Annual Blood Drive
The St. Francis of Assisi Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring their seventh annual blood drive with the American Red Cross on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Griffin Memorial School located on Route 3-A in Litchfield.
With summer fast approaching the urgent need for blood increases. Every pint of blood donated helps up to three patients in need. So please come out and help us.
All presenting donors will receive a coupon from Chick-fil-A and a coupon from Dairy Queen for a 20-ounce Orange Julius.
Blood Donor Card or valid picture ID required to donate.
Gilles Bard, Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus 13026 – Litchfield
Affordable Health Care
Every American should have access to quality and affordable health care.
Universal healthcare has been proposed many times in the past 50 years and as of this date, because of stiff opposition, none has succeeded.
There are several reasons for this. The insurance companies and other lobbyists have continued to block any attempt to grant this protection to many of our less fortunate.
(It is also a fact that the 10 worldwide pharmaceutical companies had a net profit of $70 billion in 2006.)
At present there are 47 million uninsured Americans that include 150,000 residents of the state of New Hampshire.
One-hundred fifty million workers in this country depend on their employers for medical benefits and the employers’ coverage is fast declining. Thousands of companies are either dropping their benefits entirely or decreasing their contributions because of the high costs of health care.
We are the only industrial and advanced country in the world whose government does not supply this safety net to its citizens. Once we can achieve this moral and humane goal, we will have attained a healthy citizenry and a higher standard of living for everyone.
Fran Brennan – Salem
Club Thankful
The GFWC Windham Woman’s Club wants to thank everyone in the community and surrounding towns for making our “Baby Shower Project” that was held, Saturday, May 3, at town hall, a wonderful success! Thank you to all members for their contribution of baby items and for those members who volunteered their time to set up. Thank you to chairpersons of project, Nancy Tullo and Jean Greenlee for all their hard work.
The Windham Woman’s Club also made a generous donation to project for “Our Place.”
Thank you to: town maintenance staff for setting up tables in town hall, greatly appreciated, to the all the businesses here and surrounding towns for allowing us to post our flyers, and to the media for great publicity; Pelham-Windham News and Windham Cable studio coordinator.
Because of the giving and caring shown by you, young mothers and their families will have a feeling of joy and gratitude that you have brought into their lives. Baby items were taken to “Our Place” in Manchester.
We thank you for your generosity and caring support of our organization.
Windham Woman’s Club – Windham
Food Pantries Need Help
This weekend, the postal employees will be doing their annual food drive and many of you will be putting food out to be picked up. In past years, those of us at St. Joseph Pantry have had to weed out about 10 percent of the food donated because it had passed its expiration date or is in such bad shape that we couldn’t possibly pass it on to pantry patrons. I would like to ask everyone who plans to donate food to please consider carefully those items you place in the bag for pickup. See this opportunity as one in which you can give nourishing food to those who need it and not an opportunity to get rid of the items that you yourself would not serve your family. It is painful to empty hundreds of pounds of food into the dumpster after all the sorting has taken place. Thank you for your consideration.
Deacon David T. Costello, St. Joseph Church – Salem
An Invitation to Knit
My name is Meghan Donohue, and I am a senior from Windham at Salem High School. At the school, I am the co-founder and president of the Knitting Club. We have been a club for two years strong and have more than 30 members, both girls and boys. A very active club at the high school, we have hosted events such as the Knitting Club Tea Party and the Bring a Guy Friend meeting. We also visit the elderly at Greystone Assisted Living monthly. In June, we will participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life at the high school.
On Friday, May 16, we are hosting an open house at Salem High School for community members, young and old, who are interested in knitting, crocheting, spinning and hand-dyeing. It will be held in the SHS cafeteria 5 - 8 p.m. Demos in all four categories will be held continuously during that time, along with refreshments and an awesome door prize provided by the Yarn and Fiber Company. There will also be an opportunity for community members to donate to the American Cancer Society if they wish.
As my last year at Salem High, this open house will be the last major event that I will host as the president of the Knitting Club. I would like to thank the Salem community for its ongoing support and invite you all to attend this unique event.
