V27-N06 February 2019

Amherst Citizen

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 1

VOLUME 27 – NUMBER 6

FEBRUARY 2019

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Amherst Garden Club Morning Program – March 7

“Soak Up the Rain” Garden

A MHERST - Throughout New Hampshire (indeed, the entire country), rain gardens are planted to “Soak Up the Rain” to use Lisa Loosigian rainwater as groundwater and thereby prevent rainwater from entering storm drains. This helps protect and restore clean water in local lakes, streams, and estuaries. Rain gardens, in addition to being a very sound ecological practice, can also provide their own delights.

At the daytime meeting of the Amherst Garden Club on Thursday, March 7, Lisa Loosigian of the NH Department of Environmental Services will share her considerable knowledge and experience on this very timely subject, taking her listeners through the steps of planning & installing a rain garden, including choosing the right plants.

Lisa is also the Soak Up the Rain NH coordinator who travels the state providing technical assistance, partnership building, trainings and presentations, and designing and installing stormwater practices.

The Amherst Garden Club meets at the Messiah Lutheran Church at 303 Route 101 in Amherst. The program will begin at 10:30. It is preceded by refreshments and open to the public at no charge.

Weather Note: If Amherst schools are cancelled due to weather, the club’s Daytime Meeting will also be cancelled.

If schools are only delayed, the Daytime meeting will be held as scheduled.

Evening Program – March 7

All About Bees and Bee Keeping

The Amherst Garden Club is pleased to offer a presentation by local beekeeper John Zavgren for our evening program on March 7th.

John Zavgren His talk will cover the following topics:

• Honey bee castes and life cycles • Honey Bee relationships to our food supply • How to obtain beekeeping training • How to establish and maintain beehives • Bee diseases and their mitigation • Honeybee products: honey, wax, propolis

John is a cybersecurity researcher and gardener. He lives with his family in a mill building that they have restored and where his wife runs a B&B. John got his bee background attending classes at Merrimack Valley Bee Keepers Association.

The meeting will take place at 7:00 pm at Parkhurst Place, 11 Veterans Road, Amherst, NH. The public is welcome to attend with no fee.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Letters.................................. 2, 10 Town News............................ 4 Recreation............................ 4, 5 Library.................................. 5, 6 Schools/Sports...................... 7, 8 Arts & Entertainment............. 9 Candidates for Office............. 10 Mont Vernon......................... 12 Next Issue: March 2019

Shrek The Musical Jr! plays at Amherst Middle School, March 14–17. Story on page 7. Ella Hogan, Autumn Fichera, Alexandra Hallett and Natalie Conklin in rehearsals.

Patriots Fans Celebrate in Amherst!

What If Amherst Didn’t Have a Steeple…

And Why Does The Town Own It?

By Anne Krantz and Sue Spiess

AMHERST – The iconic steeple on the Amherst meetinghouse is the oldest and one of the tallest in New Hampshire. The square clock tower with three clock faces supports the belfry with the lovely balustrade and arches.

The narrow spire is perched on top of the curved green metal roof. The gold rooster weathervane sits on top, making the whole structure about 110 feet tall. Seen for miles around, the steeple is the image on the town seal.

It is featured in almost every story about Amherst, most recently in a January online article on New England Today.

The 1771 steeple almost didn’t survive. In 1821, the town voted to shingle the meetinghouse, repair the clapboarding and doors, and paint the building. A committee was appointed the “procure the work done.

They were also authorized to examine the steeple, and if they thought proper, take it down and build a cupola in its place,” according to the History of the Town of Amherst, written by Daniel Secomb. Fortunately, the committee thought better of the proposal, and the steeple remains virtually the same today as it was 248 years ago.

Why was the town responsible for the meetinghouse? Until the passage of the NH Toleration Act of 1819, the state allowed towns to support their own church and minister through taxation. In 1832, the Amherst town church separated from the town government. The town retained the right to use the building for all town meetings, the ownership of the clock tower, the bell, the steeple, and weathercock.

The meetinghouse was sold at auction to the high bidder, the Congregational Church and Society, for $100. The church was required to move the building and the steeple from the common to its present location (not an easy task under any conditions, particularly before the advent of modern machinery!). In exchange, the church had to permit the town access to the clock tower and belfry, and the use of the vestry constructed below the sanctuary in the new basement for town business. The church retained the right to ring the

bell for funerals and public worship.

The town still owns the clock tower and belfry. In 2000, the tower was rebuilt by the town, replacing much of the original spruce wood.

In 2017, it was apparent that the safety of the tower and the meetinghouse required a complete upgrade of the fire suppression and electrical systems. The church launched its current $850,000 capital campaign in 2018 to address both safety issues and other needed repairs and safeguards to the historic building and the parsonage. The town has pledged $7400 to the repairs and upgrades for the steeple’s fire suppression system and alarms. With the successful completion of the new systems, the 1771 steeple and bell will continue to serve as a symbol of our community, a constant reminder of our history, and our commitment to preserve the past for future generations.

Recognizing the importance of the meetinghouse and the parsonage to the town, the Amherst Community Foundation has partnered with the Congregational Church to raise awareness and funds for the projects. The campaign has raised almost $600,000 so far and continues to seek funds for other essential meetinghouse projects, including upgrades of the electrical system, restoration of the windows, and

problems, Steven uses this wheelchair accessible transit service on a regular basis to further his recovery.

Speaking on behalf of the SVTC Board of Directors, Carolyn Mitchell, of Amherst, noted “Being able to help neighbors like Steven is why we volunteer and work to keep The Blue Bus rolling throughout our six Souhegan Valley communities.”

Implemented in 2008, Souhegan Valley Rides is the regional dial-a-ride transportation service available to residents of Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Milford, Mont Vernon and Wilton.

Vehicle and call center operations are subcontracted from the Nashua Transit System. Currently, the bus service is available Monday Continued on page 3 u

Amherst Town Hall AMHERST – The Southern NH Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host the Seventh Annual Amherst Candidates Night at the Amherst Town Hall on Tuesday, February 12 from 7 to 9 pm. All candidates who have filed and are running for an Amherst school or town office have received an invitation to participate. Questions contact Liz Overholt at liz@theoverholts.net The evening gives the public an opportunity to meet candidates and hear their positions on issues. There will also time for questions. The public may also watch it live or later at https://amherstnh.viebit.com/. Election Day is held on Tuesday, March 12 at Souhegan High School from 6 am to 8 pm.

Amherst positions open for election this year:

TOWN (Three year terms unless marked otherwise.)

Two Selectmen One Cemetery Trustee Three Library Trustees One Zoning Board Member - two year term One Zoning Board Member One Trustee of the Trust Funds AMHERST SCHOOL DISTRICT

One School Board Member - two year term Two School Board Members - three year terms Refurbished steeple hoisted back into place in 2014

painting the exterior. Similar work is needed for the 1846 parsonage next door.

The church is planning a community-wide fundraising event in early spring, featuring Steve Fifield, who restored the spire in 2000, followed by a reception and tour of the church.

For more information about the history of the meetinghouse and the capital campaign, visit https:// www.ccamherst.org/capcampaign/, or contact campaign co-chairs Doug Topliffe (673-7346) or Susan Holden (566-2394). Donations can be made online through the church website, or via the Amherst Community Foundation website (http://www.amherstfoundation.org/meetinghouse).

Watch The Amherst Citizen’s restoration video: https://youtu.be/wJDpRCyi558

The Blue Bus Provides 30,000th Ride AMHERST – The Souhegan Valley Rides bus service, locally known as “The Blue Bus”, reached another milestone towards the end of 2018 by providing its 30,000th ride. To commemorate this event, Steven V. of Amherst was honored for taking the 30,000th ride. To his surprise, he was presented with a special gift basket of treats and gift cards donated by Papa Joe’s Humble Kitchen, Jambard Farm, Orde Farm Store, Averill House Vineyard, Black Forest Café, Shaw’s Supermarket, Walmart, and the Toadstool Bookstore.

Steven shared his gratitude for the transportation assistance and stated “It is a great service! I don’t know what I would do without it right now.” Unable to drive due to recent health

Candidates Night – Tuesday, February 12th, 7:00-9:00 pm

Standing: NTS Operations Coordinator Lori Lorman, SVTC Board Member Susan Pendleton, NTS driver Joane Dion and SVTC Board member Rebecca Crowther. Seated: Steven V. with Carolyn Mitchell making the presentation.

SOUHEGAN COOPERATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT Two School Board Members - three year terms One School District Moderator - three year term

In the event of inclement weather, there is no alternate date scheduled. Questions about the organization contact Susan Hoover at 213-6601; e-mail susnhoover@aol.com.

Historical Society of Amherst

WWII image shows machinery ready for shipping

The War Years in NH Free Movie Screening! February 11th at 7:30 PM AMHERST – The Historical Society is bringing John Gfroerer and his acclaimed documentary to Amherst!

The Accompany Video Production film explores New Hampshire’s unique role in World War II. Join John for a free screening on Tuesday, February 11th at 7:30 at the Congregational Church of Amherst. Thanks to New Hampshire Humanities for helping to make this special presentation possible!

No City, no town, no person in America could escape it. No gas, no tires, no stockings, no meat. The war took them all.

World War II mobilized the entire country, the entire world.

This video is about the war years in New Hampshire. It is about a time of historic events that shape

society to this day.

Teachers remember their students disappearing.

Students remember their teachers disappearing. Factory owners remember their workers disappearing. Everyone remembers their friends, lovers, and family members who didn’t come home. But there were also good times, when people worked together. Community spirit and patriotism flowed from every home like the fragrance of a fresh baked apple pie.

This documentary captures that time in New Hampshire. Through interviews, historic news films, photos and radio reports from the battlefields, it chronicles how a nation, a state and the citizens of New Hampshire mobilized for war.

2 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

FEBRUARY 2019 • www.amherstcitizen.com

Letters & Opinions Smart Investing for Our Schools and Community To the editor: When you head to the ballot box on March 12, please consider voting YES on the Amherst School District Warrant Article 15. This Article will ask you to approve $225,000 to fund a comprehensive study to be conducted by a professional architectural or engineering firm specializing in educational facilities that will allow us to make informed decisions about future investment in our school buildings. This study would work in conjunction with the work already approved and underway as part of the Souhegan 2.0 project.

Why now? Historically we’ve addressed short-term enrollment demands by augmenting our facilities with portable classrooms. Portable classrooms, which are like a mobile home, are generally installed to temporarily and quickly provide additional classroom space. For the past three decades, we’ve masked our needs for additional education spaces with portable classrooms. From the 1960s to the current day, Amherst’s population has increased 447% (2,051 in 1960 to 11,229 in 2018). There was explosive growth in the 60s and 70s and the town reacted by building new schools.

Clark built in 1958, Wilkins in 1967 and AMS in 1973. Souhegan, built in 1992, was done out of necessity due to the break-up of MASH. As the town moved from the 1990s and into the 2000s, we’ve voted to leverage tempoPhoto: Winners of 2018 Souhegan Scholarship Foundation’s Team Trivia rary classrooms to augment our facility needs. These were temporary soluNight, Whiskey Business. tions to what was believed to be temporary needs; however, three decades of history has proven these are no longer temporary needs but rather long standing demands on our schools, their students and our community.

Amherst, as a town, is nearing full saturation from a population growth perspective. We’ve seen the peak periods of student enrollment during the late 80s and 90s. We augmented the current facilities with portable classrooms to support these enrollment crests. We’ve placed them in front of Souhegan, out back of AMS or Clark, and we still have them behind To the editor: Wilkins. Based upon recent trends, we’re heading back to enrollments simWe would like to express our deepest gratitude to all who helped make ilar to the 80s and 90s. The difference this time around is that educational the Souhegan Scholarship Foundation’s 4th Annual Team Trivia Night requirements (state and federal laws) mandate additional services not resuch a success. It was a fun night filled with friendly competition, good quired back in the 80s. Many of these services take additional space – space food and many laughs. Approximately $6,000 was raised to support schol1. Facilities Study to Evaluate Each School, including: arships for Amherst and Mont Vernon students.

The night would not have been possible without the support of so many. a. Drafts of existing plans First, a very special thank you to our generous corporate sponsors, Am- b. Onsite review and meetings with Facilities Staff and Principals to herst Label and Finch and Maloney. A special shout out to all our teams asses buildings that participated. Many teams have been participating year after year and your continued support is greatly appreciated. Congratulations to the c. High-level view of various systems winning team Whiskey Business. We are very grateful to our venue host, 2. Programming & Visioning , including: LaBelle Winery, for providing a welcoming and gorgeous atmosphere for a. Interviews with key staff and faculty the event. We would like to thank the many donors who contributed to the silent auction, Casual Cat, Seasonal Specialty Store, Clark & Leighton b. Review of current space and space usage Dentistry, From the Barrel, Souhegan Woods Golf Club, Aegis Container, c. Identification of missing or needed spaces and ideal configurations Maresco & Wilson-Ezequelle Families, Pam Paul, Dan Wyborney, Holleigh 3. District-Wide Masterplan, including: Tlapa, Meader Family, Cinemagic, Crotched Mountain, Fredricks Pastry, Manchester Monarchs, White Family, Leighton Family, Designs by Di, a. Review of potential sites and several conceptual diagrams for renovated or new facilities Wason Family, Joey’s Diner and PJ McWilliams. Finally, a special thank you to the outstanding emcees, Trivia Masters Dolph Hoyt, their humor and b. Explore various grade level configurations with the School District Office intriguing questions played a huge part in the night’s success. Who knew the knowledge we gained reading the Wheaties cereal boxes as a kid or that c. Present and refine diagrammatic options with a Building Committee crazy state capitol song we learned in grade school would come in handy? d. Explore multiple solutions with order of magnitude costs assigned for The Souhegan Scholarship Foundation is a non-profit organization that option serves the students of the Souhegan Valley, specifically in Amherst and

e. Joint engagement with civil engineers to review potential site developMont Vernon. Scholarships are awarded to assist students in their first ments year of college who demonstrate academic achievement.

Interested in making a personal or corporate donation? To send a dona- f. Develop a preferred solution and document into a District Master Plan tion or for more information, please contact us at Souhegan Scholarship 4. Site Studies / Investigations, including: Foundation, PO Box 323, Amherst, NH 03031 or email us at: souhegan a. Cooperation with civil engineer, wetlands scientist, and a geotechnical scholarshipfoundation@gmail.com

Trivia Night Raises Funds for Scholarships

we will not have if current enrollment trends continue. As many of you are aware, this year the Clark-Wilkins School partnered with the Mont Vernon Village School to admit several kindergarteners into their school to reduce burgeoning class sizes in Amherst. We scrambled to reallocate resources across the district and stole art and music classrooms to make space for additional classroom space a challenge compounded after losing one portable classroom (two classes) due to fire damage.

Amherst, NH school class sizes at the middle and elementary grades are among some of the highest in the state. Grades 1 & 2 rank 7th largest, grades 3 & 4 are 3rd largest, grades 5-8 are 13th largest. We have once again outgrown the physical spaces allocated for education in the town of Amherst, NH. We could continue to add expensive and hard-to-find portable classroom space, but that would be continuing a 30-year track record of investing in temporary, disposable assets that do not add value back into the community. They also pose security risks for our children and do not create a welcoming environment to teachers or the community at large.

We need help. What this committee recommends is an acknowledgement of that fact. We want the most fiscally sound solution for our community. A solution that recognizes all the good investments we’ve made in the past (our current physical spaces) and looks to build upon those investments. Last year’s Capital Investment Plan highlighted for the administration that just to keep our current facilities in working order, we’ll have to reinvest a million dollars a year into HVAC systems, electrical, roofing, etc. Now may be the best time for us to take a step back and consider, do I reinvest in these facilities “as-is” or do we make a strategic investment that has a smaller year-over-year impact to taxpayers.

Article 15 will allow us to analyze the spaces we have, and learn what our true needs an options are. The firm hired will develop plausible space augmentation, with input from the community at various levels, to best position us to make a sound investment into our community. The key deliverables of this effort would include, but not be limited to, the following:

5.

6.

as viable expansion areas and further understand site-related development issues Conceptual Design, including: a. Development of diagrams into floorplans and exterior envelopes b. Provide high level narratives for mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural systems c. Document into a conceptual design package (Partial Schematic Design) including scope, materials, etc., capable of being priced by a Construction Manager d. Develop options and refine designs collaboratively with Building Committee e. Finalize price a conceptual design and scope; including mechanical, electrical and plumbing & structural engineering Roll Out, including: a. 3D imaging and floorplans b. Participation in community presentations, availability for multiple public forums and Q&A sessions

A YES vote on Article 15 is the first step in a multi-year process to solve problems that have been building for three decades. We not only ask for your vote, but we ask for your partnership in building a new chapter in this community.

Thank you for your consideration, Brian Coogan – Joint Facilities Chair

engineer to review potential sites that fit into the Master Plan Document

Sincerely, The Souhegan Scholarship Foundation Board

What is the Cost of Senate Bill 1?

