We're fortunate to have skaters from 1 to 78 at Skate Escape
To the editor,
We would like to take a few minutes at the start of 2013 to thank all the Roller Skaters and moms and dads. . . and grandparents and businesses and all our friends and family for all the encouragement, support, and donations you have shared with us over the past 2 1/2 years here at Skate Escape!
Parents, thank you supporting all our rink rats in their quest to roller skate in a safe, wholesome environment where kids can be kids! It's a tough world out there, and, we all do what we can here in our little roller skating world to offer a place where bullying is not tolerated, where kindness is rewarded, and where safety and fun are our top priorities!
To the local businesses that have helped out during any of our events, including the most recent 2nd Annual 24 hour Skate-A Thon: (If someone is left out, it is solely the oversight of the writers) Laconia Village Bakery, The White Tiger, Domino's, The Margate, Annie's, Caroselli Painting, Che Bella's Salon, Little Caesars, The Coffee House, LASC, members of the Police Department, members of the Lakes Region Tri Club, LDR, The Faith, Hope and Love Foundation, Hannafords, those who purchase gift certificates anonymously and give them back to the rink so we can assist those who cannot afford to skate....THANK YOU!
A special thank you to our friends and family who take time from their busy lives to work with us to provide this wonderful little world for our youth AND yes, for skaters of all ages. Without supportive husbands, brothers, sisters, moms and dads, where would we be?
Without our friends and family and our devoted Rink Rats, we would not be here today. We try to convey our thanks all the time, but we wanted to publicly give them the thanks they so greatly deserve!
We are so amazed that this list is so long, and we often sit back and think how blessed we are for this opportunity and to be part of this community.
In case you have not had chance to come to 161 Court Street in Laconia, please do so. We have skaters from 1 year to 78 years old! Come see the fun we have, and take a minute to check our achievements and our treasured award.
Thank you again to our community, to those who come to skate from near and far, and for our ROLLER SKATING family.
Janine Page & Erica Duncan
Skate Escape
Laconia
We would like to take a few minutes at the start of 2013 to thank all the Roller Skaters and moms and dads. . . and grandparents and businesses and all our friends and family for all the encouragement, support, and donations you have shared with us over the past 2 1/2 years here at Skate Escape!
Parents, thank you supporting all our rink rats in their quest to roller skate in a safe, wholesome environment where kids can be kids! It's a tough world out there, and, we all do what we can here in our little roller skating world to offer a place where bullying is not tolerated, where kindness is rewarded, and where safety and fun are our top priorities!
To the local businesses that have helped out during any of our events, including the most recent 2nd Annual 24 hour Skate-A Thon: (If someone is left out, it is solely the oversight of the writers) Laconia Village Bakery, The White Tiger, Domino's, The Margate, Annie's, Caroselli Painting, Che Bella's Salon, Little Caesars, The Coffee House, LASC, members of the Police Department, members of the Lakes Region Tri Club, LDR, The Faith, Hope and Love Foundation, Hannafords, those who purchase gift certificates anonymously and give them back to the rink so we can assist those who cannot afford to skate....THANK YOU!
A special thank you to our friends and family who take time from their busy lives to work with us to provide this wonderful little world for our youth AND yes, for skaters of all ages. Without supportive husbands, brothers, sisters, moms and dads, where would we be?
Without our friends and family and our devoted Rink Rats, we would not be here today. We try to convey our thanks all the time, but we wanted to publicly give them the thanks they so greatly deserve!
We are so amazed that this list is so long, and we often sit back and think how blessed we are for this opportunity and to be part of this community.
In case you have not had chance to come to 161 Court Street in Laconia, please do so. We have skaters from 1 year to 78 years old! Come see the fun we have, and take a minute to check our achievements and our treasured award.
Thank you again to our community, to those who come to skate from near and far, and for our ROLLER SKATING family.
