A news round-up from the Town of Henniker, NH ‌ Visit our website Wednesday November 25, 2020

Ordinarily this time of the year finds us preparing for large family gatherings and anticipating the many holiday events conducted in our community. But, as we know all too well, 2020 has been anything but ordinary. This November we find ourselves in the midst of an ever-expanding pandemic and under renewed restrictions. Even though it is different than in years past, there remains plenty for most of us to be thankful for and hopeful about. The situation, however, still demands our perseverance and vigilance. Thanks Although this year we are being discouraged by health professionals from gathering with all but the family we reside with, we can still be thankful that in nearly all situations our health and that of our family is still good. Though sadly, too many have perished as a result of COVID-19, most have avoided the serious symptoms and consequences. We may not be able to see that loved one as we had hoped, but we still can be thankful for the technology that links us, as frustrating as it can be. We can be thankful that even as many are able to safely work from home, others report to work every day on our behalf; police officers, firefighters, sanitation workers, grocery clerks, doctors, nurses, and teachers to name but a few. We can be thankful that even as the virus captures the attention, the spectacular autumn colors and cooler air reminds us of the beauty that surrounds us. And we can be thankful that so many are working so hard to keep us safe from the virus and hasten its end. Hope Last week brought perhaps the greatest hope since the beginning of the pandemic. News that one of the vaccines in development is showing 90% effectiveness in testing and the hope it will start being made public in the middle of December. This news, combined with the faster testing results and therapeutic drugs to ease the pain and suffering that accompanies the virus, offer a bit of hope where much is needed. While hope is not a plan or strategy, it is a necessity to maintain our focus, mental well-being and vigilance. Perseverance As noted, we have much to be thankful for and we now have greater hope than in previous months. Still perseverance is the order of the day. We must remain vigilant, lest the recent cause of hope be lost. Persevering and enduring a bit more separation, accepting that it will be a little longer before we can attend those cherished events and, yes, continuing to wear face masks offers us the greatest gift we could provide any of our loved ones for the holidays - the gift of peace of mind, good health, and compassion. Even when distribution of the vaccine begins, it will likely take months before it is widespread enough to consider the virus defeated. In the meantime, we must all remain committed to keeping one another safe. Our local health officials will have a difficult enough task distributing the tens of thousands of necessary doses of the vaccines; they need not be trying to do so while simultaneously combatting additional surges in cases because we lowered our guard. It has not been easy. It certainly has not been fun. We have missed events, vacations, family and friends. Some have lost jobs and businesses, and sadly some have lost their lives as a result of the virus. Let's not let these sacrifices be in vain. Remember what we have to be thankful for, remain hopeful, and keep up the good fight! This too shall pass and we soon shall be on the path to our next normal. Joe

2021 Henniker Operating Budget This does not include Capital Improvement and Individual Warrant Articles

1st Annual Henniker's Lights, Sights, Holiday Nights Decorating Contest

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!) Access the Online Registration Form 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]

Effective Friday, November 20, 2020, the State of NH will require a statewide mask mandate for those over the age of 5. By wearing a mask, you are helping to keep your friends and family, your community, and critical workforce members and those they care for safe. https://bit.ly/3nGw8I6

Please remember with the mask mandate you should have a mask on while at the Henniker Transfer Station.

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; 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 November 22, 2020 Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued the following update on the new coronavirus, COVID-19. On Sunday, November 22, 2020, DHHS announced 322 new positive test results for COVID-19, for a daily PCR test positivity rate of 2.3%. Today’s results include 215 people who tested positive by PCR test and 107 who tested positive by antigen test. There are now 4,199 current COVID-19 cases diagnosed in New Hampshire. Several cases are still under investigation. Additional information from ongoing investigations will be incorporated into future COVID-19 updates. Of those with complete information, there are thirty-three individuals under the age of 18 and the rest are adults with 53% being female and 47% being male. The new cases reside in Rockingham (81), Hillsborough County other than Manchester and Nashua (38), Merrimack (32), Belknap (22), Cheshire (12), Grafton (12), Strafford (10), Carroll (8), Coos (4), and Sullivan (3) counties, and in the cities of Manchester (57) and Nashua (20). The county of residence is being determined for twenty-three new cases. Community-based transmission continues to occur in the State and has been identified in all counties. Of those with complete risk information, most of the cases have either had close contact with a person with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis or are associated with an outbreak setting. DHHS has also announced four additional deaths related to COVID-19. We offer our sympathies to the family and friends. There are currently 117 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. In New Hampshire since the start of the pandemic, there have been a total of 17,598 cases of COVID-19 diagnosed with 830 (5%) of those having been hospitalized.

Our Fall 2020 semester has come to an end! We hope that everyone has a happy, safe, and restful break. Students, we'll see you in 2021!

