Volume 39 Number 2 The Good News Paper February 2018

Farmington Rang in 2018 with First Night

Farmington Collaborative Community Event

Above: First Night Farmington button

designed by artist and resident
Stephanie Piro.
Left: Rick Gladding plays Auld Lang
Syne in the Congregational Church,
broadcasting it through the bell
system to the town.
Right: Sharon and Paul Turner take
advantage of the photo frame.

December 31st was a cold night, but that didn’t keep
the revelers determined to ring in 2018 in Farmington
in their homes. There was plenty to do throughout the
evening, and a $5.00 button get you deals at our local
businesses and into any or all of the evening’s events.
The Municipal Building featured a lot events. The
Women's Club sponsored a photo frame for
commemorative pictures. There was a baby picture
photo contest, the winner got a photo shoot with
professional photographer. "Rockin'New Year's Eve"
was on TV. Honey Dew Donuts served hot coffee for
those who wanted to watch the New Year's Eve ball
drop.
Liberty Insurance hosted a bonfire. Music played via a
sound system for dancing. Grace Church served hot
chocolate.
The Farmington Historical Society opened the
Museum of Farmington History and swerved wassail
(hot mulled cider) and cookies. Guests were treated
to Rick Gladding playing his saxophone until he had
to leave to play Auld Lang Syne over the bell sound
system at the Congregational Church for all to hear.
TD Bank gave out glow sticks and the Friends of
Farmington hosted a Country Jam with a live band,
Kowboy Karaoke, and Art Show. Movies were
shown at Farmington House of Pizza.
The Winner of the First Night Farmington 2018
Baby Photo Contest was Elliot Lindsey, baby boy of
John and Amanda Lindsey. The Committee wishes
to thank the parents for entering their little one’s
photos. Everyone that came in to vote said the same
thing: "Oh my gosh, they are all so cute! How do we
pick??" Parents can stop in to Turner Liberty
Insurance anytime during regular business hours to
pick up their 5x7 photo and Certificates. The winner
of the First Night Farmington 50/50 raffle was
button number 79. Congratulations to the winners!
Continued on Page 2
First Night Farmington from Page 1
Thank you Chief Drury for plowing, and to all the
businesses, organizations and other individuals that
supported this event. Special thanks to the First Night
Farmington committee, and chairwomen, Sharon
Turner, Sylvia Arcouette and Deb Van Gelder for
organizing. They worked hard to organize the event in
a short amount of time. They are looking forward to
next year. Anyone interested in planning next year's
event, please make sure to contact one of these ladies.
The Committee also wishes to thank the Farmington Above: Museum of Farmington History.
Below: Cowboy Karaoke at Friends of Farmington.
Historical Society, Farmington Woman's Club, Below: Bonfire at Turner
Goodwin Library, Turner Liberty Insurance, Grace Liberty Insurance.
Church, Stephanie Piro for designing the fabulous
buttons. Paul Turner, Allison O'Donnell and her
students from FHS, Allison from Honey Dew, Jodi
from Farmington House of Pizza, Kowboy Karaoke,
Jeanette's Cubby Hole, Rick Gladding, Farmington
Police & Fire, Charlie King, Ann Titus, Jo Kenney,
Farmington Town Players, Friends of Farmington,
TDBank, Studio 393 and our wonderful artists and
photographers! Thank you to everyone that attended
the inaugural First Night Farmington Celebration.

Publishing Good News in Farmington, NH since 1979

Our Volunteer Staff

The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH February 2018 Page 2

Warm Up with a Valentine’s First Congregational Church
Day Dinner at the Celebrates 20 Years of
Congregational Church Blessed Bargains
The First Congregational
Church's Blessed
Bargains is celebrating its
20th anniversary during
February. The thrift store
ministry began February
28, 1998 and has
provided clothing,
household goods, gifts
and gently loved
collectibles for families in
The Mission Committee of the First Congregational the Farmington area.
Church, 400 Main St., Farmington invite you to a Blessed Bargains is open
“Warm Up to Valentine’s Day” Dinner on Saturday, the second and last
February 10, 2018 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. The menu Saturday of the month
includes beef stew, bread, salad, beverage and a from 9:30 AM until 2:00 PM. The public is invited to
homemade dessert. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for come and see what's new and old in this unique shop
children under 10. Raffle tickets will be sold during the this month. The entrance to Blessed Bargains is
evening for drawing at the Corned Beef Dinner on located in the lower level of the First Congregational
March 17th. There will also be a Valentine Door Prize! Church on Pleasant Street.
Blessed Bargains will also celebrate its 20th anniversary Above: Susan Loker opens Blessed Bargains.
on February 28th! Below: Dottie Bean and Susan Loker in Blessed
Bargains showing their merchandise.

