I am excited to announce my run for school board.  By way of introduction, my husband and I moved to Barnstead in 2000.  We have two daughters in the fifth and first grades at BES.  I am a paralegal at a Laconia law firm, am actively involved in the BES PTO, and am in my third year with the Barnstead Parks and Recreation Commission.  Previously, I served four years as a Girl Scout leader for my oldest daughter’s troop.

I regularly attend school board meetings at BES and PMHS.  I enjoy watching the process and learning first hand what’s happening in our schools and why.  Last year I began serving on the BES Space Needs Committee and the BES Strategic Planning Committee.  I see what’s going on at BES on a daily basis, I receive the school communications and I know the staff members and administration that interact with my children.  It’s important to me to be tuned in, and I will see that the parents’ perspective continues to be represented on the board.

I will bring an open mind to all topics of discussion, and will fully inform myself on the issues that come before the Board.  As a fellow tax payer I sympathize with the hardships that property tax increases impose.  At the same time, I consider education to be an investment.  It is our duty as parents and citizens to provide a quality education and the best possible opportunities for our children.  That said, I will do my best to prioritize expenditures and weigh the cost vs. benefit of each request.

I look forward to serving our children and our town in this capacity.  I appreciate your support and look forward to meeting you at the polls on March 10. 

Lyla Adkins

Oscar Foss Memorial Library News

AARP Tax-Aide

The AARP Foundation will be holding Tax-Aide sessions at the Oscar Foss Memorial Library on Thursdays from 1pm-4pm starting on February 5th and running through March. Representatives will be on site to answer questions and to help you file your taxes. Call 211 to make an appointment.

Fine Free February

Bring a non-perishable, unexpired food item to the Oscar Foss Memorial Library during the month of February and have your fines forgiven! We will also be accepting monetary donations and winter clothing items (coats, etc.), all of which will be given to the Barnstead Food Pantry & Thrift Shop.   

Please call the library (269-3900) or visit our website (oscarfoss.org) for more information about these or any of our other programs or events. There is always something happening at the Oscar Foss Memorial Library! Library Hours are: Monday; 2pm-8pm, Tuesday & Wednesday; 10am-5pm, Thursday; 5pm-8pm, Friday; 2pm-5pm, Saturday; 9am-Noon.   

Belknap County Republicans 

To Meet Wednesday, February 11

The Belknap County Republican Committee has announced that their next monthly meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 11 at 6:30 pm at the Top of the Town Restaurant, 88 Ladd Hill Rd in Belmont. 

With Presidential election activities already in full swing, one of the hot topics to be discussed will be about the numerous Republicans who are considering throwing their hats into the ring and the various events that have already been scheduled with these Presidential hopefuls here in New Hampshire. 

Announcement of the guest speaker for the February 10 meeting is pending; it’ll be posted on the Committee’s website, www.BelknapCountyGOP.org.

Belknap County GOP meetings are open to ALL Republicans and like-minded Independents. Per their usual meeting format, if you’re interested in having dinner (at your option) and/or wish to socialize before the meeting, plan to arrive as early as 5:00 pm.

The Committee once again reminds everyone planning to attend to please bring a non-perishable food item to the meeting for distribution to local food pantries.

For more information, please check their website at www.BelknapCountyGOP.org, or send an email to [email protected].

BARC’G To Meet On Tuesday, February 10

The Barnstead-Alton-Gilmanton Republican Committee (BARC’G) has announced that their next monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30 pm at J.J. Goodwin’s Restaurant (upstairs dining room), 769 Suncook Valley Highway (Rt 28), in Center Barnstead.

The Committee will provide an update regarding the various events featuring potential Presidential candidates in New Hampshire, and discuss how to get involved in the campaigns of your favorites.  Announcement of the BARC’G guest speaker for the February 10 meeting is pending; it’ll be posted in the local daily newspapers and on the Committee’s website.

BARC’G meetings are open to Republicans and like-minded Independents from Alton, Barnstead, and Gilmanton, and any other towns in New Hampshire.  

Per their usual meeting format, if you’re interested in having dinner (at your option) or wish to socialize before the meeting, plan to arrive as early as 5:30pm.  

The Committee reminds you to bring a non-perishable food item (cans of soup, tuna fish, etc, etc) to the meeting for distribution to local food pantries.    

For more information, please send an email to [email protected] or [email protected].

Always In Season, LLC, Brings A New Beginning To A Main Street Building

Built in 1890, the quaint, sage green building at 119 Main Street in Alton is once again a store. Linda Sanders who operates Always in Season, LLC there, purchased the building in July of 2014 and states that over the years, the building was the site of a barber shop, doctor’s office, pharmacy, a soda fountain, and offices for an oil company before being vacant for a number of years. “Many people have come in to the store and shared what they remember about it and they are happy that once again, they can come inside.” The Always in Season, LLC store features locally made products such as jams, soy candles, jewelry and quilts along with antiques and a great selection of supplies for the fishing enthusiast and is open 10:00 am – 5:30 pm everyday except Wednesday and Thursday. Phone 603-875-2250.

Arthur Provencal

Arthur Provencal passed away in November of 2014, AKA “Pops.”  Arthur was survived by many Brothers and Sisters.

He was a good man and friend to many.  Please join us as we celebrate the life and times of Arthur Provencal. 

In lieu of flowers it has been requested that donations be made to the Center Barnstead Christian Church.

Center Barnstead Christian Church will be hosting the funeral for Arthur Provencal, Saturday Feb 7th at 2:00 pm.  Some food and drinks will be served after the service downstairs in the Church. 

For any further info please contact Center Barnstead Christian Church at 269-8831.