Volume 7 Published monthly since May 1999 July 2021
News from the Selectboard Submitted by Kurt Grassett, Chairperson
On Friday, June 11, 2021, the State of Emergency for the Pandemic was allowed to expire. Although not totally out of the woods, we are starting to get back to some normalcy in our lives. On June 14, 2021, the Board of Selectman voted to resume in-person meetings for all boards and committees. We will no longer be utilizing Zoom as a way to conduct meetings. If you wish to join us at our meetings please feel free to stop in. In other signs of some normalcy, the Summer Concert Series is back in full swing, starting on July 8th. Our fire- works this year will be held on Friday night of Old Home Day (August 20, 2021) come on down for the Ice Cream Social and local music. Old Home Day festivities will be held throughout the weekend, more details next month. Throughout the Pandemic our town employees kept everything running as smoothly as possible, during some unprecedented times. Please join us on Thursday, July 22nd, from 4:30-6:30pm as we show our appreciation for everything they do at all times, not just during emergencies. Their dedication to the citizens of Hancock shows in everything they do. We live in a special place, and we owe much of that to our hard-working staff! Many of you may have seen the notice from the School Board that they are returning about 3.2 million dollars back to the towns. This sum includes monies from June 30, 2020, and 2021. We will not actually see that money, but it will be utilized to reduce the increase in our monthly payments. We currently pay just over $371,000 a month to Con-Val. The new rate, starting July 1st is estimated at $388,841 per month($4.6 million per year). This factors in the returned funds into this payment estimate. According to the census the School Board supplies, we have an average daily membership of 169 children in the Con-Val school district.
Please note: The Town Clerk’s office will be closed Monday, July 5th in observance of Independence Day.
[Editor Note: There is so much excitement about Old Home Days this year that some articles were submitted for this issue-please see pages 16 & 17. There will be more in the August issue]
Hancock Happenings Mission Statement Hancock Happenings is the monthly newsletter of the Town of Hancock, established in 1999 for the purpose of publishing news articles by Town Departments and local organizations. The publication is self-supported through the sale of block and classified ads. Hancock Happenings is not a forum for opinion pieces of any nature, political advertising and political columns; any such submissions will be edited or rejected.
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Hancock Fire & Rescue Tom Bates, Chief, Hancock Fire Department
The Hancock Fire Department recently responded to a extreme summer weather. It can also occur if you’re in a house fire with fire in the basement. The homeowners hot car or other indoor area that isn’t air-conditioned. Ba- were very lucky because they smelled smoke and were able bies, small children, and older adults are more susceptible. to react. But the incident was early in the morning and Heat exhaustion is less severe than heatstroke, but can lead they didn’t have any smoke detectors. What if they had to this more dangerous condition. Heat exhaustion can oc- been asleep? Fire can strike anywhere and everywhere. cur if your body temperature increases and you’re not able Only the help of a person familiar with the house, the situa- to cool yourself down quickly enough. High humidity com- tion, and how to react can save you. But how can you be bined with high temperatures can also increase your risk fully prepared? The answer is your smoke detector, which for heat exhaustion. Intense physical activity performed in you can install in your home and living areas. A working heat and humidity is a common cause of heat exhaustion. smoke detector can help to save your life. The most com- Dehydration can also increase your risk for heat exhaus- mon fire-related emergency occurs in the home, and it can tion. That’s why it’s important to stay hydrated, especially happen to anyone, so it is important to have working on hot days. When it’s hot outside, it’s important to keep smoke alarms on every floor of your home. In a fire, smoke cool, rested, and hydrated. If you think you have heat ex- travels in all directions. Smoke detectors are designed to haustion, stop what you’re doing, find a cool area or a way detect and alert residents and families in the home of any to cool down your body, and rest. If your symptoms don’t fire that may be present. This saves lives, property and al- improve with self-treatment, seek emergency medical help. lows people to get out safely. In North America, there are If you enjoy outdoor activities such as walking or garden- approximately 400,000 home fires annually, with fire ing, make sure to wear the proper clothing and protective deaths accounting for nearly 1,500 deaths and $7 billion in gear. Consider getting outdoor exercise earlier in the morn- property loss. You may think your home is safe, but it can ing or later in the evening when the sun is not at its peak. If turn deadly in seconds if you fail to respond quickly you follow these tips, there's no reason you can't have an enough to fire. The only way you can protect your family enjoyable and funfilled summer no matter how old you are. from harm is by having working smoke detectors in your house. And don’t forget about CO (carbon monoxide) Raffle winners for the month: detectors, another device to keep you protected. Make sure $40.00 – Kipp Miller you check both operations monthly! $20.00 – Jerry and Janet Willis A few days later we were dispatched for a motor vehicle $10.00 – Wayan Suarni, Robert Kennedy, Fred Geer crash at Rte 202 and Forest Road. This was a major acci- dent scene that covered a large area and we had to close one lane of traffic. While we were doing our job of patient care and keeping the scene safe for all the emergency re- sponders, I noticed a few people taking pictures on their cell phones and iPads as they were driving by. Not only is that jeopardizing our safety, but it is unlawful to be using a mobile device while driving that is not hands-free. I’m sure none of those drivers were from Hancock because our citizens would never do that! The next time you are driv- ing through an emergency scene remember to pay attention to the traffic and your speed. Don’t become another statistic. It’s summer and the heat and sun can be dangerous if the proper precautions aren't taken. Heat exhaustion occurs when your body overheats in response to external factors, like high temperature. Heat exhaustion can happen to any- one. It’s common for those who exercise outdoors during
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Department of Public Works
Tyler Howe, Director We have completed the Main Street sidewalk project. As part of that project the library parking lot, Tombstone territory and the access road to the old Fire Station was rehabilitated. The paving and sealing vendors have completed the 2021 projects. Throughout the month three rotted metal culverts failed, they have been replaced with HDPE plastic pipe. During the month of July DPW will be graveling shoulders, performing final cleanup on the newly paved roads, replac- ing three more failed culverts, vacuuming drainage structures and grader ditching. I heard from a few residents last month requesting to join the google group. We would really appreciate it if you could stress the importance of the group to your neighbors. To join please send an email to [email protected] and you will be added.
Hancock Water System Users – We need you to help us help you! Our Town Water systems does not have unlimited supply or capacity. This is especially worrisome in times of drought and in the summer months. We need everyone who uses town water, whether as a home user or a business, to help conserve this important resource.
Historically, water usage is 40-50,000 gallons and averages around 70,000 gallons per day in summer.
The more water used the more chlorine and UV bulbs are required for treatment. Overuse of water for unnecessary rea- sons overburdens the water treatment budget and wastes a resource you and your neighbors depend on.
As I do my daily road check I’ve noticed sprinklers running for long periods at homes on town water. On too many occasions water is running down the street. Our clean, treated town water is literally going down the drain. Although the daily usage has gone down and the night time usage has dropped significantly, we are asking you to continue to im- prove conservation of this vital resource.
If you are on town water you can practice home conservation. Even small changes can save hundreds of gallons of wa- ter a day. Limit lawn irrigation and watering Use soaker hoses instead of sprinklers in gardens Hand water plants Don’t leave a sprinkler or faucet running. Avoid car and building washing as much as possible. Use commercial companies for hot tub and pool filling, Practice indoor conservation measures such as take short showers and avoid tub baths, turn off water when washing dishes and brushing teeth only do full loads of laundry. repair leaking faucets and running toilets Let’s all try to assure that the current voluntary water restrictions recommended by the Water Commissioners isn’t a required restriction this summer.
Hancock Historical Society News & Updates
The Historical Society Museum will open this year on July 10th! We will have a really fun special exhibit, as well as our standing collections of local art, furniture, weapons, tools, and more.
"Hair" features an eclectic mix of items and photographs that demonstrate how attitudes towards and styling of hair has changed through decades and centuries, from Victorian mourning wreathes made with the deceased’s hair to the special cups needed to maintain a luxuriant mustache to the town's "bearded men" photo of just a few decades ago. Please stop in to tour the museum on Saturdays from 2-4 pm, starting on July 10th.
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HANCOCK RECREATION DEPT We are excited to confirm that the Hancock Recreation Summer Program is on again for this 2021 summer! We anticipate the start date to be July 5th and will run through August 6th. This year we have opened up the camp for ages 4 to 13. We hope to have some of the staff returning from the 2019 camp year to transition easily into summer fun. There are likely to be some new faces as well. As always, we plan to spend time at the pond, in our town library and with some community members in learning and in play. Our counselors will be creating and planning new ideas, activities, team building games, and general summer camp antics. Currently, applications are available online and can be completed and emailed to [email protected]. If you prefer, you can print the application and mail the form to the town of- fice. The address is on the application. Applications will also be available for Lifeguard positions. We will take qualified candidates that are current- ly certified or that plan to be certified by the time camp begins. As we receive applications for campers, we will determine if we will need additional counselor positions. Stay tuned for that updated information. Check us out online - Town of Hancock web site under the recreation committee. Please direct any questions you might have to Deb Coyne at [email protected] or Jen Booth at [email protected].
