Nelson Grapevine March 2015

GRAPEVINE-2 News for Nelson and Munsonville

March 2015

Winter Issue

NELSON’S OWN CLAIM TO CHESHIRE COUNTY FAME

by Kathy Schillemat

Volume 32, No. 1

THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR

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Sid Partridge at left.

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id you know that the second highest peak in Cheshire County is in our own back yard?

Osgood Hill (elevation: 2254 feet) between Old Stoddard Road and Tolman Pond Road is that peak. Did you also know that the town of Nelson owns 11 acres of land at the top of Osgood Hill (also called City Hill)? The land was given to the town by the Forest Society many years ago, and thanks to an Eagle Scout project organized by Ryan Schillemat a few years ago, there is a trail to this lovely piece of land and a bench just a few feet from the benchmark on Osgood Hill.

The trail can be accessed from Brick-

yard Road, by parking at the beginning of Greengate Road (before the gate) and walking in from Brickyard Road or one can bushwhack a short distance from the end of the new Kulish Ledge trail (the trailhead is just off Old Stoddard Road, near the beginning of the Bailey Brook Trail.) and connect with the "Black Top" trail.

While the view from the top of Osgood Hill is overgrown considerably from the days when Sid Partridge climbed it in his youth, it is still a pleasant place to sit and rest. Old apple trees compete with spruce, hemlock, and a variety of hardwood trees for space and sun, and ferns and bindweed carpet the ground. The continued on page 6

new exhibit has opened in the History Corner case that is located in the entry way of the Town Office in Nelson to mark this year as the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. One hundred years ago, Nelson celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. During Old Home Day on August 18, 1915, a bronze tablet bearing the names of 124 volunteers from Nelson who had served their country was placed on the front of the Town Hall. The day was marked by speeches, songs, a march of the school children, and music provided by the Keene City Band and the Nelson Cadet Fife and Drum Corps.

An important focus of the celebration was the Posterity Box, which was set inside the wall behind the bronze tablet containing records and photographs of Nelson soldiers, and other items that would present a picture of life in our town in the early 1900s. The Box was opened 20 years ago during Old Home Week on Reminiscence Night and its contents were exhibited for a week before it was added to the Nelson Town Archives for protection.

Items from the Posterity Box and photographs from Reminiscence Night are now on display including a published history of Nelson’s Civil War soldiers continued on page 2

FROM MY ROCK Kalle, the Fisher and Me

by Don Bennett

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eighbors up the hill on Old Towne, Rd. had a lovely male Black Lab dog.

Their home looked down and across a large lawn to the shore of Granite Lake and the gravel road I walked most days to reach “My Rock”.

Often Kalle was in his yard when I passed on the road below and would offer his “woof” greeting or warning. Then I began giving him a whistle or calling his name and one morning he responded and started down across the lawn to greet me. I waited for him and held out a hand for him to sniff and he let me pet him. Usually, when I went on my way, he would wander off and eventually back up the hill and home.

One morning he changed the routine and started walking beside me when I left to continue my walk. He was a real gentleman, walking beside me, stopping if I stopped. When we reached “My rock” I climbed to my sitting spot and he climbed up and sat beside me to enjoy the early morning warm sun, the sights, smells and sounds around us. When I left, he followed at my side back to the trail leading to his home.

One morning later that summer, Kalle had joined me at the foot of his hill and after a warm greeting we resumed our treck towards the Shinbone Shack Rd. (Aten Rd.) and “our” Rock.

The gravel road was just about to begin it’s ascent toward the trail to my “Rock” and the power line. There was brushy cover on the right side of the road and several medium sized hemlocks on the left side. Suddenly, from the brush on our right, burst a bushy, black Fisher. These critters are often misnamed “Fisher Cats” but that is a misnomer since they are not cats but a member of the weasel (Musteudae) family.

They move like a weasel, are larger than a weasel and are followed by a large, magnificent black, bushy tail.

The Fisher was as surprised as we were and bolted for the far side of the road and the cover of the woods beyond. His black, furry coat glistened in the early morning sun as he made his dash for the sheltering trees. However, my friend Kalle had spotted Mr. Fisher at the same time I did and reacted immediately, dashing after him.

Fortunately for all, the Fisher, recognizing he had two choices, run or seek shelter in the nearby hemlock tree. Realizing he could probably not outrun the large dog on open ground, he wisely elected the latter option and up he scooted. Kalle reached the foot of the tree at about the same time, threatening the Fisher with his intimidating bark. His tail, switching excitedly, telling me the Fisher was treed.

