Orchard Christian Fellowship, known as The Orchard, is hosting a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on September 6, 2013, 10 AM, at our new facility at 136 Pillsbury Road in Londonderry. This event is being co-hosted by the Londonderry Commerce and Visitors Center.

According to Pastor Ken Glasier, the building has seating for up to 300 people, a lobby area, an office and a nursery. Pastor Glasier relates, “The Orchard is excited about being in our first facility – a place for our community to Love God, Love People, and Live God’s Message.”

The Orchard contracted with Northpoint Construction Management, a design/build firm from Hudson to make their vision of a new church facility in Londonderry a reality. Financing for the project was arranged through Enterprise Bank of Derry.

Currently The Orchard has a Sunday morning worship service at 9:30AM. On September 14th, a Saturday evening worship service will begin with an “unplugged” style of music and conversation.

To find out more about The Orchard, visit their website or find them on Facebook – The Orchard.

Women from coast to coast can mark their calendars and get ready to experience some of their favorite things during a single evening of fabulous fun. Simon Property Group, Inc., a leading global retail real estate company, is once again making its shopping centers the place for ladies to be as Mall of New Hampshire hosts its annual Girl’s Night Out event, presented by Diet Coke and The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, on Thursday, September 12, 2013 from 12 PM to 4 PM. Because women simply deserve a special night dedicated to them, Simon Malls are providing the perfect outlet for letting loose with friends.

“It’s important for women to celebrate one another and enjoy spending time on themselves,” said Rebecca Murphy, Director of Marking and Business Development. “We simply want to support women at a familiar place they like to be – their favorite Simon mall.”

Simon Malls® Girl’s Night Out attendees will have the chance to take advantage of a variety of trendy advice and pampering offerings dedicated to women only, aiming to help them feel and look their best:

• Sunset Sips & Snacks – At sunset, hundreds of women will simultaneously toast each other with a sip of Diet Coke, marking their extraordinary achievements and multi-faceted lifestyle roles they represent. Additional hors d’oeuvres will be available.
• Style, Beauty & Expert Advice – With fall fashion on shelves, retailers will provide women an opportunity to save on several of the latest looks. Hair, make-up and massage teams will be on hand to help attendees refresh and relax with pampering services and beauty tips.
• Girls-Only Giveaways – A number of lucky women to attend The Mall of New Hampshire’s event will receive an exclusive gift bag packed with free beauty products, retailer gift cards and other surprises.

Simon Malls and presenting Girl’s Night Out marketing partners are encouraging women to create even more moments for ladies-only activities beyond the main event. Attendees will have the chance to enter to win Simon Malls Ultimate Girls Night Out with Keith Urban, where one winner and a guest will attend a concert as part of the country music star’s Light The Fuse tour. Plus, attendees are invited to learn more about The British Virgin Islands and enter for a chance to win a trip to this Caribbean paradise beginning September 13th.

“The British Virgin Islands is a destination for relaxation, rejuvenation and total enjoyment. That same positive atmosphere can be found at Simon Malls Girl’s Night Out,” said Ms. Perla George, General Manager of North America Marketing for the BVI Tourist Board. “With more private island resorts than any other Caribbean destination, as well as a plethora of idyllic settings and experiences perfect for girlfriend getaways, family vacations or romantic retreats, the BVI offers a Caribbean paradise just for you, whatever vacation experience you seek.”

Simon Malls’ Girl’s Night Out events are free and open to women of all ages. For more information, click here. Follow the Mall of New Hampshire on Facebook or Twitter @ShopMallofNH.

About The Mall of New Hampshire
The Mall of New Hampshire is a regional shopping center located in Manchester, New Hampshire and is managed by Simon Property Group, Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.  The Mall of New Hampshire is anchored by department store favorites Macy’s, jcpenney, Best Buy and Sears and has over 125 retailers, 4 full-service restaurants and a 550 seat food court.

Please help bring Tooki home to Montreal. he went missing in Londonderry, NH while his owners were visiting.

