An updated list of pet foods that have been distributed in New Hampshire and recalled because of possible slamonella is here.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Individuals handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. People who believe they may have been exposed to Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control, people who are more likely to be affected by Salmonella include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS and people receiving treatment for cancer.

May 5- National Guard in New London tomorrow. (Kim Hallquist)

New London Hospital, in conjunction with the New England National Guard, will conduct a joint Emergency Preparedness Exercise tomorrow, Sunday, May 6, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the hospital campus in several of the parking areas.

A significant number of National Guard personnel and equipment will be traveling through the area as part of this joint exercise. Call 526-5067 if you have questions.

May 5 - Congratulations to local Colby-Sawyer College graduates

Apr. 28 - Apparent murder-suicide in Springfield (Gayle Hedrington)

As the investigation continues into the deaths of Clifford Pursell, 20, of Bradford, and Lester Snide, 23, of Springfield, it appears that Snide may have shot and killed Pursell and then himself. Evidence includes notes from the men whose bodies were found last December in a shed near 4 Corners Road in Springfield.

State Police are asking that anyone with information that could be added to the investingation to call 603-271-3636.

Apr. 28 - Grantham man suspected in wife's murder (Gayle Hedrington) 

James Perriello, 41, was arraigned on murder charges yesterday for the death of his wife, Natalie. Perriello was at his Doc's Drive home Thursday when officers there discovered his wife's body with multiple handgun wounds. Also at the scene were the couple's four young children, who were not hurt.

Apr. 26 - Humane Society honors Odell (HSUS)

Senator Odell at the Concord Merrimack County SPCA receiving award from Joanne Bourbeau, HSUS Northeast Regional Director

The Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) presented state Senator Bob Odell this year's Humane State Legislator award. Senator Odell sponsored Senate Bill 55 that would have required a bittering agent to be added to antifreeze, making it unpalatable to pets and children, potentially savings hundreds of human and animal lives in the process. The measure passed the Senate under his leadership, but was rejected by the House.

"Senator Odell has been an outstanding champion of animal protection in the New Hampshire legislature," said Joanne Bourbeau, northeastern regional director for the HSUS.

 Senator Odell said "...I remain committed to S.B. 55 and will continue to work for its passage. Receiving the 2011 Humane State Legislature award for this bill is a true honor."

"The Low & Moderate Income Homeowner’s Property Tax Relief provisions were designed to lessen the economic burden of the State Education Property Tax on certain at-risk taxpayers. New Hampshire residents who own a homestead subject to the State Education Property Tax, resided in the homestead as of April 1, 2011, and have a total household income of $20,000 or less if a single person (or $40,000 or less if married or head of household) may apply for property tax relief between May 1, 2012 and June 30, 2012."

Application form DP-8 is available on the Department's website: www.revenue.nh.gov/forms/low_mod_program.htm 

"The Loon Preservation Committee and The New Hampshire Lakes Association are asking for help to protect our loons by signing a petition in support of SB 224 and by contacting state legislators. (For the I-petition, click here).

"The loon population remains far below historical levels and the number of loon pairs on N.H.’s lakes decreased in 2011, after a record high number of deaths from ingested lead tackle in 2010. With multiple stressors impacting the population, the common loon remains a threatened species in the Granite State."

More at Sunapeenews

Alaska is the only other state without personal income and sales taxes. A proposed constitutional amendment seeks to keep it that way, but questions about a potential impact on business tax rates have some senators worried. House Finance Chairman Kenneth Weyler, R-Kingston, said that people who are opposed to the amendment want to increase the size of government.

More at The Nashua Telegraph

Apr. 5 - Restaurant inspection results now online

The NH Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) now has a browsable database containing food establishment inspection results available to consumers. The current searchable database covers inspections since Jan. 1 and will be updated monthly. Go to http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/fp/inspectionresults.htm and click on Food Establishment Inspection Report at the bottom of the page, or download it directly here.

DHHS Public Health Director, Dr. José Montero, said “We are very excited to provide such a tool to the public for the first time.” “Consumers want to know their food is safe. By routinely inspecting over 4,800 food establishments in the State, food inspectors are working to protect public health by preventing foodborne illness and injury.”

