The Merrimack Valley VoiceDecember 01, 2019 Complimentary Volume 11 Issue 12

Serving Boscawen, Concord, Canterbury, Contoocook, Hopkinton, Penacook, Salisbury, Warner and Webster

TAKE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY PARTY TONEW HEIGHTS AT ALTITUDE CONCORD!

270 Loudon Rd, Concord, NH 03301  603-664-4444 www.altitudeconcord.com

Let our personal party hosts take the stress of party planning off yourhands. Come jump, party & celebrate with us!

While out and about we ran across Wendy Landin and her Rescue Pony Gingersnap, picking up trash on River Road,. Something they do about once a month. If you see her wave hi and tell her Thanks!

Enjoy big shopping, downtown charm, and all the lights and sounds of the holidays at the... 27th Annual Midnight Merriment

Concord, NH – Come celebrate the 27th Annual Midnight Merriment on Friday, December 6th from 5:00 pm until midnight. Midnight Merriment is a Concord tradition hosted by Intown Concord in downtown Concord, NH. This festive and family-oriented event kicks off the holiday season and offers a variety of holiday fun and activities. More than 5,000 people visit downtown to shop, socialize, eat, and have fun. As a free, family and community driven event, Midnight Merriment helps to build and maintain community well-being which is vital to a healthy downtown.

Midnight Merriment is an important economic driver for downtown Concord’s small and independent business owners, who work passionately to provide a fun and personal customer-focused shopping experience. This event is a cornerstone of the Intown Concord mission of promoting and enhancing the business environment, cultural activities, housing, and appearance of historic downtown Concord. Here’s what you’ll find at this year’s Midnight Merriment:

• SHOP Concord! Enjoy festive holiday decorations, special promotions, and refreshments at your favorite shops throughout Concord’s downtown; bring your list and support our local economy!

• Dine with friends and family at a variety of tasty downtown restaurants

Midnight Merriment!

Merriment continued Page 7

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The Merrimack Valley Voice Page 2 December 01, 2019

Merrimack Valley Stamp Collectors MeetingThe Merrimack County Stamp Collectors will hold its monthly meeting at the Bow Mills United Methodist Church, 505 South St., Bow, on December 17th beginning at 1 pm. We invite all who are interested in stamp collecting to attend, share their interest, buy, sell and trade. Meet other collectors and learn more about their hobby and enjoy the fellowship of others with varied interests in Philatelic resources and issues. Gain new insight and knowledge, sharing news articles and stories about stamp collecting. For more information call Dan Day at 603-228-1154. ------------------------------------------

Sovereign Grace Fellowship Community MealCome join Sovereign Grace Fellowship Church for a free community meal on De-cember 21st starting at 4:30PM. Located at 235 High St in Boscawen Sovereign holds these meals every third Saturday of the month. Visit their Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/sovereign.grace.52. Sunday Church Services start at 9:30AM. Wednesday Bible Study and Youth Group begin at 7:00PM. Please come and join us - All are Welcome.

Event: Monthly Breakfast Location: Post Hall, 11 Charles St, Penacook, NHAdditional Information: all-you-can-eat: eggs, bacon, sausage, homefries, beans, toast, muffins, juice, coffee, tea & more! Date: Sunday, November 10, 2019Time: 8:00 AMDuration: serving 8- 10:30 AM Adults: $8.00;Seniors: 60 and up: $7.00;Children 12 and under: $5.00;Children 3 and under: Free;Omelets: $2.00 extra charge;Eggs to order: No extra charge.

Penacook American Legion Breakfast

Follow us on Instagram@merrimackvalleyvoice

Merchandise from area shops and the

general public includes

new and used alpine

and nordic ski

equipment, helmets,

snowshoes,

snowboards and boots,

hockey equipment,

sleds, winter clothing,

skates, goggles, gloves

and much more

Ski and Skate SaleSaturday, December 7, 2019 9:00AM - 2:00PM

Steeplegate Mall Concord, NH

Questions can be directed to Capital Skiand Outing Club @ 491-4703

*NewLocation

In theOld Bonton

"The Catholic Daughters, Court Pope John Paul II #2602, is hosting a CHRISTMAS FAIR and COOKIE WALK at Immaculate Conception Church, 9 Bonney Street, Penacook, on Saturday, December 14 from 9 am to 1 pm in the church hall. There will be a raffle table filled with donated items by the various vendors and CDA members. Listen to Christmas music while doing your Christmas shopping and supporting local artists and vendors. A soup luncheon will be provided by the Catholic Daughters. And don't forget about the Cookies -- homemade and sold by the pound!"

Wednesday, December 18 Blue Christmas Service at 7 pm.Bow Mills UMC will offer a Blue Christmas service for folks who know that this Christmas will be a difficult one, either because they have had a death in the family, a loss or broken relationship, hardship, or because of painful memories of Christmases past. Please join us at 7:00 pm, for a time of special music, scripture, silent reflection, candle lighting and healing prayer. Light refreshments will be offered after the service.

