Michael Briggs Spaghetti Dinner
On Tuesday, March 13, 2012 the Epsom Central School will be holding
the 6th annual Spaghetti Dinner to raise additional money for an
award in remembrance of Officer Michael Briggs. This award will be
given to a graduating eighth grade student from Epsom. This will
then be distributed upon the end of high school as this student
pursues his/her post secondary education or enters a public service
career.
Epsom School Staff will be cooking and serving the dinner in an
effort to raise money for the award. The dinner will be from 5:00 to
7:00 pm in the Multipurpose Room. The cost will be $5.00 for adults
and $3.00 for children. Tickets will be available in the office
ahead of time or you may purchase them the night of the dinner. We
will once again be offering "take out" dinners. We will make it
fresh for you when you come in to pick it up. We appreciate your
support.
Any questions please call Mrs. Donovan or Mrs. Paine at 736-9331.
Thank you.
Kathryn Downey will host another Scandinavian Rug Workshop, on
Wednesday, March 15th at 6:30. If you missed the first or need a
refresher, call the library to sign up at 798-5613.
Come to our open houses, Saturday, March 10th from 10:00 - 12:00 and
Monday, March 12th from 6:00 - 7:00. Find out our plans for the
Community Meeting Room.
Letter
Voting Day is soon upon us and there will be a petitioned article
(Article 17) appearing on the ballot in regards to Epsom’s Historic
Meetinghouse. The article will appear thus:
"Shall the Town of Epsom create Town Office space in the historic
meetinghouse? No money is attached to this article."
There are no specifications as to office space in the upper or lower
level, no instructions as to whether All the town offices are
to be in the same building. According to Town Council the article is
non-binding - in other words, if it passes, the town is under no
obligation to create office space in the meetinghouse. The purpose
of this article is to inform the Select Board as to the will of the
people, nothing more.
The Select Board has voiced their opposition to this project citing
past votes as evidence that the people do not want this, when past
votes referred to tax increases for studies rather than the will of
the people.
Epsom residents are currently paying $32,000 a year on rent for
office space, and that number promises to increase. Informing the
Select Board to invest in buildings we already own will save us
money in the long run, especially if we incorporate both the
Meetinghouse and the Town Hall as Town Offices. This option would
more than double the office space we currently have. Work will be
required to complete such a transformation, however, there are
several professional tradesmen willing to volunteer their services
in order to save the town money and keep their taxes down.
If creating town office space in the Meetinghouse makes sense to
you, please vote in favor of Article 17.
Thank you,
Bruce Graham
Letter
Support Epsom Central School
Please exercise your right of freedom and vote Tuesday, March 13th.
I request your support of the three 2012 ECS warrant articles: the
2012 school budget, teachers’ contract, and support staff contract.
Epsom has something unique and special which we should be proud of.
Our school is performing at an exceptionally high level academically
while functioning under budget. While many schools are in turmoil
with severe budget or contractual concerns, ECS’s budget for 2012 is
$268,564 below 2011. The ballot contains a modest three year
teacher’s contract that takes into consideration the current
challenging economic environment while simultaneously providing a
conservative increase to support our educators into the future. All
three warrant articles combined, including a well deserved support
staff contract, result in a bottom-line zero tax increase for this
year.
ECS is where our children learn, grow, and develop in mind and
character. In today’s competitive global economic society, education
is vital to compete for sustainable good paying careers. Our
children are competing with individuals from our country and from
countries around the world where education levels and standards have
surpassed the US. Our children’s achievement of an exceptional
education is paramount.
ECS is providing the framework for our children to reach these
goals. The staff is meeting the challenge. Epsom ranks at the top
for testing achievement for schools within and outside our district.
Recognize the success and value of our educational program and
support the ECS warrant articles.
Neal Burns
Epsom School Board Member
Letter
To my constituents in Allenstown, Epsom, and Pittsfield:
This week the House, along with the schools, are taking a break.
Last Friday my committee held a joint hearing with the Senate on
SB311, which would move the Weights and Measures Division from the
Department of Agriculture to the Department of Safety. As expected
when making a change to the Department of Agriculture, fifty or so
farmers showed up to defend their Department. This time we also got
a group of people from the fuel oil, gas, grocery, and scale
businesses, who are the other regulated community of Weights and
Measures - and a totally different picture appeared. They all
supported the move, even though a few thought Safety might not be
the best home for Weights and Measures.
The Commissioner of Safety, who emphasized that this wasn’t his
idea, proposed putting Weights and Measures into the State Police
Troop G, which includes the people who inspect trucks for safety and
weight – a reasonable fit. He intended to remove the police powers
from the inspectors, using a sergeant to supervise and also do the
few criminal investigations necessary. The Agriculture Commissioner
suggested that she keep the inspectors, but remove their police
powers and have the state police take over the criminal
investigations! This may be the basis of a compromise, but there are
other issues to address: we haven’t yet gotten the report on Weights
and Measures inspections, deficiencies and complaints that was due
in October, and the industrial customers have serious concerns about
their treatment by the inspectors. We’ve obviously got our work cut
out for us when this gets to the House!
