A news round-up from the Town of Henniker, NH |
Friday September 18, 2020 |
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Most of the readers of this newsletter will remember either saying or hearing these words at least 12 or more times, "I'm rubber you're glue, whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you!" This type of statement usually came as a result of an argument with name calling as a highlight. (And probably happened while you were in elementary school.) Soon afterwards came a comment about no longer being friends.... Of course, the friendship continued, in most cases, and the words really did not bounce off.
Our daily experience has pushed the boundaries of comfort and intensities. This is a result of being in a sustained posture of discomfort, fear, anger, isolation and confusion - related to the global pandemic, Coronavirus/COVID-19. We are built to handle stress, both types eustress (good) and distress (bad). What we are not built for is continued and unrelenting times of patterns of stress. My mom would always say that anything in excess is bad; unfortunately, the relative end of this treacherous virus can only be imagined at this point. We imagine compliance-based elimination of the virus and medical breakthroughs to bring relief.
Meanwhile, there are intense fellowships going on in our lives that are disruptive and damaging to home, workplace and community relationships. I would like to offer a few ways to offset the challenges as they arise. Consider healthy distractions such as: exercise, music, reading, or other fun activities. Afterwards, of a discussion that was delayed, go back to it with a better approach. Consider the other perspectives, as they say, put yourself in someone else's shoes. Would you think or feel differently if you were in their place?
I served a great leader who implemented the "Mom Rule" which essentially requested people to treat each other like they would their mom. Lastly, ask yourself, if I extend a bit of courtesy, would that make things better or not. Let courtesy become common in these days, see if that can bounce off of you and stick to someone else!
Joe
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If you know of others who might benefit from reading "Henniker Happenings" and the ongoing COVID-19 information and resources the Town provides as relevant information becomes available, please pass this email along. It's possible to sign up to receive them directly on the Town of Henniker web page at https://www.henniker.org/general/page/sign-non-emergency-alerts. or use cell phone to join, text HKNEWS to 22828 to get started.
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I wanted to commend the Moderator, Town Clerk, and all of the volunteers on their great work on Primary Day, September 8. People who came in to vote seemed happy with the adjustments that were made, and we did a great job limiting lines. As always, there is no such thing as a perfect situation, so we are going to debrief and see if there are ways to improve for the General Election in November.
2020 Primary Results
1023 Total Ballots Cast (273 Absentee Ballots)
25% Voter Turnout
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GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 3, 2020 |
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Now that the Primary Election is completed, we are moving on to the General Election. You will be able to vote absentee for this election as well.
The New Hampshire Secretary of State has a new website with everything you need to know about voting during COVID-19. Visit their website at https://sos.nh.gov/ or utilize the following links:
The graphic below from the NH Secretary of State Facebook page details the process for voting absentee.
Please be sure to allow enough time to mail your ballot or hand deliver it to the Town Clerk's Office. ***IMPORTANT: do not use the mail slot at Town Hall.
The Town Clerk's Office is open Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. You can also contact them at (603) 428-3240 or [email protected]
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HENNIKERHELPS
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented health crisis that has disrupted our local, national, and worldwide economy. This disruption is creating significant financial hardships and potentially lasting economic impacts that affect Henniker residents, businesses, and nonprofits. To assist in overcoming the financial and emotional challenges many are experiencing now and, in the weeks, and months ahead, a number of programs and services are already in place or being implemented by the Town of Henniker. These measures are being coordinated with federal, state, and private efforts, and provide economic support and financial relief to all residents, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the COVID-19 crisis and in need of assistance.
Henniker HELPS (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) is a comprehensive and continually updated list of programs, services, and assistance available to the community during these difficult times.
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The Henniker Fire Department is not issuing burn permits due to the HIGH fire danger. This includes people coming to the station and the online fire permits system.This may change towards the end of the week. No rain in the forecast at this point. Please make sure any seasonal fires are properly put out before you leave them unattended.
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Active COVID-19 Cases
September 16 update: There was one new positive COVID-19 case overnight. This student lives off campus and has now returned home. The student’s two roommates have been quarantined off campus as a precaution.
The following link will provide you with updates from New England College
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The Town of Henniker welcomes students back |
HOW EFFECTIVE ARE MASKS IN PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF GERMS?
The Spokane, Washington NBC affiliate television station, KHQ , has produced a very interesting story on the effectiveness of masks dating to June 29th of this year. It can be viewed HERE.
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Henniker District Decision Matrix Updated 9/16/2020
See the Decision Matrix updated SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 showing the Henniker District moving into the yellow zone for compliance with protections (including screening) and remaining in the yellow zone in both Community Spread (2-9 cases per 100,000) and staffing (difficult for schools to provide adequate staffing in the areas of custodial, substitute and paraprofessional staff) since last week.
Please note that it is essential that a screening is completed for each student before arriving to the bus or to school.
