Gilead

Sunday afternoon and listening to the weather. It looks like several days of a little bit of everything. The birds at the feeder are quite busy and that usually indicates that a storm is on the way.

My brother, Steve McLain, went to Bethel last Saturday to take a couple of their dogs that needed rabies shots to the clinic at the Bethel Fire Station.

Hugh and I attended a Christmas Concert at the Ed Fenn School in Gorham, N.H., where our granddaughter, Sidney Chapman, is a third grader. The children did a great job singing songs that they have been practicing for the past couple of months.

Luella Cole called with an update on her husband, Danny, who recently had surgery. He is in rehab and is doing well. He is hoping to be home around the end of this month.

Lise McLain attended the Rotary Club dinner at the American Legion Hall in Locke's Mills on Tuesday, Dec. 11. She also attended the Senior Citizen Club dinner at the Bethel Inn on Wednesday, Dec. 12. The 4th and 5th graders from Crescent Park School were invited to sing Christmas songs for the seniors, and they did an excellent job with their singing. Also, some of these students used some musical instruments and played some popular Christmas songs, and also did an excellent job playing those particular instruments. Lise handmade four Christmas necklaces that she donated to the club for fundraising. There were four happy winners. Three of the winners were Rhonda Mitchell, Carol Campbell, and Doris Mills. The name of the other winner is unknown.

Hugh and I attended a birthday party for our son, Tim Chapman, last Sunday. His birthday is really Dec. 17, but it is easier to get everyone together on the weekend. The party was planned by Michele and the grandkids, William, Annie, Ajay and Sidney. Others attendees were Michele’s Uncle Tom and her parents, Leo and Ann Croteau.

Area Wildlife

As I mentioned earlier, the birds are busy at the feeder. Mr. Cardinal is still coming late in the day, just as daylight is fading. On Sunday, the Hairy Woodpecker lit on the ‘Bird Patty’ that I made and put out. All the birds just love it. I got this recipe several years ago when I used to work for D.A. Wilson. Rita Wilson enjoyed feeding the birds and shared this recipe with me. We had some good times during the years that I worked there. Rita, Louann Bell and I had a good time and still managed to get the work done!

Hugh saw a flock of Evening Grosbeaks one day this past week and there have been several Sparrows and Red Polls that come to eat along with the usual visitors. The hawk has been around a couple of times. One morning we looked out and there was one Turkey out by the feeder looking for something to eat.

Mary Tyler called with the Wildlife Winner of the Week. Her cat, Satan, suddenly became quite agitated, so she looked out to see what he saw. There was a Bobcat in her yard. We are thinking that maybe he is looking for a turkey dinner.

Town Office

Due to the fact that Christmas Day and New Years Day fall on Tuesdays this year, the Town Office will be closed on those days. The Town Office will be open Saturday, Dec. 22 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The Transfer Station will be closed on Christmas Day, but will be open 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 26.

Got any news? Call 836-2987 or e-mail chapmal@hotmail.com