Concord/Penacook

■The United Church of Penacook Food Pantry, serving Penacook residents only, is open every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. year-round. (If Penacook Elementary/Merrimack Valley School District is closed due to weather, the pantry will also be closed.) Visitors coming to the pantry are allowed two bags of groceries and one bag of personal care items every two weeks unless extra food is available or an emergency situation comes up.

■The Open Door Community Kitchen, housed in Fellowship Hall (rear parking lot entry) at United Church of Penacook, serves free hot and nutritious meals every Monday and Wednesday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. All are welcome.

CHERYL STINSON

news03303@aol.com

■Join Concord Public Library, 45 Green St., for some weekly whackiness in Organized Chaos on every second and fourth Tuesday at 4 p.m. Learn how to play chess this month! This group is for kids 10 -14 years old. Please register at www.concordpubliclibrary.net/librarycalendar.

■On Thursday at 12:10 p.m., Concord Community Music School, 23 Wall St., presents Bach’s Lunch Series: Midday Mindfulness, Music and Movement. Come join CCMS music therapist Tony Varga and dance movement therapist Heather Bigelow Hearne for an interactive experience introducing the benefits of expressive arts therapies. This is part of their 40th Anniversary Year celebration. For additional details, call 603-228-1196 or visit ccmusicschool.org.

■Also at the CCMS, Songweavers Free Open Sing is on Tuesday, January 16 at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Drummers are welcome at 5 p.m. Ever wonder what it’d be like to participate in a community-wide musical group and make new musical friends? Try it and see for yourself! It’s open to women of any age who like to sing. No musical experience or note-reading is required. Songweavers rehearse in two groups on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. (Singers are welcome to attend one or both rehearsals each week.) Songweaver Drummers, rehearse Tuesdays at 5 p.m.; drums provided. (There is a fee to participate in Songweavers and/or Songweavers Drummers on a regular basis after the free session.) For additional details about Songweavers, call 603-228-1196 or visit ccmusicschool.org.

■Ready to jump start your health journey this year? Join Concord Food Co-op for a FREE weight loss/detox seminar on Tuesday, 6 p.m. at the Hotel Concord, 11 South Main St. The #1 action you need to take towards achieving better health.

■Go to the New Hampshire Historical Society for an exciting event on Friday, January 26, a one-day advanced workshop for NH teachers to improve teaching with primary sources and guide students in the NHD Project-Based Learning program. The goal is to help teachers help students make projects that are rich in historical analysis. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Attendance and participation will earn educators CEU credits. Go to ccanh.com/shows-and-concerts for information on these and other shows. Today at 6 p.m.,

■Meet Run Like Thieves in The Cantin Room at BNHS, 16 S. Main St.; Friday at 7:30 p.m., Dirty Deeds at Chubb Theatre, 44 S. Main St.; Saturday at 8 p.m., Being Petty at BNH Stage; Sunday, January 14 at Noon, The Rock and Roll Playhouse - Music of Tom Petty for at BNHS.

■Join the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce for an evening of networking! Connect with peers and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere while savoring delectable hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Don’t forget to bring your business cards for a chance to win exciting door prizes and to facilitate connections with potential clients and customers on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. For more information go to concordnhchamber.com.

■The Poetry Society of New Hampshire meets at Gibson’s Bookstore on the third Wednesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. for an afternoon of poetry! Join us for an open mic. Bring a friend, share a verse. Newcomers encouraged!

■Start the new year off with Concord Young Professionals Network (CYPN) at Kyle Brown Performance, 85 Manchester St., on Wednesday, January 17 at 5:30 p.m. Whether you’re an avid gym-goer or just starting out, KBP is your place for a healthier new year. Network and mingle with friends. Check out their state-of-the-art cold plunge, sauna and infrared recovery technology between conversations with fellow YPs and snacks provided by Flanagan’s Southender.

■Join presidential candidate Marianne Williamson at Eden Yoga, 40 Thorndike St. Suite 2C, Sunday at noon for a spirited discussion about her vision for creating an America that works for everyone. As a bestselling author, political activist and spiritual thought leader, Marianne transforms the 21st century political conversation.

■Pope Memorial SPCA hosts monthly Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic on Saturday at 10 a.m. Space is limited, register today! Rabies, Kennel Cough, Distemper, K9 Lyme or Feline Leukemia Vaccinations are $20 each; Microchip is $25. Registration online with pre-payment is required; we are unable to accept walk-ins. Visit popememorialspca.org for details.

JEAN VER HOEVEN

jeanann@voicenet.com

Allenstown

■Allenstown Supervisor of the Checklist will hold Voter Registration Hours on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at the Allenstown Town Hall, 16 School Street. No change of parties.

