BY SUZANNE D’AMATOTo those of us who live in the Granite State, it’s no surprise that small-town folks have big hearts. With the holiday season almost here, the familiar requests for monetary donations and drives for items of all kinds are being made. The following are just a few examples of how generous donations of money, time and ...

BY JILLIAN JORGENSENIn his year at Bethany Covenant Church, Pastor Joel Kruggel said he has tried to meet the changing needs of the community while keeping the church connected to the world beyond Bedford. “The world’s changing,” Kruggel said in his office this week. “Just managing change has been a ...

Celebrate Earth Day – April 22 – by bringing the family to Discover WILD New Hampshire Day, set for Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department on Hazen Drive in Concord. Admission is free. Lots of hands-on activities, including archery, crafts for the kids and exhibits ...

BY MATT SCHOOLEYAlthough some volunteer organizations are down in numbers, many have experienced a significant increase in support during difficult economic times. The growth of volunteerism can be seen, especially in Hooksett, where the Kiwanis Club is currently the fastest-growing group in New England. “By the stroke of luck, we were ...

BY CAROLE KLEMENT HUXELBethany Chapel Community Church’s turkey suppers attract people from Bedford, Nashua and surrounding towns, just to enjoy the meal. Judging by the diners lined up out the door, this is not exactly a well-kept secret. Fresh hot turkey, home-made mashed potatoes and squash, buttered carrots, cranberry sauce, gravy, ...

BY STEPHEN BEALEWhether the TV show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” returns to New Hampshire, there are some Bedford families who have already benefited from the show’s popularity – either directly or through their community service efforts. Mike and Laura Street and their five children were “Extreme Makeover: Home ...

BY MATT SCHOOLEYBedford officials are looking for eight new members for various town government positions, and they are hoping residents will help fill those seats. Town Manager Russ Marcoux said he is looking to appoint residents to two alternate Zoning Board positions, two alternate Historic District Commission roles, one Highway Safety ...

BY PATRICK O’NEILLResidents canvassed back yards, fields and the side of the road to clean up litter at the Greenfield Farms neighborhood for their second annual Greenfield Farms Goes Green Day. Aimed toward providing a safer and cleaner neighborhood for residents, Andrea Chatfield and her Greenfield Farms Goes Green Day committee also hope ...

BY STEPHEN BEALECall it “Extreme Makeover: Bedford Edition.” When a local family lost out to a Manchester family as a finalist for the ABC home makeover show, the Bedford community decided to give them the star treatment anyway. The Michael and Laura Street had applied for the show because they needed to remodel their home for their ...

BY SUSAN CLARK A new town playground is ready for children to climb, swing and slide, thanks to more than 60 volunteers who made it all possible. “Building day could not have been better. It was fabulous,” said Michelle Casale, a member of the Parks and Recreation Commision and chairman of the Playground Committee. “There were ...