The PVA is sponsoring the 13th Annual Penacook Tree Lighting at Boudreau Square on Wednesday, December 4. Assemble at 5:30 pm for free refreshments, the lighting of the tree at 6 pm, live music from the Penacook Elementary School Chorus under the direction of Elaine Hasham, a 50/50 raffle ($1 per ticket or $10 for an arm's length), and a visit from Santa courtesy of the Concord Fire Dept.

Fun for the whole family!

Blue Christmas Service

Christmas Fair and Cookie Walk

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The Merrimack Valley Voice December 01, 2019 Page 3

2019 Clough Tavern

Christmas with our

Furry Friends

November 29, - December 8, 2019Fri, Sat, Sun 9-5, weekdays 10-423 Clough Tavern Road, Canterbury

Join us for 10 days of Holiday shopping at one of Canterbury’s oldest historic homes. Complementing our

garlic and sheep products are five rooms offering a diversified and eclectic collection of 50 other NH Artisans, Artists and Authors as well as Antiques. Be sure to look

for this year’s special themed gifts celebrating “Our Furry Friends”.

DIRECTIONS: From 93 take Exits 17 & 18 orRt 4, 9, 106 go to Canterbury Center, take Old Tilton Rd;

turn left onto Clough Tavern RdFollow the Christmas Signs!

603-783-4287

Local Pork, Lamb& Grassfed Beef

Sold at the Loudon FarmStore, Local Markets and

Served in Restaurants

Miles Smith FarmLoudon, NH 03307

603.783.5159MilesSmithFarm.com

42nd Annual Contoocook Artisans Holiday Craft FairShop Hopkinton's juried fine art and crafts fair featuring 35 local artisans!

Local Handmade ItemsSpecial handcrafted items include holiday items, handbags, pottery, paintings, stained glass, folk art, beadwork, quilts, Shaker items, gifts for the home, wreaths & dried arrangements, dolls and children's toys, maple sugar products, hand blown & hand formed glass works, wooden items, jewelry, baskets, photography, hand woven, knitted & hand sewn clothing and women's accessories, felted items and much more. HoursFriday, December 6th: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 7th: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Contoocook Artisan Show is part of "Starry, Starry Weekend", a group of more than 20 shops and organizations in Hopkinton & Contoocook celebrating the holidays during the first weekend in December. LocationThe fair is held at St. Andrew's Parish Hall, 354 Main Street, Hopkinton, NH (two doors down from the Hopkinton Town Hall).Exit 4, I 89 North or Exit 5, I 89 South.

Concord Regional VNA Announces December Senior Health Clinics in PenacookPENACOOK, N.H. - Concord Regional VNA is holding Senior Health Clinics at Briar Pipe Apartments on Friday, December 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, December 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All Senior Health Clinic services are provided for a suggested donation of $10, however, services are provided regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Services offered include foot care, blood pressure screening, B-12 injections, medication education, and nutritional education. Call (603) 224-4093 or (800) 924-8620, ext. 5815 for an appointment.

Concord Regional VisitingNurse Association News

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At home……on Santa’s list By Deb Simoneau

Dear Santa, I can explain…We’ve all been there. We live in a world where nobody is perfect. A few of you are reading that line out loud to someone who hasn’t quite accepted that fact. Ha ha We all have a “Dear Santa I can explain” day now and then. Then there are those of us who throw our better judgement to the wind and live by the “1 day of coal, 364 days of fun; I’ll take my chances” creed. Nothing wrong with that mind set per se (That’s Latin for by itself. Didn’t think you’d be educated in a free paper? Surprise! Beware, I have my sassy pants on today.) For those of us who love someone dearly with that “1 day of coal” mind set…Well, let’s just leave it at there’s “No need to feel envious.” This is why Jesus tells us to love unconditionally. That, and maybe, just maybe we “Dear Santa, I can explain” types need that too. Especially this time of year. Why? One word, expectations. There are a lot of them associated with this time of year. Luckily for us, Santa knows all about that. I mean, how much of that weight he’s carrying is from stress eating? We all know the results of it aren’t pretty, but it happens friends. The closer we get to “the most wonderful time of the year”, the more those expectations press into already busy lives. Kind of like if you gain 10 pounds. Yes, you can get those pants on, but it isn’t always pretty. Sure, you can layer it up. Underneath it all though, the truth of the matter is spilling over like a muffin top in a baking pan. And it isn’t comfortable, for any of us. I am at the point in life where my expectations are more realistic. I find this helpful for myself and for others. There are going to be days where life is a hot mess and I am not just talking about the molasses that boiled over onto the stove top while making gingerbread cookies. Do not despair when this happens. You probably just need a break. Take a little time for yourself. Watch a Christmas movie. Get out of the house with a friend. You just might need to get some stuff off your chest, other than that food stain from lunch that the Tide to Go stick didn’t completely remove. Venting is not just for dryers. Sometimes an hour or two with a good listener can make all the difference. If that doesn’t work, try to do something for others. Acts of service take only a few minutes, but