Thank you, and I hope to see you there!
Meghan Donohue – Windham
Thanks, Foster Parents
Thank you foster parents! May is your month – Foster Care Month!
It’s a time for the citizens of our state to be reminded of the good work foster parents do “24/7” for children in need of temporary, or possibly permanent homes. These families come forward and put the needs of a child ahead of their desire to expand their family – permanently. They work with DCYF to try to re-unify the child with his or her parents, if at all possible. The foster-adoptive parent training helps them overcome any misgivings that might occur to them about working with the child’s parents. They learn to focus on the needs of the child so that, if it is decided that the child is to return to the family, it can be a smooth transition. If the child cannot return home, the foster parents will provide a permanent home for him or her.
Become one of our hard-working foster families! To find out how, call your local Nashua DCYF foster care worker at 1-800-852-0632.
Jan Feuer, NH Foster & Adoptive Parent Association – Concord
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Raffle
The Windham Police Association will host the second annual Knight Ride, on June 28. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Mark W. Knight Memorial Scholarship Fund. Officer Mark W. Knight was a Windham police officer who lost his courageous battle with cancer just last year. This scholarship fund is a great way to support our community while honoring the memory of Officer Knight.
An exciting part of our fundraiser is the Harley-Davidson motorcycle raffle. We are raffling off a 2008 Harley Davidson Street Glide or cash prize of $10,000, which will take place at our cookout following the ride. Only 300 tickets are being sold. Tickets for the cookout may be purchased separately.
If you would like to purchase a ticket contact Jessica Flynn at 434-5577. Call today! Last year, every ticket was sold long before the drawing!
Anyone who likes to ride won’t want to miss this. Last year over 300 bikes participated in a police-escorted tour of New Hampshire’s back roads and scenic seacoast! It was awesome!
For more information, check out our Website at www.knightride.org. Thanks so much for your continued support!
Jessica Flynn, Windham Police Association – Windham
Gagne Lymphoma Benefit
Chalk up to beat Cancer! Charity Partners 8 Ball Pool Tournament to benefit the Cancer Society and the Gagne family of Salem as they battle lymphoma cancer will be held at Grand China Billiards, 7 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Salem on Sunday, May 18 at noon. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. There is a fee per player. Double Elimination. Trophies and prizes for first-third place. For more info, call Grand China Billiards at 893-9124.
Kim Hankey – Salem
Days of Infamy
On December 8, 1941, FDR uttered the immortal words that America had endured a “Day of Infamy,” as he described the Pearl Harbor attack and issued a declaration of war against the Empire of Japan. Tragically, another day of infamy in 9/11 killed almost 3,000 Americans and destroyed the World Trade Center in New York City. Americans gathered behind the president, who justifiably went after the perpetrators in Afghanistan. But other disasters were to follow.
The quick victory in Iraq, with minimal loss of life, was hailed a huge success, but one failure after another in the aftermath sank us further into the quagmire, which gradually became a disaster that continues to this day. Last year the number of Americans killed was around 3,000, and after a year of the so-called “surge” another 1,000 have lost their lives. Almost 30,000 have been wounded with many needing care for the rest of their lives. The misery doesn’t stop there. The cost to us is said to be $12 billion per month, and when all is said and done, we can be indebted for trillions more than the $9 trillion we now owe. The waste, fraud corruption and incompetence are rampant in the complex mire of Iraq. But all this begs the question: Was there a day of infamy – or perhaps many days – brought on to the people of Iraq, who like innocent Americans have lost lives, homes and livelihood?
Far more Iraqis have died from suicide bombings and sectarian conflict than the forces that allegedly were in Iraq to help. Some two million have fled the country in desperation and countless homes have been destroyed as the military, which, in order to ferret out terrorists, has had to invade with force. The nation is in shambles; and like innocent Americans who have suffered from “days of infamy,” innocent people are still dying in large numbers. Without a strong leader, civil strife will continue and reconciliation remains an elusive goal. The Iraqi people also know the meaning of infamy, sadly.