To the editor:

For those who are concerned about their personal finances and what it is that our State Senator is proposing consider the following: SB 1 a bill proposing mandatory or equivalent employee family and medical leave has been introduced in the Senate. Ignoring the host of problems and issues with the contents of the bill - just for now - we must be interested in the financial note which accompanies all bills requiring funding. The financial note (FN) is attached to allow legislators insight into what a decision to pass a law would cost allowing additional opportunity to assess the complete worthiness of the bills.

It is unlikely that any reader of this letter would sign a blank personal check without knowing the amount. Our senator and many others are sponsoring a bill with an unknown cost exactly like signing a blank check.

Is this why we elected our Senator to throw millions of our taxpayer dollars at an issue without knowing the real or estimated cost? Shouldn’t we demand an accounting of the cost of this program before it is introduced? We are well advised to monitor this bill in both the Senate and House as our elected Representatives in the House will eventually have a vote on the bill.

Peter Hansen Amherst

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The Amherst Citizen assumes no financial responsibility for errors in advertisements except as produced by the newspaper and provided it is nied within 48 hours of publication, then which the newspaper will reprint that portion of the ad where the error occurs in the next issue. Photographs or artwork submitted become our property and will not be returned unless requested in advance. The Amherst Citizen reserves the right to reject and not to print any advertisement or article it believes to be offensive, defamatory or in otherwise bad taste, and not in keeping with the focus of this newspaper.

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www.amherstcitizen.com • FEBRUARY 2019 •

People in the News

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 3

WEDDING

Pajama Run – A New Year’s Day Tradition in Amherst

The Fifth Annual Pajama Run was held under bright sunny skies and warm conditions on New Year’s Day. More than 52 runners, walkers, two strollers and two dogs started the year off right with a nice easy run. They all run in their PJ’s and donated PJ’s for needy children in the local area. This year’s Run collected 80 pairs of PJ’s. Participants were treated to coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies for their effort.

David Deysher Joins The Adams Home Team at Keller Williams

Governor Chris Sununu with Martin Michaelis and his wife, Ingrid along with grandchildren Jessa, Timmy, Abbie and Will. Congratulations to Martin for his service to the State of New Hampshire and most especially for his years of service to Amherst in many different capacities.

NASHUA – After 15 years as an independent real estate brokerage company, David Deysher has integrated his company into the Adams Home Team of Keller Williams based in Nashua. He will take his extensive knowledge of historic and antique properties and lead the Adams Team efforts to better penetrate the antique and luxury home market.

David has been a long term NH resident living in Amherst for 17 years prior to finding his antique home in Wilton NH. The knowl-

edge acquired in finding his own antique was the catalyst for starting Historic & Distinctive Properties.

He acknowledged that this was a difficult decision but in the fast changing real estate market, consolidation of smaller agencies is a common occurrence. Joining Keller Williams, the largest Real Estate Company in the US with their commitment to technology was a very easy decision.

David can be reached at 603 6548970 or thru www.historicprop. com

Martin Michaelis Honored by Gov. Sununu for 44 Years of Service CONCORD – On January 9th Martin Michaelis of Amherst was honored by Governor Chris Sununu and the Executive Council for his 44 years of service as the architects representative to the State Board of Fire Control. It was a position Martin had held since 1974. At his 88th birthday Michaelis decided it was “time to let someone else fill the position.”

Michaelis has also recently resigned from his long time posi-

tion as the Amherst representative to the Nashua Regional Planning Commission. In the 1990s he had served two terms as president of the NH Board of Licensing for Architects and Engineers. The ceremony attended by Michaelis’s children and grandchildren was an “unexpected but very much appreciated honor for all of Martin’s years of dedication to the state and his profession.”

Sponsorship Opportunities Available for Mulan Jr. AMHERST – The Amherst PTA is making its final push for corporate sponsors for this year’s PTA Play, “Mulan Jr.” Local businesses and community supporters alike can choose from two packages which provide support for the all-volunteer production. Deadline is February 8 to sponsor Amherst PTA Play.

The two sponsorship opportunities for this year’s show are: GOLD: $500 – Company/organization name on official show poster; recognition on PTA website and Facebook page; full-page ad in official show playbill; and four tickets to the show with preferred seating.

SILVER: $250 – Company/organization name on official show poster; recognition on PTA website and Facebook page; half-page ad in official show playbill; and two tickets to the show with preferred seating.

The deadline to experience the full benefits of Gold and Sil-

ver packages is Friday, February 8.

Questions and requests for additional information can be directed to Rita Piotrowski at rapiotrowski@ hotmail.com. Interested sponsors after the deadline may contact Rita for a modified package.

The PTA play is one of the Amherst PTA’s premier fundraising event, and sponsors help generate thousands of dollars for crucial curriculum enrichment programs and teacher grants for Amherst schools.

In 2018, over $17,000 was raised by the PTA’s production of “The Little Mermaid.”

The Amherst PTA will present Disney’s “Mulan Jr.” for the 67th edition of its annual theatrical fundraiser. Show dates are April 12-14, 2019 at Amherst’s Souhegan High School. Tickets for the family-friendly, all-volunteer production will be available shortly. For additional information, visit www.AmherstNHPTA.org.

In Case You Missed It AMHERST – The workshop series for new and aspiring small business owners, sponsored by SCORE and the Amherst Town Library, was very well received. Every session was at or close to capacity and feedback from attendees was excellent.

This entire series will be offered again beginning February 13th, with weekday evening sessions being held at the Black Forest Café from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturday mornings at the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce from 10:00 to noon. There is no cost for these sessions, but pre-registration is required.

To learn more and to register, go to merrimackvalley.score.org and click on Take a Workshop.

The four sessions in this series are: The Five Most Important Questions that a Small Business Owner Needs to Answer; Overcoming the Anxiety of Creating a Business Plan - Use the Business Model Canvas; Marketing, Marketing, Marketing; and Finding the Path to Profitability The Advanced Facebook Techniques and Strategies Workshops will be held in March and will be open for registration until filled at: merrimackvalley.score.org.

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

Givin and Diana Owen of Amherst are pleased to announce the marriage of their son, Givin Bradley Douglas Owen, to Nicole Louise Rand on Sunday, December 23, 2018.

The family wedding was held at the Church of Our Saviour Episcopal Church in Milford with the Rev. Hank Junkin officiating the afternoon ceremony.

Brad is a graduate of Souhegan High School and the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. He is a senior partner in the California-based firm of EP Wealth Advisors.

Nicki formerly lived in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and graduated from the University of Iowa. After working in Europe for six years, she is currently employed by AYA in San Diego.

The newlyweds reside in the Golden Hills in San Diego, California.

Fuel Assistance Taking Applications Southern NH Services’ Fuel Assistance program is taking applications through April 30 to help renters and homeowners pay for past or future energy use, according to agency Deputy Director, Ryan Clouthier.

Says Clouthier, “As a community action agency our focus is on providing services to individuals and families with low incomes, and who are facing financial hardship. Fuel assistance is one of those programs that plays a key role in ensuring that families have warmth. Once that need is met, we’re more able to effectively work with that family on the other supports that they may need.’

Benefits are calculated on a number of things, including household income, energy costs, and housing

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German Sheperd Project

AMHERST – Marjorie Anne Vincent, a 7th grade student at the Amherst Middle School is collecting donations of blankets, tough rope toys, and dog treats at the Amherst Town Library for her transformation school project. These donation items will be going to the Stratham Animal Rescue League for the 36 German Shepherds that are currently in holding there because they were abused by their owner. “I want to help make their lives better,” says Marjorie Anne Vincent. Please bring donations of the above items to the library anytime they are open between February 11 - 22.

Northeast Tree Removal

Call: 630-0622 or 487-1009

type. This allows those households with the lowest incomes and highest energy costs to receive the highest benefits. Applications are taken through our Community Services Offices throughout Hillsborough County. Households can also apply for and receive electrical assistance at the same appointment, if eligible.

To apply, residents should call SNHS or RCA offices closest to them or call 1-800-322-1073 to make an appointment. Applicants must qualify by household income for 30 days prior to the appointment. Eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by GROSS household income for a 30 day period, household size, and annual heating costs. One person can earn $2,709 per month and a family of 4 up to $5,210 per month to qualify.

Blue Bus Provides Rides

through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm including travel time to and from the Nashua Transit System garage.

The focus for the service is on providing curb-to-curb transportation to non-emergency healthcare related appointments and assisting those in greatest need – senior citizens and residents living with a disability. Other residents may use the service on a space available basis. In addition to healthcare related transportation, rides are available within the six towns and to and from Nashua for access to social service appointments, local senior activity centers, town facilities and libraries, shopping, and much more.

This regional transportation resource is available thanks to collab-

continued from page 4

oration among the six participating communities, the Nashua Transit System and the Nashua Regional Planning Commission. The service is funded by grants from the Federal Transportation Administration and each participating Town, by donations from area residents, and by grants from local foundations including the Kaley Foundation, Keyes Trust, Milford Hospital Association, Milford Rotary Club, and the Lions Clubs of Amherst, Milford, Wilton and Brookline. For more information about the Souhegan Valley Rides bus service, please visit www.SouheganValleyRides. org; pick-up a brochure at your local town hall or library; or contact us at Info@SouheganValleyRides. org or (603) 860-1202.

“Walkie-Talkies”

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Storm Damage Cleanup • Tree & Brush Chipping • Bucket Truck Work www.northeasttreeremoval.com

FAMILY VISION CARE

Merrimack Valley SCORE

Givin Bradley Douglas Owen and Nicole Louise Rand

Dr. Philip S. Aubrey, OPTOMETRIST ————————————————— ————————————————— 81 Mont Vernon Street – Milford

673-1330

Evening and Weekend Hours Available visioncarenh.com/index.php

A program of the NH Wellpoint Foundation Souhegan Valley residents, 70 years of age and over, are welcome to walk for free (11 AM- 2 PM weekdays) at the amazing Hampshire Dome in Milford. Join many of your neighbors walking safely on a 1/5th mile track and socializing in the warmth of the facility. Call 673-8123 for more information.

4 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

FEBRUARY 2019 • www.amherstcitizen.com

Town News Bulletin Board

Historic Amherst

Franklin & Jane Pierce:

Bridges by EPOCH at Nashua Hosts Complimentary Events Bridges by EPOCH at Nashua, a memory care assisted living community located at 575 Amherst Street, will host the following free events in February. For more information or to RSVP for an event, call 594-0581.

Caregiver Support Groups: Feb. 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. & Feb. 18 from 12 to 2 p.m.

— Family caregivers are invited to socialize and receive expert advice from dementia care professionals who understand their unique challenges. Caregiver support groups are held on the first and third Mondays of each month.

A light meal will be served. Caregivers may bring their loved ones with memory loss to dine with Bridges® residents while they attend the meetings. RSVPs are required.

Lunch & Learn: “The Science of Alzheimer’s & Dementia”: Feb. 12 at 12 p.m.; Presented by Kelsey Gosselin, Manager of Medical and Scientific Research Engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association® – MA/NH Chapter — This presentation will show attendees how dementia physically alters the brain and provide information about genetic links and marker identification, testing and treatments, advances in research and more.

Lunch will be served. Caregivers may bring their loved ones with memory loss to dine with Bridges® residents while they attend the seminar. RSVPs are required.

Amherst PTA will present Disney’s “Mulan Jr The Amherst PTA will present Disney’s “Mulan Jr.” for the 67th edition of its annual theatrical fundraiser. Show dates are April 12-14, 2019 at Amherst’s Souhegan High School. Tickets for the family-friendly, all-volunteer production will be available shortly. For additional information, visit www.AmherstNHPTA.org.

MARCH 12, 2019 TOWN and School ELECTIONS

AJWC Funds Available for Area Non-Profits The Amherst Junior Women’s Club invites non-profit organizations in need of charitable contributions to apply for a donation.

Throughout the year, the AJWC raises money and then disburses those funds within the community.

Request must follow these guidelines: • Requesting organization must be affiliated with a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

• Organization does not need to have an Amherst address but must service the local community.

• Request must be submitted by March 31, 2019, in writing or by e-mail.

Request must contain the following information: • Name of organization, mailing address, e-mail address, website (if available), telephone number, contact name.

• Dollar amount requested.

• How would donated funds be used?

• How does requesting organization currently benefit Amherst and greater community?

• How does organization’s objective correspond to the mission of the

AJWC? AJWC mission is explained below.

• When was organization established? Provide short history of organization.

• How does organization fund itself, ie. federal/state/local grants?

• What is organization’s annual budget? Include any expected shortfalls.

The AJWC is an organization of women who volunteer their time, energy and talent to enhance the community. The club’s mission is to focus efforts on civic needs, educational advancement and the less fortunate.

All requesting organizations will be notified when applications are received. Once approved, funds will be distributed no later than June 15, 2019. Only chosen recipients will be notified of disbursements.

Questions may be e-mailed to Mikaela Yeager-Morgan at cip. ajwc@gmail.com. Please reference “CIP Request” in subject line. For more information, please visit our website at: ajwcnh.org. Our mailing address is: AJWC, CIP Request, P.O. Box 513, Amherst, NH 03031.

Amherst Garden Club Charitable Fund Seeks Applications for Grants The Amherst garden Club Charitable Fund welcomes qualified applicants for the 2018-2019 year. Proceeds from our fund raising activities as well as memorial gifts are added to our fund each year and then awarded to local community projects that are consistent with our mission.

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

Recent grants have been awarded to the Women’s State Prison Gardening Program, Joshua’s Park and Community Gardens, Mont Vernon Village School Gardening Project, The Amherst Town Library Gardens and the Amherst Garden Club Garden House Project.

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

Amherst Scouts Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

When: Saturday, March 9th 5-8 pm Where: Wilkins School What: Delicious Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner, includes Garlic Bread, Salad and beverages Bake Sale and Silent Auction How: email jmsteele777@gmail.com to purchase tickets in advance (preferred) or purchase at the door Ticket $10/Adult $5/Child 12 and under

Amherst Scouts are raising funds to travel to the Philmont Scouting Ranch in the summer of 2020. Here the scouts will backpack for 10 days on the trails of the ranch, which covers over 140,000 acres across the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rocky Mountains in northeastern New Mexico. They’ve already started their training for this once in a lifetime opportunity, hiking locally, including a recent trip to the summit of Mt. Chocorua and an upcoming trip to Mt. Moosilauke.

Thank you for supporting Scouting for Philmont 2020 and we look forward to having dinner with you!

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

Amo, Amas, Amat in Amherst

BY KATRINA HOLMAN “ ... in the old court house of the town / Thither our embryo President went – / young Frank Pierce – on wisdom bent. / And reciting his “amo, amas, amat,” / Glanced at the girls with the glint of a cat.”

It’s February, the month to celebrate lovers and presidents. Hence the subject of this column is Franklin Pierce (18041869), the only U.S. president born in New Hampshire, whose First Lady, née Jane Means Appleton (1806-1863), was also a N.H. native. Not only were they wed in Amherst but both had multiple connections with our town.

Franklin’s Career

At age 15, Franklin Pierce entered college (Bowdoin College in Maine, 182024); at 18/19, taught in one-room public school in Maine (winter 1823/4); at 22, admitted to the bar at the Hillsborough County Courthouse in Amherst, now Amherst Town Hall (Sep. 1827); at 23, first chosen as Hillsborough’s moderator of Town Meeting (March 1828), which he would be again and again for six consecutive years; at 24, elected to State leg- President Franklin Pierce (1804-1869) in portrait by islature as Jacksonian Democrat (1829); photographer Mathew Brady, 1853. at 26, chosen youngest-ever N.H. Speakconvention in 1852. er of the House (June 1831) and appointNow let’s back up and look at his childhood ed militia aide to Governor Dinsmoor with rank of colonel; at 28, elected to U.S. House and earliest ties to Amherst. Franklin Pierce of Representatives (March 1833, starting grew up on a farm and in a tavern at HillborDec. 1833); at 32, chosen by N.H. Legislature ough, N.H. His parents were married at Amfor U.S. Senate to become nation’s youngest herst, N.H., in Feb. 1790, and he was their senator (Dec. 1836, starting March 1837; re- sixth of eight children. His mother, Anna signed 1842); at age 37, resumed the practice née Kendrick (1769-1838) was born at Monof law, in Concord (1842) and became chair of son in the part that shortly was annexed to N.H. state Democratic Party for three years; Amherst, N.H., on a farm on the south side of at 40, appointed N.H. state solicitor by Pres. Souhegan River that later became Amherst’s Polk (1845); at 43, received political commis- Town Pauper Farm. Franklin’s Kendrick sion as Brigadier General in the Army, raised grandparents died in 1812 and 1818 (Secomb, a regiment of N.H. volunteers, and fought p. 656), but two maternal aunts remained in in Mexican War (Mar. 1847, back home Jan. Amherst.

His father, Benjamin Pierce (1757-1839) 1848). At age 48, Franklin Pierce was the youngest elected president to date (Jan. 1853), served in the N.H. House of Representatives after becoming the dark horse nominee on 1789-1802; assumed command of N.H. milithe 49th ballot at the Democratic national tia in 1805 as Brigadier General; served twice

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

Winter Carnival 2019 @ PMEC Join Us on Sunday February 10th at PMEC for an afternoon of winter activities . Schedule below, but feel free to come and go as you please.

