Talk of the Towns

Published: 08-26-2023 11:00 AM

Concord/Penacook

■Looking for a new activity this fall? Want some exercise, meet great people, have fun and learn something new? Before you picture straight arms and solo dancing, Irish Dance is so much more. In addition to the solos, there are partner and group dances and dances in a square. Tuition is very reasonable and the location very accessible in the South End. If you’re between 7 and 107, go to inthefieldirishdancers.jimdofree.com/ or javdance@comcast.net for more information and get to know the In The Field Irish Dancers. You’re ready for this fun experience!

■Delve into downtown Concord’s architectural heritage with the Upstairs Downtown “Steeples and Stories” Walking Tour on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 5 p.m., which showcases the First Church of Christ Scientist, South Congregational, United Baptist, St. Paul’s Episcopal and Christ the King. Participants are invited to a reception hosted at Christ the King. Savor delectable hors d’oeuvres with wine, beer and refreshing beverages. Tickets are $45. The two-mile exploration commences and concludes at Christ the King with free parking. Dress appropriately and wear comfortable footwear to ensure an enjoyable experience. For those with specific accessibility, feel free to send needs at registration. For ticket information and registration, please visit intownconcord.org.

■On Thursday, Sept. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 South Main St. Jilly Gagnon brings her new thriller, “Scenes of the Crime,” to talk about tension, plot, and why people are the most unsettling thing of all. It’s set in a locked room mystery set at a remote coastal winery. Order a signed copy through our website, and leave your personalization request in the order notes!

■ Sunset Sip and Stretch happens today at Feathered Friend Brewing, 231 South Main St. at 7 p.m. BYOM. Ticket includes a beer. Tickets are $35 at eventbrite.com/e/sunset-sip-and-stretch-tickets-677179521177?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse.

■Stop at the Heights Branch Library, Canterbury Road on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn about eBooks, downloadables, library databases and other questions you may have. Bring your own device or borrow one of our Chromebooks.

■ Create a team and compete against a group of the Baker Free and Concord Public Librarians for Trivia Night on Thursday. Bookish trivia will appear alongside questions about science, sports, pop culture, and more. Join them at Lithermans Limited, 126 Hall St., Unit B, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Prizes for the winning team!

■Go to Keach Park, 2 Newton Avenue, on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. for stories and activities for your 0-5 year old as the sun starts to set. This class includes stories, fingerplays, and songs, all designed to strengthen children’s reading or pre-reading skills. Please register at docs.google.com/forms/d/15gh72_6lShlPPaYSJFh1dbbFKOM2xnNQTHdE3Jc28K4/viewform?edit_requested=true.

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■ On Thursdays, the eBike Bookmobiles will visit a park/pool. Watch for social media posts for where and when your friendly library staff will pop up! All day!

■Downtown Concord Farmers’ Market continues on Saturdays and hosts up to 40+ vendors. It provides a variety of goods including in-season fresh fruits and vegetables, locally grown meats, honey, maple products, potted plants, cut flowers, wood products, cheeses, dog treats, body care products and fresh baked goods.

■ If you can play or sing a melody from the Real Book, then you’re ready to participate in the First Congregational Church, 79 Clinton St., First Sunday Jam Session. Solos are not required. Choose any song and the Jazz Sanctuary House Band will back you up (Or you can bring your own band). Bring your own instruments. Microphones, keyboard and drums set up, as well as a bass amp and music stands are provided. (Guitar players, please bring your own small amp). Vocalists are welcome, too! Pizza and soft drinks will be available for purchase.

■On Sept. 9 at 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in White Park, it’s a Steve’s Place Event. Household, vintage, treasures and crafts will be for sale. Spaces are available for $25. Bring your own tables, canopies, crafts and sale items. Reserve by text to 603-540-9096 or 603-860-6701. All proceeds to benefit Steve’s Place Recovery Club.