Janine Page & Erica Duncan
Skate Escape
Laconia
Last Updated on Tuesday, 12 February 2013 00:44
Hits: 232
Lots of safety issues behind bid to renovate Alton Central School
To the editor,
The SAU #72 Buildings and Grounds Committee is sharing information on four topic points, beginning with safety, to help the Alton community understand the serious need and cost for a repair and renovation of the Alton Central School facility located at 41 School Street. On March 12, 2013, voters of the Alton School District will have the opportunity to vote on a Special Warrant Article – Article II – to renovate, reconstruct, repair and construct an addition to the Alton Central School building. The bond seeks to raise and appropriate an approximate $17.7 million and withdraw monies set aside in multiple Capital Reserve Funds as payment towards the project. This proposal was developed over a 2 1/2 year period by community volunteers and elected and appointed school officials as part of a design-bid-build process, which is recommended by the N.H. Department of Education (www.education.nh.gov/program/school_approval/ccdm.htm). This particular topic point on safety will explain how Article II will address critical, on-going safety issues and concerns at the Alton Central School campus.
The Alton Central School campus currently consists of one main building, four modular classroom buildings, a bus loop at front, two parking lots, an elementary playground, and a softball and soccer field on the backside of the school. The original school building was constructed in 1953 and has received four additions (1958, 1965, 1972, and 1988) to keep up with growing student population. The four modular classroom buildings have far exceeded their "life expectancy." These modular classroom buildings support upwards of seven classrooms plus office space.
Currently 555 students in grades pre-K through 8 attend Alton Central School. The Alton Central School's mission states: "Small enough to create a safe environment that inspires each child to excel." There are numerous critical issues including fire and electrical codes, security, toxic building materials and facility structure concerns. The renovation would address all of these issues, bringing Alton Central School up to current public building code standards.
Here are the key safety issues facing Alton Central School:
There is no fire suppression system in the main building. Students attending Alton Central School range from 3 years to 14 years of age. The lack of a fire suppression system puts students and employees at an unnecessary increased risk if there was ever a fire. Article II will equip the building with an automatic sprinkler.
The expired modular classroom buildings present multiple safety issues. On average, 100 students and 17 staff are in modular classroom buildings each day. There is no fire suppression system in these buildings. There is no plumbing, so bathroom breaks take 40 minutes each day. The longest walk to the main building is approximately 50 meters (150 feet); students are exposed to the weather elements, possible trip/hazard falls and to unprotected areas during their travel to/from the main building. Article II will replace the 1953 wing with a new two-story addition, thereby eliminating the need for and use of the expired modular classroom buildings.
The National Electric Code is the de facto standard set of electrical requirements and is updated and published every three years. As stated previously, additions to the main building date almost 50 years ago. Article II will ensure the main building is current to local and state electric code requirements.
Similarly, the Uniform Plumbing Code was last updated in 2012 and represents the most current approaches in the plumbing field. Alton Central School continues to experience ongoing plumbing problems beyond best maintenance practices involving septic drain lines beneath the 1953 and 1972 additions. Article II will correct under slab waste piping.
ACS lacks a centralized main office and adequate confidential meeting space for parents, guardians, staff and visitors. Additionally, there are several exterior double full glass-doors providing an unnecessary security risk.
There are numerous interior building code infractions as well. Specifically, several interior double doors do not have crash bar door hardware. Building codes require all public buildings have a minimum number of fire and emergency exits with crash bars, which are proven to save lives.
Alton Central School contains asbestos-containing building material. Article II will include the abatement and removal of the asbestos thus preventing asbestos hazards to students and employees.
Because certain sections of the school were built prior to 1978, Alton Central School may contain lead-based paint. The proposed rebuild will be done in accordance with the federal lead renovation, repair and painting rule.
Significant portions of the roof are at or near its life span and leaks are becoming more prevalent. The district has spent $28,049.50 since 2008 to remove snow from the aging structure as required by an engineer's safety inspection. That same engineer's report (2008) suggested the undersized rafters be replaced within 2 to 3 years. This past weekend's snow storm will incur more snow shoveling costs, five years after the engineer's recommendation. Article II will provide a new roof as part of the two-story addition and replace the remaining 35,000 square feet of roof.
The aging ACS gymnasium has multiple issues. Player safety is a top concern because the gymnasium is not regulation size. The Alton Fire Department has concerns about a truss roof over the original roof of the gym absent of a fire suppression system. An exterior wall crack from floor to ceiling has worsened to the point where outdoor light is visible from inside the gym.
