An Independent Weekly Newspaper


Supported Through Advertisers


Pelham: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pelham Memorial School, 59 Marsh Road


Pelham~Windham News


TUESDAY


Windham: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Windham High School, 64 London Bridge Road


Volume 8 Number 15 October 29, 2010 20 Pages


Multiple Fire Departments Battle House Fire


submitted by Windham Fire Department On Tuesday morning at approximately 10:33 a.m.,


the Windham Fire Department responded to a reported building fire at 117 Indian Rock Road located behind the Citizens Bank building. First-arriving firefighters encountered heavy smoke conditions throughout the one-story home. Occupants of the home, who were home at the time the fire broke out, did manage to escape the home with no injuries. A second alarm was sounded for additional resources. Fire was visible from the roof of the home, as well as the back windows. At one point during the incident, the fire became so intense and thick with smoke that firefighters were ordered out of the structure until additional personnel arrived on scene. The home received extensive fire damage. No injuries to firefighters were reported. Departments from Derry, Salem, Pelham, Hudson, Hampstead, and Londonderry assisted at the scene while Londonderry and Nashua provided station coverage. The fire is currently under investigation by the Windham Fire Department.


A Pelham firefighter surveys the flames


Important Fire Safety Precautions to Keep in Mind


by Robyn Hatch The Stove Shoppe in Windham welcomed a press conference with fire safety officials to remind everyone to check their fire systems. According to statistics, many fires in late fall/ early winter are the result of faulty systems, unmaintained heaters, and chimney problems—all issues that can be prevented with review of the major components. Whether dealing with a stove – pellet heat or gas – these are some things residents can do to save lives. This is the time of year to check the heating systems. Have heating systems checked by qualified professionals to insure the system is really to operate safely. Also ask yourself if the fuel will be used efficiently. Heating unit fires are still the number-one cause of fires in New Hampshire.


According to the President of the New Hampshire Association of Fire Chiefs, Shawn Murray, heating fires are often the result of improper installations, use, or maintenance of supplemental home heating


appliances, such as wood stoves, coal stoves, and kerosene space heaters. Chief Murray warns that the use of these supplemental heating devices also increase the risk of dangerous accumulation of carbon monoxide in the home if not properly installed and maintained.


Degnan also advises that it is critical that every home has interconnected smoke alarms on each floor level and that every family should develop and practice a home fire escape plan. Smoke alarms need to be tested monthly, along with matches and lighters. The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office suggests the following safety tips to ensure a safe and happy house environment: Electric heaters should have automatic safety switches to turn them off if tipped over. Check all cords and if frayed or worn, do not use. Never use extension cords with portable heaters. Many kerosene heater-related fires are attributed to the misuse of


HOURS


Pelham & Windham Sunday, 5-8 p.m.


School


Superintendent Sets Goals for Next Year


by Barbara O’Brien Although the 2010-2011 school year is


still young, Superintendent Frank Bass has already begun formulating his goals for next year. Bass is the superintendent for SAU


#28, which includes both the Pelham and Windham School Districts. The 2011- 2012 school year would be Bass’ fourth year as superintendent for SAU #28. Bass presented his goals for next year,


jointly to the Pelham and Windham School Boards, on October 20.


In


addition to individual goals for Windham and Pelham, Bass also presented one general goal for the school administrative unit (SAU) itself. “My number-one priority is to increase


the efficiency and overall productivity of the SAU office,” Bass told Board members. “The SAU is the central office of both school districts,” he said, explaining that “it’s the job of the SAU office to calibrate everything that goes on in both.” Referring to the ongoing state of the


economy, Bass said, “The horizon going forward is not sunny. We need to find new ways to save money; better ways to get things done, to move these school districts to a higher level.” Bass explained that he wants to do an analysis of the productivity of the SAU office next year. Windham School Board Chairman


Bruce Anderson wanted to know if it would be possible to form a multi-school district consortium for bidding on large purchases or significant services. “We need to lump bids to save money and control costs,” he said. “We need to investigate cost-sharing.” Business Administrator Donna


