Chichester Grange will meet on Wednesday, August 20, at 7 p.m.
upstairs in the Grange Hall. This is the meeting that was postponed
from August 6th.
Happy Birthday to Kara Jarvis and Sandra Millette on August 21 and
to Dyllan Dupont on August 23.
The Mums Are Coming!
Beginning Thursday, August 21, Dominick’s Pizza, Pasta & Things will
be selling mums from Pleasant View Garden to benefit area food
pantries.
Mums will be available in all colors and will be located at the side
of the building, 348 Suncook Valley Highway, Chichester.
The cost is $6.00 per plant. Each purchase donates $3.00 to the food
pantry.
Letter To The Editor
Dear Citizens of Chichester,
This Spring, I attended a School Board meeting after a shift at my
second job. I testified that one reason I worked a second job was
increases in expenses, including substantial increases in property
taxes. In 2013, the school budget and taxes increased nearly 8%,
and we now pay nearly $15,000 per student, well above the cost to
send each student to many private schools in the Merrimack Valley!
The board was asking for another increase for 2014.
I explained the increased taxes weren’t just money, but ten
additional days work at my second job during the limited time away
from my first. Ten more days away from my family. Ten fewer days
to help kids with homework or projects, or attend practices and
games, or fix the car or house, meaning I’d have to pay someone to
do those things, causing me to work even more.
The board’s request would take yet more money and time from my
family.
Ms Kelly said she understood, and that the school was doing all it
could to cut costs.
Then, after I left, the board began a secret session in which they
decided how to spend even more of our money. I don’t begrudge our
teachers, but these are our community’s resources and we should have
been consulted.
Ms Kelly correctly said this expenditure is legal. But legal does
not mean ethical, moral, or right. Interestingly, the $35,000 spent
without any consultation with our community appears nearly equal to
the increase in funds approved for the 2014-2015 budget. Let me
repeat - we are spending nearly $15,000 PER STUDENT.
The bonuses may be well-deserved. If so, they should have been
presented to the citizens of Chichester for approval, not decided
with secrecy and obfuscation. For shame.
Sincerely,
Patrick Testerman
Chichester
Chichester Town Library News
This afternoon (August 20th) at 3 p.m. brings another family movie
matinee, Mary Poppins, for everyone’s enjoyment.
Also today, the Library is hosting a teen pizza party at 5 p.m. to
provide an opportunity for those attending to express what types of
programs and activities they would be interested in.
This group is being formed just for teens, so hope to see them at
the party.
This Saturday, August 23rd from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. is the Down Under Book
Sale for the month. There has been a huge influx of books, DVDs,
etc., that have been added to the already amazing collection.
Surely, you’ll be able to find something for everyone in the
family. The books of Danielle Steele will be available at “steal”
prices; so, if you’re a fan, come in early to take your pick. Also,
the authors Dan Grisham and Sandra Browne will be featured. Don’t
forget to check out Lucille’s Discoveries, featuring regional
authors and books and old treasures. Also, some of the older
fiction books will be stacked and tied in ribbon for use as
decoration in your home or library.
August 25th at 7 p.m. is a meeting of the Down Cellar Writers’
Group. All are local writers and poets are invited to come and
share their work.
A book group is being formed and the first meeting will be on
Wednesday, September 10th at 7:00 p.m.
Although no specific book has yet been chosen, a number of people
have expressed an interest in joining. The first meeting will serve
as an organizational one to meet those in the group, to find out
what type of books the group is interested in reading and exploring
how we can ensure adequate access to the books that are chosen.
Stay tuned for further information.
Hurry in to buy a raffle ticket (or two, or three) on the hybrid
street/trail bikes! You’ll not find a better deal!
Out of Your Attic Thrift Shop News
Submitted By Carol Hendee
Thank you so very much to the lady and her daughter that donated the
Little Pet Shop houses to a very thankful little girl. They were
picked up that day by a grateful grandmother.
Requested items have been: large print books and men’s 2 and 3X
shirts.
We have lunch bags for back-to-school, hoodies, and sweatshirts.
345 Suncook Valley Hgwy, Chichester; Mon. 8-12; Tues. & Thurs. 8-4;
Wed. 11-4 & Sat. 10-4.
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