Missing Male Shiba Inu Londonderry NH 8/30/13
“Tooki” is 1 year old 20 lbs, Tan/Beige, Could easily be mistaken for a fox with curly tail. He ran into the Musquash Conservation Area from Sara Beth Lane. He is extremely timid-DO NOT CHASE!!
Please call with any sightings or information: 603-437-6661. (smb)

Deborah A. Soucy, 54, of Londonderry, NH passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2013 at the Parkland Medical Center, Derry, NH surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 26, 1958 in Melrose, MA, a daughter of Reni and Jeanette (Bernier) Parent. She was raised and educated in Wakefield, MA, and was a graduate of Wakefield High School. Deborah was a resident of Londonderry since 1986. She enjoyed camping in the Great North Woods and moose watching. She loved cooking.
In addition to her parents of Kissimmee, FL, she is also survived by her husband of 22 years, Jean-Eude G. Soucy, Sr. of Londonderry, a son, Todd A. Soucy of Londonderry, a daughter, Theresa A. Soucy of Londonderry, a step daughter, Lea Gilford and her husband Ted of Merrimac, MA, two step-sons, Jean-Eude Soucy, Jr and his wife Andrea of Goffstown, and Denny W. Soucy of Manchester, ten grandchildren, Glenn Beaulieu and his wife Taylor of Derry, Tanya, Jean-Eude III, Tyler, Brandon, Arianna, Lilly, Hayley, Adam, and Callie, one brother, Tim Parent and his wife Donna of Orlando, FL., as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, September 8th from 1 – 4pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry. A Liturgy of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 9th at 10:00am in St. Jude Parish, 435 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. The burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Gilcreast Rd., Londonderry. Memorial contributions may be made to the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, 1820 W. Webster Ave., Ste. 340, Chicago, IL 60614.

Visit the Peabody Funeral Homes website to leave a condolence note or view others.

David Ells Bartholomew, 91, of Londonderry, NH, passed away September 2, 2013 at Pleasant Valley Nursing Center in Derry, NH. He was born on December 18, 1921, son of the late Frederick Dean and Marion Lucille (Ells) Bartholomew. He was predeceased by his first wife of 56 years, Anne Estelle (Haible), and by his sister Virginia. His current wife, Betty (Fornshell), resides in Mesa, Arizona.

David was an Army Veteran of World War II serving from 1942-1944. For many years David worked as New England Sales Manager for Ace Venetian Blinds. He retired from Charles River Breeding Service Labs. He had a great love and passion for discussion, photography, and for playing the harmonica and recorder, especially for his great- grandchildren.

He is survived by two sons; Dean Bartholomew with his wife Cindy of Londonderry, NH and Robert Bartholomew with his partner Angie of Oxfordshire, England. He also leaves six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, two nieces and a nephew.

His request is no services. Burial will be held at a later date in The Old Meeting House Cemetery, Danville, NH, beside his first wife Estelle.

Visit the Peabody Funeral Homes website to leave a condolence note or view others.

Nancy Lou Armstrong, 83, of Londonderry, NH died September 2, 2013 in the Langdon Place of Nashua, NH. Mrs. Armstrong was born in Montague City, MA on February 17, 1930, a daughter of the late Thomas F. and Helen (Milkey) Kelly. Nancy had been a resident of Londonderry, NH since 1985. She previously lived for 27 years in Reading, MA where she was employed as an Accounting supervisor for Addison-Wesley Publishing Co. She was a member of the International Questers Organization and the Dine Out Club. Mrs. Armstrong was also a member of the Londonderry Presbyterian Church.
Nancy was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Richard D. Armstrong who died in 2009 and by her daughter, Debra Lou Verbiar in 1998. She is survived by her son, Richard Armstrong of Chelmsford, MA, her daughter, Teri Ann Gouveia and her husband Kevin of Chelmsford, MA, her son-in-law, Dr. Robert J. Verbiar of West Chester, PA, four granddaughters; Shauna Riley, Kelly Armstrong, Jeannette Verbiar and Julia Verbiar, her siblings; Diane E. Martin of Wakefield, MA, Marilyn Kelly of Turners Falls, MA and Ronald Kelly and his wife Peggy of Virginia Beach, VA, her sister-in-law, Barbara Gauthier of Monterey, MA. She also leaves 12 nieces and nephews.

Calling hours were held on Friday September 6, 2013 from 4 – 7 pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry, NH. Memorial services will be held on Saturday at 4:00pm in the Londonderry Presbyterian Church, 126 Pillsbury Rd., Londonderry. Private burial will be at a later date in Pillsbury Cemetery, Londonderry. Memorial donations may be made to the Debra Lou Verbiar Education Fund, C/O Westminster Presbyterian, 10 West Pleasant Grove Rd., West Chester, PA 19382 or to Sol Amor Hospice, 170 S. River Rd., Bedford, NH 03110.

Visit the Peabody Funeral Homes website to leave a condolence note or view others.