Dante Ippolito – Norwell, Massachusetts
An Invitation to Democrats of Hudson/Litchfield/Pelham
The State Democratic Party Convention will be held on Saturday, May 17, at McLaughlin Middle School, 290 South Mammoth Road, Manchester.
Democrats from across the state will gather to hear from our elected officials and candidates, hear from Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean on the McCain Record, participate in issue breakout sessions, and vote on resolutions and our 2008 platform. We will learn of the grassroots activities across the state in building a stronger and more inclusive party.
The May 17 State Convention is the kickoff for the historic 2008 election. Never in history have New Hampshire Democrats had the challenge before us: re-electing a governor, both members of Congress, the majorities on the Executive Council, Senate and House, expanding our county base, winning the U.S. Senate Seat, and carrying the state for our presidential ticket.
If you are interested in attending, you can register online at www.nhdemconvention.org. You can also respond by e-mail (jkknowles@comcast.net), or call 880-4908, by Saturday, May 10.
As your State Representatives from Hillsborough District 27, and co-chairs of the Hudson Democratic Committee, we are committed to party-building and candidate recruitment. We look forward to hearing from you!
Mary Ann Knowles and John Knowles – Hudson
Letter Carriers to Conduct Food Drive
The National Association of Letter Carriers, in conjunction with the Rural Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service, will conduct a food drive to help restock community food banks. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, May 10, as part of the NALC’s nationwide response to the ever increasing need for food in the battle against hunger.
Residents of Hudson and Litchfield are asked to leave nonperishable food items by their mailboxes on Saturday, May 10, for pickup by their carriers. All food collected will stay in Hudson and Litchfield food banks.
In 2007, 10,560 pounds of food was collected and distributed to families in need. Nationally, 70.7 million pounds of food was collected.
Rank Maglio, Food Drive Coordinator – Hudson
Upcoming Political Gathering
The Democrat and Republican parties have common denominators: policies advocating presidential authorization of war, amnesty for illegal immigrants, sovereignty destroying and border eliminating so-called “free trade” agreements. Each of these not only violates the United States Constitution and bankrupts our nation but, even more, over-commits our military, leaving our borders porous and perhaps making us even more vulnerable to terrorism.
If you are concerned about the above suspect policies that work against our national security, while headlines feature attacks of personal “mudslinging” in our presidential race, let a word to the wise be sufficient. Americans who value liberty should take heed of Patrick Henry’s warning: “Let us not rest our liberties on the assumption that our leaders will be virtuous.”
Please plan to hear senior editor of The New American Magazine, investigative journalist, and lecturer give you answers on Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 p.m., at the Westford Regency Inn off exit 32 I-495, Route 110 West, in Westford, Massachusetts. He will explain the problems and provide answers.
Prior to the speech, see Mr. Jasper on “America’s Future” cable TV show in Manchester and/or Windham – time to be announced. For further information, please call William McNally at 434-9695, or view his website at McNallyUSA@msn.com.
Russ Payne - Manchester
Grassroots Membership Increasing Daily
For the past three or four months the Letters portion of this paper has been very bland, not many pro and con discussions at all. I’d like to take this opportunity to say that even though we haven’t been making any waves lately, that we are sill standing tall awaiting the very first shot fired by the Friel family and their attorney, Jay Leonard, in regard to selling the Green Meadows Gold Course 405 acres to whomever.
HudsonGrassrootsCentral.com is making itself very aware of every move or motion made by the golf course owners to the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Conservation Commission at the state level. As just one of a membership that is rapidly approaching 725 registered voters in Hudson and increasing by twos and threes each week, I’d like to inform all Hudson residents that are concerned about their present quality and way of life here in Hudson, and who do not wish to have that “warm and fuzzy” feeling about their town explode in their faces, to check in on either HudsonGrasrootsCentral.com or www.saveHudson.com for a complete and accurate pro/con rebuttal to statements made on the “Sagamore Crossing” Website by the Friel family’s attorney as to how wonderful and beneficial to all of us “chicken farmers” a “brand new retail development” built on the Green Meadows Gold Course acreage would be. Each statement made on the Sagamore Crossing Website can be, and is, open to rebuttal, from eminent domain proceedings, infrastructure, taxes, roadway improvements, air quality, traffic studies, etc., are all subject to rebuttal. Every statement made on the Sagamore Crossing Website have been investigated thoroughly, and accurately, and rebuttal to each statement is noted as to source, date time, etc.
