grant-funded artist for the NH State Library’s “Kids, Books, and the Arts” program and is committed to sharing traditional folklore and history with

Arielle holds her Certificate of Acceptance to West Point

since the 1970’s. The term ‘Enrolled Agent’ simply means she has been tested by the IRS and found competent to represent taxpayers before the IRS. With the Enrolled Agent designation, she is also required to complete continuing educational programs every year that enable her to keep up on the latest laws and regulations. She has been in practice, specializing in individual and small business income taxes, for over forty years. She is currently serving as Secretary of the NH Chapter of the National Association of Tax Preparers. She also volun-

teers for the AARP Fraud Network and the Granite State Ambassadors, and serves as an election official.

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.”

AMHERST – On Thursday January 3rd the Amherst Garden Club welcomes Barbara Rollins and her presentation on “Lilacs and Wildflowers”.

Have you enjoyed the sight of lilacs and wildflowers growing along New Hampshire’s highways and byways? These plantings often look so natural you might think that only Mother Nature was involved. But many of these landscapes were carefully planned with help from the Governor’s Lilac and Wildflower Commission.

The Governor’s Lilac Commission was established in 1984 by Governor John H. Sununu to promote the planting of our state flower, the lilac. The commission later took on the added responsibility of beautifying New Hampshire’s highways with wildflowers, and so the name was expanded to “Lilac and Wildflower Commission.”

If you’d like to learn more about the work of the Commission and how you, too, can successfully grow lilacs and wildflowers, join us for a talk by Barbara Rollins, Landscape Specialist Supervisor for the NH-DOT Landscape Division and

member of the Commission.

Barbara’s presentation will cover recommended cultural practices for growing lilacs, including planting instructions, pruning techniques, and dealing with common diseases. She will also provide some history of the lilac and tell us about the annual Lilac Photo Contest, now in its 23rd year. (Our own Marti Warren was a winner one year!)

Lilac-themed merchandise will be available for sale, and the door prize will be a lilac shrub, to be delivered in spring 2019!

The Amherst Garden Club meets at the Messiah Lutheran Church on Route 101 in Amherst. The Garden Club’s business meeting begins at 9:15, followed by refreshments and the morning program starts at 10:30. The public is welcome to attend the business meeting as well as the program, which is always free of charge!

2 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

JANUARY 2019 • www.amherstcitizen.com

Letters & Opinions Sidewalks for All

BOS Needs to Hear From You

To the editor:

Toi the editor:

We all know that exercise is a necessary part of life. Those who live in big cities can easily get their daily fix because there are sidewalks they can use to walk to their destination. Living in a rural town, however, can make it more difficult to get exercise because without sidewalks, people have to drive. Having more sidewalks in Amherst will provide health benefits to all citizens. Walking is also an enjoyable way to spend some time outside before or after a long day of work or school. It is especially important to make sure that young children are getting plenty of exposure to healthy habits, as it can lead them to continue those habits later on in life. It is clear that anyone can and would experience major health benefits from having sidewalks at their disposal.

Sidewalks offer major health and safety benefits for pedestrians. People of all ages need at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day in order to sustain a balanced lifestyle, according to PBS Parents. Sidewalks would provide an easy way for people to get daily exercise without compromising their time. Furthermore, U.S. Federal Highway Administration research shows that about 4,500 pedestrians are killed in vehicle accidents each year. Sidewalks prevent people from having to walk in the road alongside fast-moving cars, which already creates a much safer environment. Everyone deserves to live the healthy life that they desire, and that includes staying safe as well.

Some may argue that putting in sidewalks is simply too expensive. Though it is true that sidewalks are pricey, it can be done. Among other streets in the village, Middle Street recently had its sidewalks redone. Middle Street is approximately 1,600 feet and the reconstruction cost about $14,800, according to the Amherst Department of Public Works. As a result of the investment, Middle Street will be safe for decades to come. To offset the cost, Amherst has recently applied for various federal government grants exclusive for pedestrian travel so as to not use town tax money, as it has done in the past. The most recent grant for $675,000 that the town applied for would be utilized to extend and improve local pedestrian options.

There are so many benefits to having more sidewalks in Amherst (especially around the schools so that kids can walk there more safely), that the pros clearly outweigh the cons. Not only are there amazing health and safety benefits, there are also financial advantages that would make Amherst both a more desirable town and one that builds value for our community’s residences. These projects will require funds, lots of planning, and a lot of input from town leaders and residents, too. This is an issue that has not gotten enough attention, however. Make Amherst a safer, healthier, and more mobile town by making sure your opinions are heard. In order to make a positive change in our community, we need to educate and inform each other on the benefits of sidewalks. If you are in support of this concept, send an email to Simon Corson at scorson@amherstnh.gov. at Amherst Town Hall.

Madeleine Glover 9th Grade Student Souhegan High School

Civility Shortage in America To the editor:

Are you going to allow yourself to live in a world where manners are just thrown out the window? Right now there is a severe civility shortage in America. Research says there are three reasons to blame for this: politicians, mainstream media, and internet/social media. Politicians being incivil has a negative impact on the United States.

The incivil actions of politicians can affect the citizens of the United States. President Donald J. Trump is a perfect example of this. He composes many tweets about the problems in our world. He tweets at Danny Zuker, an American television writer most famously known for Modern Family, “I hope you pick up a lot of twitter followers by this so people can see what a total a**hole you are!” When he acts like this, does it affect the decisions made in the White House that control our lives? Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s behavior is also a great example of incivility. She said, “you could put half of Trumps supporters into what I call the basket of deplorables.” She generalized all them and sparked outrage and hate amongst the community that supports Trump. The incivility of politicians affects the public, and politicians need to think before acting.

The incivility of politicians has now started to affect them personally as well. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, President Trump’s Press Secretary, was asked to leave after she sat down for dinner at a tiny restaurant in Lexington, Virginia. The owner took Sanders aside and asked her to leave because she worked for President Trump. Political commentators are also not safe from protests at home. Fox News host Tucker Carlson’s home was surrounded by protesters while he was at work, and thinking she was being robbed, his wife called 9-1-1. Some people excuse incivility and blame it on people’s inability to control themselves. However, research shows that politicians’ behavior has an effect on the way people behave. When politicians display incivility, it triggers people to also act incivil and justifies their actions. People act more civil and prefer people who are more civil when they are surrounded by civility. If politicians changed their words and actions, our society would behave more civilly.

There are many ways in which our society can put a stop to the incivility crisis. First, you can write letters or make phone calls to your local senators or to the U.S. Government calling out your politicians and demanding more civility in politics. If they do not listen, you can state that you will not vote for them in the next election and you will tell your friends and family not to vote for them either. Supporters are what keep politicians in office, and we can change the people we choose to represent us if they will not uphold the standards of a civil politician. If you do not like what you are seeing happening around you in the world, do not just sit there and watch it happen. Stand up and make a change. Every change started with one person.

Sincerely, Jack Vore Amherst

AMHERST ­The

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Hello Amherst! Last year when I ran for a second term on the BOS, my position was that I liked and agreed with almost everything the then current BOS was doing. The two exceptions were: 1) there was no road plan for Amherst, and 2) the BOS had collected more tax dollars than was needed to run the Town over the last few years and was intent on keeping them (in the Town’s Unassigned Balance) rather than returning them to the taxpayers.

I am happy to say that there has been progress on the first point. The town now has a road plan! Actually it has two. One plan will take seven years and requires an annual increase in the road budget of $100,000. The more aggressive plan would take six years and require an annual increase in the road budget of $200,000. Both plans will result in ~90% of Amherst’s roads being in either good or fair condition at the end of either seven or six years. (Both plans assume that future BOSs will stay the course and increase the road budget as required. Your vigilance will be needed to make that happen!)

My preference is for the bolder, six-year plan. My reasons are: • The people who talk to me are very appreciative of the progress made in the last few years and want it to continue; they know it won’t be free.

• Economic times are good now, and probably will be next year; eventually, a recession will hit and the voters will want the BOS to keep taxes low, meaning a probable slowdown in the road budget increases. Better to front-load the increases now, while times are good so as to keep the momentum going when times get tough, and budget increases are harder to do.

• The seven year plan will result in a total increase in the road budget of $700,000. The six year plan will result in a total increase of $1,200,000 in the road budget. At the end of each plan, there still will be ~10 miles of bad roads in Amherst. With an additional $500,000 in the road budget from the six year plan, that last 10 miles will be much easier to deal with without asking for any additional increases in the road budget.

• The reason Amherst roads got so bad over the last 20 years or so was that previous BOSs told people what they wanted to hear, i.e. “We are keeping taxes down!” as opposed to “We are robbing the future by pretending there’s no cost to the low taxes we are offering today.” If doing the right thing means telling the voters that we all “should” be willing pay a bit more in taxes now for benefits in the future, then I’m not sure I trust future BOSs to “do the right thing” any more than previous BOSs did. The only BOS we can impact is today’s BOS.

The budget as currently presented supports the seven-year plan with its required $100,000 annual increase in the road budget. If that’s your preference, great! The BOS got it right. If not, please come to either the public hearing on January 14th or the deliberative session on February 7th and let the BOS know what you would prefer that it do.

On the second topic, I’m sorry to say I have been less effective. Since 2012, the Town has collected (net) just over $4,000,000 more tax dollars than were actually required to run the Town. My position is that the BOS should return these excess tax dollars to the taxpayers—while the people who paid them are still around to enjoy the benefits! Rather than a massive one-time tax reduction, I proposed using the excess taxes collected to pay for known capital expenses, so that the BOS can avoid asking the taxpayers for even more tax dollars in Warrant Articles. I’m sad to report that a majority of the current BOS prefers to keep these excess taxes collected in the “rainy day fund” (i.e. the Unassigned Balance) and ask for additional taxes for necessary expenses, such as bridge repair and replacement.

This issue is why I voted to not support Article 29 (to add $200,000 to the Bridge Repair and Replacement Capital Reserve Fund (CRF)). It’s not that I disagree with putting more funds in the Bridge CRF; I just think there’s no justification for taking more tax dollars from the taxpayers when the Town has already taken in more than enough tax dollars to cover the entire six year program. I believe that the Town should use already collected tax dollars to fund the entire $1,200,000 program; I believe the BOS should put out a Warrant article offering the taxpayers the option of using the tax dollars in the Unassigned Balance to pay for it.

Why am I “making my stand” on bridges, and not the Communication Capital Reserve, Police Station Renovations, or other Warrant articles? Because, across everyone I have talked to as a selectman, I have yet to find anyone who thinks we should allow our bridges to fail or be closed by the State. Everyone wants the Town bridges to be kept safe and open. There’s no controversy here, so let’s use already collected taxes to pay for uncontroversial things.

A majority of the BOS believes that it is more prudent to keep the excess taxes collected in the last six years in the Town’s “rainy day fund” than to use it to reduce current and future taxes by funding uncontroversial Town needs. I disagree.

But what do you think taxpayers and voters of Amherst? All of us on the BOS are guessing what we think you want, and what you believe is in your best interest. It would help us greatly if you would come to the Public Hearing and Deliberative Session and TELL US what you think.

See you there (I hope).

John D’Angelo Amherst Selectman

W&M Report on FY20 Amherst Town Budget

AMHERST – The Amherst Town Ways and Means Committee (W&M) is chartered to examine and provide an outside point of view on all planned appropriations and finances of the town. To do so, W&M has spent the last several months reviewing records of the town’s revenues and expenditures and understanding the plans of the departments for FY20. Also, our members interviewed the head of each town department to inquire into the details of planned FY20 expenditures and proposed initiatives.