Interested readers can email me for my newsletter, with more details
than I can fit in a letter.
Representative Carol McGuire
[email protected]
782-4918
Letter To The Editor
In times like this when the government, on every issue, is working
at taking more and more of your rights and freedom away.
It’s refreshing to have a man with a positive pro-American attitude
who has, as Selectman in the past, helped us (the Town) straighten
out a mess made by others. That’s why I’m supporting John Klose for
Selectman, the right man for the job.
What I know about John is that he stepped up to the plate when Epsom
needed him. After his time in the Marines Corps, he became a Bedford
Police Officer, where he retired. John has done a ton of
volunteering for several organizations like Salmon Unlimited, the
Wildlife Federation, Fish & Game, Southern New Hampshire Snow
Slickers, the New Hampshire Legislature and many others. He is also
very generous to the Fire and Police Departments.
Gordon Ellis
Letter
Vote Kara Bean and Dave Cummings in Epsom
On March 13, Epsom voters will have the opportunity to choose who
will represent them on the Epsom Central School Board. Two excellent
candidates will be on the ballot running for this contested
position: Dave Cummings (incumbent) and Kara Bean. Dave Cummings has
served the ECS Board for three years, and has proven his strength in
his equal commitment to the school and to the town of Epsom.
Kara Bean also deserves your vote. Kara is a 15-year resident of
Epsom, and understands the needs of our town. Her ten years as an
active parent at ECS has fostered her understanding of the needs of
Epsom Central School. Kara’s knowledge in her position as a legal
assistant was a valuable asset when she became a Junior Achievement
volunteer at ECS. Kara taught the children about entrepreneurship
and financial literacy.
Kara will be a strong advocate for parents and students, working
with the other board members to get our children’s best educational
value for our taxpayers’ dollars. Kara is a conscientious person
that I feel will provide a tireless effort in her position on the
Epsom School Board.
Please join me in supporting Kara Bean and Dave Cummings for School
Board in Epsom.
Tracey Stephens
Epsom
Letter
Occupy This!
American Airlines is currently under Chapter 11 Reorganization
Bankruptcy protection. American is expected to dump $10 billion in
pension liabilities onto the "Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation"
which is "guaranteed" by American taxpayers. The Reorganization is
being "managed" by Bain Capital.
In 1985 a corporate raider put 1/3 of Trans World Airlines’ $1.5
billion pension fund in his "personal balance sheet". Knowing
exactly what the jerk was up to, I rolled over my vested 70 thousand
dollars into an IRA and ran. Those of my seniority who did the
"prudent thing" by working 30 years to full retirement are getting
about 70 bucks a month "TWA" pension. Thanks to the corporate
raider. That’s not to mention suicides, bankruptcies, loss of
medical insurance...
Corporate raider? Capitalist pig? Vulture capitalist? I don’t care
what you call them, but (unlike old fashioned business men) these
"oinkers" have been living "high on the hog" for 30 years. TWA is
dead and gone, but future generations are owed an informative debate
re capitalism, labor law, government oversight, private and public
sectors, societal expectations.
I’m reminded of the Grimm Fairy Tale "King Midas" who could not eat
his gold. Nor can anyone (including Mitt Romney) get bodily
nutrition from his greenbacks in the Caymen Islands.
Nancy Heath
Epsom
The families of Ashley St. Pierre and Zachary Cleasby are proud to
announce the joining of two hearts becoming one. Ashley is employed
at the Gallery in Concord, NH as a hair stylist. Zachary is employed
at Tim’s Truck Capitol of Epsom, NH as a sales manager. An August
wedding is being planned.
Epsom Library News
All God’s Handiwork, spirit-inspired photography by Epsom
photographer, Tracey Smith, will be on view at the Epsom Public
Library from March 17th through April 28th. The public, family and
friends are cordially invited to a special Opening Reception on
Saturday, March 31st, from 7 to 9 p.m.
For more than 30 years, Tracey has been capturing the beauty around
her in nature, wildlife, seasonal and floral photography. Since the
time her mother handed her the family’s Brownie camera to take
snapshots of their beloved Labrador retriever, Charkey, a love
affair with the camera began, and continues to this day.
Tracey says, "I am honored to reside in a state such as New
Hampshire where on any given day, I am privileged to be able to
drive 25 miles in any direction and have a completely different
setting in which to capture nature at its finest. As I walk along on
deserted back roads or come upon a winding stone wall dating back to
the 19th century, I thank God I live in New Hampshire where subject
matter for lovely and inspirational photos lies around every corner.
It is truly a blessing to be able to capture and print the beauty my
eyes have been able to find in nature."