John Stark District Decision Matrix Updated 9/16/2020
See the Decision Matrix updated SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 showing the John Stark District moving into the yellow zone for compliance with protections (including screening) and remaining in the yellow zone in Community Spread (2-9 cases per 100,000)
Please note that it is essential that a screening is completed for each student before arriving to the bus or to school.
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COVID-19 Schools Dashboard
The Schools dashboard shows COVID-19 data for schools and their surrounding communities. Select a specific county using the map on the left. This selection will display county-level COVID-19 activity and cases in every school in the county. This includes college information. For more information you can download New Hampshire's COVID-19 guidance for educational institutions.
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TRAFFIC/CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY
Town of Henniker Highway Department 2020 Roads Program Improvements
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Patterson Hill Road - paving will begin Monday September 21, 2020 expect traffic delays and closures.
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Western Ave - from Cote Hill Road to the Hillsbourgh line, will have daily road closures. Please plan accordingly.
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FARMERS' MARKET
Henniker Community Market
Every Thursday 4 - 7 pm
Community Center Park
57 Main Street
Henniker
During these challenging times, more and more people are realizing the value and resilience of a local food system. We are committed to providing our community with access to locally grown food. Products will include certified organic fruits and vegetables, pasture raised pork, beef, lamb, and chicken, eggs, maple syrup, goat milk & yogurt, and soap.
Stay safe and see you at the market!
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TUCKER FREE LIBRARY
UPDATES
2018 NHLTA LIBRARY OF THE YEAR
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The U.S. Small Business Association is excited to announce 'Tuesday Talks', a new weekly webinar that started Tuesday, September 8th at 10am! Join their weekly webinar to discover who the SBA is, why they exist, and what they offer to small businesses. They will introduce you to your NH SBA team, Acting District Director Rachael Roderick, Acting Deputy District Director Phillip Frechette, Economic Development Specialist Warren Haggerty, Economic Development Specialist Miguel Moralez, Program Assistants Ashley Hovatter and Meghan Barnes. Learn more about what each member of their team does, how they can help you meet your needs, how to get in touch with them, and put a face to the name. Click the link below to learn more!
(Hosted by Lender Relations Specialist Tuesday Belanger)
1 202-765-1264
Conference ID: 712 473 207#
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September Garden and Yard Tasks
Will Offer Benefits Next Spring
This is the perfect time of year to consider the health and condition of your lawn. September and October are the best months to seed, or overseed, your grassy areas. Did you know that planting grass seed when the soil temperature is between 50-70 degrees will help that seed establish long, healthy roots? To have the highest germination rate, grass seed needs warm soil, moderate daytime temperatures, and cool evenings. With these conditions, and by buying the best seed you can afford, you will establish the grass as it starts growing this time of year. When you select your grass seed, work with the knowledgeable staff at your hardware store or garden center. Explain your lawn’s conditions, from its sunlight, shade, and what other plants are around your lawn. Talk with the staff about the terrain; is it flat, sloped, rocky? They will help you see the various choices and price ranges. A bit of investment now, in quality seed, will save you time later trying to help a lawn get established with lower germination rates, for instance. You’ll save time with quality, appropriate grass seed now, since it won’t require as much water,
and with a healthy start, will help shade out unwanted weed growth. With an average of 16 seeds per square inch, you won’t be wasting seeds, and the young sprouts won’t be competing with each other for room and nutrients.
An additional consideration about sowing your grass seed now lies in understanding how
grasses grow. Lawns are starting to go dormant, and as they do, they are not using water and nutrients in the soil. That leaves any water available (from rain, dew, fog, and your watering system) to go toward establishing the new seeds. Research grass seed, and the benefits of overseeding, from reliable websites. Commercial seed companies will offer valuable information also - just be cautious as you read commercial sites since they are promoting specific products along with the scientific information or research results they also share on their sites. And, speaking of water needs for establishing a healthy lawn, it’s imperative that we all take the severe water shortage seriously and conserve this precious resource..
Late September tasks may also include trimming back your flowering plants - but please
consider leaving stems in place until next Spring. This is a new way to look at “tidying up at the end of the season,” but you will be helping so many beneficial insects who will nest in stems of flowers you may deadhead. Leaving stems and many types of flowers in place will also offer food for migrating birds or for birds overwintering in our area. Those seeds are nutritious for those garden visitors! Flowers drying in place also offer winter interest as snow mounds up on them, offering a candelabra effect that breaks the expanses of snow in your yard. Do you have a tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) in your neighborhood? If you do, you have probably noticed the candelabra that forms as the snow mounts up on the spent blooms. While it’s far too early to be talking about snow, it’s not too early to consider the tasks you may need to do in September, and October, to get ready for the snowy days in your garden. For now, start with taking inventory on your lawn, and thinking about how to take care of your watering needs and hose repairs, and enjoy the ways your lawn and garden will continue to offer beauty, relaxation, and pollinator benefits year round.
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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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