■The Barn at Bull Meadow hosts a free Corporate/Social Event Open House on Wednesday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. The Barn will be setup for an event. Attendees will see what hosting an event would look like! There will be exclusive caterers and bakers, florists and DJs onsite. There are a limited number of tickets for the 2 to 3:30 p.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. sessions. You must register in advance, and each ticket is good for up to six guests in total. Questions can be sent to Events@BullMeadow.com.

■On Labor Day, Sept. 4, city offices will be closed. Trash and recycling collection will be postponed to Tuesday. Collection for the rest of the week will be delayed by one day through Saturday.

■Street closures include two Neighborhood Block Parties and the Farmer’s Market. Today from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunset Avenue will be closed between South St. and Brookside Drive. Also today, from 4 to 7:30 p.m., Tahanto St. will be closed between School St. and Warren St. On Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., Capitol St. from Green St. to North State St.

■The first day back to school for Merrimack Valley School District is Wednesday, Aug.30.

■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

JEAN VER HOEVEN

jeanann@voicenet.com

Allenstown

■Allenstown Residents can do their Car Registrations in the Town of Bow from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 10 Grandview Road, in Bow, on Tuesday only. Allenstown residents can also do Car Registrations in the Town of Hooksett from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday only at Hooksett Town Hall, 35 Main Street, Hooksett, NH. Both Bow and Hooksett offered to help Allenstown until Allenstown completes its training and can resume Clerk’s Office Hours.

■The Suncook Senior Center will be making Mason Jar Flowers at Arts and Crafts at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30. Baked Bean Cook Off will be held on August 31 at 11 a.m. so if you think your baked beans are the best, bring them and let us be the judge. The tasting for the baked beans will start at 11 a.m. but will continue through noon.

■St. John the Baptist is making plans to hold their annual Penny Sale on Oct. 20 to 22. Stay tuned for more information.

CLAUDETTE VERVILLE

cverville2@comcast.net

BOSCAWEN

■“Four Shillings Short” gives an eclectic free concert at the Boscawen Public Library on Tuesday. This fun, family show starts at 6:30 p.m. and wraps up about 8 p.m. The beguiling duo of Christy Martin and Aodh Og O’Tuama perform traditional and original Celtic, Folk and World music. They play over 30 instruments including Dulcimers, Pennywhistles, Recorders, Mandolins, Sitar, Banjo, and Guitar.

■Today at Twiggs Gallery, “Poetry and Pie” is offered from 1to 3 p.m. There is an Open Mic for Poetry readings with a suggested topic of NEST. Also, attendees can enjoy browsing the current art show at the gallery.

■It’s back to school for Boscawen kids on Wednesday! A Kindergarten Open House will be held at BES on Tuesday at 4 p.m. The school will be closed on Friday and on Monday, Labor Day. Boscawen Town Offices and the Boscawen Public Library will be closed for Labor Day, on Monday, Sept. 4.

MARY ALLARD

boscawenpl@gmail.com

BOW

■Happenings at Bow Young at Heart: Aug. 23, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 91 Bow Center Rd. Ice cream social and Bingo; Sept. 13, 12:30 p.m. at 91 Old Bow Center Rd. The public is invited to attend the stories of New England Lighthouse and the People who Kept Them, presented by Jeremy D’Entremont and sponsored by NH Humanities. This presentation will focus on the dramatic stories of historic New England Lighthouse keepers and their families. Bow Young at Heart is a social group with membership open to all residents of Bow and surrounding communities age 55 and older. The pubic is invited to attend any meeting or presentation.

JOYCE KIMBALL

bowcomnews@comcast.net

BRADFORD

■The Bradford Historical Society had a very interesting last Sunday afternoon when their first antique vehicle show had 26 vehicle on exhibition between 1 and 4 p.m. on the Society campus on East Main Street.