The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH February 2018 Page 3

 Around the Town
The Home Baking Association (HBA) has designated
February as “Bake for Family Fun Month”. The
Association encourages families to spend time
together in the kitchen. Baking is an inexpensive
family activity that provides opportunities for families
to share baking traditions, recipes and family heritage
that can be handed down through each generation.
Each week you will find designated recipes, baking
activities and opportunities to spend time together in
February Happenings Around the Town
Farmington Responds Support Group
10:00 AM Friday, February 2, 9, 16, 23;
3:00 PM Monday, February 5, 12, 19, 26; 480 Main Street,
Farmington
Farmington Historical Society Members Meeting
6:00 PM Friday, February 2; Museum lower level Goodwin Library
Lego Club
10:30 AM Saturday, February 3, 10, 17, 24; Goodwin Library
Mustard Seed Cafe
3:00 - 5:00 PM Sunday, February 4, 18; First Congregational
Church
Farmington School Board Meeting
6:30 PM Monday, February 5; Farmington High School
Senior Bingo
10:00 AM Wednesday, February 7, 14, 21, 28; Farmington Town
Hall /Recreation Center
Farmington PTA Meeting
6:30 PM Thursday, February 8; Henry Wilson Memorial School
TriTown Democrats Meeting
7:00 PM Thursday, February 8; Emma Ramsey Center, Milton
Crafternoon
10:00 AM Friday, February 9; Goodwin Library
Blessed Bargains Open
9:30 AM Saturday, February 10, 24; First Congregational Church
The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH
February 2018
February is Bake for Family Fun Month
the kitchen. Recipes, baking activities and resources
are provided on the Home Baking Association
website to help families create those fun shared
baking memories and create new traditions. From
toddler to grandparent – baking is the perfect family
activity! Celebrate Bake for Family Fun Month and
share the goodness of baking with your family!
Start now at http://www.homebaking.org/familyfun/.
Select Board Meeting
6:00 PM Monday, February 12, 26; Farmington Municipal
Building
Economic Development Committee Meeting
6:00 PM Tuesday, February 13; Farmington Municipal Building
Friends of the Goodwin Library Meeting
6:00 PM Tuesday, February 13; Goodwin Library
Conservation Commission Meeting
6:00 PM Wednesday, February 14; Farmington Municipal
Building
Farmington Planning Board Meeting
6:00 PM Tuesday, February 20; Farmington Municipal Building
Circle of Hope Family Support Group
7:00 PM Wednesday, February 21; St. Peter’s Church
Book Group
6:00 PM Thursday, February 22; Goodwin Library
Community Breakfast
8:00 AM Saturday, February 24; First Congregational Church
Community Food Pantry Open
9:30 AM Saturday, February 24; First Congregational Church
Community Meal
4:00 PM Sunday, February 25; First Baptist Church
Family Game Night
5:00 PM Tuesday, February 27; Goodwin Library
February 2018 Page 4
Valley View Students Enjoy
Snowshoeing Classes
Miss Cook is excited to report that her snowshoeing
classes are going great! Students are learning how to
walk and run in their snowshoes. In upcoming classes,
she hopes to try some trail walking through the woods
with her students. Parents made sure all their children
had their proper winter gear on for Physical Education
classes as the snowshoeing continued throughout the
month of January.

Volunteers Needed at
Valley View
If you are an approved school volunteer,
meaning you have had your fingerprints and
volunteer paperwork turned in and approved,
Miss Cook could use some help getting
snowshoes on students (not snowshoeing with
students) at the beginning of Physical Education
classes. Please call the office if you are
interested in helping with this.

