August Tri-Town Democratic Meeting
Two
speakers will headline August’s meeting of the Tri-Town Democrats—
Congressional District 1 Candidates Naomi Andrews and Deaglan
McEachern. All local Democrats and left-leaning Independents are
invited to attend this continuing series of meetings focusing on
November’s mid-term elections.
Naomi
Andrews attended school in Epping, received her B.A. in
International Studies at Middlebury College, and her J.D. from the
University of Richmond School of Law. She has worked for over
a decade as Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter’s campaign manager or
chief of staff and is proud to have the Congresswoman’s endorsement.
Andrews advocates for the reduction of the interest rate for school
loans, more money for grants and loans, and loan forgiveness for
public service.
Deaglan
McEachern is a NH native living in Portsmouth. He received his
Master’s Degree from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. He
is an executive with Hearsay Systems, a nationwide financial
services-based marketing firm. McEachern supports a focus on
promoting vocational education in K-12, and paid Family Leave to
expand the workforce. He advocates for a single payer system
for healthcare, the expansion of all four parts of Medicare, and the
removal of a cap on Social Security.
The
guest speakers will be followed by actions items and community
organizing. These monthly meetings give you the opportunity to learn
about local and state political issues and how you can participate
in making a difference. You will share the evening with
like-minded individuals and have the chance to express your opinions
and experiences.
This
meeting of the Tri-Town Democrats will be held on Monday, August 6
at 6:30 pm at the Barnstead Town Hall, 108 South Barnstead Road,
Barnstead. Come for socializing and potluck any time between
6:15 pm and 6:30 pm.
This
meeting is open to all residents of Alton, Barnstead, and Gilmanton
who consider themselves moderate, liberal, or progressive Democrats
or like-minded Independents. Potluck items to share are encouraged
but not required. For more information, email
[email protected] or
visit the “Barnstead, Gilmanton, and Alton Democrats” Facebook page.
This
communication does not infer an endorsement or favorability of any
kind to any Democratic candidates actively engaged in competitive
primary contests.
Letter To The Editor
To The
Editor;
As the
Democratic candidate running for election to the NH House District
8, against Rep. Howard, I will be highlighting some of the
differences between our positions on a variety of issues. That
way, in my view, the voters of Alton, Barnstead, and Gilmanton will
all know where Rep. Howard stands and where I stand, so they can
contrast our respective views.
In
January of 2016, the NH House passed SB 157, a bill that required
high school students to take civics and pass a “locally developed
competency assessment” test. Passing the test entitles the student
to a certificate issued by the school district. The bill further
provided that the US citizenship test “may be used” to satisfy the
testing requirement. Although use of the citizenship test was
optional, it seems to make sense that the knowledge we consider
essential for someone wanting to become a US citizen might also be
knowledge we want our own students to have.
The
vote on this bill was 267 Yea, 65 Nay. The Belknap County
delegation, then 100% Republican, voted 12 in favor and 4 against,
with Rep. Howard voting Nay.
It is
hard for me to understand why someone would object to having our
students learn about the US and state governments and constitutions
and be tested on the subject. Mr. Howard often claims to be a
defender of the Constitution, so one might expect him to want
students to study the actual text and take the test. In my
view, if our students are afforded good educational opportunities,
they will prove their excellence. And if the testing shows any
deficiency, then we should all want to know about it and learn from
it. I would have voted Yea.
Ruth
Larson
Alton
Oscar Foss Memorial Library News
Make
Your Own Music Video!
Come to
the library on Thursday, August 9th at 6pm to make a music video for
our YouTube channel! We will work in groups to create different stop
motion animation videos set to music. This program is for ages 9-18
and individuals can earn points for their house by participating.
Family
Movie Night!
Join us
at the library on Friday, August 10th at 6:00pm for a free night at
the movies! We will be showing “Sing” (PG) and providing popcorn.
Pajamas and cuddling items are always welcome.
Senior
Movie Matinee!
Seniors, join us on Saturday, August 11th at 11am for a musical
classic, “Singing in the Rain” with Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds.
Light refreshments will be served.
Please
call the library (269-3900) or visit our website (oscarfoss.org) for more information about our
programs or events. There is always something happening at the Oscar
Foss Memorial Library! Library hours are; Tuesday and Wednesday:
10am-6pm, Thursday and Friday: 12pm-8pm, Saturday: 10am-1pm, Sunday
and Monday: closed.
Barnstead Concert Series
Come
see The North River Band, Saturday night, August 4th, at the
Barnstead Parade Grounds from 6:00- 8:00 pm, located off Route 28.
The
North River Band has an Americana sound with strong harmonies and
expressive musicianship. Playing covers of folk, pop and country
songs, a North River set is fun to listen to with something familiar
for everyone. From the Eagles and Dylan to the Dixie Chix and Darius
Rucker come to dance, come to listen - you’ll like what you hear!
The
band, based in Rochester NH, performs regularly at fairs and
festivals in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts. To find out
more about North River Band, visit
www.northrivermusic.com
The
band includes guitarist Dan Poland. Dan has been part of the
Seacoast music scene for over 30 years. He is a masterful guitar
player who can play anything thrown at him. Dan not only plays with
The North River Band, he is currently with The Funky Divas of Gospel
and The Jeannie Daniels Band. He has founded and played in a number
of different bands including White Lies, Forecast, and Boca Roca.
Vocalists Vicky Avery and Dianne McMillen are both founding members
of the group. Dianne and Vicky have been singing together for over
ten years. They began making music together as the a capella group
Vocal Exchange. In addition to the North River Band, they perform
regularly with the Funky Divas of Gospel.
Bassist
Tom Kesel, has a long and multi-faceted career, having played in
numerous bands and projects throughout New York and New England.
Keyboardist Brian Randall has been a staple in the seacoast music
scene for decades. From Newmarket NH and studied at Berklee College
of Music, he has ‘played with many bands for many years.’
Drummer
Danny Fishbien joined North River Band in 2013. A long-time local
musician, Dan also plays with the Gene Sibley Group.
So
bring your lawn chair, blanket and family for an entertaining
evening.
The
Barnstead Parade Congregational Church will be selling refreshments.
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