During the approximately two
years that Anastacia “Stacey”
Sofronis Barr has served as Cable
the studio and the broadcasting
that she has overseen have made
tremendous strides forward.
Unfortunately, however, Anastacia, as she prefers to be called, is going back to her home state of Vermont.
Windham Selectmen made the
announcement of Barr’s resignation
on August 23, a resignation they
accepted with “deep regret.”
Voting in favor of accepting the
resignation were Selectmen Charles
McMahon, Roger Hohenberger,
Ross McLeod, and Bruce Breton.
Selectman Galen Stearns was not
in attendance when the vote was
taken.
Barr’s resignation takes effect on
September 24. She has accepted
another position; one that provides
new and exciting opportunities to
advance her skills and knowledge.
“This is a great opportunity for
Anastacia,” McMahon said. “But,
truth is, we are really going to miss
her [here in Windham].”
Selectman McLeod commented
on “the exemplary job” that Barr
has done for the town’s residents
Barbara Coish, who is a long-
time cable volunteer in the Town of
Windham, is sad to see her friend
and co-worker leave. “I love to call
Stacey Anastacia, using the Greek
and Russian pronunciation. It is
so beautiful,” Coish said, reecting
fondly on the past two years.
to whoever is the coordinator at
the time,” she said. “Our facility
is unusual, as compared to other
facilities, in the way things are
run. Whoever works for Windham,
in this capacity, coordinates the
day-to-day activities, but the cable
committee, through the person
who serves as chairman, oversees
the entire operation. For some
people, this can be a very difcult
arrangement to which to adjust,”
Coish explained. “But Stacey
handled the situation well, and
managed, through her hard work,
to move our studio ahead, in many
aspects.”
Referring to all the assistance
she provided at the new Windham
High School, Coish commented,
“Stacey spent much time over the
past year helping the board as we/
the town worked toward equipping
the high school studio. This project
is complete as she moves on to her
next challenge.”
I know that we will stay in touch
with Stacey, as she has made some
real friends here in Windham,
Coish said. “The friendships made
here are lasting.” An example
provided by Coish is how often the
studio’s previous coordinator, Jim
Dadonna, stays in touch and visits
the area.
Although saddened to see Barr
leave Windham, Coish added, “In
reality, I am happy that Anastacia is
going back home to her roots.”
Barr has said she is willing to
help with the transition period
when someone new is hired to take
on the duties of Cable Coordinator.
The search for a new employee to
ll the vacancy has already begun.
After last year’s successful
trial run of temporary lighting at
Windham’s Nashua Road Field,
members of the Windham Soccer
Association decided to ask for
similar permission this year, except
that the new location will be at the
town-owned Grifn Park.
Selectman Ross McLeod,
who recused himself from being
a voting member during the
discussion, presented the soccer
association’s request to the
Windham Board of Selectmen
on August 23. McLeod is the
president of the Windham Soccer
Association.
McLeod said that two practice
sessions are held each evening
throughout the fall soccer season.
The problem is that, as September
moves into October, dusk settles
in earlier each night. It’s virtually
impossible to get all the practice
sessions in without articial
lighting, McLeod said. The lights
would not be used for any soccer
games, McLeod assured his fellow
selectmen. “We’ll be out of there
by 8 p.m.,” he promised. McLeod
said the soccer association would
like to begin using the temporary
mobile lights on September 6.
The temporary lights include
four xtures, arranged only around
the soccer elds at Grifn Park.
It is not expected that they will
disturb any neighboring residents.
McLeod also said that the mobile
xtures could be moved if anyone
complains about the sound of
the generator that runs the light
xtures.
Members of the Windham
Recreation Committee have already
given their unanimous approval
to placing the temporary lights at
Grifn Park. The Windham Soccer
Association will pay the cost of
leasing the lights, as well as the
cost of the electricity used.
