So as we begin 2022, there are some big changes about to happen within the Somersworth Police Department with the retirement of Captain Russelll Timmons this month and that of Chief David Kretschmar in March. Together these two men have a total of 79 years of police experience, all of which was served in Somersworth. They will be sorely missed by many both on the force and in the Somersworth community at large.
I know many will join me in wishing Capt. Timmons, who retires this month and was presented with the key to the city of Somersworth at Monday night’s City Council meeting, a very happy and healthy not to mention well-deserved retirement. This is an honor that has only been bestowed on one other Hilltop citizen: Rev. Mark Rideout on his retirement after 33 years serving the community in his capacity as pastor of First Parish Church.
The City Council held its first official meeting on Monday evening, having been sworn in at the inauguration ceremony this past Wednesday night. By the way, if you missed the ceremonies, you can catch them like many things by tuning into Somersworth.com on the computer or channel 22 on Comcast.
Monday night saw Councilor Dennis Messier return to the council, but this time as a councilor at large. In case you missed the elections this past November, the rest of the council and mayor remain the same.
If you’re on Facebook, there is a pretty good chance that you have seen what often seems to be the numerous appeals from the Somersworth PD for helping in locating the home/owner of a lost puppy. Over the holidays, one such puppy was found wandering the streets of Somersworth. He was named Louise by officers and was frequently featured on their Facebook page as well as greeting anyone who visited dispatch. He unfortunately was unable to find his home and has been taken to the Pope Memorial Humane Society where it was determined that Louise was heartworm positive. The shelter is determined to do all it can to help Louise recover, but the treatment for this condition is expected to cost upward of $1000. If you would like to help Louise as he continues his recovery, you can donate to the PMHS and request the monies be used for Louise’s treatment. I’ll be keeping a close eye on this story and will follow up with any updates as I get them
Can you believe how cold it has been this week? Fortunately, it doesn’t seem the Arctic blast will last for too long, but this is the time when I will once again ask you to reach out to an elderly neighbor and simply ask if you can help in any way. Even if they say “No thanks,” just knowing someone cares can make the difference in someone’s life.
After shoveling out from last week’s snowstorm, I decided to eat out and try Somersworth newest edition to its restaurant family. The Anatolia Mediterranean restaurant can be found below Gravy on Main Street and is well worth a visit. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and highly recommend you give it a try.
Not sure what to order? No problem. The owners and servers were more than happy to guide me. Oh and incidentally Gravy which is upstairs in the same building celebrates two years in the space on Friday, Feb. 4 and it promises to be quite the night. Featured will be the star of the Gravy family: Poutine! The fun will start at 5 p.m. so be sure to mark your calendars.
On another note, the Somersworth Library children’s rooms will be closed this week as they are receiving a much needed makeover. The library will also be closed on Saturday, Jan. 15 as they observe Martin Luther King Jr Day. If you haven’t visited the library lately, then it’ well worth a visit with lots of interesting programs taking place. You can find out more by visiting its Facebook page.
That’s all I have for this week, but as always please be kind to one another as you never quite know what someone else is going through.