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Wednesday July 21st at 7:00pm ON THE TOWN COMMON! Hancock Town Library Events Musical Concert with PepperJill & Jack Amy Markus, Hancock Library Director http://hancocktownlibrarynh.wordpress.com All the way from Seattle, Washington, please welcome Mondays and Wednesdays 2:00 to 6:00pm back PepperJill & Jack - in Hancock this summer visit- Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00am to 7:00pm ing their beloved Aunt Mary Lou! PepperJill & Jack is a Saturdays 10:00am to 4:00pm musical act made up of married couple Shannon & Stephen O’Bent. PJ&J has played throughout NYC and Our Bloom With a View fundraiser was a great suc- the Pacific Northwest in various bars, clubs, boats, living cess! Thanks to everyone who helped out and attended. rooms, theaters, and church basements, always surprising Special thanks to Bill & Eileen Elliott for inviting us all audiences with their eclectic style and instrumentation. A into their world. And to Evelien Bachrach and Kim genre-defying duo, they blend a Cole Porter lyric sensibil- Cunningham for their beautiful artwork. The exhibit will ity with Simon & Garfunkel style duo vocal harmonies. In be up through August 14th in the Daniels Room so stop a typical concert you’ll hear everything from trombones by during open hours to take a look. to ukuleles, all used for maximum listener enjoyment. They are the current world-record holders of the title: Summer Reading Program – TAILS & TALES – for “Most Beatles References in a Song.” If you saw them in the Grown-ups! 2013 or 2018 at the library, you’ll know how much fun a Don’t forget to fill out our raffle tickets when you come PJ&J concert can be. If you didn’t, do NOT miss them in. For every library book you read (and yes, audiobooks this time around! Free and open to all. Please note this is totally count as reading!) fill out a short book review at the Town Common. There is no rain date so fingers form and you’ll be entered to win weekly prizes as well crossed it’s clear! Call the library at 525-4411 or check as our grand prize! We post the brief book reviews near our website at https:// our New Books section so that you can see the titles hancocktownlibrarynh.wordpress.com/ others in town are reading and whether they enjoyed for updates that day. them. Fun to see what others find engaging! From the Children’s Room Friday July 16th at 6:30pm AT MOOSE BROOK Karen Dunham, Children’s Librarian PARK! Aim High Canines with Haeleigh Hyatt Join our 2021 Summer Reading Program- Tails & Back by popular demand: Aim High Canines! The dogs Tails! of Aim High Canines perform disc, dock, agility, tricks, Summer Reading is still going on until Thursday and more at fairs, festivals, and private functions across August 12th. the United States. All of the dogs have overcome signifi- You can sign-up by filling out a short Google form- cant challenges to become the stars that they are today. available on the Library’s website, Facebook page, and Some of them wouldn't be here if not for the persever- Instagram-or you can call, email, or sign-up in person! ance of Haeleigh Hyatt, their trainer. Haeleigh has been Once you sign-up, you can pick up a Summer Reading training dogs since 2009, when she signed up for an packet. Keep track of your reading with the Reading Log agility class on a whim. Since then, she has become an included in your packet. For every 5 hours that you spend accomplished trick trainer and a world class exhibitor in reading or listening, you earn a Brag Tag and 3 spacer the sport of canine freestyle flying disc. She graduated beads to add to your cable ring. Plus-you will earn an from the UNH in 2011 with a degree in zoology, and a Animal Puzzle Eraser and 2 Raffle Tickets-one Weekly focus on animal behavior and learning theory. She trains and a Grand Prize Raffle ticket. Weekly raffle prizes will using positive methods and believes in helping every dog change every week. The Grand Prize is a giant stuffed reach its full potential. She currently shares her life with Emperor Penguin and penguin book OR a Samsung 9 amazing dogs from various walks of life and works full Galaxy Tablet. There is also a Scavenger Hunt and BIN- time training and performing with her dogs at events GO sheet where you can earn more cool prizes and raffle across the country. Read more about Aim High Canines tickets! here: http://www.aimhighcanines.com This show is free and open to all! Please note that this program will take Build Your Own Stuffed Animal - a 16” Moose! place at Moose Brook Park, not on the library grounds. Make a new furry friend with a free take-home kit where Rain date is Monday July 19th at 6:30pm. you can hand-stuff a cuddly 16-inch Moose! No sewing is required. Kits include the unstuffed moose, stuffing, rain- bow wishing star, birth certificate, and carry tote bag! Email the library –[email protected] request a free Take-Home Stuffed Animal Kit. One kit per child. Supplies limited. You must be a Hancock Library member. ---continued to page 8
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—— continued from page 7 Friday July 16 at 6:30pm Aim High Canines Show with Haeleigh Hyatt Outdoor Family Storytime Moose Brook Recreation Park Every Thursday The dogs of Aim High Canines perform disc, dock, agility, 10:30am-11:00am tricks, and more! Join Miss Karen for a fun outdoor socially-distanced *RAIN DATE-Monday June 19th-6:30pm** storytime every Thursday from 10:30am-11:00am - weather permitting. We’ll read some books and sing some songs on Tuesday July 20th 10:00am-11:00am at MOOSE the lawn in the back of the Library. Families are encour- BROOK PARK! aged to bring a blanket or chair to sit on! If the weather Touch a Truck with vehicles from the Highway Depart- doesn’t cooperate, we will have storytime in the Daniel’s ment, Hancock Fire, and Police Department! Room. Moose Brook Parking Lot Masks are not required outdoors but please practice safe **RAIN DATE-Tues July 27th-10:00am** social distancing. If held indoors, masks are required for non-vaccinated people. Crafternoons for Kids July 19th, August 2nd from 4-5 pm Monday July 12th and 26th Outdoors-weather permitting 3:30pm-4:30pm If the weather doesn’t cooperate-we will be in the Daniel’s Read with Coffee Room or we will arrange a Take & Make craft kit for you Coffee the Reading Therapy Dog is back! Coffee, a regis- to do at home. Please call-603-525-4411 or email to sign-up tered reading therapy dog, has missed having the children so I will know how many supplies to have available. read to him! Come by the library and practice your reading with Coffee the Chihuahua! Save the Date!