When I reached the hemlock the Fisher had landed on the first substantial branch which was only about twelve feet above the ground and Kalle. The Fisher was pacing back and forth on that branch bearing and snapping his teeth and snarling threateningly at the two and four legged creatures below blocking his passage. He chattered angrily at us for forcing him into this embarrassing position.

I considered the possible scenarios for what might happen next and none seemed too pleasant. So, calling Kalle away from the tree and the frightened and angry Fisher, we went back to the road and on to the peace and quiet of “My Rock” to enjoy the early morning sun, sights and sounds of the wild.

The only other time I have seen a Fisher GRAPEVINE-2

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called “Names and Services: of those, born or sometimes resident in Nelson, New Hampshire, who, as Volunteers, answered the call to arms for the preservation of the Union 1861—1865.”

Recognition and gratitude is still owed to the large number of patriotic Nelson residents who left their farms and families to serve our country. There were many who died in battle or of disease far from their homes and others who returned bearing the scars of war.

–Roberta Wingerson Nelson Town Archivist

George Granville Hardy—died in 1863 leaving an invalid wife and five young children.

—————————————————— was many years ago when deer hunting in Center Ossipee, N.H. I didn’t know what it was at the time but, I recall it moved like a weasel. It was darker colored than a weasel and larger with a magnificent, bushy tail. They are now quite common in our area and probably, along with the coyotes account for the greatly reduced numbers of squirrels and other small animals, including pet cats, in our neighborhoods.

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NELSON SCHOOL NEWS

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anuary was another very busy month for the students and staff at Nelson School. Grades 3/4 and 5/6 enjoyed their trip to the Colonial Theatre to see The Lightning Thief, a musical adapted from a book which many students had read. They enjoyed this presentation very much. Students in these grades also participated in the Geography and Spelling Bees with the whole school attending both bees to support our students.

Students and parents from the Kindergarten class, Cindy Benner, Emilia Whippie Prior, Michelle Normand, and my husband and I, along with many others, put on a delightful and fruitful Pancake Breakfast on January 17. This wonderful event brought many community members as well as families of our students from all the classes into the school. Funds raised will be set aside for students when they have their grade 6 trip in years to come.

As part of SAU29, Nelson School will join all others in participating in state assessments this spring. Students in grades 3-6 will be engaged in the new state assessment, Smarter Balance, in reading and math. This computerized assessment will be administered starting in midMarch for grades 3 and 4, and continuing into April for grades 5 and 6. Staff will be trained in how to proctor this new assessment and we will be working on completing accommodations, etc., in preparation for supporting our identified students. Many details are yet to be worked out at the state level, but we are approaching this task with a positive attitude, the only attitude we want to have displayed for our students. The Science NECAP will be given again to grade 4 students in May. These results, along with the Dibels and Kindergarten Literacy Assessment, have provided us with sources of data that, along with the teachers' assessments and observations, will help us better understand and target instructional and curricular needs for whole classes as well as for individual students.

The Principal Search Committee is hard at work selecting a new Principal for Nelson School starting in July. Nelson and Sullivan Board members and our Nelson School staff are participating in the search process. Meetings are held at Nelson School to keep all focused on the special place that Nelson School is. All staff, parents and students will have an opportunity to meet and interview prospective candidates over the next few months.

The PTO is preparing for the annual auction to be held on May 2. Funds raised will support the updating of classroom libraries for each of our four classrooms, kindergarten through grade 6. With 64 students now enrolled at Nelson School, having multiple copies of literature at various reading levels is critical and assures students access to needed fiction and non-fiction material.

2015 Nelson School District Budget

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he Nelson School District Meeting will be held on Friday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the Nelson Town Hall in Nelson Village.

The proposed Nelson School Budget for the 2015-2016 school year is $1,750,924, which is down $258,739 from last year’s budget of $2,009,663.

Major drivers of this reduction are; lower special education costs and fewer students being tuitioned to Keene Middle School and Keene High School. As of February, there are currently 64 students at the Nelson School. Only three students will graduate from 6th grade to the Middle School, and 12 incoming Kindergarteners are anticipated for next year, resulting in an elementary school attendance of over 70 students. The budget for the Elementary School portion of the budget is down slightly, even with the anticipated increase in students.

The school board meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Nelson School at 4:30 p.m. We welcome public attendance and questions. Our agendas and minutes are posted under Nelson School District on the SAU 29 website.

We thank all for your continued support of Nelson School.