No registration required!!!

Schedule of Events:

1-4pm: Warm up inside anytime with treats, both sweet and savory.

1-4pm: Make a craft for the birds, and one for your family!

1pm-1:30pm: Family Program, indoors upstairs in main room on top of staircase.

Winter Adaptations- Led by a PMEC naturalist 1:30pm-2pm: Guided Hike -Story Walk Trail - easier/shorter hike with younger children and Scavenger Hunt 2pm-3pm: Campfire Stories/s’mores and hot coco by the pond 3-3:30pm: Family Program- meet in outdoor classroom behind PMEC Animal Tracks- Led by a PMEC naturalist 3:30-4pm: Winter Shelter Making (Meet outdoors at Gaga Pit next to PMEC) 3-4pm: Guided Hike - Story Walk Trail (longer) for families wanting a little more!

4:00pm: Carnival End-Goodbye!

Who: Families When: Sunday, February 10th Where: PMEC (66 Brook Road) Fee: Free Event

Youth Programs February Vacation Discovery Camp

February School Vacation will be here before you know it! What better way to spend it then take part in a fun-filled week at camp. This camp will be based around the beautiful art and nature that PMEC has to offer! Each day there will be outdoor exploration, snow play, nature hikes, group games, and of course...arts and crafts!

Who: Children in grades K-5 What: February Vacation Day Camp Where: Peabody Mill Environmental Center

as High Sheriff of Hillsborough County, 1809-1812 and 1818-1827; and was elected Governor of N.H. for two oneyear terms, 1827/1828 and 1829/30. Besides his wife, Benjamin had other close family ties to Amherst: two married sisters resided in Amherst at the time Franklin was born. Benjamin Pierce also had career ties to Amherst – particularly two newsworthy events concerning him as Sheriff. In 1818 he resolved the Dickensian disgrace of three debtors being trapped in the County Gaol at Amherst (at the top of Old Jailhouse Road) for no crime but poverty, one of whom was a Revolutionary War vet. In 1822 he had to pull the lever for the only public hanging in Amherst, of a murderer from another town, a duty that was “hateful” to Sheriff Pierce (Secomb, p. 351). Later that year, he had the pleasant honor of leading the procession at the county agricultural fair in Amherst Village, as he had three years earlier.

Jane’s Early Years

Jane, the third of six children, was born in Hampton, N.H., while her father, Rev. Jesse Appleton (1772-1819), was the Congregationalist minister there. Jane’s parents were married April 1800 at Boston, but her mother was an Amherst girl. As a young man, Jesse was one of the early teachers at the Aurean Academy in Amherst Village, incorporated Feb. 1791. Jane’s mother, Elizabeth Means (17801844) was born and raised in Amherst Village; Elizabeth was 5 when her wealthy father, Col. Robert Means (Sr., 1742-1823), enlarged their house at the SE corner of the Common in 1785 into a high-style Georgian mansion.

The year following Jane’s birth, the family moved to Maine, where Rev. Appleton was president of Bowdoin College. He died aged 46 of TB when Jane was 13. Upon the death of her husband, Widow Appleton moved back to Amherst with her children, living just outside the Village in a farmhouse owned by Elizabeth’s father. Shortly after the death of Continued on page 11 u

Amherst Recreation Programs and Events When: February 25- March 1, 2019; 8:30-4:00pm Fee: Early Bird Special: Resident Rates: $40 per day, $165. per week; Non-Res Rates $60. per day $185. per week.

After Jan 31st Res: $50 per day, $205. for week; Non Res: $70. per day, $225. for week.

Safe Sitter Babysitting Course

Safe Sitter® is a medically-accurate, up-to-date babysitting course that teaches young teens life and safety skills. This course includes a copy of The Official Safe Sitter®Babysitter’s Handbook for each registered participant which they will bring along on all accepted babysitting jobs.

Who: Boys and Girls ages 11-15 What: Safe Sitter® Babysitter training course Where: PMEC- Moose Room When: February 27th Time: 9:30am - 3pm Fee: $75R; $85NR

Feb Vacation Trip to Mount Snow

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

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

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

Youth Baseball

Batter up! Baseball is open for players 5-15 years old. Practices will be held Monday - Friday in the evenings with weekend games. Older ages will have weekday games as well. Please see below for information on specific groups including season dates and late fees.

Shirts and hats are provided for all levels. Grey uniform pants and

socks (for rookies, minors and majors) are participants’ responsibility.

Amherst Rec Department provides a variety of bats for each team, but if you want to purchase your own, please check out the baseball bats approved by Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken League.

Screenings are on March 9th and more information will be sent out closer to the date. All players are required to attend screenings. Clinics will be offered leading up to the screenings. If you are interested in helping, please contact Rachel at rosullivan@amherstnh.gov Baseball divisions are based on participant’s age on April 30, 2019.

Birthday Parties at PMEC

Create amazing birthday memories this year with a Birthday Party for your child age 3-12 at the Peabody Mill Environment Center!

We have many themes to choose from!

Double Dare STEM Challenge

Calling All 3rd & 4th graders....

Come to PMEC and take the Double Dare Challenge. We will create teams (and make team teeshirts) and compete against each other to see who can be the ultimate Double Dare champion!!

Answer STEM-based trivia questions and if you get them right earn points, but if you get them wrong you can dare the other team to answer or take the physical challenge!

The winning team gets to compete in an ultimate outdoor obstacle course!

Transportation from Wilkins to PMEC provided by the Amherst Rec Department for an extra fee.

Who: Boys and Girls 3rd & 4th grade What: Double Dare Challenge Where: Peabody Mill Environmental Center When: Friday, Feb 8th 3:30pm5:30pm Fee: $25.00:R $30.00:NR Transportation from Wilkins to PMEC = $32.00

February Vacation Backcountry Survival Skills

Have you ever wanted to learn how to survive the winter outdoors?

Rachel and Olivia will be teaching the basics of backcountry survival skills with lessons including cooking (thanks to a wonderful donation from Jetboil), shelter building,

hypothermia prevention and map reading. All middle schoolers are welcome to join this fun-focused program, no previous outdoor experience necessary. Please be prepared to spend time outside in the snow, by bringing appropriate clothing.

For some activities sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tarps, and tents will be used. If you are able to lend any of these items for the day, please note in your registration.

A minimum of 7 participants is needed to run this program.

Who: Grades 5-8 What: Introduction to Backcountry Skills: hiking, planning, safety, cooking, shelter building, and more!

Where: PMEC When: Thursday, February 26th 8:30 AM- 4PM Fee: $40R, $45NR Fee Includes: Lessons for the day, hot chocolate, a snack. Please bring your own bagged lunch.

February Vacation - A Trip to Roll On America

Fill your day with Roller Skating, Laser Tag and Arcade Games at Roll ON American during February Vacation. We will provide transportation, admission, blade rentals, and laser tag. Be sure to bring money for arcade games and lunch. HERE is a link to the menu.

Who: Grades 5-8 What: Day of Blading, Laser Tag and Arcade Games at Roll ON America Where: Meet at Birch Park at 9 AM, Pick Up at Birch Park at 4 PM *Estimated Return Time When: Tuesday, February 26 2019, 9 AM-4 PM Fee: $40R: $45NR Fee Includes: Transportation to and from, Admission, Roller Blade Rentals, and Laser Tag

Learn to Play Ukulele

Has your child wanted to learn an instrument, but you aren’t sure you are ready to commit to the expense?

Robert Allwarden, the music specialist at Wilkins, is introducing a brand-new program with Amherst Parks & Recreation: Learn to play the Ukulele!!

Who: 2nd-4th Graders* Where: After school at Wilkins When: Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 New sessions starting on 2/5.

Continued on page 5 u

www.amherstcitizen.com • FEBRUARY 2019 •

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 5

Town News AMHERST TOWN LIBRARY her wonderful rabbit, Buttercream. Kids will learn all about the care and keeping of pet rabbits, and they’ll get a chance to meet Buttercream. Support our young experts—sign your child up today! Ages 5 and up. Please register online at www.amherstlibrary. org.

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

DROP-IN STEM TIME on FRIDAYS:

Children’s Programming at the Amherst Town Library

Matchbox Fun

February 2018

SPECIAL COMMUNITY ACTIVITY

“CARDS & COFFEE FOR OUR VETERANS” Come down to the Children’s Room anytime between Feb. 1 and Feb. 10th to create your own special Valentine to tell our veterans how much we appreciate their service. Miss Sarah will deliver them to the Manchester VA Medical Center. Materials will be available to everyone who wants to participate---not just children—we think it’s important for kids to see adults taking part, too! We will also be collecting donations of coffee (in kcup form) for the programs and patients at the Center. Let our veterans know how much you care!

Storytimes

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

Storytimes in February will be held at the following times: Family Storytimes (ages 3-6, younger sibs welcome)—Tuesdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19, and Wednesdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20 at 10:00am.

After-School Storytime (grades k-3) ---Wednesdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21 at 3:30pm.

Little Listeners—(newborn to 3) Thursdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and Fridays, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, at 10:30am.

No registration required. There will be no storytimes during vacation week—Feb. 25- Mar. 1.

Book Clubs

We have book clubs for all ages— If you’re interested, please contact Miss Sarah (shydorn@amherstlibrary. org or 673-2288) Families Read Together (for kids in grades 3 and 4 and their parents) meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm. On Feb. 13, club members will discuss The World According to Humphrey by Betsy Birney.

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! This month’s meeting is on Feb. 6.

Let’s Get Graphic Club (for 7th - 9th graders) gathers on the 3rd Wednesday of each month to share opinions about the newest YA fiction titles we’re reading. If you love to read, and love to talk about what you’re reading, come and join us! This month’s meeting is on Feb. 20.

Minecraft Club

Minecraft Club will meet on Thursday afternoons in February from 3:00 to 4:30pm. This is a club for kids who know how to play---instruction is not available.

Bring your own computer, or use one of the library laptops. Space is limited, so please register online at www. amherstlibrary.org. There is no Minecraft Club during February vacation.

Paws for Reading

Monday, Feb. 11 and Monday, Feb. 25 from 3:30-4:30 Does your child struggle with reading, or hesitate to read aloud? Bring him or her to the library, and let Brook help. Brook and Monica (her person) are members of Therapy Dogs International, and are trained to work as “tail-waggin’” tutors with children. They’ll listen to your child read, and increase their reading confidence and fluency. To make an appointment, please call the Children’s Room at 673-2288.

Kids are Experts, Too: A Program for Kids—by a kid!--Julia talks about the Care and Keeping of Rabbits.

Join us here at the library for an informative program by our middle-school Read to the Bunny volunteer and

u

Friday, Feb. 1 from 3:00-4:30 Construct a course and take a test drive with our huge collection of matchbox cars!

Ages 3 and up. No registration required.

Come and Build Friday Feb. 15 from 3:00 – 4:30: Put down the tablet and play with some real toys! Build the “construction project” of your dreams with our collection of legos, blocks, marble runs, etc.

Ages 4 and up. No registration required.

Tech-Time for Kids Friday, Feb. 22 from 3:00-4:30 Come and explore our collection of S.T.E.M.-based activity kits: Snap-Circuits, Citiblocks, Ozmobots, and more… we make them available, you enjoy an opportunity for make-your-own fun!

Ages 7 and up. No registration required.

FEBRUARY VACATION ACTIVITIES FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 1:

ALL WEEK LONG: The craft table will be open to create your own WINTER FOREST SCENE. MONDAY: Teddybear Picnic (ages 4 and up) 10:30 11:15 no reg. required Bring your teddy or favorite “stuffy” to the library for a mid-morning Teddy Bear Picnic. We’ll enjoy some games, a snack, a craft, and, of course, some stories!

TUESDAY: Lego-My-Library (ages 5 and up) 10:0012:00 no reg. required Come to the library to create the building project of your dreams with our massive collection of Legos.

No registration required.

WEDNESDAY: Movie Matinee and Yeti Craft.

1:30- 3:30. No registration required.

Come to the library for a movie matinee! If you’d like to take part in our crafting fun arrive at 1:30 to make your Yeti-themed creation. The movie is rated PG and begins at 2:00.

Make sure to bring a pillow to help you get comfy and a water bottle in case you get thirsty— we’ll provide the popcorn. For movie details, please call the library at 673-2288.

THURSDAY: Kids are Experts, Too: A Program for Kids—by kids!---Slime Workshop with Katherine and Julia. 2:00-3:00. Ages 7 and up---please register online.

Join experts Katherine and Julia (4th graders at Wilkins School) for a hands-on slime making workshop. Learn basics and troubleshooting techniques.

Each participant will go home with recipes and 2 samples of slime that they have made.

FRIDAY: Matchbox Mania. 10:00am – 2:00pm (ages 4 and up) No registration. Come to the library for some fun with our huge collection of matchbox vehicles.

Coming up in March:

AUTHOR VISIT WITH NAOMI RILEY!!

A Program for Parents.

March 27, at 7:00pm Please mark your calendars for this important program. Ms. Riley is the author of Be the Parent, Please: Stop Banning Seesaws, and Start Banning Snapchat.

She will talk about her book and address the concerns we are beginning to feel about our children and the time they spend engaged with electronic devices. We’ll learn what the latest research is showing about this issue, and also get some practical tips on how to set limits on your own children’s technology use. Don’t miss this!

SECOND ANNUAL PEEPS SHOW!

We had so much fun last year that we decided to do it again! We will be asking for PEEP dioramas to be delivered to the library in April, but that means you need to get started, and make them in March---so don’t forget!

Amherst Recreation Programs and Events

Adult Exercise Snowshoe Yoga

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

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

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

True Potential

TRUE POTENTIAL is a program designed specifically for women which encompasses nutrition, result-based workouts and mindfulness. The workout is a high-intensity interval-based total body workout, which uses a cardio/strength/core format, ending with a moment of quiet reflection.

Three class times: 7:45-8:45am at PMEC on M/W/F 9:00-10:00am at PMEC on M/W/F 7:00-8:00pm at SHS on T/Th New Sessions starting 119

Power Barre

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

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

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

A minimum of 4 students will be needed for this class to be held Not sure if this class is for you?

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

New Session Starting 1/3 - 2/21

Yoga for Adults

We offer three class options for Adult Yoga with long-time instructor, Leslie Formby. Make time for yourself with exercise and mediation and choose the one that works for your schedule!

Tuesdays at PMEC, 8am-9:15am Wednesdays at SHS, 6:30-7:45pm Thursdays at PMEC, 8am-9:15am

Zumba

Zumba® is a dance fitness program designed for all level of group exercise participants. All moves will be kept simple and engaging to keep you sweating and having fun.

It’s About Conservation

Sacrifices For Science

By Bruce B. Beckley,

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

1. Miss Cody, our eighth-grade science teacher, was teaching and doing something that used test tubes at the lab table in front of the class. One test tube slipped, hit the floor, and shattered in all directions. Casually, Miss Cody remarked, “No sacrifice is too great for science”. I don’t recall what was the subject or in the test tube. I do recall the reaction. Maybe that was the lesson.

2. Henry David Thoreau kept a journal with entries every day of the year recording the wildflowers he observed during his daily walks around Walden Pond. On January 9,1853, he wrote: “Pulling up the Johnswort on the face of the Cliff I am surprised to see the signs of unceasing growth about the roots – fresh shoots two inches long…

The leaves of the crowfoot also are quite green and carry me forward to spring. I dig one up with a stick, and pulling it to pieces I find deep in the center of the plant just beneath the ground the blossom bud about half the size of the head of a pin.”

3. Annually, when Sharon and I were the resident managers of the Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, members of the Boston Mycological Society would descend on the reservation to gather mushrooms – by the bag full. It seemed that over the years, varieties and numbers of fungi decreased.

4. A person we came to know while on Moose Hill told us that as a young birder, he had been privileged to accompany a famous ornithologist and author on a field trip. The ornithologist’s objective was to shoot down and bring to his studio specimen birds so he could hold them and gather details of the feathers and colors for his paintings.

I ask, at what point does collecting specimens become too much of a sacrifice for science? Or for zoo and museum exhibitry?

Amherst Garden Club – Morning Meeting, February 7th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rivka Schwartz

vegetables.

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

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

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Our instructor is Cheryl SturtVail. She has 25 years experience with group exercise training and 10 with Zumba. She is able to break down all types of dance styles to make it easy for all people to enjoy and master.

Trips for Adults Who: Adults When: Wednesday, February 20th Where: Meet at the Walmart Parking Lot in Amherst (look for the Amherst Rec mini bus) Fee: $5 for residents, $10 for non residents (lunch is on your own)

Lunch Trips

Let’s eat our way through New England this year with our Lunch Trips! Join the Amherst Recreation crew as we depart for some local lunch outings. We will meet at 10:30am at the Walmart in Amherst, NH for different luncheon outings around NE! Please see our schedule below: February: Wednesday, February 20th 2019 @ MaryAnn’s Diner, Salem NH We need a minimum of 8 to run this trip

Mom’s (and dads) On Mountains

Dust off those skis, “Moms (and dads) on Mountains” is back this winter! Once a month during ski season, Amherst Parks and Rec will be taking a group to a different mountain for a day of skiing and adult fun. Amherst Recreation will be providing transportation only.

