Gilmanton Community Church

Great Joy! We invite you to come to eat on Valentine’s Day, February 14 at the Gilmanton Community Church ‘Delicious & Divine Dinner”. The menu will include ‘Baked Chicken Supreme’, salad, rice, vegetables, rolls and, of course, our now-famous Dessert Buffet! This will be held at the Corner Church on Route 107 in Gilmanton from 5:00 to 6:30.

You will truly enjoy a great evening out whether single or many!

For further information and prices, please call 364-7891 or visit our website at gilmantoncommunitychurch.org.

On February 17 you  are invited to our most excellent monthly Senior Luncheon. We never ask your age - just come! This is a great time to gather with old friends and to make new ones. The food is excellent. We do not charge for this meal but we do offer the opportunity for a free-will offering as people are able.

The Community Food Pantry is being utilized by a growing number of Gilmanton families. These are difficult times for so many and it is our privilege to serve our town in this very much-needed way. We welcome contributions of food and/or money. The Food Pantry is open on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 10 a.m.  to 12 noon at the Iron Works Church on Route 140. It is highly confidential! We thank our community friends who are helping with this vibrant ministry! For information please call Jane at 364-7437.

Letter to the Editor

One need search no further than a certain field in Gilmanton for a perfect example of dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to community. This building represents the efforts of a group of Gilmanton residents willing to work for ten years to build a 1.2 million dollar library all without taxpayer dollars. In that field in Gilmanton stands a barn, but what distinguishes this barn from others IS what is inside and what it represents. Inside are resources for all the community to use – computers with Internet access, books, periodicals, NH State Library resources and more. What this building represents is uncounted volunteer hours, in-kind donations, individual donations and business donations in the spirit of community giving.

At the Gilmanton Year Round Library, those who set the wheels in motion are now trying to complete the project. Yes, the Gilmanton taxpayers are being asked to help complete the mission so we all can make use of this wonderful resource. To some that may seem wrong – we all are entitled to our opinions. But this resident will say to my neighbor, “What an incredible opportunity for Gilmanton to have. In tough times like these, we can support each other and offer equal resources to all members of our town.” The folks who built this library have no more to gain than each and every one of us. I drive past the barn every morning on my way to work and realize I am proud to be a part of this effort.

Anne Kirby
Gilmanton Iron Works

Letter To The Editor

To The Editor:
Many in Gilmanton understand need ..... and, an accurate barometer of that need would be the town’s Public Assistance Fund. The structure of the fund, designed to aid those in financial crises, in the past, has helped many in Gilmanton to get back on their feet, and avoid the pitfalls of a struggling economy - but never it seems, more than last year. In 2008, The fund was completely depleted. Every cent. This year, the taxpayers of Gilmanton will replenish that fund and, as the case may be, additional monies will be recommended by the Selectman and Budget Committee to bolster the account in anticipation of an even worse downturn in our economy ..... and, the resulting need.

The point is this: last year, many Gilmanton residents needed to tighten their belts, and it doesn’t look like those belts will be loosened any time too soon. So, enter the Gilmanton year round library association. They say they also have a need. Abandoning all promised efforts to privately fund their town-unsolicited library, they’re coming to the taxpayers of Gilmanton asking for help to add services and operating capital to their, what many refer to as, “nothing more than a barn - with bookshelves and used books.” And why? Because they insist: Gilmanton needs their library, as though needs were dictated by whim and personal ambition and by the pure force of their opinions.

In an economic climate fostering so much real need for such programs as the church pantry, coats for kids, toys for tots, the above mentioned fund and many others, just the idea that the GYRL would even attach the word need to their library, well, to many, seems downright offensive. I’m sure Gilmanton taxpayers, strapped to pay their fuel and electric bills this year, will be thrilled at the opportunity to fund this handful of people’s pet project ..... I know I’m not.

AL BLAKE