The database does not include inspection results from self-inspecting cities and towns. For a list of those towns and email addresses of contacts go to: http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/fp/sanitation/documents/selfinspect.pdf

Temporary food service establishments and occasional food service establishments ( fairs, festivals, circuses, etc.) are exempt from licensing and are not in the database.

Apr. 3 - Newbury, Sunapee, New London online assessing changes

Chief Assessor Norm Bernaiche announced today, "Tri-Town Assessing has changed the Online Property information database from Sustainable Mapping Solutions (SMS) to Cartographics Associates, Inc. Cartographics Associates, Inc. produces the Tax Maps for all three towns and the Tri-Town Assessing felt the consistency would be beneficial to the citizens."

More here.

Mar. 24 - Earliest "Ice Out" on record

"Ice went out on Lake Sunapee on Thursday, March 22, 2012, which is the earliest date recorded since charting began in 1869." "Ice out is declared when a boat is able to navigate from Georges Mills to Newbury."

According to data at the Sunapee Town Office, there were two other ice outs in March: 1921 and 1946... both on the 29th. Last year's ice out was April 21.

More at Sunapeenews.com

Mar. 23 - "Naturally Curious", bears and bird feeders (Lorie McClory)

Birdfeeders and bears In case you've been hibernating, this has been a fabulous, warm lead into spring. Bears are waking up earlier than usual, so it’s time to take down your birdfeeders. Don’t worry: the birds will find food and this will keep the bears from being attracted to your yard.

March is a month of rebirth and awakenings. Sap flows; migrant birds return from their wintering grounds; and mating seasons begin. It’s the month with which Vermont naturalist and wildlife photographer Mary Holland begins her book Naturally Curious: A Photographic Field Guide and Month-by-Month Journey through the Fields, Woods, and Marshes of New England.

Holland will be offering a wildlife slideshow beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 25 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in New London.

More at Lorie's column.

Mar. 23 - Dartmouth President nominated to head World Bank

This morning, President Obama nominated Dartmouth College President Jim Yong Kim to head the World Bank, a move that would turn the organization over to a physician and development expert as opposed to the bankers, corporate leaders and political officials who have run it since its founding.

More at the Washington Post

Mar. 11 - Fact check the candidates with a click

Now on Sunacom, with a button click you can see who is most often telling you the truth, and who isn't,  among the top five individuals seeking the Presidency this year. Provided by PolitiFact.  Check it out in the left column.

Mar. 7 - NH brews coming to farmers markets?

"A bill expected to pass the House of Representatives this week would allow New Hampshire breweries to sell beer at farmers markets across the state."

"The bill passed the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee unanimously and should be on the House floor for a vote today or tomorrow."

More at the Eagle Tribune.

Mar. 6 - New London Town Meeting moves to May (Kim Hallquist)

"May Town Meetings are often more well-attended because the weather is nicer (much less likely to have sub-zero weather or a driving snow storm) and people who spend the winter months out of New London will have a better chance of being home in time to attend."

"[Selectman] Mark Kaplan decides not to seek reelection."

More here.

Mar. 6 - Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday!!!!

After 2 a.m. Sunday, March 11, most of the US will be on Eastern Daylight Time until November 4, at 2 a.m.

In 2007, Daylight Saving Time was moved to the second Sunday of March, as part of President George Bush's energy policy bill, signed in 2005.

What US states and other countries and regions do not subscribe to seasonal time changes or start and stop at times and dates different from ours? Find out here.

Mar. 5 - University scholarship for Georges Mill student (UND) 

"David Edmonds of Georges Mill, N.H., received the Community of Learners Scholarship from the University of North Dakota for the 2011-2012 academic year."

"This scholarship program is intended to honor and reward students who contribute to enhancing UND as vibrant and connected learners."

Mar. 3 - Loons now a "Threatened Species" in NH

According to NH Fish and Game, the Common Loon is a "threatened species". The threat comes from lead fishing tackle, the largest contributor to documented adult loon mortality in the state.

Senate Bill 224 would strengthen current law, which does not include lead jigs that are longer than an inch, weighing less than an ounce. NHDES says that is "the size range known to be ingested by loons." 

Opponents, including bass fishing advocates and tackle industry representatives, claim the science does not support changing the law, and that other threats to waterfowl are more significant.

Senators Odell, Lambert, Forrester, and Carson, and Representatives Newton and Belk are sponsoring the bill.