■Voters Registration will also be held on Jan. 23 from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the St. John the Baptist Parish Hall, 10 School Street.

■The upcoming Presidential Primary will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Parish Hall, 10 School Street.

■The Suncook Senior Center holds Bone Builders on Monday and Wednesday from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

■Brunch will on Tuesday from 9 to 9:30 a.m. so come in and have brunch after the Yoga class and before cribbage.

■Cribbage is held on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon. Caregiver Support Group is held every Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m.

■Arts and Crafts is held every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and this week they will be making Mason Jar Craft.

■The January Schedule for the Community Table will be January 9, January 16 and January 30 at 5 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Parish Hall.

■The Knights of Columbus will be holding a Church Supper on January 20 starting at 5 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Parish Hall. Lasagna Dinner with Meatballs, salad, garlic bread, desserts and drinks. The cost is $10. per person, $30. per family with children under 16. Take out is available.

CLAUDETTE VERVILLE

cverville2@comcast.net

Andover

■In the last of the monthly “Coffee with the Chief” series, Andover residents are invited to join Andover Elementary Middle School Principal Dennis Dobe at The Andover Hub on Jan. 11, at 10:15 a.m. for an informal coffee and conversation. Principal Dobe will update residents on how the school year is going as well as any new developments and answer any questions residents may have about AEMS. The Hub is located at 157 Main St., next to Pizza Chef, and is universally accessible. For further information, contact TheAndoverHub@gmail.com or 603-735-5509.

■Market Day at The Hub will be held on Jan. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Andover Community Hub, 157 Main St., Andover. Up to 20 artisans, bakers and farmers will be selling handmade, locally-produced food, baked goods, knitwear, jewelry and crafts. Area residents welcome to shop and vendors interested in having a table at the market for a fee of $20 can request an application form by contacting theandoverhub@gmail.com; vendor space is limited.

■An informal group gathers to play American Mah Jongg – a fun game of skill, strategy and luck based on the ancient Chinese game played with tiles – weekly at The Andover Community Hub. Newcomers are welcome. All players know the basics of Mah Jongg but skill levels vary and participants learn from each other. The group is just deciding on a new schedule so contact theandoverhub@gmail.com for more information. There is no charge but it’s suggested that players make a small donation to The Hub weekly to help keep the lights on. The Hub is located at 157 Main St. in Andover.

SUSAN CHASE

srfchase@gmail.com

BOSCAWEN

■If you like to set goals for a new year, how about adding visiting the Boscawen Public Library to your list? Patrons and non-patrons are always welcome to check out the library, use the computers, copier, browse the books, magazines and DVDs in their sunny, cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Terrific deal! Non-residents can get a lifetime membership for $20!

■Preschool Storytime is held on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. It’s not just stories but also music, songs, stretching, movement and crafts.

■Yoga classes are on Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m., Bone Builders classes are on Mondays and Fridays from 9 to 10 a.m. and Crafters meet on Mondays at 2 p.m. Watch for an announcement of special programs that are held at the library through-out the year.

■“Remarkably Bright Creatures” a novel by Shelby Van Pelt will be the topic of the Book Discussion’s meeting at the library on Tuesday at 2 p.m. The book has been described as truly original and touching story of a family, community and optimism in spite of darkness. More copies of the book are available at the library whether or not you attend the discussion.

■Voting in the NH Presidential Primary will be held at the Boscawen Public Library on Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The library will be closed on that day for library business. We will reopen on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

■Town offices and the library will be closed on Civil Rights Day on Monday, January 15.

MARY ALLARD

boscawenpl@gmail.com

CANTERBURY

■The Planning Board, with the assistance of the Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission, will be posting draft zoning amendments at the end of the first week in January. Details will be posted in hard copies at the town office, the Country Store, and the Library. The documents will also be on the Planning Board webpage of the town website. The next public meeting will be for the hearings for each of the amendments, scheduled for Thursday Jan. 18, 6 - 8 pm, in the Town Hall. Hard copies of the proposed amendments will be available. There will be pizza and apple cider refreshments. Please contact planningboard@canterbury.nh.gov with any questions.

■Elkins Public Library Speaker Series Presents: NH on Skis on Thursday, January 18 at 6 p.m. in the Meeting House. Join us and learn about early skiing in the state, the importance of jumping, the mechanization of skiing, and how New England and New Hampshire fit into the big picture of America’s ski culture.

■Shaker Regional School District : Public Hearing Notice The Public Hearing for the 2024-2025 Shaker Regional School District proposed budget will be held January 10, 2024 at Belmont Middle School at 6 p.m., (snow date of January 16).