The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH February 2018 Page 5

 Winter is Fun in The Moose,
New Hampshire
And The Moose wants to show the world! Enter the
"Winter is Fun!" photo contest, and you may win a
great prize from our contest sponsors & friends at
Lake Life Brand! To enter, you can submit up to 3 of
your best photos and links to videos taken in
Brookfield, Farmington, Middleton, Milton, New
Durham, Wakefield and Wolfeboro to The Moose,
New Hampshire Facebook page. Viewers will
choose the grand prize winner!
When you post, be sure to tell folks where your
images were captured. Entries are due by midnight
Sunday, February 11th. By entering photos and
videos into this contest, participants give permission
for The Moose, New Hampshire and Explore Moose
Mountains to publish their photos, and give a
complete release to Facebook and acknowledge that
the promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or
administered by Facebook. Explore the pristine Winner Sheri Dame of Brookfield receives a framed print
beauty and charm of the Moose Mountains Region. of her prize entry in the “Savor the Season” fall photo
https://www.facebook.com/TheMooseNH contest from Julie Jacobs of Blacksmith Printing and
Barbara Gibbs of The Art Place while her children
The Puddledock Will Again Be Asking Nicholas and Kaylei recreate the pose that brought
Candidates for Farmington Offices hundreds of votes in Viewers’ Choice judging.
for their Views.
Town Elections are coming up in March. The
Puddledock Press will once again ask a series of
questions to candidates running for our local town
offices, and hope that they will provide answers for
you. All candidate statements or answers to our
questions will be posted on the Town Elections page
of the website. The questions are posted on the page
now, so if you are running for office, please
participate and let our voters know your thoughts and
plans for Farmington’s future. Send your written
statements to PuddledockPress@gmail.com.

The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH February 2018 Page 6

1992 Graduates Scott Smith
and Aaron Hagar Inducted to
Sports Hall of Fame
One of the best pitcher-catcher combos in
Farmington baseball history will forever be
enshrined in the Farmington Sports Hall of Fame as
pitcher Aaron Hagar and catcher Scott "Blackie"
Smith will highlight the induction class of 2018, as
fittingly announced on Friday, January 19th during
the Night of Champions by the Hall of Fame
committee.
Hagar and Smith were lynchpins in bringing the first
baseball state championship to Farmington in 1991.
With the season on the line, Hagar was nothing short
of spectacular as he threw a no-hitter in the opening
game of the Class M tournament for the Tigers and
later followed it up with a two-hit performance in
the final to clinch the title for FHS.
The man calling the shots behind the plate,
"Blackie" Smith, orchestrated one of the most
impressive tournament performances by a three-man
rotation in state history. As the unquestioned leader
of the team, Smith guided Hagar, Brian Ferland and
Joey Vachon as they allowed just five hits and four
unearned runs in 28 innings of tournament play.
It was also announced, the entire 1991 team will be
honored during the 2018 induction ceremony
scheduled for this November.
Fresh Picks Cafe Initiates
“Breakfast After the Bell”
Program at Valley View
Beginning on February 5th, 2018 Farmington Schools
will be implementing our Breakfast After the Bell
program, which aims to provide students with
breakfast at a time when they are most ready for food.
Students will still have the option to get breakfast
before school starts, but for those that would prefer to
eat later we will be delivering breakfast to the
classroom after the start of school. Research has
shown that students who eat breakfast regularly have
better focus and perform better academically than
those who do not. If your child is eligible for free
breakfast, we want to make it as easy as possible for
your child to receive this benefit and we will ensure
that a breakfast is provided for him/her daily. If your
child isn’t eligible for free breakfast but you would
like to ensure that one is provided daily for him/her,
simply fill in the form below and we will ensure that
one is provided for them every day. Forms are
available in the Valley View Newsletter, or you can
pick one up at the school. Returned the form to: Jeff
Norcross.

Upcoming Monthly Meetings: Feb 2, March 2.

Join us, learn about our Stories of
Farmington Initiative and make history!
The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH February 2018 Page 7
The Ambush T-Shirts a Huge
Success for the Tigers
On Friday, January 19th, The Farmington Tigers
debuted The Ambush, which created quite a buzz.
Students showed up early to get their hands on the
official t-shirt of The Ambush and they were sold out
on that first night! Another order of the camouflage
T-shirts was placed adn will be available. Farmington
students interested in joining The Ambush, were able
to pre-order their shirts at a great price of only $8.
When the ordered Ambush T-shirts come in, they can
be picked up at one of the games. At press time, it is
unclear how many ordering cycles will be needed, but
the success and popularity of The Ambush among the
students suggest that at $8, they are real crowd
pleasers. For more information about The Ambush, randomly chosen to use the selfie stick to take us Inside
send an email to athletics@FarmingtonTigers.com. The Ambush. Join the Ambush, support the Tigers, and
increase our school spirit and add a different kind of
On Tuesday, January 23rd, a new feature, called excitement to our games. And maybe you will be
Inside The Ambush, debuted with Matt Savoy. A chosen to take the selfie stick and make history!
seventh grader on the soccer, basketball and baseball
teams, Matt is a member of The Ambush. Alkways
willing to lend a helping hand, Matt is one of the
Rochester Congregational
nicest kids around. Matt was given The Ambush selfie Church | Upcoming Events
stick to have some fun. You can find more photos on Saturday, February 10th Another $6 BLUEBERRY
the Farmington Tigers Facebook page. Be on the PANCAKE BREAKFAST 7:30-10am at First Church
lookout at select home games and wear your Ambush Congregational, Rochester NH 63 S. Main Street. Fully
T-Shirt. Members of The Ambush will be Accessible, use Liberty Street entrance.
Tuesday, February 13th "Fat Tuesday" SUPPER (aka
Mardi Gras) and Silent Auction, 5-7pm at First Church
Congregational, Rochester NH 63 S. Main Street. Fully
Accessible, use Liberty Street entrance.
Saturday, February 24th BOOKS, PUZZLES 'n
GAMES Sale--------stock up for February vacation, and
beyond! 10am-2pm at First Church Congregational,
Rochester NH 63 S. Main Street. Fully Accessible, use
Liberty Street entrance.
For Information: 603-332-1121; http://first-ucc.net;
www.facebook.com/firstchurchrochester.