Thereafter, we conducted a line-by-line comparison of the town’s overall proposed budged for FY20 with actual spending from the past several years. This level of detailed attention cannot be expected from every Amherst voter, so W&M members agree to act as the “agents” of the taxpayers and to make our conclusions available to the town’s voters to help them make informed decisions.

In summary, W&M agrees with the Board of Selectman’s (BOS) proposed FY20 Budget and Warrant Articles, except for Article 28, with the following comments:

Comments on the operating budget:

• There are still opinion being formulated by the Ways and Means Committee members about the operating budget.

• The Department of Public Works (DPW) provided BOS with a 5 year plan to improve the town roads. This would require the BOS to increase the DPW budget by $200,000 a year for the next 5 years. However, the BOS opted for the 7 year plan which would require the BOS to increase the DPW budget by $100,000 a year for the next 7 years. W&M found interesting the proposition that the 5 year plan makes sense in order to take advantage of a good economy and get necessary services paid for because a future recession might not allow for funds to be appropriated for these necessary costs.

• The Recreation Department requested the purchase of a lawn mower at a cost of $15,000 to replace its current lawn mower. The BOS found a true need for the lawn mower, however the majority of the BOS did not believe that it should be paid for through the town’s operating budget, which would increase town taxes. Rather, the BOS voted 3-2 to allow the lawn mower to be purchased from the Recreation Department’s “02” account. This “02” account is an account that holds funds when the Recreation Department receives fees for its activities. The majority of the BOS felt that the purchase of a lawn mower was allowable to be paid from the “02” account because it goes to care for fields that promote Recreation activities that collect fees. The minority of the BOS found that it was a slippery slope to allocate an expenditure from the “02” account because it can arguably be attributed to helping a Recreation activity that collects fees. For example, the BOS could in the future find that any expense, such as telephone, costs to heat the Recreation building, etc., can be paid for through the “02” account. By doing so, there is arguably a limited accountability as to the expenditures of the “02” account and it violates the spirit of the account: to use fees collected for recreation activities to promote and cover the costs of these activities. While W&M does not find this policy decision to warrant not supporting the budget, W&M wants to make the public aware of this non-unanimous decision by the BOS. • Warrant Article 28 seeks to raise $135,000 over 2 years to apply for a state grant for a Bicycle and Pedestrian Network. The sum paid for by the town would only cost 20% of the overall cost and the rest of the 80% would be paid for by the state grant. W&M unanimously voted not to support this Warrant Article. While this Warrant Article looks like a good deal, W&M believes it is more of a want than a need. Also, this particular project would only be part of a multiphase project that W&M does not believe is fully formed and the town would have to reapply for grants for every phase. The cost of all the phases would cost millions of dollars with a planned completion of 2028. Furthermore, this project would benefit only one portion of the town and not the town as a whole.

Also, W&M believes that this Warrant article is misleading because it leads one to assume that a pedestrian network is a sidewalk, where in reality it is more of a “rail trail” linking the Village to Baboosic Lake.

While such a pedestrian walk way would be nice, it does not fit into the sidewalk system that many members of the public have been asking for.

The Public Hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for the BOS meeting on January 14, 2019. If you have input you would like to share concerning the proposed budget, please plan to come and speak to the BOS at that time. Once the Public Hearing is concluded, whatever form the budget has at that time is what will be presented at the Deliberative Session on February 6, 2019.

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THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 3

Elliot Family Medicine at Amherst is a team of healthcare providers dedicated to Family Medicine with interest in sports medicine.

We are committed to providing expert personal care for infants, children and adults. Our providers are board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, and are affiliated with Elliot Hospital.

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Accepting New Patients Our new patient-friendly scheduling system involves making fewer appointments ahead of time and allowing for more same day scheduling of appointments.

The benefit to our patients is the ability to choose pre-appointment scheduling or same-day visits depending upon your preference and need.

X-Ray & Lab services available on-site!

MEETING PLACE PLAZA 199 RTE. 101 | AMHERST, NH 03031 | 603.249.3000 Elliot Health System is a non-profit organization serving your healthcare needs since 1890.

elliothospital.org

4 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

JANUARY 2019 • www.amherstcitizen.com

Bulletin Board Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua Hosts January Events NASHUA — Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua, a memory care assisted living community located at 575 Amherst Street, will host the following free events in January.

Caregiver Support Group: Jan. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. & Jan. 21 from 12 to 2 p.m.

— Family caregivers are invited to socialize and receive expert advice from dementia care professionals who understand their unique challenges. A light meal will be served at each session; attendees’ loved ones with memory loss are invited to dine with Bridges® by EPOCH residents during the meetings. Caregiver support groups are held on the first and third Mondays of each month.

Lunch & Learn: “Talking to Children About Dementia”: Jan. 14 at 12 p.m. — How and when to talk with young kids, tweens and teens about dementia will be answered at this luncheon seminar. Guests will learn how to answer tough questions and help kids talk through their feelings to help them better understand and cope with their loved ones’ changing behaviors and abilities, stresses or shifts in family dynamics, and other aspects of dementia that concern them. Caregivers may bring their loved ones with memory loss to enjoy lunch with Bridges® by EPOCH residents while they attend the seminar.

For more information or to RSVP for an event, call 594-0581.

AAUW Southern NH Branch News AMHERST – The Southern New Hampshire Branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women) will hold their Winter Meeting at The Black Forest Cafe, 212 Route 101, Amherst on Tuesday, January 15, at 5:15 p.m. The evening will begin with a social time. Each person may order from the regular dinner menu with separate checks.

The meeting will open at 6:15 p.m.

The program will start about 6:45 p.m. The evening will end at about 8 p.m. when the restaurant closes.

Please email or phone Susan Hoover with your reservation by January 8. susnhoover@aol.com, or 213-6601.

The evening program will focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) and include a general introduction on the history, meaning, and its significance to women entering the work force. STEAM is of particular interest to AAUW because women are underrepresented in these high-paying jobs. The presenter will be the branch program coordinator, Pauline Landrigan, who will then facilitate a discussion to follow.

CLOSING THE GENDER PAY GAP With an interest in closing the difference in gender pay gap, AAUW has recently 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 negoti-

ate 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. Surveys of participants shows the program works with nearly all reporting having more confidence and better negotiating skills after taking the class.

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 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, fact-based organization advocating for all women to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

For more information contact Susan Hoover.

Members of the branch live in southeastern NH including the following communities: Amherst, Bedford, Dover, Exeter, Hanover, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, and Wilton.

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.

Join the Souhegan Valley Chorus The Souhegan Valley Chorus invites interested singers to join them as they prepare for their 2019 spring season. This season’s theme will be “Here Comes the Sun”. Weekly rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the Milford Middle School music room, starting on January 15th, 2019. The first two rehearsals of the season are “open” for new members to visit and see what they are all about!

The Souhegan Valley Chorus is directed by Jennifer K. Erdody of Milford, and accompanied by Kimberly Vars Whitehead of Milford.

Jennifer K. Erdody is the choral director at Milford High School, and has recently directed for the Riverbend Youth Company (West Side Story, Beauty and the Beast, Jr.), and music directed for the Ogunquit Playhouse Junior Players (Lion King, Jr.) She is the playbill coordinator for the Palace Theatre, and directs the annual Mont Vernon Community Messiah Sing. She is organist and music director at Milford United Methodist Church, and lives in Milford with her husband and two children.

SVC, now in its 39th season, performs a variety of choral music –

from classical and jazz, to popular and gospel. Its membership of 60+ singers are from towns in and around the Souhegan Valley. Two concerts are performed each year, one in December and one in May, along with the popular variety showcase in June. SVC also participates in local town events such as the Amherst 4th of July celebration, Milford Labor Day parade, veteran’s observances, and the Milford Holiday Stroll.

Souhegan Valley Chorus is open without audition to singers of high school age or older. Members bring a wide range of abilities and experience, so anyone who loves to sing is encouraged to give the chorus a try at one of the first two rehearsals on January 15th and 22nd. As one member put it - “Rehearsals are a good balance of work and fun. It’s such a welcome treat for me at the end of a busy work day.”

For more information, visit the chorus website at www.souheganvalleychorus.org, or find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/souheganvalleychorus.

Please let our advertisers know that you saw their ad in The Amherst Citizen.

Town News Historic Amherst

Mr. Bennett’s Clever, Homesick Dog iterranean.” (History of the Ninth Regiment, New Hamp“A Knowing Dog – A coushire Volunteers in the War of ple of weeks since Mr. A. B. the Rebellion, written 1891, Bennett of this place sold a publ 1895, p. 663-664.) That valuable hound to a man in was service in the Navy. As Stoneham, Mass., and took an aside, it sure seems like an him there by cars. The dog was odd occupational choice for a kept tied a few days till it was young newlywed! Nonethethought he had become wontless, four daughters were born ed, when he was let loose for a to Alden and Elizabeth, of hunt with another dog. He ran which at least the last two were for a while, but instead of goborn in Amherst, in 1843 and ing to his new home at night, 1844. The family soon left Amwith the other dog he struck herst and seem to have moved out for Amherst, where he araround quite a bit. The 1850 rived the next day hungry and census locates the eldest child, foot-sore. The dog accompaaged 12, and the third child, nying him, not having the inaged 6, with their maternal centive of an old home to urge grandmother and aunt in West him on, fell out at Hudson.

Springfield, Mass., whereas the Neither dog had ever traveled second child, aged 7, is with from Amherst to Stoneham, her uncle (Alden’s bro-in-law) except by rail.” (Farmers’ Caband aunt in Groton Mass. The inet, Amherst, N.H., 12 March “Rose Cottage” at 1 Sunset Road. This house started as an attorney’s 1860 census found the family 1878, p. [2].) To save you the office, then shoemaker’s shop on School Street, but was moved to its pres- in Stoneham, Mass.: Elizabeth look-up trouble, the distance ent site around 1854 when this land belonged to the foundry on Foundry S. Bennett, 45, with 17- and 16from Stoneham to Amherst is Street, whose owners built Sunset Road as a public road. The building year old daughters, both occuwas converted to a dwelling, probably around 1856 when the house lot 46 miles by roads. pied as seamstresses, and the was created, hence the Greek Revival style facade. This was the home of Amherst’s tax records in- shoemaker and dog trainer Alden Bradford Bennett during the late 1870s youngest daughter, 14, as well dicate that Alden B. Ben- and 1880s while the house was owned by his brother and son-in-law. Oscar as the married eldest with her nett moved (from the town’s Shaffer, the son-in-law, extended the ell, added the porch (“piazza”) and cordwainer (shoemaker) husnorthern District 7) into Am- new windows in 1880. band and young daughter, all herst Village in 1870 and, sure together in the household of enough, for most of the 1870s another young married cordand 1880s he owned a dog. In wainer, possibly Alden’s nepha skilled brick-mason, in 1835 bought the April 1871, he was taxed on one female dog Jonathan Smith Jr. House (now standing at 15 ew. Alden in 1860 was in Lyndeboro, N.H., and one male dog; in 1876 on several dogs. Church Street but at that time located right working as a day laborer.

