It’s certainly starting to feel a lot like Christmas here in Somersworth and as we were reminded at the Berwick/Somersworth Christmas Parade on Saturday, it’s a season that should be filled with joy.
Of course there is so far this year one element for a perfect Christmas missing, yes, I am talking about the white stuff. There is talk that it will arrive sometime this week but only time will tell. By the way if you didn’t happen to catch the Christmas Parade this Saturday it will be airing on Channel 22 soon. Due to some technical difficulties, we were unable to broadcast live, but that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits as they spread joy and cheer from Berwick to Somersworth.
While the snow might be in short supply so far this season, the Lions Club will be hoping the temperatures drop so that they can spread some joy by opening the ice skating rink on West High Street. I had no idea until last week that one the rink is manmade or when it was created.
It turns out the answer to the second part of that question was the pond was created in 1962 as part of a community project. The rink was dug out using a steam shovel and was created thanks to a natural spring known locally as Crystal Springs. By my reckoning (remember, I am a writer and really bad at math), the rink and pond will be 60 years old in 2022 and that is a reason to celebrate. I know that there are many generations of Hilltoppers that have skated and fished that pond and have created memories and joy there.
There was also reason to feel joy to anyone who was lucky enough to witness last Thursday’s fourth annual “Shop with a Cop.” This event is hosted by the Somersworth Police Department in conjunction with many Somersworth community members and organizations and this year was bigger than ever with 25 lucky kids in attendance. The idea is to pair a child who is chosen from the Somersworth school district with a law enforcement officer and they then shop for the child’s family members. This year’s shopping extravaganza took place in Walmart, much to the delight of customers and staff alike.
Before shopping, the children were driven in a variety of police cars complete with blues and twos to Aroma Joe’s on High Street, where they were treated to a hot chocolate. Then it was on to the important business of the day.
Seeing the joy on the faces of both the law enforcement officers and the kids was priceless. All shopping lists were paid for thanks to some generous donations from the community. Then it was time to make their way back to Bartlett Avenue, where the arduous task of wrapping was helped by the pizzas once again were donated before the kids were whisked home wrapped presents for the family. Honestly it’s hard to tell who looks forward more to this event, the law enforcement officers or the kids, but it sure was a joyful evening for all those involved.
Shopping local
When it comes to shopping, I hope that you will consider taking a trip downtown and supporting our local stores and restaurants.
From finding unique gifts in Poppyseed Studios and Cozy Nest to discovering Mediterranean foods at our newest restaurant Anatolia Mediterranean Restaurant. Located in the old train station which once held Station 319, and below Gravy, they are looking forward to seeing you. Get the News Alerts newsletter in your inbox.
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Spicing up Somersworth:New Mediterranean restaurant aims to offer authentic flavors
Don’t forget to check out Smoke and Cream for barbecue or Stripe Nine for pizza and beer. I almost forgot to mention Toys In The Attic, which is brimming with toys from the past and present and is located in the plaza. All of these businesses are your friends and neighbors and they are hoping you will pay them a visit this festive season. As an added incentive to shop downtown the stores have joined forces and announced a special holiday competition. You can find all the details on their Facebook page: See Somersworth.
Talking of unique gifts the Summersworth HIstorical Museum still has a large selection of Somersworth yearbooks for sale. They make fantastic gifts for grandpas, grandmas and anyone who went to Somersworth High. For more details please pop into the museum any Sunday from 12.30 to 3.30 p.m.
I do want to remind you as we head for some cold weather to check on your elderly neighbors. Simply taking the time to say hi can make the world of difference in someone’s life and costs nothing but a little bit of time.
That’s all I have for this week but I’ll be back next week with more fun facts about our little corner of the world. Till then, please be kind to each other as you never truly know what someone else is going through.