Epsom’s Proposed New Town Offices
Informal educational meetings about Epsom’s proposed new town
offices will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon on March 1st and March
8th at the Epsom Public Library. These scheduled times will give
Epsom residents the opportunity to view the conceptual plans, ask
questions, and acquire details about the construction of town
offices in the historic meetinghouse. Please come and learn the
facts about Warrant Article 1 on this year’s ballot.
EYAA Baseball/Softball Registration
Now online with pay by credit card! Create an account at
eyaasports.net and signup today. 4-12 yr old Baseball and Softball
programs are still $50 and 13-15 Babe Ruth Baseball is $115. $10
late fee after March 3, $20 late fee after March 10, and rosters are
filled first-come, first served so don’t wait! Head coaches with
baseball experience are needed. Opt-in to volunteer during
registration.
Town Of Epsom Road Agent Update
Submitted By Gordon R. Ellis
Things going on.
First, the frost is pounding into the roads and it’s starting to
show and soon will really show. What can we do about it? Several
things; one is to drive on the high spots as the frost comes out.
Two, is to have your deliveries and pickups with trucks done before
the end of February and then after the middle of April. One trip
with a truck in the right conditions does 38,000 times the damage to
your (our) roads than your car and in the long run costs you and
everyone dollars – lots of dollars. Third, is to help your road
agent prevent a mud season on gravel roads and fourth is to make
sure your culvert isn’t full of ice. According to the woodchuck,
just four more weeks of winter, let’s hope it is not that long.
Having received a call recently from a concerned resident on Spring
Street regarding several issues; 1) being the plowing of said road,
who plowed, how they were hired, and how they were paid; leading
then to 2) discussion of the deteriorating condition of said road,
when it would be expected to be fixed; proceeding on to 3) my
qualifications as road agent, the extent of my education, and how
the department was managed. I was repeatedly questioned, much as
you would be in a deposition, however I am happy to address her
questions.
The Town of Epsom hires subcontractors, many who have plowed for
years, to plow at an hourly rate, working for as little or as long
as each storm demands. Many being Epsom residents themselves who do
care and look after the welfare of their town. The Highway
Department does have a plan for repairing and maintaining town
roads, but like all plans it is an ever evolving, changing plan
based on an available budget, most often reduced by cuts, and
circumstances affected by winter weather or summer storms causing
higher than projected spending.
This winter has been an exceptionally hard winter on the roads due
to the extreme cold and frost, evidence seen not only on town roads
but State roads. This coming summer will see 2nd phases of work
done on Goboro Rd and River Rd. Projects included in the budget
process, a process that began with the Board of Selectmen last
September, passed on to the Budget Committee for approval and
changes, presented to the Town at the Deliberative Session in
February, and finally to be included on the ballot for town voting
in March. It is a process open to the public and the time for
townspeople to bring their concerns and requests forward.
I am always available to residents, whether for concerns, questions,
recommendations, or complaints. Your feedback is important so that
the Highway Department can best serve you.
Letter To The Editor
I must say, I was thrilled when I heard that Joni Kitson had decided
to run for a position on the Select Board for Epsom. I was in
regular attendance when she served as Selectman in the past and,
based on what I saw, can vouch for her integrity.
I watched her make the right decision in spite of the fact that that
decision hurt her personally. I watched her rise above personal
feelings toward a situation or person and make the right decision
anyway – her sense of ethics is intact. She knows the importance of
researching an issue and educates herself before deciding on a vote.
Based on conversations I’ve had with Joni, I firmly believe that she
has the best interests of the town of Epsom at heart as she runs for
this position. Of the candidates running, I think that Joni Kitson
is the best choice to make for Selectman on election day.
Bruce Graham
Letter
Hello to everyone:
I would like to follow up last week’s letter by giving you some
ideas I have for our town.
First and foremost, I will do what I can to maintain the attributes
that make our community so appealing. I will continue to support
our school, fire department, and police. These are essential to
maintaining our quality of life.
I will look for ways to constrain increases in property taxes which
have, over the years, become more burdensome on the people of our
town. I have talked to many families who are finding it more and
more difficult to afford the property they own because of the
increases we have seen over the past years. To counter these
increases, while maintaining the services we value, we will have
to be more proactive in attracting businesses to our community. By
attracting these businesses, we will increase our tax base. If
spending is held in check, which I intend to make a priority, we
will be able to decrease the tax burden on the individual home and
property owner.
Next time you drive to Concord, notice the number of businesses you
see once you cross over into Chichester on Rt 4. Some of these used
to be in Epsom. For various reasons, they chose to move out of our
town. That revenue to our town is lost.
Regards,
Chris Bowes
Letter
To my constituents in Allenstown, Epsom, and Pittsfield,
This week, the House met in a snowstorm and started by naming a
bridge in Derry after a local hero, who had fallen in Afghanistan.
HB1288, requiring bottled water labels to indicate the source more
precisely, was killed 288-20, largely because this labeling is
covered by federal law.
HB1204, requiring any police officer convicted of perjury or other
false swearing to lose his certification, was debated at length.
