The Congregational Church of North Barnstead (CCNB) cordially invites you to attend a Taize’ Worship Service, Ash Wednesday, February 18, at 5:30 p.m.

This peaceful service is in candlelight and lasts 45 minutes. CCNB is at 504 North Barnstead Road. Please come and join us as we enter into the Lenten season. All are welcome!

Saturday February 21: 11-2pm

Essential Oils of Pets & Livestock

Discover Natural Solutions for

caring for the Animals in your life!

Please join us at Five Acre Farm to learn more about caring for your pets and livestock using Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. We will be sharing information about supporting the health of our animals on a daily basis as well as some wonderful recipes to help with common health challenges.

Class is Free!  Contact Jessica 603.731.5921 or Barbara 603.833.8897

Five Acre Farm 85 White Oak Rd Center Banstead, NH 03225

Cultivating old fashioned skills in a modern world.

Suncook Valley Sno-riders Poker Run. Saturday February 21st, 2015 at Ballfield at 177 Tilton Hill Rd., Pittsfield, NH. Registration from 10:00am-12. Support your local snowmobile club, accessible by vehicle. Lots of Fun! More information visit us on Facebook or www.suncookvalleysnoriders.com

Barnstead Elementary School, Fisher Cats

Challenge Students To Hit The Books

School joins team literacy program to

reward students for extra-curricular reading

Barnstead Elementary School is teaming up with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats this school year to encourage and reward their students for their extra-curricular reading.  The school hosted Fungo, the team’s mascot, for a special assembly to kick off their participation in the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge, presented by Velcro USA Inc.

Fungo’s challenge to the students is simple, yet potentially life-changing.  Students must read at least five books outside of their normal curriculum in order to earn a special trip to a Fisher Cats Reading Challenge Game at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium next spring.   For the second straight year, Velcro USA Inc. is providing these youngsters with a pair of tickets when they accomplish their goal.

“With our commitment to education and life-long learning, Velcro USA applauds the Fisher Cats’ Reading Challenge and its efforts to fortify reading skills among children,” said Scott Filion Interim CEO and President, Americas. “We’re proud to support this program and look forward to strengthening our connection to the community by bringing families together at upcoming Fisher Cats games.”

“This program is simple in its delivery, but it carries a poignant message,” said Rick Brenner, Fisher Cats President and General Manager.  “Students with strong literacy skills set themselves on a course for a brighter future.  This partnership with Velcro USA Inc. and the schools gives us a unique opportunity to relay that message in a fun, exciting way.” 

The Fisher Cats’ assembly, one of about 40 that Fungo and the Fisher Cats will make this school year, highlighted the importance of developing strong reading skills to these students – both for their immediate goals and their long-term ambitions.  Additionally, the assembly featured interactive games and healthy living tips like exercising and eating right.

After completing the challenge, the students will receive two tickets to one of six Reading Challenge games next season.  Each game features a different literary theme, and, new this year, all students who complete the challenge have the opportunity to be on the field for the National Anthem before their selected game.

In addition to the individual challenge laid out to students, each school is part of a team competition.  For the fifth straight year, the schools with the highest student participation will share a $5,000 prize, made possible by Velcro USA Inc. and the Fisher Cats Foundation.  This donation will raise the total to $25,000 awarded through the reading program since 2011.

By the end of the academic year, the Fisher Cats will distribute approximately 60,000 Reading Challenge bookmarks to students across New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts, reaching 150 schools.  These numbers will raise the program’s reach to more than 320,000 students since it began in 2007.

The program is available free-of-charge to all schools in New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.  To book a presentation by Fungo and the Fisher Cats, or to receive the program information, contact the Fisher Cats Community Relations team at (603) 641-2005.

The Fisher Cats Reading Challenge, presented by Velcro USA Inc., is a part of the Fisher Cats year-round effort to give back to local communities.  Since 2007, the Fisher Cats and the Fisher Cats Foundation have generated more than $3.5 million in monetary and in-kind donations for thousands of organizations.  In that time, the Fisher Cats Foundation has awarded $230,000 in scholarships to college-bound high school seniors.

The Fisher Cats open the 2015 season on Thursday, April 9 against the New Britain Rock Cats (Colorado Rockies) at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.  Full and Half-Season Tickets are on sale now.  Season Ticket Holders enjoy a host of benefits, including monthly all-you-can-eat barbecues, a free kid’s birthday party, flexible exchange policy, invitation to exclusive events, and much more.  Fans who purchase by February 1 will also receive double Fisher Cash – up to $100 per seat – to use at concessions stands or in the Team Store.  For tickets, visit www.nhfishercats.com or call (603) 641-2005.

