V28-N05 January 2020

Amherst Citizen

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 1

VOLUME 28 – NUMBER 5

JANUARY 2020

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PRSRT. STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 10 Amherst, NH ECR WSS

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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 2020!

Folk Singer Jeff Warner Performs Jan. 26 at Amherst Congregational Church

Vaping on the Decline at Souhegan High School

By Jeanne Sturges AMHERST – When the nation, and indeed New Hampshire in particular, was hit with a teen vaping epidemic, Souhegan High School mobilized. “We hit it pretty hard last year,” says Dean of Students Kelli Driscoll. As teen vaping surged a few years ago, Souhegan planned a three-prong approach that included parent, student and community education, teacher training, and increased physical presence and supervision on campus.

“The YRBS (Youth Risk Behaviors Survey) data showed vaping really trending up in the 2017-18 school year. That’s when we began implementing a strategy,” Driscoll says.

The year before last, when it was at its height, school leaders were inundated with troubling signs. “Vaping was all over social media, both in and out of school,” she adds.

Souhegan responded by training faculty in what to look for and how vaping is concealed. Training also included how to identify vape pens and recognize the odor. Faculty learned protocols for addressing vaping, how to encourage healthy dialogue about the risks and peer pressure, as well as reminders about utilizing administration for support when they suspect or encounter vaping. “Last year, we had tons of calls, from both students and faculty. Raising awareness really helped our students to speak up about it.”

“The combination of more walkthroughs and the placement of cameras, along with the education piece led us to see the declines in incidents we are experiencing this year,” says Officer Heather Blasé, Souhegan’s School Resource Officer. “All the health studies coming out recently have genuinely scared kids,” adds Driscoll. “Vaping was marketed as a healthy alternative to smoking. Now that students see it’s not, they say it is not worth the risk.”

The district-wide educational component for parents organized by the middle school two years ago was very well-attended. A pulmon-

ologist spoke about the medical impact, the police presented factual information, and a panel of educators answered questions.

The decline in use is particularly true among students who use the flavored vapes. Students who vape nicotine and THC (the psychotropic chemical in marijuana that produces a “high”) are less impacted by the health studies showing the dangers of vaping. “A lot of students were addicted to vaping,” Driscoll explains. “That’s the way Juul works. It produces short, intense bursts of nicotine – often in higher concentrations than cigarettes.

There is also the natural endorphin ‘rush’ created by the physical act of vaping as well.”

Anecdotally, Officer Blase estimates that a third of students who vaped likely had THC in their pens, though hard data is not currently available. “Dab pens are harder and more expensive to obtain than other forms of marijuana, but they are easier to conceal,” Blasé explains.

Last year and the year before, the epidemic was at its height, but “by summer there was a drastic decline,” Blase says. Moving forward, Souhegan is looking to develop an educational component to its interventions when students are found vaping. “If a student is doing an inschool suspension, we want them to complete an educational piece,” Driscoll says.

As the intensity of the vaping epidemic dissipates, school leaders continue to maintain a focus on the risks and dangers of social media. “While vaping was a fad epidemic that is dying, social media is something we constantly need to be looking at. We are currently exploring a parent awareness and education program in spring,” Driscoll says. “Social media is always evolving. There’s always a new app, a new trend. It’s always going to be a fight.”

Jeanne Sturges is the Writing Center Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach at Souhegan High School.

Town and Schools Meeting Schedule

The Amherst Congregational Church, with support from NH Humanities, welcomes folk singer Jeff Warner on Sunday January 26 at 4:00 PM, who will present “Songs of Old New Hampshire” in song and story. He sings and accompanies himself with guitar, banjo, concertina and antique rhythm instruments creating lively music and a fun concert, all with no printed music.

He knows all the songs and stories by heart!

Jeff Warner is among the nation’s foremost performers and interpreters of traditional music. He will entertain us with a vast repertoire of ballads, love songs and comic pieces from the 19th century that tell the stories of the daily lives of working folks sung in lumber camps, textile mills, ships, and the backcountry. His songs and stories bring us the latest news from

the distant past.

He performs nationally and internationally, but happily his home is New Hampshire, where he is a performer for the NH Humanities to Go program. The Congregational Church is pleased to offer this toe-tapping program for all to enjoy. No admission fee.

A reception with refreshments will follow the program to provide the opportunity to meet Jeff, and to purchase his CDs. The church is located at 11 Church Street. The accessible entrance at the side of the building provides elevator access to the second level.

For more info go to: https://www.ccamherst. org/events/nh-humanities-concert/ Or contact Anne Krantz: Annekrant@ comcast.net, 673-9684.

Church office 673-3231

• Warrant Article 24 deals with the police station renovation project. When the project was initially proposed, it was estimated that the entire renovation project would cost $600,000. It was proposed that a warrant article requesting funding for $200,000 a year for 3 years would be prudent to raise the necessary funds. Since the project began, there have been a number of issues that arose and it is likely that the overall cost of the project will exceed $600,000. While W&M supports this warrant article to complete the $600,000 projected funding of the project, W&M would like to make it clear to the general public that this project will likely exceed the $600,000 anticipated cost. At this time, the expected increase of the project is an additional $175,000. W&M does believe that the renovation committee has worked hard to scale back the project as a result of some of the unanticipated increase in costs.

• Warrant Article 29 deals with the Town Computer System Capital Reserve Fund. While W&M supports this article being passed this year and believes it is necessary for this year, W&M may not support this warrant article in future years.

The Public Hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for the BOS meeting on January 13, 2020. 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 5, 2020.

Ways and Means: Peter Moustakis, Chair; Elaina Bedio, Secretary; Scott Tuthill; Matthew Seiler; Lisa Eastland; Danielle Pray; Mike Parisi; Sarah Bonnoitt, Alternate

Editor’s note: The tax rate starts at zero each year and increases based on what the voters approve at the polls. The estimated tax impact on the FY20 operating budget was $5.26 per thousand, so the FY21 impact of $5.15 per thousand is actually less than last year.

— Information provided by Cheryl Eastman, Finance Director, Town of Amherst.

Betsy Szymczak

The meeting will be held at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 303 Route 101 in Amherst beginning at 9:00 AM with a short social time and business meeting. Program begins at 10:15 AM. The public is welcome to attend with no fee.

Amherst resident, Dave Salvas accepts a donation

New Year’s PJ Run Collects 130 PJ’s for Area Children AMHERST – Thank You to all who came and donated PJ’s and making this another great start to the New Year.

This year’s 6th annual PJ run was the most successful one so far. We had about 75 runners and a number of dogs. All the runners wore some sort of PJ as we run through the village. There were four different routes to chose from. There was no timing, no shirts, no medals, just a good time.

We enjoyed the company of family and friends and made a difference for chil-

dren in the local area. The citizens of area towns banded together to walk/run/ stroll in their PJ and collected 130 pairs of Pajamas for area children.

We had coffee, cookies, donuts and hot chocolate after the run/walk. Numerous raffle prizes were given out to participants and fun was had by all. Thank you again for all the PJ’s and looking forward to next year to surpass this year.

“Thank you to my wife for baking numerous cookies for the event”. Dave Salvas, organizer

100’s of Program and League Options

Souhegan Cooperative School District

BUILD MORE MORE THAN MUSCLE

Public Hearing: Wednesday, January 8 at 6–7p.m. SHS theatre Deliberative Session: Monday, February 3 at 7p.m. SHS theatre

Amherst School District Public Hearing: Wednesday, January 8 at 7–8p.m. SHS theatre Deliberative Session: Tuesday, February 4 at 7p.m. SHS theatre

Mont Vernon School District

Election Day: Tuesday, March 10

AMHERST - At the daytime meeting of the Amherst Garden Club on Thursday, January 9, 2020, Betsy Szymczak, President, Buxton Branch American Begonia Society, will enlighten us as to how to grow begonias both inside and out, season by season in a program entitled “A Begonia for Any Season”.

As winter wanes and we think about spring, begonias are wonderful bedding and container plants. Fall brings cooler weather and is time to bring plants inside and take a few cuttings.

With the holidays, it’s time for “winter-flowering” and fancy-leaved hybrids to enjoy while waiting for the next season to unfold.

Door prizes will be given or raffled.

GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH

Public Hearing: Monday, January 13 at 6:30p.m. Town Hall Deliberative Session: Wednesday, February 5 at 7p.m. SHS theatre

Discussion of Zoning ordinance and petition amendments Public Hearing: Wednesday, January 15 at 7:30 p.m. Amherst Middle School cafeteria

A Begonia for Any Season

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 FY21. Also, our members interviewed the head of each town department to inquire into the details of planned FY21 expenditures and proposed initiatives.

Thereafter, we conducted a line-by-line comparison of the town’s overall proposed budget for FY21 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, with the following comments:

Town of Amherst

Amherst Planning Board

Morning Program, January 9, 2020

Amherst Town Ways & Means Committee Town Budget and Articles Report

Public Hearings and Deliberative Meetings on Budgets and Warrants

Public Hearing: Thursday, January 9 at 7– 8 p.m. MV Village School Deliberative Session: Wednesday, February at 7p.m. MV Village School

Amherst Garden Club

0

$

membership join fee with a 5-piece nonperishable food donation from Dec. 15 through Jan. 12 at any of our 3 YMCA of Greater Nashua branches!

WESTWOOD PARK YMCA | 90 Northwest Boulevard, Nashua, NH

At the Westwood Park YMCA we give you the support and encouragement you need to become a healthier, happier you. We offer a wide variety of programs and classes in our many courts, classrooms and studios: • 4 courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton, pickleball and more • A full-size indoor turf field and training area for soccer, flag football cricket, kickball, lacrosse, field hockey and other field sports.

• A wellness center with functional training areas featuring the MX4 system, a cardio center and group exercise studio • A multipurpose space for health education, arts, enrichment, teen programs and more • A group cycling studio.

• Kids Stop area for child watching while parents utilize the YMCA for programming • Sports-based Summer Camp programming for youth development • Batting cages ready for rental (included in membership) • Teen Nights at the Y: For teens, by teens!

To see a full list of the benefits of joining the YMCA visit www.nmymca.org/joinus!

2 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 • w w w . a m h e r s t c i t i z e n . c o m

Letters & Opinions Keep Amherst Quaint

Red Flag Laws Save Lives

To the editor:

To the editor:

Dotted throughout the Town of Amherst Zoning Ordinance are numerous references to the desire of the Town to maintain the rural character of the Town. For example, the purpose of Amherst’s Sign Ordinance states that “the Town does not want signs in any district to detract from the rural character which the Town has expressed a strong desire to maintain”, the Scenic Setbacks ordinance’s purpose “is to preserve and enhance the rural, open character of the Town as viewed from the main roads leading through the Town”, Home Occupations “are not to detract from the rural character of the Town”, and even the IIHO (Integrated Innovative Housing Ordinance – which is the subject of this writing) states as part of it’s purpose, “protecting and preserving the rural aesthetic the Town has consistently valued”.

Over the past several months, the Town has seen somewhat of an explosion in applications for development of open land utilizing the requirements of the IIHO ordinance. The ordinance was enacted in March 2015 upon the approval of the voters. The language of the ordinance at the ballot seemed innocuous enough and referenced workforce housing, elderly housing and planned residential development. What was not clear from the language presented was that voters were being asked to allow up to a 165% density bonus to developers of land. As it currently stands today, Section 4.16 of the Town’s Zoning Ordinance allows bonus densities to developers of land in the range of 10% - 165%. The 165% can potentially even be larger because if the land has an existing structure which is suitable for redevelopment, 4 more units can be added to the request for density bonuses. It is important to point out that these bonus densities are NOT required or mandated by law and are strictly given out to developers based upon the approval of the Planning Board as approved by the voters in 2015.

The result of the approval of Section 4.16 (IIHO Ordinance) is that recent applications to the Town for development have resulted in requests for 64 housing units when only 30 would normally be allowed (113% increase) and another development requested 46 units from a baseline of 16 (187% increase). There are currently several developments in the application process and their figures vary as well. All include significant increases in density via the bonus provisions of the ordinance.

While there were reasons to draft the original ordinance as approved by the voters, the impacts that Amherst is currently experiencing and may potentially experience in the near future requires immediate action. A large group of citizens has submitted two citizens’ petitions to the Town’s Board of Selectmen. Per state law, these zoning petitions will be placed directly on the ballot in March for the townsfolk to approve. One petition will reduce the percentage of bonus densities that may be allowed to developers to a maximum of 35%. In other words, if their baseline density is 30, they may request an additional 35% in bonus (10 additional housing units) and not the current max which allows up to a potential 165% (or more).

As previously pointed out, the Town has a longstanding desire to keep Amherst’s rural character intact. There is widespread concern amongst the Town that the generous bonus densities allowed (and in some cases, already granted) to developers diminish the quality and character of the Town and are not evaluated in totality to determine their overall impact on the Town.

The Town has initiated proceedings for a new Master Plan which will identify the desires and wishes of its residents for future planning. A potentially (perhaps permanent) reduction in the bonus densities awarded to developers of land is a necessary step in keeping Amherst quaint. I wholeheartedly endorse the citizens petition which will reduce (for now) the bonus densities that can be awarded to developers of land in Amherst. A public hearing on the proposal will be held on January 15 and I encourage all residents to attend to learn more and express your concerns about development in Amherst. The voters have the power and authority to alter zoning provisions. The citizens’ petition will be on the ballot in March – I respectfully request your vote of approval.

Danielle Pray Amherst

Seniors Can Walk For Free Weekdays at the Dome To the editor:

The “Walkie-Talkie” program is off to a great start this season. Sign-ups and number of walks are up over last year and I’m sure the enthusiasm will build as we enter the post-holiday depths of winter. A reminder that all readers of the Amherst Citizen, in fact in 9 nearby towns, over the age of 70 are able to walk for free at the Hampshire Dome weekdays from 10-2 PM. The Dome is adjacent to Hampshire Hills Sports and Health facility in Milford and provides a wonderful, safe opportunity for both healthy aerobic exercise and a chance to meet nice neighbors. And, for those who need help with transportation, the Little Blue Bus can pick up and drop off with advance notice. The N.H. Wellpoint Foundation funds this program and hopes that it adds to the “quality of life” for all our Senior citizens.

Richard Katzenberg, president, NH Wellpoint Foundation Amherst

Letters To the editor: The Amherst Citizen is eager to serve as a community forum. We welcome your letters, opinions, and commentaries and make every effort to run them in their entirety. We do reserve the right to edit. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the position of the staff of The Amherst Citizen.

AMHERST ­The

Cliff Ann Wales

Publisher & Editor

Please direct your letters, views and commentary to the Editor, The Amherst Citizen, P.O. Box 291, Amherst, NH 03031-0291, or e-mail your submission to: news@amherstcitizen.com. We will attempt to run your letter as submitted (space permitting) providing it is signed and phone number is included.

CITIZEN Jim Wales

Advertising & Production

Published 12 times a year on the first Tuesday of each Month (Dates may vary near Holidays or elections.)

Subscriptions: $12.00/yr. 12 issues (prepaid) e y P.O. Box 291, Amherst, NH 03031-0291 Phone: 672-9444 Fax: 672-8153 e-Mail: news@amherstcitizen.com

Red Flag Laws save lives and this is why I support HB687. I only wish NH had a law like this several years ago when one of my best friends, at the age of 24, bought a gun and killed herself. Her friends and family knew she was distraught due to a temporary bump in the road.

She used a permanent solution for this temporary problem. Across all types of suicide attempts, not involving firearms, only 5% end in death. In contrast, 90% of suicides by firearm are fatal.