It’s hard to come out in favor of false testimony, and the infamous
“Laurie list” shows that police honesty is an issue in New
Hampshire. Still, the majority of the committee wanted to study the
issue, and the House supported them, 174-148, with Dan and I the
only Representatives from the area who felt that a conviction for
perjury didn’t need any more study.
My HB1301, decriminalizing transporting alcohol as long as at least
one person over 21 is in the car, passed on a voice vote, without
debate. My HB1436, creating religious, medical and family exemptions
to the law on underage possession, was debated, amended to narrow
the family exemption, and not passed, 143-185, despite my eloquence
… after that, the bill was tabled, 217-113.
HB1188, on paycheck equity, was debated at length, and passed,
183-125. Despite the title (pay discrimination on the basis of
gender has been illegal here since 1947), it was primarily about
restricting management from forbidding employees from talking about
their pay, which hardly seems relevant to me.
HB1404, imposing further restrictions on the use of payroll cards,
was also debated at length. It was evident, from their examples,
that the speakers in favor of the bill were not familiar with debit
cards. Nonetheless, the bill passed, 201-104.
Interested readers can email me for my newsletter, with more details
than fit here.
Representative Carol McGuire
[email protected]
782-4918
Epsom Central School Staff And Faculty
Mr. Brian Beaverstock, Assistant Principal
If you wanted an advocate for your school who is affable, outgoing,
and energetic, Brian would be a great candidate. He greets students
getting off the bus each day, approaches everyone with a cheerful
demeanor, and always has an open door and ready smile.
Brian has a BA in Political Science from Boston College, an M.Ed
from BC, and a certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational
Administration from UNH. He taught reading in Texas for five years
and in Nottingham for four years. He is entering his 7th year at
ECS.
Brian spends his days meeting with teachers, helping students
through issues, and assisting on the playground, in the cafeteria,
or wherever he is needed. He is currently also serving as the ECS
Athletic Director. He supports drama - he is playing Captain Ben in
this year’s school play The Adventures of the Fearsome Pirate Frank
- attends sporting events, and serves on the Wellness and Joint Loss
Prevention Committees (for worker safety). He loves the daily
interaction with the kids and savors the children realizing that “Ah
ha!” moment. He strives to make learning fun and believes you need a
personal connection to make that happen.
Brian would ask parents to tell their children that what they get
from school is proportional to the energy they invest.
Brian has been married for 12 years. He and his wife, a teacher in
Strafford, live in Farmington with two dogs and a cat. He enjoys
camping, jogging, and anything to do with the outdoors. Brian
competed in his 4th marathon last fall and is always looking for the
next challenge.
Loudon Food Pantry Partakes In The
Feinstein Challenge To Fight Hunger
See what you can do to help!
Each year, Alan Shawn Feinstein divides $1 million amongst
participating hunger agencies like the Loudon Food Pantry in order
to inspire the public to donate during the months where we run
dangerously low on funds and some foods.
To be a part of this effort, donate food or funds between March 1st
and April 30th and note that it’s for the Feinstein Challenge.
Without noting your donation, it can not be included in this
challenge.
| Year |
Funds Collected |
Food Collected |
| 2010 |
$1,120 |
$1,331 |
| 2011 |
$2,256.88 |
$1,962.70 |
| 2012 |
$4,488.06 |
$1,339.27 |
| 2013 |
$5,292.37 |
$863.45 |
Mr. Feinstein’s challenge has helped to bring in donations that we
would not normally receive during the slow months of March and
April.
In 2013 our goal was exceeded by $155.82. Please help us surpass
this year’s goal of $6,500.
Donations can be dropped off or mailed to: Loudon Food
Pantry, 30 Chichester Rd., Unit D, Loudon, NH 03307 (Please make
checks out to Loudon Food Pantry) or made through our website at
LoudonFoodPantry.org. A separate donate button for the
Feinstein Challenge will be available from March 1st through April
30th.
We have collection bins at the following locations. Any donations
in these bins will be counted towards the Feinstein Challenge.
Business, Town, Collection Type Accepted
Elkins Library, Canterbury, Food
Care Pharmacy, Epsom, Funds
Loudon Post Office, Loudon, Food & Funds
The Hungry Buffalo, Loudon, Food & Funds
Beanstalk, Loudon, Funds
Red Roof Inn, Loudon, Food & Funds
Loudon Village Country Store, Loudon, Funds
Body & Spirit Day Spa, Concord, Funds
Check out our website at LoudonFoodPantry.org to see our progress
for this challenge. It will be updated daily during March and
April.
Please help us to top last year’s collections for this challenge.
Remember, even small donations can add up quickly so please give
whatever you can afford.
This year Feinstein Takes It One Step Further: The Feinstein
Foundation’s 2014 National High School Canned Food Drive
The Feinstein Foundation is now offering high school students and
schools from across the country a special $100,000 giveaway to help
us kick start our Annual Feinstein $1 Million Dollar Giveaway to
Fight Hunger!
That’s FIVE $10,000 awards for the five students who individually
collect the largest number of canned food items as part of their
school’s overall drive! AND FIVE $10,000 grants to the schools who
collect the most cans!
