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It became clear to us, when putting together our year-in-review issue, that every town covered by The Hooksett Banner had growth issues in 2004. Of course, this isn’t really a new development. For decades this area has been dealing with sprawl, traffic concerns and school crowding. But in 2004, there was some progress. Hooksett now has, essentially, new two schools, with the opening of Cawley School last year and the renovated Memorial School this year. Pembroke got its new safety center this year, and a new library last year. But Allenstown, Epsom, Candia and Auburn are all contemplating how to provide better learning spaces for their children, and that’s going to continue the growing-pains struggle for at least the next year.

Traffic will affect all of us for years to come as well, with the expansion of I-93. There is no stopping the influx of people, who all need places to live and shop, schools, and roads to get around on.

What we start 2005 with is the hope that we can all work together to come up with solutions to make life easier on us all without putting us in financial straits. It’s a tough job, but here’s hoping we’re up to it. ­ Ginger Kozlowski
Editor, Hooksett Banner

To the Editor:
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. I sure did. My son was not in Iraq. That says it all.

I hope you have a prosperous 2005.

I wish to bring you an update on the budget in Hooksett. I want to extend a hardy thanks to all town employees. They are working extremely hard to keep within the line item that was designated at the town election. A default budget is not easy to work with, but they are troopers.

I especially want to give kudos to the fire department. Chief Mike Williams and his crew are doing a stellar job, and they said it could not be done. Thank you mike and all the members of the fire department.

Please show your appreciation to the employees. The next time you are at Town Hall registering your car or paying your taxes, say thank you to the staff. Walk upstairs and thank all the employees. When you see a fire truck or a police car, wave and give them a thumbs up. Positive strokes will go a long way.

Thank you.

Pat Rueppel
Councilor District 2 Hooksett

To the Editor:
The Pembroke Woman’s Club sponsored its fifth Christmas in Suncook Village Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 5. Our goal of coming together as a community to celebrate an old-fashioned free, family-oriented Christmas in our little village was clearly met when more than 500 people attended this year’s festivities.

From the moment of inception over five years ago, the idea has been embraced and supported by the community and has been growing ever since. We would like to thank the following people responsible for making it happen:

The Suncook United Methodist Church, the American Legion and the VFW for opening their doors and hosting so many of our activities. The downtown businesses that did such a beautiful job of decorating their storefronts and opening their doors to host activities and providing refreshments. All the other businesses and patrons that made monetary contributions or donated gifts for the free raffles.

The Allenstown Fire Department and the Allenstown Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary, the towns of Pembroke and Allenstown, the Pembroke Fire Department, the Pembroke Public Works Department, the Meet Me In Suncook committee and the Pembroke Library.

Thanks to Tim Riel and Doug Bailey and his son for providing the wagon rides. Bob and Margaret Wheeler for the pony rides. The entertainers – The singers, dancers, musicians, the face painters and balloon artists.

To the many volunteers and most importantly to the club members, a very sincere thank you. Without your help and support, this event would not take place.

We wish you all a beautiful holiday season and a new year of peace and happiness.

Lorette Girard and Celeste Borgman
Co-chairmen
Pembroke Woman’s Club
Christmas in Suncook Village

To the Editor:
To think that the God of the universe loved us so much, He sent His Son to become human, is astounding. It was the only way to save us. You as a person and us, as His creation, are His treasure. Talk about flattery. Christmas is an excellent opportunity for the good news, Gospel, to be pronounced again. He came and will come again! He loves us and no powers can stand against Him. He will not lose one of those given to Him by The Father. To consider the sacrifice He made on our behalf is sobering. “No greater love has a man, than to lay down his life for another.” He laid His life down as no one would ever want to, praying for us unto the end. We are His greatest love. More flattery.

“Take up your cross and follow Me,” means what it says. Be like Him. That's the hard part. Being exactly like Him is impossible, but that’s no excuse. “None are perfect, no, not one,” is more a reassurance than a conviction. People fail all the time, always have. Failing because you messed up is one thing, failing because you are disobedient is another. As an old radio preacher used to say, “That’s where the rubber meets the road.” No one wants to take orders from anyone, but will and do from the “boss.” Who’s your boss?

“Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, and unto the Lord that which is the Lord’s,” also means what it says. We all have to make a living, provide for our families and pay taxes, but give your heart and “first-fruits” to the Lord. Those are the fruits you would rather enjoy, the ones that have the most potential. It isn’t a sacrifice if it doesn’t hurt.

“Feed my sheep” says to help His children be secure and kept within the flock. Today, it means help build the new Mount Zion Christian School! Here is a flock that is certainly His and they need feeding. Can you, or someone you know help? Call 606-7930 or visit www.mountzionnh.org.

Dave Ross
Hooksett