At the selectmenâs meeting on Wednesday it was learned that the auditor will be at Town Hall on December 2. Also, the yearly tax bills have gone out. The tax rate for this year (including the adjusted county tax rate) is $11.75 down from last yearâs $12.77. Given that the amount is lower, there was no need to dip into unexpended funds to further lower the tax. The lower amount is due primarily to fewer children attending school this year. However, according to Sara Knox, that will not hold for next year, as there are ten additional children already due for school at that time. It is also expected that there will be additional special education costs next year.
Cathy Ryan reported she met with the Hazard Mediation Emergency Management people. They made some adjustments to the plan on hand. They are expecting to meet again at 6 p.m. on January 11 which should enable more people to attend. For every attendee, there is a reduction of $25 from the $2000 Albany must put into the program. Cathy also reported on the Gibson Centerâs annual board meeting that was held on Tuesday. She is a board member there. (Stan and I, and of course, Sir Lancelot also attended this meeting.) Among the items discussed was that the federal government gave an excellent rating to the Center for the food that they prepare. There was also a discussion about the need for further funding for the Center. Money from government sources is tight and donations and legacy gifts are greatly appreciated.
She also explained that the billiard room has been redesigned to offer a comfortable location for a âfun dayâ for those who attend. This is a way of giving their caregivers a much needed respite. On another topic, she reported that the Planning Board is looking into a capital improvement plan for the town. Among the items on the list is the roof of the chapel, road work for Pasaconaway Road and a look into the fire departmentâs report.
On Monday, November 23 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. a representative from Senator Kelly Ayotteâs office will be at Albany Town Hall to meet with constituents in need of assistance. Anyone may bring a comment, question or discuss a particular area (assistance with Social Security, Medicare, the VA etc.).
Town offices will be closed at noon on Wednesday, November 25 and will remain closed Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27 for the Thanksgiving holidays.
Put December 12 on your calendar for the annual Albany Christmas Party. It will begin at 9:30 a.m. and go to noon. There will be games, crafts, activities, a book mobile, and story telling. Donât forget the picture with Santa! This party is open to all Albany citizens and their friends and relatives.
Waldorf School: The school has an ambitious goal of raising $60,000 in 60 days. Donations to WMWS are tax deductible and there are multiple ways you can help. go to www.whitemountainwaldorf.org/giving/60-in-60.html to learn how you can do your part.
Gibson Center: The Center is closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28. Sign up for upcoming trips by calling 356-3231. The next trip is to the Fox Run Mall on December 8. The cost is $20 with lunch on your own at Newickâs.
Library: Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. itâs Story Time for Wee Ones with Tara. At 4 p.m. thee Lego Club meets. On Wednesday at 10:30 am itâs Story Time for Preschoolers. The library closes at noon for the Thanksgiving holiday and remains closed for Thursday.
UNH Extension: Show Me Nutrition for third grade students at John Fuller Elementary School will be held on Monday November 30. The students will learn about how to make healthy food choices fun.
On Saturday, November 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be a craft fair at Great Glen Trails, 1 Mount Washington Auto Road, Gorham with more than thirty crafters exhibiting over three floors offering hand-made goods . Thereâs a bake sale, demonstrations and a raffle taking place in the Base Lodge.
Nick Carrier, Kathy Carrierâs son, shot an eight point buck on his very first deer hunting outing last week.
Richard Wales is in rehab at Mineral Springs. Best wishes for a quick recovery.
Bernadine Dubois took second place in a bowling contest in Maine. Good going!
Winter is coming, so while itâs still not freezing, get out and enjoy. Have a great week!