Fast News
Parking lot closed
MILFORD – The municipal lot next to the Milford Police Department will be closed from May 20 at noon until May 25 at 5 p.m. Vehicles left there will be towed at the owners’ expense.
There will be an International Police Mountain Bike Association class taking place in the lot.
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Voter deadline
June 5 is the last day for voters already registered to change or declare a party affiliation.
Only undeclared voters may declare a party and vote in the primary election, Sept. 11. Voters who register subsequent to this date may declare a party when they register.
You can check your current party affiliation with the following link: http://sos.nh.gov/VoteInforLook.aspx.
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How many bunnies?
DURHAM – Scientists with the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of New Hampshire have developed a method to estimate the abundance of New England cottontail populations.
There has been an 86 percent decline in the distribution of the New England cottontail over the last several decades. In addition, the New England cottontail has lost more than 80 percent of its habitat over the last 50 years as people have developed the landscape and areas of shrubs and young trees have grown up to become mature woods that don’t offer enough ground-level vegetation for cottontails to find food and hide from predators, according to the New England Cottontail Conservation Initiative, of which UNH is a part.
The researchers have developed a method to estimate the number of cottontails using the DNA obtained from fecal pellets collected during winter surveys to identify unique individual rabbits. The cottontail is a state-endangered species in Maine and New Hampshire.
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Land gifts
AMHERST – A former summer resident has signed a conservation deal on 48 acres she owned on Baboosic Lake.
According to the Amherst Land Trust, Viloya Schweiker, whose family long spent summers in Amherst and now lives in Los Alamos, New Mexico, donated a conservation easement to protect, in perpetuity, about 500 feet of lakefront and frontage on both sides of Baboosic Lake Road.
Schweiker also protected another 90 feet of shoreline when in she gave the trust the adjacent lot, comprised of four of the old camp lots on Baboosic Lake.
“Vi’s generous decision to protect the scene of so many happy childhood memories will benefit families for generations to come,” said President Sally Wilkins, in a statement from the Land Trust.
“This was a complex and time-consuming process. We are so grateful that she worked so hard to make this happen.”
Plans are afoot to establish a new trail from Baboosic Lake to Baboosic Lake Road and beyond that will add to Amherst’s growing network of trails, largely maintained by the Amherst Conservation Commission.
Together, Schweiker’s gift of an easement on 48 acres and the deed to a half acre of lakeside property are links in a contiguous corridor of protected land that the Conservation Commission hopes will extend from Baboosic Lake to the Pond Parish protected area.
Wilkins announced separately that the late Doris Jones, an Amherst native who died in October, left nearly $25,000 to the trust to further its conservation efforts. “We are in the midst of other land deals,” says Wilkins, “and Doris Jones’s generosity is hugely encouraging. It helps us fund appraisals, surveying, and legal costs that make land deals possible.”
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Wilton man charged
LONDONDERRY – A Wilton man is facing several charges after crashing his off-road vehicle in Londonderry, injuring his passenger in the process.
Joel Pelletier, 22, of Wilton, had been driving an OHRV on private property without permission when he tried to make a sharp, left-hand turn and rolled the machine over onto its side, according to the Union Leader.
The passenger, Sean Mitchell, 31, of New Boston, suffered injuries and was taken to Elliot Hospital in Manchester.
Neither man was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Pelletier was also charged with operating an OHRV on a public way and driving it on property without permission of the landowner.
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Celebrate Wilton Outdoors
WILTON – Saturday is Celebrate Wilton Outdoors Day with events beginning at 10 a.m. at the Riverview Mills parking area.
Included are a discussion of the proposed route of the new Riverwalk, a walk along Main Street, with stops at Main Street Park and the Proctor Parking Lot, ending at the Stoney Brook Riverwalk Park.
The new art banners, created by local artists, will be dedicated. Live music is included along the way.
Beginning at noon, the Wilton Public-Gregg Free Library will celebrate a grand opening of their outdoor smart space with music, food, and a speaker through the N.H. Heritage Commission. Kevin Gardner will discuss New England’s Stone Walls.
The new outdoor area is part of a two-year “The Small Libraries Create Smart Space” project funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and generous donations.
Music will be provided by The Rakes of Milford.
Wilton was one of 15 libraries nationwide to participate in OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) Web Junction’s Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces initiative. The project includes an outside activity area behind the library, accessible from the library’s lower level and new stops from Gregg Street.
“Story boards,” forming a story trail, line the circular walkway to the front entrance, an invitation to come inside and see more. Created by Don Rankin, the 20 stops will hold a complete picture book, beginning with “Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs” by Byron Barton. The pictured story will change regularly.
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‘Blessing of the Bikes’
WILTON – The Second Congregational Church, 25 Gregg St., will host a “Blessing of the Bikes” at noon on Sunday in the front parking lot. Riders, and their bikes, have the opportunity to be blessed for a safe riding season. All are welcome, whether or not you have a motorcycle. Refreshments will be served.
Pastor Regina Kinney said her wish is, “May God keep you safe in your travels, and may you encounter God in the freedom of the open road, in the fellowship of other bikers, and in each person you meet.”
For more information, call 603-654-9045.
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Two injured in crash
WILTON – Two drivers were injured when their cars collided at the intersection of Route 101 and Island Street on the evening of May 9.
Wilton Police Chief Eric Olesen said a black Honda that was heading west on 101, driven by a male juvenile hit a white Subaru wagon that was attempting to make a left turn from Island Street onto the highway.
The call came in at 6:27 p.m.
Olesen said the cause appeared to be speed, driver inattention and failure to yield by the Honda driver.
The Subaru was driven by Sussy-Rose Shields, of Wilton. Both drivers were transported to the hospital.