Available now!
There are rooms available.
Call for details!

The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH February 2018 Page 8

 interactions with pets and clients for a few minutes, you
don't want to take up the staff's time and inconvenience
by Kimberly Simmons the clients with appointments. When there is a break in
activity, ask when they are usually slow and see if it is OK
Choosing a Veterinarian
to come back then to ask questions about the practice and
Choosing a new veterinarian for your pets can be stressful.
possibly meet the veterinarian (or in larger practices, at
There are so many great DVM's out there and a few terrible
least one of the veterinarians).
ones too, but how do you know the difference? The place to
start is by asking friends and neighbors who have pets; local Also, keep in mind that there are veterinary specialists
pet stores, your groomer, pet sitter and dog walker should (just like human doctors). You may find that you like one
also have some good general knowledge from their contact vet just fine for yearly vaccines and check-ups but they
with so many people with pets. Social media is another just can't figure out your dog's skin issues, that is OK!
resource but I would not base your entire decision on what Simply shop around for a veterinarian that has more
you read on Facebook or other, similar places. experience or education in skin issues.
Once you have spoken to a few people in the animal A big consideration is also your own expectations. If you
industry who might be in the know, then going online and choose a large, busy veterinary hospital with multiple
looking at the veterinary hospital's web page, social media veterinarians and a huge clientele, but you like a personal
pages and doing a general search can give you a wealth of touch with a sense of familiarity, you probably won't be
information regarding how they view animals and their own happy at the large hospital. There are still small practices
place in the treatment and care of pets. How a clinic is out there that will give you that more personal experience.
presented can also tell you if it is a small single veterinarian
Above all, don't feel bad or disloyal for choosing different
owned and personal type practice, or a more formal and veterinarians for illnesses and emergencies. Your first
corporate run clinic, or something in-between. concern should be the care of your pet and not the possible
I also recommend visiting the clinic without your pet in tow. hurt feelings of your veterinarian because you went
Go inside, is it clean, are the people that greet you friendly somewhere else when Toto was sick.
and willing to answer questions. If the clinic is very busy Kimberly Simmons is the owner of For PETS, Pawsitive
when you go, just sit and observe their Education, Training & Services, LLC. in Farmington

