🌱 Welcome New Firefighters + Brighten A Child's Holiday With Toys

Hello again, everybody! It's Paula Constance, your host of the Bedford Daily. Come along to find out the most important things going on in town these days, including updates on:

• Welcome new Bedford firefighters!
• Public school student enrollment numbers are falling.
• It's time to donate new, unwrapped "toys for tots."

But first, today's weather:

Rain; breezy in the afternoon. High: 46 Low: 32.

Shoutout to the awesome local businesses who keep this newsletter running:

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Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Here are the top stories today in Bedford:

1. Say hello to new firefighters Michael Sitar, Donald Tilbe and James Somers. The Bedford Fire Department gave a shoutout to the new department members in a recent post, and also wished them "good luck" on their probation period. Welcome—and good luck! (Bedford Fire Department, NH via Facebook)
2. A new report released Tuesday by the N.H. Department of Education shows that student enrollment in the state's public schools is declining. It's a trend we've seen over the past 20 years due to lower birth rates, an increasingly older population and a few other factors. Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut said, "It is important for school leaders to understand how declining enrollment numbers may be impacting their districts and how to plan accordingly." What about Bedford? Bedford has the third-largest public school district in the state, with 4,159 students. Manchester is the largest, "with 12,016 students, followed by Nashua with 9,915 students." (Yahoo)
3. Help make a child's Christmas "a little brighter" this year by donating a toy for a child. The Bedford Police Department is now accepting new, unwrapped toys for "Toys for Tots." Bring the toy to the Bedford Safety Complex on 55 Constitution Drive (by the Fire Department entrance). "If you're a group with a large donation, please contact mpliakos@bedfordnh.org." (Bedford Police Department via Twitter)

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From my notebook:

• Florida trip: "📣Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors get in on the Phenom action! We're offering an all inclusive trip to Orlando for Girl Scouts Phenom! This amazing trip includes tickets to the convention, trips to Disney and Universal." (Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains via Facebook)
• Make a winter wreath: "Hurry! Only a few more days to make your own Winter Wreath. This Saturday @6p.m." (The Canvas Road Show via Facebook)
• New books this week: "Here are a few of this week's new books at the Bedford Public Library. What looks good to you? To find all of the books from this video in our online catalog (and place your requests first!)" (Bedford (NH) Public Library via Facebook)
• Watch Bedford town meetings on BCTV: "Watch the Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting" and others on BCTV channel 22. (Bedford (NH) Community Television via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Great New England Fine Holiday Craft & Artisan Shows on the Seacoast (November 19)
• Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - NASW NH One-Day Conference (December 1)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking or watching fireflies in the sultry moments before sunset. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Bedford Daily? Contact me at paula.constance.patch@gmail.com