Raymond H. Chenard, 79, of Londonderry, NH passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at the Elliot Hospital, Manchester, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 17, 1933 in Lawrence, MA a son of the late Vilmont and Alice (Lemay) Chenard. Raymond proudly served his country with the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Cardinal Health in Peabody, MA in 1995, previously working for Frank C. Meyer Co. and Phil Murray Co in Lawrence, MA. In his early years, he was a great tennis player. In 2004, he moved from Methuen, MA to Londonderry, NH where he made many close friends with whom he enjoyed playing cards, bowling, and attending social gatherings at the Forest Hills of Londonderry Clubhouse. He also enjoyed cruising and traveling to Aruba and Las Vegas. Most of all, he enjoyed many happy hours with his 10 grandchildren who will always cherish their wonderful memories of “Grampa Chenard”.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Gertrude (Walsh) Chenard of Londonderry, three daughters, Lisa Wojtas and her husband Michael of Salem, NH, Linda Nickerson of Hudson, NH, and Christine Soucy and her husband Alan of Georgetown, MA; his ten grandchildren, Monica, Jenna, Michaela, Brianna, Derek, Alex, Nicole, Victoria, Shaun, and Stephen; two great grandchildren, Haylee and Aleeah; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Michael R. Chenard and his brother Normand Chenard.

Memorial calling hours will be held on Monday, September 9, 2013 from 4 – 7pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry. Private family burial will take place at later date in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen, MA. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.

Visit the Peabody Funeral Homes website to leave a condolence note or view others.

The Derry Parks and Recreation is proud to present just a few of the programs and events planned for the fall 2013 season! The Department offers a variety of activities for individuals of all ages. Browse through the descriptions below, and please feel free to contact the Recreation’s main office at (603) 432-6136 with any questions or visit their website for dates, prices, registration forms, and additional information.

Youth Programs:

Lil’ Samurais Judo Club
The Lil’ Samurais Judo Club teaches the art of Judo in a safe manner simplified for the younger participants in the Judo program. Classes are held Wednesday nights from 5:30 until 6:30 PM and are open to individuals aged 5 to 9 years of age. Fall session dates are as follows:

• Fall session I: September 4th to October 2nd, 2013
• Fall session II: October 9th to November 6th, 2013

The fall rate, beginning with the second family member, is $20.00. A United States Judo Association (USJA) membership is required for this program and has a $50.00 registration fee valid for one year upon receipt of registration. Sessions are offered throughout the year, so please check back for future dates!

Youth Open Gym Program
The Veterans Hall Memorial Gymnasium will be available for open gym times beginning Tuesday, September 10, 2013. Open gym is a time for children and young adults to practice basketball skills, join in on a pick-up game, and make some new friends. The program is held at Veterans Hall located at 31 West Broadway and is FREE for any interested participant! Grades K-5 require adult supervision, and grades 6- 12 must show a current school ID to participate.
The schedule of times and grades are as follows:

• Mondays & Thursdays: 2 to 4 PM – Kindergarten to 8th Grade
• Tuesdays & Fridays: 2 to 4 PM – High School

Winter Basketball Registrations
Registrations for the Winter Basketball Program will begin Monday, October 7, 2013. This program is open to children and young adults aged four through high school. Registration fees for Derry residents will be $40.00 while the nonresident fee will be $60.00 for the season. A family rate of $15.00 for both residents and nonresidents is available starting with the second family member. Early registration is strongly encouraged. We are always looking for coaches to volunteer their time to make this program great. If you are interested in coaching, please contact the Recreation office. More information will be available for this program closer to the start of registrations.

Adult Programs & Events:

Adult Yoga
Adult Yoga for All is an all-inclusive yoga program for adults at least 18 years of age. Participants of 16 and 17 years of age are also eligible to participate when participating with a parent or guardian. This program includes 5 classes of 75 minutes each held at Alexander-Carr Lodge. Participants will be introduced to the health benefits yoga can offer. Two separate sessions are held on Mondays and Thursdays each with classes offered from 6:30 to 7:45 PM.
Monday Sessions

• Fall session 1: September 9th to October 7th, 2013
• Fall session 2: October 21st to December 2nd, 2013

Thursday Sessions

• Fall session 1: September 12th to October 10th, 2013
• Fall session 2: October 24th to December 5th, 2013

Derry registration fee is $40.00. Non-resident registration fee is $60.00. There is a family rate of $25.00 for each additional family member. Sessions are offered throughout the year, so please check back for future dates!