Red flag laws such as HB687 can, and do save lives. They give family members and law enforcement the ability to temporarily remove firearms from someone that is deemed to be a threat to themselves or others. In the ten years since Connecticut implemented a Red Flag Law suicides by firearm have been reduced by 14%. Please contact your representative and urge them to pass this lifesaving bill.

Your Amherst House Representatives are: Meghan Murray-D (Megan.Murray@leg.state.nh.us), Reed Panasiti-R (reed.Panasiti@leg.state.nh.us) and Julie Radhakrishnan-D (julie.Radhakrishnan@leg.state.nh.us).

For Mont Vernon they are Donna Mombourquette-D (donna.Mombourquette@leg.state.nh.us) and David Woodbury-D (david.woodbury@leg.state.nh.us).

Please take just a minute to e-mail your reps and ask them to vote in support of HB687. This bill will save lives.

Amherst Lions Club Holiday Craft Fair Was Again A Great Success To the editor:

We would like to again express our gratitude to the attendees, vendors, and sponsors of the Amherst Lions Club’s 39th Annual Craft Fair. The 2019 edition of this event was held at the Amherst Middle School December 7th and was even more successful than last year. Kids and adults enjoyed the clever and beautiful items created by our juried artists and crafters.

We would like to recognize the helpful Scouts from BSA Troops 22 and 613 for assisting with parking, loading, unloading and general assistance.

As with most of our events we provided free vision screening with our instantaneous digital vision screener and had several referrals. We can provide this service to local schools and children’s organizations upon request.

We are also extremely grateful for contributions from the Lions Club sustaining sponsors for 2019. They are Cardoza Flooring, GM Roth Design & Remodeling, Bangor Savings Bank, Amherst Label, McGuigan Financial, Clark & Leighton Dentistry, JP Pest Services, and Branding Mine.

ALL Proceeds go directly to local and Lions International charities. If you are interested in learning more about the Amherst Lions Club and our activities, please contact us at Amherstlionsclub@gmail.com or visit our website at http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/amherstnh.

Sincerely,

Reed Flowers, 1st VP

Amherst Lions Club

Cheryl Foley Mont Vernon

How to Strengthen Amherst’s Integrated Innovative Housing Ordinance To the editor: The following is a letter I sent to the Amherst Planning Board on December 6, 2019.

As a Planning Board (PB), you’ve worked to integrate separate ordinances into a set that is more coherent and that can help you more proactively match the housing landscape of Amherst to the town’s evolving needs. This is a good thing.

As with all new things, the need for some refinements becomes evident, and I’d like to suggest five possible refinements that I believe could enable these ordinances to fulfill their true potential and benefit for the town.

The proposed developments to which I refer in this letter include: • CASE #: PZ11884-101419 – JEP Realty Trust & Robert H. Prew Revocable Trust (Owner) & Clearview Development Group (Applicant), 38 New Boston Road, PIN #: 007-072-000 & Boston Post Road, PIN #: 005-159-001 • CASE #: PZ11604-080519 - Robert H. Jacobson Revocable Trust, Laurie Stevens Trustee (Owner) & TransFarmations, Inc. (Applicant), 17 Christian Hill Road, PIN #s: 005-148-000 & 005-100-000 • CASE #: PZ11605-080519 – 24 Brook Road, LLC, c/o John Walsh (Owner & Applicant), 24 Brook Road, PIN #: 010-026-000

1. The PB Should Create and Monitor its Own Housing Needs Assessment

All good plans have at their core an intention to shape future outcomes in ways that best serve the needs of those being served. For the PB, this includes the homeowners and landowners of the town. The IIHO is intended to be a tool that enables you to better align the types, quantity, and location of various types of new homes with the needs of various types of residents.

Not having up-to-date data on housing stock, type, location and demand invites the somewhat indiscriminate use of a tool with little clarity of the purpose for which it was intended.

Asking developers to determine those needs, I believe, is an abdication of your responsibility to develop your own plan, and it invites skewed information that best serves the position and capabilities of developers instead of the best interest of the residents.

You already have a solid working relationship with the Nashua Regional Planning Commission (NRPC), with whom you will be collaborating to devise a theme-based approach to master planning in the coming months.

You could easily extend that working relationship to include the NRPC’s preparation of an Amherst housing study – using currently updated housing data – to create your own baseline needs assessment towards which the IIHO can be applied.

The NRPC is a highly regarded, honest broker in these matters and would bring expertise, credibility, and transparency to the establishment of a foundational housing needs assessment for Amherst. Their robust mapping capabilities would also be useful in helping to determine the most appropriate site locations for various types of housing, rather than having that be driven by what parcel of land a particular developer acquires. For example, elderly housing might make more sense to be located in areas of Amherst with better access to public or quasi-public transportation services and services well aligned with the needs of older residents (medical offices, food shopping, etc.). And density bonuses could steer such development.

2. The PB Should Use the NRPC to Determine the Collective Impact of Proposed Developments

You recognize that multiple developments in a particular part of town will create combinations of impacts on traffic, congestion, water availability/quality, stormwater, etc. And I applaud your thinking of ways to collect and use such data in your deliberations.

You are leaning towards asking developers to provide such data. It would be more appropriate, I believe, for you to hire known, impartial experts to collect such information under your auspices. Here again, the NRPC is

highly qualified to provide such information and analysis.

You could inform the developers that you will be commissioning such impact studies through the NRPC and that those costs will be apportioned to the developers (not taxpayers).

This way, you – and the public – can feel assured that you’re getting non-biased data and analyses. If there is a particular study that the NRPC feels would be better performed by another firm, they (the NRPC) could serve as the hiring organization on your behalf and continue to ensure the honesty and efficacy of the sub-contracted analysis.

3. The PB Should Agree on How to Use the IIHO Density Bonus Matrix

It is apparent from several recent PB hearings that more work needs to be done to develop a consistent and thorough process for considering requests for density bonus awards. There is confusion among you in this regard, yet bonus decisions on live applications continue to be made amid this confusion. One question that emerges is that of “double-dipping” and how many bonuses can one earn from what column? Another emerging question is whether there are too many bonus categories that aren’t truly differentiated from one another but that inadvertently serve to inflate bonus scores?

This should really be clarified/debated in a public working session rather than using real development applications as a laboratory – the negative consequences of which could be felt by the town or portions thereof for decades. Also, such a public working session(s) could serve to better educate the public on aspects of the ordinance that the Planning Board has not publicized in any previous public education effort.

4. The Planning Board Should Define More Clearly the Criteria for Whether a Proposed Development Fits in Scale with Surrounding Neighborhoods

It appears that one of the most subjective assessments you are asked to make is what impact a proposed development will have on surrounding neighborhoods. What is a reasonable scale bump, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1? What makes a proposed development fit with its surroundings? What will degrade a surrounding neighborhood? These topics need further attention.

5. The PB Should Maintain Collaborative Dialogue with Developers

To your credit, you believe that the framing, shaping, approval, and signoff of a development requires ongoing dialogue with the developer. I certainly agree. But it should be the right dialogue – not, “what do you think our housing needs are” or “what impact do you think your proposed development will have on the neighborhood/town?” Instead, it should be a negotiated give and take in which your own established needs of the town and the likely impacts of proposed development(s) help refine development design through the very judicious and parsimonious use of bonuses.

Refining Land Use Tools and Land Use Planning

You are committed to conducting a successful, theme-based master planning process. This will mean engaging residents and business owners in a substantive exploration of who Amherst is, what we want as residents and businesses in the coming years, how we want to contribute to the sustainability and resiliency of the planet and our community, and how you believe our land should be used to do so.

Over the past years, in lieu of a robust master plan, you have focused your work on reshaping ordinances to be more modern and responsive. I applaud your efforts in that regard. That said, I believe a number of aspects of those ordinances should be adjusted, so that when a vision for Amherst emerges from the master planning process, the ordinances and application processes are clear, transparent, repeatable, trusted, and in the best interest of Amherst residents.

I believe that the five activities outlined above would substantially serve to do that. Thank you for your considerable efforts. I hope you will give these recommendations strong consideration.

Mike Akillian Amherst

—— More Letters on pages 3 and 4 ——

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NEXT ISSUE: FEBRUARY 2020 Deadline: 5 p.m.

Thursday, January 30

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www.amherstcitizen.com • JANUARY 2020 •

More Letters Join the Democrats of Amherst and Help Make a Difference To the editor:

2020 has arrived; an important election year. If you lean Democratic, consider connecting with The Democrats of Amherst to help make a difference. You determine your amount of involvement, from receiving occasional emails to writing letters to the editor on topics important to you, helping at fundraising events, supporting a candidate, or joining the Executive Board.

Activities include raising funds to help local Democrats run for office, providing a forum for speakers on progressive issues and serving the community. Over the past 6 months we have: entered a float in the July 4th parade, sold root beer on the village green, hosted a few presidential candidates, held a Labor Day BBQ with local and state Democratic speakers, given out Halloween candy at Doors on the Green and contributed a decorated tree to The Festival of Trees in Milford.

We have a web page, amherstnhdemocrats.org, where you can sign up for emails, check out the list of board members or donate to help our work.

On Facebook, you can like or follow Amherst NH Democrats to keep up to date with postings. We meet monthly on the 2nd or 3rd Tuesday at 6pm.

Check online for location, which varies per availability. After business we typically host a guest speaker at 7pm, and all are welcome to attend or suggest a speaker.

Faye O’Neill Amherst

I Will be Voting for Amy Klobuchar To the editor:

Granite Staters take the first in the nation primary very seriously. We spend countless hours questioning candidates, listening carefully to their answers and assessing their responses. With a large field of candidates vying to be the Democratic nominee, this duty has required more time and effort than usual. For the past six months, I have met nearly all the candidates and hosted five of them at my home, which has given me a unique perspective. After serious consideration of each candidate’s policies, experience and organizations, I will vote for Senator Amy Klobuchar and I encourage you to do the same.

I have chosen Senator Klobuchar for three reasons. First, she has a track record of being an extremely effective Senator. A recent study ranked her as the most effective Democratic senator in the last Congress. Second, Senator Klobuchar has the experience to lead our nation. Her service in the Senate has given her the needed understanding of how to operate in a bi-partisan manner to be an effective president. Third, and most importantly, Senator Klobuchar will be a President for the entire country. In 2018, she won 42 counties in Minnesota that Donald Trump won. This broad support makes her appealing.

More so than ever, it is abundantly clear that our country is best when we work as one. Extreme partisanship does not benefit America. We need a president with a strong record as a dedicated public servant with a proven record of bringing people together. Please join me in voting for Senator Klobuchar in the New Hampshire Presidential Primary.

Thomas J Silvia Amherst

Town Election Filing Period

The filing period for town officers to be elected at Town Meeting on March 10 begins on Wednesday, January 22 through Friday, January 31.

1 Selectman -3 years 1 Moderator- 2 years 1 Town Clerk- 3 years 1 Cemetery Trustee- 3 years 2 Library Trustees- 3 years 2 Zoning Board members- 3 years 1 Trustee of Trust Funds- 3 years 1 Supervisor of Checklist- 6 years

Candidates shall file with the Town Clerk during regular business hours, Monday- Friday from 9AM-3PM or Tuesday night from 4:30-6:30. On January 31, the last day of the filing period, the office will be open until 5PM. Deliberative Session for Town Meeting is Wednesday, February 5.

Presidential Primary is Tuesday, February 11.

Town Meeting is, Tuesday, March 10

Absentee Ballots Are Available for Presidential Primary on February 11, 2020 Absentee ballots are available to registered voters of the town. NH law requires that you vote in person at the polls unless you declare one of the following absences: • You plan to be absent on election day from the town where you are domiciled.

• You cannot appear in public because of observance of a religious commitment.

• You are unable to vote due to a disability.

• You cannot appear at any time during polling hours at the polling place because an employment obligation. For the purposes of this application, the term “employment” shall include the care of children and infirm adults, with or without compensation.

Any person who votes or attempts to vote using an absentee ballot who is not entitled to vote by absentee ballot shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. RSA 657:24

Absentee ballots may be requested in person at the Town Clerk’s office from 9AM to 3PM, Monday through Friday and Tuesday night from 4:30 to 6:30 and up to 5PM on Monday, February 10, 2020. They must be returned by 5PM on Election Day, Tuesday, February 11, 2020. Absentee ballots may be requested by mail or in person or by email by completing an application found on the town website or at Town Hall. The application is also available on the Secretary of State website.

Absentee ballots may be returned to the Town Clerk’s office by mail or delivered in person. If the voter cannot return the ballot, a family member may return the ballot but an Absentee Ballot Return Form (RSA 657:17) must be signed.

Absentee ballots cannot be returned to other departments in the Town Hall and will not be accepted by other department employees.

Applications can be found at www.amherstnh.gov and scanned and emailed to ndemers@amherstnh.gov, or mailed to: Town Clerk 2 Main Street Amherst NH 03031

Or picked up at the office during regular business hours.

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 3

Amherst School Board Budget To the editor:

A new year, a new budget, and soon many opportunities to learn more of how the Amherst School Board (ASB) came to determine and vote on the 2020-2021 warrant articles that will be offered to residents for your approval on March 10th, 2020 at Souhegan High School.

As many know, the process for scrutinizing the proposed budget has a number of benchmarks.

One of our primary goals as a board is to communicate with the voters as we reach each of these benchmarks. A quick review of the process has been mentioned in previous Letters to the Editor: • The Superintendent presents a proposed budget.

• The School Board members review the overall budget as well as being assigned specific areas to review, discuss with department heads and present back to the board a summary of each area of the budget (e.g. Facilities, Curriculum, Technology etc).

• The Ways and Means, appointed by the Amherst School District moderator, reviews the overall budget, while each member is assigned specific areas to review, discuss with department heads and partner with ASB members to further process recommendations.

• The SAU39 Business Administrator updates, makes changes to and creates a final budget based upon the review of both the ASB and Ways and Means.

• The ASB votes on a final budget proposal to bring forth to voters.

• The Ways and Means members vote to recommend/not recommend each warrant article, including the 2020-2021 operating budget.

The process is lengthy. Many meetings, emails and correspondence are shared as changes are

made. We, the ASB, have now voted unanimously for the following 20-21 warrant articles.

• Operating budget of $28,826,798 which represents an increase of 0.72%.

• $300,000 to be added to an Expendable Trust Fund for Capital Facilities Repair, Maintenance and Improvement.

The Expendable Trust Fund will be used to fund major projects in the future such as roof replacements, HVAC repairs, and boiler maintenance.

We have aging school buildings and the existing capital improvement fund doesn’t meet our needs. We plan to invest in this fund every year.

We want to highlight one new line item in the 2020-2021 operating budget this year. ASB included $150,000 for architectural and engineering fees to review and devise a logical, responsible plan for how to solve the highest priority challenges facing our Amherst School District buildings. Current challenges include large class sizes in many grades, shared space issues such as the cafeteria and gym combined areas, our current use of portable classrooms at Wilkins, and repairs to the current infrastructure. One outcome of the review will be a cost benefit analysis of replacing versus repairing aging systems.

These two warrant articles have had a tremendous amount of review by the Board and Ways and Means members. In addition, a special Amherst/Souhegan facilities meeting was held on December 5th. Attendees included board members from the Amherst and Souhegan School Boards, Amherst Ways and Means, Souhegan Advisory Finance Committee, administrators from SAU39, and members from the Joint Facilities Committee, a group who worked together to review and summarize the current state of the Amherst/ Souhegan facilities, as well as many members of

the public. The presentation by Superintendent Steel summarized the current state of our buildings, a review of system upgrade and maintenance needs and a financial plan on how to fund the improvements/maintenance. The overall goal of the meeting was to have input from all parties as to the priorities moving forward. After the presentation and subsequent lengthy discussion, the majority of attendees supported an architectural and engineering review of the Amherst School District buildings. The collective opinion was that these facilities had the most need for improvements.

