A news round-up from the Town of Henniker, NH |
Wednesday December 23, 2020 |
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"Life is difficult. This is a truth, one of the greatest truths. it is the greatest truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it...." M. Scott Peck's opening lines in The Road Less Traveled.
For many, this year has been one of the most difficult. Individuals and families are suffering impacts from the pandemic, natural disaster, or other challenges. And the divisiveness that drives political unrest is casting a dark cloud on our nation.
Yet, this is a year that has motivated us to reflect upon what is truly important in our lives. I hope you can join me in gratitude for the blessings of life, including family, friends, and community. Many burdens have been lifted or shared as people have united to help one another and exhibit the true meaning of the holiday season throughout this year. As we enter 2021, may we dedicate ourselves to maintaining that spirit as we recover even stronger than before.
For the new year, I hope we will find a way back to the actions that unite us in advancing our precious communities and country. We do not all agree on important issues - never have, probably never will. However, that diversity of opinion can be used to strengthen outcomes, not serve as a basis for discord.
In his book, Dr. Peck notes that life is a series of problems. If we want to solve them, he says we must accept responsibility to face difficult issues head-on while maintaining a dedication to truth and a willingness to tolerate discomfort long enough to level the problem. These are difficult tools, but ones that require the will to use them. The idea is that in doing so, we will at times encounter unexpected moments of grace.
We must remember the holidays are a festive time of year when we share special moments with our family, friends, and loved ones (even if it looks different this year) and look ahead to a new year filled with promise and opportunity. We reflect upon our many blessings and are grateful for the sacrifices so many make.
During this season of hope and joy, I offer my sincere thanks to all our neighbors for your continued collaboration, cooperation, and support. You are the foundation of Henniker and your active civic engagement contributes significantly to the advancement of our town.
So, on behalf of the Select Board and myself, I want to thank all Henniker employees for their service to the Town of Henniker. Throughout 2020, you have quickly adapted to changes brought on by the pandemic. Whether working a new virtual environment or on the frontlines to keep our facilities open, our community safe, or maintain our neighborhoods and streets, all of you have contributed to making Henniker better for our residents.
As we look forward to new and exciting opportunities that lie ahead, we remain committed to moving Henniker forward, and we remain passionate about working cooperatively with all of you to make Henniker the best place to live, work, play, visit and raise a family.
My warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a Merry Christmas, a joyous holiday season, and a happy, healthy, and successful New Year.
Joe
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HOLIDAY CLOSINGS & REMINDERS
Town offices will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Dec. 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. Town offices will be closing at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, through Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in observance of the New Year's holiday.
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The Transfer Station will have the following holiday hours
- December 24, 2020 - Closed
- December 26, 2020 - Normal Hours
- December 27, 2020 - Normal Hours
- December 29, 2020 - Normal Hours
- December 31, 2020 - 10am - 3pm
- January 2, 2021 - Normal Hours
- January 3, 2021 - Normal Hours
Effective January 3, 2021, the transfer station Swap Shop will be closed for the winter. We will be seeking volunteers to assist in opening after the snow melts in the Spring.
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1st Annual
Henniker's Lights, Sights, Holiday Nights Decorating Contest
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Thank you to everyone who entered the Henniker Lights, Sights, Holiday Nights Decorating Contest. We are excited to announce the winners of this year's contests. Even though we only picked one property for each category the real purpose of this was to spread community spirit in this difficult time. We wanted to give the residents of Henniker something to do and more importantly something to look forward to. We hope you enjoyed the lights as much as we did.
The winner of the Norman Rockwell Category:
161 Maple St. - Rusty Gage
The winner of the Simple Holiday:
249 Huntington Rd. - Lorraine Aucoin
The winner of the Clark Griswold:
222 Longview Dr. - Austen Furness
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Please follow the link below for a map of all the properties participating in the contest:
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Please find some pictures of the winners and a sampling of other entries throughout the newletter. |
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Pictured above: 161 Maple St. |
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Pictured Above: 249 Huntington Road |
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Pictured Above: 222 Longview Dr. |
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TOWN OF HENNIKER UPDATE ON COVID-19
As of December 21, 2020 we have 31 active cases (0.62% of population), 114 cumulative cases (2.29% of population) and 2,774 people have been tested (56% of population). The positivity rate for Henniker is currently at 6.5%. (Positivity rate refers to the percentage of all coronavirus tests that have come back positive.)
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.
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THE VIRUS IS IN THE AIR COVID-19 CARRIERS EXHALE
This six-minute video and narration graphically demonstrates the false sense of security we have when wearing “any” mask, even if socially distanced by six feet. Mask fit is not everything, but more important than many of us have realized.
As winter approaches, the US is grappling with a significant surge in the number of novel coronavirus infections. More than 288,000 Americans have been killed by a virus that public health officials now say can be spread through airborne transmission.
The virus spreads most commonly through close contact, scientists say. Under certain conditions, people farther than six feet apart can become infected by exposure to tiny droplets and particles exhaled by an infected person, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in October. Those droplets and particles can linger in the air for minutes to hours.
To visually illustrate the risk of airborne transmission in real-time, The Washington Post used a military-grade infrared camera capable of detecting exhaled breath. Numerous experts — epidemiologists, virologists, and engineers — supported the notion of using exhalation as a conservative proxy to show potential transmission risk in various settings.
Interesting tidbit: The worst place to stand relative to someone wearing a mask is behind them, particularly if the mask is not well fitted, which may include the surgical masks some of us have relied upon.