More at SunapeeNews

Feb. 27 - Fairpoint heads toward deregulation with SB 48 (NHBR)

"Under SB 48, FairPoint wouldn't have to do nearly as much regulatory reporting. It wouldn't have to pay penalties for poor service. It wouldn't have to get approval for its rates (though there are rate hike caps). It wouldn't have to face PUC regulators for oversight on anything that is not related to basic phone service. And the bill would overturn a recent PUC decision regulating Comcast's phone service for the first time."

"FairPoint has long complained that it has been losing so much market share - to the CLECs, to cellphones and Internet services like Skype -- that it no longer has a monopoly."

More at NHBR

Jan. 15 -  Land Use Change Tax under fire (Todd Selig, Durham Town Administrator)

House Bill 1515 proposes major changes to the assessment and use of the Land Use Change Tax (LUCT). This bill threatens local control, raises significant concerns on several levels, and should be killed.

The bill provides that failure to pay all property taxes on current use land within 30 days after the date of notice of tax will constitute a change of use, triggering payment of the LUCT. 

Land will be considered changed in use and subject to the LUCT if the landowner does not notify the local assessing officials within 30 days that the land has changed from one qualifying use to another.

If any LUCT assessment is not paid within 30 days after the due date, the property shall be deeded to the municipality. 

These are extremely harsh penalties that, to our knowledge, municipalities are not seeking, and are neither in the interest of property owners nor the municipalities. Municipalities generally do not want to acquire land because of unpaid taxes, they simply want the taxes paid.

A hearing is scheduled before the House Municipal and County Government Committee next Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. in LOB Room 301.

Jan. 12 - Senate seeks to update phone regulations (NH Senate)

The Senate Energy Committee voted today to modernize the 100-year-old regulations governing telephone service providers, with Senate Bill 48.

Senator Bob Odell, the bill's prime sponsor, said that the legislation is necessary and long overdue. He said, "Telecommunication companies here in New Hampshire that provide landline services are seeking regulatory parity with cable and wireless providers. As the law stands now, landline companies operate under much more onerous regulations. When passed, SB 48 will represent a significant modernization of our current policies. We want the free market, not regulations, to dictate which companies gain or lose customers." He added, "Competition is already managing the retail market and creating better offers for customers."

Newbury, Bradford, Sutton, Goshen, Sunapee, Newport, and New London Fire departments responded to a fire at Hopewell Farms, 3 South Road in Newbury, shortly after 9 a.m. Jan., 8. The fire engulfed the barn where tilapia had been raised in an enclosed aquaculture system, killing all of the fish, several piglets and chickens.

Photo - Newbury FD

Newbury Fire Chief Henry Thomas said, "High gusts of winds and the large truss construction of the barn hampered efforts to extinguish the flames." He said that what caused the fire was undetermined and he would meet with the Fire Marshall for assistance with the investigation.

"All the firefighters did a superb job," Thomas said, noting they kept flames from reaching the house. Andover Fire Department covered for New London, Wilmot and Henniker, and Springfield covered for Sunapee while those firefighters were at the scene. "That is what is great about mutual aid".

Jan. 8 - "Mangled facts" in Manchester last night (FactCheck.org)

"Truth took a punch or two at the first of two GOP debates before New Hampshire’s critical presidential primary.

Romney, talking about taxes, said federal, state and local government consume 37 percent of the economy today compared with only 27 percent when John F. Kennedy was president. In fact, taxes now consume only 27.4 percent of GDP.

Paul blasted Gingrich for avoiding the draft during Vietnam, and Gingrich said Paul had a “long history” of inaccuracies. The truth is Gingrich was both a student and a father at the time, and probably would have failed the physical anyway, according to his stepfather, an Army man.

Santorum said the term “middle class” implies class warfare and is one “I don’t think we should be using as Republicans.” The fact is his own campaign used it in an Iowa flyer, and he has used it in the past himself.

Paul attacked Santorum as a “high-powered lobbyist.” Santorum was never registered as a lobbyist, though he earned more than $200,000 working as a consultant for a lobbying firm and an energy company.