it can shift your focus and get you into the good graces of others. Yes, even Santa. Hold that door a few seconds longer, and you might make the day of a harried mom with three kids in tow. Stopping to let that driver turn left, only takes a few seconds and may save someone from being late. Giving a hearty wave to thank the person who let you turn left, also makes our community a nicer place to live. How many times do you walk by that full trash can? You’ve been compacting that thing for days avoiding emptying it. Make someone’s day by emptying it. Same goes for the dishwasher and the laundry bin. Trust me, putting a smile on another’s face feels good. Now, if you really need to move up a few slots on Santa’s list you’re going to have to plan ahead. Hey now, no need to put this paper in the recycling bin just yet. How great would it be if more of us in the Merrimack Valley thanked those that serve us? So many people make our lives better. Think about all the places in your life where you are served. People like your family, teachers, co-workers, doctor, dentist, store clerk, bank teller, hairdresser/barber, food server, policeman, fireman, mailman, or trashman are just a start. All you need is a treat and a thank you. What? I know you’re busy. Even just thanking a couple of people makes a difference. Kindness matters, friends, to our community and to Santa. And, think how good it’s going to feel to look inside that stocking and see something besides that coal looking gum this year. To those happy with your place on Santa’s list, are you sure you want to settle for only hearing “your number is up” in line at the deli?

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Merrimack Valley VoicePublished on the 1st of each month

by Mike Cotton, Penacook, NH 03303

Phone: 603.568.0428Email: merrimackvalleyvoice@comcast.net

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We welcome letters to the Editor. Correspondencemust be legible and received by the 20th of each month. Letters are

limited to 200 words and may not be a direct attack on anyperson or business. Your name and town must be included ~ anonymous

letters WILL NOT be accepted. We reserve the right to refuseany letter that does not meet our criteria.

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Bring the kids and grandkids and join us for some old fashioned holiday cheer. The 1834 Rolfe House is decorated, the holiday crafts are ready, and the home-baked cookies will be in the oven! Fun for all ages. A Penacook tradition. Located at 11 Penacook St. From 1PM to 3PM

The Boscawen Public Library’s Writers Group meets from 6 to 8 p.m. on the last Monday of each month, except for May and December. At the moment we have six members, including Sheila Mable, the editor, teacher and facilitator. As always, we may write in any form we wish—fiction or nonfiction, poetry or prose, letters or lyrics, monologue or dialogue, etc. At meetings we share our pieces in a supportive environment while giving and receiving feedback on how to improve our writing. We welcome others to join us at any session.

Whose Failure?by Sheila Mable

“Mummy, it is time yet?” Suzy asked as she watched the big kids parade by her house on the way to school in early May.

“No, not yet. I told you that you would have to wait until September to go to school,” her mother replied impatiently. They repeated this conversation all spring until at last Suzy, dressed in her new red plaid dress, joined that parade on her first day of school.

Now at five and a half, Suzy entered Mrs. Norton’s class with 40 other first graders. Even though she was small and shy, Suzy volunteered on the sixth day to run the milk money to the office and to wash the blackboards.

In the months that followed, Suzy talked endlessly about school and her teacher. She liked to read stories about Dick and Jane and loved to sing, dance and draw. She also couldn’t wait to show pictures of her cat in the show-and-tell circles. Mummy and Daddy did not see Suzy’s successes. They saw only her low grades on the first report card. “Suzy’s having difficulty with letters and sounds,” Mrs. Norton said to them during an after-school conference. “She’s just not trying.” Although a slow reader, Suzy felt no different from her classmates. She couldn’t figure out why Daddy had scolded her—C’s and D’s were passing. And she had worked hard, especially in art.

“Mummy!” Suzy hollered one day when she came home from school. She raced upstairs and plunked her blue lunch box on the kitchen table. “Guess what?”“What?” her mother asked abruptly as she looked up from scrubbing the floor on her hands and knees.

“I did good in art today,” Suzy said, taking a deep breath and proudly placing her hands on her hips. “I drawed a chicken.”

“That’s good,” her mother mumbled without enthusiasm and returned to her chores.The next day teacher handed back the drawing face down on the desk. Why did she do that? Suzy asked herself and then looked around to see if others had noticed. She quietly turned the paper over, drawing it closer to her. A big red F glared from the top right corner of the picture. Tears filled Suzy’s eyes as she lowered her head. Why did her drawing of a smooth-skinned, footless, headless bird lying on its back like the one Mummy stuffed for Sunday dinner receive an F? She didn’t understand.

She was beginning to understand one thing, though. She was a failure.

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Boscawen Library News

Riverhill Market& Deli

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NH’s own Grammy nominee, Judy Pancoast, will perform “A Holiday Evening” on Tuesday, December 3rd beginning at 6:30 pm. She opens her program singing some of her original Christmas songs and follows with readings from her novel based on her hit song “The House on Christmas Street”. Young and older and all those in-between will enjoy this free evening of entertainment. Copies of Judy’s book will be available for purchase and signing. Learn more about Judy at www.judypancoast.com. A second Holiday celebration at the library includes an Open House and Concert on Monday, December 16th from 5 to 7 pm. Enjoy the background music of Rich Araldi during the social time before and after the concert. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to attend this special real music Free House Concert. Snacks and beverages will be served. More information about the music of Rich Araldi’s, is on his website at http://www.richaraldimusic.com/house-concerts.html. If you are looking for part-time, temporary work, beginning in the Spring, consider

