The selectmen interviewed two potential attorneys at their Wednesday meeting. Each were asked the same questions: How would they deal if there were with conflicts between clients, how many attorneys are there in their offices, what are their charges, will they be available to attend the annual town meeting? Peter Malia was the first to be interviewed. Though he is located in Maine, he is well versed in NH law. Locally he also represents Conway, Lincoln, Jackson, Chatham and the Kearsarge Lighting District. Should there be a conflict between Albany and another client he said he would step out. There are two full time attorneys in his office and one part-time attorney. His charge at this time is $185 per hour rising to $190 in 2017. At this time he will be able to attend the town meeting should there be a need. The other candidate, Paul Fitzgerald is not from this area. He was suggested by Rick Hiland who lived for many years in Bow. Attorney Fitzgerald represents several towns outside of this area. He’s had forty years experience as an attorney. He will, if asked, attend our town meeting. His office has one other attorney. His charge is $225 per hour for municipalities; for Albany he suggests it would be $200 for the first year and raised after that. Asked how he would deal with conflicts between selectmen and town boards, he said he would give the selectmen’s board priority over other town boards.
Cathy Ryan reported enjoying the Chamber dinner she attended. She met other valley selectmen and found the dinner interesting.
In light of the One Wheel Drive fire, Joe Ferris inquired about whether commercial businesses have been regularly inspected. This is a question to be brought up with Chief Solomon.
Selectmen want the townspeople to know that they will be available to the public on Election Day, November 8, for questions, comments, problems. Also, they are still in need of volunteers for several town boards. Stop by and see them as they will be there all day.
Remember the Albany Dinner at Darby Field Inn is November 5. Seating is limited so call 447-2181 and make your reservations as soon as possible. See you there!
Please remember the Albany Turkey Dinner is coming soon. Kathy will need lots of help. Please call her and volunteer.
Gibson Center: Join friends for the Currier Museum’s trip on November 9. The cost of $36 covers the museum, special exhibit admission and transportation. Bring a bag lunch to eat on the bus or buy your lunch at the museum. The bus leaves the Center at 9 a.m. and returns about 5:30 or 6 p.m.
Library: On October 31 at 4 p.m. children may come to the library in costume and choose a free book all evening while books are available. Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. it’s Story Time for Twos, and Wednesday it’s Story Time for Wee Ones. At 4 p.m. there’s robotics for 4-6 graders. At 6 p.m. join the Teen Writing Group. Thursday at 10:30 a.m. there’s Story Time for Threes and Fours and at 6 p.m. the Adult Coloring Group meets.
UNH Extension: The Extension offers some advice about saving money this winter. Every degree you lower your thermostat reduces fuel cost. A programmable thermostat can help. If no one is home, turn the heat down. Reduce your fuel cost by 10 percent or more by having your heating system professionally serviced. Consider replacing your heating system with a Energy Star heater if it is more than 15 years old. Seal air leaks around windows, doors, piping, lighting fixtures, fireplace dampers, attic hatches, bulkhead doors with caulking, weather stripping, insulation, and plastic film. Fireplaces should have dampers that seal tightly. Seal leaky ductwork. While sealing your home’s leaks, remember your home needs to “breathe”. Harmful flue gases and mold can accumulate in homes without adequate ventilation. A blower-door test is needed. Check out www.New Hampshire Saves for more information.
Angels and Elves will open November 2 next door to the Black Cap Restaurant. It’s time to think about helping kids enjoy Christmas.
Last Saturday the Mineral Club had their annual auction and showing of their wares at town hall. Beautiful jewelry, semi-precious stones were on display. Don’t miss it next year!
Carol Munroe’s two nieces from Massachusetts, Nicole Barriteau and Michelle Munroe, visited her recently and they all went to the Fryeburg Fair. Carol, Michelle and Nicole had such a good time they decided to make it a yearly tradition.
Bernadine Dubois fell and broke her elbow. It was operated on Tuesday and she spent the night at the hospital. Her daughter Diane came to stay with her for a while.
The cold weather has arrived. It’s even snowed. Get ready for winter. Have a great week!