Your ticket to the mountain will need to be purchased on your own.

We will be using our 14 passenger mini bus, which comes with plen-

ty of room to store your ski equipment. Get your friends together for a mom’s (and dads) day out, and leave the driving to us! We will need a minimum of 8 passengers for the trip to run.

Please Note: You do not need to be a Mom to participate! Dads are welcome too!

Program Details Who: Adults 18+ What: Moms on Mountains Where: Meet at Birch Park, 11 Baboosic Lake Road When: See Schedule Below Fee: See Fee Breakdown below Trip Schedule: - February 13 at Loon Mountain - March 13 at Mount Sunapee *Prices include transportation ONLY, Lift tickets will need to be purchased separately through each individual mountain. ** Please Note: Return times are approximate.

Boston Flower & Garden Show

The Boston Flower & Garden Show will return to the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston this March with the theme “The Beauty of Balance” which reflects on the soothing and stimulating effects of gardening. As another winter wanes, the exhibitors will inspire your plans for the season ahead with colorful gardens and floral artistry showcasing the latest design elements, popular food gardening trends, ideas for small-space gardens, homesteading hobbies, and family-friendly spaces for outdoor entertaining and relaxation.

Register Early... this trip will sell out fast!

Trip Details Who: 18+ What: Boston Flower Show When: Thursday, March 14th (depart Amherst at 9am; Depart Boston at 3pm) Where: Boston, MA (meet at Walmart in Amherst, NH) Fee: $28R; $38NR (fee includes ticket/transportation, lunch is on your own)

Toddler Programs Tiny Toes Dance

Join us on Friday mornings for Tiny Toes Dance! This program is open to boys and girls ages 3-5 and will give students an intro to dance.

Located at PMEC. Let’s get groovy!

When: Fridays 10:15-11am

I Love Nature

Miss Nicole will be taking children outside to explore and learn about the natural world we live in.

Children will begin each class with a craft project and then learn at circle time. And please join us for our optional weekly hike that begins at 10:00am, directly after class.

Who: Children ages 3-6 When: Thursdays 9:00 AM- 9:45 AM

Adult Programs Winter Walking Program

Senior Active Healthy Living Walking Program

In partnership with Amherst Parks and Recreation, The Hampshire Dome and the NH WellPoint Foundation are delighted to co-sponsor a program to enable local citizens 70 years and up from 8 surrounding communities to walk

the cushioned track at the Dome for free this winter. Our Active, Healthy Living Program makes it possible for seniors to keep active, maintain their physical conditioning, and enjoy the unique environment the Dome offers during months of most challenging weather.

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

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

Address: 34 Emerson Road • Milford, NH 03055 • (603) 673-8123 Email: Dome@hampshirehills.com

Kitchen Cold Remedies

Looking to kick the cold season in a natural and convenient way?

Come learn about the various culinary herbs that aid in fighting the common cold and that are found in your very own spice rack.

We’ll be taking a closer look at 8 common culinary herbs and spices, their medicinal properties, and ways to prepare them. We will dive into the best herbal preparation for each plant, whether it be a warm Continued on page 8 u

6 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

FEBRUARY 2019 • www.amherstcitizen.com

Amherst Town Library Events & Programs

Love, Lust and Betrayal: Art Talk AMHERST – Love has inspired artists, poets and musicians for centuries. Join us at the Amherst Town Library on Thursday, February 7, 7:00-8:30PM and look at depictions of love, desire and heartache throughout the history of art.

Enjoy images that capture the giddy joy and excitement of new romances, from first flirtations to sensual seductions and analyze scenes of break-ups and betrayal.

This presentation includes works by well-known masters through the ages including Botticelli, Fragonard, Renoir and Chagall.

Presenter Jane Oneail curates and delivers engaging art talks to audiences throughout New England.

Jane holds a master’s in Art History from Boston University and a master’s in Education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Jane first started teaching in the arts at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, MA, an experience that ignited a lifelong passion for helping others to connect through the arts. She is a NH native and has worked at some of the state’s most esteemed cultural institutions, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, where she served

Armchair Travel Series: National Parks of the Colorado Plateau

‘The Happy Lovers’ by Jean-Honoré Fragonard

as Executive Director, and the Currier Museum of Art, where she held the role of Senior Educator. Jane has taught Art History at the college level for more than a decade, most recently at the New Hampshire Institute of Art. All adult programs offered at the Amherst Town Library are free and open to the public. However, regis-

tration is REQUIRED for each program due to space limitations.

You can register for these events listed above by calling 673-2288 or by visiting the website at www.amherstlibrary.org and selecting the “Community Services” tab, then click on drop down “Sign-Up for Programs.”

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Presented by the “Cozy Tea Cart” this chocolate and tea pairing is sure to enhance your taste buds.

All adult programs offered at the Amherst Town Library are free and open to the public. However, registration is REQUIRED for each program due to space limitations.

Because of the limited number of attendees, this program is limited to Amherst Town Library cardholders.

You can register for these events listed above by calling 673-2288 or by visiting the website at www.amherstlibrary.org and selecting the “Community Services” tab, then

click on drop down “Sign-Up for Programs.”

AMHERST – When Moulton’s Market cashier Donna Thibodeau tells a visitor she pretty much knows every customer by name, you can believe the claim.

A few minutes later, a woman and her toddler stroll over to the seating area where Donna is taking a quick break. As they approach, Donna breaks into a grin, and greets threeyear-old Elliot and his mom, Lucy.

“I know just about everybody who comes in, “ says Thibodeau. “I’m ‘Miss Donna’ to the kids, although a little boy named Western calls me ‘Miss Donut,’” she says with a laugh.

Thibodeau has been a fixture at the check-out counter at Moulton’s for several years, though when she started at the market in 2012, she was out back, making sandwiches. It wasn’t long before her people skills propelled her to the front counter, where she enjoys the connection with Moulton’s customers. From her vantage point behind the counter, she has a great spot as the market’s official ‘greeter.’

“I love customer service,” she explains. Weekdays from 6 am to 3 p.m., you’ll find her ringing up sales, tidying up the soup bar and pastry section, stocking cups and other essentials, and keeping the coffee brewing. She’ll admit to being the face of Moulton’s Market, a place where locals wander in in the mornings to enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee and conversation, while others quickly hurry in to pack up a egg burrito to go.

“Yes, I know the regulars,” says Thibodeau. “It’s part of the job and part of the appeal of this place.”

As for Thibodeau’s personal appeal to regulars and fellow employees, well, she’s clearly a valued member of the Moulton’s family, one who is supported by the community as

Donna Thibodeau, cashier at Moulton’s Market

she deals with family challenges. She points to a GoFundMe page a local resident started to help her deal with her husband’s health problems. The author of the page notes: “Donna is a hard-working woman (who) for years greeted us at the counter at Moulton’s and always shown her kind and caring heart. It is time for us to give back.”

Beyond the financial support -- the GoFundMe page has raised funds to cover travel for medical treatments

P

nhantiquecoop.com

and other costs – community members have shown their appreciation in other ways. Thibodeau has received cards from well-wishers and the management allows her to hurry home to check on her husband during a shift as needed.

As she points out, her customers and co-workers are more than folks she sees on the job.

“People have been so generous. It’s all in the family here – we all take care of each other.”

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

Providing: • • • • •

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

Now accepting new patients!

Call 603.672.7600

Valentine’s champagne reception Feb. 10, 1 pm

323 Elm St., Milford NH 603-673-8499 Open daily 10 - 5

We are excited to welcome Steve back to explore specific parks more in depth.

All adult programs offered at the Amherst Town Library are free and open to the public. However, registration is REQUIRED for each program due to space limitations.

You can register for these events listed above by calling 673-2288 or by visiting the website at www.amherstlibrary.org and selecting the “Community Services” tab, then click on drop down “Sign-Up for Programs.”

For Moulton’s Cashier, It’s ‘All in the Family’

History at Salem State. Since 2007, he has served as a Panel Judge for the Profiles in Courage Essay Award for High School Students through the JFK Library Foundation, serves on the Board of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Salem State and the Board of the Lynnfield Parish Collaborative.

All adult programs offered at the Amherst Town Library are free and open to the public. However, registration is REQUIRED for each program due to space limitations.

You can register for these events listed above by calling 673-2288 or by visiting the website at www.amherstlibrary.org and selecting the “Community Services” tab, then click on drop down “Sign-Up for Programs.”

Pairing Tea with Chocolate: a Tasting Experience at the Amherst Town Library, February 12 AMHERST – Celebrate Valentine’s Day early. On Tuesday, February 12 7:00-8:30PM, come to the Amherst Town Library and prepare to fall in love……with tea and chocolate!

In this interactive lecture you will start by sampling a variety of chocolate with specialty teas. Next, you will learn a brief background on the production of the cocoa bean and the tea plant and the similarities between the two of them. Then you will learn how to properly taste chocolate and tea and what you should be looking for. We will finish with sampling five different teas paired with chocolate ranging from

hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, scuba diving the coral reefs of the Virgin Islands, camping among the wolves on Isle Royale, scaling rock faces in Yosemite, and climbing to the summits of Mount Rainier and Denali. Steve’s pictures and stories of his travels are sure to stoke your personal wanderlust, so come prepared to be inspired!

This is the first of a three-part series. Steve will return on April 1 to talk about the National Parks of Alaska, and on May 6 to talk about National Parks of the East Coast.

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“Thomas Jefferson, First Foodie” at the Library AMHERST – Life, liberty, and the pursuit of good food. You might know that Thomas Jefferson authored the Declaration of Independence. Did you also know that he began the tradition of White House dinner parties? Or that he introduced such diverse items as French fries, ice cream, and olive oil into the American diet? Come to the Amherst Town Library on Wednesday, February 27 7:00-8:30PM to learn how the man who gave America its credo also influenced its cuisine.

Presenter Anthony Guerriero has a B.A. in History and Secondary Education from Salem State College and a Masters in American Studies from the University of Massachusetts. For 14 years, he was the Senior Visiting Instructor of American

AMHERST – You asked and we delivered! Popular presenter Steve Farrar will return to the Amherst Town Library on Monday, March 4, 7-8:30PM to talk about National Parks of the Colorado Plateau.

Roughly centered on the Four Corners region of the Southwestern US, the Colorado Plateau is mainly composed of high desert lands that are home to ten National Parks. Steve will recount stories of his travels in the area as he takes us on a tour of ‘Red Rock Country” that includes a wide variety of amazing natural images: from fantastic rock formations to the iconic Saguaro cactus, from expansive canyon vistas to soaring arches and tight slot canyons.

Our presenter, Steve Farrar, grew up in the Boston suburb of Medfield and experienced his first National Parks as an impressionable 14-yearold on the way to the 1969 National Boy Scout Jamboree in Idaho. The 5-day bus trip from Salt Lake City included stops in Grand Teton NP, Yellowstone NP, and Glacier NP which sparked a fascination with natural beauty that has evolved into Steve’s life-long passion for visiting our National Parks. His adventures exploring 57 of the 60 parks include

Primary Care of Milford

10 Jones Road, Milford

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www.amherstcitizen.com • FEBRUARY 2019 •

Schools

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 7

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

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

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

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

SHS Teacher Named “Student At The Center” Distinguished Fellow

Hazel Schuft, champion and runner-up, Andrew Emond

Orleans Germond, champion and runner-up, Dan Roy

Clark-Wilkins 2019 Geography Bee Clark-Wilkins Spelling Bee The 2019 National Geographic Geography Bee was held on Thursday, January 10 at Clark-Wilkins Elementary School. Ten fourth grade finalists Gideon Allen, Charles Baeza, Patrick Casey, Andrew Emond, Jonas Guarrera, Haider Iqbal, Tyler Lupoli, Thomas Purvis, Ethan Schneider and Hazel Schuft answered questions on state capitals,

most populace country in Scandinavia, largest national park in Central America and names of Great Lakes. After many rounds of increasingly difficult questions Hazel Schuft was named the champion and the runner-up was Andrew Emond.

Congratulations to all finalists!

The 2019 Scripps School Spelling Bee at Clark-Wilkins Elementary School finally produced a champion, Orleans Germond. At the end of the first day of competition, there was a tie. Both Orleans and Dan Roy matched each other word for

word. Two really great spellers. The next morning they were back at it.

The championship was decided on the word “deliberately”. Dan Roy is the runner-up. Congratulations to all the terrific spellers!

AMHERST- Jobs for the Future’s Student-Centered Learning Research Collaborative has selected Kathy Maddock for demonstrated longstanding commitments to using student-centered approaches in their practice, who engage in the struggle for educational equity, and who believe in the power of research-driven classrooms and schools to improve student outcomes. Kathy is part of a new cohort comprised of educators deep in the day-to-day work of translating and using research in classrooms, schools, and communities.

Over the next two years, Maddock will work closely with researchers engaged in the Research Collaborative’s six active studies, as well as its cohort of youth researchers, communicating the impact of research-driven, student-centered practices in school, and designing projects that apply research in practice in their own schools.

Kathy Maddock is a social studies teacher at Souhegan High School, where she has taught for 20 years.

For the past six years, Kathy has also served as coordinator for Souhegan’s senior project, a yearlong research-based project that serves as

Kathy Maddock

a graduation requirement.

In 2017, she was the state colead for the New Hampshire Performance Assessment for Competency Education work focused on capstone projects. She is also a research leader for New Hampshire’s Assessment for Learning Project in conjunction with her work around the revision of Souhegan’s junior research project.

Scripps Spelling Bee Finalists 2018-2019: Dan Roy, Logan Hill, Tyler Lupoli, Tessa Avery, Olivia Faucher, Orleans Germond, Libby Kennedy, Max Koch, Maya Gascoyne, Aryana Gosh, Lukas Lundvall, Bridget Hill, and Haider Iqbal

Extending the Learning at Souhegan High School Teacher-supported ELOs gain traction as students pursue college-level coursework

By Jeanne Sturges What do you do when you love a subject but there are no more classes to take? At Souhegan High School, teachers are creating opportunities for students to extend their work in a subject area even if they have taken all available courses. One type of Extended Learning Opportunity, or “ELO,” is for students who are in just this position.

While there are a variety of types of ELOs – from internships at local businesses and organizations, to self-paced coursework – several students choose to design their own learning pathway above the course levels offered. This year alone, students who have exceeded the current course offerings at Souhegan have designed ELOs in Art, Programming, Animation, Theater, and Chemistry, among others.

Two Souhegan Chemistry teachers, Sue Downer and Viet Pham are currently working with four seniors on Chemistry ELOs: Cam Fritz, Areille Zlotnick, Jenny Ladd, and Nate Stine. All four have completed General Chemistry, as well as AP Chemistry (which beginning this year is a Running Start college-level course for which students earn eight college credits). Their ELOs are designed to challenge them beyond AP Chemistry with college

level Chemistry concepts, skills and problem-solving challenges.

The four students have paired up and are working on two separate ELOs. However, New Hampshire’s competency-based approach to learning means that students can design their own pathways to mastery of the Competency. All four students’ ELOs focus on the Nature of Science competency, which is primarily about how to conduct (and communicate about) experiments, beginning the year by learning how to navigate the prep room and take care of the equipment and chemicals, as any college level lab technician or researcher might.

One particular piece of equipment they are using is the spectrophotometer, with which they identify compounds, quantify and analyze data, and design experiments. Though students have exposure to the device in General and AP Chemistry, as part of their ELO they are designing their own experiments to maximize its use.

For example, with Sue Downer’s guidance, Areille Zlotnick and Nate Stine began their ELO by determining the type of dyes used in M and M’s. Once they familiarized themselves with new aspects of the equipment, Zlotnick and Stine developed further inquiry questions, such as: How do we extract the

dyes? What standards will we use to compare known dyes to extracted dyes to determine what dyes are used in the sample candies? Zlotnick and Stine have more recently applied their new learning to an inquiry using Beer’s Law and absorption rates to determine the changing percentage of copper in a penny over time.

To communicate their findings, Zlotnick and Stine are working on a scientific poster. “The poster that Nate and Areille created would be generated at a college level for presentation at a conference of researchers,” Downer explained.

“This is the most important communication skill for scientists aside from peer-reviewed publication.”

Cam Fritz and Jenny Ladd, guided by Chemistry teacher, Viet Pham are demonstrating their master of the Nature of Science competency by preparing lab demonstrations for the General Chemistry classes.

Each lab is focused on a different chemistry concept and typically in high school, the teacher makes concentrations and solutions for students. “In the ELO, Cam and Jenny are figuring how to correctly make the concentrations for students in order to make the high school experiments successful,” says Downer. “These students are working at the college level by applying their

knowledge of the chemistry to experimental design.” To address the communication aspect of the competency, Fritz and Ladd explain the elements of the experiment as part of their demonstrations.

Typical of most ELOs teacher contact is intensive. Students are in the lab every day and while the inquiry is student directed, there is one-on-one teacher mentoring every day. “One of the main [benefits of my ELO] is applying the concepts I learned in previous courses and sharpening my understanding.