Barbara S. Tremblay, Interim Principal

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Kitchen Fire and Life Safety Compliant Additional refrigeration and freezer storage Dishwasher More counter space Food Prep area Larger Range Storage for afterschool & breakfast programs Small Group Instruction Former Kitchen space repurposed to small group instruction space

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he Nelson School Board is requesting your support for a special article at this year’s school district meeting to put an addition on the back of the Nelson School in order to add two handicapped bathrooms and a full size

Financing:

Kitchen

Background At the District Meeting in March 2014, the School Board presented that the Nelson School kitchen is not compliant to life safety code and failed an inspection by the State Fire Marshall because there is not a fire suppression hood over the range in the kitchen.

The Board hired an engineering firm who spec’d out a hood unit and drafted an installation plan.

Unfortunately, the size of the hood required, and the necessary installation would consume the entire ceiling of the kitchen, including pot storage, block most of the natural light, and require external duct and ventilation that would destroy the “engine” look of our beloved school train design.

That hood installation would have rendered us compliant, but would have reduced kitchen functionality and sacrificed a the external look of our school.

Our new SAU 29 Business Administrator, Janel Swanson negotiated a temporary 1 year extension for limited kitchen use from the NH State Fire Marshall allowing us to examine better options.

History 25 years ago when the school was designed, the kitchen was one of the areas that the committee had to make sacrifices to meet the budget. The current kitchen that serves 64 students every day is smaller than most home kitchens.

The School’s original architect, Dan Sculley was hired to examine the option of putting a fully functional kitchen along the back side of the multipurpose room.

Dan analyzed the roof lines, the school structure and the impact to the multipurpose room. He also added two handicapped bathrooms, resolving another compliance issue. Dan consulted with Keene Food Services to insure that the layout of the proposed kitchen is efficient for an elementary school.

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Restrooms 2 Handicapped Compliant Restrooms Hand washing sink adjoining eating area

MARCH 2015

State Aid is not available for this project. However, due to extremely unusual special education underruns this current year, we are projecting a surplus large enough to fund this project with no additional taxes being raised.

Dan Scully projected a budget of $275,000 will be required, including contingency.

There will be a special warrant article at the March 6 district meeting to vote to expend the surplus from this current 2014-2015 school budget to fund this much needed addition.

Your support for this project is greatly appreciated. Any questions will be gladly answered by your School Board.

Kelly French 847-3276 Sara Marean 847-9750 Jessica Walker 847-9007

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Nelson School’s 8th Annual Live PTO Auction

TOWN MEETING MARCH 10, 2015

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f you missed the Town Caucus on February 11, below is a brief description of some of the major warrant articles. so you can be better informed about items for discussion at the Town Meeting. There are some important items to discuss and your input and votes are always important. A copy of the draft warrant can be obtained at the Town Offices.

The highway department is seeking a $240,000 bond to purchase a gravel pit in Gilsum.

The fire department is seeking a bond of $495,000 for new construction of the Granite Lake Station and $300,000 bond for a new tanker truck.

The article for the town operating budget calls for approval of a budget of $380,223.

The rest of the articles are general maintenance articles included every year.

Saturday, May 2, 2015 Nelson Town Hall Preview beginning at 10:00 a.m. with refreshments Free children’s auction 4:30 p.m.

Remember, this is just the draft of the warrant presented at caucus and wording and amounts may change. The final warrant will be posted prior to Town Meeting Day and after approval from the Municipal Association.

If you are not already registered to vote in town affairs, you may do so with the Town Clerk during regular business hours and then again only while the polls are open. Once the polls are closed on Town Meeting day you will not be allowed to register to vote and will not be able to vote on warrant articles during the meeting.

Live auction 5:00 p.m.

Nelson Town Meeting

Art, local crafts, services galore! Something for everyone!

Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Nelson Town Hall

Supports the PTO budget for the 20152016 school year!

Polls will open at 11:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m.

Have an item, service, piece of art, or talent that you would like to donate?

Give us a call!

Business Meeting will start at 7:00 p.m.

Volunteers welcome!

Joy Birdsey Nelson School PTO Treasurer pjbirdsmith@gmail.com 847-9533

Italian Extravaganza April 25th, 2015 Nelson Congregational Church Two seatings: 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Gourmet Italian Buffet $10 Adults $6 Children under 10 Come! Eat! Enjoy!

Sponsored by Cub Scout Pack 530 and Nelson Congregational Church

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Come sing with us!

