——JOURNAL OPINION—March I3,
Viewpoints . . . Yoursand ours
Questions about the
playground request
Article 24 of the warrant for the Town of Haverhill requests
$25,000 for playground equipment to be placed on the VFW
field behind the James Morrill building in North Haverhill.
This Seems like an extravagant request considering there is
already a playground at the middle school in North Haverhill, at
the elementary school in Woodsville, and swings at the
Community Field in Woodsville.
The VFW field is used for Little League approximately two
months out of the year. Perhaps it would be nice for younger
siblings to have a playground while their elder brothers and
sisters play ball, but for $25,000? Really?
At what other times would such a playground be used? If
parents wish to drive their children to a playground, why not one
of the existing ones? How many children would actually use the
playground? Most seem to be playing on electronic devices
these days. .
With sky high taxes in the town, wouldn ’t it make more sense
to use the $25,000 toward attracting more business to the town or
building opportunities for young adults to increase their skills?
A playground certainly isn’t going to attract anyone to move to
town, but more businesses to help the tax burden surely would.
We hope the voters in Haverhill use some common sense.
Don’t approve this article.
ON THIS DATE
March 13 through April 15 is Deaf History Month. On March 13, 1988
was the victory of the Deaf President Now movement at Gallaudet
University; on April. 8, 1864, the charter was signed by President Lincoln
authorizing the Board ofDirectors of Columbia Institution (now Gallaudet
University)to grant college degrees to deaf students; and on April 15,
1817,
the establishment of the first public school for the deaf in America took
place.
On March 13, l 887, Chester Greenwood of Maine received a patent for
eannufi‘s.
##7##
On March 13, 1983, radio talk show host Larry King brought his topical
interview program to syndicated TV. Using a telephone hookup, viewers
called in to speak to particular guests.
###
Planet Uranus was discovered on March 13, 1782 by German born
English astronomer Sir William Herschel. It is the seventh planet from the
sun.
###
Joseph Priestly, English clergyman and scientist, and discoverer of
oxygen, was born March L733 in F ieldhead, England. He and his family
narrowly escaped an angry mob attacking their home because ofhis religious
and political views. They moved to the US. in 1794. He died in
Northumberland, PA on Feb. 6, l 804.
###
Helen Candaele Saint Aubin, known as Helen Callaghan during her
baseball days, was born in Vancouver, BC, Canada on March 13, 1929.
She and her sister, Margaret Maxwell, were recruited for the All American
Girls Professional Baseball League, which flourished in the 1940s when
many major league players were off fighting in World War 11. Saint Aubin,
who was known as the “Ted Williams of women’s baseball,” died Dec. 8,
1992 in Santa Barbara, CA.
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Visit Haverhill’s parks
To the Editor: I
I believe that the focus has been lost as far as the Powder House Hill
issue is
concerned. It is not a character debate. It is, does the town sell the
property or not?
Plain and simple. It has been debated way too much. I do realize what it
has cost
the town in lawyer and surveyor fees, but it had to be done in order to go
forward
with this parcel of land.
It was mentioned if someone buys the parcel of land and builds a home and
the
revenue that it would generate, which is great, but how can this happen
when there
is “no” established right of way to the property? Many of us these days
have
computers, so take some time a go to a couple of these real-estate web
pages and
type in our four zip codes and see hOW many homes and parcels of land are
for
sale——it is not a good thing. ,
In closing, I would like to clarify something about myself, I am
atree-hugger, I
do like granola bars—the apple cinnamon ones are my favorite. I also
support and
encourage everyone to visit our “non-revenue producing parks,” here is
town. Like
Railroad Park in Woodsville, Kinder Forest and Hazen Park in North
Haverhill,
great places to go and visit and just hang out for a while.
I also support all the libraries in our town, especially the one almost
across from
my home, which has been there over 100 years. As far as the mention of the
fire truck
is concerned, my grandfather and four of his sons were all members of the
North
Haverhill Fire Department—don’t go there.