joining the 2020 US Census Team. A Census Bureau agent will be in the entrance of the Town Municipal Offices Building on Wednesday, December 11th from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm to assist with the application process. More information is online at www.2020census.gov/jobs. Ruth Ware’s novel, “The Death of Mrs. Westaway” will reviewed at the Book Discussion meeting on Tuesday, December 17th beginning at 2:30 pm. Full of spellbinding menace and told in the author’s suspenseful style, this is an additive thriller from the Agatha Christine of our time. Extra copies of the novel are available at the library for patrons, whether or not you participate in the book discussion. Bring your imaginations! Kids and their parents are invited to a Holiday Crafts Workshop on Saturday, December 21 from 10 am to Noon. Materials and supplies will be provided for participants. Every Wednesday at 10:30 am, the library holds a Preschool Storytime followed by an age appropriate craft project. It is a great preparation for kids entering kindergarten. Stick around after the story to hang out in the kid’s play area to enjoy books, games, puzzles and coloring books. The library’s hours for the Holiday Season are as follows: Christmas Eve Day, we will be open 10 to 3, closed on Christmas Day and will be open on the day after Christmas from 1 to 6 pm. The library will be open from 12 to 4 on New Year’s Eve Day, closed on New Year’s Day and resumes regular hours as of January 2nd. The Boscawen Public Library offers a large collection of fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs, audio books, periodicals, computers, and copier for public use in a bright and comfortable setting. You don’t have to be a resident or patron to check us out. If you like what you see, it’s free for residents (with proof of residency) and non-residents can join for a lifetime membership of $20! Additional ongoing activities at the library include the Adult Craft Group on Mondays from 2 to 4 pm, Bone Builders on Monday and Fridays at 9:30 am, and Gentle Chair Yoga classes on Wednesdays at 9 am. A Kindle is available for loan.

Thank you,MaryBoscawen Public Library116 North Main StreetBoscawen NH 03303(603) 753-8576www.boscawenlpublicibrary.orgwww.facebook.com/BoscawenPublicLibrary

Dec. 18th - 21st

154 North Main St.Boscawen, NH603-753-4313

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The Merrimack Valley Voice December 01, 2019 Page 7

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• Bring your dance moves to City Plaza and join Nazzy from 105.5 JYY for fun holiday greetings, and festive dance music. • Listen for the many strolling caroling groups throughout the night

• Shop Winter Giftopolis with Concord Arts Market in the Eagle Square Atrium –There is no better time to celebrate New Hampshire and New England handmade than winter holiday time. (6:00 pm to 11:00pm)• S’mores Station- Stay warm and enjoy some yummy treats in Bicentennial Square sponsored by Granite State Candy Shoppe.

• Pose for family photos at the Christmas tree, Nativity scene, and Menorah on City Plaza• Keep your shopping list a secret and bring your children to Altitude Trampoline Park, Drop and Shop “Friday Night Friendzy.” 3 full hours of jumping for only $20. Note: Children must be 13 or older if NOT accompanied by an adult.

• Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa or apple cider and a live demonstration from Title Boxing Club.

• Pop-up entertainment, Elfie-selfie station’s and instant giveaways to win Downtown Dollars

• Midnight Merriment would not be complete without a visit with Santa! Stop by NH Federal Credit Union for your Christmas photo and goodies! Don’t forget to bring your letter to Santa!

Midnight Merriment is brought to you by Intown Concord with presenting sponsor New Hampshire Federal Credit Union. Additional sponsors include: Granite State Candy Shoppe, Shaheen & Gordon – Attorneys at Law, NE Delta Dental and Merrimack County Savings Bank.

For more information visit www.intownconcord.org or call 603.226.2150.

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$395

12/31/2019

Veteran's Day 2019 - Thank You To Those Who Have Served and Are Serving

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YOU BELONG HERERegister today for Spring classes at NHTI

1-2 week intersession, 8 week or full semester classes Flexible scheduling, day, evening or online options

Classes begin January 21Register now to get the schedule that fits your busy life.

Complete schedule available at

nhti.edu/spring

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HOLIDAY ARTISANS AT THE UPTON CHANDLER HOUSE

Holiday Open House Features Locally Made Gifts for Sale

On December 7, 10am-4pm, the Warner Historical Society throws open the doors to the Upton Chandler House Museum for its annual Holiday Artisans shopping event. This year we will showcase the artwork of Denise Green and Mimi Wiggin, delicious gingersnaps and other goodies by Judy Courser, maple syrup from Courser Farm with Penny Courser, hand-woven creations by Paula Morse, a wide variety of holiday wall hangings and table runners from Mink Hill Quilting, handcrafted jewelry by Sarah Mundahl, notecards and ornaments by Jennifer Elliott, fantastic gourds by Susan Brown, beautifully turned bowls by Gary Young, jewelry and baskets by Michelle Marson, along with colorful art tiles by Susan Beere. The museum store will be open with Mt. Kearsarge items, our 2020 calendar featuring Warner railroad scenes and hand-painted ornaments by Joan Dodge of the Main Street railroad depot and a steam train at the Bagley Station. The barn sale will feature holiday items from the barn and a variety of gaily wrapped gift baskets to suit your last-minute holiday needs!

The museum store will also be open on Saturday December 14th and 21st, 10am-1pm, and through the week when you see the “Open” flag displayed at the office.

