It was a busy time in town this week. Though no one signed on to run for any School Board offices, the following people have signed up to run for other town offices: Cathy Ryan (Selectman 3 years), Kathleen Vizard (Town Clerk/Tax Collector 3 years), Curtis Coleman (Road Agent 3 years), Cathy Ryan (Cemetery Trustee 3 years), Kim Guptill (Trustee of Trust Funds 3 years). On Tuesday evening the School Board met for their Budget Hearing. There were four from the public there. As reported earlier, the budget is down this year. The tax rate for the Conway School District is based upon the formula of 65% for the number of students attending and 35% for our town’s assessed valuation. The total budget for this year is $1,317,948. We have approximately 15 fewer children attending this year and that is what has brought the budget down $217,137 from last year. Presently we have 2 special ed children attending school. Superintendent Carl Nelson suggested that $15,000 be added to the budget to cover the possibility of additional special education children entering during the school year and you will see that on the budget this year. The Wednesday Selectmen’s meeting was also a Budget Hearing. Here 14 of the public attended to go over the town budget. There were several “holds for questioning” on particular items in the budget. but the only change to the presented budget was to add $275 to MW Valley Economic Council line (total now $300). There was discussion about the proposed raise of $1000 for each of the selectmen. Selectmen thought it might draw more people to run for office. There were questions regarding the $25,000 rise in the cost of Fire/Rescue Service. It appears many ambulance charges are going unpaid and there is a need for more fire wardens. The total budget that will be presented at Town Meeting is $659,169 (Article 2 of the Warrant). Article 21 of the town warrant garnered the longest and most contentious discussion. It asks to appropriate $2500 to purchase audio/video equipment and WEB Site fees to record various board and town meetings. This was the only warrant article not recommended by the selectmen.
All town offices will be closed on Monday, February 16 in honor of President’s Day.
Tin Mountain: The center will be receiving $300,000 from the US Department of Agriculture’s National Resources Conservation Service and Regional Conservation Partnership Program distributed over the next five years. This grant will help local programs such as hiking, skiing, and other outdoor experiences and the wildlife corridors.
Gibson Center: The Center is closed on Monday for President’s Day. Tuesday is Mardi Gras. Chef Rick will prepare a special meal. Wear Mardi Gras colors: green, gold and purple or wear a mask (or both). There will be a parade and prizes. On Wednesday after lunch, Matthew from Collete Travel will present ideas for future Gibson trips. Please attend this program to help choose the next vacation destination. Thursday is Chinese New Year-year of the sheep. Red is a lucky color, so wear something red. The youth group from Journey Church will put on a concert and after lunch will work on a craft with those in attendance. Friday is Bring a Friend to Lunch.
Library: The library is closed Monday. Tuesday at 10:30 am it’s Story Time for 2 year olds and on Wednesday at 10:30 am it’s Story Time for Babies under Two. At 3:30 pm join the discussion of the Science of Snow. On Thursday at 10:30 am it’s Story Time for Threes and Fours and at 3:30 pm join the Robotics Class.
UNH Extension: Registration is underway for the summer youth programs at Barry Conservation Camp in Berlin. There are weekly, overnight summer camp programs for boys and girls ages 8-18. The camp is operated by UNH 4H and the NH Fish and Game Department. Call 788-4961 for further information. Registration is open for the 4H Bookmaking Program for youth who like to use their hands and want to explore their creativity through drawing, writing and more. There’s Bookmaking and Paper Decorating for 5-9 year olds on Wednesdays from 3 to 4 pm. For those 10 to 18 years old it’s Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6 pm. Space is limited so register early. Call Amanda Royce at 447-3834.
Kathy Vizard’s aunt Linnea Tolan died this week and services for her will be today at 11am at Our Lady of the Mountains Church followed by a Celebration of Life service at Albany Town Hall.
On February 4 Sara and Steve Knox attended the Raymond S. Burton Legacy Fund Dinner in Meredith at Church Landing. The event raised money for three charities: The Raymond S. Burton Public Service Scholarship at Plymouth State University, NH Community College Scholarship Fund, and the Raymond S. Burton Museum and Learning Center. Former US Representative Bill Zeliff was the co-chair and master of ceremonies.
Tomorrow, Ossipee Lake is holding a fishing derby and there will be a raffle for an afghan at the same time. Tickets are 5 for $10 drawn that day.
On February 25 at 6 pm White Mountain Community College will host a program called Life Interrupted at Fortier Library in Berlin. The program deals with mental and emotional disorders and the effects on the person and their families.
The Conservation Committee is seeking home made nesting birdhouses to place in Albany’s Town Forest. There are prizes of $30, $20, and $10 being awarded. Entries must be delivered to Town Hall by April 1.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Keep warm and keep well. Have a great week.