Monday July 12th at 7pm -8pm Tuesday Aug 3rd 11:30am-12:15pm Animal Tales Around the Campfire with naturalist and Visit Main Street Cheese and meet the kids (goats) story lover Susie Spikol at the Harris Center Meet at the Hancock Library at 11:20am and we'll walk Co-sponsored with the Hancock Town Library over together! Gather around a campfire and find out how hummingbird Learn about cheesemaking, taste the cheese, and watch the made the stars, how bullfrog came to be, and other magical playful kids as they have tales from the more-than-human world. Bring your own their mid-day meal! For ages 5 and up. chairs and blankets and come ready to let your imagination run wild. Registration required and space limited due to Wednesday August 11th at 6:30pm on the Hancock Covid restrictions. Register online at harriscenter.org/ Town Common events. For more information, contact Susie at Summer Reading Finale ~ Animal Adventures! [email protected] Live animal program that will feature 8-10 exotic animals! Bring blankets/chairs for comfort.
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From the Dump Committee Recycling in the Town of Hancock is Mandatory A Dump Sticker is required on your vehicle in order to use the recycling center Recycling Center Hours: Wednesdays: 3pm-7pm & Saturdays: 8am-5pm Swap Shop Hours: Wednesdays 3-5pm & Saturdays 10am-3pm Please slow down, use caution and courtesy when navigating the Transfer Station and Swap Shop Please, STOP and PAY first at the compactor for all disposals to the Demolition Dumpster and for electronics. Sort all items and flatten cardboard before entering the transfer station. It saves time and reduces congestion at the windows. Please take care to deposit your recyclables in the correct bin. Change in acceptable items for #1 plastics. No salad, veggie, fruit or prepared food #1 plastics. Only transparent bottles and food jars are acceptable. Questions – please ask attendant. Do not bring anti-freeze and other volatile liquids. Propane canisters are not accepted. Be sure to empty all fuel from discarded machinery. Check with your garden store when purchasing plants. They may accept the return of used planting containers. New or changed practices will be noted on the signboard near the compactor and near each bin if pertinent. When in doubt, please ask an attendant. Salvation Army Bin Please use the Salvation Army bin for gently used, clean clothing and shoes only. ALL DONATIONS MUST BE BAGGED. IF THE BIN IS FULL, DO NOT LEAVE BAGS ON THE GROUND Swap Shop The Swap Shop has reopened. Please read carefully as the rules and hours have changed. Everything is subject to change and weather dependent. Please ask questions when in doubt! Please see accompanying list. Many previously accepted items are no longer allowed. These changes are to comply with State regulations regarding transfer stations & swap shops. For the safety of our volunteers and visitors, everyone will continue to be required to wear a face mask inside the Swap Shop. HOURS* Wednesdays, 3:00-5:00 & Saturdays, 10:00-3:00 Weather dependent RULES* Enter the Swap Shop at your own risk. Limit number of people at a time inside the Swap Shop (2). Limit number of items taken from inside the Swap Shop (5). Wear a mask inside the Swap Shop. Maintain social distance, even outside. Leave nothing outside when volunteers are not available to meet with you. Presort (see below) before you donate items to the Swap Shop. NOT ACCEPTABLE ITEMS* Anything dirty, broken, cracked, water-stained, moldy or with missing parts Batteries (Remove batteries from children’s toys.) Child safety equipment (For example, car seats, helmets, booster seats) Clothing and shoes Cosmetics Electronics and electrics Encyclopedias, outdated books, textbooks, self-help books Food Fluorescent lights Hazardous materials (For example, paints, varnishes, chemicals, solvents, aerosol cans, fireworks, guns, ammuni- tion, gas/propane) Large or upholstered furniture Large toys and play items (weather and space dependent) VHS tapes The staff and/or volunteers will determine the acceptability * Subject to change of any item not specifically identified above.