All voters are invited to attend many opportunities to hear a more detailed explanation of warrant articles on the following dates: January 6 7pm, Wilkins Library: “Amherst Budget Season 101” which includes town and SAU39 information January 9 7pm, SHS Theater: Amherst School District Public Hearing January 14 6pm, Brick School: ASB Meeting and Deliberative Session Planning January 16 7pm, Amherst Town Library: Meet the SAU39 Superintendent Adam Steel February 4 6pm, SHS Theater: Amherst School District Deliberative Session

We invite you to contact us at ASB@sau39.org as well, with any questions regarding the warrant articles, budget season or other school board agenda items.

Wishing you a healthy and happy 2020, Elizabeth Kuzsma, Chair Terri Behm, Vice Chair John Glover, Secretary Tom Gauthier Ellen Grudzien

It’s Time for a Change on the School Boards To the editor:

The Mont Vernon and Amherst communities have been very patient and generous with our schools. Our communities are comprised of successful and accomplished citizens from all walks of life. We desire a good life and want the absolute best for our children. In recent years, there has been much experimentation with curriculum and grading, and now our children are and should be stressed. Yet the School Boards have been in support of this confusion, while at the same time, “selling” our communities budgets that are too high. We have the best teachers in the state, who are also very patient and generous. Unfortunately, the administration has visions that are too experimental, and the majority of School Board’s members have acted like cheerleaders, not as elected officials. The responsibility of these problems sit squarely at the feet of the School Boards, and it is time for change.

Most of us want the very best for our community. We expect transparency, efficiency, and a great value from our elected officials, appointed committees, and administrators. Invariably, there have been decisions made that were not reasonable, and there was little to no effort to explain.

Even worse, there were those who do not listen to the community but decided to “educate” those who question them, then proceed to make decisions that caused irreparable harm. Nor does it help to schedule a public meeting, then change the venue without proper legal notice. When this happens, the citizens are well within their rights to vote for change.

Leading up to the March 2020 local elections, please do not to get caught up in the hysteria that will certainly present itself, as it has in previous years. Pay attention to the decisions made by the School Boards over the last 2 or 3 years. Are you tired of the confusion? Not only will we vote up or down the budgets, but we must also choose the appropriate new members for our School Boards.

Having the right Board membership has lasting benefits or consequences.

The fact is the Souhegan budget IS excessive, when compared to comparable high schools in similar towns. The Cost Per Pupil (CPP) IS significantly higher ($21K) than our neighboring towns, and similar towns like Windham, or Bow. The biggest cost driver is excess staff. Oops!

There it is, I said it! The Board has been aware

for years, but the majority chooses to hide behind the administration. How can the Board continue to ignore this fact? How can other towns produce great students, who go on to great colleges, at a significantly lower CPP? Like most citizens, I want to know that I am getting a good value. It is foolish paying more than anyone else, for similar/ inferior results.

Some would have you believe cutting the Souhegan HS Budget might lead to drastic cuts in sports and extracurricular activities. The fact is these offerings are about 3.7% of the budget. Eliminating any of these activities would give teenagers less to do. Like it or not, we will need more police patrols, and that will also cost more. That makes no sense, so lets ignore fear mongering tactics, and focus on the facts.

There was much celebrating the “spin” of the PISA sophomore testing results. In addition to the Board promoting PISA, why not share Souhegan’s SAT scores as it compares with the above comparable high schools? Besides, what college or university accepts PISA? There is serious controversy regarding curriculum and grading. Both students and parents are concerned about the spoon feeding approaches, forced on our teachers, and grading that requires exhaustive explanations. Advanced and accelerated students are prevented from demonstrating their ability, as some assessments only require an effort of 2 out of 2, or 3 out of 3, and that is NOT 100% or an ‘A+.’ If students can perform beyond the simple assessments, what is the benefit of holding those students down? Is this the new “Academic Communism?” While this new “Mastery Learning” and associated grading is an attempt to lead the nation, was this clearly thought through?

Is it reasonable to allow further experimentation using our students as “guinea pigs?” Our students rightly fear the non-tradition transcript will put them at a disadvantage. Another unintended consequence impacts good students who should qualify for good driver insurance discounts. Now, some are concerned, as there is no reasonable conversion from the new grading to the traditional 4.0 scale. Good students deserve rewards and should not be punished because of an experimental grading scheme. All students deserve encouragement. How are students encouraged by taking away the semester honor roll? Why has the

majority of the Board ignored concerns from students, parents, even former Board members, to allow this confusion to fester? Where the School Boards have failed to consider all sides, please consider the pros and cons of experimental curricula and grading for yourself by searching the internet for at least the following topics: • Maine went all in on ‘proficiency-based learning’ — then rolled it back. What does that mean for the rest of the country?

• Standards-Based Grading Only Solves Half The Problem • Eliminating the Grading System in College: The Pros and Cons • The Pros and Cons of Competency-Based Learning

How can any school be considered a national leader with a rank of 2397/17245, and a national grade of 86.1%? What is a traditional grade of 86.1%? The comparable schools primarily rank above us, but again, our CPP is excessively higher. Please take the time and consider the following USNews web page as follows: https://www.usnews.com/education/besthigh-schools/new-hampshire/districts/souhegan-cooperative-school-district/souhegan-highschool-12433

It is past time to elect Board members who will not try to “sell” or “educate” the public on the latest scheme to experiment with our children, then demand the tax payers pay with excessive budgets. The stakes are higher than ever. We need Board members who know that the community wants great schools that will propel our children to great colleges, not creating disadvantages or painting them into a corner. New Board members will help restore the balance of great academic achievement with prudent and sound fiscal responsibility. If you care about our children, our community, will challenge the administration, know how to listen, and make prudent decisions, please consider running for one of the School Boards. More than ever before, your community needs you!

Faithfully,

Dwayne Purvis, Amherst

Importance of Training Our Young People for 21st Century Workforce To the editor:

Adam Steel, SAU 39’s Superintendent of Schools, gave a very interesting presentation at the town library on December 10, 2019. I would like to share my five take-aways from this meeting with you.

As parents, we tend to become disconcerted when our children’s academic experiences differ from our own. However, the truth is that a school that is currently doing things the way they were done in our day is probably not meeting currents needs. In the early 1990’s, a PhD coworker of mine constantly complained about how his son was wasting his time with computers. I suspect you know how this story ends! Years later, he told me that his son (who was working with computers) went to work in shorts and flip flops, earned twice what his father did, and never had to pay for graduate school.

My first take-away from the presentation is that our school administers are acutely aware that since jobs are changing rapidly, our schools have to change in order to make sure that our students have the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century workforce.

Second, Superintendent Steel presented PISA data (Programme for International Student Assessment, a worldwide study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development intended to evaluate educational systems by measuring 15-year-old school pupils’ scholastic performance on mathematics, science, and reading.) that shows that Souhegan ranks on par or above every other country in the world, as well as being well above the U.S. rankings.

Mr. Steel said that in reading, Souhegan matched Singapore at the top of the rankings with mean scores of 535. The U.S. as a whole performed near the bottom of the rankings, only out-performing Russia, mainland China, and Brazil with a mean score of 497. In mathematics, Souhegan scored among the top three economies of the

world just behind Singapore and Hong Kong, scoring 544. Again, the U.S. performed near bottom with a score of 470. In science, Souhegan out-performed all other countries with a mean score of 562, ranking above Singapore by six points. The U.S. also performed near the bottom of the science rankings with a mean score of 496.

In the past, some members of the community have judged Souhegan based on the students’ SAT scores. I have been an SAT tutor for years. When I first read that the SAT was an IQ test, I did not believe it. Now I am on board. (Tutoring increases familiarity which helps increase scores. However, each student has a ceiling that he cannot break through.) Whether you agree with me or not on this point, what is indisputable is that the SAT does not test knowledge, whereas the PISA does.

Third, Adam reported that since many of the higher-level courses at Souhegan cover the same content as ones at our local community colleges, our administrators are looking into partnering with these colleges. In this scheme, students would continue to take these classes at Souhegan but would get credit from the college. (Remember that most colleges only give college credit for two AP courses.) There would be a cost; Adam’s best estimate is $2000, so this idea needs further study.

Fourth, there was a discussion among the attendees about how college is not the best path for every student. In the past, trade schools were viewed as a less lucrative and prestigious alternative to college. As of July, 2019, 71% of all nonfarm payroll employees worked in private service-providing industries which are defined as those that produce intangible goods. These jobs - which include information services, healthcare workers, plumbers, and electricians - require critical thinking skills. Souhegan has placed a priority on helping our students learn to think out of the box rather than merely memorize information from

a textbook. In addition, today, for many workers, having a trade is a more interesting, better paying, and especially more stable option than a low-level office job. While I am pretty sure that a robot will never be able to drive to your house to unplug your sink, I am 100% confident that a worker residing in another country will never be able to do this job.

Last of all, several educators and administrators at the meeting said that any changes, including new programs or new hires, would have to be revenue neutral. In other words, if something new were to be added, something old would have to be eliminated.

Students at Souhegan benefit from their time there in three ways: academic, personal growth, and social consciousness. Academic: The PISA data says it all. Personal growth: Senior Project teaches students how to conduct an independent project - and equally important - how to give a public presentation, something of immense value in college and throughout life. Social consciousness: Students are required to perform 40 hours of public service. Additionally, the idea of social responsibility pervades the classroom environment.

Later on, many students get involved in a variety of service projects like, for example, City Year Boston (an AmeriCorps program in which members serve as tutors, mentors, and role models to help students in underperforming school districts stay in school and on track to graduate ready for college and career success.).

I came away from this presentation feeling very proud that our local school district is going to great lengths to both maintain the quality of its programs and to adapt to the changing demands of the U.S. work force, all the while being conscious of the fact that Amherst residents do not want to have our taxes increased.

Frankie Straccia, Amherst

4 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 • w w w . a m h e r s t c i t i z e n . c o m

Bulletin Board

Bridges by EPOCH at Nashua to Host “Elder Law Q&A” Educational Seminar for Caregivers of Those with Memory Loss NASHUA — Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua, a memory care assisted living community located at 575 Amherst Street, will host the following complimentary events in January.

Caregiver Support Group: January 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. and January 20 from 12 to 2 p.m. — Family caregivers are invited to take a break and receive expert advice and support from a dementia care professional who understands their unique challenges. A light meal will be served.

Early-Onset Dementia Support Group: January 13 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.; Dracut Senior Center located at 951 Mammoth Road in Dracut — Those with early-onset dementia and their caregivers are invited to connect with others who understand the challenges and emotions they are going through. Learn tips on how to manage the disease and prepare for future care. A light dinner will be served.

Lunch & Learn: Elder Law Q&A: January 13 at 12 p.m. — Family caregivers are invited to bring any questions about estate planning, wills and trusts, advance directives, long-term care planning, Veterans benefits or other elder law concerns and learn from guest expert, Elder Law Attorney David Craig.

Caregivers are invited to bring their loved ones with memory loss to dine with Bridges residents while they attend the group. Call 3 ​ 24-3250 to RSVP.

More Letters

Breakfast With Santa Sponsors To the editor:

Saturday, December 7 was a perfect morning to spend with Mr & Mrs Claus at the Amherst Congregational Church. The volunteer elves greeted and fed over 250 at the event and we would like to thank our sponsors, who have helped us out for many years to make this so successful.

Thanks to Brad Pare at Moulton’s Market for supplying us with cooked bacon and sausage. Thanks to Ashley at Dunkin’ Donuts (84 Rte 101A) for a great supply of Munchkins and hot coffee. Lull Farm in Hollis supplied us with 6 dozen eggs and Shaws Supermarket and Walmart supplied us with gift cards to purchase paper products and fruit. A favorite of the kids is the Stonyfield Yogurt donated each year. Many volunteers of all ages help with the event.

Members in the church baked delicious breakfast casseroles. Mr & Mrs Santa Claus during this busy holiday season, donate their time to spend with very excited children. Marsha Vander Mey of Harper Point Photography, Amherst also donates her time to take a special photo of each child with Santa. Thank you to the Amherst Citizen for reminding people to register. To all these people and businesses we thank you for helping us make this event so special for our local families!

Marti Warren Anita Swanson Sally Hooper Amherst

2019 Memory Tree

Remembering Loved Ones To the editor:

The “Baby Blue Eyes“ Spruce with vivid blue foliage was illuminated this year on the Amherst Town Common. Although the spruce tree is in its infancy and still quite small, the message is significant. The blue spruce, layered in one thousand 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. Last year proceeds went to the Soughegan Boys and Girls Club.

IN MEMORY OF:

Bruce Avery, Mado Elizabeth Baldwin, Alison Werner Barton, Fran Basiliere, Ray Basiliere, Meta Beckett, Osmund Beckett, John Bartram Bement, Russell Bement, Samuel Bement, William Barnes Bement, Elaine Bennett, Barbara Berlack, Jeffrey Boczenowski, Raymond Bonenfant, Linda Bradbury, Edith Bridgewater, Jan Brown, Allyn S. Chabot, Maryann Conaway, Martha Coughlin, Thomas Coughlin, Kyle Crisman, Tim Crisman, John Crisman, Margaret Crisman, Milly Cunningham, Romey Daley, Rita Dean, Jack Deguise, Lew Dokmo, Lornie Dokmo, Lucille Dokmo, Nate Dokmo, Mary Donovan, Donald Dutremble, Val Evans, Jack Sr. Fedas, John Ferraro, Elsa Finke, William Finke, David Fraser, Bruce Fraser, Esther Kanef Glaser, Barbara Gray, Donald C. Gunter, Janet Gustafson, David C. Hanlon, Veronica Harbold, Ruth Harding, Tom Head, Beth Hebert, Nick Houpis, Dino Houpis, Yonnie Houpis, Myke Huestis, Harry Hulings, Shirley Hulings, George Jannery, Anne Johnston, Charles Johnston, Joseph Keifer, Marie Krosch, Otto Krosch, Bennett Kuhnert, Daniel Lapoint, Cindy Lebretore, Jim Leonard, Ann Logan, Ronald Lutz, Chester MacDonald, Elizabeth Madden, Jane Martin, Gertrude Martin, Stuart McCornack , Bill McGuire, Ruth McKinstry, Steve Mehigan, Mark Melle, Elisabeth Michaelis, Eva Michaelis, Rita Michaelis, William Michaelis, Mary Lee Miles-Chamberlain, Carl Miller, Ann Minner, Mary Mix, Robbie Moody, Jr., James Mullins, Jeffery Mussen, Norman Nichols, Peter Ourussof, Bro Park, Carol Park, Dick Park, Jack Park, Tito Pascoal, Jan Petrella, Gene Pringle, Hank Protzmann, Thomas M. Quinn, Jordon Reckling, Janet Reis, Valerie Richardson, Peter Rowan, Linda Russell, Gabriel Salvage, Joshua Savyon, Diane Schroeder, Janice Sevier, Brendan Shea, Terry Shields, AJ Sikora, Jean Sikora, Rachel Steele, William Steele, Denny Stewart, William Steytler, Florence Steytler, Silkie Sullivan, Scott Sullivan, Nathaniel Tencza, Samuel Wanger, Glen Whitehouse, and Maureen Zimmer