The Upton Chandler House is located at 10 West Main Street, Warner, NH.

The Warner Historical Society formed 50 years ago to preserve, educate about and keep alive Warner’s heritage. The Society has yearly exhibits and programs in the Upton Chandler House Museum on Main Street and maintains the Lower Warner Meeting House which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Come visit our 10,000 square foot Antique Group Shop housed in a beautifully

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Looking For That One of a KindChristmas Gift?

Closing December 28Re-open April, 2020

Our eclectic mix of Dealer and Consigned items includes, but is not limited to, rooms of fine furnishings including antiques, vintage and retro, lighting,antique and vintage glassware, crystal, china and silverplate, cast iron, pottery, artwork, rugs in every room including orientals, braided,

hooked and floorcloths, costume and vintage jewelry, books, dolls (including American Girl),bottles, vintage signs, linens, sports memorabilia, NH Made items and so much more!

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December 2019

How to Turn a Struggling Reader into a Successful Reader

Greetings Parents,

Reflect upon what successful readers do. These readers take control of their reading. They use strategies to help them succeed. Encourage your reluctant and struggling reader to follow along with a finger if needed, use letter clues, use picture clues, and read for meaning.

What else do good readers do? They practice. When good readers practice, they gain more exposure to strategy usage such as letter clues; looking for smaller words within words, beginnings and endings, common sounds like the letter c making the letter /k/ sound, uncommon sounds like the letter g making the letter /j/ sound; and read for meaning. These readers create mental pictures, use background knowledge, ask questions, make inferences, determine what’s most important, synthesize information, and make connections. Even strong readers have difficulty when reading challenging texts, but they recognize the difficulty, reread, and even use a dictionary, a computer, or other sources when needed. Strong readers take control when reading, and are engaged with the text. Encourage your reluctant or struggling reader to do the same.

Reading and Childrenby Bruce Johnson

If, at any age, your child seems to have lost interest in reading, there is no need to make a major issue of it. Start with the newspaper comics or the Guinness Book of World Records. They are great opportunities to reconnect. Make a special effort to find books or magazines on subjects that may interest your child. Leave them around the house within easy reach. You may also need to share what you are reading with your child. Show that reading can be an enjoyable activity.

A little praise and encouragement goes a long, long way towards helping reluctant or struggling readers. Note that the praise needs to be genuine. You cannot tell a fragile reader that she is reading well when she is stumbling on every other word. You can, though, say something like “nice effort” or “good for you” on particular words. You can even share something exciting like “Wow, I would have had trouble on that word too!” Also, if a book is too hard, just get a new book. There is no need to wrestle through something that will only become a battle. There are many, many other choices.

Do all you can do and don’t give up. Keep trying, remain positive, and these problems will be resolved. These reluctant and struggling readers will become successful readers eventually.

Bruce JohnsonReading Specialist and Educational AuthorHelping Your Child Become Successful in School: A Guide for Parentswww.BruceJohnsonBooks.WordPress.comAll books available at Gibson’s Bookstore.

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The Merrimack Valley Voice December 01, 2019 Page 11

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When Mother Cow Needs Some 'Me Time' It’s fall, which means it’s time to wean the calves. If we planned it right, calves were born in March and April – nine months after conception. We control when the bull is with the cows, so most births are in the spring. Sometimes an eager bull will find his way, without permission, into the cow pasture in the winter, and a bundle-of-joy will join us the next fall. Spring births are the best because grass has started to grow, flies are dormant, and the weather is warm (mostly). The calves romp in the pastures during the six warmest months with their moms, growing fat on milk, and learning how to eat grass by watching Mom munch on the green stuff. They also learn social behavior, like: Don’t mess with Cooper because he’s at the top of the herd hierarchy. They also learn that it’s OK to play with other calves and even how to escape under the electric fence, which is fun for the calves, not so much for the farmers. In the fall, as days get shorter, grass growth slows, and there is less forage for cattle. Fall is a tricky time for moms, especially first-time moms. Most of a lactating cow’s energy goes to producing milk for her hungry calf. Nursing human mothers know it’s natural to lose weight when feeding a baby. Cows are the same. A skinny cow will have a fat calf at her side. The problem is that cows need to be in good condition going into the winter. They need to have a layer of fat in place before frigid weather sets in to help protect them from the cold. And inside each cow is the growing fetus of her next calf, which also needs nutrition. In the winter, a skinny cow is a cold cow. To keep the moms fat and in shape to face a New Hampshire winter, there is no alternative; calves must be weaned for the health of the mom. Weaning is stressful for both mom and baby, so we try to make it as comfortable as possible. We put the weanlings in a pen with plenty of food and water. A metal gate separates them from their mothers so each baby can sniff and nuzzle her mom. Even so, with the calves mooing for milk, it can be noisy at weaning time, so loud we often can’t talk with each other. This year young Cinnamon mooed so often she grew hoarse. Her moo was a pitiful rasp as she called to her mom. Other calves, like Rain, mooed a bit, but mostly loved her new digs with the other weanlings. She got all the hay she could eat and plenty of carrots from human visitors. Mom was quickly forgotten. After three or four days, the calves get used to being separated from Mom, who could now focus on fattening up for winter. The calves stay together all winter and get individual care and food to make sure they thrive. Weaning is also when we socialize them to people. The Highland Rider 4-H Club will brush and teach each calf to lead. If you visit the farm during weaning, don’t be concerned by the mooing. No one likes change, even calves, but I’m always glad when it’s over, and my husband can once again hear ourselves think.* * *Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm (www.milessmithfarm.com,) in Loudon, N.H., where she raises and sells beef, pork, lamb, eggs and other local products. She can be reached at cas@milessmithfarm.com.