Candidates also recycled some false or doubtful claims we’ve gone over before. Romney repeated his misleading claim that his firm Bain Capital invested in businesses that “have now added over 100,000 jobs.” Huntsman again claimed Utah was “No. 1” in job creation while he was governor, which isn’t true according to the standard statistical measure for employment. And Santorum again put words in President Obama’s mouth by claiming that the president “supported” the results of a disputed election in Iran."

More at factcheck.org

Dec. 31 - "It's Not About the Hike" comes to Newbury

Start your new year in the right frame of mind. Nancy Sporborg and Pat Piper present "It's Not About the Hike". It's free and open to residents and non-residents alike at the Newbury Town Office, Sunday, Jan. 8 at 2 p.m. 

It's for everyone - hikers, non-hikers, people who are sedentary or active, outdoor enthusiasts and indoor homebodies, 10 year olds and 90 year olds and everyone in-between. It is inspirational,  motivational and about pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones, overcoming fears, finding passions and living our lives to the fullest.

The one-hour presentation includes movies, music and photographs. Humorous and touching, the speakers share their personal lives in a way that makes the message and learning universal.

More about the presenters.

Dec. 30 - First flu cases of the season confirmed

NH Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has confirmed that one adult and two children in the state have contracted seasonal influenza. It is likely that flu has been circulating prior to these results, but flu is not a reportable disease, and DHHS is not notified of all cases.

“Now that we know it’s here, we hope this serves as a reminder to everyone who has not yet been vaccinated to do so,” said DHHS Public Health Director Dr. José Montero. For people who prefer to not get the injection, there is a nasal version of the vaccine for most people ages two through 49. 

Influenza is highly contagious, spreading through the air by coughs, sneezes, and direct contact with infected people. Flu symptoms usually begin one to four days after exposure to the virus.

Dec. 16 - Hannaford recalls ground beef

Hannaford Supermarkets this morning issued a voluntary recall of ground beef and is advising consumers to check for ground beef purchased at its stores with a "sell-by" date of Dec. 17 or earlier.

These ground beef products may be contaminated with a Salmonella typhimurium strain (S. typhimurium). The information received to date indicates that 10 people have become ill, all of whom have indicated that they purchased ground beef between Oct. 12 and Nov. 20.

For further information call Hannaford Customer Information Center, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. - 800-213-9040, option 6.

Dec. 15 - Unseasonably warm temps delay snowmobile season

NH Division of Parks and Recreation, Bureau of Trails annouced today that the snowmobile trail system that normally would open today will remain closed because of inadequate snow cover. Trail gates are closed and logging operations continue. 

Dec. 9 - How to vote by absentee ballot (Linda Plunkett)

Print and fill out the "application for state election absentee ballot", mail or give it to your Town Clerk, and the Town Clerk will mail to you a ballot to fill out and return. All materials (instructions, ballot, marking pencil and return envelopes) are included. Postage is not included, though. 

If you are a US citizen living overseas, there are special procedures for which you can vote via email.  

Mount Sunapee Resort opens for this winter season Sunday, Dec. 11 with top-to-bottom skiing and riding on the Main Mountain. Upper and Lower Blast-Off trails provide more than 6,000 feet of continuous terrain for advanced skiers and riders. The Sunapee Express high-speed quad chairlift will operate daily.

Snowmaking continues around the clock, as temperatures permit, to open additional terrain.

The Learning Center is not yet open, nor is there terrain open for novice or beginner skiers or riders.

Sunday, Dec. 18 is the first of two Cares and Shares days at Mount Sunapee. Skiers and riders who bring five non-perishable food items to the ticket window will pay only $35. The food is donated to local families and food shelters for the holidays.

More at Mountsunapee.com

Nov. 22- Neighboring towns assist at local house fire (Gayle Hedrington)

Croydon, Newport, Grantham, Sunapee, and Goshen Fire Departments responded to a fire at 37 Fletcher Road in Croydon Flat shortly after 7 a.m. this morning. The addition to the two story colonial house remained ablaze for about two hours. 

Property owners Kathy and Phillip Crowley of Chesterfield NH were not there at the time. Cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

Nov. 18 - FDA cautions dog owners about chicken jerky products

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning consumers about chicken jerky products from China for dogs (also sold as chicken tenders, strips or treats). In the last 12 months, there has been an increase in complaints associated with these products by dog owners and veterinarians.