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he Sacred Harp shape note group in Nelson is always happy to have friends and neighbors come and try out this musical form that we've come to enjoy so much. With roots in colonial New England, the songs have stood the test of time and the fourpart harmony turns out to be something everyone can sing.

We will be singing in March on Thursday, March 5th and Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m. at the Sandberg's house, 820 Nelson Road, Nelson. If you'd like more information, send us an email at ecsandberg@gmail.com or give us a call at 847-9156.

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Nelson Phone Book

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t's time to update the little yellow Nelson phone book. The Nelson Welcome Committee is willing to take on this task, but we need your help.

Please contact us if you *have changed your phone number or your address *want to add a cell phone number or an email address to your listing sturdy bench provides a wonderful spot to enjoy the peace and quiet. Osgood Hill, though it is the second highest peak in Cheshire County, is never crowded like Mount Monadnock to the south (which one can glimpse from some points on the hill). The top is not covered with blueberry bushes and a fire tower like the third highest peak to the north, Pitcher Mountain. So if you choose to climb Nelson's own pinnacle, you will find solitude and beauty away from the crowd.

For more information about the trails in Nelson or to help out with trail development and maintenance, contact Rick Church, chairman of the Nelson Trails Committee. To find out more about the history of the town-owned land at the top of Osgood Hill, contact Kathy Schillemat, chair of the Nelson Conservation Commission.

Nelson Trail Group Hikes March 14th: Hike along the newly completed Murdough Hill Meander Trail. This 1.5 mile loop starts at an old grist/saw mill near Granite Lake Road just down the hill from the center of Munsonville. The trail follows the brook, on the opposite side from the road, from the mill site past the Nelson School and the Munsonville Cemetery to a point near the route 9 bridge and returns to the mill site through the upland forest between the brook and Murdough Hill Road.

Meet at Kathy Schillemat’s at 221 Murdough Hill Road , Nelson at 1 p.m.

March 29: A leisurely walk across the ice of Nubanusit Lake, through the isthmus of Louis Cabot Preserve, across pristine Spoonwood Pond to its 1859 vintage 12' high x 280' long dam & spillway and back. Round trip: 4 miles. Total elevation gain: 0 feet.

Depending on conditions, bring ice walkers (such as STABILicers or Yaktrax), boots, snowshoes or cross country skis - your choice.

Bring a bag lunch. Hot chocolate will be freely provided.

Meet at Dave Birchenough's at 162 Nubanusit Road, Nelson at 11 a.m.

We should be back by 1:30 p.m.

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*aren't currently in the Nelson phone book but would like to be included *have any other changes to names, numbers, or other details Please get in touch with one of us by March 11. Betsey Church: betseyrick@gmail.com, or Joy Birdsey: pjbirdsmith@gmail.com, or Sara Sandberg: ecsandberg@gmail.com.

Would you be interested in helping out with this project? If you are willing to take a short list of approximately a dozen names to contact, we'd love to have your help in confirming everyone's details! Contact any of us at the emails listed above.

Dog Licenses Dogs must be registered by April 30th of each year at the town office.

A $1/per month late penalty will be charged. A rabies certificate is required. Rates: Spayed or neutered $6.50 (proof required) Not spayed or neutered: $9.00 Puppies (3 – 7 months): $6.50 Owners over 65 are allowed one dog at $2.

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The Monadnock Pony Club

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ove horses? Do you like to meet new friends? Do you want to have fun? Come see what the Monadnock Pony Club is all about!

The Monadnock Pony Club invites new members from age 6 to 25 to join the fun in 2015! Members of the club meet throughout the year for instruction in horse care and riding skills including; dressage, show jumping, eventing, games, foxhunting, and tetrathalon. Unmounted meetings are held on Sundays throughout the winter months, and Mounted meetings begin in the spring.

The French Farm in Nelson, NH hosts the club and has a large outdoor ring area abutting scenic Center Pond.

The Monadnock Pony Club was founded in the 1960’s and is part of the United States Pony Club, the largest nonprofit youth equine organization in the world. Many members of the US Olympic Team formed their riding foundation through Pony Club and several renowned National riders spent their formative years with the Monadnock Club. Pony Club competitions are teambased, and Monadnock has sent several successful teams to compete at national competitions in the past several years.

The club encourages members to have access to an appropriate pony or horse, tack, equipment and transportation to attend the mounted lessons, but interested children without a horse can participate in all un-mounted activities. Yearly cost is approximately $150 for new members, with a discount for multiple members from the same family. This includes 12-15 weekend meetings throughout the year and preparation for local, regional, and national competitions. For information contact Kathy Blaudschun at 603-847-9082 or Bud French at 603-THS-FARM (847-3276).

