Newport Superintendent search begins

The search for a new SAU #43 Superintendent of Schools will soon begin. New England School Development Council, Southeastern Regional Education Service Center (SERESC) and The National School Board Association are the three groups being considered for assisting in the Superintendent search. At its last meeting, Interim Superintendent Virginia Irwin told the board that she is contacting the agencies and scheduling interview appointments. She also gave an overview of the qualifi cations and services offered by SERESC.

Board members offered Irwin several dates in February and March when members are available. Member Gordon Flint wanted to vote on hiring a search consultant, but most members said they needed to fi nd out what the search consultants offer before hiring one.

Antrim may schedule a Special Town Meeting

The Antrim Planning Board is suggesting a special town meeting in April to vote on eight amendments to zoning regulations that were removed from the March ballot because of a procedural error. The board voted at Tuesday’s meeting to hold a public hearing in March before approaching the Selectmen with the idea.

The amendments had been removed from the ballot after resident Charles A. Levesque complained that the required notifi cation for the second public hearing on the changes did not contain enough information on the content of the proposed changes, which was a violation of New Hampshire law.

Town Planner Peter Moore said that board members felt a procedural defect should not negate their hard work on the amendments.

At least one selectman wants these amendments voted on as soon as possible. Gordon Weber fears that several lawsuits pending regarding the proposed wind energy systems could cost the town thousands of dollars. Weber believes that either way the town votes on the amendments, the lawsuits will probably go away. A Public Hearing on the amendments is set for March 9th at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall.

The Messenger – February 18, 2011

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Levine resigns as New London Administrator

New London administrator Jessie Levine has resigned effective April 15 to become the assistant town manager in Hanover. Levine has served in New London for the past 10 years. In her letter of resignation, she wrote “New London has meant the world to me and I owe a debt of gratitude to everyone I worked with over the years.

Newport mustaches set Guinness world record

They needed 251 mustached men to break the world record, but organizers had no reason to fear as 462 wiskered wonders turned out for Newport’s “Great Mustache Contest” as part of the town’s 95th Winter Carnival last Saturday. To be listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, each man had to stand in line for up to two hours while they signed in before two official observers, were photographed, and filmed before a panel of mustache judges.

No charges filed in Newport fatality

Sullivan County Attorney Marc Hathaway’s decision not to prosecute Melinda Leno for the death of Vicki Goss is disappointing to both the victim’s father and the Newport Police Chief. Hathaway reviewed the Newport police investigation, including statements from 27 witnesses, an accident scene reconstruction, a laboratory blood analysis and a detailed post-collision inspection of the vehicle.

Download The Messenger – February 18, 2011 (4.2MB PDF)

Senior Lifestyles – February 2011

In This Issue

How to stay healthy, and avoid making a difficult decision

Health officials emphasize that Americans should stay home from work when they are sick, but for many, the decision is hard to make. The best way to avoid staying home – and protect your health – is to take precautions to help you stay healthy. Here are a few tips to help you stay well and working this flu season and beyond…

Aging in place allows you to keep your heart at home

Home really is where the heart is. Upon retirement, 90 percent of Americans age 60 and older choose to stay right where they are, according to 20 years of data from the U.S. Census Bureau. And because so many Americans are aging in place, they’re looking for ways to make their homes safe and comfortable for the long term. Here are some modification ideas to help you keep your heart right at home:

Secrets of budget travelers that everyone should know

Budget travelers are a unique breed – they have a tireless dedication to finding the best deals, a keen sense for sniffing out hidden surprises and, usually, a mental database of ways to save money when they’re doing what they love most: traveling. In light of the economy, almost every American traveler has become a budget traveler. Prices in many destinations are going up and airfares are hitting new highs, but it’s still important to many people to get in a family vacation or a friends’ getaway. For those who are new to the budget travel game, a few tips can come in handy

Get help for the most common, most ignored type of pain

If our teeth ache, most of us will quickly head to the dentist for treatment. But if your feet hurt, do you just chalk up the pain as a discomfort of modern life? Sadly, most of us do. Most Americans say they have foot pain at least some of the time, and more of us have pain in our feet than in any other part of our bodies we consider vital to health, such as skin, teeth or even the heart, according to a recent survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Yet feet rank lowest on the list of body parts and functions that Americans consider important to their health, the APMA study shows.

