The Barnstead Historical Society will be meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at the Barnstead Town Hall. There will be a pot luck supper at 6PM and the business meeting and election of officers at 7PM.

We invite all to our meetings, to enjoy the history of our town. We are greatfulto accept any pieces of history that would add to our collection.

We look forward to seeing you on Sept, 24th. For information call: Jeannie at 269-5441.

Most Grateful

The communities of Barnstead, Pittsfield, Alton and others reached out to help me and Robin during the benefit dinner on Saturday, August 29th at The Barnstead Parade Fire Station. The number of friends, family and members of the local community that came to support us with their love and generous donations was overwhelming. The amount of money raised has significantly reduced the burden of my medical bills. I would also like to thank those who have anonymously left gifts. Not only does our heartfelt gratitude go out to so many who attended, but also to Jim and Bonnie Kidder (and their whole family), Don and Karen Walker, Joanne and Tom Locke for planning this amazing event. Thanks to Dave and Eileen Murley, Denise and Heddy Adjutant, Carol Tiede, Barb Comtois and family, Rick and Tammy Duane, Steve Winchester, Jeremy Charette and Karen Montgomery for the food, cooking, setting up, service and clean up. I know there were countless others involved that I have not mentioned, but I am sincerely grateful for your help and kindness. In addition, I would like to thank Eric and Darcy Varney for having the benefit horseshoe tournament for me as well, which was very much appreciated.

This year has been a journey. One that I didn’t choose to take, but one that I couldn’t have made without the help of so many. Robin’s and my family members; Roland, Wendy and Josh LaBrecque, Hailey Franklin, Karen, Mark and Nina Montgomery, Joe LaBrecque and Cindy Morrill, Eline, Bernt, Erik and Kelsey Ruediger; without your help, love and constant encouragement, we would have been lost.

For our friends and neighbors who sent cards and never stopped calling or stopping in to check on me, I thank you for your continued faith and support.

I would like to also thank Brad and Doug from Rustic Crust, Rainer from Spyder Works and Danny from Hillsgrove machine for never giving up on me for the months that I was unable to work. Your patience, understanding and incredible generosity has been beyond belief.

So thank you all again for everything you have given me. I owe a debt that can never be repaid in a lifetime, but hopefully I will have a long and healthful one and I will be able to return in kind.

Gratefully,

David LaBrecque

Oscar Foss Memorial Library News

Free School Supplies At Your Local Library!

Every year, students and parents make their back-to-school shopping lists and head out to stores to get ready for the new school year. Doing so can be costly: a recent survey by the Rubicon Project reports that parents plan to spend $873 per child on back-to-school shopping this year. But there’s one item to pick up that’s free and is still a major player for students in all grades: a library card.

The American Library Association’s annual “September is Library Card Sign-up Month” campaign works to make sure that all students have a library card, allowing them access to information – online resources, books, periodicals, music and other media – that can help them with their studies but would be out of reach for most families to purchase individually. 

“Parents know that a library card gives students access to information that can help them with their studies,” said Michael York, New Hampshire state librarian. “But libraries are even more valuable because they have librarians who can help students navigate through a myriad of sources and find the information they need to complete their school assignments.”

In New Hampshire, students with a library card have access to the more than 2 million physical items in our state’s libraries’ collections, including magazines, movies and music, as well as books. If a student’s library does not own a particular item, it can often be requested from another library in the state. Libraries also offer electronic databases that add even more depth to the resources students can use to complete their schoolwork. 

Celebrate Your Freedom to Read During Banned Books Week!

In support of the right to choose books freely for ourselves, the ALA and Oscar Foss Memorial Library are sponsoring Banned Books Week, September 27th-October 3rd, an annual celebration of our right to access books without censorship. This year’s observance commemorates the most basic freedom in a democratic society, the freedom to read freely, and encourages us not to take this freedom for granted. 

Since its inception in 1982, Banned Books Week has reminded us that while not every book is intended for every reader, each of us has the right to decide for ourselves what to read, listen to or view. Oscar Foss Memorial Library and thousands of libraries and bookstores across the country will celebrate the freedom to read by participating in special events, exhibits and read-outs that showcase books that have been banned or threatened. Stop by the Oscar Foss Memorial Library and “check out” our display of Banned Books. 