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Events at the Nelson Library

tiful photographs, sounds, and a sincere, enthusiastic presentation style, this program is of interest to anyone who appreciates nature.

Story Time at the Library every Tuesday after school at 3:15 p.m.

Nelson Knitting Group at the Library every Thursday at 4 p.m.

Coffee Hour at the Library every Saturday at 10 a.m.

Black Bear Happenings in NH March 7, 11a.m.

A presentation by Mike Morrison that will offer a chance to learn about the natural history of our native wildlife, related research and management activities in New Hampshire, and the federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program that makes the work possible.

Book Group March 16th, 10:30 a.m.

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett The Eastern Bluebird April 15th, 6 p.m.

A presentation by John Rogers that includes the life history of the Eastern Bluebird, other birds that nest in bluebird boxes, nest box management, and more. The focus definitely is on bluebirds, but John also shares his passion for the natural world in hopes the audience will take in some broader and deeper messages about nature—and life. The program has variety, feeling, and is thought provoking. Sprinkled throughout are just a few wildflowers, butterflies, and quotes by some of the great naturalists of the past. With beauMARCH 2015

All programs are free and open to the public. For more information call 847-3214 or email library@townofnelson.com.

The library has books, magazines, books on CD, DVD's (over 1,000), The Keene Sentinel, downloadable audio books and ebooks, computer use and internet. All services are free for town residents.

Save the Date!

Nelson Congregational Church 1st Annual Artisans Craft Fair Saturday, July 18, 9-3 NCC lawn and MacKenzie’s field Reasonable booth space rates!

Book your space soon! pjbirdsmith@gmail.com

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The location this year is Great Potential Farm (Michael and Alouette Iselin's home). The cost for this program is $650.

For the past two years the Town of Nelson has generously supported the Game of Village with three scholarships for Nelson kids to play the game.

This support is invaluable and has made Village possible for several Nelson kids! Thank you for your continued support!

For more information visit www.thegameofvillage.org or call 847-3227.

The Game of Village

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he Game of Village is planning its fifth year back in Nelson.

“What is Village?” you wonder.

It is a daytime adventure for homesteaders ages 10 to 14. Village is quite simply the best part of the summer! Village ’15 will run from June 29 to July 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Through the course of five weeks an acre is transformed into a tiny village.

Homesteaders make little people (peeps) to play the game and learn about scale so everything fits into a tiny new town that is coming to light. The goal of the game is to build a community. This includes the peeps, the dwellings, the businesses, the government, communications, transportation, and entertainment. What do you think brings value to a town? What do you think a town simply can’t be without? These decisions are all made by the peeps.

At Village '14 we had peeps from all over the world put down roots in the town known as Littleleaf. Some came to hide from their past, some came to build a better future; some were not sure why they were there at all, “Where am I?” All interactions taking place between peeps allow the inner thespian to shine. A peep can behave however it sees fit, conflicts between peeps stay between peeps, victories by peeps are shared by us all. In addition to the “hard work” of community building, homesteaders make plenty of time for fun!

Every day that is not thundering, we walk to Center Pond and enjoy a nice swim, often we play games like Capture the Flag in the afternoon , every morning we SING! A great feature to Village ’15 will be the Campfire program on Friday afternoons.

This is where we act out skits, play group and theater games, perform various musical instruments, recite poetry— anything that might be entertaining!

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The Monadnock Folklore Society in Partnership with the Monadnock Center for History and Culture

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s part of the ongoing exhibit at the Monadnock Center, 19 Grove Street in Peterborough, there are several free weekend events.

March 14th, 10 a.m.: Dudley Laufman speaking on “Contra Dancing in New Hampshire: Then and Now” April 11th, 10 a.m.: Allison Aldrich Smith and Hunt Smith speaking on “Dance Music, Sedition and Maple Syrup: The Musical Roots of Old New England”

In Village ’15 we are looking forward to having 22 boys and girls to create Village magic. What are you doing this summer? Would you like to play?

Would you like be the editor of a newspaper? A DJ on the radio? A monarch? A plumber? A quarry owner? A zookeeper? A high fashion designer? A hobo? Applications for these positions and many more may be sent to The Game of Village, 178 Center Pond Road, Nelson, NH 03457.