FAMILIES

The Clement and Alice Brodhead Family, The Crystal Chen Family, The David Chen Family, The Jackson Bryce Clemens Family, The Robert and Laurena Copson Family, The Kathy and Erik Crisman Family, The Thornton and Jean Currier Family, The Day-Barbera Family, The Ronald Dean Family, The Bill Falgares Family, The Feeley Family, The Edith Gambee Family, The David Hanlon Family, The Johnson Family, The Wilson Madigan Family, The Frank Maniglia Family, The James McAdams Family, The Alberta O’Brien Family, The Herman Schmidt Family, The Sue and Paul Spiess Family, The William Steinhaus Family, The Suzy and Peter Ten Broeck Family, The Tom and Marti Warren Family, The Robert and Barbara Williams Family

Town News Historic Amherst

Amherst’s Man-Made Scenic Pond Lasting Legacy of Frank A. Smith, Summer Resident

The Amherst correspondent for the local newspaper tracked their seaThe old maps of Amherst (1858 sonal arrivals and departures and and 1892) show eight or nine ponds. even short visits but did not reThere was the mill pond (man-assistfer to his occupation. His entries ed if not entirely man-made by damin the Lowell city directories were ming a brook) in the Village behind enigmatic: in place of occupation the Old Burying Ground, dried up they (1894, 1900, 1906) simply said most of the time now, and a pond at “(Boston)” but the 1916 edition addthe town’s NW corner across bounded a clue when one Frank A. Smith’s ary with New Boston and Mont Veroccupation was listed as “wool (Boston).” In the 1900 census, his occunon, inaccessible on federal governpation was “dealer in fine woolens;” ment property now. All the other in 1910, “retail merchant – woolponds were strung along the eastern en fitter;” and by 1920, retired. Acside of town, with the largest by far cording to Smith’s death certificate being Baboosic Lake, 228.5 acres, bi(he died at his Amherst home), he sected by the Amherst-Merrimack was a “retired mill owner.” Frank town line. (Nowadays we also have Smith would make a special dayseveral “beaver ponds” around town trip from Lowell to vote in Amherst that weren’t on the old maps – more (e.g., in Nov. 1918 and town meetor less temporary.) But one pond ing in March 1922). At some point, that contributes to Amherst’s scenic Amherst’s Lincoln Pond, which lies between Route 101 and Old beauty, the one seen most frequently Manchester Road, was created in 1913 by Charles W. Keith (1869- the Smiths must have spent more time in Amherst than in Lowell be– by many motorists passing through 1924) of Milford, a contractor specializing in concrete work, for cause as early as 1911, Frank started town and regularly by most residents then-landowner Frank A. Smith (1854-1928), a summer-resident paying the poll tax to Amherst for – was not on those old maps nor on of Amherst for 34 years. View from Route 101 looking northeast, some years as well as taxes on his 2 the modern topographical map of January 2020. horses and carriage, and both their 1906. It is the pond that lies along the land Cottage” at 226A Route 101, up on the wills were probated in Hillsborough east side of busy Route 101, on the stretch between the Village and the garbage hillside, initially bought with 45 acres on both County, N.H. Nevertheless, both funerals were transfer station. It lies between Route 101 and sides of the road for $875 in the name of his held in Lowell, and Frank and Efretta are burOld Manchester Road, at the bottom of Wal- wife, Efretta Smith. It is the house labeled “I. ied in Lowell.

In Amherst, starting in 1904, Frank A. Smith nut Hill on its southwestern side. So tranquil, Wheeler” on the 1858 map. The house acnestled in the woods. It is called Lincoln Pond. quired its nickname in 1869 when farmer went on a real-estate buying spree, mostly Why is Lincoln Pond missing from the early Isaac Wheeler (1781-1870) sold his final home- abutting parcels, so that by April 1912, he almaps of Amherst? Because it is man-made, the stead, causing the newspaper editor (Farmers’ ready owned 11 tracts, not counting the home inspiration and whim of one man. It was cre- Cabinet of Amherst) to remark upon “a great lot. In 1917, after approval by the voters at amount of stone work” done there by Wheeler, Town Meeting, he even bought the town’s pubated in 1913!

The local newspaper reported: “To Make and his nephew to pen a poem entitled “Rock- lic dump (in use – but not by everybody – since Lake in Amherst. F. A. Smith of Lowell, who land Cottage” in which he “fondly bid adieu” to around 1900), for $100. In exchange, the Town paid $100 for another, nearby site: “The selecthas a fine summer residence in Amherst, has “that rock-bound, loved domain.”

Even four decades later, when Smith’s en- men purchased this week for the town [of Amawarded a contract to Charles W. Keith which, when completed, will make an important largement of the house elicited praise, so once herst] a tract of 9 acres of land of R. H. Prince change in Amherst. The specifications call for again did Wheeler’s distinctive stone-work: which is to be used as a town dump. It will a cement dam, 100 feet long and 15 feet high, “Mr. Smith, the non resident owner of “Rock- take the place of the old dump on the opposite crossing the meadow to the south of the Man- land Cottage” has been making extensive re- side of the road which has been sold to Frank chester road near Mr. Smith’s home and 1.5 pairs on the cottage, whereby much more A. Smith.” (Cabinet, 17 May 1917, p. 5.) (This miles from Amherst village. When completed room is had and the appearance of the build- second dump was on Dodge road, and would the brook which now crosses the meadow will ings on the height much more noble. The de- be used until 1975 when the present transfer form an artificial lake of about 20 acres. The ceased Isaac Wheeler, who did so much stone station began to serve as a “sanitary landfill.”) proposed lake will serve no utilitarian pur- work about the buildings and generally over Why on earth would someone deliberately buy pose, being planned simply as an improvement the farm, as to get the name of Rockland cot- a public dump site to be part of their private esto Mr. Smith’s property. Contractor Keith tage, is well remembered by our people as a tate? My guess is: to prevent further accumulastates that he has built many dams, but never man who after his general farm work was done tion of trash on his land. (A few years earlier, in before has he built one on dry land.” (Milford spent all his odd time in improving the place a new items about cutting and burning brush Cabinet, N.H., 14 Aug. 1913, p. 1.) A month by good well laid pieces of stonework in many at the town dump (Cabinet, 12 Dec. 1912), the later: “Work on the building of the dam near other forms aside from the face and double editor scolded: “Great difficulty is experienced “Skeeterville” school house, is commenced by walls so plainly seen from the highway. He uti- by the carelessness of people throwing away the contractor employed by Mr. Smith.” (Cabi- lized what nature spread about him to beautify refuse who are not willing to go far enough but and better his home, while many another one throw much of it on private property.”) At the net, 18 Sep. 1913, p. 6.) would have dodged around among the stones time of his death, Smith’s Amherst property Who & where was F. A. Smith? and had an ill looking, unkept place.” (Cabinet, comprised 320a “home place” plus 36a beaver Frank Arthur Smith (1854-1928) and his 4 Jan. 1912.) meadow and 90a Chickering farm (per tax inwife, whose winter home was located in LowFrank met his wife, widow Efretta “Net- voice). His daughter, Frances S. Coburn, quickell, Massachusetts, were long-time summer tie” Hunt nee Roberts (1850-1922), when they ly reduced the estate to 260 acres (12 parcels residents of Amherst – for 34 years, starting lived in the same Lowell boarding house (1880 cobbled together), which she continued to own in 1894 when he was just 40 years old. During census), when he was a store clerk and she a and use until 1937. this turn-of-the-century period, a significant servant. They married in 1882 and he adoptportion of the houses in Amherst were sum- ed her young daughter, Frances Maud (1874- Land Chosen for New Pond mer homes but the Smiths’ tenure was among 1957), who would become the wife and widContinued on page 8 u the longest. Their Amherst home was “Rock- ow of Walter S. Coburn (1874-1915) of Lowell.

BY KATRINA HOLMAN

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

Adult Programs Create your Own Cutting Board

Come join us in the shop and build a custom wood art board. This sturdy board is great as a game board, serving tray, or a cutting board.This course will help teach the average woodworker with average materials and the humblest of wood shops create unique and eye-catching wood creations in your own basement or garage. Come join us as we explore and create wood art.

Killing Cold Season- Elderberry Syrup

Kat Kausch is back for another year with two classes on Naturally making it through the cold and flu season. Join us and stay sniffle free.

You will leave the class with one mason jars of freshly made Elderberry Syrup, a better understanding of this plant, and recipes.

Museum Trips

Join us for a day of paintings, sculptures, and gardens at the best museums in the Greater Boston area.

Museum of Fine Art: Feb 6th

Creative Arts for Adults

A creative arts class for older adults that focuses on exploring a variety of art materials and creating

Amherst Recreation Programs and Events a different art piece each class. The instructor will assist participants with guidance and exploration of the various art materials. No prior art experience needed or required.

Just a willingness to create, explore art materials, have fun, and socialize!

Friday, Jan 31st; at PMEC

All Ages Ukulele Lessons

Find the Ukulele Class that is right for you! Class options have expanded and beginners and all ages are welcome. You will be playing in no time.

Youth Programs I Love Nature

I Love Nature is for preschoolers who are itching to discover the world around them. Each class will include a craft, circle time, and an activity.

Mini Artist

Does your toddler love stickers, sparkles, or maybe drawing on the walls? Join our Mini Artist class where participants and their caregivers will create new projects each week that you can take home and hang on the fridge!

Ages 1-2 and 3-6 on Mondays

Start Smart Basketball

Start Smart Basketball teaches the youngest children the basic motor skills necessary to play organized basketball while they work one-on-one with their parents. The program focuses on dribbling and ball handling, passing and catching,

running and agility, and shooting the ball in a positive environment.

Adult Exercise Mom’s fight Club w/ Amherst Karate

This is NOT your typical fitness kickboxing class! Learn authentic boxing and kickboxing techniques in the air, on a heavy bag, and with a partner all while getting in a hardcore workout!

All experience levels welcome.

This is a special deal offered for a limited time, partial proceeds will go to Amherst Rec.

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.

Tuesdays: 9:30am-10:30am Wednesdays: 6pm-7:30pm Saturdays: 8:30am-9:30am

Pilates

Pilates is a full body-conditioning program comprised of a series of approximately 500 designed movements performed primarily on a mat. This Pilates mat class fuses classical principles and a more contemporary athletic approach to produce noticeable results through more challenging moves.

Mondays: 6pm-7:30pm Thursdays: 9:30am-10:30am

True Potential

TRUE POTENTIAL is a program designed specifically for women which encompasses nutrition, result-based workouts and mindfulness.

There are classes Mon-Fri to fit your schedule.

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

www.amherstcitizen.com • JANUARY 2020 •

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 5

Town News Enjoy Amherst Outdoors in the Winter

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

bers 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.

REGULAR Hours: Mon. - Thur. 9:30 - 8:30 Fri. 9:30 - 5:00, Sat. 9:30 - 5:00 Sun. 1:00 - 5:00

HOP INTO READING with Buttercream and Julia

Monday afternoon, January 13 from 3:45 to 4:45

Amherst Town Library 14 Main Street Amherst, NH 03031 Telephone 673-2288

Children’s Programming at the Amherst Town Library, January 2020 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. 7, 14, 21, 28 and Wednesdays, Jan.8, 15, 22, 29 at 10:00am.

S.T.E.A.M. Storytime (grades k-3) ---Wednesdays, Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 at 3:30pm.

Little Listeners—(newborn to 3) Thursdays, Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, and Fridays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 at 10:30am.

No registration required.

BOOK CLUBS:

Sign up in the Children’s Room for a reading appointment with our favorite bunny, Buttercream, and her friend Julia. Julia hopes to encourage literacy by working with Buttercream to provide a “judgement-free zone” for emerging readers and a welcoming audience for fluent readers who love to read aloud. Call 673-2288 ext. 751 to make a reading appointment or for more information.

SPECIAL CRAFT WORKSHOP: KIDS and PARENTS KNIT TOGETHER

Tuesday afternoons, Jan. 21-Feb. 11 from 3:30-4:30pm

Looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon with your child?

Come to the Children’s Room, and learn how to knit together! Our own Miss Sadie will walk you both through the basics of knitting a scarf to keep you warm this winter.

Sign up now for this great program!

For kids ages 7 and up.

If you’re interested in joining one of our clubs, please contact Miss Sarah (shydorn@amherstlibrary.org or 673-2288 ext. 509) Families Read Together (for kids in grades 3 and 4 and their parents) meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm. On January 9, club members will discuss the various graphic novels we have read during the month of December.

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!

DROP-IN STEM TIME on FRIDAYS:

LITERACY BUILDING:

Friday, Jan. 24 from 3:00-4:30

Paws for Reading

Friday afternoons--- Jan. 3, 17 and 31 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 mem-

LEGAL NOTICE

TRACK TIME!

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

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

Ages 3 and up

BUILD IT!

Friday Jan. 17 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!

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.

LEGAL NOTICE

U.S. Air Force Invites Public Comment on Proposed Plan for Response Actions for Munitions Response Site AW701, Joe English Pond The United States Air Force (USAF), in cooperation with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), announces the public comment period for the Proposed Plan for the Munitions Response Site (MRS) AW701, Joe English Pond at New Boston Air Force Station (AFS), New Boston, New Hampshire. The USAF has conducted multiple environmental investigations and an Interim Removal Action for munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) and munitions debris (MD) at this site.

The Joe English Pond site is a 55-acre pond classified as a former air-to-water bombing target range located within the central portion of the New Boston AFS. The former bombing operations at Joe English Pond took place from 1941 through 1956.

Sediment and surface water of the pond have been impacted by contaminants from the former target bombing activities, and sediment within the northern portion of Joe English Pond has also been impacted by former trap and skeet range activities which historically took place on the adjacent Munitions Response Site MU702A Joe English Pond Trap and Skeet Range.

The USAF evaluated five alternatives for addressing the Joe English Pond site, including: 1) no action (as required by law); 2) Land Use Controls (LUCs); 3) MEC Clearance of Accessible Area and LUCs; 4) MEC Clearance of Accessible Area, Munitions Constituents-Impacted Sediment Removal and LUCs; and 5) MEC Clearance and Munitions Constituents-Impacted Sediment Removal at Entire Joe English Pond. The USAF’s preferred response is: Land Use Controls. NHDES concurs with the plan.

The Proposed Plan summarizes the site history and background, site characteristics, site risks, and the proposed cleanup remedies. Copies of the Proposed Plan document have been placed in the Information Repository located at the Amherst Public Library in Amherst, NH, the Whipple Free Library in New Boston, NH, and the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center Administrative Record website, and are available for public review and comment.

LEGAL NOTICE

New Boston Air Force Station New Boston, NH

Copies of the Proposed Plan for MRS AW701, Joe English Pond are available for review at: Amherst Public Library 14 Main Street Amherst, NH 03031 (603) 673-2288

Monday-Thursday Friday, Saturday Sunday

9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1 to 5 p.m.

Whipple Free Library 67 Mont Vernon Road New Boston, NH 03070 (603) 487-3391 Monday, Wednesday Friday Saturday Tuesday, Sunday

9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Closed

The Proposed Plan is also available via the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center Administrative Record website by going to http://afcec.publicadminrecord.us.af.mil/Search.aspx; selecting “New Boston AFS, NH”; then selecting “AW701 Joe English Pond (55 acres)” and clicking search. The Proposed Plan will be one of the first few documents in the list at the bottom of the page.

Public Comment Period January 2 through January 31, 2020 The USAF will accept written comments on the Proposed Plan during the public comment period.