The ALA, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the Association of American Publishers, the American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, and the National Association of College Stores sponsor Banned Books Week. The Library of Congress Center for the Book endorses the observance. American libraries are the cornerstones of our democracy. Libraries provide free access to a world of information, bringing opportunity to everyone, everywhere. Now more than ever, celebrate the freedom to read at your library and read an old favorite or a new banned book during Banned Books Week! 

Please call the library (269-3900) or visit our website (oscarfoss.org) for more information about these or any of our other programs or events. There is always something happening at the Oscar Foss Memorial Library! Library Hours are: Monday; 2pm-8pm, Tuesday & Wednesday; 10am-5pm, Thursday; 5pm-8pm, Friday; 2pm-5pm, Saturday; 9am-Noon.   

News For Barnstead Seniors

Sometimes less is more.  Barnstead may not have its own senior center, but Barnstead seniors are served by two senior centers – Alton’s and Pittsfield’s. We are invited to their Open Houses on Thursday, September 24th, between 10 am and 2 pm.  

Why participate at a Senior Center?  The answer varies by the individual – some of us like the exercise classes which include yoga and Tai chi.  Other folks attend a specific class like photography or a dramatic or musical program.  Many like the craft and quilting groups; others enjoy the games and social events.  This summer a number of Barnstead seniors enjoyed the lake tours on Squam and Winnipesaukee sponsored by Senior Centers. 

Lunches are served daily for a nominal fee and for those who are home-bound, there are delivered meals.  Both centers have extensive information about elder services and resources, including transportation to appointments and shopping.  Visit one of the Open Houses or both if you can.   The Centers have much in common as well as unique programs and services.  

The Pittsfield Senior Center is on the ground floor of the Pittsfield Community Center on Main Street and in addition to Pittsfield and Barnstead, it also serves Chichester, Epsom and Loudon.  The Alton Senior Center is on Pearson Road, off Old Wolfeboro Road near the center of town and in addition to Alton and Barnstead, it also serves Gilmanton.  Call Roney Delgadillo, manager in Alton at 875-7102 for more information.  Call Carol Schiferle, Manager in Pittsfield at 435-8482 for information about that program.  Both centers are sponsored by the Community Action ProgramBelknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc.

Nighthawk Hollow Seniors

Submitted by Beverly A. Goodrich, Secretary

The Nighthawk Hollow Seniors met on September 2, 2015 at noon at the Barnstead Town Hall. We all enjoyed picnic lunches.

We discussed senior services at great length, which ws very interesting and informative.

It was reported that one of our members recently underwent hip surgery and is doing well.

On Wednesday, October 7, we will bring a picnic lunch and drink, and pictures of ourselves when we were much younger, and we’ll try to identify each other.

On a November Saturday, date to be announced, there will be a Pumpkin and Pine Fair on North Barnstead Rd. which we are interested in attending.

For information, please contact President Christine Sanborn, 875-2676.

Gwen F. Colvin

Gwen F. Colvin, 61, of Barnstead NH passed peacefully of a brief illness on August 18th. She was surrounded by her family and her loving companion of 18 years Peter Bartlett who never left her side during her illness.

Born Gwen Frances Villanova on October 29, 1953 in Pittsfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Villanova. She was a 1971 graduate of Taconic High School. Gwen was a homemaker all her life raising six children with her late husband Robert F. Colvin, Sr. She leaves behind her children, Dale, Jay, Amanda, Lisa, Bert and Becky; her loving sister Joyce, and two brothers Jan and Eric. She also leaves behind several cherished grandchildren.

Gwen worked for many years in the Pittsfield, MA Public School Department and enjoyed the experience of working with children.

Gwen was a kind, loving woman, that when you met her she held a special place in your heart. 

She favored hummingbirds and enjoyed watching them at her many feeders around her home. Gwen absolutely loved baking, she was always making family and friends smile by giving them her homemade sweets and cookie platters. What Gwen loved the most was spending time with her youngest daughter Amanda and her grandson Landon with the many sleepovers and the fun activities they would plan.  Gwen was a very caring, giving, outgoing woman who always made friends everywhere she went and will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to have crossed her path.