Twas two weeks before Christmas and all through the town
     it rained and it froze and the trees all fell down.
     The wires that were strung on utility poles
     snapped like a twig and the houses all froze.

We got our selves nestled all snug in our bed
     while visions of warmer days danced in our head,
     and me in my thermals and Pa in his cap
     stayed huddled together for a bone chilling nap.

The moon on the ice made a crystalline glow
     and we thought to ourselves, just how long can this go?
     When what to our wondering eyes did appear
     but our son with some coffee and donuts and cheer.

We could see our white breath in the darkness above
     and deep under the covers I searched for my love.
     His feet, they were frozen and so was his head ---
     made me think to myself that he just might be dead.

The days passed so slowly, we must be insane
     as we waited and wondered and called out by name
     "On Thursday, on Friday, on Saturday too!
     on Sunday, on Monday, on Tuesday – oh foo!
     on Wednesday, and Thursday and Friday (oh dread!)
     the kerosene fumes must have gone to our head.

To add to the pleasure of winter's delight
     two snowstorms came by - 18 inches of white.
     The snowing and blowing made things bad to worse
     and we prayed to the heavens our pipes wouldn't burst.

Pa's eyes now were sunken, his expression --- not merry,
     his cheeks had a pallor, his nose like a cherry.
     The odd little smile on his face wasn't fun
     He often was mumbling "go get me, my gun".

Then a rap on the door, and the fireman said,
     "Are you sick, are you sane, and is anyone dead?
     There's a shelter, there's warmth, you can come if you're able,
     we have showers and kindness and food on the table" ---
     and we looked at each other and thought  ---  "what the heck?"
     yeah ... eleven days later you FINALLY check!

On night number twelve we heard the faint roar
     of a convoy of trucks and we ran to the door.
     To the top of the poles, to the stretch of the cable ---
     please bring us your power just as fast as you' re able!

They spoke not a word, but went straight to their work
     and the power came on with a hum and a jerk.
     They heard us exclaim, as they drove out of sight ---
      MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
      WE HAVE HEAT! WE HAVE LIGHT!

Be Healthier this New Year

Seeking a Healthier New Year? Join us for free Healthy Living Classes. The Healthy Living Workshops are a series of 6, 2 and ½ hour self-management classes for individuals with chronic conditions. These classes will teach strategies and skills for coping with the symptoms of chronic disease. We find that those attending have a variety of chronic conditions, such as: arthritis, asthma, lung disease, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, etc. The diseases may vary but many of the symptoms are the same and also the management skills and the tools used for coping are the same. Group members will design an individualized action plan and set goals to help them live a normal and productive life.

Volunteer tax credit proposed

"I submitted this proposed legislation after doing some research on the idea, which was first proposed to me by Mayor Deborah Cutts a year ago," said Cloutier. "Mayor Cutts said she heard of a program in Mass. that gave senior citizens some property tax relief in exchange for community service."

Bond increases budget 10 percent

All told, the district's proposed budget stands at $25.9 million, with a first budget article of $23.6 million and a bond payment of $1.7 million, representing an increase of 3.9 percent for the district's operating budget and a 10.2 percent increase when the bond payment is included. The district must also contribute $611,008 to the River Valley Technical Center.

A triple threat at Fall Mountain

It's something Jordan will try to fulfill without having Bruce, who also serves as Jordan's high jump coach, there on the sidelines. Basketball is the only sport where dad won't be right in Jordan's ear for pointers and orders. The only time Bruce is allowed to settle back into coach mode with Jordan is on weekends when she competes as a high jumper on Fall Mountain's winter track team. Jumping is strictly a weekend activity, though, and it has been decided that basketball is the real winter focus.

The basketball alchemist

Friday night, the 6-foot-5 forward found success with an amalgamation of post moves and rebounding tenacity to dissect Woodstock's front court. Behind 19 points and 12 rebounds from Francis, Bellows Falls beat the Wasps, 62-47. The win upped their record to 3-3 on the season, matching their win total from all of last year. The Terriers' mad basketball scientist seems to have his team's winning ways down to, well, a science.

The Gospel Train

Formed in 2003, The Gospel Train features five core members from area churches who sing at churches, nursing homes and fairs.

Theater Group gives back to Charlestown

"It's a real challenge to find enough directors, actors, etc.," Fagan said, adding that currently they're rehearsing for a murder/mystery dinner in conjunction with the Rotary Club to perform at the Town Hall Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. and 18 at 1 p.m.

Loss of license for gasoline theft

This makes sense...common sense. After all, it costs money to house and feed prisoners. New Hampshire is currently attempting to dig itself out of a huge financial hole. Any bill that would involve additional appropriations probably won't go very far in Concord.

What team will be named National Champion?

And then we have Utah, No. 6 in the last poll, rocking No. 4 Alabama which went into that game with an 11-1 record.