Everett F. Sawyer 111
North H averhill, NH
Beacon review is complete
To the Editor:
The Haverhill Beacon Review Committee has concluded their visual study of
the
airport rotating beacon trials at the Dean Memorial Airport. As directed by
the
selectboard, this committee received public comments and assessed the
impacts
that were identified.
We received 80 responses: seven in support of the beacon, five people
requested
information and 68 (85 percent of the respondents) opposed the beacon. Our
principal findings focused on two prominent areas.
Approximately 60 percent of the opposed respondents expressed concerns
about light pollution and the night sky. The intrusive and destructive
presence of the
rotating airport beacon during the trials in October and January had a very
negative
impact on these aspects of our rural character. The beauty of Haverhill’
s night sky
is an environmental asset to the town that should be coveted and protected.
Many
respondents felt alarmed at the thought of sacrificing our night sky for
an annoying
bright flashing light.
The impact on aviation navigation and airport use emerged from public
comment,
research and input from aviation experts.
—The consensus among the pilots who were interviewed is that a beacon is
unnecessary for our airport. They posed the question, “Who would use
it?” We do
not have the air traffic to support a beacon, most of our traffic is
local pilots who
know where the airport is located, generally night flying involves
pre-ordained
routes, GPS and a sectional map app are available and the runway lights are
pilot
activated; providing visual guidance.
—It is highly unlikely that a beacon would be able to assist apilot in an
emergency
because it is a navigational aid.
———Emergency aircraft have all the electronics to land safely.
—Suggested economic development includes fuel accessibility, a flight
school
and hangar rentals.
—These potential projects would support more people utilizing the airport
during the day to increase viability. A beacon will not increase daytime
utilization.
~Be cautious with federal grants because if the airport doesn’t stay
afloat the
town will be liable.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the public comments. Your feedback
is sincerely appreciated.
. Susie T ann, chair
Haverhill Beacon Review Committee
Leaders’ Will is lacking
To the Editor:
This week is known as crossover week in the Vermont Statehouse, when the
House and Senate move bills out of committee and onto the floor to be
voted upon.
Bills that pass in the House then cross over to the Senate and vice versa,
for further
discussion and final voting. at
And what of climate change legislation? Many ambitious climate and energy
bills
have been proposed, but unfortunately, have languished in committee.
Is the political will ofVermonters lacking?
Climate grOups filled with citizens concerned about rising greenhouse gas
emissions have sprung up all over the state. On Town Meeting Day,
16'towns
passed resolutions to urge the state to ban any new fossil fiiel
infi‘astructure. Between
last year and this year, 55 towns have sent this message to Montpelier.
Yet, two bills
in the house and one in the senate to prohibit new fossil fuel
infrastructure have not
been taken up by committees.
Is the political will of our elected legislators lacking?
33 legislators have sponsored one bill alone to prohibit all new fossil
fuel
infrastructure. There are over ten bills in the House and Senate that are
designed'to
mitigate our rising greenhouse gas emissions. A record 80 legislators
joined the
Climate Caucus this year.
So, what is the problem? .
At the beginning of the legislative season, Governor Phil Scott, Senate Pro
Tempore Tim Ashe and Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson stated that no
carbon
legislation would be taken up this session, that Vermont is too small to go
it alone,
that we must wait until other states join us.
The answer seems clear. Leadership is lacking. The political will of the
people
is there and a record number of legislators have proposed climate change
legislation.
We must convince our leaders that now is the time to enact strong climate
legislation.
Vermonthas led the nation before and we can lead again, this time on
legislation that
reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
After all, we are not called the “Brave Little State” for nothing.
Jill Wilcox
Sharon, VT
, Live
\
Trump fan was triggered
To the Editor:
On March 4, I received an anonymous, expletive-laden letter in the mail.