■The Bradford Community Church on West Main Street will begin Bible study on Sunday mornings from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. with the Book of James and on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. The Book of Genesis will be held on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The men’s breakfast and devotions will be held on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 8 a.m. Sister to sister gatherings will be on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 8:30 a.m. Bring your own coffee and come and enjoy biblical devotions. New members gathering will be held after the worship service on Sunday September 10th.

MARGE CILLEY

mgcilley@gmail.com

CANTERBURY

■Message from Erin Chubb and CES: Kindergarten and first grade families are invited to an Open House at Canterbury Elementary School on Thursday, Aug. 31, from 1 to 3 p.m. You are welcome to come anytime to meet the teachers and see the classroom. Beginning at 1:30 p.m., students and their families can meet one of the bus drivers and take a short ride. Also, staff members from the SAU office will be at the school helping with fingerprinting. Fingerprinting is required in order to volunteer at CES and/or chaperone field trips. Please bring your photo ID. We hope to see you soon!

■Elkins Library Kiss and Cry: September means that children are heading back to school, and for some parents, this is a very new experience. After dropping off your Kindergartener at school and giving them a kiss goodbye, stop in at the library for coffee and muffins and a chance to talk (or cry) with other parents and caregivers experiencing the same thing. The library will be hosting this coffee hour on Tuesday, Sept., 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

RACHEL BAKER

bakercompany4@gmail.com

CHICHESTER

■Chichester Youth Association’s 20th annual golf tournament will be held Sept 24 in Loudon. Visit the Chichester Youth Assn website to sign up as early registration ends Sept. 1. CYA is seeking donations for their raffle. Putting contest, long drive contest and a 50/50 raffle will be held.

■Chichester Central School is readying for Teachers Professional Day on Aug. 28 and 29. Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. Incoming 4th and 5th grade parents are invited to an information night. This gives parents a chance for questions on schedules and to see the classrooms. School for students will start on Aug. 30 at 8 a.m. The school will be closed for Labor Day weekend from Sept. 1 to 4. Morgan Rowell accepted the position of the new reading specialist. Bianca Bird will be in the kindergarten room as a new teacher. CCS wants to keep everyone in the loop. An announcement blog is their way of doing just that. After school care options are available by the Epsom Learning Tree for grades K-4 with transportation. The Concord Boys and Girls Club is another opportunity for after school care for grades K-8 with transportation provided. Contact the school for information.

■Chichester students in grade 6-8 are invited to join the Pembroke Jr. Spartans foot ball team. The Spartans are at a risk of not having a football team. If your child is interested contact Pembroke Friends of Football.

EVELYN PIKE

broomtailfarm@hotmail.com

DUNBARTON

■ Aug. 30 is the First Day of School. No school on Sept. 4, for Labor Day. Chair Yoga with Sherry Gamble is Aug. 31 at 11 a.m., upstairs in the Town Hall. Please bring up a chair from downstairs.

■This month, the DCC Book group: Beyond the Book is reading “Beneficence” by Meredith Hall. “After a sudden and terrible loss, how does a loving family find their way back to the goodness and peace they once shared? Reviewers and readers have called this literary historical novel ‘hauntingly beautiful,’ ‘a masterpiece of compassion,’ ‘a page-turner and an artistic triumph.’ ” Discussion will be Thurs. Sept. 7, 7 to 8 .m. For location or questions, contact barbbennett51@gmail.com

■Dunbarton Garden Club/DGC will have their annual Mum Sale at Page’s Country Store & Deli, 15 Concord Stage Road, Dunbarton, NH from Sept. 7 to 10. The hours are Thursday noon to 6 p.m. Friday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. DGC will have mums 3 for $20 as well as asters, decorative cabbages, cornstalks, pumpkins and perhaps, hay bales. Dunbarton Garden Club sponsors the ROOTS Club that is held at Dunbarton Elementary School in the spring and summer to encourage students to have an interest in gardening. Please support the DGC with their fundraiser so that the club can continue to give back to the Dunbarton community.