HudsonGrassroots Central stands by its commitment to the town of Hudson to ensure that any false or misleading statements as attorneys sometimes make, be looked at as to content and truthfulness, and the most honest answers in our opinion and the sources for each duly noted, is forwarded to the citizenry for their being able to look at both sides of the coin, and make their own decisions. Our grassroots resolve to stand in the way of any large regal, big box built out at the Green meadows site, will continue until we can get that area re-zoned out of the “general” category into something each Hudson resident can live with. “Chicken farmers” unite. Join HudsonGrassrootsCentral in our efforts to stop “giant retail development” from getting a foothold here in our town. Log onto the Website and sign up; your neighbors are doing, why not you? The more registered voters on our membership rolls defying big development in the southern portion of Hudson means that our quality of life will remain unchanged in the rest of Hudson as well.
Ron Peters – Hudson
Resigned Selectman Responds to Thumbs Down
The May 2, 2008 edition of the Hudson~Litchfield News published a Thumbs down regarding the reasons or, more importantly, the validity of my resignation from the Board of Selectmen. I am not only miffed; I am also amazed at the ignorance and the attitude of the anonymous writer. Are you a coward? Call me if you have a question: 595-7870, I am in the book!
The Thumbs down writer wrote: “Thumbs down to the former selectman who had to resign from the board of selectmen because of family issues and now spends time writing for the newspaper. What was the real reason that you resigned after only one year? Obviously, not your family.” As I am the only selectman to have resigned recently, and as I am the only one to state family reasons, I will have to assume the writer is speaking of me.
I have heard the rumors, and ‘no,’ Mr. Jasper did not “cause” me to resign. Selectman Jasper has a long history of service and dedication to the Town of Hudson. I appreciated the healthy and fruitful discussions we held as selectmen and we have many differences and that is okay. So, if that is the “real reason” for which you search, I am sorry to disappoint you.
I have three children who lost their mother. She battled 10 years with cancer. Her greatest regret was that “I was never there for my kids. Promise me you will be there when I am gone,” she asked. I promised. Well, as boring as it sounds, yes, it was my family, specifically speaking, my 23-year-old daughter. When my daughter asked me on a Monday night, “Hey dad, can I talk to you tonight?” and I told her that I had a meeting to go to, she replied, “What night are you free?” I had to tell her, “This Saturday night we can get together.” And that is not right.
While I do not feel as though I need to defend my resignation from an anonymous individual or any individual, you may be interested to know that Katie and I do stories together; she proofs them, edits them, and participates in the process. And that is a true privilege that I get … I get to share time with my daughter, together. I have reduced my nights out from 19 - 22 to just five nights a month now.
I still miss the selectmen arena and, more importantly, my relationship with the public arena to be in a position to help. To be elected by the people is so very humbling. I miss the involvement with our very good staff of town employees. I miss the association with the seniors. Our police and fire departments are unmatched throughout the state. Most of all, I miss being in a position whereby I am able to help Hudson be a better place to live for all citizens.
I did not sign up to be a single parent. However, I did sign up 23 years ago to be the best parent I could be for her as well as Brian and David. My time will come eventually. It is just not now.
And yes, she sits right next to me for almost every story and we talk and we laugh and we watch TV together as I type stories for the Hudson~Litchfield News.
Doug Robinson, Selectman, resigned – Hudson
Friends Needed for Windham’s Strawberry Festival and Book Fair
It’s finally spring, and that means that the Friends of the Library of Windham’s (FLOW) Strawberry Festival and Book Fair are right around the corner. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Windham’s biggest event!
