Hudson - Litchfield News January 28, 2011 - 3


The Word Around Town... Letters to our Editor


Quality Education for Our Children


My parents always said that they wanted me


to have more than they did. Like you, I want the same for my children. But in these tough economic times, many of us question whether that dream will become a reality. Ironically, it is when times are tough that I am most proud to be from New Hampshire. We are known for paying our bills, stretching a dollar, and taking care of our own. However, I was not particularly proud when I read an unsigned comment referring to our School Board members as “bums.” Our economic circumstances may have changed, but our principles have not. In times of both strength and uncertainly, we


know that the best way to advance our community is through the education of our youth. It is our responsibility to do everything in our power to ensure that our children receive a quality education that includes core curricula, as well as instruction in health, technology, music, and the arts. Hudson maintains these programs while spending less money per student than any other community in the state, relying on the dedication of parents, teachers, volunteers, coaches, and administrators.


Education is not just a budget; it is a process that calls all of us to be involved. As we slash dollars and tighten belts, our priorities should remain the safety and education of our youth and valuing those who teach them. It is only then that we can hope to create a better life for our children than we have today.


Amy C. Sousa - Hudson Running for School Board


My name is Patricia D’Alleva and I am announcing my candidacy for the Litchfield School Board. I will work to see that the interests of the


taxpayers and students are our top priorities. The spending reductions that the School Board is finally implementing should have happened before the state cut $2 million in funding to Litchfield schools—a cut that the School Board knew the state would impose. Taxpayers here in town could have benefited from the savings, thus reducing stress on families before the economy worsened. I believe that a fresh set of eyes is essential in order for all of us to refocus and prevent the unnecessary spending that occurs. The School Board needs someone who will consistently ask the hard questions “Why?” “What is the purpose for the program we’ve been paying for?” and “Is the program meeting its objective?” Litchfield is a wonderful community and I know


that when we begin to work together, we will get through these trying times and come out of it with


a leaner, superior school system. All across the country, we have been witnessing that the status quo in government is no longer acceptable. I’m just a regular person who has decided that it’s time to stop griping and to start doing something about it.


I ask for your vote on Election Day, March 8. Patricia D’Alleva - Litchfield


GMS to Lose its Assistant Principal


Over the last few weeks, I’ve spoken to many parents of the situation at Griffin Memorial School (GMS). To my surprise, many were not aware that due to the budget cuts next year, GMS will be losing its assistant principal (AP). There was a time when all three schools were going to be without an AP. However, now it’s only GMS that will be without. It was deemed that even though GMS has the most students, this AP position would be the only one cut. Some have argued that because the kids are younger, the troubles are less difficult for the staff to handle. I respectfully disagree. Isn’t it better to handle situations while they are “smaller” than to let them grow? I spend a lot of time volunteering at GMS and


I can tell you without a doubt that the AP position is not a luxury at GMS. I’ve also spoken to many of the staff (teachers and administrative) and all are in agreement that it would be detrimental to the quality of education to our elementary-aged children to lose the assistant principal. Some have indicated that the position can be covered by teachers in the school who are AP-certified. Again, I respectfully disagree. Although I have no doubt these individuals could do the work, this would cause much disruption to the children in the teacher’s class. Think about it: something happens that requires the teacher to act as AP. She must get someone to cover her class, catch that teacher up to what’s going on, and that replacement must then get the class back in order and continue with what was going on. Then, the acting AP must be caught up to what the situation is and take action. Then, once everything is taken care of, she returns to her class and tries to re- establish the routine and get back to teaching. This is far from an ideal situation.


I do understand that difficult decisions have had to be made due to the loss of funds and I don’t envy the School Board’s situation. However, I think that the AP position is too important to cut. With over 2,500 households in Litchfield, that’s approximately $35 per household to maintain the position, which costs the town $95,000/year for salary and benefits. Isn’t it worth skipping Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts for a few weeks or dining out one evening to maintain the integrity and the quality of our school? Talk to people why they move to Litchfield and the school system is always at the top of the list. Shouldn’t we


make sure that we maintain this appeal for future homebuyers? To support the assistant principal position and to request it be re-entered on the budget, please go to the upcoming deliberative session taking place on Saturday, February 5. The more parents and Litchfield citizens are present to support the AP position, the better the chances are that it will be put back in the budget. Support GMS, our town, and our children. Let the School Board know that we want GMS to have its assistant principal.