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JUNIOR MINTS "KIDDO CHORALE"
LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS
Music on Norway Pond’s Junior Mints are getting started a little earlier this fall and we are looking for kids between the ages of 6 and 14 who like to sing. On Saturday September 18th we will participate in a program in Hancock sponsored by the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire and are hoping to have 20 kids (kiddos!) perform an anti-slavery song called Get Off The Track! composed by Jesse Hutchinson (1813-1853) and performed by the Hutchinson Family Singers of Milford, NH....in the mid-1800's! We'll sing it with banjo accompaniment. We will rehearse three times in September, times and dates TBA. So, if you know anyone who is interested in checking out what Junior Mints is like, with no commitment to continue (but of course a warm invitation to do so) contact Jody Simpson. You can also learn more at musiconnorwaypond.org/junior-minstrels-about. phone (603-525-9303) e-mail ([email protected]) "Get off the track! All are singing While the Liberty Bell is ringing" text (617-838-3360) There is room for all kids who want to join us.
Telecommunications Committee: The Last Mile Challenge by Mollie Miller, Hancock Telecommunications Committee (chair) The “last mile” challenge is universal across many fields. have had unserved populations of around 80%. So when For example, it’s been far easier to get Covid 19 vaccines CCI lays fiber optic cable through these towns they know to the first 65% Americans than it is proving to be for the they will get a big chunk of that town’s population as new remaining 35%. Getting decent internet to 73% of Hancock subscribers. residences has been relatively easy compared to getting the same or better service to the last 27%, which is the per- So how are we going to solve this problem? centage of Hancock households that are considered “unserved” by FCC definition (download speeds of more The Hancock Telecommunications Committee is planning than 25 Mbps and upload speeds of more than 3 Mbps). to apply for federal American Rescue Plan Act money that So Hancock has a last mile problem. is targeted at expanding broadband in rural communities. In order to apply for those and other funds, we need to But Hancock also IS a last mile problem as far as the inter- partner with an internet service provider. And in order to net service providers are concerned. You may have read partner with an internet service provider, we need to sub- about many towns around us who have recently gotten or mit a Request For Proposal (RFP) to multiple internet are soon to get universal high speed, reliable internet. service providers and keep our fingers crossed that one or Harrisville, Dublin, Marlborough, Greenfield, Temple, more will respond with a plan to bring universal fiber optic Jaffrey and Fitzwilliam are just some of the Monadnock to town. We have written the RFP, will submit it in early area towns that have successfully partnered with August, and will receive any responses by mid to late Consolidated Communications (CCI) to build out their September. fiber optic infrastructures. These infrastructures are funded in part by CCI and in part by 20 year bonds which In the meantime, we are making contact and having con- are repaid by individual subscriber fees and not from versations with a variety of service providers, our local and general town revenue (property taxes). state representatives, attending webinars on how and when this federal money will be dispersed, and talking to anyone Why hasn’t Hancock managed to get universal high speed, who can help us bring reliable high speed internet to every reliable internet when all these other towns have done so? home in Hancock. Have any funding suggestions or other In a nutshell, it’s a numbers game, starting with that all ideas to share? Call me (525-4904 - no messages - or cell important percentage of our population that is “unserved” - 617/281-1286) or anyone on our hardworking committee: 27% or about 242 households. All of the other Monadnock Jim Callahan, Matthew Hale, Ken Messina, Jessica Quinn, Region towns that have successfully partnered with CCI Barry Tanner, and Andy Toumanoff.
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NEW HANCOCK DIRECTORY
now for sale at the Hancock Market !
Published by the Hancock Woman’s Club 2021
Another “Tale from Home” via Herb Gardner While playing solo guitar in a restaurant, a musician in a tux was mistakenly asked by an obviously very wealthy diner, “Could you get me some more bread, please?” He answered, “I was about to ask you the same question!”