Adult ZUMBA
ZUMBA Fitness is a fusion of Latin music and high energy dance moves, creating a fun, effective workout program. The instructor, Jackie Penrod, bases the program on the principle that workouts should be fun and easy to do, mixing Latin music with high energy dance moves, creating a fun, effective workout program for all! These sessions consist of six one-hour long classes held on Saturday mornings at 8:30 AM and are open to all adults aged 18 and over. Session dates are as follows:

• Fall Session 1: September 7th to October 12th, 2013
• Fall Session 2: October 19th to November 23rd, 2013

Participants can pay a $40.00 fee for the entire six-week session or a $10.00 drop-in fee per class. All classes are held at the Veterans hall Gymnasium. Check back with the Recreation office for more sessions throughout the fall and winter.

Judo Club
The Derry Judo Club teaches the art of Judo in a safe manner. The instructor, Roger Lenfest is assisted by the founder of the Derry Judo Club, Chris Veziris, a 6th degree black belt and nationally certified coach, along with several other nationally ranked black belts. Fall session dates are as follows:

• Fall session I: September 2nd to October 2nd, 2013 (*no class held on September 2nd, 2013)
• Fall session II: October 7th to November 6th, 2013

Judo classes are held Monday and Wednesday nights from 7 until 8:30 PM. Students aged 10 to 16 are $30.00. Students aged 17 to 64 are $40.00. Students 65 and over are $30.00. The family rate for the program, beginning with the 2nd family member, is $20.00 per person. A United States Judo Association (USJA) membership is required for this program and has a $50.00 registration fee valid for one year upon receipt of registration. Judo Club sessions are offered throughout the year, so please check back for future dates!

Upcoming Bus Trips:

The Department offers various trips geared towards residents and nonresidents of all ages. Some of the upcoming bus trips include the MS Mountain Washington Foliage Cruise in September, the Foxwoods Resort and Casino trip in October, and the Nutcracker Ballet trip as performed by the Boston Ballet in December.

All of our trips offer a variety of activities and experiences that are sure to keep you coming back for more. Additional information including dates, prices, and registration forms can be obtained by stopping by the Recreation office at 31 West Broadway in Derry, calling (603) 432-6136, or visiting their website.

The Derry Parks & Recreation Department is still accepting registrations for the above listed programs. For questions or additional information, please call the Recreation office at (603) 432-6136.

Did you know that over 90% of all car seat installations need correction? Do you know the safest way for your child to be restrained? Do you know the current, as well as the revision to the current child passenger law taking effect on January 1, 2014?

The Londonderry Child Passenger Safety Program will be hosting a car seat check up event to celebrate National Seat Check Saturday on Saturday September 21, 2013 from 12 noon to 3 PM at the Matthew Thornton School, 275 Mammoth Road in Londonderry.Certified technicians will be available to inspect your child’s car seat installation for proper installation. We will also have information available on the revised Booster Seat Law which takes effect on January 1st, 2014.

For more information on this event, please contact the program at: 603-432-1104 ext 4623 or via e-mail at: cps(at)londonderrynh.org.

Discs were flying this past weekend at the Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua, NH.  They were not thrown by humans, though- 120-pound robots built by local high school students were the culprits.

They were a part of RoboExpo, an annual event started by Londonderry High School’s own FIRST Robotics Team, the PVC Pirates, in 2011. There were teams in attendance from Central High, Windham, Bishop Brady, and Nashua.

FIRST is “an organization founded to develop ways to inspire students in engineering and technology fields.” Every January, teams around the world receive a challenge- this year it was to shoot discs into goals on each end of a 27′x54′ field. Teams then compete regionally, vying for a spot in the global championships in St. Louis, Missouri in April.

Aram G. Avedisian, 59, of Londonderry, NH, formerly of Auburn, NH, passed to be ever with his Lord, Tuesday September 10, 2013, surrounded by his loving family at the Arbors of Bedford, after a lengthy illness. Mr. Avedisian was born April 28, 1954 in Boston, MA and was a son of the late Aris and Annie (Kachagian) Avedisian. He was raised and educated in Watertown, MA and had been a resident of Auburn for 22 years, prior to relocating to Londonderry 3 years ago. Mr. Avedisian was employed as a Senior Technical Database Designer at Fidelity Investments of Marlboro, MA for 16 years. He was also instrumental with organizing a hockey league with Fidelity employees during this time. Aram was a longtime member and former Deacon at Grace Free Presbyterian Church of Litchfield, and will forever be remembered for his great love and devotion for his family.

Members of the family include his wife of 32 years, Kathleen M. (Kille) Avedisian of Londonderry, a son and his wife, Scott and Katey Avedisian of Goffstown, a daughter, Sabrina Avedisian, of Londonderry, his grandson, Jason Aram Avedisian, a sister, Margaret DeFreest of Hooksett, and a large extended family. Calling hours will be held Thursday September 12, 2013 from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, NH. A Funeral Service will be Friday at 10 am in the funeral home and will conclude with burial in Pillsbury Cemetery of Londonderry. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: Grace Free Presbyterian Church, Attn: Missions, 11 Colby Road, Litchfield, NH 03052.