As a reminder, 100 percent of the new main building proposed by Article II will be used upon completion. Considering the completion of the Prospect Mountain High School bond, the highest probable net cost increase for property owners of the Alton School District is $.34 per $1,000 of building and land value. Voting on warrant articles for the School District shall be conducted by official ballot to be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at Prospect Mountain High School from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.. If you have any questions regarding the proposed rebuild project, please feel free to contact Superintendent Bill Lander, SAU #72 at 875-7980.
SAU #72 Building & Grounds Committee
Alton
The SAU #72 Buildings and Grounds Committee is sharing information on four topic points, beginning with safety, to help the Alton community understand the serious need and cost for a repair and renovation of the Alton Central School facility located at 41 School Street. On March 12, 2013, voters of the Alton School District will have the opportunity to vote on a Special Warrant Article – Article II – to renovate, reconstruct, repair and construct an addition to the Alton Central School building. The bond seeks to raise and appropriate an approximate $17.7 million and withdraw monies set aside in multiple Capital Reserve Funds as payment towards the project. This proposal was developed over a 2 1/2 year period by community volunteers and elected and appointed school officials as part of a design-bid-build process, which is recommended by the N.H. Department of Education (www.education.nh.gov/program/school_approval/ccdm.htm). This particular topic point on safety will explain how Article II will address critical, on-going safety issues and concerns at the Alton Central School campus.
The Alton Central School campus currently consists of one main building, four modular classroom buildings, a bus loop at front, two parking lots, an elementary playground, and a softball and soccer field on the backside of the school. The original school building was constructed in 1953 and has received four additions (1958, 1965, 1972, and 1988) to keep up with growing student population. The four modular classroom buildings have far exceeded their "life expectancy." These modular classroom buildings support upwards of seven classrooms plus office space.
Currently 555 students in grades pre-K through 8 attend Alton Central School. The Alton Central School's mission states: "Small enough to create a safe environment that inspires each child to excel." There are numerous critical issues including fire and electrical codes, security, toxic building materials and facility structure concerns. The renovation would address all of these issues, bringing Alton Central School up to current public building code standards.
Here are the key safety issues facing Alton Central School:
There is no fire suppression system in the main building. Students attending Alton Central School range from 3 years to 14 years of age. The lack of a fire suppression system puts students and employees at an unnecessary increased risk if there was ever a fire. Article II will equip the building with an automatic sprinkler.
The expired modular classroom buildings present multiple safety issues. On average, 100 students and 17 staff are in modular classroom buildings each day. There is no fire suppression system in these buildings. There is no plumbing, so bathroom breaks take 40 minutes each day. The longest walk to the main building is approximately 50 meters (150 feet); students are exposed to the weather elements, possible trip/hazard falls and to unprotected areas during their travel to/from the main building. Article II will replace the 1953 wing with a new two-story addition, thereby eliminating the need for and use of the expired modular classroom buildings.
The National Electric Code is the de facto standard set of electrical requirements and is updated and published every three years. As stated previously, additions to the main building date almost 50 years ago. Article II will ensure the main building is current to local and state electric code requirements.
Similarly, the Uniform Plumbing Code was last updated in 2012 and represents the most current approaches in the plumbing field. Alton Central School continues to experience ongoing plumbing problems beyond best maintenance practices involving septic drain lines beneath the 1953 and 1972 additions. Article II will correct under slab waste piping.
ACS lacks a centralized main office and adequate confidential meeting space for parents, guardians, staff and visitors. Additionally, there are several exterior double full glass-doors providing an unnecessary security risk.
There are numerous interior building code infractions as well. Specifically, several interior double doors do not have crash bar door hardware. Building codes require all public buildings have a minimum number of fire and emergency exits with crash bars, which are proven to save lives.
Alton Central School contains asbestos-containing building material. Article II will include the abatement and removal of the asbestos thus preventing asbestos hazards to students and employees.
Because certain sections of the school were built prior to 1978, Alton Central School may contain lead-based paint. The proposed rebuild will be done in accordance with the federal lead renovation, repair and painting rule.
Significant portions of the roof are at or near its life span and leaks are becoming more prevalent. The district has spent $28,049.50 since 2008 to remove snow from the aging structure as required by an engineer's safety inspection. That same engineer's report (2008) suggested the undersized rafters be replaced within 2 to 3 years. This past weekend's snow storm will incur more snow shoveling costs, five years after the engineer's recommendation. Article II will provide a new roof as part of the two-story addition and replace the remaining 35,000 square feet of roof.