For those interested in rushing to get America back to normal (work, school, legislative gatherings) without first instituting appropriate precautions/protections, view The Washington Post visual video footage HERE.
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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.
The Select Board decided to again offer taxpayers the ability to make 5 monthly payments to help ease the burden of paying all at one time. If you have questions please reach out to the Town Clerk's Office.
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2021 TOP DOG RAFFLE
Will your loyal companion be next year's "Top Dog"?
Entries accepted after January 1, 2021
The Town of Henniker is proud to announce the 2021 Top Dog raffle. This raffle was created to motivate and remind dog owners to license their pets every year by April 30, as state law requires. Residents automatically register for the Top Dog raffle when they obtain a dog license before April 30, 2021. The winner of the Top Dog raffle will receive a gift basket.
Rules & Regulations
- Contestants will automatically be entered into the raffle when they register their dog(s) before April 30 (only open to Henniker residents).
- Residents who DO NOT want to be included in the raffle may opt-out by writing, calling, or emailing the clerk’s office.
- Contestants must be 18 or older and be the owner of the dog on file with the clerk’s office. Town of Henniker employees and elected officials are not eligible.
- The contestant must have a 2021 Town of Henniker dog license by April 30. A current rabies vaccination will be required to obtain the license.
- The raffle winner may submit a digital photo and brief biography of their dog. Photos of the 2021 raffle winner’s dog will be included in the Henniker Happenings.
- The winner will be drawn at random by the clerk’s office at a Select Board meeting in May 2021.
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Executive Secretary/Office Manager
The Executive Secretary/Office Manager assists the Town Administrator in all tasks relating to the operation and supervision of the Selectmen's office and town departments; supports the Town Planner by coordinating all functions of the Planning and Zoning Boards; is the primary contact with the public concerning land use matters and maintains the town website and other social media efforts. Additional responsibilities include coordinating, assembling and posting agenda documents for Select Board Meetings and maintaining meeting files. Applicants must possess proficient computer skills, excellent writing, editing and organizational abilities and must be able to prioritize multiple tasks. The ideal candidate will foster teamwork, possess strong interpersonal skills and communicate effectively in the workplace.
Please send resume and cover letter to Town Administrator Joseph R. Devine Jr.
Town of Henniker, 18 Depot Hill Road, Henniker, NH 03242 or
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
A complete job description is available at:
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December 23, 2020 - Planning Board Meeting
December 28, 2020 - Capital Improvement Committee Meeting
December 29, 2020 - Budget Advisory Committee Meeting
January 5, 2021 - Select Board Meeting
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Click the above picture to watch meeting. |
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JESSICA'S LAW
Please remember to clean ALL the snow off of your car. Since 2002 the State of New Hampshire has required drivers to remove ALL snow and ice from their vehicles, known as Jessica's Law. The law was enacted in memory of Jessica Smith who was killed when a piece of ice crashed through her windshield after flying off the top of a box truck. Drivers who fail to remove all of the snow and ice from their vehicles can face fines of $310.00 or more. Please take a few extra minutes to make sure your vehicle is safe to be on the road.
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This week marks the last week that Lieutenant Michael Martin will be patrolling the streets of Henniker. As he begins his next chapter, we can't begin to thank him for his dedicated service to the Henniker Community. We wish him the happiest retirement!
Mike Martin was hired by Chief Tim Russell as a part-time officer in October of 2001, before being appointed as a full-time officer with Henniker Police on January 1, 2002. Michael had previously worked for the Bradford Police Department as a part-time officer.
Michael served as a patrol officer until July of 2015 when he was promoted to Sergeant. He was promoted to Lieutenant in July of 2020.
Lieutenant Martin served as the department’s accident reconstructionist, he taught the DARE program at the Henniker Community School for 14 years.
In 2008 Michael was awarded New Hampshire Congressional Law Enforcement Award for His Dedication and Professionalism for intervening in a roadside assault that was occurring while he was off duty in another community, he most likely saved the victim's life that day.
Lieutenant Martin has served the Town of Henniker with honor and distinction for nearly 20 years of exemplary service.
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MAILBOX ORDINANCE - CHAPTER 97
Revision adopted June 2, 2009
The Town of Henniker Highway Department/Board of Selectmen is not responsible for damage to, but not limited to, mailboxes, fences, stonewalls, lawns, driveways or any other object(s) placed within the ‘right of way’ of any town road or street. The town’s Highway Department utilizes plowing equipment that is able to freely pass along or under a mailbox that conforms to a 44” (the average prescribed by the US Postal Dept. recommendations) height from ground to bottom of mailbox.
It is the responsibility of the owner of such property to replace or repair anything within the town ‘right of way’ that has been damaged as a result of town road maintenance. It is also the responsibility of the property owner to adhere to the Federal Government guide referring to the erecting of mailboxes published by the U.S. Postal Service.
If you have any questions, please contact Road Agent Leo Aucoin at 428-7200.
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Winter Overnight Parking Ban
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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Tax Comparison and Breakdown |
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Pictured Above: 104 Ridgetop Lane |
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Pictured Above: 122 Snowshoe Lane |
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Pictured Above: 44 Old Mill Pond Rd. |
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Pictured Above: 87 Maple St. |
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Pictured Above 259 Juniper Dr. |
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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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Joe
Joseph R. Devine, Jr - Town Administrator
Town of Henniker
a: 18 Depot Hill Rd., Henniker, NH 03242 USA
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