Visit the Peabody Funeral Homes website to leave a condolence note or view others.

As the leading advocate for female consumers, WomenCertified is delighted to honor Merry Maids with the 2013 Women’s Choice Award for America’s Best for Home in the category of cleaning services. This award designation is based on a national survey of more than 5,000 women who were asked to select the brands they would most highly recommend to others.

“It is an honor to have earned the Women’s Choice Award Seal of Excellence. We are fortunate to have the best team members, managers and franchisees, whose careful attention to details and exceptional customer care have made this award possible,” says Tom Coba, president, Merry Maids.

According to a 2012 Fleishman Hillard Study, today’s U.S. female consumer values the opinion of others and over half of all women consider one of their roles to be that of a broadcaster, responsible for helping others make smart choices. So it is not surprising that major brands are focusing on delivering a customer experience women will love. The Women’s Choice Award has set the standard for helping women make smarter choices by collectively identifying the brands most recommended and trusted by women, as well as those that deliver a customer experience worthy of a recommendation.

• 92% of Americans will seek out the recommendation of others before making a major decision (Nielson Research 2012)
• 9 out of 10 women would ‘definitely’ trust a brand more if it carried the Women’s Choice Award (Medelia Monitor 2013)

“Recognizing the top home product and service brands nationwide that are women-friendly and align with women’s identified preferences is important to our mission at WomenCertified in helping women make smart choices,” said Delia Passi, author of ‘Winning the Toughest Customer: The Essential Guide to Selling to Women.’

“We are pleased to salute Merry Maids for its focus on service excellence, a commitment that is recognized by women consumers nationwide,” Passi said.

About Merry Maids
Merry Maids is the largest home cleaning franchise network in the world. Merry Maids is a subsidiary of The ServiceMaster Company, one of the world’s largest residential service networks. The ServiceMaster Family of Brands provided services and products to approximately 8 million customers during the last 12 months through market-leading commercial and residential service brands including Terminix, TruGreen, American Home Shield, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic and AmeriSpec. Visit their website for more information about Merry Maids or follow us at Twitter and Facebook.

About Women’s Choice Award
WomenCertified is a marketing research firm, home to the Women’s Choice Award, the only award that identifies brands that women recommend and serves as a competitive differentiator for businesses. Awards are based on surveys of thousands of women, as well as research conducted in partnership with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania on what drives the consumer experience for women vs. men. To learn more, click here.

Last night, September 12, 2013, at approximately 9:15 PM, Londonderry Police responded to 26 Beacon Street for a report of a home invasion. According to the police log, three men armed with at least one weapon entered the residence, asked for the homeowner by name, stole cash, phones, and other items, and fled on foot. One subject was arrested in the incident but police state he was not involved in the crime.

Orlanzzini was arrested in the incident, however he was not involved in the crime.

Londonderry Police were contacted by an unnamed caller who stated she was sleeping and awakened by family members reporting to her that “three Hispanic males were just in the house, ransacked the house and stole the house phone, nephew’s cell phone and keys to the caller’s car.” An unknown amount of cash was also reportedly stolen.

The caller also stated that one male, described as being 5’11″, having a medium build, slicked back hair and clean shaven face, had brandished a black semiautomatic pistol. He was the only one of the three men not wearing a mask or bandana over his face. They were all also reportedly wearing dark clothing and gloves.

It was believed the subjects fled on foot from the home. K9 Officer Perry conducted a search of the area but nothing was found.

Arrested in the incident was Juan Orlanzzini of Tozer Road in Beverly, Massachusetts. According to the police log, 27-year-old Orlanzzini was arrested on a warrant and was in the country illegally. He was later turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

No one was injured and minimal property was damaged during the home invasion. Police report that it appears to be an isolated incident where as the victim was known by the subjects and it is still under investigation.

Last night, after a delayed report, Londonderry News was tweeting “live action” of the incident. Like to get live updates as they happen around town? Follow us on Twitter @LondonderryNH for all the latest!

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has selected Manchester-Boston Regional Airport to participate in its expedited screening program called TSA Pre-Check. The recent announcement by the TSA of sixty additional airports brings the total number of U.S. airports participating in the national TSA Pre-Check program to one hundred. This new enhanced security program is scheduled to be operational in New Hampshire on November 1, 2013.