RACHEL BAKER

bakercompany4@gmail.com

CHICHESTER

■The library has many interesting sites for all to see. Check out the Down Loadable Books, the Cool Sites For Kids, and anyone can browse The State Catalogue. Check out other sites of interest on their website page. For the start of 2024 the library has free COVID tests. Hours are Monday and Wednesday 2:20 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.

■The Board of Selectmen will meet on Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. at the fire station with the Advisory Budget Committee to discuss the 2024 budget. The town clerk has absentee ballots ready for the Jan. 23 Presidential Primary. After the application is made the ballots can be picked up in person or mailed.

■It may not be winter weather in Chichester however the Historical Society has a winter display consisting of metal showshoes, mittens made by Rev Parker, skies used by children and many other winter items. Stop by the society building on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon to view this collection.

■The Supervisors of the Checklist will be in session on Monday Jan. 15 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at town hall to register voters, and make corrections, additions and deletions of the checklist. No party changes can be made until after the Presidential Primary on Jan. 23. Jan. 15 is the last day to register until election day where new voters may register on election day with the supervisors. Bring proof of ID, proof of residency and proof of citizenship if applicable. The updated checklist will be posted in the town office lobby and library.

EVELYN PIKE

broomtailfarm@hotmail.com

DUNBARTON

■More than a dozen folks, armed with metal detectors and small garden spades, combed the woods in Dunbarton on Dec. 23. Their mission was to find and document the exact location of a watchtower that once stood at the top of Mills Hill, with an elevation of 900 feet.

■Bill Nichols, group leader, stated it was in the early 1950s, when the government was focusing on Civil Defense that they launched “Operation Skywatch”. Observatory towers, sometimes known as air raid observation posts, were manned 24/7 to alert the Ground Observer Corps (GOC) of anything notable. At the start date of July 14, 1952, Merrimack County had 15 GOC observatory posts, including in Dunbarton. Often, members of the town’s American Legion post participated in these efforts. While the tower may have been erected earlier, proof of location or age has not yet been rediscovered in Dunbarton. A Historical Awareness Committee member noted that the lookout tower depicted on the 2013 Town Report was actually the tower at Mt. Uncanoonuc in Goffstown.

■During the morning search, nothing substantiating its location was found. A few hits with the metal detectors, but nothing conclusive turned up. The group will attempt to gather more information and try again. They are asking for the community’s help. If you have any information, contact Alison Vallieres, DHS President, at 603-774-3681 or fancyiris@gsinet.net or Donna Dunn, DHAC Chair, at 603-774-4567 or dunncottage@gmail.com. Submitted by Lindsey Mills Merrill.

■The Supervisors of the Checklist will meet at the Town Office on Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. for corrections and changes to the Checklist. No Party Changes can be accepted at this meeting.

NORA LEDUC

noleduc2000@yahoo.com

EPSOM

■At the library: Morning Storytime Monday & Wednesday at 10 a.m. Themes for the month will include winter and holiday books. Monday Makers at 3:30pm featuring Lego, Duplo Blocks and much more! Bed time Story Time continues on Thursday at 6 p.m. and includes books and calming movements. Mahjong meet at 10:15-12:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Knitters Group Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Bouncing babies meet Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Bone Builder Tuesday & Thursday at 9 a.m.

Thinker Thursday at 4 p.m.: Melting Snowmen Oobleck Challenge. Race to keep your snowman from “melting” as you add his buttons, eyes and nose. Bed time Story Time is on Thursday at 6 p.m. and includes books and calming movements. Bingo for Books on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. Prizes for winners and light refreshments while you play. All ages welcome. Family Movie Jan. 17 at 4 p.m.: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Mayhem.

■The Board of Selectmen will meet on Monday at 5 p.m. at the meetinghouse lower level. The OHRC will meet on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Meetinghouse in the lower level. The Planning Board will meet on Wednesday at 6:30pm at the Epsom Fire Station. A Planning Board Public Hearing Notice Site Plan Review will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. upstairs of the Epsom Fire Station. Planning Board Public Hearing Notice for Zoning Amendment review on Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. upstairs of the Epsom Fire Station. The Budget committee will meet on Thursday at 7 p.m. upstairs at the Epsom Fire Station .

■Epsom Supervisors of the Checklist meet Jan. 15 at Epsom Town Hall, 1598 Dover Road from 5:30 to 6 p.m. The Supervisors of the checklist will be in session. No additions or corrections shall be made to the checklist after this session, until election day, except as provided in RSA 659:12. RSA 654:8, II; RSA 654:27, 28 No change of party applications shall be accepted. RSA 654:32. New voters may be registered and removal of names based on reports of transfer of voter registration, official reports of death, or failure to adequately respond to a 30 day letter sent more than 30 days before the session are allowed.

