A news round-up from the Town of Henniker, NH |
Saturday November 14, 2020 |
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Over the course of 2020, we have experienced a monumental escalation in tension throughout our nation, which has inevitably filtered into our cities and towns. While Henniker has weathered these storms better than most, we have not been immune to it.
Fortunately Henniker, like many towns across New Hampshire are based more on community principles, and less on party affiliation. Our shared values of compassion, practicality, benevolence, and equality of opportunity transcend political ideologies and created the town that we have today and will also be the values that guide us into the future. In light of that, regardless of the election's result, many of our neighbors and friends will be disappointed. Continuing to focus as a town on those aforementioned shared values will ensure that we have the ability to look at the coming months as an opportunity to bring us together versus dividing us further.
Within this context, I am writing today to communicate two important points. First, the way our public officials govern and the way your employees and staff approach their jobs, is blind whether you voted Democrat, Republican, or did not vote at all. As Town Administrator, I have a truly blessed opportunity to see this play out on a daily basis so it can be said with the utmost confidence. Nevertheless, I believe that public officials have a role to play in the healing and de-escalation that will need to happen in our communities if we transcend our current state of affairs. I want to assure you that we will approach this, as Abraham Lincoln stated, "With malice towards none, and charity for all."
Second, the election results are going to lead some to experience disappointment, grief, despair, perhaps anger, while others will feel vindicated. Many of those same people are going to feel tempted to blame. Its naturally occurring human reaction, heightened by the social climate of today.
If you find yourself tempted to go down that path, I want to ask you all to please take a moment and remember not only who we were before this pandemic hit but who we will eventually be again. While you may feel like lashing out, at the end of the day, those that you malign are still just going to be your fellow residents and friends. Eventually, you are going to see them at a neighborhood get together or at your kids' games. They could be the owner of a business that you frequent, which greatly contributes to our town. They may be members of the same congregation or community organization. Once things are said, you can't unring many of those bells, despite your more sincere apologies. Pause and restraint, especially over the next few weeks, will serve us all well.
Remember that even though it feels like a lifetime, our world was upended only nine months ago. Prior to that, we were doing very well and poised to accomplish some great things as a town. We have the opportunity to get to that place again, only this time it's going to take a little more work. We shouldn't shy away from it.
Joe
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1st Annual
Henniker's Lights, Sights, Holiday Nights Decorating Contest
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Registration is open!
Deadline for entries is Monday, December 14th
Judging will take place Tuesday December 15th through Sunday December 20th from 4:30pm to 10:00pm (Don't forget to turn your lights on!)
All contest winners will be announced on Monday December 21st. One winner will be chosen and recognized from each category above. If you enter the contest your address will be published so the community can view your display.
Questions may be directed to Town Administrator Joe Devine (603)428-3221 or [email protected]
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GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 3, 2020 RESULTS |
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Since we are talking about the election. We wanted to share the following numbers from the Henniker election.
- 271 - People registered at the polls
- 1989 - Ballots cast in person
- 751 - Ballots cast by absentee
- 2,740 - Total Ballots cast in Henniker out of 4450 registered voters
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TOWN OF HENNIKER UPDATE ON COVID 19
A few basic tips on Covid-19 pandemic hygiene:
- Continue to wear a mask, wash hands frequently, and maintain physical distancing of six feet or more;
- Avoid large gatherings;
- Limit your close contacts. A close contact is defined as someone who was within six feet of an infected person for at least 10 minutes starting from two days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic cases, two days prior to positive specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. Reducing close contacts decreases the likelihood of contracting COVID-19;
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If you are in quarantine, follow the rules and stay in quarantine.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, fatigue, chills, muscle aches, loss of taste and smell and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. For more about the symptoms of COVID-19, go to CDC COVID-19 FAQs.
COVID-19 IS ON THE RISE IN NH
On Thursday, November 12, 2020, NH Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS) announced 323 new positive test results for COVID-19 in NH, for a daily PCR test positivity rate of 2.6%. There are now 2,528 current COVID-19 cases diagnosed in NH. The NH DHHS web site analytics were unfortunately off line for repairs on Friday.
Covid-19 cases across NH continue to rise and NEC/Henniker is no exception. On 11/9, NEC listed 7 positive Covid-19 test for the Henniker campus.
NEC positive test result data is reported to NH DHHS, and the state allocates cases to the appropriate community (not all persons who test positive as part of the NEC comprehensive testing protocol are actually living in Henniker).
NEC has proactively sent out messages to the NEC community urging proactive measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.
The virus is clearly spreading in NH and within our community -- and in-person, close contact is the vector for transmission.
Looking ahead, traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends are fun but can significantly increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19.
The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household. If you do plan to spend Thanksgiving with people outside your household, take steps recommended by the CDC to make your celebration safer HERE.