NOTES FROM THE FARM by Carole Soule NHTI-Concord’s Community College Receives Grant from Northeast Delta Dental

Concord, NH – The Allied Dental Education Department is pleased to announce that we have received a $5,000 grant from Northeast Delta Dental Foundation in support of our portable dental clinic. This clinic has been operating in partnership with the Merrimack Valley High School since 1997, which was established as part of the Community Clinic course at NHTI.

During the 2018/2019 school year, 16 NHTI Allied Dental Health students provided care to approximately 50 high school students, who often required multiple visits to the clinic in order to complete their treatments. This partnership provides a wonderful opportunity for our students to interact with community patients, while offering no-cost dental care to those seeking to improve their oral health.

“The generous grant from the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation will help NHTI purchase much needed equipment in order to sustain this program. The equipment we are using is original from when the partnership was started in 1997 and it is time to update”, said Deb Albrecht, Department Head of NHTI’s Allied Dental Health Program.

For more information about the NHTI Allied Dental Health Program, the NHTI portable dental clinic at Merrimack Valley High School, or the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation.Contact: Debra Albrecht, CDA,RDH, MEdNHTI Department Chair, Allied Dental Education(603) 271-6484 x4141 dalbrecht@ccsnh.edu orJennifer McGrathNortheast Delta Dental Manager, Foundation & Marketing Initiatives(603) 223-1303jmcgrath@nedelta.com

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Salisbury Free Library

Event Calendar - for more things to do and updatedinformation visit our web page www.merrimackvalleyvoice.com

Book Club will not be meeting in December. They will return in January with Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.Storytime is at 10:30 am on Monday mornings. Come enjoy books, songs, and crafts with your little ones!We will be closed Tuesday, December 24 in honor of Christmas Eve.The Friends of the Salisbury Library are hosting the Salisbury Holiday Craft Fair on Sat., December 7 from 9 am to 2 pm at Town Hall (645 Old Turnpike Road, next to the library). There will be items for sale by local crafters and organizations, a raffle, baked goods, and lunch.Passes now available thanks to the friends of the library!• Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum: Mt. Kearsarge pass admits a group of up to four people or a family of adults and their children any day except special events. • The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens: The Fells pass is for a single day and admits two adults and accompanying children under the age of 18 to The Fells Main House and grounds. It is not valid for programs or events which include a fee.• NH State Parks: The pass grants admission for two adults and four children to any day-use park at no additional charge. Not valid at the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, the Flume Gorge, Hampton Beach State Park – South Beach, Wallis Sands State Park, or metered parking. The pass may not be used for camping fees.• Museum of Fine Arts Boson passes available. Pass is good for 2 people and entitles each visitor to $10 MFA admission.Jackie Weiner Home Delivery Service! Salisbury Free Library now has a home delivery service! Any resident of Salisbury, NH with an ongoing condition that prevents the person from coming to the library is eligible. This service is absolutely free to patrons of the library. The only charges will be for lost or damaged materials. Deliveries will be made on a monthly basis by a volunteer driver. Patrons participating in this program can borrow books, audio books, magazines, DVDs, and jigsaw puzzles. You can obtain an application to participate in this new program or to volunteer by stopping into the library or by visiting our website.

Webster Public Library NewsLIBRARY NEWS: DECEMBER

LIBRARY HOURS: Sunday Noon-4PM; Monday 1-8PM; Wednesday 9AM-8PM. Have a question, or need to renew a book? Call 648-2706, email websterl@tds.net, or check out our web page at www.webster-nh.gov. CLOSED DECEMBER 22, 23, AND 25 FOR VACATION AND THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY, AND JANUARY 1.

FEBRUARY BOOKSALE: Start saving up your book donations for our sale on Primary voting day, February 11. We’ll let you know in the February Grapevine when you should start bringing in those boxes.

MAGAZINES: The December Martha Stewart Living issue has instructions on making paper-clay botanical ornaments for your tree, or just because. The results sound beautiful.

DID YOU KNOW? You can reserve and renew materials online by going to webster.biblionix.com and logging on with your library card number and phone number. If, a few months from now, you no longer remember the website, that’s ok. Just go to the library’s page on the town website and click on “Library Catalog.”

TRUSTEES MEETING: Wednesday, December 18 at 4 PM. Meetings are held at the library and are open to the public.

MOVIE: We have tentative plans to show a movie this month, but call or check our webpage to find out. If/when we do have a movie, it will be Remember the Night in which prosecutor Fred McMurray bails out shoplifter Barbara Stanywick and takes her home to his mother's house for the Christmas holidays. Love ensues and, with it, the complications of how to deal with the upcoming trial. Join us for this heartwarming romantic comedy-drama in the meeting hall next to the library. Free snacks!