The only selectman who voiced
a complaint was Galen Stearns,
who said he feels that they are
“moving too fast” on the issue of
lights at the park. Stearns said
he wanted the use of the lights
stopped if any complaints were
received. It was decided that
Windham Recreation Coordinator
Cheryl Haas would investigate
any abutter complaints received
and attempts would be made to
rectify alleged problems before
permanently dousing the lights.
As for the other lighting project
at Grifn Park, Selectmen’s
Chairman Charles McMahon said
that the light poles and transformer,
to be used for lighting the parking
lot, as well as the walkways, have
been installed and were expected
to be operational by September 1.
Most people go through hills and
valleys in life, but Spencer Desfosses, 9,
from Bow, has been dealt a mountain.
Diagnosed at age 5 with Becker’s
Muscular Dystrophy, Spencer has a
positive attitude that rivals any adult.
According to the Muscular Dystrophy
Association (MDA) Website, Becker’s
Muscular Dystrophy is a degenerative
disease that usually occurs in teens and
adults and affects the voluntary muscles,
causing a weakness and wasting of the
shoulders, hips, and thighs.
Spencer, this year’s NH Goodwill
Ambassador for the MDA, traveled
around the state on the last two
Mondays kicking off the reghter’s Fill
the Boot campaign on August 23 along
the seacoast, and last Monday, Spencer
traveled in re trucks from Franklin
with stops in Tilton, Concord, Hooksett,
Manchester, Bedford, Merrimack,
Nashua, Hudson, Pelham, Salem,
Windham, Londonderry, and then back
to Manchester, where he threw out the
rst ball at the Fisher Cats game.
Spencer was accompanied on his trek
by Fungo, the Fisher Cats mascot and
Spencer’s new friend.
“Every day is a struggle; he’s pulled
out of class constantly because of
learning disabilities associated with
muscular dystrophy, and he’s starting to
feel a little bit different because he can’t
keep up with the other kids. He can’t
ride a bike, can’t run, and has fatigue,
but he tries. He’s got motivation like
you wouldn’t believe,” Lanoie said.
The re truck trek came out of the
blue when at a function in May, Spencer
let it be known that he liked re trucks.
Quiet and friendly, Spencer didn’t
talk much on the ride from the Icenter
to Canobie Lake Park, where he was
greeted by park ofcials and given a
welcome that included a welcome
sign just for him. Then, it was on to
Windham. The whole time, he just held
Fungo’s hand and hugged everyone.
Trails along Spencer’s mountain
have been blazed through research
and medical discoveries; however,
much more research needs to be done.
This weekend, reghters in Salem
and Windham, along with stations
nationwide, will be out with tall rubber
boots collecting donations for muscular
dystrophy—for kids and adults who are
navigating their own mountains.
Rental fees charged for the use of Windham’s
town-owned Searles School and Chapel are
proposed to go up. Before making a nal decision
on the issue, however, selectmen held a public
hearing on the new rates. The hearing was held
during their weekly board meeting on August
23. Selectmen will not make a nal decision,
however, until a second public hearing is held on
Increasingly, income derived from renting
out either the chapel or the schoolroom is
not sufcient to offset annual operational and
maintenance expenses. The goal is to make the
building self-sustaining. There are also several
projects that still need to be completed on the
century-old building and the existing special
revenue fund is running low on money. Searles
School and Chapel has been owned by the Town
of Windham since 1906, when it was traded for
one of the district’s historical schoolhouses.
The existing rental fees are the same regardless
of the day of the week on which the function
is scheduled. Currently, a resident can rent the
chapel for $225 (three hours) or the schoolroom
for $300 (three hours). The cost for a non-resident
to rent the chapel is $450 (three hours) or the
schoolroom for $525 (three hours). Presently,
town-approved non-prot organizations can rent
either the chapel or the schoolroom at a cost of
$25 per hour, with no minimum number of hours
required.
As for the proposed rates, there are different
charges assessed for certain weekdays, as well as
escalating costs for weekend use. There are also
different charges for day and evening use, as well
as out-of-town or in-town non-prot groups.