Olesen said the driver of the Honda appeared to have minor injuries, and he was unaware of the woman’s condition.
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Call for nominations
The HNH Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2018 Sandi Van Scoyoc Legacy Award. The award recognizes a New Hampshire not-for-profit organization (or an individual who works with one) for demonstrating exemplary and aspirational commitment or innovation in improving the health of New Hampshire’s children and families. In recognition of their work, the recipient receives a check in the amount of $2,500.
For more information and a nomination form go to hnhfoundation.org. Nominations are due by June 22. The honoree will be notified in September.
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Car wash planned
LYNDEBOROUGH – Eagle Scout candidate Matt Deware will sponsor a car wash from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Fire Station.
Deware, a member of Troop 407 in Milford, is raising funds to construct a 12×12 foot storage shed at the Emergency Services garage on Center Road.
Cost the project is estimated at $2,650. Some of the cost was already in the town budget for the work. Deware will raise the remainder.
He expects to complete the project by the end of September.
He is the son of Police Chief Rance Deware and learned of the town’s need for the shed through the police and fire departments. His project was accepted by the Board of Selectmen on Aug. 16, 2017. It was recently determined that the project would not need a variance from town ordinances.
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Plant sale set
MILFORD – Join the Milford Garden Club for its annual fundraising plant sale from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Community House Lawn. Locally grown perennials will be sold for $5 each with specialty plants priced slightly higher. The money raised from the sale helps the club continue to offer free gardening programs as well as provide maintenance of local sites such as Emerson Park and the Korean and World War II Memorials.
Many local vendors have signed up to participate. You can visit Enchanted Harvest, Firefly Fields, Fox Den Farm, Hancock Flowers, Kingstreet Vineyards, Mason Hollow, and Trombly Gardens for a wide variety of other plant selections. If you’re looking for something artistic to enhance your garden then check out Borostyan Originals, Robert Grogan, and A Touch of Glass. Soaps and lotions can be found at Hemlock Springs and Pamomile. Bone and Paper will be selling fine leather goods.
The bake table will be loaded with yummy treats or grab a bowl of soup from vendor Bookside Café. Relax and enjoy while listening to the music of Bob Baker, the Milford High School Jazz Band, and Justin Cohn. A huge raffle table will be filled with creative items from our members and donations from the vendors. For the little ones the kids table offers gardening fun.
Many members, including a number of Master Gardeners, will be available to help you select the right plants for your space. There is a holding area for your purchases so you can shop leisurely. Bring a wagon to load up and cash or credit card.
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Hospice training course
MERRIMACK – Home Health & Hospice Care is looking for people to volunteer their time to provide visits to hospice patients in the greater Nashua and surrounding areas. Volunteer support helps patients and their families feel less alone during a difficult time. A volunteer can make a friendly visit, assist with light housework or shopping and errands, or provide respite so that family members can take a break. Volunteers may also become involved in a specialty program such as veterans supporting veterans at end of life, sitting vigil with people at very end of life, or complimentary therapy programs: pet visitation, music, and Reiki.
To become active, volunteers are asked to complete a Hospice training course, which is typically offered as a series in the Spring and Fall. Home Health & Hospice Care will be offering a special Summer intensive training course to accommodate teachers, college students and others who wish to volunteer and for whom the regular courses are not a good fit.
The intensive 35-hour Hospice training program will be held over a two-week period in June. Class meets eight afternoons: June 18-21, and June 25-28 from 12:30-5 p.m. Sessions will be held at 7 Executive Park Drive in Merrimack. Potential participants are encouraged to register immediately so that they may complete the application and interview process prior to the start of training.
The training sessions are informative and cover a variety of topics.
More information may be found online at www.hhhc.org/how-to-help/volunteer.
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Pancake breakfast
MILFORD – The 8th annual Gail Westergren Memorial Scholarship Fund Pancake Breakfast will be June 10 at the Milford Masonic Temple, 30 Mont Vernon St. The hours are from 7 a.m. to noon. This is an all-you-can-eat breakfast with pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages and beverages. There is also a raffle of gift items and services from local merchants.
The fund was set up in memory of Gail Westergren, a former teacher and principal of elementary schools. Gail’s passion for her students was unsurpassed, and when she succumbed to breast cancer in 2009, the fund was established to continue her dream. Each and every year since her passing we have held this event, and it continues to grow as the years go on!
This year we will be awarding scholarships to students of Milford High School who, after graduating will further their studies in the education field.
Last year we had another successful breakfast/raffle. I would like to thank the following for their support through donations to that breakfast: Milford Masonic Temple; Brady’s American Grill; Michael Timothy’s Dining Group; Amigo’s Restaurant; Sebago Brewing Company; Parkers Maple Barn; H P Hood, Inc.; Longhorn Steakhouse; Balcom Brothers; Midfield Café; Bellavance Beverage; Amoskeag Beverage; Union Street Grill; San Francisco Kitchen; Chappell Tractor/Outfitters: Penuche’s Restaurant; Dr. Phillip Aubrey; Grill 603; Trimark Industries; Jeffrey Scott Jewelers; Design Wares; Siciliano Landscaping; J Bella Salon; Fortin Gage; Currier Orchards; PRG Carpets; Shirley’s Flowers; Tiny Sanctuaries; Salon Luxe; Smartstyle Salon; Hampshire Hills; Lovering Volvo; Frederick Pastries; Myoptic Eye Care; Giorgio’s; Shaws Supermarkets; Amherst Earth Products; Crowne Plaza; MS Walker; Horizon Beverage; Martignetti Wine and Spirits and all others who wish to remain anonymous.
For more information or for information on donating, contact Bill Kaufold at williamkaufold@comcast.net.
– By Kathy Cleveland, Jessie Salisbury and from staff reports