MARCH 2015

May 2, 5:30 p.m.: Film and Conversations: Country Corners by Robert Fiore and Richard Nevell, Q&A following the film with Richard Nevell of Hancock.

May 8, 6:30 p.m.: Family Dance with Amy Cann and Gordon Peery The exhibit “Gents Bow, Ladies Know How: Traditional Dance and Music in the Monadnock Region 1750 to 2015” is open from Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. through May 23rd.

Admission is $3.00

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CHURCH NEWS Nelson Congregational Church On February 22 we had our second annual “Cheese Cake Sunday”. It was such a success last year that we brought it back this year and added chocolate to it. There were homemade cheese cakes to sample and cheese cakes and chocolates to purchase and take home. This looks to be a new tradition in February to help break us out of “Cabin Fever”.

The Middle School Youth Group will clean the sanctuary on March 1.

They will take the cushions off the pews and take them outside to bang out the dust and wash all the pews with Murphy’s Oil soap. Thanks to our custodian Galena Walker for helping with this project.

The group had such a good time helping to serve at Keene Community Kitchen last month that they have signed up to help again on Sunday March 15. Thanks to Jane Beauregard and Melanie Everard who chaperoned on February 8 for our kids’ first experience serving the hungry in Keene.

Dawn has prepared a Lenten Devotional booklet with inclusions for friends and members. If you would like a copy of the booklet, contact the church at 847-3280.

the church will be open for prayer and reflection. Easter Sunrise service, April 5, will be at 6:30 a.m. on the front steps of the church followed by the Pancake Breakfast and family worship service at 9:30. An Easter Egg Hunt for young children will follow the service.

We continue to enjoy 1st Tuesday Teas at 10 a.m. throughout the year hosted by varied families and individuals at their homes. The March tea will be at the home of the Lothrop’s.

This is a wonderful way to build community. All are welcome.

The NELL’s meet for lunch at various restaurants in Keene on the second Wednesday of the month. All are welcome to share in this gathering. Reservations are requested so please contact Bert Wingerson 847-9945 or Priscilla Walter 847-3264 if you would like to meet for lunch.

Save the Dates: Looking ahead, we are planning the Italian Extravaganza with the scouts for April 25. On July 18 we will hold a Craft Fair inviting all local and area crafts people to purchase space to show and sell their creations. .

Chapel-By-The-Lake Worship services are at 11:00 a.m. with Bible Study following the Worship service.

Knitting Club meets every other Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information and to confirm meeting dates, call 446-7857 or 8473231 During the winter months we meet in individual’s homes.

Holy week will begin with Palm Sunday service at 9:30 a.m. on March 29. Maundy Thursday, April 2, soup and bread supper is at 6 p.m. followed by a Tenebrae service at 7 p.m. This will be a shared event with the Chapel-by-the-Lake congregation. Good Friday, April 3,

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Events leading up to and during Holy week have not been planned at the time of this printing but please keep your eyes aware for signage about any and all upcoming events.

Easter service on April 5, will be at 11 a.m.

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DANCES Monday Contra Dance The Nelson Monday Night Dance takes place every week from 8-10:30 p.m. at the Nelson Town Hall. Admission is $3.00 and volunteer musicians and dance callers will provide teaching and entertainment as usual. Featured performers include Harvey Tolman and Gordon Peery.

Peterborough Contra Dance The First Saturday Peterborough contra dance takes place in the Peterborough Town House every month.

March 7th: Dave Eisenstadter calling with Rodney Miller and Jeremiah McLane April 4th: Play Ball dancing from 6 p.m. to Midnite with Steve Zakon -Anderson, Perpetual e-Motion and Maivish. $15.00 admission May 2nd: Techno Contra with Brendan Carey Block The dances begin at 8 p.m., with a workshop available at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is $10/$7 for students and seniors.

English Country Dance Third Sundays 2-5 p.m. Admission is $10.00.

March 15: Bass Hall at the Monadnock Center for History and Culture, 19 Grove Street Peterborough, Brad Foster with lydia ievins and Peter Barnes April 19: Dublin Town Hall, Allison Aldrich Smith with Mary Lea May 17: Nelson Town Hall, Adina Gordon with lydia ievins and Peter Barnes

CONCERT The Short Sisters. Fay Baird, Kate Seeger, and Kim Wallach have been singing and performing together since 1979. They return to the Nelson Town Hall on Sunday, March 15 for a 7:00 p.m. concert. Admission is $12/$9 for senior, youth, or in advance.

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Local Services & Classifieds ——————————— FOR SALE ————————————— Custom Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles – From your artwork, photos, prints, etc.