How to get in shape while doing your household chores

Tackling items on your household to-do list is a great way to spruce up your home, while also toning your body. However, the repetition of some household chores can lead to injury, so it’s important to take the proper precautions to keep you healthy while you get in shape. Here are a few ideas for getting active around the house and how to avoid injury while tackling these projects…

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The Messenger – February 11, 2011

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Marcinkus forced out by school board

While it was originally reported that the sudden resignation of Newport’s Superintendent of Schools Michael F. Marcinkus was due to health reasons, it is now apparent that he was forced to resign after a unanimous vote of the SAU #43 School Board.

Newport to replace its Town Manager

At the recent Newport selectmen’s Forum, several residents had questions about a replacement for Town Manager Dan O’Neill. Margaret Schagen thanked O’Neill for all his years of service and asked if Paul Brown would be Interim Town Manager and what the process for that hiring was.

Virginia Irwin resigns as Newport Board Chairman

Virginia Irwin, Chair of the Newport Board of Selectmen announced that because she was recently named as the interim superintendent of SAU #43, she was stepping down as Chairman of the Board effective immediately.

Hillsboro-Deering voters reject budget cuts

A group of just over 100 voters attended the Hillsboro-Deering school district ’’s annual deliberative session Monday evening. After three hours of polite and subdued discussion the warrant as proposed was passed on to voters unchanged.

Download The Messenger – February 11, 2011 (3.3MB PDF)

The Messenger – February 4, 2011

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Newport concert to benefit Keith Walker

Keith WaIker, a 1981 graduate of Newport High School has suffered from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for over a decade. Walker, who has two children and a granddaughter, uses a wheelchair and is living with his parents, who are helping to care for him as the disease advances. His care is extremely expensive and has consumed much of the family’s finances.

John Stark team in National Finals

John Stark Regional High School’s 13- member team will represent New Hampshire in the national “We The People: The Citizen and the Constitution” competition in April. The team prevailed over teams from Milford and Nashua North high schools earlier this month to take the state title. Stark also won the New Hampshire title in 2007. The national event is being held in Washington, D.C. from April 29 to May 3.

Rash of residential burglaries in Peterborough

Peterborough Police are investigating a pair of burglaries and one attempted burglary which were reported within hours of each other. The first burglary was reported at Hunt Road where a door was broken down and about $750 worth of jewelry stolen. A second occurred on Middle Hancock Road where again, a door was broken down and the burglar entered the house. No items appear to have been removed from this location. Finally, a woman reported the attempted burglary of her Middle Hancock Road home. Her door was damaged but the thief did not enter the dwelling.

Download The Messenger – February 4, 2011 (4.2MB PDF)

NH Home & Home Improvement – February 2011

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Make your paint job look better and last longer

Now that the weather’s turned cold and you’re spending more time indoors, there’s no better time to paint. It’s one of the easiest and least expensive ways to change the look of your home. It’s also a project that even the most inexperienced do-it-yourselfer can do with confidence.

With thousands of colors from which to choose, it’s the perfect way to express your unique style and personality at a fraction of the cost of other home improvement projects. Yet even experienced do-it-yourselfers sometimes neglect the first and most important step in achieving the perfect paint job.

Heat up your kitchen with bold color

The kitchen is the heart of the home: a place to cook and share a meal, to entertain friends, gather as a family and even pay bills or do homework. “From a decor perspective, the kitchen is the perfect place to get colorful,” says Ginny Bean, publisher of Ginny’s catalog and founder of Ginnys.com. “Vibrant colors are a great way to reflect and reinforce the high energy of your home’s central gathering place.” Color palettes that Bean recommends for spring 2011 include…

Revamping your home with ceramic tile

Transforming the look of the home does not need to be a costly, complicated process. And with an increasing focus on sustainability, homeowners are more concerned with using durable products that will keep their beauty and functionality for years to come. Revamping your home with ceramic tile is a great way to establish a contemporary look that will last.

Is your home causing your health concerns?

your allergies, or the air inside your house? Surprisingly, air pollution trapped inside your home could be the cause of many of your family’s health concerns – especially if members su! er from asthma or allergies. You can clean the air inside your home in several ways…

Download NH Home & Home Improvement – February 2011 (3.2MB PDF)

In New Hampshire – February 2011

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Native American Living Arts Program set

The Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum is offering monthly hands-on workshops exploring Native American arts and crafts. In the upcoming workshop make a beaded rosette with Wampanoag craftsperson Andy Bullock on Saturday, February 5, from 10am until 1 pm.