By occupation, Bennett was a shoemaker. It next to the Congregational Church), owning “At the breaking [out] of the War of the Returns out that he was also a dog trainer. it until 1844. Alden’s older sister Louisa had bellion [in 1861], [Alden Bradford Bennett] “Mr. A. B. Bennett has expressed several married blacksmith Joel F. Osgood Sr. (1807- was the third man to enlist from New Hampblooded dogs to Boston parties. Mr. Bennett 1891) in 1830 and they had settled in Amherst shire, and did 3 months service in the First has quite a reputation as a trainer of the ca- in 1834. The Osgood family would remain in Regiment. He re-enlisted in the Ninth Regnine species and every season blooded dogs Amherst Village, soon moving permanently iment July 3, 1862 and Aug. 6 was mustered are sent here [Amherst, N.H.] to be boarded into the house at 92 Boston Post Road which in as principal musician in the regimental and trained. The owners could not find bet- Papa Jonathan Bennett bought for them in band. He was given a discharge at Falmouth, ter quarters for them.” (Farmers’ Cabinet, 4 1836, and which they would buy from him and shortly after was again doing service as Nov. 1879.) fife-major in the Thirty-ninth Massachufive years later.

So who was this 19th-century local dog Alden meanwhile married one Elizabeth setts. The last sixteen months of his service trainer? Alden Bradford Bennett (1816-1891) Stevens (1814-1892) in 1836. “In 1839 he en- were spent in the hospital in Washington, was born in Dunstable, Mass., but arrived in listed on US ship Ohio as ship fifer. He served whither he was ordered as the result of a fall Amherst as a youth when his father Jonathan, 3 years, most of the time sailing on the Medu

BY KATRINA HOLMAN

Continued on page 6

AMHERST RECREATION DEPARTMENT 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

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

Amherst Recreation Programs and Events 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)

Amherst Makerspace What is The Amherst Makerspace?

Amherst Makerspace is a collaborative project with the Amherst 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.

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

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.

Youth Programs Feb Vacation Trip to Mount Snow

Why not enjoy Snow during February Vacation? The ARDt is headed to Mt. Snow for a day of skiing and snowboarding. Our mini bus has plenty of room to store your gear for the drive. We will need a minimum of 8 participants to run the trip.

Who: Middle School & High School Skiers and Snowboarders What: Ski Day during February Vacation When: Monday, 2/25. 7AM- 5PM Where: Meet at Birch Park. The bus leaves at 7 AM Fee: $15R, $20NR *Prices include transportation only.

Lift tickets and any gear needs to be purchased/rented through the mountain *Return times are approximate

Learn to Skate

The ice skating rinks are open and we are working out the final details on our Learn To Skate programs. Please stay tuned and keep an eye out in the coming weeks for more information.

Our hope is to offer skating starting the weekend of January 19th.

Learn to Play Ukulele

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

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 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!

Stearns-Davis Community Garden

The Stearns-Davis Community Garden were established at Joshua’s Park, 31 Courthouse Road, to maintain the traditional agricultural use Continued on page 5 u

www.amherstcitizen.com • JANUARY 2019 •

Town News AMHERST TOWN LIBRARY

Children’s Programming at the Amherst Town Library

January 2019 Storytimes

All of our traditional Storytimes are drop in--we love to see you whenever you are able to attend.

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 and 30 at 3:30pm.

Little Listeners—(newborn to 3) Thursdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, and Fridays, Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1 at 10:30am.

No registration required.

Special 5-week storytime series in January---Mind & Body Storytime with Miss Becky!!

Stir the body, still the mind. No story lover is too young to explore the connections we can make between our bodies and our minds. Come explore themes inspired by nature, everyday rhythms, and more.

We’ll share in story, in song, in playful movement, quiet meditation, and community.

Start your week off right by bringing your child to the library to join Miss Becky for this story/mindfulness/ yoga program. You’ll both be glad you did!

Ages 3-6. No registration required.

Monday mornings at 10:00 o’clock. January 7—Feb. 11 (no class Jan. 21)

Book Clubs

We have book clubs for all ages— If you’re interested, please contact Miss Sarah (shydorn@amherstlibrary. org or 673-2288) Families Read Together (for kids in grades 3 and 4 and their parents) meets on the second Wednesday of

Toy Land Revisited at Amherst Town Library

each month at 6:30pm. On January 9, club members will discuss Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins.

The Great Stone Face Reviewer’s Club (for 5th and 6th graders) gets together on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 to talk about the newest fiction titles that we’ve all been reading—then Miss Sarah passes these opinions on to the Great Stone Face Committee at the state level. We’re an opinionated group that loves to read---and loves to talk about what we’re reading!

Let’s Get Graphic Club (for 7th and 8th graders) gathers on the 3rd Wednesday of each month to chat, snack, draw, watch anime, and talk about great graphic fiction!

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

Paws for Reading

Monday, Jan. 14 and Monday, Jan. 28 from 3:30-4:30

Does your child struggle with reading, or hesitate to read aloud? Bring him or her to the library, and let Brook help. Brook and Monica (her person) are members of Therapy Dogs International, and are trained to work as “tail-waggin’” tutors with children. They’ll listen to your child read, and increase their reading confidence and fluency. To make an appointment, please call the Children’s Room at 673-2288.

Matchbox Fun

Friday, Jan. 4 from 3:00-4:00

We’ll be setting out our huge collection of matchbox cars for your fun and enjoyment one Friday afternoon each month—come take a test drive!

Ages 3 and up

Come and Build

Friday Jan. 11 from 3:00 – 4:30

Come to the library to build with our collection of legos, blocks, marble runs, etc. Build the “construction project” of your dreams! Ages 4 and up. No registration required.

Tech Time for Kids

Friday, Jan. 18 from 3:00-4:30

Come and explore our collection of S.T.E.M.-based activity kits: Snap-Circuits, Citiblocks, Ozmobots, and more...We make them available, you enjoy an opportunity for make-your-own fun!

For ages 7 and up. No registration required.

Amherst Town Library

Blossom: A Hands-on Mixed Media Workshop AMHERST – Brighten up a January night with a mixed media workshop at the Amherst Town Library!

Join us on Monday, January 28 at 6:30PM and explore color, details, and text while using paint, ink and gels. You will start with a touch of color and layer up from that adding a lush blossom to top it off. Have some fun and create a beautiful garden ready to frame, hang on your wall, and enjoy for years to come.

All skill levels are welcome to take part, and all materials will be provided.

The workshop will be led by Rebecca Killeen-Brown, a local artist working in photography and mixed media. Currently she offers mixed media workshops so people can explore their creative side, and a photography lecture on the beauty of old buildings. Her work has been on display at the Hollis Social Library, Rodgers Memorial Library, Fitchburg Art Museum, Loading Dock Gallery, Design 639, Beaver Brook Fall Festival, Wild Salamander, Chelmsford Center for the Arts, Chelmsford Public Library, Wilton Public Library, Townsend Meeting Gallery, ArtUp Lowell, and as part of the Currier Photo Slam Slideshow. She enjoys making a mess while creating mixed media pieces that are explosions of color, it allows

u

SCHEDULE FOR 2019: January 2-January 31 Gardeners that had a plot in 2018 and are in good standing are eligible to register for one 10’x20’plot.

February 1-28 Amherst residents only, gardening at Stearns-Davis Community Garden for the first time, may register for a single plot with Amherst Parks and Recreation in person, on the phone.

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.

has always lived in Milford. When AMHERST – The Friends of the he retired from a 30 years career in Amherst Town Library is pleased automotive body restoration, he deto welcome back William Cheever cided to pursue his life-long passion Turner and his incredible oil paint- of drawing and painting. Over the ings on display for the month of years he earned BFA and MFA deDecember and the first part of Jan- grees in Visual Arts-Painting and uary at the library after ten years. taught drawing and art history for Bill paints in the narrative realism nine years at Manchester Commugenre and for this exhibit will have a nity College. Since his intimate focus of his Vintage Toys paintings. knowledge and love of machinery He will also be displaying some of has been so much a part of Bill’s his inspired toys with his paint- life, he started to paint distressed ings. There is an Artist Reception vehicles and machinery to tell a on Sunday December 9, 2018 from story. Greek and Roman mytholo2 to 4pm on the main floor of the gy as well as folklore have been an library. Public is welcome to meet inspiration and Bill use his imagiBill and stop in to see his work both nation to reinvent these tales using at the reception and any time the vehicles as surrogates for humans. library is open. His exhibit will be Much time is devoted to research, preliminary sketches and composifrom December 1 to January 15.

Aside from the years spent in the tion in executing each piece.

Navy during the Vietnam era, Bill

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.

Teddy Trucker and Son

Amherst Town Library

Clarifying the Confusion: Insight into Nutrition Trends AMHERST – Does the conflicting nutritional advice that you see in the media each day overwhelm you? Visit the Amherst Town Library on Monday, January 14 at 7:00PM as Charlotte Ott, Functional Medicine Practitioner and Natural Foods Chef leads an interactive discussion on Nutrition and Wellness.

• Paleo or Vegan? How can two such apposing diets attract so many loyal follows?

• Eat Fat!! Don’t Eat Fat! Who do you believe?

• Gluten Free? Should that be me?

• Dairy Free? No, not me!

How do you navigate the grocery store with so many options? Find some clarity in all the recommendations you may be hearing about in the media. End the evening with six simple action steps that you can begin to implement right away to increase the health and nutrition of you and your loved ones.

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. Register for these events by calling 6732288 or by visiting the website at www.amherstlibrary. org and selecting the “Community Services” tab, then click on drop down “Sign-Up for Programs.”

Thinking About Starting a Small Business? Recently Started One?

Blossom Workshop offered January 28th at the Amherst Town Library

her to freely create pieces from my mind.

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.

Because of the limited number of attendees, this program is limited to Amherst Town Library card-

Amherst Recreation Programs and Events

and history of the Amherst Village.

Garden plots will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis with a $40 seasonal fee to cover maintenance and utilities of your 10’x20’ plot.

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 5

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.

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

Winter Walking Program 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

holders.

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.”

AMHERST – The Merrimack Valley Chapter of SCORE, in conjunction with the Amherst Town Library, will be offering 4 workshops to aspiring and current small business owners free of charge, to be held at the Amherst Town Library in January and February 2019. The purpose of these courses is to provide information and tools necessary to assist entrepreneurs to be successful in their ventures.sSCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, with more than 10,000 volunteers in 300 chapters. As a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE has helped more than 10 million entrepreneurs through mentoring, workshops and educational resources since 1964.

Each course will run approximately two hours and will be offered twice, once on a weekday evening, and again the following Saturday morning, in order to accommodate participants schedules. Each workshop will require pre-registration. Anyone interested in learning more about each workshop, and to register, should go online to merrimackvalley.score.org and click on the tab “Take A Workshop”.

The four workshops are as follows:

• Workshop #1 Thursday Jan 10th, 6pm, and Saturday Jan 12th , 10am THE FIVE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS THAT A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER NEEDS TO ANSWER • Workshop #2 Tuesday Jan 22nd, 6pm and Saturday Jan 26th ,10am OVERCOMING YOUR ANXIETY OF CREATING A BUSINESS PLAN – USING THE BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS • Workshop #3 Thursday Jan 31st, 6pm and Saturday Feb 2nd, 10am MARKETING, MARKETING, MARKETING • Workshop #4 Thursday Feb 7th, 6pm and Saturday Feb 9th, 10am

FINDING THE PATH TO PROFITABILITY

continued from page 4

Senior Active Healthy Living Walking Program

In partnership with Amherst Parks and Recreation, The Hampshire Dome and the NH WellPoint Foundation are delighted to co-sponsor a program to enable local citizens 70 years and up from 8 surrounding communities to walk the cushioned track at the Dome for free this winter. Our Active, Healthy Living Program makes it possible for seniors to keep active, maintain their physical conditioning, and enjoy the unique environment the Dome offers during months of most challenging weather.

The Dome will be generally available for walking (except for during special events) from 11 AM until 2 PM weekdays. It will be important that you check the Daily Schedule or call in as there will be days we will not be able to open. For daily schedule or more questions visit www.hampshiredome.com (click the Daily Schedule Link at top left of page) and look for times when the track is “OPEN to All” or to call in to 673-8123 prior to coming out to the Dome.

