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Pelham~Windham News


Pelham~Windham News Volume 8 Number 34 March 18, 2011 20 Pages


Firearms Donated to Police Department


by Barbara O’Brien A number of firearms that were in the possession of the


Windham Police Department for safekeeping have recently been donated to the department for training purposes. Windham Police Chief Gerald Wilson said that the six firearms had already been locked up at the police station for several years when the family that owned them decided they did not want them back again. Included in the collection are four handguns, including a Magnum-380, a Colt-45, and two 22-caliber weapons, plus a 30/30 rifle and a double-barreled shotgun.


Lewis said the weapons would be used to help familiarize police officers with a wider variety of firearms than those to which they might generally be accustomed. “The donation will also help to offset costs for the police department and taxpayers,” he said. Selectmen voted 4 to 0 to accept the donation of the six firearms. Voting in favor were Charles McMahon, Roger Hohenberger, Ross McLeod, and Bruce Breton. Selectman Galen Stearns did not attend the March 7 meeting where the vote was taken.


Both Lewis and the selectmen expressed their appreciation to the family that donated the firearms for their generosity.


Water Levels Being Monitored


by Barbara O’Brien Although there had been no major flooding in Windham


by press time, Fire Chief Tom McPherson reported that water levels are being monitored. “The State is concerned about the warming trend and the resultant snow melt, McPherson explained. The threat of spring flooding is higher this year due to the above-average amount of snowfall during January and February.


During the first week of March, McPherson said fire department personnel had pumped about a half-dozen very wet basements in Windham. He urges residents to call the fire department for assistance if the water level in the cellar gets above six to eight inches in depth or threatens appliances such as water heaters or furnaces.


McPherson also said that the State of New Hampshire Department of Transportation (DOT) has some concerns about the detention pond located near the site of the old Dunkin’ Donuts on Route 111 near Exit 3 or Route 93. This is the area where the DOT is currently working on the widening of Interstate 93. There was no intrusion of water on the roadway, however,


following the latest rainstorm, McPherson reported. The closest the water got to the road was about a foot and a half. But as a precaution, standing water in the area was tested, with all of the test results being within “the acceptable range,” he said. This particular area of Windham will continue to be monitored for water problems, McPherson said.


Cap Placed on


Increase for Workers’ Comp Insurance


by Barbara O’Brien Although rates might increase for Workers’ Compensation


Insurance during the next three years, the possible increase has now been capped, thanks to the action of Windham selectmen.


On the recommendation of Town Administrator David


Sullivan, the majority of selectmen voted to extend the contract with the New Hampshire Public Risk Management Exchange (PRIMEX) for five years. By doing so, PRIMEX guarantees that the rate increase for Workers’ Comp will not exceed 8 percent per year for the next three years. “It could be less,” Sullivan said, “but it can’t be any more.” Founded in 1979, the New Hampshire PRIMEX is a public entity risk pool organized and operating as a trust on behalf of member municipalities, schools, counties and other governmental entities. They offer a wide variety of risk management and financing services, ranging from a highly rated workers’ compensation program to an unemployment compensation program, property and liability coverage, as well as a comprehensive health program. Sullivan explained that Windham was offered the cap on a possible rate hike for Workers’ Compensation because of the town’s longevity as a PRIMEX participant, as well as its employees’ good performance over the years. “I feel it’s the best deal” out there, Sullivan told selectmen. Selectmen voted 3 to 1 to extend the PRIMEX Workers’ Compensation agreement. Voting in favor were Charles McMahon, Ross McLeod, and Roger Hohenberger. Selectman Galen Stearns did not attend the March 7 meeting where the vote was tallied. Only Selectman Bruce Breton voted against the extended contract, saying that he feels the extension “ties our hands” in coming up with other options for Workers’ Comp Insurance.


Pack 25 Holds Annual Pinewood Derby


Te Champion U12 Manchester Lady Hurricanes: First row: Gabby Willet, Shannon Paquette, Brittany DeCosmo, Allison Beaudette, Maggie Fifield, Taylor Dudek, Lauren Calnan. Jillian Valcourt. Second row: Danielle Dalton, Ashlyn Brown, Kristen Perras, Shannon Lambert, Rosie Melanson, Jocelyn Bessette, Emma Wallet. Not shown in picture are Coaches Jeff Valcourt, Gordon Garrion, Crystal Parent, Head Coach Glen Fifield, and Ken Lambert


by Karen Plumley Pelham resident Danielle Dalton, now 12, had never strapped on a pair of ice skates when she made the decision to play hockey at the tender age of 9. Her parents enrolled her in a learn-to-skate program at


the Icenter in Salem, where she not only discovered her true passion, but the innate talent to back it up.


At the beginning of her second year on the developmental team, Danielle’s


family met Amy Cohen, coach for the Lady Hurricanes out of Manchester. Cohen recognized Danielle’s fire and suggested she try out for the U12 team. In March continued to page 9- Danielle Dalton


Oranges, Oranges Everywhere!


submitted by Windham Girl Scouts Have you seen all the oranges? Stop by the Nesmith Library and take a look—the oranges are “decorating” the trees out front in hopes to save some birds the trouble of looking for food this late winter. The earth-friendly birdfeeders were made by some members of Windham Girl Scout Junior Troops 10118 and 10471, who worked diligently to make the birdfeeders as part of their Operation Snowflake Award. The girls have learned about hypothermia and frostbite, the proper way to dress for cold weather, explored the outdoors in winter, and experimented with making crystals to make up the bulk of the award. The final part was to complete a winter service project. The Junior Scouts decided to dedicate their service “to the birds this winter.” They did research into New Hampshire birds (see our poster hanging outside the library door) and made the earth-friendly birdfeeders to help the birds feed while they are waiting for spring.


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Front row: Alicia M. and Skylar H. (Troop 10471) along with Daisy helper Erin K. (Troop 12222). Back row: Alexia R., Rachel K., Samantha G., Kaitlyn F., and Taylor K. (Troop 10118)


Pelham Hockey Player Skates Her Way to Victory


Pinewood Derby Winners: first place, Simeon Frechette; second place, Andrew Strout; and third place, Peter Alberghetti


submitted by Deb Zimmerman Pelham’s Cub Scout Pack 25


held their annual Pinewood Derby last month at Pelham Elementary School. Cub Scouts sanded, painted, decorated, and assembled a block of pine wood into a small car. Car designs were varied, but at the end of the day, speed was the main goal. The cars were raced against each other four at a time on a track. The Elementary School Cafeteria was filled with cheers, moans, and applause as Cub Master Randy Cook announced the participants and winners. Winners were: first place, Simeon Frechette; second place, Andrew Strout; and


third place, Peter Alberghetti. Parents were also invited to


participate in a separate race. The winner of the race was Steve Alborghett for the second year in a row! The event was a lot of fun. A special


thanks to Brando’s Pizza, who donated a portion of the pizza. Also, special thanks to the Keleshien family, who donated and staffed the cotton candy treats whose proceeds will go towards a greatly needed, new derby track. If your son is interested in Cub


Scouting, visit our Website at www. pelhamweb.org/pack25.


Photo-finish race


photo courtesy of the Dalton family


courtesy photo


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