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Art Exhibits at The Library
Still Blooming! unique trees and shrubs, and so much more. The exhibit pairs the sketches made at the garden with the finished The art exhibit ‘Bloom with a View’, featuring local artists artwork each artist created, and shows how the same sub- Kim Cunningham and Evelien Bachrach, will continue at ject is uniquely interpreted and presented by each. the Hancock Town Library through August 14th. The Friends of the Hancock Town Library, along with the
library and the Elliotts, hosted a fundraising event that
combined a tour of the gardens followed by a visit to the
A stunning bouquet of paintings, prints, and sketches has
been gathered, and is on display in the Daniels Room, now library to view the art exhibit. The event was very success- re-opened for in-person exhibits. ful, complemented by lovely weather and musicians play- The artwork, inspired by Mayplace Gardens in Hancock, ing while visitors strolled through the garden. gives new life to the incredible botanical paradise that Ei- The Elliots have enjoyed the added excitement of artists in leen and Bill Elliott have been cultivating for over 40 their gardens. ‘Their presence and their work have helped years. us see our garden with a new perspective’. A year ago, the two artists began meeting at Mayplace The exhibit can be viewed during regular library hours: Gardens, to do some sketching in a safe and open environ- Mon. and Wed., 2-6 pm; Tues. and Thur. 10 am-7 pm; and ment. The visit grew into a year-long journey of the two of Sat. 10 am-4 pm. Call the library (525-4411) before your them meeting to further explore this paradise, and depict visit to ensure no special events are scheduled at that time. their artistic impressions of the exquisite flowers, herbs,
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News from the Depot
JULY 3rd DEPOT CABARET support the Depot, and any dollar amount or in-kind dona- On Saturday, July 3rd, guitarists Colin Isotti and Andrew tion will be greatly appreciated. Please address checks to Szmauz join forces as Duo Nouveau! These guys are the the "Hancock Depot Association" and mail them to P.O. real deal -- you really don't want to miss them! To learn Box 152, Hancock, NH 03449. Once again, to those of you more, check out Colin's site: https://www.colinisotti.com/ who have already contributed, THANK YOU! The show begins at 7:30; doors open at 7:30 if you want to ASSOCIATION MEETINGS sign up to play at one of several open mic spots. In addition Interested in joining the Hancock Depot Association? If to the music, visitors will enjoy snacks, veggies, and drinks you’d like to help out with planning, events, cleanup days, (BYOB!). PLEASE NOTE: In the past we've started the etc., feel free to join us! For information about our next Cabarets at 8:00, but we're moving up the time by a half meeting, give David Young a call at 603-525-3085 or send hour. him a note via Facebook. RAISE THE ROOF UPDATE! RENT THE DEPOT! We are ¾ of the way done and are currently planning the Have a baby shower, birthday party, or other significant final phase – date TBD, but it will be over the next several event coming up? Consider hosting your event at the weeks. If you’re interesting in helping out, please let us Hancock Depot! The venue is available for parties, meet- know. In the meantime, we’re continuing to raise funds to ings, celebrations, concerts, and other special events. To pay for the new roof. So, it’s not too late for you to contrib- learn more, call David Young at 603-525-3085 or Sean ute to the cause! 100% of your money goes to maintain and Sweeney at 603-381-1351.
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Note: ALL programs and events require registration 14, 21 & 28 and August 4, 11, 18 & 25, from 5:30 to 6:30 at harriscenter.org/events, except July 7 and 13 which require pm at the Harris Center. $12 per class for a 7-class pass registration via [email protected]. ($84 total) or $15 per class drop-in rate. July 5 (Mon) Last Session of ESI Course: Foraged July 15 (Thu) Ask a Naturalist: Virtual Happy Hour Cocktails 5:30 to 6:30pm via Zoom. 7 to 8pm via Zoom. Cost: $20, which includes one July 20 (Tue) Monitoring for Monarchs complimentary foraged cocktail or mocktail at Machina No experience necessary! Come prepared for sun, ticks, ArtBar (while supplies last). For info, contact Miles at and other biting insects. 10 to 525-3394 or [email protected]. 11:30am in Peterborough. July 7 (Wed) LAB GIRLS for Wildlife Monarch Caterpillar Eats While Speakers include a wildlife veterinarian, a marine biologist Katie Galletta Measures © Mark who specializes in sharks, and a raptor researcher. For girls Wilson in 9th-12th grade. Wednesdays, July 7, and August 4, from 5 to 6pm via Zoom. Register with Susie Spikol at [email protected]. Co-sponsored with UNH July 22 (Thu) Moth Lighting with Extension. The Caterpillar Lab July 8 (Thu) Fungi Foray w/the Morel Quandary Club Wear long sleeves and pants, avoid Bring your magnifying lens and get ready to explore the bright clothing, and bring a flashlight wild world of mushrooms, mycorrhizal relationships, and and insect repellent. For both adults maybe even some far-flung theories like spores from outer and families with children age 10 and space. 5 to 6pm at MacDowell Lake in Peterborough. up. 9 to 11pm in Hancock. Luna Moth Silhouette