■Presidential Primary Election - Jan. 23 at Epsom Bible Church, 398 Black Hall Road , 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering for the day or part of the day please contact Laura at the town office for an application to fill out!

■Happy birthday to Clare Sklarin on Tues, Lurene Riel Haskell on Friday! I hope you have wonderful celebrations!

TERRY RIEL

rielt397@gmail.com

Henniker/Weare

■Public Notice of timber sale Felch Farm Town Forest, sealed bids due Jan. 24 at 2 p.m.

■Public hearing of zoning amendments Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. at Weare Town Office Conference Room. Filing for candidates for Town Offices opens Jan. 24 and closes Feb. 2 at 5 p.m. at the Town Clerk’s Office. Selectman -two positions for 3-year term, one position for 1-year term Moderator- one position for 2-year term Supervisor of Checklist-one position for 6-year term Library Trustee-one position for 3-year term Trustees of the Trust Funds - one position for 3-year term Ethics Committee- one position for 3-year term.

■In the schools: Jan 16: Literacy Night for grades pre-K to 8th grade at Henniker Community School, 6- 7 p.m. Jan 18: John Stark Idol, 6:30 in the Cafe. (snow date: Jan. 26).

■My apologies for reporting last week that the Henniker Swap Shop is closed for the winter. Many area swap shops are closing for the winter but NOT Henniker!

TOM DUNN

dunn.t@comcast.net

Hopkinton

■Hopkinton is fortunate to have Two Villages Art Society (TVAS). This year, with your support we presented nine art exhibitions & sales, held two member shows; presented Best of Show and Merit Awards, gave more than 50 artists a showcase for their work, provided art experiences for hundreds of visitors, including “art campers”, hosted monthly Artist Circles and Drawing, expanded opportunities to shop locally while supporting artists, welcomed a new president and three new board members, added enthusiastic new volunteers, and music w/reception soloists, winter concerts, Contookuleles practice space. More information available at: twovillagesart.org/

■Hopkinton is also fortunate to have Witching Hour Provisions. By refilling over 61,000 ounces at Witching Hour Provisions, you kept over 3,800 16 ounce plastic containers out of the landfill. Your small changes made a big difference! More information available at witchinghourprovisions.com/

■The Contookuleles is New Hampshire’s newest ukulele meetup group. We are all about learning, making music, and most of all, having fun! New members are always welcome. We typically meet the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room at the Hopkinton Town Library. For more, check out The Contookuleles on Meetup - https://meetu.ps/c/51TCC/10w3Cx/a

KATHLEEN BUTCHER

kathb123@comcast.net

Pembroke

■Pembroke Community Power plans to launch March 1. Information letters will be mailed starting Jan. 22. The Pembroke Energy Committee is hosting a public informational meeting on Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. in the Pembroke Academy Auditorium to explain how Pembroke Community Power works, provide some historical electricity cost data, and to answer customer questions. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, write to PembrokeEnergyCommittee@gmail.com or go to pembroke-nh.com/energy-committee.

■Pembroke Town Library Lunch Club will meet Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your own lunch and come socialize with friends old and new! Winter Reading Challenge is starting Jan. 10. Join our friendly competition of adults vs children. Who can read the most books this winter? Register at our circulation desk. Adult Book Discussion takes place Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Currently reading “Deacon King Kong” by James McBride. Extra copies of the book are provided at the library. Mahjong is Thursday January 11, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Come play and socialize with friends old and new! All these events are free and open to the public. Any questions, contact: Ryan O’Hora at rohora@pembroke-nh.com or 603-485-7851.

■Pembroke Town Library is also offering: Grandparents Get Together with Waypoint on Friday, Jan. 12, from 10 to 11 a.m., the second Friday of each month. Many NH grandparents are finding themselves parenting for a second time. Great chance to meet other grandparents raising their grandchildren who are in a similar situation, share some ideas, find out about rights and resources, and get empowered and inspired. Free and open to the public. Childcare is provided! To register: Call 603-722-3678 or email Joan Valk at valkj@waypointnh.org

JOCELYN CARLUCCI

taihi@comcast.net

Pittsfield

■The Annual Meeting of the Pittsfield Historical Society will be held on Tuesday, January 9, at 6:30 at the Museum, 3 Oak Street. In conjunction with the meeting, there will be a short presentation reviewing the activities in 2023 and planning for 2024. Everyone is invited to attend.