FDA is advising consumers who feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch their dogs closely for the following signs that may occur within hours to days of feeding the products: decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; increased water consumption and/or increased urination. If the dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding the chicken jerky product. Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Most dogs recover, but some have died.

FDA continues extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified a contaminant. Many of the illnesses reported may be from causes other than eating chicken jerky. Veterinarians and consumers should report cases of animal illness associated with pet foods to the New Hampshire FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator at 800-891-8295 or go to www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

Nov. 8 - More staff cuts at Dartmouth-Hitchcock by January

The state's largest health care provider is planning to eliminate up to 100 jobs in the next two months.

Newly appointed Dartmouth-Hitchcock CEO, Dr. James Weinstein, told employees about the reductions last Friday, and  followed up with an email yesterday. Staff reduction is one of the measures taken in recent months as D-H seeks to close a $100 million deficit. 

This year, the state's 10 largest hospitals expect to provide more than $131 million of medical care for patients who can not pay. Those hospitals also will pay about $135 million in Medicaid "enhancement" taxes, bringing the total financial impact to $266 million. The tax is 5.5 percent of a hospital's patient revenues.

More at Valley News

Nov. 2 - Primary will be Jan. 10 (Linda Plunkett) 

Late this morning, Secretary of State Gardner announced the date of the Presidential Primary as JANUARY 10, 2012.

Nov. 2 - Fairpoint charges it was duped by Verizon

Suit charges Fairpoint "paid a princely sum for a collection of inferior assets that had no future."

A group of former FairPoint Communications creditors has filed suit against Verizon Communications, charging that the giant telecom is to blame for FairPoint's bankruptcy and continued financial troubles.

The suit claims FairPoint went bankrupt because of its "disastrous" $2.7 billion purchase of Verizon's landline and Internet operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont in 2008. FairPoint filed for bankruptcy 18 months after the acquisition.

More at NHBR

Nov. 1 - Colby-Sawyer College annual Faculty Art Exhibition

The exhibit will feature recent work by the studio art faculty in ceramics, digital/electronic art, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, mixed media work, sculpture and watercolor.

The reception is free and open to everyone, Thursday, Nov. 3, 5 to 7 p.m. in the Marian Graves Mugar Art Gallery, on the New London campus. The show runs through Dec. 16.

Exhibitors are Deborah Campbell (painting); David Ernster (ceramics); Nicholas Gaffney (photography); Brandy Gibbs-Riley (graphic design); Jon Keenan (ceramics); Michael Lovell (painting); Kurt McQuiston (digital/electronic art); Mary Mead (printmaking and sculpture); Jane Prophet (mixed media); Namita Sharma (graphic design and mixed media); Kristin Tupper (watercolor); and Bert Yarborough (painting).

Oct. 11 - Claremont Lowe's closes

Lowe's hardware stores in Claremont and Hooksett will close "in about a month" and the Manchester store closed "abruptly" last night, "without providing any notice to employees".

A Lowe's press release stated that the company is closing 20 stores nationwide and laying off about 1,950 employees. New Hampshire was the hardest hit. No other state had more than two stores close.

Inventory at the Hooksett and Claremont stores will be sold off in "close-out sales".

More at the Union Leader

Related to the story " Supplies needed for flood victims" below, please make checks payable to "Lake Sunapee UMC" with "Hurricanes 2011" as the notation. Send to Lake Sunapee UMC, PO Box 335, Sunapee NH 03782

Oct. 8 - Scientists studying Lake Sunapee to meet next week

From Oct. 10 to 14, more than 100 scientists from 24 countries will meet at Mount Sunapee Resort to "discuss freshwater lakes and reservoirs, including what can be done to keep them healthy in the face of population growth and competing demands." 

Lake Sunapee is home to one of 30 monitoring buoys deployed across the globe. Others sites are in Sweden, France, Ireland, Estonia, Canada, Taiwan, China, Brazil, Israel, and Australia. The instruments "record and transmit data, 24/7, about lake and reservoir conditions, such as temperature and oxygen levels. This information helps scientists and managers understand and respond to variables such as flooding, development, and introduced species." 

Portions of the conference open to the public will be Oct. 11, 5-6:30 p.m. when scientists will be available to discuss their research posters. On Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. "Dr. Justin Brookes of the University of Adelaide will address the global water crisis. Following his lecture, a panel of international scientists will review critical water quality issues, what scientists are doing, and how citizens can become involved."