Membership in the program is required and a free card to enable participation will be issued at the Dome on the first visit. A current driver’s license or official ID must be presented upon sign up.

Address: 34 Emerson Road • Milford, NH 03055 • (603) 673-8123

Email: com

Dome@hampshirehills.

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

Power Barre

Power Barre is a ballet inspired fitness class that strengthens and tones the entire body.

This hour class will be high intensity with low impact choreographed to fun music. NO dance experience is required and modifications can be made for all levels. Barre targets those hard to reach problem areas while leaving you feeling strong and healthy, and is a great addition to any cardio regiment and very beneficial to runners looking to strengthen their leg and core muscles.

When: Thursdays 9:30-10:30am Where: Peabody Mill Environment Center (66 Brook Rd)

A minimum of 4 students will be needed for this class to be held

Not sure if this class is for you?

Try the first class of the session for free (thank you for letting us know you will be in attendance by calling the office) and if you like it, register for the session before the next class!

New Session Starting 1/3 - 2/21

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 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.

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, re-

sult-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 New Sessions starting 1/7/19

Yoga for Adults

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.

6 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

JANUARY 2019 • www.amherstcitizen.com

Town News Amherst Town Library

Amherst Town Library

Jay Psaros in Concert

Craft Ensemble: Chamber Music Among Friends

AMHERST – 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 Singer/songwriter Jay Psaros performs at the library on Sunday, January 13 to reach their full potential. To Psaros, it is an ongoing experience with Eddie Money, Rick Springfield, The Ensemble: Chamber Music Among a long road behind and a longer road Mavericks, Donovan Frankenreit- Friends”. ahead. Psaros has been called a ‘sto- er, Boz Scaggs, Daughtry, The Los All adult programs offered at the ryteller of precision,’ a ‘master gui- Lonely Boys, Tower of Power, The Amherst Town Library are free and tar player,’ and a musical ‘painter of Little River Band, Ziggy Marley, The open to the public. However, regisbeautiful, rolling images.’ Over the Original Wailers, Lisa Loeb, Third tration is REQUIRED for each propast several years, Jay has complete- Eye Blind, Nellie McKay, Three Dog gram due to space limitations. You ly immersed himself in the music Night, Rusted Root, Anders Os- can register for these events listed industry. Jay has toured the country borne, Peter Cetera and many more. above by calling 673-2288 or by visThe winter concert series, which iting the website at www.amherstliplaying shows for audiences big and small. His musical versatility has al- is generously sponsored by the brary.org and selecting the “Comlowed him to share the stage with a Friends of the Library, will continue munity Services” tab, then click on variety of international acts such as on Sunday, February 3 with “Craft drop down “Sign-Up for Programs.”

ADVERTORIAL ADVERTORIAL ADVERTORIAL

Gilson Keeps Cool and Well Under Control at Moulton’s Market AMHERST – Breakfast can get pretty busy at Moulton’s Market, but grill cook Keith Gilson has it under control.

Thanks to a large, varied menu and great good-for-you food, hungry customers can line up at the counter pretty early each morning, looking for more than a pastry or quick cup of coffee. Most folks hankering for a breakfast burrito or a hearty breakfast bowl to start the day usually face a time crunch, and that means Gilson does, too.

“When it gets hectic, you have to stay in control,” he says with a smile.

He’s used to the quick pace and multitasking, of course – he’s been behind the Moulton’s counter for 16 years. Gilson has always been in the food industry, working his way up from a dishwasher’s job while in high school to salad bar prep, buffet work and then as a cook. His resume includes jobs at Country Gourmet (now Buckley’s Steak House) and the former Sheraton Tara.

His job at Moulton’s has changed over the years, as the store expanded its food offerings. At first, the menu was limited to cold sandwiches, but as a grill and other equipment were introduced, the offerings were expanded as well, and today’s menu is surprisingly large and incredibly varied. Gilson’s cooking job has become a little more creative as a result. These days, he can whip up a Vermont burrito – with scrambled eggs, potatoes, onions, bacon, cheddar cheese and salsa – in no time flat.

After the morning rush, he also helps with lunch prep and filling in wherever and whenever he can.

AMHERST – The Amherst Town Library is pleased to continue the winter concert series with “The Craft Ensemble: Chamber Music Among Friends” on Sunday, February 3, 2019 4:00-5:00PM. The Craft Ensemble came together to play Schubert’s great C-major Cello Quintet in an Interpretations Masterclass with Ben Zander in early 2016. Since then, they have performed all over New England, as trio, string- and clarinet-quartet, piano- and cello-quintet, and string sextet. The Craft Ensemble comprises a core string quartet of Colleen Brannen and Amy Sims on violin, violist Amelia Hollander Ames, and Velleda Miragias on cello. They are all busy freelancers in the Boston area, with engagements at A Far Cry, Boston Baroque, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Boston Philharmonic, Handel & Haydn Society, Odyssey Opera, Orchestra of Indian Hill, the Portland Symphony, and the Rhode Island Philharmonic, as well as frequent “away” projects.

Cellist Eleanor Hilly Blake, violist Emily Rome, pianist Elaine Rombola Aveni, and clarinetist Rane Moore are favorite collaborators and members of the Craft sphere.

Their mission is for their programming to be evenly split among the sexes when it comes to composers. They have performed music of Caroline Shaw and Fanny Mendelssohn and are learning music this season by Jessie Montgomery, Erin Rogers and Sarah Kirkland Snider.

Regardless of the composer’s gender, we also make it a priority to play music of living composers. In 2017 they gave the US premier of Oscar-winning film composer Gabriel Yared’s luscious “Camille Claudel”

Craft Ensemble will perform February 3rd, 4:00-5:00 PM

String Sextets. They also have set off on a journey to learn one Beethoven Quartet every season.

You will enjoy their musical adventures. Chamber music feeds the soul, and there’s nothing they love more than sharing it with each other, and with new audiences!

The winter concert series, which is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library, will continue on Sunday, March 24 with Rantin’ Pipe and Tremblin’ String: Early Music of Scotland.

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.”

Mr. Bennett’s Clever, Homesick Dog

u HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR CLEANSE PROGRAM 2019

continued from page 4

Was 2018 a year of growth and transformation?

When it comes to health, think about what true health means to you. From a holistic perspective, true health does not only include exercise and a balanced diet. True health means living with joy and a sense of peace and purpose. The question is how do we do that?

Keith Gilson, Grill Cook at Moulton’s Market, Amherst.

And despite focusing on breakfast fare each morning, Gilson also focuses on faces. He knows the regulars, and often can remember their orders even before they place them. He has a talent for that sort of thing, and especially for numbers. “If I hadn’t been a cook, I would have been an accountant,” he laughs. “Numbers are my thing.”

Because of the fast pace of mornings at Moulton’s (and he admits some mornings are a little crazier than others), Gilson relaxes in the evenings at home with his stamp collection. He’s been collecting stamps since he was six (his mother had the same passion) and he also collects curios. You’ll find him in his free time at local flea markets or at stamp

auctions in the area. He admits stamp collecting is a dying hobby, but one that he continues to enjoy. “I find it very relaxing, researching stamps, mounting them,” and a local library recently gifted him a few research volumes so he can continue to explore philately (the technical term for stamp collecting, fyi).

But come sun-up, the stamp work from the night before is safely stowed, an apron-clad Gilson is at his post in the Moulton’s Market kitchen, and the morning’s orders are coming fast and furious. No matter.

Gilson manages a smile and friendly greeting to regulars and newcomers alike. After all, ‘slow and steady’ is this grill cook’s motto.

JOIN APEX PHYSICAL THERAPY AND THRIVE WELLNESS FOR OUR 3 WEEK HOLISTIC HEALTHY EATING CLEANSE. Our clean eating plan will get you on the path to detoxifying your body while eating clean, whole foods. Real food has incredible healing powers!

WHAT WE’LL DO: We’ll meet together 3 times to learn (and laugh) about how we feed our bodies healthy foods that can give us energy, fight disease, improve sleep and lift our mood. This simple and fun program includes everything you’ll need: shopping lists, tips, tricks, supplements and yummy recipes.

WHAT WE WON’T DO: No weighing in, starvation or harsh chemicals to drink.

Melinda Lott is an AFPA Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Sports Nutritionist, Certified Weight Management Specialist and Certified Nutrition Consultant-Master Level.

She looks forward to assisting her clients with unraveling food myths and challenges and creating real-food meal plans an recipes that are easy and nourishing.

Meeting Dates: January 15, 22, and 29, 2019 from 7-8:00 pm at Apex Physical Therapy Cost is $199 per person and is non-refundable.

10% off for Meeting House Plaza Businesses Program participants also receive 10% off fitness & yoga classes at Thrive for Jan. & Feb.

Pre-registration is required at: www.thrivewellnessnh.com

Primary Care of Milford Welcomes Heather Shafer, MD Our team is dedicated to providing high quality care for the entire family. With an emphasis on communication and collaboration with our patients, we are your partner for good health.

Providing: • • • • •

Routine, preventative care Same-day sick visits Care for patients with chronic health conditions Employment, school, athletic and camp physicals Coordination with specialists and behavioral health support

Now accepting new patients!

Call 603.672.7600

Primary Care of Milford

10 Jones Road, Milford

PrimaryCareMilford.org

received while marching. He was there, awaiting discharge for disability, when the volunteer service was mustered out at the close of the war. Comrade Bennett was a genial, free-hearted man, of quick impulses and a generous nature. His jovial good humor made him popular among his comrades during the war, and in later years, his fund of reminiscence and gift at story-telling made him the welcome centre of any group.” (History of the Ninth Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers in the War of the Rebellion.)

After the war, Alden was a shoemaker or cobbler in Amherst. While in his mid-60s, he tried being the agent for Ellis Liniment, traveling around with a custom-built cart pulled by a large handsome chestnut horse from 1883 for a year or so, then went back to shoe and boot repairing. He continued to use his musical ability. He played first violin in an Old Folks Concert at Amherst Town Hall in 1874. His third daughter, Sarah Louise (1844-1905), made a career out of her inherited musical talent after she married showman Oscar Shaffer in 1871 and they toured, giving concerts and entertainments. Alden, and also his wife Elizabeth, were active in the veterans’ organization, the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1885, A. B. Bennett secured an increase in his pension to $4 per month, plus some backpay, for his service.

Alden & Elizabeth Bennett lived their final couple decades in Amherst Village surrounded by family.

The Shaffers lived with her parents at 1 Sunset Road (bought by Alden’s brother James, who lived in Dunstable, Mass., for $600 in 1878); Oscar bought that house in 1880. To be close to the Bennett and Shaffer family, Dr. Eugene V. McLeod, the dentist husband of the youngest daughter, who resided in New Bedford, bought the house across the street, the Isaiah Bacon House at 89 Boston Post Road, in 1885 (for $425) as their summer home until 1890.

And the Osgoods lived nearby on the other side of Boston Post Road.

Alden & Elizabeth Bennett spent their final years in the Sylvester Colby House at 8 Foundry Street, which was bought in Mrs. Bennett’s name (for $429) in 1889. He died at age 75 of apoplexy in 1891, and his wife of pneumonia at age 77 in 1892. Her obituary praised her as “a friend at all times, possessed of a bright, happy, disposition [who] quickly made friends and as easily kept them.”

Both are buried with gravestone in Meadowview Cemetery.