To find out the ways Velcro Brand can provide solutions for you, and to learn more about the community efforts of Velcro USA Inc., visit www.velcro.com.

Fire & Ice With Barnstead Parks And Rec

Please join BPR on Saturday, February 21, 2015 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm for this fun, free event at Big River Recreation Area featuring skating, music, and a bonfire.  Concessions including hot dogs, popcorn, hot chocolate and more will be available for purchase to benefit BYBSA.  BPR has some skates available to borrow in the shed.  Your donation of unused or unwanted ice skates in any size is most appreciated.  We also welcome the contribution of old pallets, firewood or dry Christmas trees to add to our bonfire.  So that the area will be safe for participants, please plan to park at the library or Town Hall parking lots.  We encourage all skaters to wear helmets, especially children.  We hope to see you there!

Oscar Foss Memorial Library News

Meet the Candidates Night

Just a reminder that Meet the Candidates Night, sponsored by the Oscar Foss Memorial Library, will be held on Thursday, February 26th at 7pm at the Barnstead Town Hall. This is your opportunity to ask questions and gather information from the candidates who are running for school and town positions. Parking is available at the Town Hall and also at the Library. There is no snow date scheduled for this event.

John H. “Jack” O’Neil

John H. “Jack” O’Neil of Bow Mills Road, died January 31st at home following a long illness.

He was born December 25th in Everett, MA., the son of Henry R. and Dorothy (Kelly) O’Neil and he was raised in Winchester, MA and then resided in Methuen and Andover Ma. for many years. He moved to Barnstead in 1997. Prior to his retirement he was employed as a window clerk for the US Postal Service in Woburn, MA. He was a disabled Vietnam Army veteran. He was a former Selectman in Barnstead and also served as the Welfare Officer. 

He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion and co-founder and Past President of Psychological Operations Veterans Organization. He was a communicant of St. Katharine-Drexel Catholic Church and an all-around supporter and friend to all he knew.

He is survived by his wife Cindy (Perkins) O’Neil and a son, Sean O’Neil both of Barnstead, a granddaughter, Cadence O’Neil, a sister Jan Downing of Salisbury, MA, two brothers, Robert O’Neil and wife Karen of Burlington, MA and Stephen O’Neil and wife Diane of Falmouth, MA, several  nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 21st at 11:00 AM in St. Katharine – Drexel Church, Route 28 North, Alton, NH by the Rev. Robert Cole, Pastor. A collation will follow at the Church. An Urn Burial will be at the family’s convenience in the NH Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to  the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758518, Topeka, KS 66675

The Perkins & Pollard Memorial Home, Pittsfield, NH is assisting with arrangements.

Roland E Bunker, Jr. 

Roland E Bunker, Jr., 93 passed away peaceably at his home on February 12, 2015.  The son of Roland E Bunker, Sr. and Ruth Evans Bunker, he was born in Barnstead on February 8, 1922.

Graduating from Pittsfield High School, Roland joined the United States Army Air Force during WWII.  Stationed in Italy, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in combat; severely wounded, Bunker worked feverishly to repair his damaged B-24 and bring the plane and crew home safely.

Upon his return home he became well respected in the farm machinery business, traveling all over New England troubleshooting mechanical issues on tractors, hay bailers, etc.  He also served in the Air Force reserve as a Senior Master Sergeant at Grenier Field in Manchester and several other bases along the East Coast.

Roland also worked for the US Government as a jet aircraft engine inspector at Curtis Wright in New Jersey, General Electric in Lynn and later at General Electric in Hooksett.

He loved to garden and into his 80’s planted 1-2 acre vegetable gardens.  He was also quite handy as a carpenter.  Cutting lumber from his own property and having it milled, he built his own home in 1947 from scratch where he lived with his wife, Charlotte, until his passing.

A native born resident of Barnstead, he was honored as Citizen of the Year in 2012.  He loved to march in the annual Memorial Day Parade and never missed one for 55 years.  He served in the Barnstead Planning Board for many years and was the gate keeper at town elections in his later years until 2013.

Roland is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte Cate Bunker and predeceased by his brother Robert Bunker and his sister Amelia Bunker Hunt.  He is also survived by his daughter Debra Bunker Holmes and her husband Larry Holmes of Grafton, NH and William E. Bunker of Barnstead, NH as well as five granddaughters Heather Halverson of Barnstead, Haley Amelia Bunker of Nashua, Kristin Ashley of North Carolina, Erin Louise Bunker and Emalee Ruth Bunker of Barnstead and several great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to so many of the people who visited Roland in his final days and especially to the Concord Visiting Nurses and Hospice team who were so loving and caring through his final year.  Family will have private services in the late Spring.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to CVNA or American Legion Post 42.