At the selectmen’s meeting this Wednesday, Kathy Vizard reported that the Department of Revenue found Albany in compliance with all assessing standards. She also said she continues to work on developing new parking fine regulations. At next week’s selectmen’s meeting (April 20) the selectmen will work on the rules and procedures for their work session to be held April 22 at 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend these meetings.
Jac Cuddy came before the selectmen to discuss what the Economic Council has been doing for the last 25 years to help area businesses. During the early years Steve Knox was part of the council. According to Jac Cuddy their board consists of 30 members with each local town having a representative along with 18 business members which include representatives from the school and hospital. Much of what the Economic Council does is to help businesses with funding. More than $5 million has helped fund local businesses over the last fifteen years. Another program offered is Boot Camp workshops that instruct businessmen with technical programs. A very popular program is their Eggs and Issues sessions. In May, Governor Hassan will be speaking there. These programs are all open to the public. George Epstein will again be moderating political debates with the next one at which Kelly Ayotte will speak. Tech Village is also run by the Economic Council. It has been operating for ten years. Albany’s Ed Alkalay has his law office at Tech Village and sent in a letter to the selectmen explaining why he values Tech Village. SCORE is housed in Tech Village. Here new businesses are mentored by Jac Cuddy. Selectman Hiland asked Jac Cuddy to lead a meeting of businessmen of Albany. The meeting has been tentatively scheduled for May 18.
Selectman Joe Ferris reported that the school board has signed a new five year bus contract. It is important that Albany parents know that for safety reasons bus drivers will return children to school if there is not a responsible adult waiting for them at their home bus stop. Then the parent will have to come to the school to pick up the student. This will also incur additional costs to the town. A notice regarding this ruling will be going out to parents.
There will be a Hazard Mitigation meeting on Thursday, April 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. held in the Planning Board Room at Town Hall. The more people that attend, the less it costs the town. Light refreshments will be served. If you have any questions, you can call Cathy Ryan at 447-6728.
Gibson Center: On Thursday after lunch stay and watch George LeBlanc’s slide show of his week in Yellowstone last January. Friday is Monte Carlos Night. The Center will pick you up at home if you call 356-3231. Buy your own “chips”, beverages and food at Hobb’s Tavern. On Sunday, April 24, there is a trip to Portland’s POP’s Concert featuring the music of John Williams. Supper is on your own at Sebago Brewery. The bus leaves at 11a.m. Call the number above for reservations.
Library: The Friends of the Library Book Sale will run all week. On Monday at 10:15 a.m. the Morning Book Group meets. At 1p.m. join Bracelet Making for Teens and at 2:30 p.m. there’s Money in Your Pocket: Teens. At 6 p.m. sit in on A Short Course on Islam for Non-Muslims. On Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. it’s Story Time for Twos. On Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. there’s Story Time for Wee Ones and at 4 p.m. join Advanced Robotics. At 6 p.m. the Financial Series #4: Women’s Retirement Outlook continues. Thursday at 10:30 a.m. it’s Story Time for Threes and Fours. At 2 p.m. watch the movie: Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens. Poetry contest submissions are due before the library closes on Friday (8 p.m.).
UNH Extension: Today at 10 a.m. at Berry Knoll Farm, 69 Old Portland Road, Eaton Center there will be a live pruning demonstration of Blues and Raspberries. There’s a suggested donation of $5 per person.
Stan and Dorothy Solomon spent the past weekend in New York attending various reunion events at their alma mater, Hunter College. At Dorothy’s high school event (Hunter College High School) there was a panel discussion on the upcoming New York presidential primary. The panel was made up of HCHS alums of which one was Chris Hayes of MSMBC. Though there was lots to see and enjoy, it was great getting back to New Hampshire where the pace is so much less stressful. They came home in time to get ready for a weekend visit from their son, Mitchell who is a movie producer in Los Angeles.
Now that the weather is much more springlike, let’s all get out and enjoy what we can. Have a great week!