BOOK GROUP: Player Piano tells the story of a society where blue-collar workers have been almost totally replaced by machines. Although the premise seems as if this novel could have been written within the last year or so, it was actually Kurt Vonnegut’s first novel, published in 1952. Interestingly, subject cataloging for this book calls it Utopian fiction. Would you agree? Please join us for our discussion at our combined November/December meeting on Thursday, December 12 at 7:15 PM.

LOST & FOUND DEPT: A woman’s glove.

THANKS: to Claudia Horsfall, Donna Johnson, and everyone else who donated their used materials to the library last month.

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The Merrimack Valley Voice December 01, 2019 Page 13

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The Meeting House Society/ Webster Historical Society will be at the Christmas Fair at the Webster Town Hall, Dec. 7th, with our 2020 Calenders and other items from the Meeting House for your gift giving.

We have had a progressive year, opening each weekend for tours, as well as many special events for everyone to enjoy.

We are water proofing the foundation under the Meeting House in a week or so, have fixed leaks, stairs and the basement of the Hy-Mar Building, and are making strides with the driveway. Many generous people have donated to our historical artifacts, and we greatly appreciate you all.

We thank our volunteers for donating their time mowing the lawn, landscaping, dump runs, making treats for events and more.

We also thank the generosity of all, who donated to the Yard Sale we had in the summer to raise funds for the Restoration Fund.

Our Trustees are working on obtaining grants for Historical buildings to continue our fund raising to repair the Meeting House windows, and siding. They are in sad shape, and are deteriorating. The Meeting House is a special symbol of Webster, and is part of the logo for our safety services and Town Emblem.

We wish you all Happy Holidays,a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, and look forward to seeing you next Spring!

Public Service Announcement from your Local U.S.Postal Carriers.

The Postal Service has been delivering AMAZON packages to our customers for years. AMAZON has recently opened a delivery unit, in late October 2019, in Hooksett, N.H. They have started delivering many of their parcels using their own delivery trucks and employees. They use GPS the majority of the time.

Some of the Postal Service customers are receiving mis-delivered packages and have contacted the Postal Service , not knowing it was mis-delivered by AMAZON trucks.

If you have a question regarding a mis-delivery , please look at the labels on the package. If the tracking label has "USPS TRACKING" on it, it was delivered by your MAIL CARRIER and inquiries should be made to the CARRIER or the local POST OFFICE. If there is no USPS on it, it was LIKELY delivered directly by AMAZON, and all inquiries should be made to AMAZON directly.

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The Merrimack Valley Voice December 01, 2019Page 14

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Paula Munier Releases Sequel to Best SellerSearching for a good mystery, Blind Search is a must readSalisbury, NH, November 18, 2019 - Salisbury, NH resident and author Paula Munier has just released a new novel, Blind Search. The book is the second in a mystery series with heroine Mercy Carr and Elvis, her lovable retired bombing sniffing dog.

At the center of the plot is Henry, a nine-year-old boy with autism, who wanders into the woods and witnesses a murder. The race is then on to find the killer before the killer finds Henry. An early blizzard complicates matters by cutting everyone off from the rest of the world. The riveting story is set on a VT mountain during hunting season.“The idea for this book was inspired by a real-life story about a boy with autism who wandered off into the Vermont woods and got lost,” said Munier. “He was rescued safe and sound, but the writer in me thought: what if a boy with autism got lost in the woods and witnessed a murder? Mercy and Elvis would have to save him…and I was off and running.”

In one review, the book was called a “thriller bursting at the seams with converging subplots.” Another review praises her brisk, incisive characterizations; and the way she maintains a “taut line of suspense throughout.”

A Borrowing of Bones, the first in the Mercy Carr series, was nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark Award and hit the USA TODAY Bestsellers List. In addition to fiction, Munier, has written three books on writing: Plot Perfect, The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings, and Writing with Quiet Hands, as well as the memoir Fixing Freddie: A True Story about a Boy, a Mom, and a Very, Very Bad Beagle and Happier Every Day: Simple Ways to Bring More Peace, Contentment, and Joy into Your Life.

She has been writing for as long as she can remember and sold her first piece to Cosmopolitan Magazine when she attended college. After graduating, she began her career as a reporter, writing and editing for newspapers and magazines before

What’s Happening in OLLI? Submitted by Jacki Fogarty

Late Fall is a great time in OLLI at Granite State College – the Fall term is com-ing to an end just as the holidays are ramping up, and we are caught up in what kinds of gifts will please those we love. But right before that is a time of intro-spection as our attention is brought to considering what we are thankful for.

Many of my OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) colleagues talk about how thankful they are for OLLI. Filled with healthy curiosity about all kinds of things, they are thankful for the wide variety of topics filling OLLI’s course catalog – all courses offered at a cost accessible to most (and with scholarships available, no questions asked, to members with financial challenges).

Other OLLI friends speak to their gratitude for the opportunity to travel with OLLI. It’s a fact that many OLLI members are alone at this stage of their life and travel-ing with OLLI falls into that comfortable spot between traveling alone (not hap-pening!) and traveling with friends who may not be available, interested in the same destinations or interested in travel at all. From single-day bus trips to multi-week international cruises, some OLLI members join just for the travel opportunities.