UPDATE FROM NEC ON COVID-19
At New England College, we are fortunate to be located in New Hampshire where the virus has not been as widespread or devastating as it has in other places around the country. Because of our location, small class sizes, and the efforts by our faculty and staff to ensure the safety of our students, New England College is open for in-person living and learning.
But we must be vigilant. As faculty and staff begin to work with students, it is imperative that we are made aware of any COVID-related symptoms that students may disclose to you. When this occurs, please follow the steps, below, immediately. Please keep this information confidential.
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Email [email protected] with the student’s name and cell phone number.
- Indicate to the student to call the Wellness Center 603-428-2253 (Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00). If after hours or on the weekend, please call Campus Safety 603-428-2323.
- Tell the student to remain in their residence until contacted by someone on the COVID Rapid Response Team.
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November 14, 2020 – Select Board and Budget Advisory Committee Meeting
November 17, 2020 – Select Board Meeting
November 18, 2020 - Tucker Free Library Trustees Meeting
November 18, 2020 – Zoning Board of Adjustment
November 19, 2020 – Capital Improvement Program Meeting
November 20, 2020 – Building Code Working Group
December 1, 2020 – Select Board Meeting
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ROADS & THE RIGHT-OF-WAY
Obstructions in the Town's right-of-way are not permitted. Plantings, mulch, trees, rocks, and decorative pavers ARE NOT PERMITTED. These structures of any size obstruct drainage from the roadway and cause other road problems. The high amounts of winter snow will cause added drainage and runoff issues this spring. Please help keep the ROW area clear.
RSA 236:15 states that any building, structure or fence within or over any highway is a public nuisance. Please do not place any such items in the right-of-way as they are subject to being removed by the Highway Department. In general, the Town right of way is 13 feet on either edge of the paved surface. If you have any questions, please contact Road Agent Leo Aucoin at 428-2700.
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Winter Overnight Parking Band
November 1st to April 15th
No person shall park or leave standing any motor vehicle on any public street or highway from November 1 to April 15 of each year, between the hours 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m
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Happy 252nd Birthday Henniker!!! |
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Henniker was incorporated on November 10, 1768 |
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These are just some of the people who helped make Election 2020 a success. We can’t thank everyone who contributed enough!! If I forget anyone I apologize but I need to thank our Select Board, Moderator, Town Clerk, Supervisors of the Checklist, Ballot Clerks, town employees (Transfer Station, Town Clerk's office, HPD, Town Hall Staff) the volunteers, and the staff from SAU 24 thank you all all for your dedication and service to our community. |
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THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
All Town offices will be closed from 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 25 through Friday, Nov. 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Transfer Station is also closed on Thanksgiving day.
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Thanksgiving Celebrations During Covid-19
Thanksgiving is a time when many families travel long distances to celebrate together. CDC offers the following considerations to help protect individuals and their families, friends, and communities from COVID-19. There are several factors that contribute to the risk of getting infected or infecting others with the virus that causes COVID-19 at a holiday celebration. In combination, these factors will create various amounts of risk, so it is important to consider them individually and together:
• Community levels of COVID-19 – Higher levels of COVID-19 cases and community spread in the gathering location, as well as where attendees are coming from, increase the risk of infection and spread among attendees. Family and friends should consider the number and rate of COVID-19 cases in their community and in the community where they plan to celebrate when considering whether to host or attend a holiday celebration. Information on the number of cases in NH can be found at https://www.nh.gov/covid19/
• The number of people at the gathering – Gatherings with more people pose more risk than gatherings with fewer people. CDC does not have a limit or recommend a specific number of attendees for gatherings. The size of a holiday gathering should be determined based on the ability to reduce or limit contact between attendees, the risk of spread between attendees, and state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations.
• The locations attendees are traveling from – Gatherings with attendees who are traveling from different places pose a higher risk than gatherings with attendees who live in the same area.
Lower risk activities:
• Having a small dinner with only people who live in your household
• Preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others • Having a virtual dinner and sharing recipes with friends and family
• Shopping online rather than in person on the day after Thanksgiving or the next Monday • Watching sports events, parades, and movies from home
Moderate risk activities:
• Having a small outdoor dinner with family and friends who live in your community
• Lower your risk by following CDC’s recommendations on hosting gatherings or cook-outs.
• Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing
• Attending a small outdoor sports events with safety precautions in place
Higher risk activities: Avoid these higher risk activities to help prevent the spread of the virus:
• Going shopping in crowded stores just before, on, or after Thanksgiving
• Participating or being a spectator at a crowded race
• Attending crowded parades
• Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household
People who should not attend in-person holiday celebrations:
People with or exposed to COVID-19:
Do not host or participate in any in-person festivities if you or anyone in your household
• Has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and has not met the criteria for when it is safe to be around others
• Has symptoms of COVID-19
• Is waiting for COVID-19 viral test results
• May have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
People at increased risk for severe illness:
If you are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, or live or work with someone at increased risk of severe illness, you should
• Avoid in-person gatherings with people who do not live in your household.