The Proposed Plan for the MRS AW701, JEP site will be summarized during an upcoming public meeting. At the meeting, you will be able to state your views about the site. The meeting will be: January 27, 2020 7:00 p.m. at New Boston Town Hall 7 Meetinghouse Hill Road New Boston, NH 03070

For more information, contact Mr. Brett Dubner, The USAF welcomes the public’s comments on the Restoration Program Manager for New Boston AFS Plan. The formal public comment period for the at 508-968-4670 x3001, or Mr. Sam Quattrini, sites is 30 days and ends on January 31, 2020. The Program Manager at NHDES at 603-559-1512.

USAF will choose the final remedy after the comment period ends and after taking comments into account.

For further information or to submit written comments, please contact: Mr. Brett Dubner 322 East Inner Road Restoration Program Manager Otis A.N.G.B., MA 02542 brett.dubner.1@us.af.mil

AMHERST – Avoiding cabin fever can be difficult throughout the winter months. But in Amherst, we’re lucky to have a number of choices for outdoor recreation.

From frosted forests to frozen waterfalls, our public lands brim with splendid sceneries and amazing chances for winter solitude that can’t often be found in other seasons.

The Amherst Conservation Commission (ACC) encourages people to stay involved with nature and get outdoors in the winter by making trails more accessible whenever possible. If you’re out on the trails and notice the snow is well packed down and groomed, you can thank a special collaboration between the townspeople, ACC and Recreation Department! In early 2018 the ACC discussed the possibility of purchasing a SnowDog machine to groom certain town trails during the winter months. Thanks to some generous donors in town, a SnowDog was purchased and can now be used to pack down trails for continued use during the winter. The Recreation Department also kindly offered to store and take care of the SnowDog. A show of town teamwork at its finest!

The new grooming equipment also helps out the mountain bikers in town, many of whom like to stay on the trails year-round. The ACC has received help from an Eagle Scout project and NEMBA (New England Mountain Biking Association) for trails and infrastructure on the Haseltine Community Preserve.

Most of the Haseltine trails are accessible by mountain bikers who can then connect over to the Bicentennial Trail as well – in all, nearly 20 miles of connected trails!

If two planks are more your style, why not try out the Converse Woods trails, located off Pond Parish Road.

These one and a half miles of trails have been cleared and improved using former logging roads, and were built primarily for cross country skiing. Other cross country skiing

Amherst Conservation Commission has many trails in its network easily accessible for winter activities

use of town trails is at the user’s choice and risk.

Nestled at the end of Brook Road, Peabody Mill Environmental Center offers a place to rent snowshoes in order to explore the surrounding Joe English trails. This approximately 600 acre parcel is managed by the ACC and snowshoeing here will allow for views of brooks, streams, and some beautiful bridges. This is a great group activity and could open up a whole new world of winter recreation for your family.

While out hiking, biking, skiing, or snowshoeing on Amherst’s trails, there is always the opportunity to keep an eye out for wildlife. Animal tracks become easier to spot in the snow and following them through a snow-hushed forest can be like solving a puzzle, with the right book or track chart. Another activity to try while out on the trails is Geocaching. Similar to treasure hunting using a navigational device, participants may find some interesting caches on the B&M Rail Trail, Great Meadow Trail, Bicentennial

Trail, and Dacquino Forest, if they know where to look. Find out more at www.geocaching.com.

Probably one of the better known town lands for winter activities, Bragdon Farm, also managed by the ACC, boasts one of the town’s favorite sledding hills. There’s a certain charm in accessing the hill via a tunnel from the parking lot, and a lot of fun to be had with some speedy sledding for the kids.

If you’re interested in helping to keep Amherst’s trails groomed throughout the winter, or other ACC volunteer opportunities, please send an email to acc@amherstnh.gov. Check out the ACC’s webpage at www.amherstnh.gov/ conservation-commission to find your own new favorite winter trail or activity. FREE trail maps of the town’s hiking trails are also available at Town Hall.

Get into winter and get outside!

– Kristan Patenaude, behalf of the Amherst Conservation Commission

Amherst Town Library Renovation Underway AMHERST - The Amherst Town Library is starting a renovation on December 30th. These renovations are possible because of the thoughtful generosity of Doris E. Jones, an Amherst native who loved her town library. There is no tax impact at all with this project! The balance of what the Jones bequest does not cover will come from Trustee funds and the always generous support of the Friends of the Amherst Library.

In 2018, the Library Board of Trustees hired Stibler Associates to work on the design and plan. They evaluated our staff functions and workflow as well as our priorities and needs, and we put the project out to bid this fall. Martini Northern will be the construction manager for the renovations which will begin December 30th and last about 8 weeks.

The library began talking about space planning about ten years ago.

Since then we have made small incremental changes in our public spaces creating a more comfortable and attractive space for patrons to gather, and access materials.

Some of these improvements include: · Moving periodicals and new materials · Additional seating areas in the Boardman Room and Mezzanine Café area · Bringing computers, copier, printers together · Bringing local history and reference collections together · Clearing out archives room to make better meeting space · Additional display spaces · New paint, carpet, and lights

The current renovation project will combine service points to streamline patron experience, improve efficiency of circulation desk, and staff workspaces. The areas affected are the general circulation and reference areas, the Library Director’s office, and all staff offices. The new design will provide ergonomic work areas and better storage solutions. There will be private workspace as well as collaborative areas for staff to share tasks and materials. The historical integrity of the wood, windows and architecture of the 1892 building will

remain, but the space will be better organized, lit and utilized.

During the renovation access and services may be limited. This includes reduced programming and seating, but the library will stay open throughout the process. This is your Library so please ask questions as you have them. When the work is complete we will celebrate with opportunities for you to see and understand these renovations and what they can do for you as a member of the Amherst community.

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6 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 • w w w . a m h e r s t c i t i z e n . c o m

Arts

&

Entertainment Entertainment

Exhibits

Paintings and Printmaking; A Glimpse of New Hampshire

This unique exhibit showcases four women artists, Gisele D. Thompson of Bedford, Elaine Farmer of Amherst, Patty Mynczywor of Auburn and Hannah Phelps of New Boston. Each artist creates in a different style and medium, bringing a unique experience to the viewer while sharing one common theme: inspiration from the New Hampshire landscape. From birch tree woodlands to meadows flanked with stone walls, and mountain vistas to New Hampshire’s small but diverse shoreline. This exhibit chronicles all that is New Hampshire with paint and printmaking.

An opportunity to meet and talk with the artists at an open to the public, free reception, scheduled for January 11, 1-3pm (snow date January 18th). Exhibit runs December 11 through February 6 and is open during the NH Audubon Massabesic Center’s regular hours; Wed.- Fri. 9-4 and Saturday 9-3 at 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH 03032

Join the Souhegan Valley Chorus The Souhegan Valley Chorus is seeking interested singers to join as we continue our 40th concert season. Weekly rehearsals begin on January 14, 2020, and are held in the Milford Middle School chorus room (33 Osgood Road Milford NH) from 7:00-9:00 pm on Tuesday evenings. We start our semester with two open rehearsals, January 14th and 21st, where interested participants can attend a rehearsal and try us out with no obligation.

Typically, at our open rehearsals, we do initial run-throughs of the music we’ll be performing. Once you’ve decided you like us (and you will!), you can pay your semester dues, and take the music home to study and practice. Then you can anticipate having lots of fun singing with great people!

This spring, the chorus will be preparing their selections for their spring concert titled “Getting to Know You”. The May 16th concert will be held at The Amato Center in Milford NH.

Next Issue: February 4th

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

SVC is directed by Jennifer K. Erdody of Milford and accompanied

by Kimberly Vars Whitehead of Milford. The chorus consists of 60+ singers from Amherst, Milford and surrounding towns in the Souhegan Valley and is comprised of people from age 16-85. We perform concerts in December and May. This past year we participated in the Amherst Tree Lighting and sang at a Fisher Cats game.

For more information visit our website https://souheganvalleychorus.org or find us on Facebook.

Snowbound: Winter Landscapes from the 19th c. to Present EXHIBIT AT NH ANTIQUE CO-OP

MILFORD - New Hampshire Anfrozen brushes. Oil paints betique Co-op presents Snowbound: come less malleable, and we Winter Landscapes from the 19th c. to all know the saying “oil and Present, an exhibit and sale of paintwater (snow in this case) don’t ings capturing centuries of the rugged mix.” Contemporary artists snow-covered beauty of New England can avail themselves to today’s and beyond in the heart of winter. high-tech cold weather gear to All are welcome to attend a wine somewhat help brave the bitter and cheese opening reception on Suntemperatures. Nineteenth cenday, November 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. in tury artists would layer up in the Upstairs Gallery at New Hampshire wool, fur and make-shift conAntique Co-op. Enjoy a fall afternoon of traptions, such as “The Hibart, antiques, refreshments and camarabard Mitten,” a term coined by derie as we look forward to the holidays Aldro Hibbard’s invention of and winter season ahead. wearing layered socks on his This fine art exhibit and sale of painthands and poking his paintings features works by noted ninebrush through the wool! teenth and twentieth century artists Getting to the painting loPaul Starrett Sample (1896-1974), Samcations in the winter is also a uel S. Carr (1837-1908), Walter Launt challenge for en plein air artPalmer (1854-1932), Paul Bernard King Aldro T. Hibbard (1886-1972), Vermont Mountains, oil on board, ists. Weather conditions make (1867-1947), Antonio Cirino (1889- 25”h x 29”w driving to remote locations 1983), William Closson (1848-1926), difficult, and often artists hike Aldro Hibbard (1886-1972), Birge Harinto nature to get to their farison (1854-1929), Emile Albert Gruppe (1896-1978), Robert Emmett vorite spots. For the artists of the 1800s, this would’ve been accomOwen (1878-1957), Arthur Clifton Goodwin (1864-1929) and more. plished with horses, sleds, snowshoes or on foot, all while hauling The exhibit also includes contemporary New England artists Erik their painting supplies as well as provisions with them. Artists would Koeppel, William R. Davis and Dave Dodge. even catch rides with loggers going deep into the forest.

Winter painting “en plein air” presents wonderful opportunities Understanding these hardships lends a greater appreciation for the and unique challenges to artists. From brisk blue-sky days to blinding fine examples of works on exhibit in Snowbound: Winter Landscapes blizzards, the invigorating snow-covered scenery holds tremendous from the 19th c. to Present, on view from November 10, 2019 through appeal for artists to capture nature’s beauty.

March 31, 2020.

For nineteenth century artists and contemporary artists, there are New Hampshire Antique Co-op is a destination shop for fine art, not only cold temperatures to contend with — which can mean fro- period furniture, porcelain, silver, collectibles, jewelry and more. zen stiff fingers leading to limited dexterity — but there are also is- NHAC is one of the largest group antique shops in the state. Estabsues of paint and other art supplies freezing, paint not drying, and lished in 1983 by the Hackler family, the shop features more than 200 dealers and 2,000 consignors. The shop is located at 323 Elm Street in Milford, New Hampshire, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 673-8499 or visit online at www.nhantiquecoop.com or www.facebook.com/nhantiquecoop.

Samuel S. Carr (1837-1908), School’s Out, oil on canvas, 22”h x 36”w

Paul Starrett Sample (1896-1974), Verney Farm, Bennington, NH, oil on canvas, 35”h x 70”w

Creative Ventures Gallery Presents

Photographic Journeys from New England to Costa Rica

— By Howard S. Muscott Photography

Saturday January 11, 2020, 5:00-7:00 PM Creative Ventures Gallery, 411 Nashua Street, Milford, NH

The Event: Join us at The Creative Ventures Gallery in Milford, NH when we host local photographer Howard S. Muscott of Amherst for a workshop on photographing wildlife and nature from New England to Costa Rica and beyond. Howard just returned from his first trip to Costa Rica where he was able to photograph many beautiful birds, monkeys and other wildlife and many of these images will be included in presentation.

Topics will include what makes a good nature photograph, respecting nature, and practical tips for engagement. Light refreshments will be served.

The Speaker: Howard Muscott has photographed landscapes and wildlife for more than

Immediately reliable.

40 years. Grounded in his early years of hiking and backpacking, Howard’s love for landscape photography is fueled by the exquisite beauty of the natural world and the wildlife residing there. Self-taught, Howard has had more than 20 individual and 40 group shows. Howard’s work has been published on the cover of national journals in education, in newspapers, and used on educational and other websites. He has won awards for both wildlife and portraits. He is currently the Manchester Artists association Artist of the Year for 2020.

Some of his images will be up in the Creative Ventures Gallery and can be viewed on his website at www.chasingthegoldenlight. com.

For more information contact: Betsy at (603) 672-2500; hmuscott@gmail.com; 603-440-8141; w w w.chasingthegoldenlight. Scarlet Macaw Soaring, Costa Rica, November 2019 ©Howard Muscott com

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www.amherstcitizen.com • JANUARY 2020 •

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THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 7

School Subjects SHS Inducts New Members to National Honor Society

AMHERST -- The National Honor Society of Souhegan High School proudly recognized its outstanding students in a recent induction ceremony.

“It’s a rigorous selection process,” said Steve Dreher, Souhegan NHS Adviser and English teacher. “These students have definitely earned this recognition,” he added. Requirements for induction to the Nation-

al Honor Society includes meeting criteria for academic excellence, leadership, service, and character.

The Souhegan chapter of NHS has a long history of service and leadership in the community, including hosting an annual American Red Cross Blood Drive and volunteering as Writing Coaches in Souhegan’s Writing Center.

The 2019-2020 Souhegan High School National Honor Society inductees are: Molly Atkinson, Emory Bachand, Jillian Boucher, Julia Breckenridge, Emma Brown, Bailey Burke, Paige Colby, Hyrum Coleman, Abigail Conard, Zachary Cotter, Meghan Cotter, Leah Dibble, Michael Dodge, Evelyn Dowd, Miles Drum, Timothy Eccleston, Michael Estabrook, Delaney Facques, Braden Foulks, Nathan Fritz, Alexandria Garrant, Emma Geary, Nicholas Giannakopoulos, Gabriela Goulet, Anna Goyette, Julia Ireland, Kathleen Jones, Alexis Jordan-Pitas, Avery Karavas, Caroline Lamar, Ethan Lim, Emma Lowery, Rachel Mazur, Allison McCall, Lynne McNamara, Ethan Mercier, Ethan Ramm, Abigail Robinson, Amanda Senk, Genevieve Steenhoek, Eva Stine, Hunter Stonebraker, Claire Sullivan, Katherine Tiso, Alena Zsofka.

Amherst Patriots Finish a Championship Season

It was another championship season for the Amherst Patriots. Both the Senior Division 2 (7th & 8th Grade) and the Junior Division 1 (5th & 6th Grade) teams finished their seasons undefeated. The Senior Amherst Patriot’s outscored their opponents 330-20, and capped off a dominant year by beating a physical and competitive Lowell, MA team for the Northeast Junior High Football League championship. The Junior squad finished their season with a 8-0-1 record, completing their championship run with a victory over Portsmouth. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, parents and fans for another great season with the Patriots!

The winning team, The Souhegan Smarties

Trivia Night Raises Funds for Souhegan Scholarships Foundation We would like to thank everyone who helped to make the Souhegan Scholarship Foundation’s 5th Annual Team Trivia Night a huge success. The event, which sold out again this year, is an evening filled with good food, drinks and friendly competition. The evening event raised approximately $6,000 to support scholarships for students who reside in Amherst and Mont Vernon. Thank you to the twenty teams who competed and congratulations to the Souhegan Smarties who edged out the competition for the win!

The success of the event was only possible with the help of many in the community. We would like to extend a very special thank you to our corporate sponsors: Amherst Label, the law offices of Finch & Maloney, and the dentistry office of Clark & Leighton. We would like to thank LaBelle Winery for once again hosting the event in their lovely space. The staff was very accommodating and provided amazing support before and during the event. A special thank you also goes out to all the local businesses and families who donated to our silent auction: The Casual Cat, The Wason Family, From the Barrel, Souhegan Woods Golf Club, Aegis Container,

Help The SHS Robotics Team!