The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH February 2018 Page 9

 1 quart of strawberries - cleaned, hulled and sliced
½ cup almonds, blanched and slivered
Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds,
poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika,
Worcestershire sauce and onion. Cover and chill for
one hour. In a large bowl, combine the spinach,
strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad and
toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
~~ENJOY~~
Savor The Flavor is heating up our “Valentines” issue
with interesting recipes that I hope you will enjoy. Martini Cheese Dip
Ingredients
Chocolate Martini 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese - softened
Ingredients 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
Ice Cubes ¼ cup sliced green olives with pimentos, drained and
2 oz vodka chopped
2 oz creme de cacao or chocolate liqueur 2 tablespoons olive juice
Chocolate Shavings and white chocolate curls ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Directions Assorted fresh vegetables
Fill a mixing glass or tumbler three-fourths full with Note: You can also add 2-3 tablespoons of Vodka
ice. Add vodka and creme de cacao; stir until Directions
condensation forms on outside of the glass. Strain into In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and mayonnaise
a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with chocolate until blended. Stir in olives, olive juice and pepper.
shavings and curls as desired. ~~ENJOY~~ Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Spoon into martini
Kids’ Non-Alcoholic Valentine glasses, if desired and garnish with whole olives put
through a toothpick. Serve with your favorite cut up
Potion
vegetables. Editors Note: I make the same recipe only
Ingredients
add shrimp. ~~ENJOY~~
1 - 12 oz can of pink lemonade concentrate
4 cups of raspberry sherbet ice cream Chocolate Valentine Fondue
1- 12 oz can of lemon/lime soda Ingredients
Directions 1 - 11-12 oz package milk chocolate pieces
In a pitcher mix the pink lemonade concentrate. Blend ¼ cup milk
the remaining ingredients well in a blender. Add the 1 tablespoon crunchy peanut butter
lemon/lime soda. Blend well and serve cold. Assorted fruits: Star fruit, orange sections, whole
~~ENJOY~~ strawberries, blueberries, pear slices, banana slices,
apple slices (for example).
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Angel-food cake or pound cake cubes
Ingredients
Marshmallows
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Directions
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
In the top of a double boiler, placed over gently
½ cup white sugar
simmering water, or in a heavy small saucepan,
½ cup olive oil
combine the chocolate pieces and ¼ cup milk. Heat
¼ cup distilled white vinegar
over low heat until chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir
¼ teaspoon paprika
in peanut butter, add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time until
¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
desired consistency. Pour mixture into fondue pot;
1 tablespoon minced onion
place over fondue burner set on low With fondue forks
10 oz fresh spinach - rinsed, drained and torn into
or long skewers, dip fruit, marshmallows, cake cubes,
bite size pieces
ect into mixture. (Will hold up to 1 hour on low. If

The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH February 2018 Page 10

mixture gets too thick, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time).
~~ENJOY~~
Triple Mash with Horseradish
Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
1-⅔ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 medium parsnips, peeled and cubed
2 ½ cups cubed peeled rutabaga (turnip)
2 tsp salt
½ cup butter, divided
1 cup soft bread crumbs
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 cup whole milk
¼ teaspoon pepper
Directions
Place potatoes, parsnips, rutabaga (turnip) in a 6 quart
stockpot; add water to cover. Bring to boil, reduce heat
and cook uncovered 15-20 minutes or until tender. In a
skillet heat ¼ cup butter over medium heat, add
breadcrumbs; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until toasted.
Stir in horseradish and remove from heat. Drain
vegetables; return to pot. Mash vegetables over low heat;
gradually adding milk, pepper and remaining butter. Put in
your favorite serving dish and sprinkle with rest of bread
crumbs.. Editors Note: This is extremely delicious.
~~ENJOY~~
International Flair
Classic French Ratatouille
Ingredients
2 eggplants
2 onions
1 garlic clove
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 1 yellow bell
pepper
1 sprig of fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 lbs tomatoes
4 firm zucchini
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions
Rinse and dice the eggplants, sprinkle with salt. Soak for 1
hour, rinse with running water and blot dry with paper
towels. Peel and thinly slice onions and garlic and fry
lightly in olive oil. After a few minutes add the eggplant.
Cut the peppers into strips and remove all seeds. Add the
thyme and rosemary. Peel tomatoes and chop roughly. Do
not peel the zucchini. Cut into small bites. Simmer all
ingredients and cook for 20 minutes or to desired
tenderness. Remove the herbs and adjust the seasoning to
The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH
taste. Editors Note: This is a favorite of lovers on
Valentines Day. ~~ENJOY~~
Stuffed Chicken Valentino
Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless, chicken breast halves
1 tsp dried italian seasoning
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 (6 oz) jar of roasted red bell peppers, drained
¼ cup chopped fresh chives
4 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and Pepper to taste.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice a chicken breast in
half lengthwise; leaving the halves attached on one side;
open and lay flat (butterly). Place between 2 pieces of
paper wrap and pound flat. Combine parmesan cheese
with italian seasoning and chives and sprinkle over
chicken breasts. At one end of each breast place 3 strips
of roasted pepper. Top with 1 tablespoon of shredded
cheese. Roll each breast up starting on the side with the
peppers and cheese Insert a toothpick in each roll to
prevent unrolling. Place in prepared baking dish Season
rolls with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Set oven to broil
and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Remove from
oven. Slice to display the colorful filling and serve.
Editors Note: We have made these and added spinach on
top of the chicken roll prior to rolling. ~~ENJOY~~
Savor The Flavor hopes that all of you have a
wonderful Valentines Day. I hope that you will get
involved in sending in your recipes to me. Next
month we will concentrate on recipes for St.
Patricks Day. Until then, please take time to always
“Savor The Flavor”. See you next month. ~
deborahlousereed@gmail.com; 603-755-3012.
February 2018 Page 11
The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH February 2018 Page 12