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Early Summer Lupine Visited by a Bumblebee
Photo by Eric Anderson
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"What should happen if you forget about me?" asked Pooh.
"Silly old bear, I won't ever forget about you," said Christopher Robin.
On August 4th, we celebrate Friendship Day. First started in 1919 by Hallmark as a means to encourage friends to send cards to each other, it became a national celebration in 1935 when Congress declared the first Sunday in August National Friendship Day. In 1998, the United Nations named Winnie the Pooh as the world’s Ambassador of Friendship. A.A. Milne’s beloved teddy bear is a good friend to a motley crew of characters including Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit, Kanga, Roo, Owl, and, of course, Christopher Robin. Winnie the Pooh is, undoubtedly, one of the most iconic literary characters of all time and a very fitting model of friendship.
“Oh bother” … this is my last newsletter segment as the Director of Baker Free Library.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who made my time here so memorable. The past five years included some unprecedented challenges—but we rose to those challenges and accomplished great things. I hope that I made Baker Free Library a little bit more wonderful than it already was. I attribute all my success to the friendships upon which everything hinged.
As I say goodbye to Baker Free Library, I echo Pooh Bear:
To the trustees and Town of Bow, “it makes such a difference to have someone who believes in you.”
To the patrons, “how lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
To my staff, “promise me you’ll never forget me because if I thought you would, I’d never leave.”
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-Martin Walters, Library Director | |
2024 Summer Reading Program
Adventure Begins at Your Library!
This year, Adventure Begins at the Baker Free Library! Head out on new adventures while learning about weather, habitats and wildlife both in New Hampshire and around the world. Throughout the summer, special events will be offered for every age group. Registration is open throughout the summer with prizes available to kids, teens and adults! Make sure to submit your final raffle tickets soon.
The Summer Reading Program ends August 9th.
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Summer Storytime
Every Tuesday through August 6th | 10:30am
In this all-ages family storytime, you'll explore interactive stories, songs, and activities that help to promote early literacy learning while addressing attention, coordination and motor development. Each storytime includes songs, instrument play and movement activities, and ends with open play time, allowing children and their families to socialize. Recommended for Ages 2-6, but all are welcome.
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*Registration is required to reserve your child's space through our Online Calendar. | |
Craft Camp
Wednesday, August 7th | 3:00pm
Throughout the summer, join us for a drop-in craft session every Wednesday afternoon. Make a new project every week, led by one of our librarians! Various materials available while supplies last. Recommended for ages 6-12. Younger children may need assistance from a caregiver and should be accompanied for the duration of the program.
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Comic Creators Club
Thursday, August 8th | 3:30pm
Do you love comic books and graphic novels? Try making your own! In this 3-part workshop, build your skills as a writer and illustrator with fun and unique challenges, while collaborating with others to produce your own comic or zine. The Comic Creators Club is designed for students entering Grades 4-8. One-time registration is required for this 3-part series.
| Update from the Children's Room | |
Thank you for a great summer! Nearly 250 readers participated in our Summer Reading Program for kids, in addition to the many teens and adults who took on the Choose Your Own Adventure challenge. We hope you enjoyed all of your adventures this summer, and are ready to join us for another busy fall season!
While our schedule is still being finalized, families can expect the return of weekly storytimes for all ages, in addition to a Saturday storytime once per month. Afterschool programs will also return in September, with the addition of a new bi-monthly program for emerging and independent readers in grades K-2. Our Community Costume Swap will also return in October! Keep an eye on the library’s website and calendar for all the latest updates.
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Collage Workshop with Gallery Artist, Linda Graham
Tuesday, August 20th | 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Join us for a Summer Craft Event with the Gallery's Featured Artist, Linda Graham!
Linda will teach participants the art of collage by creating custom designs using images from photos in magazines, newspapers, advertisements, flyers or any printed material that catches the eye. All supplies provided, but if anyone wishes to bring a magazine or any printed matter, feel free to do so.
Space is limited. Registration is required through our Online Calendar.
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Book Talk at BFL
Tues. Aug. 13th | 12:30pm & 6:30pm
Do you love to read? Are you willing to try books outside your comfort zone? Do you enjoy talking about books with others? Then our monthly Book Group is for you!
August Book Discussion:
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler
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White Rock Book Group
Tues. Aug. 20th | 2:00pm*
Do you want to read outside of your comfort zone? Do you enjoy talking about books with others? Then our monthly Book Talk at White Rock Senior Center is for you!
August Book Discussion:
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler
*This month only
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Whodunits
Tues. Sept. 3rd | 1:00pm
Love mysteries? Join the Whodunits to sleuth through a new one every month! This mystery-exclusive book club meets at White Rock Senior Center on the first Tuesday of every month.
September Book Discussion:
Gallows View by Peter Robinson
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Copies of Book Talk books are available at the Circulation Desk at the Library. For more information on joining one of the Book Talk groups, contact Amy Bain at amy@bakerfreelib.org. | |
Healthy Steps for Older Adults with Granite VNA
Wednesdays, Aug. 28 & Sept. 4th | 10:30am - 12:30pm
Presented by Granite VNA, Healthy Steps for Older Adults is their new evidence-based fall prevention program for adults ages 60 and over. Through activities, assessments and discussions, participants learn tools and tips on how to reduce falls.
Participants are encouraged to register for a balance screening on Tuesday, August 27th between 3:00-4:30pm led by VNA nurses prior to the workshop. A balance screening will also be held on Wednesday, August 28th from 12:30-2pm.