HHH Please let our advertisers know that you saw their ad in The Amherst Citizen.

www.amherstcitizen.com • JANUARY 2019 •

Arts

& Region

Entertainment

Exhibits

Symphony NH Announces 2018-2019 Season: Celebrating Mozart NASHUA – Symphony NH presents the 2018-19 Season: Celebrating Mozart, that includes The Music of John Williams; Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony”; followed by An Irish Christmas (performed Saturday, December 8, Nashua and Sunday, December 9 in Concord), that featured 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 Symphony NH (played last Saturday, December 29 in Nashua). Upcoming; 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 Cellist, Brant Taylor

“Northeast Motion” by Daryl D. Johnson 30 x 40” Oils on canvas

Amherst Artist to Exhibit at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce

CONCORD – The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce will host an exhibition of oil landscapes by Daryl D. Johnson titled “New Hampshire Landscapes in Motion” during the months of January through March, 2019. An Artist Reception is scheduled for Friday, January 11 from 5pm to 7pm.

Described by Art New England magazine as “…gestural realist landscapes with the overall effect of speeding through layers of lighted space,” Johnson’s oil paintings of landscapes are inspired by her motorcycle travels. The original oil paintings are awash with the energy of movement and nature with shifting patterns of water and rising transient clouds.

Daryl D. Johnson was born in Manhattan, grew up in NYC’s suburbs and moved to New Hampshire in 1988. Johnson has a BFA from Hope College in Holland, MI and studied at the Vermont Studio School and The Art Students League of New York.

Johnson’s paintings have won numerous awards and are in private and corporate collections throughout the world including Fidelity Investments, Delta Airlines and Pepsico. She is a juried member of the New Hampshire Art Association and maintains a studio in Amherst, NH. Johnson says of her work: “The views are familiar, but the subtext is the underlying chi, the sweeping momentum. The earth “breathes” in and out with compositions of uplifting shapes. These oils on canvas celebrate the vibration of the planet.”

The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce is located at 49 South Main Street in Concord, NH. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5pm

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 7

Gareth Johnson

PHOTO: LOUISE NOAKES

NH orchestra.

Mozart 40 and Elgar Cello Concerto (Saturday March 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 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.

Amherst PTA’s “The Little Mermaid” Nominated for Theater Awards AMHERST – The 2018 Amherst PTA Play, “The Little Mermaid,” has been nominated for several New Hampshire Theatre Awards. The fundraising production is up for seven honors in the 17th installment of the awards hosted by the New Hampshire Theatre Alliance.

The nominees are:

• Best Community Production of a Musical • Best Director of a Community Production of a Musical – Ben April & Sharron April • Best Actress in a Community Production of a Musical – Sophie Linkroum as Ariel

• Best Actor in a Community Production of a Musical – Eric Skoglund as Sebastian • Best Supporting Actor in a Community Production of a Musical – Russell Arrowsmith as King Triton • Best Supporting Actress in a Community Production of a Musical – Laura Millar as Ursula • Best Costume Design for a Community Production – Sharron April & Laura Majore

The winners in each category will be announced at the New Hampshire Theatre Alliance’s award show January 19, 2019 at Capital

Center for the Arts in Concord. The show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are currently available at ccanh.com/events.

“The Little Mermaid” ran for five shows in April 2018 at Souhegan High School, and it generated more than $17,000 for curriculum enrichment programs for Amherst schools. The 2019 production, “Mulan Jr.,” will begin the audition process in early January with rehearsals beginning later in the month. For more information on the current show, visit sites.google.com/site/ mulanjrauditions2019/.

Music on the Hill Concert Series

In the Garden of Affections Concert on January 26 WILTON — In the dead of January, music and imagery keeps us warm. Both are part of the 2018-2019 Music on the Hill concert series at High Mowing School’s next concert “In the Garden of Affections: Works by Alessandro Scarlatti” on Saturday, January 26.

“Let your ears and souls delight in this evocative performance of Boston’s finest early music players and scholars, celebrating the genius of the Italian master Alessandro Scarlatti,” Music on the Hill Artistic Director Andrew Koutroubas says. “We are especially excited to present to the Wilton community, Scarlatti’s ‘Bella Madre dei Fiori,’ an arrestingly beautiful and seldom performed secular cantata telling a story of the

hardship of separation. While sung in Italian, supertitles will be projected in English.”

In addition, this program features Scarlatti’s Concerti Sinfonia; the works are performed on period instruments.

Refreshments will be sold.

Suggested donation: $25; children younger than 12 admitted free of charge 4 pm Saturday, January 26 Pine Hill Campus at High Mowing School 77 Pine Hill Drive Wilton 654- 2391 www.highmowing.org/concertseries

Future Events The 2018 Music on the Hill benefit concert series continues throughout the year with the following: • Folk Music of the World: 3 pm, March 24 • Mother’s Day : 4 pm, May 11

Amherst PTA Seeks Directors for Annual Theater Production Chris Volpe landscape

First Thursday With Chris Volpe MILFORD – For the month of January Creative Ventures First Friday event will be held on the first Thursday, January 3, 2019, from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. and will feature Chris Volpe, artist, writer and teacher, who will present a 30-minute slide show followed by a discussion about contemporary landscape painting. His presentation, “Contemporary Landscape Painting: An Introduction” will introduce attendees to beautiful and innovative work by painters who are updating and extending the rich tradition of landscape painting in America.

Transplanted from Long Island to Hollis, New Hampshire, Chris has a love affair with our natural world and is forever pondering about the human position in the universe, and it is this relationship, man versus nature, that is expressed through his paintings. But most of all, Chris loves to teach and he has been doing so for 25 years. Through teach-

ing poetry, non-fiction writing, art history or painting, his emphasis is on the development of self expression in his students. Calling upon the creative spirit and harnessing the imagination provides the impetus to convey the message of art.

Chris’s own work is a testament to his ability to communicate emotions and feelings through imagery.

He is represented by several New England galleries as well as nationally, and his work will hang in the Creative Ventures Gallery during the month of January. Much of his work is done on a commission basis.

Creative Ventures is located at 411 Nashua Street in Milford. This presentation is part of the Gallery’s free monthly series of shows, demonstrations and talks. Light refreshments will be available. Call 672-2500 for additional information or check www.creativeventuresfineart.com .

The Amherst PTA Play has served as the largest fundraiser for the PTA for the past 66 years. We are seeking enthusiastic directors, musical directors and choreographers who bring passion and love for teaching all aspects of theater to our production. We are looking for teams who are positive, inclusive, and prepared to have fun. There is a dedicated group that is willing to support upcoming directorial teams with experience in many of the technical, production, and management aspects.

The proceeds from this event go to support the enrichment programs offered to the children within the Amherst community in grades pre-K through 8th grade.

The PTA has a limited budget and is looking for people who can bring a reasonable amount of staging resources and contacts to the table. The PTA has a provided a budget of $9,000 for the last two productions. The production is a fund-

raiser to support our non-profit organization.

Due to the nature of being a non-profit and volunteer organization, no stipend is provided.

The show must be a play/musical that is family friendly and can draw a large cast and crew, with the ability to provide many parts for children. Shows are open to all age performers as well as junior shows. The show should also draw an audience of all ages. Auditions are held in early January. Rehearsals run from January through mid-April and are held at Clark-Wilkins Elementary school in Amherst. Rehearsals are generally held two evenings and Sunday afternoons. The show is usually performed during the second or third week in April and is held at the Souhegan High School theater. It is important to note that we are limited to school guidelines in the use of their space and expect reasonable rehearsal schedules due to the many children and families involved.

We ask that all directors have a plan “B” in mind, in case any issues arise with licensing rights.

Proposals need to include: Proposed budget, List of production team that you have on board, Minimum/Maximum cast/ensemble/groupings sizes (women, men, dancers, tappers, singers, etc). Include leads and ensembles for children, A few paragraphs describing your vision of the production, Known gaps in your plan and Fall-back show (with cast break-down at minimum).

Proposals for directing are due no later than March 1, 2019 for the spring 2020 show. Proposals can be mailed to Amherst PTA, P.O. Box 70, Amherst, NH, 03031 or emailed to amherstptanh@gmail.com. You will be contacted within one week to set up an interview. Thank you for considering directing our production, and we look forward to another successful year of Amherst PTA productions.

Learn from the Pros

ART CLASSES

Have you ever wanted to create artworks in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, colored pencil, handpulled prints, mixed media, or digital art? Students from ages 8 to 98 can learn from our team of professional artists! Call us at 672-2500 or visit us at www.creativeventuresfineart.com to learn more. Classes starting soon – sign up now!

Creative Ventures Gallery

411 Nashua Street, Milford, NH 03055

8 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

JANUARY 2019 • www.amherstcitizen.com

Town News

More Letters Lions Host Another Successful Holiday Craft Fair To the editor:

On behalf of the members of the Amherst Lions Club, I offer my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Amherst community for another successful Holiday Craft Fair. It is through your continued support and dedication that we are able to raise funds for so many needy causes and families in the area. Whether it be scholarships to high school students, monthly and holiday donations to SHARE, supporting Christmas food baskets to local families, funding vision screenings and eyeglasses to those in need, or any of the many causes that we support each year, we could not do it without you, the Amherst community. Our little town demonstrates its kindheartedness and generosity in many ways and as Lions we often see this reflected in continued support at our local events and fundraisers.

The Amherst Lions are included in the over 1.4 million members across the globe and Lions comprise the largest service organization in the world.

We serve the world one community at a time and thank you for being a part of our service here in Amherst!

Danielle Pray Chair 2018 Lions Annual Craft Fair

Thank you Taylee, Ella, Oliver and Cooper To the editor:

Last week, my husband and I, as well as the other neighbors on our street, were treated to four nights of sweet treats as well as inspirational messages. A family of four children on General Amherst Road initiated and carried out a program they called “Operation Kindness”, which was to spread holiday cheer throughout the community. In return, the children requested that the recipients do a kind gesture or service to someone. As promised, each night the children delivered a treat of, first salted caramels, then brownies, then chocolate covered candy canes and finally chocolate chip cookies (still warm) as well as a lovely, wise note encouraging kindness to all – not just during the holiday season, but “for eternity”. The final note included their blessings and their thanks for being part of their “special holiday tradition”. Finally, on Saturday evening, the children returned to our homes with their parents and extended family to sing Christmas Carols.

We wanted to let others know about this family’s Operation Kindness.

These children should feel very proud of themselves and their parents should be applauded for encouraging them.

Thank you Taylee, Ella, Oliver and Cooper.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Sincerely, Mary Lawson Amherst

Fundraiser Goal of $850,000 Set for Church/Meetinghouse To the editor:

On behalf of the Congregational Church of Amherst, I am writing to express the sincere thanks and appreciation of our congregation to the Amherst Community Foundation and its Board for their invaluable support and decision to partner with us in raising funds for the renovation and preservation of our historic church/meetinghouse on the common. Our goal is to raise the funds necessary to make critical infrastructure improvements to the original meeting house and parsonage necessary to insure the long-term safety and security of the structures, and to enhance the facilities for present and future community activities.

At year end, I am pleased to report that our congregation has raised donations and commitments in excess of $550,000., toward our goal campaign of $850,000. We are also pleased to report that we have begun to receive donations through the Community Foundation and other non-profit organizations to close our funding gap.

In the spirit of community, we wish to thank all who have chosen to assist the church in its stewardship of these historical and cultural gifts from our forebearers.

Susan Bagnara Holden Moderator Congregational Church of Amherst, UCC

Elections Give Voters Choices for Better Schools To the editor:

With a grateful heart, I am honored with the privilege to serve as a member of the Souhegan Cooperative School District. Being elected by you in March 2016 was a most unexpected surprise, and the beginning of another journey of service. Serving with my colleagues on the SCSB, we are navigating the challenges of falling enrollments, adjusting the budget accordingly, improving security, all while enhancing the student experience.