This is the 13th Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network conference and is hosted by the Lake Sunapee Protective Association and the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.

Oct. 7- Deadline Oct. 14 to register and change party (Kimberly Hallquist)

New London - Supervisors of the Checklist will hold a session for additions and corrections to the Checklist on Friday, Oct. 14, 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. In addition to registering new voters, it will be the last time voters can change party affiliation prior to the presidential primary. New voters may continue to register at the Town Clerk's office until 10 days prior to the Presidential Primary. 

Springfield - Friday, Oct. 14, 7-7:30 p.m. (Tamara Butcher)

Grantham - Friday, Oct. 14, 7-7:30 p.m. (Lorie McClory)

Oct. 7 - Record-breaking visitor numbers expected this weekend

"The most scenic roads in New Hampshire are expected to be busiest with traffic during the weekend, said Bill Boynton, public information officer at the state Department of Transportation. As visitors tend to flock to the Lakes Region and White Mountains to witness fall foliage, Route 112 is expected to see traffic flow heavier than usual, he said." 

"According to AAA of Northern New England, this month's average price for regular unleaded gas in New Hampshire is approximately $3.45, compared to last month's average of $3.64."

More at Fosters.com

Area gas prices.

Oct. 7 - Supplies needed for flood victims (Lorie McClory)

The Grantham United Methodist Church is collecting supplies to assemble cleaning buckets for flood victims in Vermont and New Hampshire. This is being done through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Donations may be dropped off at the Grantham church Tuesday mornings between 9:30 and 10:30, or Sunday mornings between 8:30 and 11. The cost to assemble each bucket is approximately $55, so donations of the specific items needed and monetary donations are greatly appreciated.

[From Janet Lowell: Please make checks payable to "Lake Sunapee UMC" with "Hurricanes 2011" notation. Send to Lake Sunapee UMC, PO Box 335, Sunapee NH 03782] 

Items needed for each bucket:

• 5-gallon bucket with resealable lid 

• liquid laundry detergent (two 25-ounce or one 50-ounce)

• liquid household cleaner (12 to 16 ounces) that can be mixed with water (no spray cleaners)

• dish soap (16- to 28-ounce bottle)

• air freshener (aerosol or pump)

• insect repellent spray (6- to 14-ounce aerosol spray or pump with protective cover)

• scrub brush (plastic or wooden handle)

• 18 cleaning wipes ( hand wipes or reusable wipes, no terry cleaning towels)

• seven sponges

• five scouring pads

• 50 clothespins

• clothesline (two 50-foot or one 100-foot cotton or plastic)

• 24 roll heavy duty trash bags

• five dust masks

• two pair disposable kitchen gloves (rubber or latex)

• one pair work gloves (cotton or leather).

If you have questions or need items picked up, call Janet Lowell at 863-8820. Church address: 418 Route 10 South, Grantham, NH 03743

Oct. 6- Bridge repairs on I-89 tonight and tomorrow night (NHDOT)

NH Dept. of Transportation has scheduled maintenance for various northbound and southbound I-89 bridges, between exits 2 and 9, from 8:30 pm to 3:00 a.m. tonight and tomorrow. Some left lane restrictions will be applied. Arrow boards, signs and traffic cones will be used to guide motorists through the work zones.

Sep. 27 - Learn about Planning and Zoning Boards

Are you or someone you know interested in learning more about the Planning or Zoning Boards and how they work? Maybe you have thought you would be interested in serving on one of these boards. The link below will take you to the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission 2011 Fall Planning & Zoning Conference. There is a charge for the Conference to cover materials, speakers and refreshments.

2011 Planning and Zoning Conference

Sep. 27 - Mushroom poisoning increase "alarming"

The cool damp weather has encouraged a bumper crop of wild mushrooms, but NH Dept. of Health and Human Services has issued a warning about eating them. Public Health Director, Dr. Jose Montero, said that there has been an "alarming" increase in emergency room visits by people who have eaten poisonous mushrooms.

So far in 2011, NH emergency rooms have reported 31 cases of mushroom poisoning, with 18 of them just this month. "While this is just one means of tracking illness caused by mushrooms [it is] not necessarily
comprehensive", Montero said.

