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Pelham~Windham News


Pelham~Windham News Volume 9 Number 19 November 18, 2011 16 Pages


Jaguars Notch Runner-Up Trophy in Second Season


Pelham VFW Post 10722 Honors Veterans


Windham running back Scott Priestley Jr. looks for an opening in the middle of the field


by Chris White Last Saturday’s Division 5 state title game in Dover marked the first finals appearance for the Windham High football team. The team is only in its’ second season competing at the varsity level. The Jaguars had earned the opportunity to play St. Thomas Aquinas for the championship with a thrilling


victory over Kearsarge in the semifinals the previous week. The Jags courageously challenged top-ranked and undefeated St. Thomas, but the Saints managed to hold off the Windham charge, 49-28.


continued to page 9- Jaguars Runner-Ups 2011 Tax Rate Set for Windham


by Barbara O’Brien The sole reason that the 2011 Windham Tax Rate is higher than it was last year is due to an increase on the school portion of the ledger. The new tax rate was set by the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) based on appropriations and any offsetting incoming revenue. The 2011 Windham Tax Rate was announced during the selectmen’s meeting on November 7. It was set by DRA officials on October 27. The overall hike in the tax rate for Windham for 2011is $1.10 above 2010. For 2011, the tax rate was set at $23.08 per $1,000 assessed property valuation. In 2010, the tax rate was set at $21.98. On property assessed for tax purposes at


$350,000, this means a total increase in taxes from last year of $385. While town officials were pleased to note that the town portion of the annual tax rate went down by 20 cents per $1,000 assessed property valuation, going from $3.99 in 2010 to $3.79 this year, the local school district portion of the tax rate climbed by $1.35 per $1,000 assessed property valuation. Assistant Town Administrator and Finance Director Dana Call said the town portion of the annual tax rate is “looking better than thought for a couple of reasons.” First, Call noted, there was a higher unreserved fund balance left at the


continued to page 6- Windham Tax Rate


WHS Hosts First Annual Lip Sync Contest


by Doug Robinson Students at Windham High School recently hosted their first Annual Lip Sync Contest. Originally established to raise food for the local food bank, the storms of October set those plans back. The Lip Sync Contest featured musicals acts from each grade which had to be performed in front of a panel of judges. Judges evaluated the acts on lyrics, choreography, appearance, and overall performance. The evening also involved “audience participation.” Members of the audience were selected to go on stage and perform Karaoke and Don’t Forget the Lyrics. In addition, members of the audience were selected to perform “Spontaneous Lip Sync” to the amusement of those in the audience. Teachers also participated with the students, dancing, singing, as well as playing “air guitar” and “air drums.” The winners of the first annual Lip Sync contest were the group, “Through the fire and Flames.” Complete with smoke confetti cannon, and “air guitars” and “air drums,” karate demonstration, and dancers, they smoked the competition.


Colby Putnam appears from the smoke as he plays his guitar Tyler Pelletier reaches out to lay the wreath at the Veterans Monument at Gibson Cemetery,


by Doug Robinson Members of Pelham’s VFW Post 10722 provided two Veteran Day’s memorial services on Veterans Day. At 9 a.m., they met at Pelham Memorial Veterans Park on Mammoth Road and then at 11 a.m. they met again at Gibson Cemetery on Marsh Road. In addition to the laying a wreath at both locations, VFW Chaplain


Fran Walsh offered prayers for those who have served. In addition, Post Commander Mark McCabe read two poems to those in attendance. He read Flanders Field and We Stood For Freedom. Pelham Cub Scouts have recently landscaped Veterans Park. “They


have taken out the overgrown bushes and have re-planted these wonderful shrubs. In addition, the Cub Scouts have re-landscaped the flower beds and have done a wonderful job,” commented Post Commander McCabe.


Flanders Field by John McCrae, May 1915


In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row,


That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.


We are the Dead. Short days ago


We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.


Take up our quarrel with the foe:


To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die


We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.


We Stood For Freedom by Roger Robicheau


We stood for freedom just like you And loved the flag you cherish too


Our uniforms felt great to wear You know the feel, and how you care


In step we marched, the cadence way The same is true with you today


Oh how we tried to do our best As you do now, from test to test


How young we were and proud to be Defenders of true liberty


So many thoughts bind soldiers well The facts may change, not how we jell


Each soldier past, and you now here Do share what will not disappear


One thought now comes, straight from my heart For soldiers home, who’ve done their part


I honored to have served with you May Godly peace, help get you through


And now I end with a request Do ponder this, while home at rest America, respect our day


Each veteran, helped freedom stay


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Physics Teacher Patrick Kaplo, Mr. Marsden, Cotton, and Colby Putnam accept their first place award


Mr. Kaplo puts on a fine performance as he plays his “air drums”


VFW Chaplain Fran Walsh (left) and Post Commander Mark McCabe stand at attention while the wreath is laid at the Veterans Monument.


Happy Thanksgiving!


Staff photos by Doug Robinson


Staff photos by Chris White Staff photos by Doug Robinson


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