Nathalie Hirte - Litchfield


Gratitude for Officer Lamarche On Thursday, the 20th of


January, our daughter Nicole rear-ended another car on Dracut Road. Officer Lamarche responded to the scene and handled all the necessary police duties. Marie and I were truly impressed with his balance of professionalism and compassion in dealing with all of the people involved. Even when it came time for the less pleasant things (Nicole received a ticket), he took the time to properly explain all the facts, including why she was getting the ticket, and did it in a caring way so as to not make her feel any worse.


Poor Condition of Chimney is Probable Cause of Fire submitted by Steve Dube, Fire Prevention Officer, Hudson Fire Department


On Monday, January 24, at 2:12 a.m., fire crews from the Burns Hill station responded to a call from a homeowner on Parkhurst Drive. First arriving was Engine 4 under the command of Lieutenant Jim Paquette, who found smoke inside of a two- and-a-half-story, wood-framed, split-level dwelling. Next arriving was Engine 2 under the command of Captain Todd Hansen, who then assumed command. Firefighters found heavy smoke banked down to the floor with no visible fire in a bedroom. After about 13 minutes, the companies inside the building found fire within the walls above a basement fireplace that had extended into the interior walls of the structure. The fire was extinguished and no extension was found beyond the basement ceiling bay, where the fire started. The fire started in the basement in the firebox of a masonry chimney and below the smoke shelf. There appears to be either missing fire bricks at the metal lintel or


603-432-5010


bricks that had fallen out of the firebox prior to the new owners using the fireplace. There was direct connection between the firebox and combustible wood framing for the home that was exposed to direct fire and flame contact that the owner was not aware of. A fire was started in the fireplace due to the conditions outside and the home has only electric heat. The wall framing became involved in fire and when the firefighters exposed the area, the fire continued to grow in the area above the firebox until the Hudson fire companies extinguished the fire. Fire damage


was confined to 33 Indian Rock Rd. (Rte 111) │ Windham, NH 03087


the combustible construction above the fireplace and into the bedroom above. Firefighters opened up an adjacent room’s wall to check for fire extension and found that the fire did not progress beyond the bay above the basement’s fire box.


That’s a wonderful quality for a police officer to have. It was a big relief to us to have so many friendly, helpful folks at the scene. All the officers and the firefighters were cheerful and professional. In addition to Officer Lamarche, many of the other responders took a moment to check on everyone involved, including teasing Nicole about sharing her hot chocolate. We’re really happy to be part of such a wonderful, caring community.


Jerry and Marie Mayotte - Hudson


CECILES CAFE at Serving full breakfast menu


including delicious omelettes, egg breakfast, tasty french toast, and pancakes!


Senior Citizen Discount 10%


Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 7am to 1pm Fresh Baked Goods & Weekly Specials!


17 Morgan Road, Litchfield, NH 603.262.9272 www.hiddencreekgolfnh.com


Dependable, Professional, Dentistry Here for you when YOU need care!


Your smile is one of the first things people notice. If you want a beautiful healthy smile and exceptional dental health, visit Columbus Dental Care where Drs. Joe and Dori's caring team strive to provide patients in Hudson the highest quality, most comfortable dental care in a relaxing, state-of-the-art environment. Columbus Dental Care can give you the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve with advanced restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Local, dependable care for you and your family!


High Tech Dentistry for


Your Beautiful Smile • Laser Tooth Preparation • One Visit Crowns • Digital X-Rays


• New 3D Digital Panoramic X-Ray


Part time and full time openings *Snow date Wednesday March 2nd from 6:30-8pm


Infant, Toddler, Preschool & Pre-kindergarten Programs


An exceptional


developmental program with experienced staff


Dr. Joseph V. Columbus Dr. Dori Lang Columbus


Open7-6 Mon-Fri


DISCOVER A WHOLE NEW WORLD OF DENTAL CARING BROOK PLAZA • 30 LOWELL ROAD HUDSON • NH


Little Extras:


• DVD/CD Players in Treatment Rooms • Headphones • Refreshments • Outside Financing Information Avail. • Courtesy Insurance Processing


Orthodontics for all ages!


Replace Missing Teeth! Dr. Dori Columbus is now accepting


patients for phase I (early treatment) and phase II orthodontics.


Call now for your orthodontic consultation!


Many adults are looking for relief from ill fitting dentures or missing teeth.Dental Implants could be the solution.


Call Dr. Joe Columbus for your Implant Consultation.


COLUMBUS DENTAL CARE, P.L.L.C. www.Columbus-Dental.com 882-9955


JP Kids & Company Open House


Thursday February 17th from 6:30-8:00pm*


Combined Over 30 Years of Experience


We accept


CareCredit as a payment option.


PERMIT # CCCB-06357


Easy


Highway Access!


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