The aging ACS gymnasium has multiple issues. Player safety is a top concern because the gymnasium is not regulation size. The Alton Fire Department has concerns about a truss roof over the original roof of the gym absent of a fire suppression system. An exterior wall crack from floor to ceiling has worsened to the point where outdoor light is visible from inside the gym.
As a reminder, 100 percent of the new main building proposed by Article II will be used upon completion. Considering the completion of the Prospect Mountain High School bond, the highest probable net cost increase for property owners of the Alton School District is $.34 per $1,000 of building and land value. Voting on warrant articles for the School District shall be conducted by official ballot to be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at Prospect Mountain High School from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.. If you have any questions regarding the proposed rebuild project, please feel free to contact Superintendent Bill Lander, SAU #72 at 875-7980.
SAU #72 Building & Grounds Committee
Alton
Last Updated on Tuesday, 12 February 2013 00:38
Hits: 184
Have you as an American been offered what immigrants get?
To the editor,
I would like to know when and why the American people became second class citizens?
I believe it really began in earnest with the major influx of people from Cuba. If I remember correctly, they were freely given all of the benefits that we as Americans had to work to earn. So began the injustice of no help for the people who had earned and deserved it, and things have continued to go downhill since then. Food stamps to the poor and deserving Americans were cut, and handed to people coming in from other countries, who had to do nothing but sign their names to have everything handed to them. It has progressed to the point where, now, our senior citizens and mentally ill Americans cannot even live, but have to struggle mightily to just exist. Many of them have to choose between getting their medications or having food to eat.
We now have people coming here from other countries being handed many thousands of dollars to start up their own businesses, and pay no taxes for five years. There are no strings attached – no requirement to repay the money they were handed, etc. Have you as an American been offered this opportunity? I didn't think so! What's wrong with this picture, and why are we denied these opportunities?
People in all of our states are experiencing more drastic cuts from much-needed services on a daily basis. The money that is being handed to people coming here from other countries would go a long way towards providing these benefits that our citizens earned and need.
John C. Richards, Sr.
Laconia
I would like to know when and why the American people became second class citizens?
I believe it really began in earnest with the major influx of people from Cuba. If I remember correctly, they were freely given all of the benefits that we as Americans had to work to earn. So began the injustice of no help for the people who had earned and deserved it, and things have continued to go downhill since then. Food stamps to the poor and deserving Americans were cut, and handed to people coming in from other countries, who had to do nothing but sign their names to have everything handed to them. It has progressed to the point where, now, our senior citizens and mentally ill Americans cannot even live, but have to struggle mightily to just exist. Many of them have to choose between getting their medications or having food to eat.
We now have people coming here from other countries being handed many thousands of dollars to start up their own businesses, and pay no taxes for five years. There are no strings attached – no requirement to repay the money they were handed, etc. Have you as an American been offered this opportunity? I didn't think so! What's wrong with this picture, and why are we denied these opportunities?
People in all of our states are experiencing more drastic cuts from much-needed services on a daily basis. The money that is being handed to people coming here from other countries would go a long way towards providing these benefits that our citizens earned and need.
John C. Richards, Sr.
Laconia
Last Updated on Tuesday, 12 February 2013 00:33
Hits: 155
Let's stop seeking out people to kill & bring our troops home
To the editor,
The president top choice for head of the CIA, John Brennan, recently stated his support for drone warfare. He said it was a last resort; these targeted figures pose an imminent threat and must be eliminated immediately! There will be numerous deaths of civilians, but, that is what has to be done. Brennan also stated his concern about "water-boarding." — he didn't know if it worked or not. Absent was any restriction on its use.
Let's have a clean war, nobody gets their hands dirty. We can kill anyone with a push of a button, thousands of miles away. We can destroy people in several countries at the same time. Why arrest anyone, bring charges against them in a legal proceeding when we can pull the trigger getting it done without needless legality?
Water-boarding is torture, it has been for centuries. Here we are ready to confirm a man who has no objection to its use. Does this nonchalant attitude reflect the collective feeling of most people? We just don't care!
What has happened to is country in the last 10 years? Have we learned to tolerated criminal activities, turning a blind eye to what we, ourselves, have always deemed morally wrong. Is this the country I grew up in believing we were always, "the good guys?"
