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Letters
Region
Obituaries
Abstract Paintings & Tribal Masks Exhibition At New Hampshire Antique Co-Op
Now on view through May 31, 2020
Congregational Church Stays Connected
During the suspension of in-person activities in light of the Covid-19 situation, the Congregational Church of Amherst, UCC has a variety of ways for members and others to connect with church programs. This is especially important during April as Holy Week and Easter are on the horizon.
The most up-to-date information about church activities can be found on the church’s website (ccamherst.org) or by calling the church office at 673-3231. Sunday services are broadcast on FacebookLive and recorded for later on-line viewing. Services are followed by a Virtual Fellowship Hour. Links for these and other events can be found on the website.
The church’s Facebook page is another source of information, including updates and video messages from the pastors. Pastors Maureen Frescott and Kate Kennedy are available to provide pastoral care during this time, and the church welcomes community members to connect with this loving, serving, open and affirming community of faith.
Lorraine Alice Hamilton
AMHERST – Lorraine Alice Hamilton of Amherst, New Hampshire, Beach Haven, New Jersey and Rancho Mirage, California died June 14, 2020 from pancreatic cancer at her home in California. She was 73 years old and a participant in the trial of a new cancer drug at NYU Langone in New York City since April 2019. She hoped that results from the trial would improve care for other patients who develop this cancer. She was with her family when she died and was
Donald Richard Haaker
Donald Richard Haaker, 80, born June 2, 1940, son of Carl E Haaker and Jeanne LaRochelle Haaker of Fitchburg, MA, son, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at Saint Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, MA.
Don, as he was affectionately referred to by friends, and Dad or Grandpa by family, was a proud veteran, avid fisherman, former business owner, collector of “As Seen On TV” gadgets, and
Schools
SAU #39: Steven Chamberlin Appointed as Assistant Superintendent Effective July 1st
Steven Chamberlin
AMHERST & MONT VERNON – Steven Chamberlin, Superinten-dent of the Hopkinton School District, has been appointed to the role of assistant superintdent effective July 1, 2021.
Superintendent of Schools, Adam Steel, appointed Mr. Chamberlin at the SAU #39 Board Meeting on January 25, 2021. The SAU #39 Board unanimously elected him for a three-year term with a starting salary of $125,000.
Mr. Chamberlin has been with the Hopkinton School District for 22 years in various administrative
roles including assistant principal, principal, and as the superintendent of schools for the past 12 years. Mr. Chamberlin joins existing Assistant Superintendent Christine Landwehrle as the 2nd assistant superintendent and will primarily focus on the secondary schools.
Adam Steel, superintendent of schools for SAU #39:
“Steven is one the most respected educational leaders in the state of New Hampshire. In fact, years ago when I was thinking about being a superintendent, he spoke at a conference and was influential in my decision to seek out a role as a superintendent. Since that time, I have reached out to him for advice and counsel. Being able to hire someone of his caliber to join our team is an honor and will be a boon for the students in our schools. Steven’s passion for finding success for every student is inspiring. In addition, he has experience, knowledge, and skills that I simply do not possess and will play a vital role for our team. Put short, I am blessed to add Steve to the team.”
Steven Chamberlin on his appointment:
“I am humbled and excited to be joining the SAU 39 team. I look forward to focusing on key aspects of learning - instruction, curriculum and assessment in this new role. It will be a privilege to get to know the SAU39 community and learn from wonderful educators.”
Jim O’Brien, Chair of the Hopkinton School Board on Steven’s departure after 22 years:
“For two decades, Steve Chamberlin has made care the calling card of the Hopkinton School District. Countless lives have benefitted from Steve’s dedication to a mission that places the well being of every child at the heart of the District’s education system - a philosophy and practice that vaulted Hopkinton to be among the highest performing school districts in the state. While we are sad to see Steve depart, the Hopkinton community will be forever grateful for his many years of exceptional service and unwavering commitment to our community. We are proud that the vision, leadership, and purpose that Steve brought to Hopkinton schools will continue to profoundly impact the lives of children right here in New Hampshire.”