The exhibit will include some favorite subjects of the artist,
including close-up (macro) photography of flowers, scenic vistas,
autumn’s shades of magnificence and sunsets comprised of every color
of the rainbow. The show may be viewed during regular library hours,
Monday – Thursday, 10 am to 7 pm and Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm. For
more information, call 736-9920 or visit
www.epsomlibrary.com.
Letter
To Epsom Voters:
On next week’s ballot, Article 10 asks for $25,000 to purchase
materials for site and building improvements at Epsom’s Historic
Meetinghouse.
The focus will be to make improvements to the upper level in
accordance with the results of the fire and life safety inspection
in order to meet requirements for occupancy. The planned work
includes a septic system, water hookup, electrical work, bathroom
construction, repairs to the rear exit, and a fire resistant barrier
between floors.
The proposed improvements are designed to accommodate multiple uses
of the building and not to interfere with any potential future
modifications or additions, as we plan for the optimal reuse of the
meetinghouse.
We can more than double the value of the $25,000 through the use of
volunteers and possible matching grants. Numerous individuals have
already pledged to donate hours of general contracting, carpentry,
electrical work, site work, plumbing, septic design, painting, and
landscaping. Businesses and individuals have volunteered to secure
materials at discounted prices.
The relocation of the meetinghouse and all improvements to date have
been at no cost to the taxpayers. Thank you to the many people who
have donated thousands of dollars in funds, materials, and labor!
Now it is time for the people of Epsom to take ownership by
investing a small amount of money and continue working together to
help make the building an integral part of a town center.
I urge you to support Warrant Article 10. Let us regain the vision
that brought so many Epsom citizens together on that winter morning
in 2007 to witness the dramatic rescue of this historic structure!
Sincerely,
Penny Graham
A mere sampling of all the help received while building the new Salt
Shed at the Highway Department. Pictured from left to right are
Epsom residents: Bob Blodgett, Don Harty, John Klose and Jim
Findlay.
Knowing that someday the old inadequate shed would collapse, we have
been gathering materials such as wood, blocks and sills from road
projects, and had logs given to us, which we milled. We have built a
new Salt Shed! Thanks to all who helped. Stop by and see your new
Salt Shed.
Letter
To the Residents of Epsom:
I am a candidate for the position on the Board of Selectmen. You may
ask why. Many people have asked me to run both this year and in the
past. I have no agenda or issues as a platform. Can things be
improved? Yes, there are usually things that can be improved.
However, I would not suggest any improvements without completing
research to determine if a change would be good for Epsom.
What is my experience? I was the secretary for the Board for 9
years. Listening to the discussions certainly gave me experience. I
was a member of the Planning Board for many years, and was the
chairman for 6 years during one of the busiest times for the
Planning Board. I worked diligently with the developers, engineers
and others to do the best possible job for the Town. I currently
serve as the secretary for the Board. I also have been secretary for
the Budget Committee for 11 years. Again this experience has given
me much insight regarding the concerns with the tax rate and money
being spent by the Town and School District. I am President of Epsom
Elderly Housing, serving on that Board since its inception. I worked
again with CAP and others to see that project flourish. My personal
experience includes 32 years at the State Dept. of Transportation
acquiring property for construction or reconstruction of roads. This
position required negotiating and problem solving skills.
I hope to establish a good communication with the Department Heads.
They should be allowed to do their jobs without micro management. I
would be available to address citizen concerns.
Thank you for your vote on March 13.
Betsy Bosiak
Letter
Epsom Voters:
How would you feel if someone gave you a free house?
Would you refuse it because it was a "fixer-upper"? Or wouldn’t you
think "Wow, a free house, all it needs is some rewiring, replumbing,
and repainting!"?
Would you complain because it was a little too small for everything
you wanted, or wouldn’t you be grateful to have it, and figure out
how to make it work?
In 2007, Epsom voted to accept the gift of a free "house" for the
town, the Historic Meetinghouse. The Friends of the Meetinghouse
moved the building and erected it on a new foundation at no cost to
the town. Since then, we obtained LCHIP and other funds to make the
building weather tight and presentable. It’s time for the voters of
Epsom to say what they want to do with this gift.
Do you want the upper level of the Meetinghouse made fit for
occupancy, usable as a town meeting room, function hall, concert
hall, recital hall? Then vote Yes on Article #10, to allocate
$25,000 for a septic system, bathrooms, and other work necessary to
finish the upper level for use. Volunteer labor is pledged, if this
sum can be allocated for materials.
Do you want the town to use this building for its office space? Then
vote Yes on Article #17. This is a non-binding referendum,
just for a sense of the "will of the people". If the citizens of
Epsom say they want it, then our elected officials must find a way
to fit the town’s offices into the Meetinghouse and adjacent
buildings. Meanwhile we pay ever-increasing rent on office space we
do not own.
These buildings are ours. The town owns them. Wouldn’t you like to
use them?
Please vote Yes on Articles 10 and 17.
Sharon Burnston
Epsom
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