A wide variety of mushrooms grow here, and some are toxic. "As little as one bit of a poisonous mushroom can cause serious injury or death. Many toxic mushrooms look a lot like non-toxic ones". There is no approved treatment for mushroom poisoning. Symptoms may not begin until hours after ingestion and can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, severe diarrhea, a change in heart rhythm, and low blood pressure.

More about poisonous mushrooms.

Sep. 25 - October SRK Greenway hikes   (Gerry Gold)

The Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge (SRK) Greenway Coalition's Fall 2011 hike schedule continues with four Greenway hikes crossing parts of Goshen, Sunapee, Springfield and New London. The hikes, all free to the public, are listed below. Please contact the leader at least a day before to get details on start time and location. Bring water, sun screen, hat, and a snack. (E) is Easy. (M) is Moderate. (D) is Difficult.

Oct 1 (Sat): Passing Snow Bound Farm and Star Lake Farm in Springfield (Trail #4). 4.1 mi. (E) Peg Bastien (456-2347).

Oct 8 (Sat): Gile Forest, the Overlooks, Royal Arch, Devil's Half Acre Pond, Great Brook cascade are on the way from Springfield to Pleasant Lake, New London (Tr#5). 8.4 mi. (D) Andy Hager (526-2846).

Oct 15 (Sat): Sunapee Lower Village to Deer Hill Rd on Trail #3. 7.3 mi. (M). Susan Chiarella (763-4661). 

Oct 22 (Sat): Old Province Road, Goshen, to Sunapee Town Offices via Webb Forest and
Red Water Creek Preserve (Tr#2). 7.3 mi. (M) Gerry Gold (526-2857).

The SRK Greenway Coalition is a non-profit volunteer organization that promotes hiking and land conservation. Hike all 14 sections for a certificate of completion! The SRK Greenway's 14 sections covering 75 miles of trails are open to all. For information, visit www.srkg.com

Sep. 16 - Lake drawdown dates announced

NH Dept. of Environmental Services (DES) announced today the annual fall drawdown dates of lakes and ponds controlled by DES-owned dams.

Drawdowns reduce winter ice damage to shoreline properties and reduce spring flooding. They also give waterfront property owners an opportunity to inspect and make any repairs, after securing a permit from the DES Wetlands Bureau.

Below are the lakes in our area that will be lowered, the brooks and rivers that will be affected by water released, drawdown date and depth in feet:

Sunapee Lake, Sugar River, Oct. 10, 2.5'

Little Sunapee Lake, Kidder Brook, Oct. 15, 1'

Kezar Lake, Lane River, Sept. 30, 2'

Mascoma Lake, Mascoma River, Oct. 10, 3'

Webster Lake, Chance Brook, Oct. 10, 2 '

Sep. 14 - Hazardous waste and medications disposal (Linda Plunkett)

The third of four scheduled disposal dates for hazardous waste and unwanted medications is this Saturday, Sep. 17, at the Newport Highway Garage, 449 South Main Street (Rt. 10). Electronics collection is at same location, but there is a fee.

The next collection day is Oct. 15, 9 am - noon at the City of Lebanon Solid Waste Facility, 370 Plainfield Road (Route 12A).

Click here for more information, including of list of acceptable and unacceptable items.

Sep. 7 - Beach bacteria advisories removed

NH Dept. of Environmental Services (DES) has removed beach bacteria advisories from the beaches listed below, because the swim season is complete and testing has ended for the season.

Dewey Town Beach on Lake Sunapee, Sunapee
Opechee Park Cove, Laconia 
Beards Brook Town  Beach, Hillsborough

The American Red Cross is directing all community members with food and clothing donations to The Haven in White River Junction, VT. In turn, The Haven is distributing this emergency food and clothing to all Irene victims who are in need.

Through its Outreach Program, the Haven has also set up a fund specifically to help Irene victims with various emergency needs. All funds donated will go directly to those who have been devastated by the natural disaster.

The Haven is working in partnership with all area resources to ensure that no one falls through the cracks.

To donate food and clothing, stop by The Haven, 713 Hartford Ave., White River Junction, VT. To donate funds you can send a check, call with a credit card number, or go to www.uppervalleyhaven.org to make a contribution online. Please specify "Hurricane Irene."