The other day I could be found at the Somersworth Market Basket and it was there that I was struck by just how many pumpkin spice products there are on the market nowadays. They were seemingly everywhere. Now at the risk of upsetting people, I have to admit I don’t actually like pumpkin spice but apparently everyone else in America does.
Personally I prefer the real thing and that is what you will find me at the 18th annual Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 9 when the Somersworth Festival Association allows the orange fruit to take center stage. The festival will take place at the Somersworth Plaza on Main Street and will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. As always, the event promises to be fun for both young and old with lots of activities to participate in. A $10 bracelet will allow your child to participate in activities such as scarecrow making and pumpkin smashing to name just two.
At the risk of really dating myself, I’m going to quote a once famous ad… but wait, there is more… On the evening of Oct. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m., there will be a chance for all those who call Somersworth home to celebrate the city. Somersworth Police and Fire as well as Stewarts Ambulance have joined together to bring you an evening of fun. The evening will feature music, food, rides and fireworks oh and did I mention helicopter demonstrations as well as a whole lot more, It promises to be a fun evening and as always I hope to see you there.
By the way did you know that Stewarts Ambulance which provides coverage for Somersworth just received its national accreditation? Well, they did so you can be sure that if you are unfortunate enough to have to call them, they are top-notch. Next week I will be taking a look back at the history of ambulances in the city which is more interesting than you might think.
If you are looking forward to Halloween, please stay tuned to as the city of Somersworth recreation department is due to announce this year’s contests. I heard on the grapevine that this year there may be a best pet photo contest as well as the usual human and house decoration. I also have it on good authority that there will be trick or treat in the city this year but again stay tuned for more information.
Changing direction here a little, I want to mention something that happened to me the other day. I received an email from Mr Richard LaBonte, a.k.a. Dick LaBonte. When I first started writing about Somersworth way back in 2004 I believe for Somersworld, I had the pleasure of being mentored by Jack LaBonte who many know from his work as a Foster’s Daily Democrat Bureau Chief in Somersworth. He always encouraged me to keep writing and although sadly Jack is no longer with us, this column is something of a tribute to him. Now Dick is Jack’s brother and he wanted to let me know about a club that he and many others in the city have participated in over the course of about 20 years. That club would eventually be know as “Somersworth Burger King Civics Class 101”
According to Dick, the club began in 2001 in Rose’s Variety Plus store that was located on Main Street. Rose would provide the small group of friends with coffee and doughnuts each morning and the group would discuss everything from local politics to the general state of the country. Eventually, Rose would close her store so the guys had to find another place to meet.
Their new home would take the form of Somersworth Burger King where they could be found most mornings. It was Jack who suggested that the group wear red hats as a uniform. Over the next decade, 127 hats would be given to members of the club as well as honored guests. Among the guests who would speak at the club were U.S. senators and Congressmen along with N.H. state representatives and senators. Unfortunately, many of the club members are now deceased and the club no longer meets. That does not diminish the memories and comaraderie that was earned by those who participated in the club, according to Dick. Thanks for reaching out Dick and telling us the story.
Now as the leaves begin to turn and the hummingbirds head south so do the Monarch butterflies. Thanks to the Mayor’s Monarch Challenge which is spearheaded by the National Wildlife Federation, these wonderful creatures are getting some much needed attention. Mayor Hilliard signed Somersworth up for the challenge and an effort to provide suitable habitat for these flying wonders is underway in the city. On Friday, Oct. 1, Mayor Hilliard will be proclaiming Ash Park in the city as a designated pollinator garden. There are plans to redesign and plant the park with plants that will attract the Monarch butterflies which have an interesting life cycle. If you would like to know more about this exciting venture, visit the city website or tune into Channel 22. You can also contact Councilor Matt Gerding at mgerding@somersworth.com.
That’s all I have for this week. Until next week, stay safe and above all be kind because you never really know what someone else is going through.