TSA Pre-Check is an expedited screening program that allows pre-approved airline travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on in select screening lanes. “As the TSA continues to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to transportation security, we are looking for more opportunities to provide the most effective security in the most efficient way possible,” said TSA Administrator John S. Pistole. “Expanding TSA Pre-Check to more locations enables many more passengers across the country to experience expedited screening.”

“Manchester-Boston Regional Airport’s inclusion in this emerging TSA security screening program is going to improve customer service while maintaining a high level of security,” stated Airport Director Mark Paul Brewer, A.A.E. “We’ve been working closely with local TSA officials to ensure that the implementation of the TSA Pre-Check program is successful and seamless.”

Passengers who are currently eligible for TSA Pre-Check include US citizens of frequent traveler programs invited by participating airlines. Additionally, US citizens who are members of a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler program and Canadian citizens who are members of CBP’s NEXUS program qualify to participate. Later this year the TSA will launch an application program, allowing more US citizens to enroll in TSA Pre-Check.

Eligible passengers traveling on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America may receive expedited screening benefits. JetBlue and Southwest are expected to begin participating when operationally ready.

As kids climb onto the big yellow school bus headed for their first day of class, make use of the extra time and clear out the summer clutter with these tips from the cleaning experts at Merry Maids.

• Do Your Homework: Ensure that the area where your children will be doing homework is relatively noise-free, clutter-free and has proper lighting.
• School Supplies: Designate one spot, such as the laundry room or closet for school books, bags and sports equipment. If your house does not have a lot of extra space, try using an old toy chest or bench to store your children’s school supplies. The bin can also be used to store extra notebooks, pencils and other school supplies.
• Lunch Made Easy: Clear a space in the fridge specifically for children’s lunches, and allow them to help pack their lunch by selecting several items on the shelf. Helping them pack their lunch the night before school will reduce the rush in the morning. Washing the lunchboxes while cooking supper also cuts down on your time in the kitchen.
• Summer Clothes: Before dragging out fall clothes, establish a summer storage bin for next year’s wear. As the weather cools, have the children throw their favorite summer duds into the storage bin. For those summer clothes that no longer fit, establish a separate bin to be given to a local charity. This will make things easier next year and will reduce clutter in the closet.
• Re-Organize: Clear out those unused toys and organize the kids’ rooms. Take advantage of under-the-bed space by using flat plastic boxes to store sweaters, books or toys. Re-organizing the closet can be a cinch as well, using adjustable shelves and closet units.

Founded in 1979, Merry Maids supplies customized residential cleaning services through more than 800 franchises and company-owned locations in the United States and 1,150 franchises worldwide. Merry Maids is a subsidiary of The ServiceMaster Company, whicore than 12 million customers in the United States and in 40 countries around the world and includes nine market-leading companies that provide a wide range of related home services. The other companies are TruGreen, TruGreen Landcare, Terminix, American Home Shield, ServiceMaster Clean, AmeriSpec and Furniture Medic.

For more information on residential cleaning, call 603-889-1004. Check out our web brochure.

On Thursday, September 19, 2013 at 7:00 PM the Leach Library will host “Alaska Wilderness: A Canoe Journey into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge”. Presented by Marcia and Mark Wilson, this colorful slide-show program will treat you to intimate photographic views of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

In this seventy-five minute presentation, the Wilsons will describe the nineteen days they spent canoeing the Canning River on the western edge of the Arctic Refuge. Paddling north from a gravel riverbank that served as an airstrip in the Brooks Range, the Wilsons navigated a seventeen-foot folding canoe to explore seventy miles of arctic wilderness. With stunning photos and passionate commentary drawn from several visits to the arctic, the Wilsons open a window to the arctic summer. Audience members will also learn about some of the mammals, birds, plants and insects that thrive in our continents most remote wilderness—the arctic tundra.

Marcia and Mark Wilson are a husband-wife team, photographing, teaching and sharing their passion for the natural world. Both are avid naturalists with biology degrees and a keen focus on birds. They often camp, canoe and hike to study birds, wildlife and ecosystems.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Londonderry Leach Library. It is free and open to the public with seating limited to the first 100 people and will be held in the library’s lower-level meeting room. Light refreshments will be served.

Though the school year has just begun, students at Southern New Hampshire Montessori Academy haven’t wasted any time to kick the year off with a bang! The Big Bang that is! The Montessori Academy’s newest program, Upper Elementary, comprised of grades 4-6, presented The Story of the Universe to Lower Elementary peers on Friday. This multi-sensory presentation is the first of a series of five (5) foundational lessons that are presented to elementary students throughout each three (3) year cycle. This lesson, in particular, weaves a tale of the origins of the universe and our own planet. Using impressionistic charts and experiments directly related to the basic physical properties of matter, a foundation is made for the future study of physics, chemistry, astronomy and geology.

