Well, it has been a busy couple of weeks over in Rindge. Most notably, a recent winter weather event mangled many trees and had its way with the modern marvel of electricity, casting a cold, dark cloak over the town for a few days.

Raise your hand if you sat under that cold, dark cloak wishing you hadn’t sold the generator you bought after the 2008 ice storm because for more than a decade it collected dust out in your shed. I know I can’t be alone there.

But those bygone days of January are now behind us, and February has arrived. And with the arrival of this new month are plenty of ways to fortify our good karma in the universe by continuing to be involved in and give back to the community. Let’s have a look.

School matters

John McCarthy, Jaffrey-Rindge School Board chair, drafted the cover statement for a premiere edition of “School Budget News,” an informative and robust mailer sent to voters in our school district recently on behalf of the Jaffrey-Rindge School Board. The mailer underscores the value of our public schools and their impact on the community.

It outlined recent and upcoming building maintenance projects, and highlighted programs across the district to enrich our community’s learners. It also describes the school budget process and how the challenging economy we’re experiencing has impacted this year’s budget.

Rindge and Jaffrey residents can learn more about and discuss the proposed school district budget for the 2023-2024 school year, as well as all other warrant articles that will be presented to voters on March 14, by attending the Feb. 8 deliberative session.

The statement McCarthy wrote was under the title “Vibrant Schools Bring Community Value.” I urge readers to look closely at this mailer and consider our crucial role as voters in the public-school process and in maintaining the vitality of this strong, caring and supportive community. I hope to see you there on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Rindge Memorial School gymnasium.

Swap shop

Volunteers from the Rindge Woman’s Club want to spread the good word about what’s up for grabs this winter down at the swap shop. Warm clothing, plenty of books and puzzles for children and adults alike and even prom gowns are among the free items ready to be rehomed by Rindge residents.

I talked prom gowns on a recent Tuesday morning with volunteer swap shop attendants Linda Tower and Pat Martin. They are both hoping residents will bring gently used gowns to the transfer station for the swap shop to put on its racks as prom season approaches this spring. 

Again, I can’t be alone here in the formal wear department. Like me, I know you have that gown you wore once just waiting for a second date. Let’s donate them to the swap shop and give those gowns another night on the town!

Rindge residents, come check out our impressive and so very helpful swap shop at the Rindge Transfer Station. Hours are Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thank you to all the volunteers for keeping this useful resource available in our community!

P.O.O.R. meat raffle

The recent canceled P.O.O.R. meat raffle has been rescheduled to March 4. During my visit to the swap shop, I learned from Linda Tower that the Pumpkin Organization of Rindge (P.O.O.R.) does so much to give back to this community, including scholarships, town fireworks displays, contributions to recreation areas and play spaces and more. Check the P.O.O.R. Facebook page for updates on upcoming meat raffles.

Send me your Rindge stories at rindgecommcorr@yahoo.com.

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