Souhegan Alpine Ski Team: Aidan Leary, Andrew Taylor, Nate Fritz, Ben Lockitt, Quade Bell, Alex Reitter, Camden Fritz and Aidan Lawrence prepare for Souhegan Alpine’s Race on January 2, 2020. The Alpine season has started off strong. Girls and Boys Teams have finished in second place for Dec 19th and Jan 2nd GS races. Outstanding performances by Quade Bell who finished first on Dec 19th and Andrew Taylor who finished first on January 2nd. Quade and Andrew have skied together at Crotched Mountain since first grade. Great job SHS!

Souhegan’s Challenge Day a Huge Success On Wednesday, December 11, about a hundred Souhegan High School students, plus faculty and staff, came together in the SHS gym to experience Challenge Day, an experiential learning day where students participate in a variety of activities and learn to build empathy and connectedness.

“Challenge day encourages students from all grades to come together for a greater purpose,” says Sheelu Joshi Flegal, Souhegan social worker. “We had 100 students participating and wish we could have the whole school participate. Unfortunately, we have to do it in chunks, so this year we have all grades – 9 through 12.... We feel like it really is connected to what we do here at Souhegan, in terms of trying to bring the whole school together to get rid of barriers and to make ev-

erybody work together in a really positive direction.”

“The day did a really good job at helping kids to learn empathy for what other kids are going through,” explains Jenn Huard, Souhegan Special Education Administrator. “They might not understand what other kids’ daily lives are like.

[Challenge Day] helps reduce bullying, and there are so many kids who made or repaired friendships that had broken up throughout high school. It was just a great day.”

Some of the participants shared the kind of impact that Challenge Day had on them. “Honestly this has been an amazing experience so far,” says Megan Tupaj, senior.

“I came into it not really knowing what I was going to get out of it, but I can safely say that I already feel connected to so many people. I’ve

been able to just be okay with who I am, and people are understanding of that.”

“Right now, I already feel really more connected with the faculty and students and peers that I’ve never even talked to before, and I think that’s awesome,” says senior Callie McBride. “It was a really like big eye-opener for most of the students participating, and I just really want to thank the school for this opportunity,” says Megan Sinner, a freshman at Souhegan.

“I’m really excited to see the way that this will grow around the school and see the way the students will take this into their own hands and show other people what it’s all about,” says Chris Heinze, Challenge Day Representative.

The Souhegan High School FIRST Robotics team is in urgent need of mechanical engineering mentors for the 2020 season to help students design & build a competition robot.

The FIRST Robotics Competition challenge is released in January and changes every year. The team designs, assembles, and tests a competition robot in six weeks and competes in two district competitions in March in the New England area.

“For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology” (FIRST) was founded by entrepreneur & inventor Dean Kamen in 1989 to inspire students to pursue engineering and science careers.

“If we expect to remain the world leader, we must put more emphasis into mathematics and science at the high school level.” The program leverages the excitement of a sporting competition to inspire high school students to seek careers in engineering, mathematics, and the sciences.

Interested individuals willing to support this noble activity are encouraged to contact Brian Walters ( HYPERLINK “mailto:bfwalters@ comcast.net” bfwalters@comcast. net or 603-424-8360) for more information.

The Maresco Family, Branding Mine, Souhegan High School Athletics, Trader Joes, Wilton Town Hall Theatre, Nelson’s Candy, Yellow Dog Car Wash, PJ McWilliams Bon Bon, The MacDonald Family, Missy Gaffney and Medical Skin Care, Frederick’s Pastries, Crotched Mountain, Ken Jones Ski Shop, LaBelle Winery, Pat’s Peak, Andy Caulton, and The Ezequelle-Wilson Family. And finally, we would like to acknowledge our outstanding emcees, Trivia Masters Dolph Hoyt Presents.

Year after year, their energy and humor make the event both challenging and very entertaining.

The Souhegan Scholarship Foundation is a non-profit organization that serves high school seniors who reside in Amherst and Mont Vernon. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement to assist students in their first year of post-graduate education.

Donations are accepted throughout the year. If you are interested in donating, please contact us at Souhegan Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 323, Amherst, NH 03031 or by email at souheganscholarshipfoundation@gmail.com.

AMS Coaches Needed for Lacrosse Boys & Girls Coaching positions for Lacrosse available at Amherst Middle School.

If interested please contact Athletic Director Jeff Wing at, jwing@sprise.com.

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8 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 • w w w . a m h e r s t c i t i z e n . c o m

More School News

The Derryfield School

Fall Term Honor Roll 2019 Name Sophia Brown Kyra Chen Ashley Hardner Taylor Hardner Henry Howe Nathaniel Pagliocco Isaac Plotsker Emma Pyles Benjamin Roy Julia Tilton Andrew Wold

Grad Year 2023 2020 2023 2023 2020 2021 2020 2020 2023 2020 2021

Honor Roll Highest Honors Highest Honors Highest Honors Highest Honors Highest Honors High Honors Highest Honors Highest Honors Highest Honors Highest Honors Honors

Amherst PTA Play

“Tuck Everlasting – the Musical” Begins Rehearsals Souhegan High School Art Teacher, Martha Rives with students’ Design Elements and Principles Shadowboxes

Design Elements Sample “Quilt”

Spotlight on Learning: Design Essentials for Every Occasion

By Jeanne Sturges Movement, mosaics, mandalas. Shadowboxes, shading, shape.

When students enter Martha Rives’ 2-D Art class as 9th graders, most will not expect to emerge as skilled artists. Nor should they, says Rives, a veteran art teacher at Souhegan High School. Rives is passionate about students gaining the essential skills of design theory, whether they take 2-D, 3-D, or Creative Image as part of their required Art credits at Souhegan.

As students in Rives’ 2-D Art course near the end of the term, they are currently investigating the question, How do the principles of art work with the elements to form the basic building blocks of 2-D design? In this culminating project, groups work to construct shadowboxes employing both the principles and the elements of good design.

Excerpt from 2-D student’s design principles analysis: “In A Starry Night by Van Gogh balance is created by repeating the same shapes and by creating a feeling of equal weight. The large dark tree helps balance the bright moon in the opposite corner.”

Excerpt from 2-D student’s design principles analysis: “In A Starry Night by Van Gogh balance is created by repeating the same shapes and by creating a feeling of equal weight. The large dark tree helps balance the bright moon in the op-

posite corner.”

Applying basic principles of design across the curriculum is one example of how students demonstrate Souhegan’s Communication Work Study Practice. Effective visual communication is essential no matter the subject area, and students learn the foundations of this transportable skill as 9th graders in their Art coursework.

“The principles are like sentences that we combine to create coherent forms,” Rives explains. “They are the largest conceptual framework of art, like unity, balance, proportion. They hold the piece together. If it doesn’t have all the principles, it’s not reaching the viewer. The principles help the artist achieve good visual harmony and communication,” she adds. “The elements, on the other hand, are the words: color, line, shape, texture. Together, the elements and the principles are what make art art,” Rives explains.

While the shadowboxes “don’t necessarily show magnificent technical skill, it shows creative thinking on the part of my 9th graders,” Rives says. In this way, the project exemplifies the creative process: students conceptualize a design and work to execute it by applying the principles and elements of design.

The shadowbox project is part of a deliberate progression throughout the semester that begins with the Mandala project as a baseline study of design. The students then explore the design process from

u Amherst’s Man-Made Scenic Pond

conceptualizing ideas, to organizing and developing a piece of art, to refining and completing it. Again, the design process itself becomes a transportable idea. “Students come to understand that a well-crafted work doesn’t spring out of nothing.

Rather, it is a series of iterations.

Craftsmanship and technical skills are only part of the process,” Rives explains.

After a focus on process students create a “sample quilt” or “tower” as they begin to explore the elements of design. These striking works illustrate to students the power of the design elements. “How they balance negative and positive space, how they create color contrast, or use texture – these all become powerful tools at their disposal throughout their high school career,” says Rives.

The final building block of students’ design understanding is perhaps the most complex: linear perspective or learning how to make a two-dimensional design look three dimensional. “Students seem to really like this project because they create both imaginary and realistic drawings by applying rules of linear perspective, like proportion and parallelism.”

As a long-serving teacher of 27 years, Martha Rives is retiring at the end of the school year. Teaching art – from 2-D and 3-D design to freshman, to ceramics or painting, to AP Art – is also a form of perspective taking. “As a teacher you have to have a sense of humor

Why is it called Lincoln Pond?

This house at 226A Route 101 was the summer home, called Rockland Cottage and Rockland Farm, of Frank A. Smith, who died here in 1928 aged 74, & his wife Efretta, from 1894 until their deaths.

86.75 acres, of which the pond with a bit of surrounding common land comprises 15.7 acres. Lincoln Pond today is privately owned by Lincolnwood Association, with the surrounding homeowners each owning 1/11th part as common land.

Who built the pond?

to the production.

There is opportunity for multiple people to co-choreograph since we are in need of an intermediate tap routine, a ballet, acrobatics/carnival feel, as well as over all polish on the music numbers.

Want to be involved off stage? Contact us about backstage talent, set build, and costume work, photographer, organizers and much more.

A full list of characters and more is available http://amherstnhpta. org/2020-tuck-everlasting.html

CALL FOR DIRECTORS!

The Amherst PTA play is a long standing fundraising and theatre tradition in Amherst, NH. We are currently seeking enthusiastic and aspiring or experienced directors, musical directors and choreographers to submit show ideas and proposals for our 2021 spring show. Proposals for directing are requested no later than January 30, 2019. For additional details and information on submissions please visit http://amherstnhpta.org/directors.html

Design Elements Towers

and you have to be able to give kids a decent amount of rope. In other words, after they learn some fundamentals, you have to let them take any assignment where they’re going to take it. That is probably the best part of teaching art in a public high school. Students will always surprise and delight me.”

Jeanne Sturges is the Writing Center Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach at Souhegan High School.

Souhegan HS Presidential Fair, January 8

With the New Hampshire Primary election right around the corner, we wanted to formally invite you to our Presidential Fair, run by the SHS Community Council.

If you are stuck on who to vote for in the approaching primary, this event will help you make up your mind. At this event, we will have organizers from many of the campaigns ready to answer all of your questions that you have about their candidates and their positions and to help you get involved in this uniquely NH democratic process. The fair will take place on January 8th, from 3-4:30 in the SHS cafeteria. We hope to see everyone there!

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Continued from page 4

In 1912, Frank A. Smith bought the 90-acre farm of Albert E. Chickering (Sr., 1849-1926) with old house at 10 Old Manchester Road (on west side of road, labeled “A. [for Ammial] Noyes” on 1858 map), valued by the tax assessor at $2000, increased to $2200 after the pond was put in. The pond was laid out between Skeeterville Schoolhouse of No. 10 District, which formerly stood on the east side of Route 101, near the northern end of the pond and the house at 10 Old Manchester Road below the southern end.

Theodora Lincoln nee Hendricks (1890-1978), wife of Charles J. Lincoln (1870-1945), bought the former Chickering farm with manmade pond in 1929 (after Smith’s death) as their retirement home (and remodeled and enlarged the house; its valuation jumped from $4K in 1929 to $10K the next year).

That body of water was called Lincoln Pond as early as 1947 after the then-owner-occupant and that name has stuck. In 1946, Roy M. Lincoln (d. 1956), brother of the late Charles, & Roy’s wife, sister of Theodora, moved into Theodora’s home and made extensive alterations to house and barn. In April 1974, the Town approved a subdivision of this property for Charles J. Lincoln (2nd, 1919-2013), son of Roy and nephew of his namesake, who had served as Amherst’s municipal judge 1951-1964 (and lived at 1 Belden’s Mill Lane in the Village from 1948-1973). The old house at number 10 retained 5.3 acres. Lincolnwood subdivision of contemporary houses on the west side of Old Manchester Road encompasses

The Amherst Parent-Teacher Association in April 2020 will present “Tuck Everlasting – the Musical” for one of its premier fundraisers, which generates upwards of $15,000 for vital educational enrichment programs and teacher grants for Amherst schools.

Tuck Everlasting is a story about Winnie Foster who has been given the choice to either live forever or pause the wheel of life. Follow her on her adventures with Jesse and the rest of the Tucks as she learns about living and how to live every moment she has been granted. Experience this heart warming show on stage, backstage, or in the audience. Find out if Winnie becomes Everlasting.

The all volunteer production is a multi generational show with ensembles. The production needs costume help as part of the established design team and on Sundays to build the show, no experience necessary. Looking for a photographer who can document the shows and rehearsals and then make a slide show. Be on the look out for set building and painting dates closer

Let’s give some credit to the builder of this enduring “natural” resource.

Charles Walter Keith (1869-1924), born in Chelmsford, was a building contractor specializing in concrete work. He and his Amherst-born wife, Dora L. nee Parkhurst (1871-1933), had moved to Milford around 1900, where his occupation was mason and bricklayer (according to census) but he quickly became the go-to contrac-

tor for concrete-work projects. The newspaper, reporting on a mansion construction job in Wilton at which Keith was working “with a large gang of men,“ stated (Cabinet, 28 July 1910): “Cement work is the coming thing and experts at this work are in great demand and command large wages.”

Among Keith’s projects were: the “first modern concrete structure” in Milford, N.H. (2-storey, 70 by 30 foot machine shop on Cottage street) in 1908; “all the cement work in the new electric power house” in the Brookline, N.H., in summer of 1913 (the same time period as the Amherst pond project); and the cement work at Wilton Water Works dam, raising the dam 8 inches, with

five men, in Oct. 1914. Keith moved before 1920 to Nashua, “where he quickly established a reputation for the handling of large work in a building way.” “During the war Mr. Keith purchased a large tract of unimproved land for development purposes ... laying out Ayer street [in Nashua] and building five modern houses during the depression, for the purpose of keeping his men at work.” At the time of his death, he “was engaged on a large cooperage factory building for the Fessendens at Hoboken, N.J.” as well as the new Towle high school in Newport, N.H. “About four years [prior to this death] he became interested in a shore development at Kingston, Mass., creating several cottages, one of which he used as a summer home.” He died there of “acute indigestion.” Among his personal property, auctioned off by his executrix, was “one Reo auto 1922 model, 7 passengers, been run less than 12,000 miles.” (All quotations are from Milford Cabinet news items; his obituary appeared on front page, 7 Aug. 1924.)

Sources

My Thanks to Michele Boudreau at Amherst Town Hall who supplied the tax-lot information for Lincoln Pond and helped me figure out its present-day ownership. Amherst tax invoices supply acreage for Smith’s properties (in District 10); too many of the deeds do not. Tax invoices up to 1915 are at Amherst Town Library.

Comments? Contact Katrina Holman via HistoricAmherstNH @ juno.com

Looking good! www.amherstcitizen.com

Town of Amherst, NH BOARD OF SELECTMEN

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Barbara Landry Meeting Room, Town Hall - 2 Main Street Monday, January 13, 2020 7:00 PM Pursuant to New Hampshire RSA 32:5, I, the Amherst Board of Selectmen hereby announces to the citizens of Amherst the convening of a Public Hearing to take input on the proposed FY21 Town Operating Budget, bonds and notes, and proposed warrant articles.

