Community Notes

Ladies Auxiliary to sponsor student VFW Essay Contest

The Townsend VFW Post 6538 Ladies Auxiliary is locally sponsoring the Department of Massachusetts Ladies Auxiliary VFW Essay Contest for students in grade 5. The theme is "Our Flag is Called Old Glory." The essay should contain 200 to 300 words.

The Townsend Auxiliary will award $25 to its first place; $15 to its second place; and $10 to its third place winners. The first place winning entry will then be submitted into the state competition. The Department of Massachusetts Ladies Auxiliary VFW will award a $100 U.S. Savings Bond to the first place state winner; a $75 U.S. Savings Bond to the second place state winner; and a $50 U.S. Savings Bond to the third place state winner.

All essay contest entries should be submitted to Townsend VFW Ladies Auxiliary President Betty Mae Tenney no later than Monday, Feb. 5. Students attending Squannacook Elementary School should give their entries to their classroom teacher who will collect them for Tenney.

Ladies Auxiliary to sponsor student VFW Poster Contest

The Townsend VFW Post 6538 Ladies Auxiliary is locally sponsoring the Department of Massachusetts Ladies Auxiliary VFW Poster Contest for students in grades 3 and 4. The theme is "Our Flag is Called Old Glory." The poster may be colored or painted and should be on a 9- by 12- inch construction paper or on a 12- by 18-inch poster board.

The Townsend Auxiliary will award $15 to its first place; $10 to its second place; and $5 to its third place winners. The first place winning entry will then be submitted into the state competition. The Department of Massachusetts Ladies Auxiliary VFW will award a $100 U.S. Savings Bond to the first place state winner; a $75 U.S. Savings Bond to the seond place state winner; and a $50 U.S. Savings Bond to the third place state winner.

All poster contest entries should be submitted to Townsend VFW Ladies Auxiliary President Betty Mae Tenney no later than Monday, Feb. 5. Students attending Squannacook Elementary School should give their entries to their classroom teacher who will collect them for Tenney.

Fire Department announces open burning season

The Townsend Fire Department has announced the opening of burning season now through Tuesday, May 1. Permits are available at the Townsend Fire - EMS Headquarters, located at 13 Elm St.

Homeowners are allowed to burn brush, cane, driftwood and forestry debris - not including grass, hay, leaves or stumps - so long as the open burning takes place: within the permission of the fire department; between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; when the air is circulating well but winds are light; no less than 75 feet away from all dwellings; and on your own p r o p e r t y and as close as possible to the source of material(s) to be burned.

Cost of permits are $20.

For more information, call (978) 597-8150.

Plans for Winter Carnival underway; volunteers needed

The Winter Carnival at Pearl Hill State Park will celebrate the cold and snowy season with a full day of outdoor activities for the whole family from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10

Nature walks, cross-country skiing, snowshoe treks, winter survival and ice fishing demonstrations, children's games and much more are planned for the day. Meet Smokey Bear, enjoy stories around the campfire, and satisfy your appetite with hot soup, cocoa and home-baked goodies. A special prize drawing is planned for all memberships and $10 donations collected during the day. Get outdoors and enjoy the state forest!

Volunteers are needed to help with the children's games, bake snacks or cook soup, sell food or provide information at the Friends of Willard Brook table. Prior to the day, help is needed in soliciting donations for the drawing and distributing posters to get the word out.

To volunteer or get more information, contact Emily Norton at (978) 597-3553 or e-mail at emily@willardbrook. org. Sponsored by the Friends of Willard Brook.