Ken Maylor, State Marshall Bill Degnan, Deputy Ed Morgan, and Chief Tom McPherson


abuse of these devices. An automatic starter eliminates the


need for matches. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly. Refill the heater outside. Make sure the room is well ventilated, and make sure there is an open window in the room. Wood stoves and other wood- burning devices are popular heating systems. Always have it installed by a professional. Keep a tight- fitting screen or glass door in front of the stove or fireplace at all times. Dispose of ashes in metal containers, and never use paper bags or wastebaskets. Ashes can retain enough heat to cause a fire for several days.


Ken Maylor shows fuel pellets Displays showing the proper way to burn Cub Scouts Host Pancake Breakfast


by Doug Robinson Windham Cub Scout Pack 263 recently hosted a pancake breakfast at St. Matthews Church in Windham. The annual event raises over $9,000 to support the ongoing efforts of Pack 263. Pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee, and milk were the taste of the town, as Scouts served the meal,


cleaned tables, and prepared the eating utensils. Thanks to the generous donations from the


Windham community, Pack 263 was able to keep costs down during the fundraiser. Over 60 Scouts participate in Pack 263, and they meet weekly at the Center School in Windham.


We’ve Worked To:


 Balance the budget with minimized harm to services


 Pass the WARN Act requiring advance notice of layoffs


 Pass the New Hampshire Working jobs initiative to avoid layoffs, put the unemployed back to work, and provide training for new job skills


 Strengthen environmental protections by increasing penalties for oil spills, water pollution, and safe drinking water violations


With Governor John Lynch, We’ll Continue to:


 Make our economy stronger  Put working people back to work


 Lower property taxes without a sales or income tax


 Fight for the health and safety of NH families


We Care About People and Families


Combined, we have contributed over 30 years of volunteer and elected service. We value and respect the people and families of District 27.


F.A. John Knowles


Cub Scouts Zack, Ethan and John serve up hefty plates of food for all those who visited their food line


If anything does not seem right, call the fire department from a nearby phone immediately.


Clairmont said that there are some school district consortiums already existing in New Hampshire. Plans are to find out more about these entities and analyze the benefits and drawbacks of those systems. Items that were listed as possibly being


put out to bid with other school districts include:


fuel oil, school bus contracts, paper, landscaping, and book orders. In


addition to joining in with other school districts in the bidding process, it was also suggested that area towns be invited to participate. As for Bass’ goals for the Pelham


School Board, he listed: • To establish a long-range strategic planning cycle for the Pelham School District; • To improve the educational programming of the Pelham School District in order to increase rigor and maintain high standards from kindergarten through 12th grade; • To address the long-term facility needs of the Pelham School District; • To increase communication/public relations between the Pelham School District and the surrounding community. Bass’ goals for next year for the


Windham School Board include the following: • To present and establish a strategic master plan and a facilities master plan; • To develop a collaborative communication plan to inform our community, students, parents, and teachers on the progress toward goals, positive examples of student achievement, program offerings, and fiscal reporting; • To set high standards for 21st century curriculum, instruction, and professional development procedures; • To make decisions that give value to taxpayers, concerning budget, innovative ideas, cost-sharing, partnerships, and that will also garner community support; • To continue to expand opportunities for both students and staff by supporting creative ideas and programs aimed at “outside-the-box” solutions that promote a positive learning environment and success for students. Originally, Windham School Board


Chairman Bruce Anderson scheduled the airing of Dr. Bass’ goals for a non-public session. Due to a request from Pelham School Board member Linda Mahoney, however, Bass’ goals for the 2011-2012 school year were held in public session.


ECRWSS


PRESORTED STANDARD


U.S. POSTAGE PAID


HUDSON, NH 03051


PERMIT NO. 33 Postal Customer


staff photos by Robyn Hatch


staff photos by Doug Robinson


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20