All citizens are invited to attend.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

TOWN OF AMHERST Town Election – March 10, 2020 Amherst, New Hampshire

Filing Period for Town Offices January 22, 2020 – January 31, 2020

1 Selectman - 3 years 1 Moderator - 2 years 1 Town Clerk - 3 years 1 Cemetery Trustee - 3 years 2 Library Trustees - 3 years 2 Zoning Board members - 3 years 1 Trustee of the Trust Funds - 3 years 1 Supervisor of the Checklist - 6 years Candidates shall file with the Town Clerk during regular business hours, Monday- Friday 9AM-3PM or Tuesday night from 4:30-6:30. On January 31, the last day of the filing period, the office will be open until 5PM. The Deliberative Session for Town Meeting is Wednesday, February 5.

The Presidential Primary is Tuesday, February 11.

Town Meeting is, Tuesday, March 10

Nancy A. Demers, Town Clerk

www.amherstcitizen.com • JANUARY 2020 •

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 9

Amherst Planning Board Zoning Ordinance & Capital Improvements Program Proposals Draft Dated: December 5, 2019

2020 AMENDMENTS TO THE AMHERST ZONING ORDINANCE PROPOSED BY THE AMHERST PLANNING BOARD FOR BALLOT VOTE AT THE 2020 TOWN MEETING The amendments to the Amherst Zoning Ordinance proposed by the Amherst Planning Board are outlined below. Additions are shown in bold italic text and the deletions are shown in strikethrough text.

PLANNING BOARD PROPOSED AMENDMENT #1: 1.

Amend Article IV, Zoning Regulations, Section 4.19 Impact Fee Ordinance, Sub-section G. Impact Fee Establishment Procedure, by deleting the first sentence in its entirety and deleting the word “then”from the current second sentence; amend Article IV, Zoning Regulations, Section 4.19 Impact Fee Ordinance, Sub-section G. 1. Impact Fee Establishment Procedure, by deleting the sentence in its entirety; and amend Article IV, Zoning Regulations, Section 4.19 Impact Fee Ordinance, Sub-section 0. 1. Applicability of Impact Fees, by replacing the words “who is not vested” with the words “which is not covered under an exemption”. as follows:

G. IMPACT FEE ESTABLISHMENT PROCEDURE: In order to establish an impact fee, the Selectmen shall identify projects eligible for impact fee funding as indicated in the Capital Improvements Program, as from time to time amended. The Selectmen shall then prepare a report describing a methodology or basis for calculating impact fee assessments and an Impact Fee Schedule, in accordance with RSA 674:21, and this ordinance.

1. A determination of the number of building permits that will need to be issued in order to finance the impact fee.

0.

Applicability of Impact Fees.

1. Any person or agent, who after the effective date of this ordinance, seeks to undertake new development within the Town of Amherst, New Hampshire, by applying for site plan approval, subdivision approval or a building permit and who is not vested which is not covered under an exemption pursuant to RSA 674:39, is hereby required to pay the appropriate Impact fees in the manner set forth in this ordinance, in accordance with any Impact Fee Schedule adopted by the Board of Selectmen.

RATIONALE: This proposed amendment would delete the requirement that projects eligible for impact fee funding have to be included in the Capital Improvements Program. Deleting sub-section G. 1. is proposed because it would be difficult to predict how many building permits would be needed to finance an impact fee when there may be different fees for residential and commercial development and it is impossible to know how many permits will be applied for at any given time. Changing the wording of sub-section 0. 1. is proposed because RSA 674:39 is amended periodically and the time periods included therein may change. If the time periods for vesting are not the same as the time periods for expending collected impact fees, there may be a conflict. This proposed amendment refers instead to the exemptions provided in RSA 674:39 and would avoid any timing conflicts.

PLANNING BOARD PROPOSED AMENDMENT #2: Amend Article VI, Administration, Section 6. 3 Board of Adjustment, Sub-section G. Time Limits of Special Exceptions and Variances, to add a sub-section entitled Scheduled Termination of Special Exceptions and Variances, that would provide for the termination of all special exceptions and variances that were authorized before August 19, 2013, and that have not been exercised, as follows: Scheduled Termination of Special Exceptions and Variances Pursuant to RSA 674:33 I-a. (b), and RSA 674:33 IV. (c), all variances and special exceptions that were authorized by the Amherst Zoning Board of Adjustment pursuant to the Amherst Zoning Ordinance and RSA 674:33 before August 19, 2013, and that have not been exercised, shall terminate according to the following procedure: 1. Upon adoption of this amendment, the Planning Board shall post notice of the termination in the Town Hall. The notice shall be posted for one year and shall prominently state the expiration date of the notice.

2. The notice shall state that special exceptions and variances authorized before August 19, 2013, are scheduled to terminate, but shall be valid if exercised within two years of the expiration date of the notice or as further extended by the Zoning Board of Adjustment for good cause.

RATIONALE:

RSA 674:33 was revised in 2018 to allow local zoning ordinances to be amended to provide for termination of all special exceptions and variances that were issued prior to August 19, 2013, that have not yet been acted upon.

There is a specified procedure to provide notice of the termination for one year and to allow the special exceptions and variances to be valid if exercised within two years of the expiration of the one year notice, effectively allowing property owners three years from the date of the notice being posted to use their special exception or variance.

The Planning Board meeting for December 18, 2019, at which the CIP Plan 2021 - 2026 and the Planning Board's proposed zoning amendment public hearings were scheduled to take place, could not be held due to over capacity at the Town Hall. The whole meeting was moved to January 15, 2020, at the Amherst Middle School, at 7:30 p.m., which date was announced by the Planning Board.

AMHERST PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ZONING ORDINANCE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM Notice is hereby given that the AMHERST PLANNING BOARD will hold PUBLIC HEARINGS on WEDNESDAY, December 18, 2019, starting at 7:30 P.M. in the AMHERST TOWN HALL, AMHERST, NH. PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:30 P.M. ON THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM, PLAN OF 2021 - 2026.

Copies of the Plan are available in draft form at the Office of Community Development during regular business hours, and can be found on the Town of Amherst website www.amherstnh.gov.

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE AMHERST ZONING ORDINANCE FOR 2020 BALLOT VOTE, AS FOLLOWS: 1. To amend Article IV, Zoning Regulations, Section 4.19 Impact Fee Ordinance, Sub-section G. Impact Fee Establishment Procedure, to delete the first sentence in its entirety and to delete the word "then" from the current second sentence; amend Article IV, Zoning Regulations, Section 4.19 Impact Fee Ordinance, Sub-section G. 1. Impact Fee Establishment Procedure, to delete the sentence in its entirety; and amend Article IV, Zoning Regulations, Section 4.19 Impact Fee Ordinance, Sub-section O. 1. Applicability of Impact Fees, by replacing the words "who is not vested" with the words "which is not covered under an exemption".

2. To amend Article VI, Administration, Section 6.3 Board of Adjustment, Sub-section G. Time Limits of Special Exceptions and Variances, to add a sub-section entitled Scheduled Termination of Special Exceptions and Variances, that would provide for the termination of all special exceptions and variances that were authorized before August 19, 2013, and that have not been exercised.

Copies of the full text of the 2020 Amendments to the Amherst Zoning Ordinance proposed by the Planning Board are available free of charge from the Office of Community Development during regular business hours, are posted at the Town Hall for viewing purposes only, and can be found on the Town of Amherst website www.amherstnh.gov.

12/6/19 AMHERST PLANNING BOARD

AMHERST PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ZONING ORDINANCE Notice is hereby given that the AMHERST PLANNING BOARD will hold PUBLIC HEARINGS on WEDNESDAY, January 15, 2020, at the AMHERST MIDDLE SCHOOL, 14 CROSS ROAD, AMHERST, NH, to consider petitioned amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. The meeting starts at 7:30 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING ON A PETITION TO AMEND THE AMHERST ZONING ORDINANCE: A petition signed by 25 registered voters in the Town of Amherst has been submitted and accepted as being in correct warrant article form. This petition proposes an amendment to the Amherst Zoning Ordinance, Article IV, Section 4.16, Integrated Innovative Housing Ordinance, to delete the section in its entirety.

PUBLIC HEARING ON A PETITION TO AMEND THE AMHERST ZONING ORDINANCE: A petition signed by 25 registered voters in the Town of Amherst has been submitted and accepted as being in correct warrant article form. This petition proposes an amendment to the Amherst Zoning Ordinance, Article IV, Section 4.16, Integrated Innovative Housing Ordinance, Sub-section E. Incentives, to state that there should be significant benefits from each proposed bonus, and to amend the number of density bonuses that may be granted to not exceed 35% of the total baseline density of the development.

12/26/19 AMHERST PLANNING BOARD Editor’s Note: the above Amherst Planning Board 2020 (draft) Ammendments and Notice of Public Hearings were provided to The Amherst Citizen.

SAMPLE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY BALLOTS – FEBRUARY 11, 2020

10 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 • w w w . a m h e r s t c i t i z e n . c o m

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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

Congregational Church of Amherst UCC

11 Church Street Pastor Rev. Maureen Frescott Associate Pastor: Rev. Katherine (Kate) Kennedy Church office: 673-3231 Website: www.ccamherst.org Church office: 673-3231

The church extends a warm welcome to residents and visitors to the area to join in worship, discussion, service and social activities.

Christ’s Church of Amherst

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

Messiah Lutheran Church Pastor Karl Hester 303 Route 101 PO Box 488 673-2011 www.messiahnh.org

Sunday worship with Holy Communion at 9:30 am with fellowship time following.

St Luke’s Anglican Church

St. Luke’s Anglican Church 3 Limbo Lane, Amherst Rt Rev. Alexander H.Webb, D. Min. Church office: 672-6054 Website: www.st-lukes-nh.org

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.

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.

Amherst Christian Church invites you to join us for worship every Sunday morning at 10:30 am. Our worship service includes music, prayer and a message from God’s Word, in relevant and applicable terms. We observe the Lord’s Supper together as a part of our worship experience the first Sunday of each month. Find out more at our website, facebook page or contact us at HYPERLINK “mailto:info@ amherstchristianchurch.org”info@amherstchristianchurch.org.

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 HYPERLINK “mailto:pastor@stpaul-amherst. org”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 Rector: Rev. Hays Junkin

Sundays – 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist - 10 Wednesdays – 11:30 a.m. Lectionary and Lunch Eucharist followed by bring-your-ownlunch (coffee provided) and a discussion of the week’s lessons.

We strive to live the message of Christ, in which all are welcome.

Mont Vernon Congregational Church

United Church of Christ 4 South Main Street Mont Vernon Church Office: 673-3500 (open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Web site: www.montvernonchurch.org E-mail: montvernonchurch@comcast.net

Please join us for Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m. when Sunday School is offered for children aged 4 – 12 years of age. 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.

Saint Patrick Catholic Community of Milford

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

All are welcome at St. Patrick! Weekend Masses @ 4 p.m. Saturdays, and 7, 8:45 and 10:45a.m. Sundays. Weekday Masses - Monday, Thursday, Friday 7:30 a.m.

Wednesday 5:30 p.m. and 1st Fridays followed by Adoration 5:30 p.m.

The church is located at 34 Amherst St. www.stpatrickmilfordnh.org or 6731311

First Church Of Christ, Scientist 103 South St., Milford Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Meeting: 8 p.m.- Child care available – Sunday and Wednesday

Christian Science Reading Room 87 Union Square, Milford Mon. through Fri. 11a.m. - 3 p.m.

Sat. 10 a.m. to 1p.m. Wed. 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Last Sun. of the Month 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Email – readingroom@csmilfordnh.org Website – www.csmilfordnh.org

Unitarian Universalist Congregation

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

Sunday services are at 10:30am and topics vary weekly. Sunday Morning Circles for children and youth, and childcare is provided. See HYPERLINK “http://www. uucm.org/” www.uucm.org for details and calendar. Fellowship hour follows the service.

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.

St. John Neumann Catholic

708 Milford Road - Rt 101A Merrimack 880-4689 www.sjnnh.org Fr. Robert Glasgow

Weekend Mass: Saturday 5:30pm Sunday 8:00am & 10:00am Sep – May 6 p.m.

Weekday Mass: 12:15pm Holy Days: 5:30pm vigil, 12:15pm and 7:00pm

Household of Faith

30 Merrimack Rd. Amherst www.hofonline.org

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

Temple Beth Abraham

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

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. Evening Minyan (daily service) begins at 7:30 pm Mon-Thur. For more information please visit www.tbanashua.org or call 883-8184.

www.amherstcitizen.com • JANUARY 2020 •

Obituaries

Club News

Thomas F. Head III

Linwood (“Lin”) Gordon Huntington

Thomas F. Head He is survived III, 90, resident of by his loving wife Peterborough and of 70 years, Joanne longtime resident (Crane) Head of of Amherst, died on Peterboroug h, December 18, 2019 NH; a son and at his home. daughter-in-law, He was born on Thomas F. Head May 8, 1929 in CoIV and Josie Head lumbus, Ohio, the of Amherst, NH; son of Thomas F. a grandson and Head Jr. and Gladys his wife, Thom(Jones) Head. Tom as F. Head V and was raised and edAshley Head of ucated in WinstBrookline, NH; ed, Connecticut and and 2 great-grandTom Head graduated from the children, CourtGilbert School, Class ney and Caden. of 1947, and earned A memorial his bachelor’s degree from Trinity service will be held at a later date.

College, Hartford, CT. Arrangements are in the care of Tom was the owner of Environ- Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 mental Interiors Inc., a company Elm Street, Milford, NH. To share he founded in 1969. He was an avid a memory or offer a condolence, outdoorsman, who enjoyed game please go to www.smith-heald.com hunting and ski racing especially at Stratton Mountain in Vermont.

Linwood (“Lin”) of the NH Ayrshire Gordon Huntington, Club for over thirJr., 83, of Newbury, ty years, including VT, died December two terms as Pres11, 2019 after a brief ident. He served as illness. trustee or officer He was born June of the VT Ayrshire 1, 1936 in Henniker, club for over fifteen NH, the son of the years, including one late Linwood G. & term as President.

Arlene (Gunn) HunHe was a member tington. Born and of the New England raised on the famAyrshire club for fifily farm in Hennity-six years, includker, as a young boy ing one term as Preshe entered the show ident, one term as Lin Huntington circuit with his first Vice President, and Ayrshire calf in two terms as Direc1946. Many times in high school he tor. He was a Vermont Trustee of would run home at noon to tend to the Eastern States Exposition since the cows and other farm animals, 1998. He served on the Breed Proreturn to school, finish classes and motion, Bylaws and Finance Comthen join his basketball or baseball mittees for six years prior to servteam for practice or a game. After ing a term as Vice President for the high school, a father-son partner- Ayrshire Breeders Association. He ship was created, and the family continued his commitment to the moved to Chestnut Ridge Farm in promotion and improvement of the Amherst in 1954. Lin and his fa- Ayrshire breed while working with ther built the small farm into a 150- and eventually succeeding Tom 200 head Ayrshire dairy farm with Whitaker as Director of the New a quality combination of milk pro- England Ayrshire Sale held annualduction and dairy-type animals. ly in Rutland, VT. Lin was honored The Huntington Ayrshires had with the Ayrshire Breeders’ Associmuch success on the show circuit ation Distinguished Service Award at local, state, regional and nation- in 2006. al level over the years. Lin’s keen eye Aside from his devotion to his to pick the best show string and his family, his farm and the Ayrshire gentle hand used as an elite show- cow, he had a true love of sports and man were talents admired by many. spent many a night falling asleep at He married Florence (“Florrie”) his desk while doing paperwork and M. Barss on April 29, 1962. They “watching” his beloved Red Sox, raised their three boys on the farm Celtics or Bruins fight for a win. in Amherst. Lin’s tireless work ethLin is survived by his loving wife ic, respect for others and unques- of fifty-seven amazing years, Flortionable character and integrity rie Huntington, three proud sons were on display every day and his Gordon (Donna Ransmeier), Dana boys couldn’t help but follow in his (Julie), and Neal (Becca), eight foot-steps. grandchildren, three great-grandLin moved the family farm to children, many nieces and nephNewbury, VT in 1988 and formed ews and his sister, Eleanor Whita partnership with his oldest son ney of Hampton, NH. He was (Gordon). CR Farm brought Ayr- predeceased by his father, mother shire cattle to a picturesque farm and step-mother, Florence Wilson. on the Connecticut River. Lin enFamily, friends and farm were the joyed farming the rock free fields, basis of his life and he gave everywhich he continued to do up until thing he had to them. Lin will be his death. The farm was recognized missed by so many who admired his as a Vermont Dairy of Distinction, devotion to his family, selflessness, hosted national and regional meet- sense of humor, many stories, love ing tours, many Vermont and New of farming the land and joy he had England Ayrshire meetings, several for his beloved Ayrshires. judging competitions, as well as InMemorial contributions can be ternational Dairy Tours from Rus- made in Lin’s honor to your local sia and the United Kingdom.