Kidz rock the house

Kidz of all ages! Jazz up your school vacation with a rockin’ fun time at Kidz Rock the House at the Rochester Opera House on Friday, February 25 at 2:00 PM. Saturday, February 26 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, February 27 at 2:00. This interactive, “Dynamite” concert features radio hits and songs from all of your favorite TV show

Rocks Estate offers NH Maple Experience

Enjoy the “New Hampshire Maple Experience” at The Rocks Estate this spring. From tapping trees and learning how maple syrup is made to horse-drawn wagon rides and tasty treats, the Maple Experience program is a Rocks favorite. The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, which owns the 1,400-acre Rocks Estate, partners each spring with area inns and other businesses to unveil the sweet mystery of New Hampshire’s delectable maple syrup and provide hands-on learning.

Local History Fair returns to Nashua Library

After the success of last year’s event, the Local History Fair will return to the Nashua Public Library on Sunday, February 13, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. One of the featured speakers will be Susan Fineman, “schoolmarm” for the District #1 Schoolhouse in the Old South Burial Ground in Nashua.

Download In New Hampshire – February 2011 (4.3MB PDF)

The Messenger – January 28, 2011

The Messenger - January 28, 2011 Issue
In This Issue

Virginia Irwin named Newport Superintendent

The SAU #43 School Board spared little time in naming a replacement of retiring Superintendent Michael Marcinkus. Acting at a special meeting that night, the board hired Virginia Irwin as Interim Superintendent for the next 18 months or until a new Superintendent can be hired.

Duncan-Jenkins Trust reports banner year

The Trustee of the Duncan-Jenkins Charitable Trust hosted the trust’s Annual Dinner last Thursday. Trustee Douglas Hatfield was pleased to report that despite the unstable and uncertain stock market since the Trust was established in 2001, it has increased the market value. As of the end of 2010, the market value of the Trust investments was $6,314,300, representing a 20 percent increase over the $5 million it started with. Because of the increased value, Grants Committee was able to make larger grants this year, and expect to have more than $250,000 available for the 2011 year.

Three convicted of animal cruelty

A husband and wife from Deering entered no contest pleas on cruelty to animals charges after 40 cats and one dog were found in their home last year. Randy M. Emery and his wife, Phyllis Emery, entered the plea agreements in the Henniker District Court. Randy M. Emery was sentenced to five months in jail, suspended for two years on the condition of good behavior.

DAR presents area Good Citizens Awards

The Mercy Hathaway White recently celebrated the winners of “The Good Citizen Award” during their Christmas Tea on Wednesday, December 8, 2010. Each of the Good Citizen winners shared a little bit about themselves and their plans for continuing education. The Good Citizen Award is presented to high school seniors who possess good citizenship qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities.

Henniker selectmen trimming the budget

The Henniker selectmen have approved an operating budget of $4,166,675 for presentation at next week’s public hearing, but have indicated that further cuts may be made depending on the sentiments expressed by taxpayers at that hearing. Although the budget is up slightly and would increase the tax rate by only .35/$1,000, Tom Watman indicated he would like to make further reductions resulting in a fl at if not reduced tax rate. Leo Aucoin agreed, saying he would like to see another $50,000 trimmed from the budget. “These are the times you have to make the tough cuts.”

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The Messenger – January 21, 2011

The Messenger - January 21, 2011 Issue
In This Issue

Speed limit remains 50 mph on Newport Road

The New London Selectmen reviewed the data requested from the State of NH regarding the speed study on Newport Road which revealed that the average speed was 49 mph, with a range of 45-55 mph. In the DOT’s opinion, changing the speed limit in this area was unlikely to change the traffic pattern, thus the State does not recommend lowering the speed limit from 50 MPH.

Newport Superintendent gone after 6 months

Michael F. Marcinkus, Superintendent of Schools for SAU #43 in Newport resigned suddenly and last week, leaving the School Board scurrying to name an interim superintendent to lead the Newport and Croydon schools for the rest of the year. The Board immediately met in executive session Friday night to begin the process

New London bond refinancing saves money

New London Finance Officer Carol Fraley, who reported that she had gone back to the banks and three came back with bids (Ledyard did not bid). Lake Sunapee came in at 2.7% for all bonds, including the two presently at Sugar River; Sugar River stayed at 3.25% for the two they presently have and 3% for the new one and did not bid on the longest bond; and Mascoma was 3.51% for the longest one and 2.8275% but only if the town moved its primary bank account to them.

Hillsborough Pride hosts Candidates Night March 2

Hillsborough Pride will again host a Candidates Night at the American Legion Hall from 7-9 PM on March 2, 2011. Candidates for Hillsborough municipal or Hillsboro-Deering School District offices are invited to present their view in this public forum

Download The Messenger – January 21, 2011 Issue (3.8MB PDF)

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