The Strawberry Festival Committee is just about done planning this enormous event, and now we need you. Last year, we had nearly 200 people who donated a few hours to help out at the festival. We thank you and hope you’ll be available to help out again this year. Some volunteers were unable to help out on the festival day, but were able to help slice strawberries or bake biscuits. If you are new in town and would like to get involved, this is the perfect event. Ask anyone who works at the Strawberry Festival and they’ll tell you that it is a lot of fun.
If you volunteered last year and have not been called yet, please feel free to call us regarding the following positions that are available:
Strawberry slicers and biscuit bakers – we provide the strawberries, containers, Bisquick (donated by Howie Glynn), and instructions – call Lisa Thornton at 434-3434
Festival helpers – day of festival – we need help at:
Drinks table, strawberry shortcake tables, face painting, grill and games area – call Judy Putman-Sette at 893-0344.
Drivers - we are looking for individuals to drive the town van that can shuttle patrons, which need additional assistance, to and from the festival – call Putman-Sette at 893-0344
For further information, you can visit the FLOW Website at www.flowwindham.org.
Also, we will have our “berry sweet” raffles with something special for everyone in the family! The generosity of sponsors for the raffles, food and games really makes it all possible. We invite you to join them by donating or sponsoring raffle items, gift certificates or services toward the many events held that day. If you wish to make a donation, please call Putman-Sette at 893-0344.
The Strawberry Festival and Book Fair Committee would like to thank everyone who helps to make this event so successful each year! We couldn’t do it without you!
Jennifer Simmons, FLOW – Windham
Young Inventors
I’m writing this letter to thank the Hudson community and Nottingham West Elementary for hosting the Camp Invention program June 30 - July 3.
Camp Invention provides an opportunity for elementary school children to experience creativity, teamwork and inventive-thinking skills. There has been much discussion recently regarding the need to better educate the next generation of professionals to fill a void in the fields of math and science. The Camp Invention program hopes to help meet that challenge.
The Camp Invention program was created by the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation and receives ongoing support from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It is with this strong support for innovation, as well as an excellent curriculum that focuses on hands-on activities throughout the week, that the program provides an enriching experience for children entering grades one through six.
Whether they are designing a futuristic vehicle, brainstorming to solve a forensics puzzle, or creating a device to communicate with aliens, children are enthusiastic and excited about their inventions. Throughout the week of the program, they attend five different modules each day that focus on the basic principles of science, brainstorming, and teamwork.
It is an exceptional community that embraces this unique summer enrichment program. For that, I thank you and encourage parents in your community who are interested in obtaining more information to call the Camp Invention home office at (800) 968-4332 or visit its Website at www.campinvention.org.
Joan S. Troup, Camp Director - Hudson
A Community Treasure
I have identified a community treasure; unfortunately, she will no longer be among us. Her name is Rosette, or “Rosie.” She worked her last day on May 1st as manager in the Dunkin Donuts/Baskin-Robbins store here in Pelham. She is moving on to a different career, and, like everyone, she wants the best for her daughter and husband. I am certain she will flourish wherever she goes. This young lady is always smiling, always going “100 miles an hour,” and always makes you feel like you are special, welcome, and in all cases raises everyone’s spirits and helps us realize we do not have any real problems. She is the kind of person who makes you better just being around her. She has proved to me that all work has honor and worth, that anyone can elevate themselves and those around them with positive outlook and genuine caring. She is a total delight and I will miss her and the high pitched “Hi, Mickey!” and her huge smile as I walk in the door. May God Bless Rosette and her family!
Chief Michael A. Walker, Pelham Fire Department - Pelham
Haigh Appreciation
During the week of May 5, the Haigh Elementary School will be honoring the teachers and staff of the school. We are lucky to have a great group of teachers and staff caring for our children. Your hard work and dedication to our children is what makes Haigh Elementary the great place it is! Thank you so much and please realize that we all appreciate you. Happy Staff Appreciation Week!
Haigh Elementary PTA – Salem
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