Recounts overturns results

MONT VERNON – A recount team in the state archives in Concord overturned the Election Day result for House District 5, a floterial district for Mont Vernon and New Boston. The recount gives Democrat Donna Mombourquette the seat, according to the Concord Monitor.

Initially Republican Rep. Gerald Griffin seemed to have a 22-vote advantage, but the Nov. 16 recount showed he had 11 fewer votes than first reported, and Mombourquette gained 19 votes.

Nineteen races were recounted and 17 of them saw no changes, including ones for Amherst’s House District 22 and Milford’s House District 23.

Among the Democrats keeping their victories were Megan Murray and Julie Radhakrishnan of Amherst (House District 22); and Paul Dargie, Joelle Martin and Peter Petrigno of Milford (House District 23).

Among the local Republicans who survived recounts for House seats were Reed Panasiti of Amherst (District 22), Laurie Sanborn of Bedford (District 41) and Charlie Burns of Milford (District 23).

Under state law, a candidate can apply for a recount when the difference between the votes cast for the applying candidate and the candidate declared elected is less than 20 percent of the total.

Start time hearing

AMHERST – There will be a public hearing on changing the school start times for the Amherst and Mont Vernon school districts on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Souhegan Cooperative High School theater.

Superintendent of Schools Adam Steel told the Souhegan school board recently that after the hearing a community survey will be published and he will make a formal recommenndation at the Dec. 20 SAU board meeting.

Steel has proposed that all Amherst and Mont Vernon schools push their start times ahead by 35 minutes. For Souhegan Cooperative High School and Amherst Middle School that would mean an 8 a.m. start.

Concerns include the impact on teachers, children getting off the bus in the dark and problems with getting to after-school activities.

Steel has told the boards the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association is starting to move many games to 5 p.m.

Flipping start times and having the elementary schools start earlier was one of the ideas that had been discussed, but the district’s transportation consultant found that doesn’t work because of the expense of extra bus routes.

Make a gingerbread house

LYNDEBOROUGH – Make a graham cracker “gingerbread house” at the J.A. Tarbell Library on Saturday, Dec. 15, 10-a.m. to noon.

A minimum number is required. To register, call 654-6790, anytime and leave a message with a name and contact number.

A cookie swap will be held on Monday, Dec. 3, 6:30-8 p.m.

Library hours are Monday, 12-5 and 6-8; Wednesday, 10-6; Thursday, 1-6; and Saturday, 10-12.

The library is located at 136 Forest Road (Route 31). For information visit.jatarbellibrary.org.

Advent services

Advent services for the Second Congregational Church UCC, 25 Gregg St., in Will are as follows:

Special Advent Services:

“Longest Night” service, Friday. Dec. 21, 7 p.m., in the sanctuary. A contemplative service of prayer and reflection, a time of peace and quiet for those who have a difficult time during the holidays.

Candlelight Service, Monday, Dec. 24, 7 p.m., in the sanctuary. A traditional candlelight service of lessons and carols in celebration of Christ’s birth.

REGULAR SUNDAY SERVICES

9 a.m.: Choir practice

10:15: Worship service, followed by coffee and conversation in the Parish Hall.

SECOND GLANCES THRIFT SHOP

Located in the Wilton Falls Building, lower level

Thursday, 3-7 p.m.

Friday, 1-5 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Holiday events

LYNDEBOROUGH – The J.A. Tarbell Library will raffle a 24-inch decorated boxwood tree on Monday, Dec. 3, between 6:30 and 8 p.m. during the Cookie Swap. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.

To join the swap, bring a batch of cookies (two to four dozen). Eat and swap cookies and share the recipes. Go home with the number of cookies you brought, minus those eaten.

For information call the library at 654-6790 or visit jat@tellink.net, or jaltprograms@gmail.com.

Wilton Holiday Stroll

WILTON – The annual holiday Stroll will be held on Main Street on Friday, Dec. 7, 6 to 6 p.m.

Santa will arrive a 6 p.m. to light the Christmas tree in Main Street Park. Stroll with him to Nelson’s Candies where he will read “The Night Before Christmas” to the children and young at heart. Information is available on the town website, wilton.com.

Sponsored by Wilton Main Street Association.

Holiday cookie swap

HOLIDAY COOKIE SWAP

WILTON – A Holiday Cookie Swap will be held at the Wilton Public-Gregg Free Library on Saturday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Choose a favorite recipe, make six dozen cookies, and bring them to the library to be shared. All participants will take home cookies from everyone attending.

If you email the recipe ahead of time, it will be printed and shared. wiltoncommunitycenter@gmail.com.

There will also be hot cocoa and hot cider. Sponsored by Wilton Community Center.

For information call 654-6219.

The event is free and donations are gratefully accepted.