Call David Beffa-Negrini at Fool's Gold®, 827- 9825 or email: info@foolsgoldpuzzles.com Granite Lake Maple Products – Pure NH Maple syrup by Nick Barrett, 66 Old Towne Road, Nelson, NH, 03457.

847-3457 or email: graitelakmaplproucts@yahoo.com Nelson grown yarn, fleece and roving from our flock of Romney sheep. Also available are knitting kits and finished products: scarves, hats, mittens, blankets, etc. Call Susan Weaver 847-9763.

Hidden Birch Farm - Chevon (Goat Meat) raised on our farm, choice of cuts; meat chickens & Thanksgiving turkeys. Farm fresh eggs; livestock fence installation.

96 Nubanusit Rd - Tiger & Gigi Batchelder. 827-2950 or email www.hiddenbirchfarm.com

————————————— PERSONAL SERVICES

———————————Talented young woman will help you with your childcare needs, office needs, clerical needs, housecleaning needs, or other miscellaneous projects. Call Gwyneth Tolman 827-4194.

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OTHER ———————————————— Harrisville Children's Center - year-round programs for children 6 weeks to 6 years old. 827-3905 Writing Lessons -Will teach you, child or adult, to write better than you do now.

Ph.D. Tufts, taught writing at Tufts and Harvard Extension. Elizabeth Chapman Hewitt. 847-3118 or 401-2666 For Rent – Granite Lake summer cottage.

Call Mable Bergeron 363-8086.

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For Rent – Seasonal Cottage on Granite Lake. Call 520- 5615 or 304-594-3539.

Art Lessons - for children and adults.

Watercolor, oil, composition, and drawing. Summer/Fall. Beginner thru advanced instruction. Marylise Reilly Fajal, 847-3382 or 355-7337.

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BUILDING, ETC. ———————————————Ethan Tolman - Excavating, bulldozer, truck, loader/tractor work. Field, driveways, building, moving. Years of experience. 827-3414 New homes, decks, kitchens, and baths - remodeling our specialty. Nubanusit Building and Remodeling.

Ron Trudelle 827-3251 Excavation - Septic Systems, driveways, site work, and foundations, trucking, plowing and sanding. Phil Hamilton 847-3288 Additions, renovations, remodeling, barns. Steven Reilly 847-3382 or 355-7337 Residential Painters - Interior, exterior.

Experienced, reasonable, reliable.

Heidi Tompkins and Tal Gregory 847-0000 ———————————————-

HOME SERVICES ———————————————Rubbish removal - Granite Lake Services. Ed Schillemat 847-3290 Will sit your pets and home while you are away, also sewing and repair work.

Call Judi Lang 603-520-5615 or judilang1@myfairpoint.net SPComm Starpower - Home TV and Satellite Systems, High Speed Internet access, 2-way radio, sound reinforcement, home theatre. www.STARPOWER-satellite.tv or wildjimwilder@aol.com.

MARCH 2015

Yard Work - Will do yard work for you.

Call Marcus Bean, 847-3042.

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MUSIC ———————————————Music Lessons - Allison Aldrich & Hunt Smith - Voice, Fiddle, Guitar, Ukulele, 5 String Banjo, Mandolin, Recorder, Beginning Piano, Accordion, Concertina, Flute. A relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you can learn to sing or play the instrument you have always wanted to master. Call 209-3304 or email: huntandallison@gmail.com www.huntandallison.net Munsonville Audio - Location & Studio Recording / Sound Reinforcement. Prograde mixing, high resolution digital recording, microphones & signal processing coupled to custom monitor mixes and an extremely powerful yet well mannered FOH sound system. High quality recordings expertly mixed, mastered & made ready for distribution. Demo recordings a specialty. 499-2904 Web: www.MunsonvilleAudio.Com Email: CJLeake@MunsonvilleAudio.Com Music Lessons - Banjo, Bass, Electric Guitar and Acoustic Guitar. Rock and Roll, Bluegrass, Country Western, Folk.

All levels. Ages 12 to 112. Teaching music for 20+ years. Jonathan Smith 827-3036 Note: Grapevine ads are free to local residents. Please inform us if you need to change or delete an ad.

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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR We are looking for people who would like to receive the link to the full color online version of the Grapevine instead of the paper copy in the mail. It will save on paper and cost. If you are willing to do this, please email Dawn Garrett-Larson at nelsonchurchucc@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support!