Evidently the malevolent missive was in direct response to my letter to the
editor
(“Trump 2020 run is presumptuous”) in the Feb. 27 Journal Opinion,
though
apparently the writer was also provoked by previous letters to the editor I
have
written to the ValleyNews, given the opening sentence: “Every time you
open your
piehole you weaken the nation.” I have never heard the term “piehole”
used for
mouth and it mystifies me. ‘
I’m fascinated by how enraging it is to the Trump supporter to read the
truth about
the moral flaws and criminal deeds of his hero. I suspect it must threaten
his sense
of identity somehow to realize how snookered he was by Trump and his lies.
Also interested are the assumptions the letter writer makes about me
personally,
a 65-year-old grandmother who doesn’t smoke pot and generally dislikes
being
around very inebriated people, thoughl don’t care if someone else does as
long as
they’re not driving while do so and endangering others.
I’m actually somewhat strait—laced and health conscious and disklike
cigarette
smoking, drunkenness and substance abuse, and lawlessness of any kind. I
also have
to particular preference for Muslims or any other religious or ethnic
group.
' Alice Morrison
Newbury, VT
###
EDITOR ’S NOTE: Morrison provided a copy of the anonymous letter. It is
expletive laden and will not be reprinted here.
A sleeping “gem”
To the Editor:
Dean Memorial Airport is a sleeping “gem” nestled in the foothills of
the White
Mountains. As the airport manager for the past three years, I am
disheartened to be
leaving the position following aperiod of controversy and dissension. I
feel the need
to offer a brief clarification so the people of Haverhill are not left
with the impression
that I turned my back and walked away when things became difficult.
Late in the afiemoon of March 4, I was summoned to the office of Interim
Town
Manager Glenn English and was presented two choices——resign or be
fired. I chose
the former. .
When asked the reason for this ultimatum, ITM English reminded me that I
had
been told “not to voice opinions for the Airport Commission or the
town.” It had been
my understanding from that conversation that I was to refrain from
commenting on
current controversial subjects and I agreed.
I will accept responsibility ifl misinterpreted the scope ofI TM
English’s silencing.
It was never my intent to imply that I was speaking for any other person or
group,
and all opinions were strictly my own. In fact, the airport manager is not
permitted
to be a member of the Airport Commission, and therefore cannot be
arepresentative
of that group. ’
The last article published was meant to be information in content with the
focus
that other proj cots are available for consideration at the airport.
Apparently, there
was negative response to this article as well.
As the airport manager, I believed I had a job and responsibility to keep
our
township informed of what was happening at the airport and the progress
that we
were making. I will continue to be a strong advocate for your airport and
hope that
you, the residents of our town, will voice your sentiments about the
airport’s future.
My greatest hope is that true value of our airport “gem” will be
recognized and
promoted to its full potential.
Dennis M Cunningham
North Haverhill, NH
Support housing bill
SB306 is critical to addressing the current housing shortage .that is
driving
housing costs out of reach for young and old alike.
SB306 establishes an alternative appeal process to the lengthy and costly
Superior Court litigation that is currently the only option for an appeal.
Towns,
taxpayers and builders alike across the state spend hundreds of thousands
of dollars
each year on legal fees fighting cases that often go on for years, killing
much—needed
housing construction.
Local boards lose none of their rights or authority under SB306. What the
bill
does do is greatly expedite the appeals process to assist with the acute
workforce
housing shortage. The current process is forcing young families to leave
New
Hampshire, and new employers to locate in other states because of our
exorbitant
housing costs. , ’
These costs are caused by lack of new homes. SB306 will save towns,
taxpayers
and builders (and consequently, homebuyers) time and money by providing an
alternative process to resolve disputes within 180 days of a local board
decision.
And—this is important—if any of the parties, including abutters,
don’t like the
Housing Appeal Board decision, they retain the right to take the matter to
court as
is the case in current law. No one is losing any existing rights under this
legislation.