The ELO fills the gap between high school and college,” says Arielle. “So far, our ELO has been student led, us deciding what to focus on,” Nate adds. “The ELO is really hands-on.

We’ve learned about so many of the different applications of the Spectrophotometer. It’s great for us to actually see the information we’ve read about coming to life,” he adds.

Tim Cotreau, Souhegan’s ELO Coordinator is reminded of something a college admissions officer once said: “We’re looking not for how a student was challenged by the curriculum, but for how a student challenged the curriculum.”

What better way than to create opportunities for further study where they otherwise might not exist?

How Much Copper is in a Penny?

Though it is known that pennies are made from a percentage of copper to give them their bronzish tint, the actual composition of pennies is not commonly known. Through the decades as copper has become increasingly more expensive, the overall composition has decreased dramatically. To discover the actual percent copper that makes up a penny, various techniques can be applied and explored. Using a knowledge of spectroscopy and Beer's law as well as applying other methods, the penny can be broken down into its simplest elements and tested for the resulting solutions of their respective copper concentrations.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine how the proportions of copper in American pennies had changed between the years of 1971 and 2017. The study was primarily centered around determining the copper concentration in a penny prior to and following the decrease in the copper ratio in 1983 in an effort to reduce the production cost of a penny.

METHOD Materials Pennies, various decades (before 1980 preferably) Copper(II) nitrate solution, 0.1 M, 100 mL Copper(II) nitrate solution, 0.4 M, 200 mL Nitric acid, reagent, concentrated, 15.8 M, 100 mL Water, distilled or deionized Pipet, serological, 10 mL, 12 50-mL beaker with watch glass Graduated cylinder Pipet bulb filler Stirring rod, test tube rack 13 x 100 mm test tubes 200 mL Volumetric flask for each penny used Wash bottle 0.001-g precision balance Spectrophotometer Cuvets

METHOD

Wait for all of the Cu to dissolve in the solution. This is very dangerous and should be done in a fume hood. It should result in a deep blue solution.

The concentration of copper in each penny is used to determine the overall percentage of copper in the penny. The highest copper concentration is found in the 1971 penny, which makes sense because that penny had the highest amount of copper present.

The highest penny mass was in the 1971 penny, which makes sense because it has the highest amount of copper present which is the densest metal found in pennies. The mass of each penny is used directly to find concentration and copper percentages.

Through our experiment, we were able to successfully determine the percentage of copper that is present in pennies ranging from the year 1971 to 2017. Our 1971 penny had the highest percentage of copper at 87.02%, and the 2006 penny had the lowest percentage at just 13.59%.

Dilutions

Calculation Example: 1971 Penny

Dilutions are the standard points to be used on the graph. Start with 10 mL graduated cylinder of a 0.4 M solution of Cu(NO3)2 , pipette 5 mL 0.4 M into a cuvette. Fill the graduated cylinder back to 10 mL with distilled water. This creates a 0.2 M solution, of which you pipette 5 mL into a cuvette. Repeat this process until there are 0.4, 0.2, 0.1, 0.05 and 0.025 M cuvettes. Fill an additional cuvette with water. Cap the cuvettes.

Using the spectrophotometer, the sample analyzed peaks absorbance at 1.24. Using the graph derived from the samples earlier, this correlates to the penny containing 0.0845 M Cu(NO3)2

Set the spectrophotometer to 650 nm. Place the water cuvette in the colorimeter and close the lid. Make sure the clear side is facing the light. Record the absorption. Repeat these steps for the 0.4, 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, and 0.025 M cuvettes. Make a graph from this data, with the absorption on the y axis and concentration on the x axis. From this graph, a linear line of best fit will appear.

Taking the solution made from the penny, the spectrophotometer will give the absorbance. Comparing this data to the linear graph made earlier, the molarity of the solution can be determined.

Repeat with all pennies.

From this data, stoichiometry calculations can determine the percent copper present in the penny under examination. Record data.

A = εbc

A is absorbance ε is the molar absorptivity b is the path length of the sample c is the concentration of the compound in solution

Amherst Middle School, Moulton’s, The Homestead and The Black Forest Cafe in Amherst and Toadstool in Milford.

Shrek (Miles Biskovich) and Donkey (Julia Dowd)

See what’s happening and stay informed with SAU #39!

Pour 50 mL of water into a 200 mL volumetric flask. Then take the blue Cu(NO3)2 solution and pour it carefully into the volumetric flask. This ensures that the acid is being added to the water. Next, pour more water in until you reach the 200 mL line. Pipette some of this solution into a cuvette and cap it. Label the flask with the date of the penny.

This graph shows the relationship of Beer's law. This is an inverse relationship of molarity versus absorbance of light through a substance. the greater the absorbance, the higher the concentration of the substance being observed. From this information, a linear line can describe the specific relationship of copper absorption

The Amherst Middle School is proud to present Shrek The Musical Jr! The cast and crew have been working hard since October to prepare and to share the story of everyone’s favorite Ogre. Shrek and Donkey (played by eighth grader Miles Biskovich and eighth grader Julia Dowd ) lead a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance.

Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. shares a powerful message of acceptance. The cast has been busy learning songs, dances and blocking for the March performances while the crew are working tirelessly on production aspects including costumes, sets, props, photojournalism and brand ambassadors. Join AMS Theater Club in the swamp on March 14th, 15th, and 16th at 7pm and March 16th and 17th at 2pm. Tickets can be found starting February 12th at

RESULTS

Procedures First, all pennies are weighed on the digital balance and recorded carefully. To find all copper, a surplus of nitric acid is used to dissolve the penny fully . Assuming, momentarily, that the penny is 100% copper, calculate the volume (mL) of HNO3 required. Place the penny in a 50 mL beaker and place the amount of HNO3 determined plus 2 mL more (to create a surplus).

Shrek The Musical Jr! Coming to Amherst Middle School

SAU #39 UPDATES

Nathan Stine, Arielle Zlotnick Advisor: Sue Downer and Viet Pham Chemistry Extended Learning Opportunity Souhegan High School, Amherst NH

INTRODUCTION

Teen Fiona (Ella Hogan), Princess Fiona (Autumn Fichera), Ogre Fiona (Alexandra Hallett) and Young Fiona (Natalie Conklin)

Year​

1971​

1985​

1993​

2006​

2017​

Concen 0.0850 0.0089 0.0081 0.0066 0.0073 tration M M M M M (M) Mass 3.085 g 2.538 g 2.490 g 2.475g 2.490 g (g) % 87.02% 17.5% 16.68% 13.59% 15.03% Copper

Be sure to check out the Superintendent Weekly Updates on our website’s News 39 Section

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Absorbance vs Molarity

PRESCHOOL • PRE-KINDERGARTEN

% Copper

DISCUSSION This experiment was successful in that the percentage of copper in multiple pennies ranging from the year 1971 to 2017 was determined. The data was consistent with the actual percentages of copper found in the various years analyzed. Before 1982, pennies were composed of about 95% copper. After this date, the percentage was cut substantially down to save on cost and zinc became the major metallic ingredient.

The 1971 penny experimentally was found to have 87% copper. As the penny year increased to 1983, this number dropped considerably once the date extended beyond 1982, following the theoretical trends expected.

Though the results follow an expected general trend, there are still multiple limitations that impacted our results. For one, many of these pennies have gone through a lot of wear and have accumulated various contaminants that could have affected results. Furthermore, the concentrations analyzed may not have been completely accurate as they were hand measured. Also, when dissolving the penny in nitric acid, a small amount of the solution was boiled off and evaporated.

REFERENCES 2013 Flinn Scientific, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

2013 Ward's Science. All Rights Reserved. AP Chemistry Investigation #2

Accepting Registrations for Fall 2019 Directors / Teachers: Monique Medeiros, B.E.S. and Darcie Sylvia, M.Ed. The Meeting Place / across from Black Forest Café / Amherst, NH Call 673-3022 for more information or a tour

8 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

FEBRUARY 2019 • www.amherstcitizen.com

School Subjects

Sports Shorts

Souhegan Culinary Program Serves up a Feast of Opportunities AMHERST - Culinary teacher, Paula Garvey, is working on a number of fronts to create rich and engaging culinary programming at Souhegan High School. The Culinary Club recently made apple crisp, spaghetti and meatballs, as well as lemon chicken for The Upreach Therapeutic Equestrian Center, a non-profit organization in Goffstown that supports children with disabilities and their families, many of whom are also food insecure. Garvey also was able to secure a donation from Hannaford’s grocery story to help off-set the cost of the ingredients.

Not only are students learning to cook and collaboratively contribute to the community, they are able to earn community service hours for their time. Collaborating with Souhegan’s Community Service Coordinator, Lucienne Foulks and Garvey are planning future Culinary Club activities that serve the community. Next up for the Culi-

nary Club: dog biscuits for the animal rescue league and cookies or cakes for area senior living communities.

Souhegan’s Exploring Cooking culinary courses recently had the opportunity to learn from guest speaker, Nancy Sepe from Johnson and Wales Culinary School, a former Cupcake Wars contestant.

Garvey invited Nancy to educate students about opportunities in the culinary industry as a career choice.

Finally, as part of Wellness Day 2019, Garvey organized a Pretzel-making program. Garvey said that she included baking because she wanted students to “embrace the joy of baking and working in the kitchen,” adding that “baking builds mindfulness; it creates time to think and to enjoy the sensory elements of homemade cooking.

It is satisfying to have a product at the end that is delicious and homemade, that’s worth the effort.”

Students in the News

BIDDEFORD and PORTLAND, MAINE- William Bouvier of Amherst has been named to the Dean’s List for the 2018 fall semester at the University of New England. Dean’s List students have attained a grade point average of 3.3 or better out of a possible 4.0 at the end of the semester.

Students Named to Dean’s List at Plymouth State University

PLYMOUTH, NH -- 473 students have been named to the Plymouth State University Dean’s List for the Fall 2018 semester. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must achieve a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.69 during the Fall 2018 semester and must have attempted at least 12 credit hours during the semester.

AMHERST: Zachary Bolduc, Isabelle Coulter and Jessica Ewing MONT VERNON: Meaghan Allard

Students Named to President’s List at Plymouth State University

PLYMOUTH, NH - 831 students have been named to the Plymouth State University President’s List for the Fall 2018 semester. To be named to the President’s List, a student must achieve a grade point average of 3.7 or better for the Fall 2018 semester and must have attempted at least 12 credit hours during the semester.

FROM AMHERST: Grace Murray, Samantha Cushing, Lindsay McCool, and Sarah Kennedy

Emerson College Announces Dean’s List Honorees

BOSTON, MA-- Leah Cedeno of Amherst has been named to Emerson College’s Dean’s List for the Fall 2018 semester. The requirement to make the Dean’s List is a grade point average of 3.7 or higher that semester.

Emily Fischofer of Amherst Named to Dean’s List at Southern Vermont College

BENNINGTON, VT-- Emily Fischofer of Amherst was named to the Dean’s List at Southern Vermont College in Bennington, VT, for the Fall 2018 semester. Each semester, full-time students who have achieved a minimum grade-point average of 3.65 are placed on the Dean’s List.

Local Student Named To Dean’s List At University Of New England

u

Local Students Named to Dean’s List for Fall 2018 Semester

MANCHESTER - Saint Anselm College has released the Dean’s List.

To be eligible for this honor, a student must have achieved a grade point average of 3.2 or better in the semester with at least 12 credits of study which award a letter grade.

AMHERST Jonathan Dunn, 2019, Economics MONT VERNON Hannah Beaudry, 2021, English McKenzie Robinson, 2022, Edu Studies: Elem Educ

Local Students Named to Fall 2018 Dean’s List at Stonehill College

EASTON, MA - To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must have a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better and must have completed successfully all courses for which they were registered.

McKenzie Rendall of Mont Vernon, Class of 2022.

Local University of Rhode Island students named to the Dean’s List

KINGSTON, RI - The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce that more than 5,500 undergraduates have qualified for the fall 2018 Dean’s List. The students represent nearly all of Rhode Island’s cities and towns, all six New England states, New York and New Jersey, and many other states and nations.

To be included on the Dean’s List, students must have completed 12 or more credits during a semester for letter grades with at least a 3.30 quality point average. Part-time students qualify with the accumulation of 12 credits with a 3.30 quality point average. The list includes students who have not yet declared their majors as well as those from all of the University’s undergradu-

Amherst Recreation Programs and Events

tea, herbal steam bath, or infused honey. Observing and sampling as we go along! Then we’ll roll up our sleeves and make Fire Tonic. Fire Tonic, better known as Fire Cider, is a traditional herbal cold remedy that is made infusing vinegar with powerful spices and vegetables.

Bring your hands and an open mind. All materials will be provided. Most of the herbs will be organic, depending on availability. *Please note that herbs in this recipe are VERY hot and spicy.

Who: 18+ Where: Amherst Makerspace When: Saturday February 16th Time: 10am - 11:30am

Exploring Pine- A Medicinal and Edible Evergreen

Come explore the Majestic Pine!

Did you know that pine trees are both edible and medicinal? The needles, bark, resin, seeds, and pollen can all be used and are available year round.

We’ll be taking a closer look at this species, it’s medicinal properties, and the many ways this beautiful tree can be enjoyed. The needles are extremely high in vitamin C, making them very useful in keeping winter illness at bay. The resin can be used externally as a chest rub for congestion, muscle pain, or drawing out splinters. We’ll be tasting everything from Pine Tea to Pine Needle Cookies. You’ll leave the class with homemade Pine Oil + plus the in-

gredients and recipe to make your own salve and Pine Seasoning Salt.

Who: 18+ When: Thursday, March 7th; 7-8:30 PM Where: Amherst Makerspace Kitchen Fee: $25 R, $30 NR Fee Includes: all materials and recipes to take home

Weekly Card Games

Weekly Card Games have begun at Parkhurst Place on Thursdays at 1 PM. Feel free to join a group or bring your own cards and start a new one. This is an excellent way to meet people and be involved in a great community.

Who: Seniors Where: Parkhurst Place, 11 Veterans Rd. Amherst Fee: Free!

Parking: In the guest lot near the entry sign **If school is closed due to bad weather, the card game session will be canceled as well

Full Moon Hikes

Come join us for a full moon hike led by a naturalist at PMEC! Fun activities along the trail for all ages.

Have you ever hiked in the woods at night without a flashlight? If you are willing, we will give it a try! You will be amazed how well you can see in the full moonlight without one. Afterwards there will be hot cider or lemonade (depending on the sea-

Souhegan Alpine Team 2018-19 Coach Bernie, Aidan, Ben, Sam, Andrew, EJ, Nate, Josh, Quade, Alec, Coach Sue, Camden, Abbie, Anne, Riley, Lynne, Sierra, Ana, and India

Souhegan Alpine Dual Course Race Results – January 30 Meals created by the Souhegan Culinary Club for The Upreach Therapeutic Equestrian Center. (L-R): Cali Stuart-Vale, Annie Noyes, Emily Reardon, Bryce Pierce, Miranda Lau Quan

ate academic colleges.

The following students from your area have been named to URI’s fall 2018 Dean’s List: AMHERST: Kaitlin Bryant, Hallie Parenteau and Julia Unger Mont Vernon: Tucker Aiello and Ethan Trzepacz

Morgan Brown of Mont Vernon Named to the Moravian College Dean’s Honors List for Fall 2018

BETHLEHEM, PA - Moravian College named 732 students to the Dean’s Honor List for the Fall 2018 semester. Students who carry three or more course units during the fall or spring term and attain a GPA for the term of 3.50 or higher are placed on the Dean’s Honor List.

Morgan Brown from Mont Vernon was among those achieving Dean’s Honors List status.

Roger Williams University Announces Fall 2018 Dean’s List

BRISTOL, RI - Spencer Wright of Amherst has been named to the Fall 2018 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Fulltime students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean’s List that semester.

Nichols College Students Named to Fall 2018 Dean’s List

DUDLEY, MASS. - Nicole Zheng of Amherst achieved Dean’s List during the fall 2018 semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students who earned high grades during a single semester. To be on the Dean’s List, a student must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.2 for at least 12 credit-hours and receive no grade below a C+ during the semester. A student who earns a grade point average of 3.6 or higher is awarded Dean’s High Honors.

SNHU Announces Fall 2018 Dean’s List

MANCHESTER, NH - It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the fall 2018 Dean’s List.

Eligibility for the Dean’s List requires that a student accumulate an

academic grade point average (GPA) of 3.5-3.699 and earn 12 credits for the semester.

AMHERST: Hannah Cohen, Catherine Hall, Casey Johnson, Hannah Kierstead, Raymond Kong, and Carolyn Raiser

Students Named Clarkson University Presidential Scholars

POTSDAM, NY -- The following students have been named Presidential Scholars for the fall 2018 semester at Clarkson University.

Rhiannon Eve Allison of Mont Vernon, N.H. , a biology major

Students Named to the University of Vermont Dean’s List

BURLINGTON, VT - To be named to the dean’s list, students must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or better and rank in the top 20 percent of their class in their respective college or school.