The country is "war weary." We have heard the same story over and over again. We even call it the Defense Department, implying we are on the run, just trying to protect ourselves: We do what we have to do! Isn't it past due that we realize what we see and hear are recited to keep us in a state of fear — that something terrible will happen, even though in the last decade not one American citizen has been killed by foreign terrorists!
The war industry has had its day. Their huge profits come out of our Medicare, Social Security, and other entitlement programs, as well as every worthwhile thing we need to do. We will continue to pay the bill for these so-called wars for the next 10 years or more. This country has been screwed — no matter how you phrase it! And we have let it happen by our inaction and gullibility!
When will we resolve to stop seeking out people to kill and bring all the troops home. We must vocalize our opposition to cruelty and callous, inhuman treatment of people in poor, defenseless countries, we have always claimed as our enemies. We can't use 9/11 as an excuse anymore!
Leon R. Albushies
Gilford
The president top choice for head of the CIA, John Brennan, recently stated his support for drone warfare. He said it was a last resort; these targeted figures pose an imminent threat and must be eliminated immediately! There will be numerous deaths of civilians, but, that is what has to be done. Brennan also stated his concern about "water-boarding." — he didn't know if it worked or not. Absent was any restriction on its use.
Let's have a clean war, nobody gets their hands dirty. We can kill anyone with a push of a button, thousands of miles away. We can destroy people in several countries at the same time. Why arrest anyone, bring charges against them in a legal proceeding when we can pull the trigger getting it done without needless legality?
Water-boarding is torture, it has been for centuries. Here we are ready to confirm a man who has no objection to its use. Does this nonchalant attitude reflect the collective feeling of most people? We just don't care!
What has happened to is country in the last 10 years? Have we learned to tolerated criminal activities, turning a blind eye to what we, ourselves, have always deemed morally wrong. Is this the country I grew up in believing we were always, "the good guys?"
The country is "war weary." We have heard the same story over and over again. We even call it the Defense Department, implying we are on the run, just trying to protect ourselves: We do what we have to do! Isn't it past due that we realize what we see and hear are recited to keep us in a state of fear — that something terrible will happen, even though in the last decade not one American citizen has been killed by foreign terrorists!
The war industry has had its day. Their huge profits come out of our Medicare, Social Security, and other entitlement programs, as well as every worthwhile thing we need to do. We will continue to pay the bill for these so-called wars for the next 10 years or more. This country has been screwed — no matter how you phrase it! And we have let it happen by our inaction and gullibility!
When will we resolve to stop seeking out people to kill and bring all the troops home. We must vocalize our opposition to cruelty and callous, inhuman treatment of people in poor, defenseless countries, we have always claimed as our enemies. We can't use 9/11 as an excuse anymore!
Leon R. Albushies
Gilford
Last Updated on Tuesday, 12 February 2013 00:28
Hits: 103
Generous donations helped food pantry get through holiday season
To the editor,
The Meredith Emergency Food Pantry would like to thank all of the churches, schools, organizations, banks, and all private individuals for their generous donations! These donations have been a huge help to us to get through the past holiday season. At this time our shelves are close to empty. We are in desperate need again to call on the community if at all possible to make a donation of monetary or non-perishable items. We are put in a position too have to purchase items to fulfill our needs. Because we have such a generous, supportive, community we purchase all of our needs locally to help support those that help us.
All donations may be dropped off at the Meredith Emergency Food Pantry from 8:30-4:30, Monday through Friday.
Paul Rowley
Meredith Emergency Food Pantry
The Meredith Emergency Food Pantry would like to thank all of the churches, schools, organizations, banks, and all private individuals for their generous donations! These donations have been a huge help to us to get through the past holiday season. At this time our shelves are close to empty. We are in desperate need again to call on the community if at all possible to make a donation of monetary or non-perishable items. We are put in a position too have to purchase items to fulfill our needs. Because we have such a generous, supportive, community we purchase all of our needs locally to help support those that help us.
All donations may be dropped off at the Meredith Emergency Food Pantry from 8:30-4:30, Monday through Friday.
Paul Rowley
Meredith Emergency Food Pantry
Last Updated on Tuesday, 12 February 2013 00:25
Hits: 74
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