“When you know something well enough to teach another, it cements your own learning. This is the dynamic which peer learning exemplifies in the Montessori classroom,” explains Debra Hogan, Head of School at SNHMA. “Additionally, for our Upper Elementary students to embark on the scale of this project at the very beginning of the school year helps to unify them as a community. They’ve already needed to collaborate, compromise, and problem solve as a group; this will be the first of many opportunities they will have to work as a unit throughout the school year.”

At the presentation, Lower Elementary students were issued tickets to attend the performance and ushered to their seats by their elder peers. The formality and symbolism of the presentation heightens the role of Upper Elementary students as guides, mentors and role models in both the minds of the senior and junior students.

The purpose of this first lesson, The Story of the Universe, helps to build context for the elementary student, as they begin to explore their world and question “Who Am I”, as a separate individual from their family. By engaging their power of imagination through storytelling the elementary student has relevance for other subject matter. Rather than exploring subjects in isolation, they are equipped with framework in which to co-relate all of their learning, be it math, language, science, or history. Subsequent lessons include:

• The Coming of Life – presentation of pictures and information about microorganisms, plants, and animals that have lived (or now live) on the earth. The great diversity of life is emphasized, and special care is paid to the “jobs” that each living thing does to contribute to life on earth (foundation for biology, botany, habitats, ancient life and animals);
• The Story of Humans – leads children to study the beginning of civilizations and the needs of early humans – history, culture, social studies, discovery and invention;
• The History of Writing, sometimes called the Communication in Signs – the story of the development of the written alphabet is told, with an emphasis on the incredible ability that humans have of committing their thoughts to paper. Included in the story are pictographs, symbols, hieroglyphs, early alphabets, and the invention of the printing press; and
• The History of Numbers – This lesson begins with the earliest civilizations, who often only had “one”, “two”, and “more than two” as their numeric system. It continues with alook at different numbering systems throughout the centuries, culminating in the decimal system that we use today.

“Nothing is taught in a vacuum at SNHMA, we look to make as many connections as possible across each curriculum area, building context and relationships for their young and curious minds,” emphasizes Hogan.

About SNHMA
Southern New Hampshire Montessori Academy offers an academically focused education to children through an integrated curriculum. Concentration is given to educating the “whole child” (all facets of the child’s being, including: intellectual, physical, emotional, social and creative aspects) with a strong emphasis of hands-on and experiential learning where children develop their passion in technology, science, visual and performing arts, foreign language and physical education. Complementing a strong academic core, the school offers an enrichment program that includes elementary Latin, creative arts (visual and performing), daily physical education, technology, Spanish and Mandarin. For further information, please visit their website.

Celebrated each Veterans Day by American Legion Post 27 the annual parade will take place on Saturday, November 9, at 10:00 am on the Londonderry Town Common.

Invited to march have been emergency personnel, Boy and Girl Scout Troops and the Lancer Marching Band will also participate in the Parade.

Each November 11, Americans take time to thank the brave men and women who have battled and sacrificed for our freedom and rights. Schools close, government buildings fly the American flag with pride, and foot soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen receive many thanks and praises. But the holiday wasn’t originally created to commemorate all soldiers of all wars.

Nearly 100 years ago, World War I, also known as “The Great War”, ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. However, fighting had already ceased seven months prior to the treaty. An armistice, or a temporary cessation of hostilities, between Allied Nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This became the reason why November 11, 1918 became the end of the “war to end all wars.”

In November of 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day by speaking these words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

This year, New Hampshire is once again offering the Apprentice Hunting License, an opportunity for sharing or participating in the hunting experience. First offered in New Hampshire in 2012, the license allows people to hunt, under the guidance of an experienced hunter age 18 or older, without first taking a Hunter Education course. In instituting the program, New Hampshire followed the lead of thirty states that have established apprentice hunting programs.

The Apprentice License costs the same as a regular resident or nonresident hunting license and is valid from date of purchase through the end of the calendar year. It is available to state residents as well as nonresidents. You can purchase an Apprentice License just once in your lifetime. After that, you have to take a Hunter Education class in order to buy a hunting license. Apprentice licenses can be purchased only at Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord, or by mail. Click here for an application.