PAGE 10

NELSON DIRECTORY ————————————

This newsletter is published by volunteers and is supported solely by donations from you, our readers. Our costs are paper, printing and postage.

If you enjoy receiving the Grapevine, please help us keep this Nelson mainstay running. Send a contribution to: Grapevine-2 830 Nelson Road Nelson, NH 03457 Thank you in advance for your generosity!

-The Grapevine-2 Committee ——————————————— The Grapevine-2 is printed by Prospect Communications.

——————————————— The Grapevine-2 Committee and friends: Hope Lothrop, Kelly French, Susan Hansel, and Bert Wingerson ——————————————— Please visit our Town of Nelson website at: www.townofnelson.org

GRAPEVINE-2

Emergency (Mutual Aid) . . . . . . . . . 911 All fire, illness, and accident calls Selectmen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-0047 execadmin@nelsonnh.us Old Brick Schoolhouse; Alternating Wed., 3:00 p.m.

David Upton, Maury Collins, Susan Hansel Town Clerk/Tax Collector. . . . 847-9043 townclerk@nelsonnh.us Old Brick Schoolhouse, Tues., 9 a.m. - 12 noon & 4 p.m.- 7 p.m.

Thurs., 9 a.m. - 12 noon Or by Appointment Julia Lennon, Town Clerk (Notary Public) Karen Castelli, Deputy Town Clerk Town Administrative Asst. . . . 847-0047 execadmin@nelsonnh.us Tues., 9 a.m. - noon & 4 p.m.- 7 p.m.

Thurs., 9 a.m. - noon Or by Appointment Edie Drinkwater, Admin. Asst.

Anita Treloar, Financial Clerk Planning Board planningboard@townofnelson.com Old Brick Schoolhouse 2nd Thurs., 7 p.m.

Eric Sandberg, Chair . . . . . . . 847-9156 Zoning Board-Adjustment zoningboard@townofnelson.com Old Brick Schoolhouse 1st Tues., 7 p.m.

John Cucchi, Chair. . . . . . . . . 847-9001 Highway Department . . . . . . . . 847-9705 Town Barn Mike Tarr, at Town Barn Fire Chief Bud French . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . call 911 Police. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355-2000 Richard C. Pratt, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . Chief police@townofnelson.com Building Sexton Wayne Fulton. . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-0047 (Emergencies only, 209-4855) Cemetery Board Town Offices, 3rd Tues., 4:00 p.m.

Patricia Jones, Chair. . . . . . . . 847-9681 State Representatives, District 3: Dan Eaton eatonsstore@juno.com State Senator, District 10: Molly Kelly molly.kelly@leg.state.nh.us Supervisors of the Checklist . . 847-3206 MARCH 2015

Betsey Church, Chair, Carol Newcombe Hope Lothrop Olivia Rodham Memorial Library . . . . . . . . . . 847-3214 Kris Finnegan, Librarian HOURS Monday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Tues., Wed., Thurs. 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Library Trustees Linda Cates, Chair Nelson School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-3408 School Board - Nelson School 1st Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.

Kelly French, Jessica Walter, Sara Marean Conservation Commission Kathy Schillemat, Chair. . . . 847-9995 Agricultural Commission Nelson Library 1st Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.

David Voymas, Chair . . . . . 847-3137 Old Home Day Committee Nelson Library 2nd Monday, 6:30 p.m.

Kathy Blaudschun, Chair. . . 847-9082 Youth Groups: Cub Scouts, Elaine Giacomo.847-9019 Civil Air Patrol, Marcus Bean . . . 847-3042 NCC Teen Youths. . . . . . . . 847-3280 ————————————– GRAPEVINE-2 ——————— Grapevine-2 is a quarterly newsletter serving the Nelson/Munsonville community and is sponsored by the Nelson Congregational Church. It is made possible mostly by voluntary donations from readers, with some supplementary assistance from the church. Should donations exceed costs, the surplus goes to the church. Contributions of articles, ideas, photos, or art are always welcome.

To contact the Grapevine-2, call Mare-Anne Jarvela at 847-3244, or email jarvela@yahoo.com, or send regular mail to: Grapevine-2 Mare-Anne Jarvela 26 Old Towne Rd. Munsonville, NH 03457

PAGE 11

March 8: Daylight Saving Time begins, 2:00 a.m. Don’t forget to “spring forward”.

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.

-African Proverb

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.

-Charles Dickens (1812-70)

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want—oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!

-Mark Twain (1835-1910)

March 14th: Nelson School Pancake Breakfast, starts at 8 a.m.