The following Amherst students have been named to the University of Vermont dean’s list for the Fall 2018 semester: Alana Barretto, Jane Leighton, Emma Naprta, Matthew Saunders, and Andrew Goyette

UMass Lowell Names Local Students To Dean’s List

LOWELL, Mass. - Local residents have been named to the dean’s list at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Among those recognized for achieving academic distinction for the fall 2018 semester at UMass Lowell are: Aidan Arnold of Amherst, administration Tyler Orr of Amherst majoring in mathematics * science Katherine Spalding of Mont Vernon, majoring in nursing.

Wheaton College (Ill.) Students Named to Fall 2018 Dean’s List

WHEATON, IL - Wheaton College is proud to announce its Dean’s List for the fall 2018 semester.

To earn Dean’s List honors at Wheaton, an undergraduate student must carry 12 or more credit hours and achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher on the 4.0 scale.

The following student in your area was named to Wheaton College’s fall 2018 Dean’s List: James Kibbie of Mont Vernon Majoring in Economics, Class of 2021

continued from page 5

son) around the fire, as well as stories to share.

Full Moon Hikes: Schedule

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.

Amherst Makerspace

Stearns-Davis Community Garden

Who: All Ages. Families welcome!

What: Full moon hike at PMEC When: Times are dependent on season.

Where: Peabody Mill Environment Center. Meet at the pond next to the parking area.

Minimum of 6 participants required to run program.

WinterHike at PMEC Sat. Jan 19th 5:30-7 PM

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

When: Third Thursday of every month, from 6-9pm

The Stearns-Davis Community Garden were established at Joshua’s Park, 31 Courthouse Road, to maintain the traditional agricultural use and history of the Amherst Village.

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

Schedule for 2019:

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

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

BENNINGTON – Crotched Mountain hosted a dual course giant slalom on January 30, 2019. The snow conditions were remarkable with inches of freshly fallen snow.

The fierce cold enticed many to race in coats. This fun dual course had athletes racing head to head down two similar courses. 47 ladies and 45 men competed from 7 schools.

Team scores were calculated utilizing a single best regular run. Hanover dominated the team compe-

tition winning both girls and boys.

Many of the Hanover athletes participate in ski race programs such as Ford Sayre.

The top four finishers of each gender raced against each other in a dramatic competition for final placement. Rosie Crooker of Con Val caught a ski edge in the finals. Fortunately, only timing was harmed resulting in a repair delay.

The results were:

Team Girls

Individual Girls

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

387 Hanover 378 Con Val 359 Souhegan 356 Hollis Brookline 84 Milford* 83 Conant*

Team Boys 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

384 368 366 350 178 163

Hanover Con Val Souhegan Hollis Brookline Wilton Lyndeborough* Milford*

1.

2.

3.

4.

Riley Craft Rosie Crooker Molly Dishong Allison Stannard

Individual Boys 1.

2.

3.

4.

Andrew Taylor Wesley Stocken Eric Goodney Noah Crason

Hanover Con Val Con Val Hanover Souhegan Hanover Hanover Con Val

*incomplete teams with less than four athletes

Heart, Drive and Teamwork Lead Souhegan Senior to 100-pt Milestone AMHERST – Just five games into the season, on January 2, 2019, senior captain Shannon Paquette became the first female Souhegan Hockey player to score 100 points.

The difficulty of reaching the 100-point mark is that it requires, at the very least, three extremely productive seasons, and more likely, four consistent ones. Shannon’s hard work and dedication allowed her to accomplish this achievement merely five games into her senior season by producing 28, 24 and 36 points respectively, during her freshman, sophomore and junior years.

On the night she reached the mark, Shannon netted her 2nd hat trick of the season, scoring three goals in a single game, as well as adding an assist to help the Sabers beat Pinkerton 9-2. None of this would have been possible without the support of both her current and former teammates, who were just as excited to help her reach the milestone as she was. With a lot of time left in her senior season, Shannon has the potential to add another milestone to her career by scoring her 100th goal. “Being only 17 goals shy with 10 games left to play, it is definitely within her reach,” says Souhegan Girl’s Ice Hockey Coach

Shannon Paquette, team captain

and Latin teacher, Kelli Braley.

NH-HighSchoolSports.com’s “The Season” (Episode 4) features the moment the first female hockey player in a Sabers uniform scores her 100th point.

“I am so proud of this entire team,” Braley added, “and I think any member of the Amherst/Mont Vernon community would be too when they watch how wonderfully they are able to speak during their interviews, how much they support each other, and how hard they are all willing to work – not only for themselves but for the benefit of their teammates.”

Executive Swim Club Competed in Two Recent Meets MANCHESTER – The Executive Swim Club competed in two recent meets, including USA Swimming’s Junior National Championships (EAST) in Greensboro, NC over the weekend of December 5-8. The meet featured the fastest swimmers, age 18 and under on the eastern side of the country. Competing for the Executive was Jack Januario, 16, of Amherst, who qualified and competed in four individual events (200 Freestyle (1:44.51), 1650 Freestyle (16:02.82), 200 Backstroke (1:54.02), and 400 Ind. Medley (4:03.39).

Also competing for the Executive was Lindsey Wagner in the 50 and 100 Freestyle, and the 100 Backstroke (11th, 54.24). Allegra Walker also scored points in both the 100 and 200 yard Breaststroke events (1:02.55, 2:14.73), finishing 12th and 15th, respectively. The foursome of Wagner, A. Walker, Grace Walker, and Emma Schulman combined for a 1:44.31 in the 200 Medley Relay, a New England Swimming record.

They also competed in the 400 Medley Relay.

The following weekend, Executive sent 26 swimmers to the New England Senior Championships, held at Brown University in Providence, RI. The meet featured the fastest swimmers in New England in Open competition. The Executive finished in second place as a team, amassing 1,398.5 points in a field of over 90 teams registered in New England. The foursome of

Wagner, A. Walker, Schulman, and G. Walker reset their New England record with a faster 1:44.05. They also won the 400 version of the event in 3:45.89.

Individually, the Executive had three event winners: Wagner, 50 Freestyle (23.16) and 100 Backstroke (54.31); A. Walker (200 Breaststroke (2:15.95), and Januario (1650 Freestyle 15:46.33).

Januario also earned enough points to be the meet’s overall highpoint distance swimmer. Wagner, also had top finishes in the 100 Freestyle (50.94), and 100 Breaststroke (1:04.37). A. Walker, also swam in the Championship finals of the 100 Breaststroke (1:02.54), 200 Individual Medley (2:06.11), and 1650 Freestyle (16:57.64). Januario, was also a standout in the 100 Backstroke (51.93), 200 Backstroke 1:51.37), as well as the 500 (4:36.09) and 1000 (9:31.16) Freestyles.

Also competing was Connor Donoghue (1000 and 1650 Freestyle events), Bella Geskos (100 and 200 Breaststrokes), Kyra Chen (50, 100, and 200 Freestyles), Matthew Lashua who swam a Junior National qualifying time in the 400 Individual Medley (3:59.16). He also had standout finishes in the 100 (51.71) and 200 (1:53.28) Butterfly events, as well as the 200 Ind. Medley (1:53.21), and 500 Freestyle (4:38.79). The team trains at the Executive Health and Fitness Center in Manchester, NH

www.amherstcitizen.com • FEBRUARY 2019 •

Arts

&

Nashua Chamber Orchestra Presents Winter Concert, February 23rd, 24th

Entertainment

Exhibits

David Feltner, Conducter

NASHUA – The Nashua Chamber Orchestra, music director, David Feltner, presents its winter concert on Feb. 23rd and 24th.

The program consists of works by Gounod, Haydn, Vaughan Williams, and a world premiere violin piece, Introduction, Meditation and Can’t Help It Jig, by living composer Mark Latham. The featured soloist is concertmaster Beth Welty.

Performances: SATURDAY, FEB. 23rd, at 7:30 PM, Judd Gregg Hall, Nashua Community College, 505 Amherst St. SUNDAY, FEB. 24th, at 3:00 PM, Milford Town Hall, 1 Union Square on the Milford Oval

“Treading Light” 30x48 by Daryl Johnson

“Snowy Owl in Flight” by Howard Muscott

“Wild and Wooly” Art Exhibit at the ArtHub Gallery NASHUA – The show opened on Wednesday January 9th, followed by an artist reception Saturday January 19th. The show will close on Saturday March 2nd The ArtHub gallery will have a special exhibit during the next two months, accepting 2D Art as well as fiber art, felted wool paintings, sculpture, ceramics, reliefs, pottery, and other free standing art.

The theme, Wild and Wooly is inviting artists to use their imagination and creativity during the bleak months of Winter, unleashing the wild and embracing the wooly for this Open Call Art Exhibition. They NAAA is looking for Art that explores everything from wild weather, wild locales, wildlife to wooly creatures, fiber art and art made from wool.

The Nashua Area Artist’s Association is a nonprofit organization with a gallery, The ArtHub, located at 30 Temple Street in Nashua, New Hampshire. It is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 11-3 and Saturdays 10-1

Acrylic Artist John Driscoll to Exhibit at Jaffrey Civic Center The Jaffrey Civic Center will host an Acrylics exhibit by Portland, Maine artist John Driscoll from Friday, February 15th through March 15th. Educated at Yale University and Tufts Medical School, John practiced cardiology in Portland, Maine for thirty years. During those years, he painted sporadically. In retirement, he has written and published both poetry and short fiction. John began painting full-time a year ago. His upcoming show is representative of that work and is

dedicated to his closest friend and fellow artist, Paul Lionel Sieg, who passed away last spring. There will be an Opening Reception with refreshments in honor of the exhibit which will be held on Friday, February 15th from 5 pm to 7 pm. Both exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Jaffrey Civic Center is located at 40 Main Street, Jaffrey. Admission is always free.

For more information: 532-6527, e-mail us at info@jaffreyciviccenter. com

Learn from the Pros

ART CLASSES

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

Creative Ventures Gallery

411 Nashua Street, Milford, NH 03055

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 9

Tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance at Darrell’s Music Hall in Nashua, and the Toadstool Bookstore in Lorden Plaza, Milford, or on line at the web site: www. nco-music.org. Prices are $20: adults; $15: seniors, college students and military; students under 18, free. Each concert is followed by a reception where audience members can mingle with the musicians. For more information, check the web site or phone NCO President, Jackie O’Dowd, at (603) 582-5211.

Charles Gounod (1818—1893) was born in Paris. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire, but it was Fanny Mendelssohn who introduced him to Bach. One of Gounod’s most famous pieces, a setting of Ave Maria, was written after the death of Fanny and her brother, Felix, in 1859. An advance in the mechanism of wind instruments improving tone, intonation and technical facility, led to the resurgence of interest in wind music.

Gounod composed the Petite Symphonie for Wind Instruments in 1885. In addition to the standard Mozart serenade instrumentation of two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons and two French horns, Gounod added a flute part for Taffanel. This four movement piece is classical in its form and structure, with Romantic expressivity. The Andante

Cantabile second movement centers on a beautiful aria for flute. The Petite Symphonie is a delightful exposition of the timbres of these different instruments, in various combinations.

Composer Mark Latham was born near Mount Kilimanjaro in 1958. He received his musical training in London and the US, earning his Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from the University of Michigan.

Mark has been active as a violinist, conductor and composer in the US and Canada. He is the former conductor of the NCO. He is currently the conductor of the University Orchestra at University of Massachusetts, Lowell, where he is adjunct professor of conducting, violin and viola. He is director of the New Hampshire Philharmonic.

Mark’s Introduction, Meditation and Can’t Help It Jig for Violin and Orchestra was written for the soloist, Beth Welty, and is dedicated to her. Much of the melody of the piece is derived from a four-note rising and falling motive. The Meditation explores this material in ways that are both lyrical and chromatic. The Jig pays homage to Ms. Welty’s love of the actor, Divine. A quote from Little Richard becomes interwoven with the jig.

Soloist Beth Welty has been concertmaster of the NCO since 2005. Since earning her Bachelor and Master’s degrees in violin performance from Indiana University, Ms.Welty has had an active career performing in ensembles and as soloist in the Boston area, Spain, England, Switzerland, Italy and South Africa. She made her Lincoln Center debut in New York in 1991 with the Boston Quartet, of which she was a founding member. An avid chamber musician, Ms. Welty is a founding member of the Aryaloka String Quartet and Kaleidoscope Chamber Ensemble.

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732—1809) transcended his difficult childhood with his cheerful disposition, enterprising nature and sublime musical genius. He was apprenticed to a relative at age 6, where he began his musical career as a choirboy. Lacking formal training in theory and composition, Haydn was largely self-taught, gaining a reputation as a teacher and composer. Once he attained a position in the court of the wealthy Esterházy family in Hungary, his future was secure. Unfettered by the constraints of conventional classical form, Haydn imbued each of his 104 symphonies with grace, panache and his irrepressible sense of fun. The Symphony No. 90 in C Major, 1788, sparkles with boundless energy, captivating charm and

sheer delight. The gravitas of the opening introduction melts into a spirited allegro, in sonata form. The slow movement is a theme and variations, contrasting major and minor, lilting grace and dramatic force, showcasing individual instruments. The third movement is a contrasting Minuet and Trio.

The last movement careens along with exuberant energy, coming to what sounds like the end. Haydn fakes out the audience with a prolonged pause, often eliciting applause until the music resumes, slowly gaining momentum until it reaches its triumphant conclusion.

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872—1958) followed Edward Elgar in the renaissance of English music. Vaughan Williams broke away from the dominant German 19th century musical style. He was strongly influenced by Tudor music (early music of the British Isles) and English folk song, incorporating modal elements of these into his compositional style. Vaughan Williams was drawn to the humanistic poetry of American poet Walt Whitman. His cantata for orchestra and chorus, Toward the Unknown Region (1907), is a setting of Darest Thou o Soul, from Whitman’s Leaves of Grass. The piece, with its lush sonorities blending orchestra and chorus, imagines the passage of the soul through death to a world beyond.

Beth Welty

Several simple, related themes are developed with a variety of harmonic colors and orchestral textures, amplifying the text with a visionary quality. From its hushed, mysterious inception, the music ebbs and swells with building intensity to its soaring climax and ecstatic conclusion. The Nashua Choral Society will perform with the NCO.

Three Centuries Of Mirrors: Reflections Through The Ages Exhibit and Reception at New Hampshire Antique Co-Op MILFORD - New Hampshire Antique Co-op is pleased to present Three Centuries of Mirrors: Reflections Through the Ages, a curated collection of period and vintage mirrors from the late 1700s Rococo styles to the 1950s mid-century modern era.

All are welcome to a pre-Valentine’s Day champagne reception on Sunday, February 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Upstairs Gallery at New Hampshire Antique Co-op. Bring your sweetheart to celebrate Valentine’s Day and enjoy refreshments and sweet treats while you view the rich and varied exhibit and sale of looking glasses. All have been chosen based on their decorative and historical significance.

A mirror is considered to be any glass, polished or smooth surface that forms images by reflection. The first mirrors to appear in nature were the reflections seen on smooth pools of water. The first man-made mirrors were created in Egypt as early as 2500 B.C using polished brass. Glass mirrors appeared in Venice in the sixteenth century when craftsmen learned to make glass sufficiently clear to back with

A trio of mirrors at New Hampshire Antique Co-op, L to R: 18th c. Italian tabernacle mirror; c. 1790-1810 Federal carved looking glass with eagle and serpent; c. 1890 English pier mirror with hand-painted tympanum.

foil—a tin and mercury amalgam— and produce a true image. Known as “looking glasses,” they quickly gained in popularity throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

The word mirror is derived from the Latin word “mirari” which means “to wonder.” In Greek mythology, Narcissus was the beautiful son of a river god. Seeing his

own reflection in a pool of water when he stopped for a drink, he fell in love with his own image. Unable to possess it, Narcissus pined away in sorrow and turned into a flower.

Although the original intent of the invention of mirrors was to reflect images for the sake of vanity and decoration, the scientific importance of the mirror soon be-

came apparent. From microscopes and mathematics to astronomy and architecture, mirrors found their way into the world of science.

While the use of mirrors for scientific purposes grew over time, the decorative nature of “looking glass” mirrors also grew and expanded over time. In Three Centuries of Mirrors: Reflections Through The Ages, decorative mirrors of all kinds are on display, from gilded Federal convex wall mirrors, Italianate dressing mirrors and vintage starbursts to eglomise, brass and polychrome framed mirrors in round, oval and irregular forms.

Be sure to visit Three Centuries of Mirrors: Reflections Through The Ages in the Tower Gallery at New Hampshire Antique Co-op for an insightful display and sale of antique and vintage mirrors and looking glasses. The exhibit is on view until March 31.

New Hampshire Antique Co-op iis located 1.5 miles west of the Milford Oval at 323 Elm Street in Milford, New Hampshire.

For more information: 673-8499 or online at www.nhantiquecoop. com

New Watercolor Class to be Held at Jaffrey Civic Center JAFFREY – Richmond, NH artist, Jeani Eismont, will teach a new ongoing Watercolor class at the Jaffrey Civic Center beginning in February. Jeani began watercolor painting in high school under James Iams, a well-known Baltimore watercolorist at the Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore.