SB306 is a much-needed alternative process to avoid costly, lengthy court
proceedings.
Everybody wins with a streamlined process ofhandling appeals and no one
loses
any of the rights guaranteed under current law.
Please contact your legislators and tell them to support SB306.
Sen. Bob Giuda
‘ To the Editor:
###
The writer, the District 2 state Senator, is a Republican from Warren.
CORRECTIONS,
The Haverhill Entrepreneurial Encouragement Committee meets the fourth
Wednesday of the month at 6 pm. in the town offices in North Haverhill.
Due to a
reporting error, an article (“Panel proposes business improvements”) in
the Feb. 13
edition incorrectly stated the monthly meeting date.
* iii 3"
The West Fairlee E91 1 coordinator has an email address and anyone who has
any questions or needs assistance can reach the coordinator via
westfairleee9l 1@gmail.com. Due to a reporting error, an article
(“Residents
increase FD funding”) in the March 6 edition about town meeting in West
Fairlee
incorrectly stated that the E91 1 coordinator has a website.
éLearn
True tales
by Elena A. Chevalier
Patrick ranks among my favorite historical
figures. His resilient character captures my
imagination and inspires me in troubled times.
You probably know him as St. Patrick.
Legends and lore surround the man. Ancient
documents detail real and imagined aspects of
his story. The version I prefer follows:
Brought up in a loving home in Britain in the
fourth or filth century, Patrickhad little interestin
the spiritual lessons taught by his parents and
church. Then one night pirates invaded his
seaside village. The teenager watched family
members fall as the invaders dragged him off to
a ship in the harbor.
Sold as a slave in Ireland, he found himself in
V lonely fields caring for sheep. Forced to find
shelter in caves, he sought solace inthe scripture
verses he had learned. The God he once spurned
became his companion.
Aftereight years, Patrick followed God’s call
to find his way home. Without maps, he made his
way to a distant port and set sail for home with
the sailors. Alter a storm shipwrecked them on
an uninhabited shore, they wandered aimlessly
trying to find food. Patrick led them to food
sources, giving credit to his God.
At home at last, he rejoiced to find his family
alive and well. But an inner call drew him back to
Ireland.
Patrick made his introduction to the country
on the eve of a great festival. On that day, people
extinguished every fire. Upon penalty of death,
no fire couldbe lit until the king himself lit the first
fire.
That night, Patrick’s blazing bonfire in the
distance kindled the king’s ire. The new
missionary spoke to the audience be attracted of
the Light of the World-the one true God. The
powerful speaker gained the king’s mercy and a
great following beganthatnight.
Stories abound of miracles he performed
during his time in Ireland. I cannot prove the
truthfulness of any of those stories; but I can
share one of my own. ' .
Several years ago my husband and I spent St.
Patrick’s Day traveling home alter a visit down v
south. I lamented the fact that I would not be
home to prepare and serve the traditional corned
beef and cabbage. .
Getting hungry in Pennsylvania, I searched
our GPS for restaurants nearby. Only fast food
places came up, but we wanted something more
substantial. As I searched, we suddenly found ,
ourselves tangled in highway spaghetti with exits
and merges all jumbled together. ' .
“Just pick any restaurant!” my hungry
husband insisted, wanting some direction
through the challenging traflic.
At that moment, our faithful GPS went
beserk! It flashed. It flickered. It said go this and
then that way, but none matched the roads. Then
in a final flurry, it went blank.
We got off the highway at the first convenient
exit. To our surprise, we discovered an authentic
Irish restaurant a few hundred feet ahead of us.
That day we enjoyed corned beef and
cabbage, complete with Irish-accented servers
and Irish music in the background.
Refreshed and ready to head home, we
checked our GPS. It worked perfectly! Except
for one tiny detail, that is.
Whenever I prograrned the unit to take us
home, it kept trying to bring us back to that St.
‘ Patrick’s Day celebration spot in Pennsylvania.
And that’s the truth.