■The Pittsfield Budget Committee will hold a public hearing on the 2024 municipal & school budgets on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Lecture Hall of the Pittsfield Middle High School. The snow date for this meeting will be Thursday, January 11, 2024 – same start time and location.

■The Josiah Carpenter Library Mead & Read Book Club will meet on Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Over the Moon Farmstead.

■The Haunting of the Scenic Theatre Jan. 12 and 13 Join us for a bone-chilling journey through the haunted halls of our historic theatre with tour times at 7:30 and 8 p.m. each night. After a brief history of the Scenic Theater, Home of The Pittsfield Players, a guided tour will lead you through the theater to experience what goes on in the shadows of the theatre, behind the scenes at night when there isn’t a show.

ANDREA RIEL

pittsfieldtowncrier@hotmail.com

Salisbury

■Salisbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding the following changes to the town’s zoning ordinance by removing Article VII from the Town’s Building Codes and adding a new Private Residential Camping Ordinance to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance as Article XXII. A Public Hearing will be held on Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Academy Hall, 9 Old Coach Road, Salisbury, during a regular meeting of the Planning Board. Upon a finding by the Board, the Board will vote to accept or reject the changes to the Town’s Building Code and Zoning Ordinance, which will then be placed on the 2024 Town Warrant. Anyone needing assistance to attend this meeting should contact the Selectmen’s Office one week prior to the schedule date. Per order of the Salisbury Planning Board. Copies of the newly proposed Private Residential Camping Ordinance is available at the Academy Hall on Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. or via request by email at salisburyadmin@tds.net

■NH Presidential Primary will be held on Jan. 23 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Salisbury Town Hall located at 645 Old Turnpike Road please see the town clerk if you wish to obtain for Application for Absentee Ballot, he is open Mondays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesdays 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. You may also email the town clerk at tclerksalisbury@gmail.com or call (603) 648-6322. There are examples of all ballots on the Towns webpage at salisburynh.org The Supervisors of the Checklist will meet on Jan. 16. This is for new registrations, address and name changes. This meeting will be held upstairs at Academy Hall, 9 Old Coach Road from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Supervisors of the Checklist will meet Jan. 23.This is for new registrations, address, name and party changes. This meeting will be held at Salisbury Town Hall 645 Old Turnpike Road after the Primary Election 7 to 7:30 p.m. If you have any questions please contact tclerksalisbury@gmail.com

JENNIFER HOYT

jimjen505@tds.net

Warner

■Join the fun at Warner’s 250th Anniversary Kick-off event on Jan. 13, 7 p.m. at Town hall. Bring a favorite dessert with its recipe card to share, or bring a story, an object, or photos about Warner for show and tell. Learn about our “Favorite Corner of Warner” activity and how you can participate. For more information, visit the Warner, NH’s 250th Birthday Facebook page.

■Love quilting or just starting? Consider creating a quilted wall hanging for Warner Historical Society’s Pieces and Patchwork Exhibit coming this summer. Creations should depict scenes of Warner’s history – the Historical Society has photos available for inspiration – and are due by April 1. Square or rectangle is preferred not exceeding 48” in any dimension. Quilters may enter their creations in the Silent Auction, which benefits Warner’s 250th anniversary. Applications with more information available at Pillsbury Free Library, Warner Historical Society, or online at warnerhistorical.org.

■Warner Fall Foliage Festival Committee holds its Annual Meeting – open to the public – Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. in the Gallery at MainStreet BookEnds (use gallery door). The board reviews this past year’s festival, discusses distribution of funds to local organizations, elects board members, and recognizes volunteers. Refreshments will be served.

ELIBET CHASE

warnertowncrier@gmail.com

Webster

■Are you looking for something to do this winter? The library has a pass to the Currier Museum of Art which admits two adults and children ages 13-17 at half-price admission. Children age 12 or younger are free. The pass is not valid for member events, admission to the Zimmerman House, special ticketed events, or for a member discount in the museum shop. The pass does not need to be returned to the library. For more information, call 669-7194.

■The next ZBA meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m.

■The Webster Town Clerk’s Office is looking for a Deputy Town Clerk. This is a part-time position. The Town Clerk office is open every Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Deputy Town Clerk will be asked to work 8 hours per week, and as necessary to fill in if the Town Clerk is absent due to illness, vacation, etc. The Deputy Town Clerk’s hours will be discussed during the interview process. Please contact the Town Clerk’s office via email at: townclerk@webster-nh.gov for more information. Please include a resume or brief letter of introduction

NANCY PICTHALL-FRENCH

jobar2003@yahoo.com