December 1, 2020 – Select Board Meeting December 2, 2020 - Conversation Commission December 3, 2020 - Capital Improvement Committee Meeting December 4, 2020 - Henniker Building Code Working Group December 9, 2020 - Planning Board December 15, 2020 - Select Board Meeting

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.

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

Holiday Schedule for Town Department's

The Henniker Chamber of Commerce continues a “Local Toys for Local Tots” Toy Drive for Henniker children. Since items put in the nationally known donation boxes at local retailers don't stay local, the Henniker Chamber of Commerce teamed up with local businesses to collect toys for families in Henniker. Toys can be dropped off at the below locations from November 27th until December 11th. Local Toy for Local Tot box drop off locations:  Intervale Farm Pancake House Henniker Brewery Henniker Pharmacy Henniker Farm and Country Store Edmunds Ace Hardware Daniels Restaurant

WHEN YOU VISIT AN INDEPENDENT LOCAL BUSINESS... Shop Local Saturday deals from Henniker Chamber of Commerce members on Saturday, November 28, 2020.  When you support local businesses you support your community. Ayer and Goss: 10% off gift cards, up to $300. Please call in your orders at 428-3333 from 8-11 am. Sonny’s Main Street Restaurant: 10% off gift certificates. We are open! Colby Hill Inn: 10% bonus on gift cards. Mention this ad and receive 10% off an entrée! Country Spirit Restaurant: 20% off gift cards. Stonefalls Gardens: 9 am to 1 pm. For every $100 gift certificate purchased receive a $20 voucher good towards any future purchase. (Excludes deliveries & installations.) Edmunds Ace Hardware: $10 off $50 purchase. Also, check our flyer for other great deals. Henniker Pharmacy: Draw your discount 5% - 30% off. Excludes prescriptions & alcohol. Also 10% off Holiday decorations. Daniel’s Restaurant: Get a $15 gift card for every $100 in gift cards purchased. Upstairs at Daniel’s: 10% off storewide. 15% off Henniker Items. Henniker Farm and Country: 20% off all clothing, footwear, & children’s toys. Also, look for our December daily specials posted on our Facebook page and in-store. Henniker Brewery: 10% off merchandise when you mention this ad. Intervale Farm Pancake House: Free sample syrup with each $30 gift card purchase. Intervale Ice Cream: Free t-shirt with gift card purchase. Pats Peak: Call or go online to purchase your gift cards for the ski season. Purchase a $100 gift card, get $20 bonus card. Morse Sporting Goods: 10% off hunting and fishing accessories. Mile Away Campground: 9 am to 1 pm buy one non-holiday night campsite, get the second night free! Henniker Veterinary Hospital: 25% off gift certificates. Western Ave Pizza: Buy $40 or more in gift cards get 20% more free. Hillsboro Ford: Check out our end of year manufacturer’s event - BIGGEST SAVINGS OF THE YEAR! Abby’s Café: Free beverage with each gift card purchased. Also 10% off apparel. Henniker Fitness: It's never been more important to stay healthy than RIGHT NOW! Zero enrollment fee for all new memberships on shop local Saturday.

Update from Tucker Free Library!!!

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

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it. Food, fellowship and no presents. While we may not be gathering to share a meal, we can still reflect on everything we have to be grateful for. I love Thanksgiving because, at its core, it is about being thankful for what we have. We can be thankful for our friends and family and for the people in our lives who bring us joy and those who have influenced our lives but are no longer with us. We can be thankful for our communities and for the many individuals who work so hard to make our towns better, nicer, and friendlier places to live and work. We can be thankful for the first responders who keep us safe, the teachers are dedicate to expanding our children's mind and those who serve our country, both at home and overseas. I am thankful for this community that I have been privileged to serve in. I am thankful for the amazing people who live here and for the many businesses, organizations, and community groups that work hard to make Henniker great. I am thankful for the many attributes that make this town special, our fabulous river, our trails, parks, our beautiful downtown, and our rich history steeped in tradition. It is my honor to work for this community, and I am very thankful to work shoulder to shoulder with an amazing team; people who get up each morning and commit all of their energies to making a difference. This hardworking staff help keep Henniker safe, beautiful and running smoothly. I am thankful for their devoted efforts. Most of all, I am thankful for my family and my friends. My loved ones keep me rooted in this community, humbled and appreciative of all I have. They remind me of the path we walked together, the experiences we have shared, and make me idealistic for the future. Their love challenges me to work harder for this community. This year as we start the holiday season, I encourage you to take time to reflect on which is most important and to count your blessings. Happy Thanksgiving to all in Henniker!

Joe Joseph R. Devine, Jr - Town Administrator Town of Henniker a: 18 Depot Hill Rd., Henniker, NH 03242 USA t: 603.428.3221 ext. 5  | e: [email protected] | w: www.henniker.org