When I was a candidate, I wholeheartedly supported our schools and budgets without question. I still support our schools with my whole heart, but I work very hard to be factual and fair, as this is what should be expected of any elected official. Listening to what is being said, not who is talking, I look at the facts as they are, not the way some would desire me to see. Insisting on transparency, I will never acquiesce, especially with safety, curriculum, or the budget. I will always perform my due diligence with any task. The few who expected me to be doctrinaire and a follower should have known me to be open minded, considerate, and thoughtful in my decisions. Conversely, there have been many people who have taken the time to encourage with a handshake, pat on the back, or email, letting me know they appreciate the efforts made.

School budget season and town elections seem to bring out a variety of emotions. The current and last two budget seasons have been incredibly challenging. It would be nice to simply accept the budgets, but based on the facts and analysis of the curriculum section, the budget must be adjusted for inefficiencies. In fairness, this year the Administration and Board made an effort to improve efficiency, but in my judgment we must do better. Regardless, at least a majority of the Board has spoken and the proposed budgets were approved for the voters.

While it is hoped that all can honestly reason together, the last few years have seen some confuse passion with cruelty and rudeness. Can we make nice this time? We must expect dissent and respect the opposing decisions that board members are required to make. Having a minority point of view is not necessarily unhealthy. It is in fact representing a faction of voters, giving them voice, and is part of our democracy. We live in small towns, and there is no “us” or “them,” as we are all neighbors.

I am grateful for wonderful neighbors who choose to engage in honest conversations regarding the challenges we face as a school community. We have brilliant students and adults in our school districts. I hope more of you will become involved with committees and interact with the Boards, holding them accountable. Hopefully we will have more contested elections, giving the voters more choices, and new ideas for even better schools.

Over the last few months, people have asked if I will seek reelection.

There are about three weeks to decide, so stay tuned!

Faithfully, Dwayne Purvis Amherst

New Amherst Town Administrator Begins January 14th AMHERST – On August 28, 2018, Town Administrator Jim O’Mara notified the Amherst Board of Selectmen of his intentions to resign his position in order to accept a new position in Massachusetts On August 29, 2018, The Amherst Board of Selectmen met to discuss the process we wanted to utilize to fill the soon to be vacant Town Administrator position.

The Board decided that in order to attract the best candidates, we would utilize a firm that specializes in filling top level municipal positions in New Hampshire. We also felt that this would help demonstrate to the public and all candidates that this was an unbiased process, focused only on hiring the best possible candidate for Amherst.

On Wednesday, September 5, 2018, the Amherst Board of Selectmen met to interview firms to assist in the Town Administrator recruitment. We had initially identified to firms to interview, Municipal Resources, Inc (MRI) out of Meredith NH and the Edward J Collins Jr Center For Public Management out of Massachusetts.

The Collins Center was not able to respond because it’s funding from the State of Massachusetts requires it to restrict its services to Massachusetts communities After interviewing Alan Gould, President of MRI about the process that MRI was recommending, The Amherst Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to hire MRI for this search at a cost of $6,500.

On October 9, 2018, shortly after the application period closed, we were notified by MRI that we had received resumes from 34 candidates. These resumes were received from candidates in 11 states, and one from South Africa. There were 15 candidates from NH, 4 each

from FL and MA; 2 each from ME and VT; and 1 each from IL, CO, MD, MO, PA and NY. Of these candidates, 2 have Ph.D.’s, one has Juris Doctor and Master’s degrees, 18 have Master’s degrees, 1 holds a Juris Doctor and Bachelor’s degree, and 11 candidates have Bachelor’s degrees.

The next step was to review and rank the resumes and then distribute essay questions to the top candidates. Then the essay responses were reviewed by the MRI team and they began their preliminary background work in preparation for phone interviews.

On October 25, 2018, MRI notified us that they had sent essay questions to 12 candidates and that three candidates withdrew at that time.

On November 8, 2018 the Amherst Board of Selectmen, Chief Mark Reams (representing the Amherst Town Department Heads) and Alan Gould (President of MRI) met at the Amherst Town Hall to interview the top four candidates in person.

After interviewing each candidate for about an hour, all seven members of the interview team unanimously identified one candidate as their top choice.

As a result, we asked MRI to initiate both a detailed reference review and background review on the top candidate. In addition, two members of the Board of Selectmen met with the top candidate to verify that the candidate would accept the Town Administrator position if the Board of Selectmen voted to officially offer it to this candidate.

On November 27, 2017, MRI completed the reference and background checks and the results were all favorable.

Dr. Dean Shankle – December 10, 2018 Dr. Dean Shankle, Jr. has worked with local governments in New Hampshire for over 30 years. This has given him a depth and breadth of experience with the laws, regulations and customs of New Hampshire as well as an understanding of what citizens expect from their local government. This background will enable him to be productive from day one.

Dean is currently the Town Administrator of Hookset, New Hampshire, a role he has held since 2011. Prior to Hookset, Dean has served as the Town Administrator of Epping, Merrimack and Hinsdale.

Dean received his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Political Science and his Master of Public Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

He received his Master of Science in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH He also received his Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, in American Studies from Keen State College, Keene, NH. In addition, Dean is a Fulbright Scholar: Academy of Public Administration of the President of Moldova, Lecturer. (09/2006 –06/2007) Lectured on public administration, strategic planning, leadership, organizational change management and policy analysis.

Dean was also an Honorary Professor, Uzhhorod State Institute of Information Sciences, Economics and Law, Uzhhorod, Ukraine, 2002 His education is an indication of his strong belief that lifelong learning is essential. He understands how important it is to keep up with changes in technology and management practices. He called out our strategic planning projects, special initiatives and various studies as one of the areas that made the Amherst position an ideal fit for him.

Dean has published a number of articles over the years, including a series of articles on technology for the New Hampshire Municipal Association’s Town and City Magazine. These articles were in line with what we as a Town want to focus on and covered various facets of local government (e.g., housing, economic development, technology, training, grants).

The Amherst Board feels that Dean can help us continue on our upward trajectory. He has lived in this area since 1994 (first in Merrimack, now in Milford) and is very familiar with many attributes of Amherst. He pointed out that Amherst has been able to maintain the quaint New Hampshire smalltown feel but have been able to combine that with amenities such as golf courses and a winery. Dean looks forward to helping us continue to balance our cultural resources, natural resources and economic development.

Dean has been a member of the International City Managers Association’s (ICMA) Sustainable Communities Advisory Committee for the last three years, recognizes what has been accomplished, and is looking forward to continuing this effort.

We look forward to Dean starting full time with the Town of Amherst on January 14, 2019.

Amherst School District

TOWN OF AMHERST

PUBLIC NOTICE The Amherst School Board will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at Souhegan High School to consider the FY20 Amherst School District budget and other warrant articles. (Snow Date: January 11, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.)

The Deliberative Session of the Amherst School District will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at Souhegan High School.

Voting for School District Officers and warrant articles will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Souhegan High School from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

PUBLIC NOTICE The Amherst Supervisors of the Checklist will be in session at the Town Clerk’s Office at the Amherst Town Hall on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, between 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. New voter registrations, additions and corrections to the checklist, and party changes may be made at this session.

If unsure of your current party affiliation, you may go online to check it at http://app.sos.nh.gov or check the paper checklists located at the Town Office or Town Library.

Souhegan Cooperative School District PUBLIC NOTICE

The Souhegan Cooperative School Board will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 9th, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. at Souhegan High School to consider the FY 20 Souhegan Cooperative School District budget and other warrant articles. (Snow Date: January 11, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.)

The Deliberative Session of the Souhegan Cooperative School District will be held on Monday, February 4, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at Souhegan High School.

Voting for School District Officers and warrant articles will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at the following locations:

Town of Amherst, NH

• Amherst Voters-Souhegan High School, 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

• Mont Vernon Voters-Mont Vernon Village School, 7:00 a.m.7:00 p.m.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Mont Vernon School District

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PUBLIC NOTICE

Barbara Landry Meeting Room, Town Hall – 2 Main Street

The Mont Vernon School District will hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 10, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. at the Mont Vernon Village School to consider the FY 20 Mont Vernon School District budget and other warrant articles. (Snow Date: January 11, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.)

The Deliberative Session of the Mont Vernon School District will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. at the Mont Vernon Village School.

Voting for School District Officers and warrant articles will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at the following location: Mont Vernon Voters-Mont Vernon Village School, 7:00 a.m.7:00 p.m.

Monday, January 14, 2019 6:30 PM Pursuant to New Hampshire RSA 33:8-a, the Amherst Board of Selectmen hereby announces to the citizens of Amherst the convening of a Public Hearing to take input on the proposed FY20 Town Operating Budget, bonds and notes, and proposed warrant articles.

All citizens are invited to attend.

LEGAL NOTICE

School Administrative Unit No. 39 Budget FY20 Proposed Budget – December 20, 2018 Revenue Source Local Support Amherst Mont Vernon Souhegan Cooperative Unassigned Fund Balance ERate Total Revenue

FY19 Voted FY20 Proposed $1,208,826 $1,296,697 $178,133 $183,212 $829,215 $824,063 $23,543 $15,455 $18,800 $18,800 $2,258,517 $2,338,227

Expenditures Expenditure Category FY19 Voted FY20 Proposed SAU Board Services $14,143 $30,320 Office of the Superintendent $677,668 $674,041 Business Office & Support Services Business Office $806,469 $815,193 Special Education Office $323,021 $354,970 Building Operation & Maintenance $178,519 $177,944 Technology $156,524 $159,461 School Nutrition Services $83,373 $107,498 ERate $18,800 $18,800 Total Expenditures $2,258,517 $2,338,227 Check Figure $2,258,517 $2,338,227 Variance $0.00 $0.00

Vote March 12

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

TOWN OF AMHERST Town Election – March 12, 2019 Amherst, New Hampshire

Filing Period for Town Offices January 23, 2019 – February 01, 2019

2 Selectmen For 3 Years 1 Cemetery Trustee For 3 Years 3 Library Trustees For 3 Years 1 Zoning Board Member For 2 Years 1 Zoning Board Member For 3 Years 1 Trustee Of The Trust Funds For 3 Years Candidates shall file with the Town Clerk during regular business hours which are Monday – Friday from 9AM – 3PM and Tuesday night from 4:30PM – 6:30PM On FEBRUARY 1st 2019, the last day of the filing period, the office will be open until 5PM.

Nancy A. Demers, Town Clerk

www.amherstcitizen.com • JANUARY 2019 •

Obituary

Town News

Helen Hauser

People in the News

LaBelle Winery Founder/Co-Owner Honored at Inaugural Women’s Entrepreneurship Day New Hampshire’s High Tea AMHERST – Amy LaBelle, LaBelle Winery’s founder, co-owner and winemaker, was honored with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Excellence in Business award at the Inaugural Women’s Entrepreneurship Day New Hampshire’s High Tea in Henniker, New Hampshire.

Heidi Solomon, a member of WED New Hampshire’s board, says LaBelle was chosen as a recipient of this year’s Excellence in Business Award because, “Amy LaBelle is a perfect example of the success that can happen if you follow your passion and are willing to take some risk. LaBelle Winery leads by example with their commitment to excellence and focus on embracing and supporting the community.”

Solomon notes that just this year LaBelle Winery has made donations in support of 1,300 nonprofits who also align the with the WED

mission.

“I’m so honored to be chosen to receive the WED award in its inaugural year, and I’m grateful to have met so many powerful and interesting women at the celebration,” LaBelle says.