Dairy Cattle 4-H club.

Lin was the ultimate Ayrshire There will be no calling hours. A Ambassador as evident in the num- celebration of life will be held at CR ber of offices that he held at the lo- Farm, Newbury, VT in late Spring cal, regional and national levels. 2020.

He served as an officer or director

Pauline Irene St. Germain

With profound nephews who were sadness we anvery special to her. nounce the passing Pauline lived a of Pauline Irene St. full life as the most Germain, loving and wonderful mother, devoted wife, mothhomemaker and all er, grandmother, around problem great grandmother, solver for her large aunt, cousin and family. She was an friend. Pauline deextraordinarily talparted us on Saturented seamstress day, December 14, and her knitting 2019, at the age of 85. skills were known Born to Eugene far and wide by all and Irene Hamelin who knew her and of Lowell, MA on beyond! Most of all Pauline St. Germain September 24, she loved her fami1934, she was a ly fiercely and withbright and shining light full of joy out reservation. She was a giver and energy, always smiling and of the highest order. She did not looking for the positive in every cir- know how to say no, only ever saycumstance and in every person. ing “How can I help?” She leaves bePauline was predeceased by a hind a legacy of love, acceptance, brother, Donald. She was the be- and positivity. We will forever miss loved wife of Joseph E. St.Ger- and cherish the love and kindness main of Tyngsboro, and adored our mom gave to her family, friends, by her children David St.Ger- and everyone she met, but she will main of Grand Prarie, TX, Pau- live forever in our hearts. la Maclellan of Milford, NH , ShaWe would especially like to thank ron Folsom (Steve) of Dallas TX, Noreen Godin and Lily Serrano, Kenneth St. Germain of Hudson, and also Michelle Donald, Kim NH, and Marc St.Germain (Alex- Cole, and Ellen Hagopian for the is Hamilton) of Dracut, MA. Pau- constant love, kindness, and care line was a devoted grandmother to that they gave our mom every moHillary Terramagra, Haley Baptist, ment they were with her.

Meredith Hill (Patrick), Jillian BapArrangements: A celebration tist, Tucker MacLellan, Hunter Fol- of Pauline’s life was held at St. som-Lacey (Grant), Chase Folsom, Mary Magdalene Church, Tyngsand Annabelle Folsom, and lov- boro, MA on December 19, 2019, ing great-grandmother to Colby, Her burial was at Tyngsboro MeBrayden, Aria, Noah and Roman. morial Cemetery Tyngsboro, MA. Please email birth, death, engagement, wedding, anniversary announcements with photo (480kb or larger .jpg) to: news@amherstcitizen.com She also leaves cousins, nieces and

Amherst Girl Scout Earns Gold Award with Citizenship Project AMHERST – At a time when political awareness is at an all-time high, one Girl Scout has made the effort to be sure people are well-informed on basic civics. Emma Pyles has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for her project, Equalizing Citizenship. It is the capstone achievement of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

When Pyles, 17, a senior at The Derryfield School, found out that one third of natural-born U.S. citizens could not pass the test given to immigrants applying for citizenship, she knew she had to do something.

“When I led a presentation at a Cadette troop meeting,” she said, “I was struck by some of the answers the girls did not know. It made me feel good to be able to share the correct information with them. I felt like I made a difference. Similarly, some of the presentations I made to adults in my community reinforced the need for this project. I think those adults may be inspired by my project to learn more about U.S. civics.”

Some of the questions asked on the U.S. citizenship test include why some states have more representatives than others, who was president during World War I, and why the colonists fought the British. (For the record, because of state population; Woodrow Wilson; and because of high taxes, lack of self government, and that British soldiers stayed in their homes, pushing their desire for independence.) You can test your knowledge at https:// my.uscis.gov/en/prep/test/civics/ view.

Pyles created a curriculum for middle school students that she shared with the National Education Association, hosted an informational booth in Amherst on the

Fourth of July, and visited assisted living facilities in Bedford and Milford to share her information. She also visited Girl Scout troops and played a computer game she created on the Kahoot app that allows interactive play when asked questions. To round out her project, Pyles held a coat drive to assist new immigrants, and created a website about her project.

“I’m so impressed with Emma, just everything she’s done on this project,” said her Girl Scout project advisor, Margie Vincent. “She’s highlighted what Americans know and don’t know, and what we should know! She had done a booth on our town common on the Fourth of July, and I thought that was a very creative way to reach out to a large cut of people – all different ages.

She did a really good job of getting her information out there and proving her point. As a proud American, you want to pass it.”

The Girl Scout Ambassador also learned a lot through her work and gained useful skills for the future.

“Through this project, I learned how passionate I am about being an engaged citizen,” Pyles said. “I enjoyed learning more about the nation while connecting with my local community. This newfound excitement about civics has driven my goals for the future and given me a better idea of what I want to study in college. I learned that it is fun to meet new people and work with organizations toward a common goal.”

Pyles’ work will be sustained through her curriculum and website, 20epyles.wixsite.com/gsga. She has already awakened a desire to be better educated in many in her community.

“She is such a smart and dedicated young woman,” said Vincent.

“She’s a very good student and involved in a lot of things, a lot of volunteer work. She’s a good example of what a girl can do in Girl Scouts.

Emma has come so far in her maturity and character – she’s someone who’s taken advantage of everything Girl Scouts offers. I’m so proud of her.”

Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains honored Pyl-

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 11

es and 11 other Gold Award Girl Scouts at its Young Women of Distinction ceremonies Nov. 9 and 10.

Emma Pyles has answered the call to drive lasting, impactful change, and her Gold Award is a testament to her remarkable dedication to improving her community and the world. The Gold Award is the mark of the truly remarkable.

www.amherstcitizen.com

Amherst Lions Club’s Fire & Ice set for February 7

Amherst Lions Club is looking for the best chili in town. The fifth annual Fire & Ice chili cook-off and all-you-can-eat sundaes is set for Friday, February 7.

Both individual cooks and restaurant chefs wishing to enter their chili recipe (two-gallon minimum) for one year’s bragging rights should contact Bob Miskelly at amherstlionsclub@gmail. com for more details. Deadline to register is Feb 5.

The event is at the Amherst Middle School, 14 Cross Road, from 5-7 pm. Instead of ticket purchase, the Lions are asking for a donations 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 includes the Amherst Middle School Jazz Band and Krickey The Clown.

Amherst Garden Club Charitable Fund Seeks Applications for Grants Amherst- The Amherst garden Club Charitable Fund welcomes qualified applicants for the 20192020 year. Proceeds from our fund raising activities as well as memorial gifts are added to our fund each year and then awarded to local community projects that are consistent with our mission.

Our mission is to provide education, resources and networking opportunities for our members to promote the love of gardening, civic landscaping and environmental responsibility.

Recent grants have been awarded to the Women’s State Prison Gardening Program, Joshua’s Park and Community Gardens, The Amherst Town Library Gardens and the Amherst Garden Club Garden House Project and The Souhegan Valley Boys and Girls Club Edible Garden Project.

Information and applications can be found on our website: www.amherstgardenclub.org. Questions can be directed to Sheila_steele@comcast.net. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis and reviewed when applications are received.

AAUW News

Winter Branch Meeting at The Black Forest Cafe – January 22 Media: Friend or Foe? Second Program in Civic Engagement Series AMHERST – The Southern NH Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will hold its Winter Branch Meeting at The Black Forest Cafe, 212 Route 101, Amherst on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 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 program will begin with opening remarks at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. Current members and anyone interested in learning more about the organization are invited to attend. If you would like to attend the dinner and meeting contact Program Vice President Susan Hoover at 603-213-6601; e-mail susnhoover@aol.com. For more information about the organization contact Diana Owen at 603-6737841.

The program will be the second in the Civic Engagement Series planned for 2019-2020. The branch will welcome Michael Cleveland, who has over 50 years working as a newspaper editor and reporter, and Sarah Leonardi. Assistant Library Director at the Amherst Town Library. Media: Friend or Foe? will be the focus of their expertise. The program will be a panel format with Susan Hoover moderating. There will be time for questions.

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. This year’s recipient was a young woman who graduated in June from Souhegan High School. In addition, the branch hosts a book discussion group and Meet and Eat social evenings. On March 3, 2020 (snow date March 5), 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. Occasionally members also attend theatrical performances and see special exhibits at local museums.

Closing the Gender Pay Gap – Work Smart Online - FREE Course

AAUW has developed a program to help women in salary negotiation. Work Smart Online is a free course that helps women

earn the pay they deserve. To access the online course type salary.aauw. com in your search bar and begin preparation to negotiate a better salary and benefits. An 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. In surveys nearly all participants reported having more confidence and better negotiating skills after taking the class.

Upcoming Book Discussions

Members plan to meet to discuss the following books on the dates below. Meetings are held in members’ homes and begin at 7 p.m. with a social time. The discussions begin about 7:30.

Books to be discussed: January 6: “Mr. Penumbra’s 24Hour Bookstore” by Robin Sloan March 2: “Closest Companion: The Unknown Story of the Intimate Relationship between Franklin Roosevelt and Margaret Suckley” by Geoffrey C. Ward April 6: “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens May 4: “Educated” by Tara Westover June 1: “The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women” by Kate Moore If interested in participating, contact co-facilitators: Mary Marsh at amherst993@comcast.net, or Linda Pellerin at linda-82@comcast.net.

Candidates Night – March 3, 2020 (make-up March 5)

The Southern New Hampshire Branch will hold the Eighth Annual Candidates Night in the Barbara Landry Room at the Amherst Town Hall on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2020 will be the snow make-up date. All Amherst school and town candidates who have filed by the January 31 deadline will be invited to participate.

AAUW is a non-partisan non-political organization that never endorses candidates or specific partie,s. The organization whose roots date back to the 1880s has two branches in NH. The Southern New Hampshire Branch, established in the 1970s, hosts a variety of programs concerning women’s education and equity issues that are open to the public. Members of the branch live in the following New Hampshire communities: Amherst, Atkinson, Dover, Exeter, Hanover, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, and Wilton.

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12 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 • w w w . a m h e r s t c i t i z e n . c o m

Mont Vernon

Mont Vernon Historical Society News Next Meeting – January 7th

The next historical society meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. The agenda will include discussing how to use the proceeds from the Artisans Fair raffles. The historical society was delighted to be the recipient this year. They will also consider possible programs for the fall and winter months. Changing the starting time of future meetings will also be discussed. The meeting will be held in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room on the first floor of the Town Hall. President Eloise Carleton will preside.

December Events at Mont Vernon Village School

Become a Member

Support the 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, or mail to the Mont Vernon Historical Society, PO Box 15, Mont Vernon, NH. Please include name(s), mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address.

Make checks out to the Mont Vernon Historical Society.

Questions/comments? Contacts: President Eloise Carleton at eloise_carleton@comcast.net; Museum Curator Mary Jo Marcely at Hannahsgarden@hotmail.com

Hour of Code

Daland Memorial Library News

The Souhegan High School Programming Club brought coding activities to Mont Vernon Village School students during the Hour of Code celebration.

From left to right – John Ranta (club advisor), Avery Bertrand, Owen Frates, Bryce Pierce, Matti Shapiro, and Kasey Leonard (club president).

Every Mont Vernon Village School student, kindergarten – 6th grade, participated in the worldwide Hour of Code.

This yearly event is held during Computer Science Education Week to inspire students to become problem solvers of the future and to celebrate computer science.

Breakfast with Santa

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

Tiny Town Library Podcast

The Daland Memorial Library is excited to announce the launch of their podcast Tiny Town Library.

Look for the first four episodes on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher and subcribe. The library will produce an episode once a month to report local news, make book recommendations, and interview a person of interest in town. Tune in to our next episode titled “New Year, New Adult Winter Reading Library” to find out what’s happenThe library is embracing the Dan- ing in Mont Vernon in the month of ish lifestyle this winter and offering January and catch up with our inan adult winter reading program terview with the Library Trustees that encourages all things hygge. and the new library project. SubWhat’s hygge? Pronounced “HUE- scribe, rate and review! guh,” this Danish word has no exact equivalent in English but its clos- Just the Classics Adult Book est translation is “coziness . Hyg- Club ge essentials include lighting canDo you love the classics? Join dles, sitting by the fire, cozy clothes, the Just the Classics Book Club warm blankets, hot drinks, comfort and read one book a month from foods, and of course reading books. the classics. Group meets the 3rd Reading is a hygge activity because Thursday of the month at 7pm for it’s a way to slow down and detach dessert and a book discussion. This yourself from the busy, fast-paced month join in and read “The Great modern world. Our winter reading Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Group program begins Jan. 2nd and runs will meet on Thursday, January 16th through March 21st. Registration at 7pm. Books available to borrow at recommended. Stop in to regis- the library. ter, pick up your fist book, and sign up to win our Grand Prize Hygge Coffee & Books Coffee & Books is back just in themed basket! time for cold weather. Stop in the Winter Storytime library every Tuesday from 10amBundle up the kids and head to 5pm for a free cup of coffee or tea the library on Thursdays for an hour compliments of the Friends of the of stories, craft, and fun! Children Library and Starbucks. Stay and preschool ages 3-5 are welcome to chat or browse for books! Cookies sign up for a 6 week session starting too!!

Thursday, Jan 16th -Thursday, February 20th at 1pm. Registration re- Join the Friends of the Library The Friends of the Library inquired. Call the library at 673-7888 vite you to join them in 2020. Your to sign the kids up today!! membership dollars go directly Winter Lapsit back to the library to support adult Come get cozy at Lapsit! Chil- programming, children’s programdren ages 0-3yrs old and their ming, Junior Book Clubs, Hallowcaregivers are encouraged to join een treats, museum passes, and Miss JoAnn for an hour of stories, more! The Friends meet once month songs, finger-plays, felt boards and on the 4th Monday at 7:30pm at the fun this winter! 6 week session be- library. Visit the library website for gins Thursday, Jan. 16th -Thursday, membership information or stop in Feb 20th at 11am. Registration re- the library for more information on quired. Call the library at 673-7888 becoming a Friend. to sign up.

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

Our next monthly free Community Dinner at Mont Vernon Congregational Church, 4 South Main Street, Mont Vernon, will take place on Thursday, January 16 from 5-6:30 p.m. Dinner is open and free to all, donations happily accepted but not required. On the menu for January: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Vegetables, Artisan Breads, plus Dessert. Please join us. For more information, call 673-3500.

There were lots of happy faces during the Mont Vernon Village School Breakfast with Santa. This annual event is organized by the MVVS PTA and volunteers.

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