To find out more, go to
feinsteinfoundation.org
To everyone who decides to participate, good luck.
Sue, Sarah and Bill
Letter To The Editor
Conflict of Interest?
As a resident of the Town of Epsom and a registered voter, I
question how it is possible for Jay Hickey, the Zoning Compliance
Officer, a Town employee who is reimbursed $40,311.18 (as noted in
the 2012 Town Report), able to run for Selectman in the upcoming
election. Would this not be considered a conflict of interest? Just
as any other paid town employee is accountable to the Board of
Selectmen, supposedly so is the position of Zoning Compliance
Officer. If Mr. Hickey does not resign his position as Zoning
Compliance Officer and intends to hold two town positions, it is a
consideration that begs the question, if elected in whose best
interest would be served, the Town or perhaps this one individual?
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Clemons
Michael Briggs
Spaghetti Dinner
On Tuesday, March 11, 2014 the Epsom Central School will be holding
the 8th 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. In order to make this award a reality we need your empty
stomachs and generosity. 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. With your support we can make this award a reality. Any
questions please call Mrs. Donovan or Mrs. Paine at 736-9331. Thank
you.
Letter to the Editor
This year the Highway Department will be replacing bad culverts with
a precast bridge on Echo Valley Farm Road with 80% state funds and
mostly grinding, graveling, grading and paving Goboro Road and Depot
Road. It’s time. I was going to grind, gravel, grade and pave part
of River Road but between FairPoint and budget cuts, I’ll try.
Your Road Agent,
Gordon Ellis
Letter
Epsom Citizens,
I have served on the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board for many
years with your support.
I was trained as an Army Medic during my Military service and served
on the Epsom Rescue Squad when it was initiated.
As a father with children, I coached baseball with Virginia Drew for
many years, from T-ball to Babe Ruth.
At that time, neither Virginia, nor I, knew the fact that showing up
with your children made you coaching material.
The common denominator with all these endeavors is they are time and
energy consuming; and being a Selectman is more than meeting on
Monday Evenings. You are not going to be successful without a major
commitment serving in the position. Having been a Selectman for five
terms, I spent countless hours being educated in the many facets of
the job. I have taken classes sponsored by the NH Local Government
Center and State of NH including, but not limited to, the Right to
Know Law, Forestry Law, Assessing, Employee, Planning, and Zoning
issues.
The resources are available for Selectmen to do a job that is
beneficial to the Town and will help control spending. For example,
when in need of legal advice, a call to the Local Government Center
Attorney (at no charge) is a good first step.
I am a taxpayer and a homeowner who will, if elected, be responsible
and conservative with our money. Thank-you for your consideration
and support!
John F. Hickey
Letter
Vote John F. Klose
Epsom Selectman
Combining common sense with business sense!
We have many challenges and opportunities facing our town!
We need a proven leader and decision maker!
John F. Klose = A leader and decision maker!
U.S. Marine Corps - 4 Years
Manchester Police Dept. - 8 Years
Bedford Police Dept. - 12 Years
Sheriffs Dept. - 6 Years
Audley Construction - 9½ Years (Director of Personnel with over 150
employees)
Served local communities by holding office as State Representative
for 2 years in Bedford, and 2 years in Epsom.
I served 1 year as Epsom selectman, which was a special election to
fill a 1 year vacancy.
Remember to vote on March 11, 2014! Your vote counts!
John F. Klose
Obituaries
William (Big Bill) McGlynn
William (Big Bill) McGlynn died peacefully at the Concord Regional
VNA Hospice House on Feb 1 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Bill was born June 8, 1957 and was raised by his Grandparents in
Oregon.
He moved to the Worcester, Mass area and worked as a driver and
driver-trainer for Ryder Student Transportation Services. He met and
married his beloved wife Lorraine.
Bill & Lorraine moved up into Deerfield, NH after he was transferred
to Ryder Transportation in Manchester, NH. He stayed with Ryder
several more years, and then moved on to Green Mountain Explosives
working as a driver and Explosives Technician.
Bill wanted to go back working with kids, so he went to work for
Dail Transportation, driving both regular routes & trips.
Bill lost Lorraine, his beloved wife of 17 years in 2010. He is
survived by his loyal cat Zoey who has been taken in by his
neighbor, Tom.
Bill’s other love has been music from a very early age. He has
played on several of the Grand Organs on the East Coast including
Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Ma; the Methuen Memorial Music Hall,
the Kotzschmar Memorial organ in Portland, ME, and the Cosavant
Italian organ in Philadelphia, Pa. He has been a pianist and
organist at several different churches including Putnam, Ct.;
Francistown, NH, and the Congregational Church of Raymond.
Bill was also the first and only staff organist for the NH Elks
Lodge statewide. He also acquired and donated an organ for the
Lodge.
He will be fondly remembered for his love of his friends, coworkers
and church family, his humor and grace, and his great faith.
A Celebration of life was held on Feb 22 at the Congregational
Church of Raymond.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Bill’s memory to the
Congregational Church of Raymond’s church organ fund or to the food
bank in Deerfield. NH.
A small internment service will be held in the spring.
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