The theme of the inaugural event was “Personal Connections in a Digital World.” The focus was on the importance of networking and building personal relationships when trying to establish and/or grow a small business. The event also included an opportunity to donate to local charities that support women and children.

The mission of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day organization is to alleviate poverty by empowering, celebrating and supporting women in business and inspiring girls to be leaders. For more information about WED visit WomensEDay.org.

Amy LaBell (R), was honored at the recent Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Excellence in Business Award Event

Amherst Garden Club – Morning Meeting

Pickling: Traditional, Easy, Probiotic Method AMHERST – On Thursday February 7th join the Amherst Garden Club for a presentation on “Pickling: Traditional, Easy, Probiotic Method” by herbalist Rivka Schwartz.

Are you interested in your health and in easier cooking methods? If so, this presentation is for you!

Traditional, old fashioned deli pickles can’t be beat, and they are easy to make. The probiotic method of pickling is a simpler process of preserving food than water bath canning and comes with extra benefits. This traditional method also adds flavor and health-promoting, gut protecting probiotics.

Rivka will demonstrate her techniques for making pickled vegetables using natural fermentation including dill pickles and other seasonal vegetables.

At this presentation you will get the chance to sample Rivka’s dill pickles and other traditionally fermented vegetables.

Rivka says “I make my own pickles, relish, sodas and just about anything else that can be fermented for my own family. I enjoy the time I spend creating probiotic foods and love shar- Rivka Schwartz ing these skills with others.”

Rivka’s experience after raising 3 boys is that a nutritious diet, including foods rich in probiotics, is a cornerstone of good health. She studied wellness coaching at the Mayo clinic as well as completing a two-year course in herbal medicine. Over the past 14 years, she’s been helping people with health concerns using natural foods and taught about wellness issues and diet. Rivka is also a wellness coach, cooking instructor, naturalist guide & educator at the Beaver Brook Association, Hollis, NH. Come to this presentation and take home recipes and instructions for the traditional method for preserving vegetables.

The Amherst Garden Club meets at the Messiah Lutheran Church on Route 101 in Amherst. The Garden Club’s business meeting begins at 9:15am, followed by refreshments and the morning program starts about 10:30. The public is welcome to attend free of charge.

For more information contact: Susan Stefanec - 603.673.0890 - stefanec@ligett.com

DNA Testing for Genealogy

Part I (Jan. 23) - How Does DNA Help with Your Genealogical Research?

The first talk is an overview for the person who isn’t sure whether to test or not as well as the person who has tested but doesn’t know quite what the results mean or how to analyze them. It will include many examples (stories) and include information for adoptees, privacy concerns, etc.

Part II (Jan. 30) - You Have Your DNA Results - Now What?

The second talk explores the different testing sites in more detail and each of their tools, how to keep

records and contact your matches, transfer data between companies, etc. There are many brand new tools to help analyze results now.

This talk will be most helpful for those who have already tested and want to know how to analyze all the advanced features at the different companies. It includes new basic ways of sorting out matches that seem problematical (adoptions, no trees, minimal information). This will be interactive and will include plenty of time for questions.

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.

Please register for each session of the series individually. 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.”

herst Middle School, 14 Cross Road, from 5 pm - 7 pm. Instead of ticket purchase, the Lions are asking for a donation with all proceeds going to local charities. In addition to chili, there will be corn bread, salad with all the fixings, drinks, and hot dogs who might not care for chili. For dessert, you may make your own ice cream sundae. Entertainment is planned, but not confirmed at deadline.

Northeast Tree Removal

To the editor:

This year, a ‘Baby Blue Eyes ‘ Spruce with vivid blue foliage was illuminated. This tree was a gift to the Town of Amherst from the Amherst Garden Club, made possible by the generosity of John Cochran, owner of the Amherst Garden Center, Val PaPlante, owner of Amherst Earth and Perry Day, Town of Amherst.

The ‘Baby Blue Eyes ‘ Spruce will be the future permanent Memory Tree.

Although the spruce tree is in its infancy and still quite small, the message is significant. The blue spruce, layered in small white lights, shone brightly on the Amherst Town Common over the Holiday season. For a small donation to the Amherst Garden Club’s Charitable Fund, loved ones who have passed, were memorialized.

Thanks to the generosity and caring of so many members of the community, the money will be carefully spent on a cause that is aligned to the Amherst Garden Club Mission. Applications can be found and submitted on The Amherst Garden Club website. Last year, proceeds went to the Amherst Garden Shed Project and to the Master Gardener Free Seed Program that distributed seed packets to 175 schools and youth programs in NH

IN MEMORY OF:

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Yoga from the Comfort of a Chair DNA Genealogy: Identify Your Ancestors

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FAMILY VISION CARE Dr. Philip S. Aubrey, OPTOMETRIST ————————————————— —————————————————

Call: 630-0622 or 487-1009 Storm Damage Cleanup • Tree & Brush Chipping • Bucket Truck Work

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Remembering Loved Ones

The Alexander Carson Bowers Family, The Jane and John Boyle Family, The Richard B. Bruce Family, The Robert and Kathy Brundage Family, The Mary and Arlene Budds Family, The Clara and Frank Chen Family, The Jackson Bryce Clemens Family, The Mary, Charlie and Charles Collinson Family, The Copson Family, The William, Barbara and Tommy Craib Family, The Thornton Henry Currier Family, The William and Elsa Finke Family, The Fitzgerald Family, The Gambee Family, The G. Harbold Family, The George Houpis Family, The Otto and Marie Krosch Family, The Ann and Clark Logan Family, The Wilson Madigan Family, The Frank and Ida Maniglia Family, The John F. McCarthy Family, The William (Bill) McGuire Family, The Leo J. McLaughlin Family, The William and Elisabeth Michaelis Family, The Jim and Maureen Minner Family, The Velma and Louise O’Brien Family, The Ed Obermiller Family, The James Rutledge Family, The Herman Schmidt Family, The Spiess Family, The Anne, 0liver, and R.B. Stalter Family, The Pam Mckinstry Sullivan Family

81 Mont Vernon Street – Milford

FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES

2018 Memory Tree

FAMILIES:

Lions Club 4th Annual Fire & Ice – Chili Cook-off, February 1st AMHERST – Amherst Lions Club is looking for the best chili in town. The fourth annual Fire & Ice -- chili cook-off and all-youcan-eat sundaes -- is set for Friday, Feb. 1. Chili cooks wishing to enter their chili recipe (two-gallon minimum) for one year’s bragging rights should contact Reed Flowers atamherstlionsclub@gmail.com for more details. Deadline to register is Jan. 30. The event is at the Am-

Helen (Stasio) became commuHauser, 84, resinicants of St. Patdent of Bedford rick’s Church, NH died peacefulMilford. ly surrounded by Her favorite her family on Dething in the world cember 5, 2018. was cruising with She was born her family on in Boston, MA on their pontoon February 15, 1934, boat. She loved to daughter of the cook and read but late Dominic and nothing mattered Maria Celeste Stamore than spendsio. ing time with her Helen was prehusband.

Her deceased by her family is at peace husband Daniel knowing that they W. Hauser, Jr. and are both together was the last reagain. maining sibling of Family memHelen Hauser a family of eight bers include nine children. children and their Helen lived in Nashua where she spouses, Susan Gendron, Patricia raised her family. While living in and Gerard Pelletier, Daniel and Nashua, she and her husband were Laura Hauser, Catherine and John members of the Immaculate Con- Murphy, Judith and David Monception Church where they were toya, Christopher and Julie Hausvery active in many church organi- er, Marie and Michael Robicheau, zations. The family spent their sum- Kevin and Anne Hauser, Ellen and mers at Baboosic Lake in Amherst. Richard Fallon. 16 grandchildren Following her husband’s retire- and many nieces and nephews. ment, they made their permanent To share a memory or offer a conhome at the lake, where they met as dolence, please visit: www.smithteenagers. While living there, they heald.com.

Patricia Baksay, Russell Baksay, Vincent Balsama, Beatrice Balsama, Samuel Balsama, Alison Werner Barton, Meta Beckett, Osmond Beckett, John Bartram Bement, Russell Bement, Samuel Bement, William Barnes Bement, Bridget Bennett, Sumner Bennett, Elaine Bennett, Barbara Berlack, Jeffrey Boczenowski, Linda Bradbury, Edith Bridgewater, Jan Brown, Edward Cederholm, Maybelle Cederholm, Barbara E. Chesterman, Charles W. Chesterman, Jack Chiparo, Maryann Conaway, Jean Crocker, Richard Crocker, Nilly Cummingham, L.James Dailey, W.S.T.S Dailey, James Davenport, Joana Dean, Dr. Dominick DePaola, Rosemary DePaola, Lew Dokmo, Lornie Dokmo, Lucille Dokmo, Nat Dokmo, Mary Donovan, Roger Duchesne, Donald Dutremble, Pat Duval, Gertrude Dzenis, Walter Dzenis, Bill Eastland, Val Evans, Bill Falgares, Jack Fedas Sr., John Ferraro, Betty Foster, Bob Foster, Lynne Franklin, Bruce Fraser, David Fraser, Frances Ginsberg, Michael Goodwill, Robert Grugnale, Ken Harrison, Fran Harrow, George James Healy, Beth Herbert , Carol Holden, Roger Hooper II, Myke Huestis, Harry Hulings, Shirley Hulings, Anne Hunt, Bert Jacobs, Brad Jacobs, Melvin T. Johnson, Barbara Z. Johnson, Anne Johnston, Charles Johnston, Mary Julian, Meghan Julian, William Julian, Joseph Keifer, Lucille Kopf, Jane Kraham, Richard Kraham, Benett Kuhnert, Barbara Landry, Larry Landry, Aub Langile, Daniel Lapoint, Jack Learson, Cindy Lebretore, Arthur H. Lee, Joan Lee, Chester MacDonald, Jane Martin, Gertrude Martin, Stuart McCormack, Ruth McKinstry, Mark Melle, Barbara Merritt, Rita Michaelis, Eva Michaelis, , Carl Miller, Robbie Moody Jr., Rosemary Nagle, Marge O’Dell, Bro Park, Carol Park, Dick Park, Jack Park , John Pepin, Roberta Potter, Kay Potter, Gene Pringle, Henry Protzmann, Bob Quay, Thomas M. Quinn, Jordon Reckling, Valerie Richardson, Dr. Cedric Robinson, Nancy Robinson, Peter Rowan, Helen Rowe, Linda Russell, Gabriel Salvage, Charles Savage, Joshua Savyon, Diane Schroeder, Janice Sevier, Terry Shields, AJ Sikora, Jean Sikora, Donald Smallwood, Constance Smithwood, Tony Speis, Ester Speis, Rachael Steele, William Steele, Madeline Stewart, William Steytler, Florence Steytler, Arlene Sylvester, Dr. R. Emerson Sylvestor, Nicola Taylor, Dana Taylor, Nathaniel Tencza, Mel Tuttle, Bruce Ullrich, Charles Usuriello, Keith Wilson, Denver Yingling, Maureen Zimmer

Amherst Town Library

AMHERST – You’ve seen the commercials for 23andME and AncestryDNA. Maybe someone even gave you one for Christmas. But you have questions. Come to the Amherst Town Library on Wednesday, January 23 and Wednesday, January 30 at 7:00PM for a 2-part series on DNA testing for genealogy presented by Dr. Sandy Murray.

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 9

673-1330

visioncarenh.com/index.php

AMHERST– “People are surprised when I tell them they can enjoy yoga even if they cannot touch their toes,” says Michelle Folan, owner of Simple Soul Yoga in Amherst. Michelle seeks to bring the benefits of yoga to an unlikely audience: individuals with chronic pain, limited mobility, anxiety, depression, and other stress-­ related conditions. Most of her classes are private lessons that are customized for the needs and interests of each student, but recently she opened a Chair Yoga class to the public to help bridge the gap between people who are curious about yoga but uncertain how to begin.