In its premiere year, the Apprentice License proved quite popular. In 2012, a total of 1,666 Apprentice Licenses were sold. Of these 427 were purchased by women. “It was exciting to see the number of younger people who participated,” said Wildlife Programs Supervisor Kent Gustafson. He noted that the vast majority of apprentice licenses were sold to people age 16-34, a demographic that bodes well for the future of hunting in New Hampshire. The Apprentice License is expected to be a big hit this year as well.

Learn more about the apprentice license, including tips for both apprentice hunters and those who accompany them, at this website.

In a nutshell, here’s how the Apprentice License works:

• One-time opportunity: You can purchase an Apprentice Hunting License only once in your lifetime. If you want to hunt in a future year, you must first complete a hunter education course, then buy a regular New Hampshire hunting license.
• Accompanied: The licensed apprentice hunter is allowed to hunt only when accompanied by a properly licensed hunter age 18 or older. “Accompanied” means maintaining physical direction and control (keeping the apprentice within sight and hearing at all times, without the use of electronic devices).
• Cost: The apprentice hunting license costs the same as a regular resident or nonresident hunting license.
• Restrictions: The Apprentice License may not be used to hunt moose and does not apply to the three-day small game license.

Editors Note: Lorraine Cookson passed away on October 27, 2013 after a brief illness. As one of our first columnists, she was very active with the Senior Center and attended nearly all the events in Town. In memory of Lorraine, we will reprint each one of her columns on Sunday mornings.

Originally published: November 13, 2007

New England Indians, in their native tongue, called it the “Place of Much Water.” At the turn of the century, the City of Manchester proclaimed it as the city’s water supply. My great-aunt, of eighty years insisted on referring the lake as the Icebox. On occasions she dug into a pantry cupboard and lifted an outdated ice pick and ice tongs from the contents and waved the menacing ice pick up into the air like a sword. She proceeded to tell me that in the 1920’s, her husband was one of many workers that harvested ice from the lake. Her words brought back a past memory of my own.

A faded video in my mind rewinds itself and I can see a child of about seven years running after an ice truck as it delivers ice blocks to a home that has a zinc-lined ice box. My taste buds rise as a shard of clear, pure ice tingles my tongue once more.

No matter what the name, the lake has lured many to its shores. I am but one of the thongs of people who make a beeline to the lake given the opportunity. Massabessic is large enough to host sail boats, bass boats, johnboats and other small craft. It is serene enough to make fisherman and boaters alike to look about them and ponder about it’s past history. An old foundation where the icehouse once stood, the brick walls that remain from what was once a dance hall.

A mere twenty minutes from the city limits of Manchester a short drive over hill swept roads brings one to the arms of Mother Earth. A territory free from the constant traffic and wailing sirens. Free to enjoy sports such as hiking, bicycling, fishing, boating and shore lines dotted with fisherman both old and young alike.

The surroundings are framed by woodlands and bluffs., filled with the sounds of nature and abound with water fowls. The water runs both shallow and deep. It is a water world of teasing Small Mouth Bass, Perch, Crappies, Pickerel, Brook Trout and on occasion Brown Trout. During the evening hours fat Hornpout fight to be caught. A large boulder is my sofa as I fish from shore. The boulders are from a long ago age and are advantage points to view the sparkling water dancing under the light of the sun.

Small sun-drenched beaches are scattered along the shoreline that offer a cozy retreat. They have given me the pleasure of picnicking, sunbathing and showing me the lush plant life bursting from the bottom of the waters. It is said that no man is an Island. There are many small islands that one can drift beside as did the great Chief of the Pennascott Indians. Gulls do not mind sharing their piece of land or your thoughts and feelings.

Ospreys soar high in the sky and Loons play hide and go -seek with the fishermen. Watching one flap its large wings just above the water’s surface has both amused and thrilled. The hefty Loons appear bottom heavy and clumsy. How can one resist a smile while viewing a tail of duster-like feathers bob through a circle of ripples or not feel sad at the loons plaintiff cries.

Yes, the Pentacook Indians knew all about the lake, lived off of it and gave it a true proper name. Massabessic: Place of Much Water. They could have added Place of Much Fish, Place of Memory Making and other descriptive names.

Me, I call it The Lake: “Place of Much Fun.”

Lorraine

This short story was submitted by freelance writer Lorraine Cookson, who has lived in Londonderry for almost four years. She looks to everyday experiences and memories from her childhood to channel her creativity. Although writing is her first love, she also enjoys fishing, camping, gardening as well as building miniature bird and doll houses. Camping and Fishing experiences seem to worm their way into many of her stories.

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Like to find out more about the watershed of Lake Massabessic? Visit the History of Cohas Springs, located in Londonderry, New Hampshire