She has been a freelance artist for several advertising agencies in addition to a New York Colorist for Marvel Comics, Harvey Comics, and Strange Attractors (comic book drawn and published in Keene). She was also Art Director at Church &

Main Advertising for 16 years. She is the co-owner of Eismont Design Studio and gallery in Swanzey, NH. Her local exhibitions include: Art Walk, Prime Roast, Brewbakers, Fall Foliage Art Tour 2018, Owner’s gallery. The watercolor class will be held every Tuesday from 1 pm to 4 pm beginning on Tuesday, February 18th. To register for the class, contact the Jaffrey Civic Center. The Jaffrey Civic Center is located at 40 Main Street, Jaffrey. Admission is always free. For more information: 532-6527, e-mail us at info@jaffreyciviccenter.com

“Cariacou” watercolor painting by Jeani Eismont

10 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

FEBRUARY 2019 • www.amherstcitizen.com

More Letters

Your Vote Counts – March 12

Purvis Not Seeking Re-Election To the editor:

Once again, I am grateful for the privilege to serve you as a member of the Souhegan Cooperative School Board. Over the last 3 years, our Souhegan High School has streamlined course offerings, started revamping the master schedule, made common sense improvements in security (including the installation of surveillance cameras), and started a serious critique of spending. In many areas, our school is moving in the right direction, yet there is still work that needs to be done.

It is that time of year again where we all must decide what is best for our community. For me, it has been difficult to decide where I can make the most effective contributions, especially with all commitments and responsibilities in my life at this time. I have made the difficult decision to not seek re-election to the Souhegan Cooperative School Board this year. I will certainly remain engaged as a citizen, and continue to encourage time tested, tried and true, common sense initiatives that are best for our children and citizens. I keep open the prospect, with your vote, of rejoining the school board next year, as there is much work that requires honest and common-sense decision making.

I am encouraged that there are two new candidates for both ASD and SCSB. I hope the voters will choose new and fresh ideas that are forward thinking and beneficial to our schools and community.

Governance of a school district requires honesty and transparency, a willingness to make the right decisions; an understanding of the law and government mandated education regulations; and what is in the best interest of all the students; coupled with the expectations of the residents of the school district. School board members must be considerate, patient, and collaborate with each other for the best outcomes. Collaboration should never be confused with being complicitous, nor is it ever acceptable to castigate, bully, or apply peer group pressure to anyone with whom there is disagreement. As you all know, the lack of civility within any governing body degrades the community it governs. So does apathy. School board members are not called to be enforcers of every administrative initiative or use coercion in an attempt to achieve unanimity. I believe school board members must be sensitive and aware to the desires and needs of the community, and not send messages to the community, who votes.

The reputations of the schools in Mont Vernon and Amherst are still exceptional, due to the fact that we have some of the best teachers in the state. Most of our teachers continue to give their level best, especially with the changes in curriculums and grading mechanisms. My major concern is that not all students are getting a fair shake, especially advanced students and those choosing to accelerate. While there was much concern with “no child left behind,” no advanced child should be held back or used to benefit the entire grade either.

I am still very concerned that our students may not be getting a fair shake with a grading mechanism that is not widely understood and could be a disadvantage. While there is much talk about student “voice and choice,” it is not clear students or parents have much input. I hope those who have not exercised their voice will do so, as well as exercise their choices with voting.

There are other issues and opportunities, like the budgets, and I will do my part. I implore you all to get involved, tell the school boards where the districts are doing well, and especially where there is improvement needed.

Hold your school boards accountable. Failure to do so will only allow more confusion, degradation in our reputation, and excessive costs that no one will want to pay. Most importantly, if we fail any student, we are failing all our students.

Again, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I look forward to working with you, as well as serving in the future.

Faithfully, Dwayne Purvis Amherst

Candidates for Amherst Town Offices

Filing Period ended 5:00pm on Friday, February 1st for the Town Election to be held March 12, 2019.

2 Selectmen For 3 Years Dwight Brew Peter A. Lyon 1 Cemetery Trustee For 3 Years

3 Library Trustees For 3 Years Gretchen Pyles Elizabeth Larson Stephen G. Mantius 1 Zoning Board Member For 2 Years Robert Rowe 1 Zoning Board Member For 3 Years

Danielle Pray

1 Trustee Of The Trust Funds For 3 Years

Robert Grunbeck

Advertising materials due Tuesday, February 26th Issue will publish online: March 5th Mail Distribution: March 6th and 7th

School District Officers to be elected March 12, 2019: AMHERST SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICES: For 3 years: Two School Board Members

For 2 years: One School Board Member

Elizabeth Kuszma – incumbent Robert Hinz –incumbent (2) Tom Gauthier Ellen Grudzien

2019 Term Expirations: Galen Tremblay – ASB Chair Elizabeth Kuszma – ASB Vice-Chair Kevin Shea (2020) resigned – appointed Robert Hinz for remainder of one-year term MONT VERNON SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICES: For 3 years: Two School Board Members For 1 year: One School District Moderator Peter King For 1 year: One School District Treasurer Lyn Jennings - incumbent For 1 year: One School District Clerk 2018 Term Expirations: Tom Driscoll – MVSB Vice- Chair Kim Roberge – MVSB Member Lyn Jennings- MVSD Treasurer Sue Leger – MVSD Clerk SOUHEGAN COOPERATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICES: For 3 years: One School Board Member Steve Coughlan-incumbent

(Amherst resident) Laura Taylor

Lynn Briggs For 3 years: One School Board Member

(Mont Vernon resident) For 1 year:

School District Moderator

C. George Bower

2018 Term Expirations: Steve Coughlan – SCSB Member – Amherst Dwayne Purvis – SCSB Member – Amherst Howard Brown – SCSB Member – Mont Vernon C. George Bower – SCSB Moderator

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

To the inhabitants of the Amherst School District in the Town of Amherst, County of Hillsborough, and State of New Hampshire qualified to vote in District affairs:

To the inhabitants of the Mont Vernon School District in the Town of Mont Vernon, County of Hillsborough, and State of New Hampshire qualified to vote in District affairs:

You are hereby notified of the following Annual School District Meeting schedule:

You are hereby notified of the following Annual School District Meeting schedule:

First Session of Annual Meeting (Deliberative) You are hereby notified to meet at the Souhegan High School in said District on the 5th day of February, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

This session shall consist of explanation, discussion, and debate of warrant articles 12 through 15. Warrant articles may be amended subject to the following limitations: (a) warrant articles whose wording is prescribed by law shall not be amended, (b) warrant articles that are amended shall be placed on the official ballot for a final vote on the main motion, as amended, and (c) no warrant article shall be amended to eliminate the subject matter of the article.

First Session of Annual Meeting (Deliberative)

Second Session of Annual Meeting (Official Ballot Voting) You are hereby notified to meet at the Souhegan High School in said District, on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to vote by official ballot on warrant articles numbered 11 through 15.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

You are hereby notified to meet at the Village School in said District on the 6th day of February, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. This session shall consist of explanation, discussion, and debate of warrant articles 2 through 3. Warrant articles may be amended subject to the following limitations: (a) warrant articles whose wording is prescribed by law shall not be amended, (b) warrant articles that are amended shall be placed on the official ballot for a final vote on the main motion, as amended, and (c) no warrant article shall be amended to eliminate the subject matter of the article.

Second Session of Annual Meeting (Official Ballot Voting) You are hereby notified to meet at the Village School in said District, on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to vote by official ballot on warrant articles numbered 1 through 3.

LEGAL NOTICE

Let’s Get Social! www.amherstcitizen.com

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Souhegan Cooperative School District Annual Meeting February 4, 2019 and March 12, 2019 Amherst and Mont Vernon, New Hampshire

To the editor:

Dana Williams, Operation Christmas Child

LEGAL NOTICE

Annual Meeting February 6, 2019 and March 12, 2019 Mont Vernon, New Hampshire

Annual Meeting February 5, 2019 and March 12, 2019 Amherst, New Hampshire

Thanking Amherst Shoebox Packers I am writing to thank Amherst residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season.

Because of the generosity of donors in Amherst and across the United States, Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, collected more than 8.8 million shoeboxes in 2018. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2018, the ministry is now sending more than 10.6 million shoebox gifts to children suffering from poverty, natural disasters, war, disease and famine.

These simple gifts bring smiles to the faces of children around the world.

Packed with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items, these gifts bring joy and are a tangible expression of God’s love. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 157 million giftfilled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.

It’s not too late for people to make a difference. Though drop-off locations serving Amherst shoebox packers are closed until November 2019, anyone can still pack a personalized shoebox gift online at samaritanspurse.org/ buildonline.

Thank you again to everyone who participated in this global project— many who do so year after year. These simple gifts send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten.

LEGAL NOTICE

Mont Vernon School District

Amherst School District

To the editor:

The Amherst Conservation Commission

Letters to the Editor and Editorial Submissions: Due NO LATER than Thursday, February 28th, 5pm

Candidates for School District Offices:

Thank You to Volunteers and Trail Stewards The Amherst Conservation Commission would like to sincerely thank its volunteers and trail stewards for their time, talent and dedication. It is with your help that we are making conservation possible in Amherst. Our volunteers have supported us in blazing new trails and building new bridges; while our trail stewards manage and protect Amherst’s miles of trails.

We would also like to thank those Amherst citizens who have generously supported the Conservation Commission with land and monetary donations. These contributions have allowed properties like the recent Sky Meadow addition on Austin Road to be acquired and managed properly.

Even small donations from the public can make a big difference, such as for buying materials to create the kiosks you see as you enter the trails.

You can help create the potential for additional land conservation in Amherst! The Commission continues to encourage property owners to donate land to the Conservation Commission to ensure preservation and protection of the open spaces of our Town. The Commission also pursues acquisition for the protection of wetland, groundwater resources, wildlife resources, and the preservation of the quality of life for the present and future citizens of Amherst.

If you would like to share your time and energy with us, we would be happy to meet you and share our excitement for these lands. Maybe you love to walk the trails near your home and would like to become more involved in protecting them? Or perhaps you have an interest in constructing bog bridges or sign posts? We strongly encourage any resident who is interested in assisting us in our work to contact one of the members of the Commission (listed on the Town’s website).

We simply couldn’t do it without you. Thank you.

Cynthia J. Dokmo

Deadlines for March 2019 Issue

To the inhabitants of the Souhegan Cooperative School District, consisting of the towns of Amherst and Mont Vernon, in the County of Hillsborough, and State of New Hampshire qualified to vote in District affairs:

Town of Amherst, NH

BOARD OF SELECTMEN NOTICE OF DELIBERATIVE SESSION Souhegan High School 412 Boston Post Road Wednesday, February 6, 2019 7:00 p.m.

Pursuant to New Hampshire RSA 40:13, III, the Amherst Board of Selectmen hereby announces to the citizens of Amherst the convening of the First Session of Town Meeting 2019.

Agenda: 1. FY20 Budget & Warrant Article presentation 2. Vote on Warrant Article Changes, if necessary 3. Adjourn All citizens are invited to attend.

You are hereby notified of the following Annual School District Meeting schedule: First Session of Annual Meeting (Deliberative) You are hereby notified to meet at the Souhegan High School in said District on the 4th day of February, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. This session shall consist of explanation, discussion, and debate of warrant article 2. Warrant articles may be amended subject to the following limitations: (a) warrant articles whose wording is prescribed by law shall not be amended, (b) warrant articles that are amended shall be placed on the official ballot for a final vote on the main motion, as amended, and (c) no warrant article shall be amended to eliminate the subject matter of the article.

Second Session of Annual Meeting (Official Ballot Voting) You are hereby notified to meet on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 for official ballot voting on warrant articles numbered 1 through 2.

The polls for official ballot voting will be open as follows: • •

Voting for Amherst residents: Souhegan High School from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Voting for Mont Vernon residents: Village School from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

www.amherstcitizen.com • FEBRUARY 2019 •

Obituaries Joseph A. Cloutier, Sr. Joseph A. Cloutiwife Jessica of FL, and er, Sr., 71, of Amherst Gregory Cloutier and passed away on Friday, his wife Cara of IL; December 28th, 2018 nine beloved grandat the Lahey Clinic in children, Charles Jr., Burlington, MA after Christina, Christoa period of declining pher, Chelsea, Alyssa, health.

Matthew Jr., Grace, He was born on Liam, and Mason; a April 9th, 1947 in sister, Eileen Benfari Queens, NY to the of CT, and many lovlate Alphonse and ing extended family Dorothy (Truskolasmembers. His famiki) Cloutier. He is also ly will love and miss pre-deceased by his him always, all ways. in-laws, Ralph and A Mass of ChrisJoseph Cloutier Marie (Bellofatto) Zito, tian Burial was celand sister in-law, Joan (Zito) Tuseo. ebrated at St. John Neumann He worked for FactSet Research in Church, 708 Milford Road, MerriManchester as a Systems Engineer. mack on Thursday, January 3rd.

Joseph is survived by his loving In lieu of flowers, memorial dowife of 50 years, Christine (Zito) nations can be made to St. Jude Cloutier; six adoring children, Lisa Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1893, and her husband Charles Thornton, Memphis, TN 38101 or online at Sr. of VA, Joseph Cloutier, Jr. and www.stjude.org his wife Mandy of NC, Jason CloutTo leave an online condolence for ier and his wife Amy of MA, Aman- the family, please visit rivetfuneralda and her husband David Asplund home.com. of MI, Matthew Cloutier, Sr. and his

Nicholas R. Lawrence On December 29, 2018, Heaven gained a new angel as Nicholas R. Lawrence passed away after a short illness surrounded by his loving family. Nick lived a very full life in only half a lifetime. His passing has left all that knew him completely heartbroken. He will be extremely missed and forever remembered as a devoted family member and fiercely loyal friend.

Nick, son of Frederick and Melody (Drouin) Lawrence, was born on September 1, 1982, in Nashua, NH. He was raised in Mont Vernon, NH, where he always treasured the memories of growing up in a small town. He graduated from Souhegan High School in 2001 and then earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology at the University of New Hampshire in 2006. He worked at Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, NH, for eight years. In January 2015, Nick relocated to San Francisco, CA, after accepting a position as a Cardiac Physiologist at University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Mission Bay Cardiology where he was loved and respected by all he worked with. He loved his career and enjoyed meeting people from all over the world.

Nick’s true passion was sports which he participated in, from a very young age, throughout high school and beyond. He was an enthusiastic New England sports fan, though he admired and respected skilled and humble athletes no matter who they played for. He enjoyed the simple things in life and asked

nothing for himself. He loved vacations with his family and friends, especially to Newfound Lake, but sitting around a fire at home with them made him just as happy. Nick was so much fun to be around as he had a great sense of humor, quick wit, and a very infectious laugh which will be sorely missed. He made many enduring friendships from virtually every stage of his life.

Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Nicky knew how beautiful and caring his heart was; he was so wise and taught us so many lessons along the way. The heartache of losing such a wonderful, kind, and loving man is immeasurable.

Besides his parents, he is survived by his sister and brother-inlaw, Kristi and Nathaniel Kearney of Redding, CT, and sister, Mackenzie Lawrence, of Mont Vernon, NH; a niece, Elizabeth Kearney, and a nephew, Niles Kearney of Redding, CT; maternal grandmother, Grace Scott, of Amherst, NH; and paternal grandmother, Ann Reed, of Mont Vernon, NH; his beloved aunt, Robin Hoey, of Amherst, NH; several extended family members; and many dear friends who he considered family.

Arrangements are in care of Smith and Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nick’s memory may be made to UCSF – Cardiology Support Fund. Donations: https://tinyurl.com/nickymemorial.

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smithheald.com.

u

Franklin & Jane Pierce: Amo, Amas, Amat in Amherst

THE AMHERST CITIZEN • 11

continued from page 4

her grandfather Robert Means Sr., when Jane was about 19, the Appleton family moved into the mansion with her pious grandmother Mary Means (1752-1838). Naturally this is the house in which Jane would be wed. The modern address of the Robert Means Mansion is 1 Pierce Lane. The short road was thus named in the 20th century when the place was known as “The Wedding House.”

to stay away from Washington for the remainder of [her husband’s] time in office” (Wallner). She bore another son, named Benjamin, in April 1841. Sadly, son Frank died at age 4 from epidemic typhus. Jane made frequent extended visits with her remaining son to family in summer, to Amherst while her mother lived and to her sisters in Massachusetts.

Franklin had resigned A Marriage of Opposites from the Senate for the beneHow and when exactly fit of his wife and young chilFranklin & Jane met and courtdren – but was no less active ed is unknown. But Frankin politics. When Jane heard lin actually lived in Amherst the news that he had been 1826/7 while he finished his chosen as his party’s presilawyer training under Edmund dential candidate, she faintParker, Esq., who resided at ed. He immediately whisked 12 Main Street in the Village. her to a quieter hotel, then To get to court from Parker’s took her to the seaside for house, Franklin would have the weekend. walked right past the AppleTwo months before the intons’ home. If his connection to auguration, tragedy struck Bowdoin didn’t get him an inwhile the Pierces were on troduction to them, then suretheir was home to Concord, ly it would have been arranged Mrs. Jane Means (Appleton) Pierce (1806N.H., after visits with her by his former college tutor/pro- 1863), who deeply mourned the death of her family in Andover on 5 Janfessor Alpheus Spring Pack- last child, in January 1853, shortly before her uary 1853. The train had ard (Sr., 1798-1884), who was husband’s inauguration. barely left the station when married to Jane’s sister Frances it derailed, spun around and done, but we have been to severAppleton (1804-1839) in May 1827 al large parties in the evening.” rolled over down an embankment. with Jane serving as a bridesmaid. During the same month, Jane wrote Eleven-year-old Benny, who had Although he lived in Hillsborough to her father-in-law: “We have an been sitting on the bench behind again, Franklin’s law practice would invitation to dinner to Gov. Cass’ on them, was killed inside the carrequire visits to the shire town for Wednesday which is accepted not- riage before his parents’ eyes, the court appearances. withstanding my predilection for a only fatality. Back at her sister’s in When Franklin was elected to quiet dinner at home.”

