The Walpolean

I was already feeling withdrawal from the library when I received this information to be posted.  I am headed over, right now! – Lil

As you may know, while carpet in the children’s room was being ripped up for new flooring asbestos tile was discovered.  The asbestos removal company was in this morning and has assured us that the library is safe to remain open until the work can be done to remove the asbestos.

We will be open today, December 23, until 8 pm.  We will be open regular hours next week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.  We will update you with operating hours for the first few weeks in January once we have work dates from the asbestos removal company.

During this time we apologize for the state of the library.  The selection of children’s material will be limited until the new flooring and shelves can be installed.  Access to DVDs and audio books is limited.

As always, staff will be ready and willing to assist in any way we can.  Again, thank you for your patience and understanding.  Our goal is to have a safe and fully functional library open for you as soon as possible.  Happy Holidays!

Justine Rogers

Director

The January 2016 issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION went to press Monday, December 21, and has been posted on-line on –http://thewalpoleclarion.com

Simply visit THE WALPOLE CLARION website, and click on the link to open the PDF of the full issue. The Calendar is a separate link from the “Past Issue” page.

Better yet, click on the link on the right side under “Follow this blog” and you will automatically get an email when the next issues are posted.

Had hoped my name would be here but instead, I want to congratulate Shirley Byczkowski. – Lil

The Walpole Players fundraiser for the Fall Mountain Food Shelf and Our-Place Drop-In Center concluded on December 12th with $2211 raised for those two organizations. The “$250 Shopping Spree” (donated by an anonymous donor) was won by Shirley Byczkowski.

The fundraiser was initiated this year when the players were unable to stage A CHRISTMAS CAROL for an eighth time, following its seven-year run due to the fact that not enough actors and actresses arrived to audition. “But we did not want our local foodshelves to suffer from the lack of donations that we always raised for them from our production,” co-directors Tara Sad and Ray Boas stated. So the idea for a $250 shopping spree incentive was hatched.  Based on the donation amount, the donors received one or more entries for the drawing.

Even though the fundraiser is over, you can still donate to the foodshelves.  As one of the Charity Collectors said to Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, “(Christmas) is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices.”  Your tax-deductible donations to help feed our less fortunate neighbors may be mailed to: The Fall Mountain Food Shelf, PO Box 191, Alstead, NH 03602; or, Our Place Drop-In Center, PO Box 852, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.

Thank you again to all of our generous donors.  And Merry Christmas to all.

A reminder that the deadline for the January, 2016, CLARION is Friday, December 18th, due to the Christmas Holidays.

Starting in the January 2016 issue will be a new feature: WALPOLE BUSINESS NOTES. Your 100 word submission of “business news” is welcome for possible insertion.

Don’t forget to make your donation to the food shelf and get your raffle tickets.  The drawing is “coming right up” (just like Christmas) on December 12, 2016. – Lil

While the Christmas Carol has been cancelled for this year, the need at the Fall Mountain Food Shelf and Our Place Drop In Center continues.  Thanks to the Walpole Players there is still a way to continue our support. And, who knows?  You just might be the lucky winner! – Lil

The Walpole Players are making it fun to give this holiday season.

We know that you will one again be donating to your favorite needy charity this year. But, if you give your contribution via the Walpole Players to the Fall Mountain Food Shelf or Our Place Drop In Center, the Walpole Players will enter your name in a drawing to win a $250 shopping spree – provided by an anonymous donor – at the many participating shops and restaurants in Walpole and Bellows Falls. Donations may be made (and entry forms filled out) at the locations listed below.

The winner’s entry will be picked at a fun event with entertainment and Christmas merriment at Joanie Joan’s Baked Goods Company on Saturday, December 12th at noon. You don’t have to be present to win. The winner will have until January 31, 2016, to shop until they drop (or until the $250 is gone, whichever comes first!)

Chuck Shaw sent this helpful outline of events that will be going on at the First Congregational Church in December.  Lots to add to your busy December calendar. – Lil

Welcome! What a great month to celebrate! We offer something for everyone! We are an Open and Affirming church that has spiritual food for your soul and real food for your appetite.

First Congregational will be hosting Breakfast with Santa in the church fellowship hall on Saturday, December 5 from 8 – 10 AM. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee will be served. Santa will be here to listen to the children’s wishes for Christmas. Come with your children, grandchildren or special children. Enjoy the food, fellowship and holiday spirit that fills the air and join in the celebration of life, love and joy. Free will contributions will be received at the door.

We have a new Music Director, Karen Kitchen, starting December 6. Karen is an organ tuner by profession but her talents cover all the musical aspects of our church. December 6 is the second Sunday in Advent. Communion will be served as part of our regular service that starts at 10 AM. Then on Friday evening, December 11, from 5:30 – 7:30 is our monthly Friendly Friday event for children and families, young and old.

On Wednesday, December 9, at 7 PM the Women’s Fellowship will be hosting “Christmas by Candlelight”, an evening of music, fellowship and sharing Christmas memories. Dessert and beverages will be provided. There is a sign up list in the fellowship hall.

Sunday, December 13, at 10 AM is the regular service with the Annual Children’s Christmas Pageant and our Missions Committee Mitten Tree celebration during the service. Winter hats, gloves, mittens and scarves are collected to be packaged and sent to places as far away as Montana and as close as the Walpole School. If you wish to contribute winter items bring them by the church any Sunday morning before December 14. After the service buy some cookies during the Cookie Walk in fellowship hall. We have cookie tins for you to fill with a wonderful array of cookies made by our congregation. You pay by the pound.

Sunday, December 20, at 10 AM is the Annual Choir Cantata in the sanctuary. Come rest your soul and enjoy our music and our choir.

We offer two Christmas Eve services. At 4 PM, families of all kinds are welcome to join us for a child-friendly service. It will feature the Christmas story in scripture lessons, familiar Christmas hymns and a pageant featuring the children from our Sunday school. Then at 7 PM is our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight service with hymns, readings and musical performances by our bell choir, adult choir and organist. Following the service is the live nativity on the common.