July 9 (Fri) Paddling Robb Reservoir © Brett Amy Thelen Join Jeremy Wilson and Brett Amy Thelen for a leisurely paddle on July 24 (Sat) Camp Chenoa Hike Robb Reservoir in Stoddard. Bring Join Jenna Spear and Jeremy Wilson for a 2-mile, moder- your own canoe or kayak, paddles, ately strenuous roundtrip hike through the Camp Chenoa binoculars, and a PFD for each per- property in Antrim. 9 to 10:30am at the Camp Chenoa son in your boat. 1 to 3pm at Robb property in Antrim. Reservoir in Stoddard. Kayaking Robb Reservoir July 27 (Tue) OUTing! to Nubanusit Lake © RussCobb July 12 (Mon) Youth Pro- Join Dee Denehy (she, her), Richard Doherty (he, him), and gram: Animal Tales Around the Campfire Hunter Kirschner (he, him) for an LGBTQ+ paddle on Bring your own chairs and blankets. 7 to 8pm at the Nubanusit Lake. Bring a snack, your own canoe or kayak, Harris Center. Co-sponsored with the Hancock Town and a PFD for each person in your boat. If you need to Library. borrow a canoe or kayak, paddles, or a PFD, let us know at registration. 6 to 8pm in Hancock. July 13 (Tue) LAB GIRLS Bugs Out For girls in 5th-8th grade. Tuesdays, July 13, 20, and 27, July 28 (Wed) Cyanobacteria: What You Need to Know from 5 to 6pm via Zoom. Register with Susie Spikol Our staff ecologist Karen Seaver will share information at [email protected]. Co-sponsored with UNH about the Harris Center’s cyanobacteria education and Extension. monitoring efforts at Norway Pond in Hancock. 5:30 to 6:30pm via Zoom. Co-sponsored with the Norway Pond July 14 (Wed) First Session of ESI Course: Yoga by the Commission. Frog Pond Wear comfortable clothing, and bring a mat and a towel or blanket, plus blocks and a strap if you have them. Insect repellent and water are recommended. Wednesdays, July
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The 2021 Run for the Honey is on!
The Betty Pels Run for the Honey 5K Road Race and Fun Run The Run for the Honey has been held as part of Old Home Day in Hancock, New Hampshire since 1979. The race is named in honor of Betty Pels, who directed the race for many years along with her family.
•DATE/TIME: This year, the race is on Saturday, August SPECIAL INFORMATION 21 at 8:00 AM. The Fun Run is at 9:00 AM. Race-day regis- The 2021 race is in honor of Bob Fogg who started the tration and check-in for the 5K take place from 7:00 to 7:45 series in the late 70’s with ten runners. Look for a special AM. recognition honoring Bob at the finish line. Due to COVID we ask runners to be courteous of others in •5K REGISTRATION: Please register early & online! The strongly preferred method to register for the 5K is to fill out regards to distancing. The start will be spread out on the web form , save it to PDF, and email the completed form School St. with elite runners in front, and the rest of the to [email protected]. field a few seconds behind. During registration and after . Alternatively, you can print out a hard copy of the completed the race please be aware of others. Masks are suggested form and bring it to the race, or register on race day. Free jar but optional per state and CDC guidelines. of honey to the first 100 registrants! • 5K (8:00 AM) FEE: Pay on race day. The fee for Hancock residents is $5 and the fee for non-residents is 5K RACE COURSE $10. Checks should be made out to "Ginger Smith, Race Direc- A bee-utiful and challenging course through Hancock on tor". tree-lined paved and gravel roads, with two fun hills! • FUN RUN (9:00 AM): No online registration. Sign in on See the course map below. The 5K starts at 8:00 AM on race day anytime from 7:30 on. The Fun Run is free. The School Street near the Hancock Elementary School course is a 200-yard circuit around the town green between the playing fields. From there: Congregational Church and the Town Hall. • Start on School Street going south toward Main Street.
• WHERE TO GO: On race day, go to registration and check • Left onto Main Street. -in in front of the church vestry on Main Street, in the center of • Left again onto Rt. 137 (Bennington Road) and down Hancock, just to the east of the Congregational Church. the hill. • PARKING is limited but available along Main Street, be- hind the Town Office Building, and behind the Library. Do not • Bear right on Evergreen Hill Road (dirt) and go up hill park at the Post Office. #1. • AWARDS go to the top three females and males in the • After the crest of the hill, at the intersection, turn left following age groups: 13 and under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40- onto Antrim Road. 49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+. (Awards will not be mailed. Please be present at the awards ceremony.) Ribbons for all Fun • Down the gradual hill and past Mile 1. Run finishers! • Cross Rt. 137 and soon bear left onto Garand Rd, • RACE DAY MISC.: which quickly becomes a footpath. • Bathrooms are available at registration and finish. • Cross the Betty Pels Bridge onto Mill Road and go up • Water station at around 2.1 miles. hill #2. • PAST RACE RESULTS • At the end of Mill Road, turn left onto Longview • Unfortunately, Cool Running, the longtime host for our Road. race results, is no more. However, results from the following • Mile 2 is along Longview Road. At the end of years are available here: Longview, bear right onto Rt. 137. 2019 · 2018 · 2017 · 2016 · 2015 • Past the fire station and up a small hill, then right onto Main Street. Finish on Main Street in front of the registration area near the church vestry July 2021 HANCOCK HAPPENINGS - 17 -
2021 Old Home Days August 20th, 21st and 22nd
This year’s Theme is “Honoring Hancock Heroes”
Start dreaming up your float for the parade! With so many heroes among us, the list goes on and on.