NORA LEDUC

noleduc2000@yahoo.com

EPSOM

■The Epsom Town Band will conclude its summer concert series on Friday, Sept. 1, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Webster Park. Mark your calendars, invite your friends and family, and bring a lawn chair to enjoy an old-fashioned concert in the park!

■Library happenings: Monday at 6 p.m. grab a friend and stop in for BINGO for books. Light refreshments while calling out the numbers. Mahjong meets on Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. The Knitters Group will meet on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Crochet, quilting, and fabric crafters of all sorts are welcome. Movie Matinee on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. with “South Pacific.” Storytime is on Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. Teen Time at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Bedtime Storytime is on Thursday at 6 p.m.

■Economic Development Committee will meet Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Zoning Board Public Hearing will meet on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Epsom Central School. Tuesday DC Fundraising will meet on Tuesday at ECS in Cafeteria at 7 p.m. First day of school ECS on Wednesday! Have a great year kids! No school on Friday!

TERRY RIEL

rielt397@gmail.com

FRANKLIN

■Irish Music at Waterhorse Irish Pub, will be Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. Come and enjoy traditional Irish tunes! Try the delicious food and drinks, too!

■Farmer’s Market with live music from Don Bartenstein will be at Marceau Park, Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy great outdoor music in beautiful Marceau Park. Visit the Farmers Market and stay through the concert or take time before or during the concert to support local vendors.

■Community Surf Night at Franklin Falls Whitewater Park will be Thursday from 5 p.m. to dusk. Meet fellow paddling enthusiasts every Thursday! Grab your gear and dive into the joy of whitewater kayaking! Enhance your skills, try out new maneuvers, and bask in the camaraderie of like-minded adventurers.

AMY and ANDREW DUGUAY

franklintowncrier@gmail.com

Henniker/Weare

■September is the time to register for LINEC lifelong learning classes. Seniors and others are welcome to join six-week classes beginning in October. linec.org. For those who would like a catalog sent to them, call 978 743-9077.

■Weare residents must get a transfer permit by Oct. 1. Stickers can be obtained at the town clerk’s office during regular business hours.

■Final Tuesday night concert of the summer is Nick’s Other Band the favorite party band for the end of the summer bash sponsored by Henniker Family Dental on Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m.

■Thursday Henniker Farmers’ Market is still going strong – every Thursday 4 to 7 p.m.

■We could not be more proud to welcome six John Stark Regional High School graduates back to SAU 24 schools to teach this year. These JSRHS alumni are Colleen Couhie ‘97; Haley Philibotte ‘18; Jess Valles ‘93; Molly Guay ‘17; Ethan Tyrrel-Walker ‘09; and Ryan Bumford ‘03.

TOM DUNN

dunn.t@comcast.net

Hopkinton

■Our current show “Salon de Cinq: So Long” celebrates the artistic friendship and partnership of six outstanding local artists. Salon de Cinq began 20 years ago when Pat Palson, a nationally recognized weaver, brought five (cinq) artistic woman together. They met weekly at Pat’s weaving studio to drink coffee, discuss art , give and receive honest critique, and fall in love with the excitement of art. Over the years, members have come and gone and gifted husbands have been elevated to membership. The exhibit features Pat Palson, Kathleen Dustin, Eric Palson, Steven Frye, Annie Frye and Nancy Brown. Their work will be on display and for sale through Sept. 2. TVAS gallery at 846 Main Street in Contoocook is free and open to the public Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

■End of Summer Concert Series Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Lewellen Bandstand (downtown Contoocook). A free family friendly event. Beer Garden and Food. Aug. 31: The Luggnuts. Sept. 7: Senie Hunt Project.

■Shared Harvest of Hopkinton is in full swing. Donate fresh garden vegetables and eggs from your garden for the Food Pantry. Donations are accepted from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the Slusser Center. August 30th is the last date of the season.