Shannon Hargreaves, Souhegan High School Junior and member of the hiring committee:
“It is clear he cares about the whole student- which is important at Souhegan. He’s passionate about school- but he emphasizes how much he cares- which shows that he prioritizes social-emotional learning. Given the year we’ve had, I think he’s exactly the kind of guy we need in our schools. He’s a genuine leader.”
Stephen O’Keefe, Chair of the SAU #39 Board:
“We are excited to have someone with Mr. Chamberlin’s passion, conviction and experience join our district’s administrative team. His student-centered approach and passion for educational standards will have a profound impact on our community’s children for years to come. I proudly join Superintendent Steel in welcoming Mr. Chamberlin to our community.”
SAU #39: School District Annual Meetings Delayed to May & June
AMHERST & MONT VERNON – In response to Emergency Order #83 dated January 22, 2021, all three school districts of SAU #39 have voted to delay the annual meeting process as follows:
Deliberative Sessions (aka the first session of the annual school district meetings) will take place on:
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Monday, May 3, 2021 – Souhegan Cooperative School District
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Tuesday, May 4, 2021 – Amherst School District
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Wednesday, May 5, 2021 – Mont Vernon School District
The time and specific location of the deliberative sessions will be posted at least 14 days prior to the deliberative session dates and will be in compliance with the emergency order.
The Time and Location of the Deliberative Session will be Posted promptly after it is set by the Governing Body after consultation with the Moderator and Clerk.
Voting (the second session for the annual school district meetings) will take place on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 as follows:
• For Amherst voters: From 6:00AM – 8:00PM at Souhegan High School
• For Mont Vernon voters: From 7:00AM – 7:00PM at the Mont Vernon Village School.
The Selectmen in Mont Vernon & Amherst have taken similar action such that voting day for all school district and for both towns will take place on June 8, 2021.
Note: the candidate filing window closed Friday, January 29th. Existing school board member terms are extended by this action until after the election in June and new school board members are sworn in.
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Manchester Community Music School Presents
“The Power of Music”
FREE Online Lecture and Concert Series
MANCHESTER – Music is a powerful force in our world. Every generation and culture throughout history has used music as a means to provide comfort, motivate action, express emotions, celebrate good times, and mourn losses.
Join our faculty as they give voice to topics they’ve been exploring during this time of quarantine. Through a combination of lectures and performances, they will share their own perspectives and journeys of personal exploration through music.
“The Power of Music” Series topics include:
Celebrating Piano Music of Black Composers - February 18, 2021- 7:00 pm
Through this program Elizabeth Blood (piano) and Sean Parr (lecturer) will explore piano music by black composers including works by Florence Price, Margaret Bond and H. Leslie Adams.
Music for Unity - March 18, 2021 - 7:00 pm
Spanning three centuries, Kyoko Hida-Battaglia (oboe), Elizabeth England (oboe), and Stephanie Busby (bassoon) will present a variety of music that speaks to their hearts. It is their hope that this program will bring joy, happiness, and a feeling of togetherness to its audience and those that need it most during this time.
The Power of Music to Bring Social Change - April 15, 2021 - 7:00 pm
Husband and wife musicians, Tad Hitchcock (guitar) and Valerie Walton (saxophone), will explore the origins of a variety of styles of music and the way these songs have impacted change throughout history.
The series will be presented online and is free and open to the public.
Pre-registration is required by visiting: https://mcmusicschool.org/powerofmusic/
Established in 1983, the Manchester Community Music School is in its 38th year of changing lives through the power of music. Located in historic north Manchester, the Music School provides quality musical instruction, performance opportunities, and music therapy services for individuals of all ages in house, online, and through community partnerships. For more information about the Manchester Community Music School, call 603-644-4548 or visit www.mcmusicschool.org.
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