Annual programs at Tapply-Thompson Community Center start in October

BRISTOL ― With autumn here and October on its way, the Tapply-Thompson Community Center wanted to highlight their upcoming monthly events and other annual programs that have started back up, such as our Every Child is Ours - Weekend Food Supplement Program and the Operation Warm - Winter Clothing Drive.

Kicking things off is the 33rd NH Marathon held on Saturday, Oct. 3, which will once again be circumnavigating Newfound Lake and circling through our communities with over 800 runners participating in the 26.2-mile run. The events also include the 13.1 half marathon, the 10K road race and kids race. With the help of their generous sponsors, the NH Marathon has raised and donated over $445,000 since 1995 to local youth-centered nonprofit organizations. 

Participants in the 10K run and marathon will begin on Lake Street, in front of the Newfound Memorial Middle School at 9 a.m. while the half-marathoners will start at Sculptured Rocks in Groton. Downtown Bristol traffic going both ways will be temporarily delayed while runners start out. (North Main Street will remain open as a detour). A big event means the need for volunteers is greater than ever with many tasks required to ensure the safety of participants, spectators and drivers. Jobs include helping with registration, parking cars, directing traffic, and staffing water stops along the route. If you would like to be a part of this annual event, contact the Race Committee at race@nhmarathon.com.

On Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., the TTCC Teen Nights will once again be starting up for the season. This evening is open to those in sixth through eighth grades and includes dinner, basketball, games, music and more. Pre-register is online at ttccrec.org.

On Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., we will be celebrating all things apples as part of our 43rd Annual Apple Festival & Craft Fair Fundraiser. Homemade apple pies, baked goods, home-baked beans and fresh bread, and apple pie a-la-mode will all be available. To pre-order pies, visit ttccrec.org or contact the TTCC office at info@ttccrec.org or 603-744-2713.

All orders are due by Thursday, Oct. 8. Pick-up will be on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The craft fair will be held in the TTCC gym for your early Christmas shopping and includes a variety of crafters and vendors with table space still available.

Volunteers are needed on Friday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to cut apples and prep pies, as we celebrate the season and the smells of early autumn.

We will be holding our first two Operation Warm winter gear distribution days on Saturday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the TTCC. This program is available for local youth in need of winter gear. Items provided may include new coats, boots, snow pants, mittens, and hats. We have also begun our Every Child is Ours food bag distributions for the year. Visit ttccrec.org for more information.

As we wrap up the month, join us for Bristol Trick or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 5 to 7:30 p.m., rain or shine. Don’t forget to get your scarecrows ready for Scarecrows in the Square.

Visit ttccrec.org or facebook.com/TTCC1946 for more information on these and all of our October programs.