KATHLEEN BUTCHER

kathb123@comcast.net

Pembroke

■Pembroke & Allenstown Old Home Day is today, Aug. 26. Pre-Parade entertainment on Main St. and Allenstown Town Hall at 9 a.m. Parade begins at 10 a.m. All-day events at Memorial Park: Entertainment, food, crafts, inflatables, horse-drawn wagon ride, hay ride, raffle, and spectacular fireworks at dusk, sponsored by Associated Grocers of New England

■The Pembroke Town Library in conjunction with the Pembroke Historical Society and the NH Humanities Council will host a presentation by former Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Taylor on Wednesday, Aug. 30, about “New Hampshire’s One-Room Rural Schools”. The event will take place in the library at 313 Pembroke Street at 7 p.m., and is free and open to the Public. For more information, call 603-566-1031.

JOCELYN CARLUCCI

taihi@comcast.net

Pittsfield

■Save the Date – Pittsfield Historical Society program “Good Old Golden Rule Days of School.” Reminiscing of school days from the past presented by Jonas & Elaine Glidden on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.

■The Josiah Carpenter Library’s new Storywalk is ready: “Can I be Your Dog” by Troy Cummings. We have partnered with local businesses to post pages of a children’s storybook in their downtown business windows. Starting on Main Streeet, grab a map in the mailbox at Dustin Park and follow the story around town. When you’re finished the walk/story, stop by the library when we’re open for your free gift! A special thank you to Pittsfield Head Start for collaborating with us to make this month’s StoryWalk possible. Visit the library Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12:30 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to check out our selections.

■The Pittsfield Players, “Curtain Up: An Evening of Music” rehearsals are underway! A special shout-out to our cast and crew for their hard work and excitement to put on a great show for The Pittsfield Players fundraising event! Tickets are available now on pittsfieldplayers.org This is a one night only event on Sept. 9 at 8 p.m., right at the Scenic Theater!

ANDREA RIEL

pittsfieldtowncrier@hotmail.com

Warner

■All are welcome to the annual Lower Warner Meeting House Service, 225 East Main Street, on Aug.27, at 10 a.m. The Rev. Amy Gardner will be preaching this Sunday service, which is presented by the United Church of Warner and the Warner Historical Society.

■Don’t miss Warner Historical Society’s exhibit, “The Village of Davisville,” which features the artwork of Fernanda and Giselle Harrington and runs through Oct. 8. Visit during Society hours: Tuesdays 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

■ Warner’s weekly activities include Pillsbury Free Library Story Time in the Children’s Room on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., Warner Area Farmer’s Market every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Barn Sale and Book Loft Sale at Warner Historical Society, Tuesdays 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon, Pickleball at Riverside Park (all levels welcome), Wednesdays 6 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m., Warner Food Pantry, 49 W. Main Street, Tuesdays 4 to 6 p.m. and Thursdays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Family Closet Thrift Store, Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and live acoustic music at Reed’s North on Sundays from 4 to 7 p.m. Never a dull moment!

ELIBET CHASE

warnertowncrier@gmail.com

Webster

■On Saturday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m., the Society for the Preservation of the Old Meeting House will present Sheryl Fayes’ live historical performance, “Celebrate the First Lady of the World, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt!” The performance will be entertaining and educational by using props, costumes, and various media forms to create a genuinely memorable historical performance. Audiences of all ages will truly understand the profound positive impact Eleanor Roosevelt made on history.

■The Webster Old Home Day was a great success. Congratulations to Marty Bender who was the Grand Marshall of the parade.

■The Webster Conservation Commission and the Webster Free Public Library will present “Tick Talk” on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Webster Town Hall (945 Battle Street). Kathie Fife will discuss the ecology of Lyme disease and will share her knowledge and experience as a patient and natural resource specialist and her legislative work advocating for better patient care and physician education. Lyme disease is the No. 1 vector-borne disease in America. The discussion will end information on the “Lyme Disease Testing Bill” that Kathie wrote and was passed.

NANCY PICTHALL-FRENCH

webstertowncrier@gmail.com

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