Andover, “Mr. Pierce would come Congress, he was “gratified” but Although both were well-edu- into her room nearly bent double “not elated” – because of his im- cated, Frank and Jane were oppo- by his bruises & muscular strains pending marriage to a woman of sites. While he was outgoing, gre- and throw himself on the bed by fragile health. He had become of- garious and genial, she was shy and her side and mingle his woe with ficially engaged in Jan. 1833, when reserved, somber and pious, and hers. There is but one opinion about he was 28 and his fiancee 26. They prone to melancholy. During his him that he is one of the noblest and were married on 19 Nov. 1834. breaks from political work in Wash- most tender hearted of human beIn the carriage on the way home ington, Franklin relished the hard ings.” A family member worried: for the wedding “poor Jane [was] work of farming. Jane was phys- “Mr. P. must return to his duties feeling too feeble to exert herself.” A ically petite and in chronic poor and Jane will be left alone with her relative further reported in a letter health, and he was forever worried wretchedness. We know not what to another family member: “Pierce about, and solicitous of, her health. she will do but we all hope she will was waiting to receive Jane at It seems Franklin was attracted to not allow herself to be separated Grandmama’s. They [were] married her piety and need for protection. from Mr. P. [N]othing of course will up in very good style. No one was Their first child, Franklin Jr., was now be expected of her and wherevpresent except [the bride’s] family born in Feb. 1836 at Amherst in the er she is, she will be secluded from and old General Pierce [the groom’s home of his grandmother Appleton the world.” father].” They had no groomsmen (the Means mansion), but died there Franklin may have been consoled and bridesmaids. Jane was dressed aged 2 days. Jane had stayed with by the offerings of sympathy that in “her riding dress and bonnet.” her mother while her husband re- poured in and friends who “flocked They “did not wait to be congratu- sumed his political duties in Wash- to Andover and took lodging to be lated after the ceremony, but Pierce ington. When she returned to the near him” yet he started his presiimmediately led her forward to capital, Jane was no happier about dency under a cloud of grief. Jane that part of the room where the fa- the social duties of a congressman’s never recovered from her grief, but thers, mothers and aunts had placed wife, writing to her sister Mary did rally from her collapse, stayed themselves. She behaved sweetly (Dec. 1836): “I have many calls on in Baltimore during the inauguand kept up her courage to the last hand and wish I could get rid of the ration, and joined the President in [with only a few tears]. … They left trouble altogether, for there is no the White House. She remained in in about half an hour.” heart in it and it consumes much mourning seclusion for two years They had no honeymoon; he im- time and money and I feel little able before performing her first public mediately returned to his board- now to make the exertion.” duty as First Lady. Her childhood inghouse in Washington with her.

In 1838, the couple moved from friend, née Abigail Atherton Kent Newlywed Franklin wrote to his Hillsborough to Concord, N.H. But (1802-1857), widow since 1842 of brother-in-law McNeil (Jan. 1835): even when back at “home,” Frank- Robert Means Jr. and thus Jane’s “I have been leading … a very agree- lin was frequently absent attending aunt-by-marriage although only a able life – it has also been very qui- to his law clients, adding to Jane’s few years older, accompanied Jane et. Jane’s health has prevented her anxiety. Their second child, Frank- south, as had been arranged before from mingling as much in gay so- lin Robert, was born in Aug. 1839, the accident. Abby (Kent) Means, ciety as we might otherwise have giving her the “excuse she needed characterized as “sophisticated and

vivacious” (Wallner), would serve as White House hostess for President Pierce’s first two years.

After his presidency ended, Franklin devoted himself to improving Jane’s health. They went to a warmer climate the following winter, starting a 6-month leisurely tour of Europe in Madeira, sailing home in August from London. Jane managed some enjoyable horseback riding but in the Spring of 1859, she weighed a mere 85 pounds, probably the result of tuberculosis. The next winter, they spent five months in the Bahamas in 1860. She died at her sister’s home in Dec. 1863 aged 57. He then lived alone, splitting time between his home in Concord and a seacoast cottage. Franklin died nearly six years after his wife, of alcoholism, with his political reputation in ruin.

No letters from Jane to Franklin survive but: “From the numerous letters that survive from Jane to her family, she seems completely devoted to her husband, missing him when he was away, never criticizing him in any way, and appearing to delight in his energy, sociability, and catholic interests, even if rarely participating herself.” (Wallner, vol. 2, p. 355.) Although Jane did not “share or support his political aspirations” (Wallner), she had a beneficial influence on him, keeping his drinking in check. Pierce’s biographer Waller assessed the marriage (vol. 1, p. 53): “Yet they remained loyal to each other for thirty years and did the best they could to accommodate one another. In the end, the obvious affection they shared allowed the union to endure the difficult road they would travel together.”

Sources:

Peter A. Wallner’s biography in two volumes, Franklin Pierce: New Hampshire’s Favorite Son (2004) and Franklin Pierce: Martyr for the Union (2007), especially for quotes

by Franklin and Jane.

The Packard and Pierce weddings and the effects of Benny’s tragic accident on Franklin & Jane are described in family letters in Amherst and Our Family Tree (1921) by Anne M. Means, granddaughter of David McG. Means and thus greatgranddaughter of Robt Means Sr. The poem including “amo, amas, amat” lines was written in 1860 for the town’s centennial by newspaper editor and publisher Edward Dudley Boylston, who was 12 when Franklin Pierce “read law” in Amherst.

Evidence that Franklin Pierce arrived in 1826 to read law with Parker is contained in Hillsborough County deed 149:203, Ray to Nutt, executed 20 Dec. 1826, which was witnessed by Franklin Pierce and Edmund Parker. Franklin Pierce admitted to bar in Amherst was reported in Farmers’ Cabinet, Amherst, N.H., 6 Oct. 1827.

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

7;

For the children Nursery: to age 3; Super Church: ages 4 thru grade

Congregational Church of Amherst UCC

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

Sunday worship begins at 10:00 a.m. Fellowship time follows the service.

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

Consult the website for current information, and check out the church Facebook page (Facebook. com/ccamherst) for timely updates and images.

St Luke Anglican Church

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

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

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

All welcome and invited to attend Sunday Worship and Celebration of Holy Eucharist using the Traditional 1928 Book of Common Prayer weekly at 8:30 and 10:00 AM Church School at 10:00 AM Refreshment & fellowship following the service.

Weekly Bible Studies: Tuesday Evening Soup & Study, 5;45~7:00PM Saturday Morning 11:00 AM ~ Noon.

Christ’s Church of Amherst

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

Sunday Morning Worship is at 10:30am. Nursery Care is available for children under 3. Kids’ Connection Program 3 years to Grade 6. Youth Group meets on Monday evenings during the school year.

Please visit our website and Facebook page for more information.

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) 1010:30 Sunday Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

Small groups: 9 a.m.

Small groups and youth meet evenings.

Women’s ministries meet Thursday, 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Children’s church for ages 2 thru 5th grade during service Childcare provided for infants Office Hours: Tues – Fri, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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

St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church welcomes you to join us each Sunday for our worship service. Our Sunday Service begins at 9:30 a.m. with our Sunday School at 10:55 and adult Bible study at 11:00.

Nursery service is available. Please be our guest as we celebrate the Lord and all he has done for us.

Pastor Peter Korthals 821-9891 pastor@stpaul-amherst.org

Messiah Lutheran Church

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

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

Church of Our Saviour, Episcopal

10 Amherst Street Milford Phone: 673-3309 E-mail: office@coosmilford.org Website: www.coosmilford.org Interim Rector: Rev. Hays Junkin Sundays – 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10 a.m. Choral Eucharist

Wednesdays – 11:30 a.m. Lectionary and Lunch Eucharist followed by bringyour-own-lunch (coffee provided) and a discussion of the week’s lessons.

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

Mont Vernon Congregational Church

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

– 1 p.m.

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

Office hours Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., or at other times by appointment.

Join us for Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m. Sunday School is available for children aged 6 and old.

Child Care provided for children under 6. All are invited to coffee hour in the Round Room following worship.

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

Saint Patrick Catholic Community of Milford Website: www.ccnh.org Phone: 673-1311 Website: saintpatrickmilfordnh.org

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

Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday services are at 10:30am.

Varied services are family oriented and include Whole Congregation Worship and Sunday Morning Circles for children and youth. Child care (infant to Kindergarten) is provided. See www.uucm.org for details and calendar. Fellowship hour follows the service.

Family-oriented programming offers covenant groups for adults, High School Youth Group, Middle School Youth Group and Faith Formation for all ages.

UUCM is a welcoming diverse community that participates in many social action initiatives.

A FREE Community Supper is offered on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30-6:30pm.

UUCM is located at 20 Elm Street and is handicapped accessible. The Rev. Carol Strecker is interim minister. More information at www.uucm.org or 673-1870.

St. John Neumann Catholic

708 Milford Road - Rt 101A Merrimack 880-4689 www.sjnnh.org Fr. Chris M. Martel

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

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

Household of Faith

30 Merrimack Rd., Amherst www.hofonline.org

Sunday: Worship Services at 9:00 and 11:00am Monday: Young Adult Bible Study and Discussion for ages 1825 (HoFX) at 7:00pm Tuesday: Shava Praise & Prayer at 7:00pm Wednesday: Middle & High School Youth Groups for 5th-7th graders at 7:00pm Thursday: Addiction Recovery Group at 7:00pm (HoFX)

Temple Beth Abraham

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

Temple Beth Abraham is a congregation serving Jewish families throughout Southern New Hampshire. Our members come from all kinds of Jewish backgrounds and we welcome interfaith families to our community.

Shabbat Morning Services begin at 9:30 am. Shabbat Evening Services begin at 8:00 pm. If there is a change in time or a special service, it will be on our calendar. Evening Minyan (daily service) begins at 7:30 pm Mon-Thur. For more information please visit www.tbanashua.org or call 883-8184.

Religious School: K - Grade 2 Sundays from 9:30 am – 12:00 Noon. Grades 3 – 7 Tuesdays 3:45 – 5:30 and Thursdays 3:45 – 6:15.

12 • THE AMHERST CITIZEN •

FEBRUARY 2019 • www.amherstcitizen.com

Mont Vernon Geo Bee Winners

Spelling Skenderian-McCollom-Griffin- Bee Foster Scholarship MONT VERNON – The Sken- ondary education leading to certifiWinners derian-McCollom-Griffin-Foster cation, associate degree or bachelor

Tommy Kelly 1st place Luis Toledo 2nd place Lincoln Wilkins & Darwin Brown- Waters tie for 3rd place

Colin Patterson 1st place Keira Wilson 2nd place Natalie Grantz 3rd place

Our Geography Bee was held on January 17th.

Congratulations to all our participants!

Scholarship applications are now available at the Mont Vernon Town Hall, the Daland Memorial Library, the Mont Vernon Store and the Student Services office at Souhegan High School. These scholarships are awarded to Mont Vernon residents seeking full time post sec-

The Spelling Bee finals for MVVS were held on Wednesday, January 23rd.

Congratulations to all our participants!

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

We are very excited to announce that Rev. Dr. Alex Gondola of Amherst will be joining our congregation as Interim Minister to help lead us in our Mission and our search for a new Settled Pastor. He was most recently Interim Minister at the First Congregational Church of Milford, N.H. For more information, please check our website at http://montvernonchurch.org/ Please join us for Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m. Sunday School, for children aged 4 – 12 years.

Our next monthly free Community Dinner at Mont Vernon Congregational Church, 4 South Main Street, Mont Vernon, will take place on Thursday, February 21 from 5-6:30 p.m. Dinner is open and free to all, although donations are welcome they are not required. On the menu for February: Meat Loaf, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw, Artisan Breads. Please join us. For more information, call 673-3500.

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

Sweetheart Bouquet Class: Men Only!

12 lucky men are invited to sign up to make a Valentine’s Day bouquet for their sweetheart on Sunday, February 10th at 3:00pm. Flo-

13th 7pm for an evening of LOVE! Participants are encouraged to share love poems either original or from other poets. Come enjoy and evening of LOVE!

rist, Sue Ries will teach participants step by step how to make a beautiful arrangement in a vase. Space is limited to 12 men. Registration required. Call 673-7888 to reserve your spot. $25.00 material fee.

Just the Classics: Adult Book Club

Adult Craft Night: Painted Wine Glasses

Group will meet on Thursday, February 21st at 7pm to discuss the February title “The Scarlet Letter”

by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Dessert will be served. New members welcome! Books available to borrow at the library. Questions? Call facilitator Amy Wyman at the library.

Winter Storytime Bundle up the kids and join in for an hour of

Hand paint a “lovely” wine glass on Tuesday, February 12th at 7pm just in time for Valentine’s Day! Space is limited to 12. Registration required. Call the library at 6737888 to sign up. $5 material fee.

Poetry Night: Love Poems

Join facilitator Mary Katherine McNamara on Wednesday, Feb.

MONT VERNON TELLS THE STORY: Series to begin February 16

degree. They are based on scholarship aptitude and need. They may be awarded to both high school seniors and continuing education students. Applications must be received by the Trustees of Trust Funds, Mont Vernon, no later than March 11, 2019.

stories, songs, and crafts with Miss JoAnn on Thursdays at 1:00pm. 6 week winter session begins Thursday, Jan. 17th @ 1:00pm. Ages 3-5.

Registration recommended. Call the library at 673-7888 to sign up.

Winter Lapsit Calling all babies and caretakers! Join Miss JoAnn for a play date full of stories, songs, and fun on Thursdays at 11:00am. 6 week winter session begins Thursday, Jan. 17th @ 1:00pm. Children newborn to 3 please. Registration recommended. Drop ins welcome!

Gospel Children’s Choir practice.

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

Premier Private Custom Built Home FOR SALE: One of Mont Vernon’s Most Exclusive and Secluded Country Estates

Presenter - Michael Warren, Metal Detectorist.

With snow on the ground and a chill in the air plan to attend the first of three programs in the Mont Vernon Tells The Story series to begin on Saturday, February 16. It will start at 1 pm and be held in the Meeting Room on the first floor of the Town Hall. The first program will focus on the three season hobby of metal detecting. Join Michael Warren, Mont Vernon resident and expert metal detectorist, as he discusses metal detecting fundamentals in terms that everyone can understand. From essential equipment and tools of the trade to the value of historical research in locating interesting sites and receiving permission to metal detect. Expect to see some discoveries that ask more questions than they answer.

Michael is an avid researcher of colonial American history and has been featured in a metal detecting trade magazine and a book about being successful in the hobby. The book “Finders: Secrets of Success”

by New Hampshire writer Tom Bunce was published in 2015. The author’s and Michael’s use of a metal detector as a research tool in New England has given life to pages of history that would otherwise be just

words on paper. For example, it is easy enough to read about personal finances in the 18th century colonies, but where were the local markets? What type of coins were used?

And how could coins from so far away end up in Mont Vernon? What does this say about our part in regional and global commerce 250 or more years ago? Michael’s enthusiasm and wit promise to be positively contagious!

The second program will be held on Saturday March 16, and also be held in the Meeting Room in the Town Hall. The focus will be The Mont Vernon General Store and begin at 1 pm. A third program will be presented in April – details to follow soon.

The Mont Vernon Historical Society is sponsoring the series that is free and open to all. Refreshments will be served. For questions on the first program contact Michael Warren at nehistoryinyourhands@ gmail.com.

and new. You choose the wording.

There are two shapes and three sizes available with the prices ranging from $40-60. Order forms available at the Mont Vernon General Store, Daland Memorial Library, and Selectmen’s Office in the Town Hall.

Payments need to accompany each order. Money raised will be used for ongoing preservation projects in the museum.

Membership

Please support the historical society and become a member. Annual dues per person are as follows: adults $20; 18 and younger $5; lifetime $200. Join when visiting the museum when open, or mail to the Mont Vernon Historical Society, PO Box 15, Mont Vernon, NH. Please include name (s), mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address. Checks made out to Mont Vernon Historical Society.

Questions?

Contact, President Eloise Carleton at eloisecarleton@comcast. net; Museum Curator Mary Jo Marcely at Hannahsgarden@hotmail.com; Assistant Museum Curator Sandy Kent at slkent57@gmail. com.

Customized Plaques – Ongoing Fundraiser

Still available, customized house plaque for your home or given as a gift. They are suitable for old homes

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