This year may be a bit different, but let’s show our support and gratitude. It will be a great weekend for all ages to enjoy!
Old Home Day Committee consist of: Mary Brown Ashley Naglie Sandra Faber Monica Laskey Pat Payne Ruth Wilder Leslie Hartwell
Any questions contact us at: [email protected]
Thank you! CALLING ALL Extra! Extra! Read all about it… ANTIQUE CARS & TRACTORS!! Old Home Day Committee Needs volunteers for Setup & Cleanup August 20th & 22nd Please consider just a little of your time to help lessen the burden of the OHD Committee.
Lets come together as a community after such a Special Weekend for all! Boys and Girls get out those toys for HANCOCK’S OLD HOME DAYS! Many Thanks… Special showing on Sunday August 22nd Old Home Day Committee Contact us at: Contact Jeff Brown 731-2002 [email protected]
Kid's Market at Old Home Day! The Old Home Day committee is very excited to be able to offer Hancock kids an opportunity to sell their wares at this year's Old Home Day festivities! Start planning whatever it is that you might like to sell, whether it is lemonade, baked goods, or something you have grown or created in some way! Contact Monica Laskey at 603-831-0092 for details and to reserve your spot!
Local Craftspeople Interested in displaying and selling your handmade products at Old Home Day? We still have space available in this year's Tradesman's Alley. For more information or to reserve a space, contact Pat Payne at [email protected].
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To place an ad, email is the best way [email protected] or call 603-831-0237
July 2021 HANCOCK HAPPENINGS - 19 -
Hancock Hours and Meetings Please review your listings and correct as needed by emailing [email protected] Tax Collector - Thursday 9:00am to 4:30pm Town Clerk – Monday 5:00 to 8:00pm Wednesday 3:00 to 6:00pm Closed on Federal Holidays Town Dump and Demolition Hours – Wednesday 3:00 to 7:00pm; Saturday 8:00am to 5:00pm Selectboard – First three Mondays at 3:00pm; Fourth Monday at 6:00pm, Barbara E Caverly Meeting Room Planning Board On the 1st Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm: may hold working sessions for planning purposes On the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm: meets to process subdivisions, site plans and other applications which may legally come before the Board. Appointments can be made by calling the Town Office at 525.4441. Applications must be received prior to the end of the preceding month to be included in the schedule and satisfy notification requirements. Barbara E Caverly Meeting Zoning Board –2nd and 4th Wednesdays as needed at 7:00pm, meetings will be noticed; Barbara E Caverly Meeting Advisory Committee – as noticed, Town Office Conservation Commission – 2nd Tuesday at 7:00pm, Barbara E Caverly Meeting Room (Currently via Zoom) Historic District Commission – 4th Tuesday at 7:00pm, Barbara E Caverly Meeting Room Hancock Library Trustees – 4th Tuesday at 5:00pm in the Daniels Room Recreation Committee – as noticed Town Archives Committee – as noticed, Town Office Archives Room Water Commissioners – 4th Wednesday at 4:30pm, Town Office Main Floor Trustees of Trust Funds – as needed, Town Office Cemetery Trustees – 1st Wednesday of the month, 10:00am, Town Office Common Commission – every other 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:00pm, Town Office Main Floor School Board – 1st & 3rd Tuesday, Board Room Dump Committee—as needed Publishing Information Editor and Publisher: Jaime Donovan Submit articles to Editor at [email protected] or call 603.831.0237 for information and rates. Deadline for submissions, advertising and payment for advertising: 5pm on the 22nd of each month. Checks should be payable to Town of Hancock (memo line “Hancock Happenings”) and mailed to the Town at PO Box 6, Hancock, Distribution– Rod Perry Printing by Gem Graphics, Keene, NH Monthly issues are placed at the Hancock Market, Post Office, Fiddleheads, Library, Dump and distributed to the students at Hancock Elementary School during the school year. Current and past issues can be found online on the Town website hancocknh.org and at the Hancock Historical Society Nameplate by Eleanor Amidon
To place an ad, email is the best way [email protected] or call 603-831-0237
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