Chair Yoga has all the components of a gentle yoga class, but with the support of a chair. Students sit in a circle of chairs, with the instructor seated among them. The group is led through simple movements, breathing techniques, guided meditation, and gentle poses.

The class is an hour long and students often linger after class to chat or help put away the supplies.

The word “yoga” means “to yoke” or “unite,” and it is an ancient practice that seeks to unite body and mind. There are many schools and styles of yoga throughout the world and though they are vastly different from each other at first glance, the essential goal is the same: to experience peace in body and mind.

“Given my resent injuries, I was not sure I could do yoga, but the instructor was peaceful and centered and she led me through a series of movements that felt wonderful,” said a woman from Nashua who attended Chair Yoga for the first time last week. The students in Michelle’s classes report feeling more ease in their daily movements and a deeper sense of self-­ awareness.

They also learn practical techniques for improving balance and posture.

Chair Yoga is offered on Fridays from 11-­ 12 noon at Simple Soul Yoga/Peaceful Journeys, 76 State Route 101A in Amherst NH. To learn more, call 603-­ 769-­ 1491 or visit www.simplesoulyoga.com

10 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

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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

Congregational Church of Amherst UCC

11 Church Street Acting Senior Pastor Rev. Maureen Frescott Acting Associate Pastor Katherine Rogers Church office: 673-3231 Website: www.ccamherst.org Church office: 673-3231 Website: 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.

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

After we turn 50, we start to ask different questions of life and of God. And often, the faith we built in our 20s and 30s doesn’t seem to work any more.

Join us as we work through Richard Rohr’s book, “Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Second Half of Life” each Saturday from 11:00 a.m till noon. We’ll start reading together on Saturday, January 12, 2019.

All welcome and invited to attend Sunday Worship and Celebration of Holy Eu-

charist 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.

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

Rev. 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

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

Saint Patrick Catholic Community of Milford

worship.

House of Prayer every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7 p.m. – everyone is welcome.

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 821-9891, pastor@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.

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 – eadingroom@csmilfordnh.org Website – www.csmilfordnh.org

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)

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 fol-

lows 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

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 • JANUARY 2019 •

School Subjects

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 11

Sports Shorts Alpine Teams Compete in GS at Crotched Mt.

Abbie Robinson and Riley Greene were among racers at Crotched SHS advisory groups: Souhegan student advisories donated gifts to Nashua Soup Kitchen, Amherst Jr Women and Bronstein Head Start, and they sent holiday cards to veterans and those serving in the military.

Clark-Wilkins Kindergarten Registration 2019-20

Online registration for 2019-2020 incoming kindergarten students will begin January 7, 2019. Parents are encouraged to visit the Clark-Wilkins webpage at https://www.sau39.org/cw and follow the quick link to register your student for our full day program.

Kindergarten students must be 5 years old by 9/30/19.

Preschool is available on a first come, first served tuition basis.

Since space is limited, please contact our Preschool Coordinator at krimol@sau39.org. Online registration does not apply to preschool.

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.

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Students in the News Nazareth College Student Timothy Vinton of Mont Vernon (03057) Earns Fall 2018 Dean’s List Honors

ROCHESTER, NY -- Nazareth College is proud to announce that Timothy Vinton of Mont Vernon, NH, has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2018 semester. Vinton is majoring in Chemistry.

A student’s grade point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the dean’s list at Nazareth.

Nazareth College’s academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts. The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester, N.Y. challenges and supports 2,200 undergrads and 700 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global stu-

dent scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life’s work.

Local Resident Inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

BATON ROUGE, LA - The following local residents recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Denis Dessureault of Amherst initiated at MCPHS University

These residents are among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

BENNINGTON – Another Winter has brought the next season of alpine ski racing to Souhegan High School! On December 20, 2018, Crotched Mountain hosted a giant slalom (GS) on a clear evening.

Early season cold temps enabled Crotched Mountain to make an abundance of snow.

Six full teams and several partial teams brought 45 girls and 71 boys.

Four competitors are required to make a full team.

Souhegan girls finished well and provided optimism for future success. Senior Captain Olivia Bennett scored in 13th place with 1:19.47. Freshman abounded in the scoring girls with Riley Greene (8th: 1:17.23), Sierra Kimball (12th: 1:19.21), and Isabella Kraus (15th: 1:20.78).

Souhegan boys finished third overall and second out of Division

Girls High School Team No. School

Points

2 teams. Juniors Andrew Tay-lor (4th: 1:11.02) and Quade Bell (10th: 1:13.35) topped our boys. Sophomore Nate Fritz (17th: 1:16.58) and senior Josh Lacaillade (33rd: 1:23.07) completed the scoring team.

Our annual movie and raffle fundraiser will be on Friday January 4th, 2019 at 7 PM, Souhe-gan High School Theater. Please join us for a fun night showing this year’s Teton Gravity Movie “Far Out.” Movie tickets are $10 at the door.

Raffle tickets will be sold and prizes in-clude lift tickets and donations from Proctor Ski and Board of Nashua, Target, Ken Jones Ski Mart, Skinner’s Ski and Sport of Mt. Sunapee, Dunkin Donuts and more. Thank you to our sponsors and coaches! The team anticipates another great season!

The results were:

Boys High School Team

No. School

Points

1 ConVal 378 2 Hollis Brookline 372 3 Souhegan 356 4 Portsmouth 355 5 Derryfield 344 6 Bow 316 7 Milford 78* 8 Conant 76*

1 Bow 382 2 Derryfield 353 3 Souhegan 347 4 Portsmouth 345.5 5 ConVal 342.5 6 Hollis Brookline 326.5 7 Wilton-Lyndeborough 174* 8 Milford 151.5*

*Less than four competitors

SHS Runners Recognized For Their Achievements

(L to R): David Moss, Vincent Bowman

(L to R): Georgia Jones, India Jones

AMHERST – The top Cross Country Runners from across the State of NH were honored for their achievements for the 2018 XC season, at the NH XC Cross Country Banquet, in Londonderry on Sunday. Two local runners from Souhegan High School were recognized for their accomplishments. Arielle Zlotnick, a senior, and Chloe Trudel, a freshman, were both rated among the top 10 in Division II. Arielle also earned “All-State” honors as one of the top 10 best runners in the state across all 3 Divisions. Arielle and Chloe’s success aided the Souhegan team as they finished among the best in their division, went on to the state Meet of Champions, and then finished well enough to compete at the New England Championships!

Souhegan Fall Classic Table Tennis Tournament AMHERST – The Souhegan Fall Classic Table Tennis Tournament was held in the school’s mini-gym on Friday December 7th. A total of 6 players (2 girls and 4 boys) participated in the round robin and then single elimination competition. Trophies were awarded to the first place winners and medals to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th places. The girl’s division was won by defending champion Georgia Jones followed by last year’s third place winner India Jones as runner-up. The boy’s division was won by last year’s runner-up David Moss, while last year’s third place winner Vincent Bow-

man was this year’s runner-up. Kyle Gibson and freshman Joshua Cho completed the boys awards. The girl’s championship match between Georgia and her twin sister India matched India’s attacking style versus Georgia’s defensive play. As the saying goes, “Defense wins championships.” The boy’s final featured the cool, calm, smooth strokes of David Moss versus the brute power of hard hitting Vincent Bowman.

David’s consistency style prevailed.

The tournament was sponsored by Viet Pham, faculty adviser and Bill Swift, Souhegan table tennis coach.

The event began at 3 PM and ended

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around 4:30 PM. The Winter Classic, which will be open to all NH high school players, will be held at the Nashua Table Tennis Club in February 2019.

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PRESCHOOL • PRE-KINDERGARTEN

Chloe Trudel and Arielle Zlotnick

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12 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

JANUARY 2019 • www.amherstcitizen.com

Mont Vernon MONT VERNON HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWS

order. Money raised will be used for ongoing preservation projects in the museum.

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 at eloise_carleton@comcast.net; Museum Curator Mary Jo Marcely at Hannahsgarden@hotmail.com; or Assistant Museum Curator Sandy Kent at slkent57@ gmail.com.

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.

Mont Vernon Congregational Church, United Church of Christ 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 hope to see everyone on January 17, 2019.

Southern New Hampshire Services Accepting Fuel Assistance Applications 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

Daland Memorial Library

Customized Plaques – Ongoing Fundraiser 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

In The Region

Library Director: Bonnie Angulas Children’s Program Director: JoAnn Kitchel Email: dalandlibrary@comcast.net Hours: 10-8: Tues., Weds., Thurs.

2-6: Friday 2-6 10-1: Saturday Closed: Sun. & Mon.

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 January 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.

Amherst PTA Looking for Talent for Mulan Jr. Production!

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

Mont Vernon School District PUBLIC NOTICE The Mont Vernon School District will hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 10, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. at the Mont Vernon Village School to consider the FY 20 Mont Vernon School District budget and other warrant articles. (Snow Date: January 11, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.)

The Deliberative Session of the Mont Vernon School District will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. at the Mont Vernon Village School.

Voting for School District Officers and warrant articles will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at the following location: Mont Vernon Voters-Mont Vernon Village School, 7:00 a.m.7:00 p.m.

Gospel Children’s Choir practice.

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.

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.

Souhegan Cooperative School District PUBLIC NOTICE

The Souhegan Cooperative School Board will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 9th, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. at Souhegan High School to consider the FY 20 Souhegan Cooperative School District budget and other warrant articles. (Snow Date: January 11, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.)

The Deliberative Session of the Souhegan Cooperative School District will be held on Monday, February 4, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at Souhegan High School.

Voting for School District Officers and warrant articles will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at the following locations:

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.

Annual PTA play to feature first junior production of Disney hit.

Let’s Get Social!

• Amherst Voters-Souhegan High School, 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

• Mont Vernon Voters-Mont Vernon Village School, 7:00 a.m.7:00 p.m.

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Granite Apollo Proposes 20 Megawatt Milford Solar Project Project will generate clean, affordable energy for New Hampshire “The Milford Solar Project will Granite Apollo has also angenerate clean, renewable power at nounced plans to develop a 10MW ratepayers, spur economic development and help decrease recompetitive prices to help Granite AC solar project in Londonderry, gional carbon emissions MILFORD – Granite Apollo has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Town of Milford to develop an up to 20MW AC solar project on town owned property.

The project, named “Milford Solar”, will be located on approximately 120 acres of Town owned land off of Perry Road on either side of Route 101. Granite Apollo will lease the land from the Town. The project will be designed to minimize environmental impacts on the property.

Staters save money on their power bills,” said Chris Stewart, founder at Granite Apollo. “Well sited utility scale solar is a key part of New England’s energy future and we are excited to work with the Town of Milford on this project.”

“This is a great opportunity for the Town of Milford,” said Mark Bender, Milford Town Administrator. “We look forward to working closely with Granite Apollo to help make this project a model for large scale, responsible clean energy development in New Hampshire.”

The full lease option between the Town of Milford and Granite Apollo will be on the March 2019 Town Meeting Day Ballot for final approval by the voters of Milford.

The approximately 20 megawatt project would generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 5,000 New England homes.

Granite Apollo expects to negotiate a power purchase agreement for sale of the power within the ISONE marketplace.

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Granite Apollo is a development company focused on large-scale solar energy projects in New England.

The company is committed to working closely with host communities, utilities, permitting agencies, landowners and residents to bring clean energy and new investment to ratepayers across the region

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