Call Granite VNA at (603) 224-4093, ext. 85664 to register for this event.
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Chair Yoga
Wednesdays, Sept. 11th - Oct. 16th | 9:00am- 10:00am
Join us for a 6 week session of chair yoga led by local instructor, Josephine Fanelli of YogiStrong. Chair yoga is a gentle practice that involves performing postures while seated or using a chair for support. These classes are usually designed for individuals with physical disabilities, elderly individuals, or those who find traditional yoga sessions too demanding. It is also an excellent option for beginners or anyone seeking a more gentle yoga experience.
Separate registration is required for each class of the session through our Online Calendar.
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Books in Bloom 2024
Registration now open!
The Books in Bloom Exhibition is back at Baker Free Library!
In collaboration with the Bow Garden Club, we invite you to participate in the Exhibition featuring creative floral designs paired with books. The theme this year is "Adventure Begins at Baker Free Library" to correlate with the BFL Summer Reading Program. The Exhibition will be on display in our Lower Level on Saturday, September 28th from 10am-2pm.
*Registration is required if you would like to create an arrangement for the event. Registration Deadline is September 20th. Click Here to register.
New categories and prizes for Children, Teens, and Adults!
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Landscaping Project
Stay Informed!
The landscaping project at Baker Free Library is moving along quickly. Stay informed through our blog located on our website where we will post picture updates, historical reference and more. The complete landscaping plan is showcased in the library and is available for viewing during the library's operating hours.
Click Here for the Blog!
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August Exhibit - Linda Graham
August 1 - August 30
Art has woven in and out of my life as the constant thread. When in doubt or in joy, I turn to the making of art.
I have drawn since I could hold a pencil and saw the magic it held. My early work was based on my drawings of natural forms, which I translated into stencils. I then used the stencils to create wall designs or individual panels. One exceedingly large example of this work is in the Conservation room of the Weare Town Offices. It is dated 1984.
I am largely self-taught, though I think of it as self-directed. I have followed individual artists, studied with individuals I admire; read and taken classes about technique and history of art. Drawings are an important part of my work, whether I paint in the studio or on location. Recently I discovered I could paint freely from drawings I made even many years ago. I recall the location and use the drawing as the guide but explore color combinations.
The small paintings are Plein Aire studies I do around Concord. I take afternoon time to paint from sites on the far side of the Merrimack River, the NHTI boat ramp, exit 17, or other areas that are conducive to sitting in reflection for at least two hours.
In August, the Exhibit will display pieces of art in collage...The collages ranged from reflections of life to reflections on climate change. They are pieced from photos in magazines, newspapers, advertisements, flyers or any printed material that catches my eye.
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Baker Free Library will be CLOSED on Monday, September 2nd for Labor Day. | |
Photo taken by Eric Anderson | |
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Baker Free Library
509 South Street
Bow, NH 03304
(603) 224-7113
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L-R Club President Matt Dodge presents the Club's Official Gavel to Gerry Carrier the Bow Rotary Club's incoming president
Photo by Eric Anderson
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Bow Rotary Club
On Friday, July 12, Bow Rotary held its annual Changing of the Gavel ceremony.
During the ceremony, outgoing president Matt Dodge reflect on the past year’s accomplishments, including adding seven new members, the addition of the Hooksett Rotary Club as a satellite club and the rebound of the concert series with the move to Thursday nights.
Incoming President Gerry Carrier thanked Dodge for his hard work this past year and presented him with a gavel and plaque gift commemorating his term in office.
As Carrier prepared to take over, he asked veteran members of the club to embrace new members and help them get involved in the community.
This will be Carrier’s second term as president of the Bow Rotary Club. He first served as president from 1989-90.
Photo by Eric Anderson: Outgoing President Matt Dodge presents the Bow Rotary Club's official gavel to Gerry Carrier, the Bow Rotary Club's incoming president for 2024-25.
Bow Rotary Club Summer Concert Series – 2024
The Bow Rotary Concert Series has three more concerts left to close out the summer.
Concerts are held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Thursday evenings except for August 11th, which is on a Sunday evening.
In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will move inside the Community Building.
August 1st Kid Pinky - a rock-n four-piece blues band from Bow - Website
August 8th The Freese Brothers Big Band - Honoring the Big Band Tradition - Website
August 15th The Hot Skillet Club - Hot vintage jazz with a western swing flavor - Website
Concert Sponsors
Allied Insurance Agency
Baker Free Library
Baker Free Library Foundation
Capital Chiropractic Center
Century 21 Real Estate
Charles Schwab
Cobb Hill Construction
Delta Dental
Joya Dennehy, Realty One Group Next Level
O'Keefe & Flanagan Electric
Merrimack County Savings Bank
Twin Oaks Home Inspection LLC
UBS Financial Services
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Bow Young at Heart
Bow Young at Heart is a social club open to all residents 55 and older. The public is always welcome to attend any meeting or event. Meetings begin at 11:30 am with a social hour, followed by a speaker at 12:30 pm. Bring your own lunch, dessert is provided. Held at the Old Town Hall 91 Bow Center Road
August 14, 2024 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
The club will screen a film about the Merrimack River.
August 28, 2024 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Bow Fire Chief Comeau will discuss fire safety
For more information about the club and joining us for our meetings or how to become a member contact Peter Cherici at (603) 774-7682 or email at fairfield_a@hotmail.com
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Town Updates
The Town of Bow has worked diligently in providing up to the minute notification of all that is happening in the community. In order to stay informed, visit the website Town of Bow or follow on Facebook @bownewhampshire
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