From now until Friday, January 29 is the time to declare your candidacy for running for office in Albany. Come down to the Selectmen’s Office during business hours and put in your name for one the following positions.There are two Selectmen seats: a one year seat and a three year seat. The Moderator’s two year seat is open.Several trustee seats are open: a three year seat for Cemetery Trustee, a one year and a three year seat for Trustee of the Trust Fund. Also open is a six year seat for the Supervisor of the Checklist. For the School Board there’s a three year seat for a Board Member, a one year seat for School Board Moderator, a one year seat for School Board Clerk and a one year seat for School Board Treasurer.
Petitioned warrant articles to present at Town Meeting in March are due in the Selectmen’s Office by February 2.
Now for some very important events to put on your calendar. On Monday, February 1 at 7 p.m. there will be a public forum with our District 2 representatives: Susan Ticehurst and Mark McConkey and District 7 Representative Ed Butler. Ed Alkalay will moderate. Other District 1 town boards and commissions will be invited as well. This is your opportunity to see your representatives, hear them and ask them your questions. After all, it is the election season.
Tuesday, February 9 is a busy day. It is Primary Voting Day and the Albany School Board will hold its budget hearing that evening at 5:30 p.m. at town hall. More information regarding Primary Day hours will come later.
Following next week’s selectmen’s meeting there will be a work session on the budget. The meeting is open to town’s people, but since it is a work session there will be no public comments taken. On Wednesday, February 10 at 4 p.m. there will be a public hearing on the municipal budget. The snow date for this hearing is Thursday, February 11 at 4 p.m.
There was a discussion of the Guppy property at the selectmen’s meeting Wednesday. A warrant article regarding the taking of this property should the former owner not buy it back may be on the agenda at the March Town Meeting.
Kelly Robitaille reported on his discussion with Bill Edmunds of Valley Vision regarding video taping board meetings. He also has been in touch with Town Hall Streams regarding the videoing. At this time no decision has been made as to who will do the videoing. In the meanwhile, you can view the meetings by going to albanytownmeetings.com.
Waldorf School: Parents with infants and one year olds are invited on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to attend the Parent and Child Playgroup. For parents with children three months old to four years old the playgroups meet on Fridays at the same time. There are songs, story telling, healthy snacks, movement and classroom activities.
Gibson Center: On Monday after lunch it’s Fun Day. Join your friends for the afternoon. Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. there’s Tai Ji Quan (Moving for Better Balance). Call 356-3231 to register. Then at 10 there’s Mah Jong and then Wii at 10:30 a.m. After lunch Matt from Collette Travel will offer three slide shows: two of Iceland and one of Hawaii. These are potential Gibson trips. On Friday, January 29 board the bus at noon for an overnight at the Town & Country. There’s dinner, a skiers buffet, entertainment, and lodging. Call for more information. Also that day the Mt. Washington Painters Group meets from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and there’s dancing to Pat Davis’ music at 5 p.m.
Library: On Monday at at 10:15 a.m. the Morning Book Group meets and at 10:30 a.m. there’s a one hour AARP Driving Safety course focusing on safe driving techniques and advice for senior citizens. For more information call 447-5552. At 4 p.m. youth ages 10 and up are invited to bring their own Magic the Gathering Cards to play against opponents. Snacks will be provided. On Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. it’s Story Time for Twos and on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. it’s Story Time for Wee Ones with Tara. The Lego Club meets at 4 p.m. and Robotics meets at 4:30 p.m. At 6 p.m. there is Tech Assistance Night. On Thursday at 10:30 a.m. it’s Story Time for Three and Four Year Olds and at 11 a.m. there’s Yoga for Kids. At 6 p.m. the Chess Club meets.
With the February school break nearing and the slopes filled with snow, it looks like a good time to get out and enjoy the wonderful area we live in. Have a great week.