• Avoid larger gatherings and consider attending activities that pose lower risk (as described throughout this page) if you decide to attend an in-person gathering with people who do not live in your household.
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DID YOU KNOW?
You can compost your pumpkins and all of your Thanksgiving food items. This includes turkey innards, bones and all. You can bring all of these items to the transfer station and put them in the compost bins available.
Pumpkins will not need to be put in compostable bags. However, all other smaller items will need to be disposed of in compostable bags, which can be bought at Hannaford supermarkets and online.
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WHEN YOU VISIT AN INDEPENDENT LOCAL BUSINESS...
- You keep more money in your local economy
- You celebrate the uniqueness of your community
- You support local jobs
- You help the environment
- You encourage community
- You conserve your tax dollars
- You benefit from our expertise
- You invest in entrepreneurship
- You make this community a destination
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Update from Tucker Free Library!!!
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Town Clerk & Tax Collector
Will be closed on Wednesday November 18, 2020
from 8:00am - 12:00pm
They will be open after 12:00pm for the remainder of the day
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Share your photos in the 2020 Henniker Annual Town Report
Submit your photos of Henniker town events, buildings, scenery, animals, etc. to be included in the town’s annual report or web site with a photo credit. No hard copies or watermarks. Forward photos and questions to Jean via email
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The Month of November
The month of November brings to mind gardener’s pumpkins, squash, and the start of the winter root vegetables. Also, with November, we think of other traditional Thanksgiving food that gardeners may have grown and use in these meals, such as potatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs such as rosemary, tarragon, parsley, thyme or coriander. While the Thanksgiving food array can be enhanced by aspects of a gardener’s bounty, did you know there are many other days in November for gardeners to celebrate?
We start with November 1, National Vinegar Day. And what does vinegar have to do with gardening? Try putting a few sprigs of tarragon in a clean jar of white vinegar and let that flavor enhance your vinegar, which you can use in salad dressing or other uses you may want to try. (Your own tarragon sour cream on a real baked potato is a great way to enjoy a delectable fall lunch.) November 6, National Nachos Day means you can show off your own tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, onions and maybe even corn, as you make your own salsa for this festive popular treat. No longer a snack food, a plate of nachos can be a healthy meal on a its own, with a protein, lettuce and portion of dairy on top your vegetables and herbs will be memorable as the Star Salsa on the plate.
November 14 is shared by Pickle Day and Spicy Guacamole Day, so your cukes and dill seeds are features along with the items you may have grown already showcased on Nacho Day.
November 18, National Vichyssoise Day, is your chance to go traditional and serve this soup chilled, or go with an autumn feel and serve it hot. Either way, gardeners are proud to serve this soup, gourmet quality, from their own potatoes and leeks. Pureed and with cream, it’s not so difficult as the name and lore may have it. Digging your own potatoes and leeks is rewarding and there’s a lot of research about the benefits of having your hands in direct contact with earth, dirt, soil, whatever you want to call the black gold supporting healthy gardens!
November 22, National Cranberry Day, may break from plants gardeners in our area have grown themselves, but we include this here, since the cranberry is iconic for November, and is native to North America.
November 24, marks National Maize Day. As an ancient grain, maize has evolved and is a staple as corn, corn flour and corn starch in so many foods. Maize is of historical significance and there are so many ways we include maize and its relatives in our diets now. Growing your own popcorn is rewarding, and brings back the authentic popcorn flavor that may not be present in the grab-a-microwave bag of popcorn. Check out heirloom corn varieties at local farmer’s markets if you haven’t grown any type of corn yourself, and do try and grown corn for popping corn next year. Winter is “Seed Catalog Time” so get on a few mailing lists and see what you come up with.
We must add November 30 to this list, which is National Mason Jar Day! Why mason jars? You might first think of canning, and freezing meals you have made using plants you have grown, and you may be seeing a shortage of available canning jars nowadays. With gardeners growing more food now, as they did during the Victory Garden Days, canning and freezing are gaining momentum to preserve the gardeners’ diligence and hard work. Mason jars were patented by John Landis Mason, a tinsmith from NJ, with patent #22186 in 1987, he stated these were an improvement on screwneck bottles. Mason jars have gained visibility through DIY craft projects, shabby chic décor, salads-in-a-jar, cookie-ingredients-in-a-jar, all given as popular gifts are enjoyed by the makers! They are now manufactured in seasonally designated colors, not just clear glass, and are ecologically friendly for their use season to season, year after year, with proper care and cleaning. Mason jars give a feeling of food safety, knowing one’s food sources, independence from grocery store supplies and potential shortages, let alone accomplishment and achievement by growing one’s own food! Independence and creativity are typified in the ways gardeners use mason jars!
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Joe
Joseph R. Devine, Jr - Town Administrator
Town of Henniker
a: 18 Depot Hill Rd., Henniker, NH 03242 USA
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