OLLI is a membership program. For an annual membership fee of $40, seniors age 50 and up enjoy discounted classes, access to trips, free social events and free Special Interest Groups (i.e., groups of OLLI members who share a com-mon interest like hiking, gardening, quilting or books).

And that brings us to that other topic: what do we give those special people in our lives that already have all the sweaters, pajamas and gadgets they could possibly want and who, after all these years are downsizing rather than collect-ing more dust-collectors? Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, special Aunts and Uncles just may love to become a part of the OLLI family. Gift memberships are among the things for which some of our members are thankful.

The members who joined OLLI by means of a gift membership usually fall into two categories. 1} They never heard of OLLI but the friend/relative/colleague knew they’d enjoy what OLLI has to offer . . . and that was the case. Or 2) they saw a catalog in the doctor’s office or read an article in the paper and thought OLLI looked pretty interesting but somehow never got around to calling the office to sign up. And a friend/relative/colleague knew they’d enjoy what OLLI has to offer if only they’d join.

Holiday giving is perfect timing for a new membership. OLLI’s preview of class-es for the new term with the opportunity to hear directly from the instructors will be held on January 16 with classes starting a month later. And the membership is for a year, covering summer programs and next Fall term.

While OLLI is a program of Granite State College, OLLI courses are not devel-oped nor taught by the college – they are noncredit, short-term (1-6 classes) and involve no homework, no tests and no prerequisites. What’s happening in OLLI is learning for the fun of it.

Pictures: OLLI members receive a lesson in Korean culture and cooking . . . and get to eat the resulting meal.

Two Area Authors Release Books

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switching to book publishing, first on the production side and then in acquisitions. Munier is currently the Senior Literary Agent and Content Strategist for Talcott Notch. “I love my day job as a literary agent with Talcott Notch Literary,” she said. “I specialize in commercial fiction and nonfiction, and represent a lot of great writers. My mission: Telling and selling stories.” Munier is also a certified yoga teacher and is quick to say that both yoga and writing are practices. “For me, both are as necessary as breathing.”“I like to write at home; there's no more beautiful or serene setting than right here in New Hampshire,” she said. “But I do travel quite a lot, so I've learned to write in hotels and on trains and planes and even buses.”

Munier’s custom is to write longhand in notebooks and later transcribe her work onto her computer. “For me, the first draft is always a challenge. I just need to get the words down and then I can revise, which is the fun part--and usually my salvation,” she said.

Munier lives on 19 acres in an old Colonial built in 1760 with her family, two rescue dogs and a rescue cat. She is a member of the NH Writers’ Project.

Blind Search can be purchased at Gibson’s Book Store in Concord, the Toadstool Book Stores, Amazon and most popular book sellers.

Warner, NH, November 25, 2019 - Poetry From An Old Dirt RoadAuthor, Deborah Brown recently released her second book of poetry, The Human Half written in free verse. In this collection, she reveals family struggles – a sister’s battle with cancer, a brother’s treatment for depression. “My inspirations were many: family problems I hadn’t been able to write about before; my life on a dirt road in Warner; increasingly fraught and frightening political events; and my admiration for certain artists and poets,” she said. There are many references to the celestial, natural beauty found in unlikely spots, and the art of Vermeer and Van Gogh in Brown’s poetry in the collection. Brown has been writing since she was a young adolescent. As the case with many aspiring writers, she was concerned she would not be able to earn a living by writing. Instead, she earned a PhD in English in order to teach at the college level. She taught at UNH in Manchester for many years and earned an MFA in poetry along the way. Her first book of poetry, Walking the Dog's Shadow, won the A Poulin Award from BOA Editions, Ltd. in 2011. The book also won the NH Literary Award for Outstanding Book of Poetry from the NH Writers’ Project. The title poem received a Pushcart Prize. The Human Half has been nominated for an American Book Award. In addition to her poetry, she has written two non-fiction books, Lofty Dogmas: Poets on Poetics, written and edited with Maxine Kumin and Annie Finch; and a book of translations, Last Voyages: the Poems of Giovanni Pascoli, translated with Richard Jackson and Susan Thomas. Brown resides in Warner, NH on an old dairy farm with her husband George Brown, dog Dolci, and cat Fergie. Her husband rebuilt the dilapidated farmhouse over a twenty year period. “During our first year, he dug out a cellar under the attached barn by hand (now our TV room) while I brought home gallon jugs of water from work. It was an adventure for about the first three years,” said Brown. “Now we are quite civilized--water, central heat, internet.” A fixer-upper it may be, but it is home and her favorite place to write. “I write in the northwest corner of our front room looking out at maples and boulders, though I hope to move upstairs to a warmer room for the winter when George finishes laying the floor,” she said. When not sitting in her writing nook, she is often walking their dog, Dolci, down

the road, or down a trail to the lake. Dolci is a long-legged, active three-year-old rescue dog. She is quick to point out that Dolci requires plenty of outdoor running time. Brown is a member of the NH Writers Project. Her book, The Human Half may be purchased at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord, NH, BOA Editions, Ltd, and Amazon.

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