Prior to proposing the new fees, members of
the Windham Historic Committee said that they
“assessed our competition,” making phone calls
and checking online for the rates and amenities of
various area function halls. What they came up
The Pelham Senior Center threw a huge birthday
celebration for everyone aged 90 and over, including a
surprise birthday wish to Carol Law, who recently moved to
Pelham and turned 101 years old. During the celebration,
the Senior Center presented the Boston Post Cane, a 100-year
New England tradition, to Herb Currier, the oldest male voter
in Pelham. The oldest voter in a town, male or female, always
receives the award.
But it wasn’t always that way. In 1909, a letter was received
from the Boston Post classifying the intention as to what was
meant by the oldest citizen to receive this award. Women were
not to be considered and the oldest citizen meant the oldest
male who was a voter.
However, on August 26, 1920, Congress passed the 19th
Amendment giving women the right to vote, thus stirring interest
by women that they also had the right to receive the cane. In
1923, the small town of Maynard, MA, presented the cane to
the rst woman, and she held the cane for the next ve years.
The rst recipient of the cane in Pelham was David Narch
Gould, who was presented the cane on August 28, 1909, at Old
Home Day. Since that rst presentation, many rules have been
put in place, such as the length of time you must be a resident.
Pelham has a person older than Herb this year; however, she
has only been a resident of Pelham for one year, which does not
Promotions are for new individual bookings only, are not combinable with any other discounts or promotions and are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at anytime.*Restrictions may apply. Discount based on the total value of trip and can not exceed 10% of the cruise fare. For cruise lines who prohibit discounting an on-board credit may be substituted. ©2009 Cruise Travel Outlet Inc.
Selectmen, Sherburne Hall, 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays
Single Mom Small Group, 7 p.m., Fridays, Mindy 635-8679
St. Patrick School Board, School Library, 7 p.m., second Tuesday
VFW, 6 Main Street, Pelham, 7 p.m., rst Thursday
Wattannick Grange, Hudson Grange Hall, 7:30 p.m., rst and third
John H Hargreaves Memorial VFW Post
#10722 is pleased to announce the
opportunity for establishing of aVe t e ra n s
are a community member who has sought
the opportunity to honor a loved one while
serving in a civic capacity and having fun,
your time has come! The President of the
Department of New Hampshire Veterans
of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary will hold
an informational meeting at 7 p.m. at the
Pelham VFW Post. The minimum age is
16. If you have questions, contact Rita at
mrsjak12305@aol.com, or call 635-1540.
corrections to the checklist from
7-7:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the
Pelham Police Department. New voters
may register at this time. This is the last
day residents may register to vote prior to
the State Primary Election to be held on
September 14. Registrations may also be
made with the Town Clerk during regular
business hours. Proof of residency required.
Are you looking to nd something interesting,
fun, and a way to meet new people? Well,
that is what the Windham Woman’s Club
is about. Our rst meeting of the year will
be held on Wednesday, September 8, at the
Windham Town Hall. The meeting begins
at 11:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon. Our
club members are all ages, and we have
programs of interest for all. Guests are
welcome! Bring a friend. We look forward
to meeting you! For more information, visit
www.windhamwomansclub.com.
6-8 p.m. Registration will be held at
St. Patrick’s Parish Center in Pelham. If
you have questions, contact Jen Bearer at
jsbearer@gmail.com.
to 1 p.m. The event will feature cake and
ice cream for dogs and people, goody bags,
special sales and discounts, and rafes to
benet the Animal Rescue Network of
New England.
September 18 at the First Congregational
Church, with all kinds of fun and activities
for the whole family to enjoy. The day will
begin with a 5K Road Race starting in front of
the Pelham Public Library. There will also be
a craft/vendor fair, an auction, a doll carriage
and bike parade, a pretty pie contest, kids’
games, entertainment and demonstrations,
a food tent, and much more. For a full
schedule of events, visit
www.pelhamoldhomeday.org/events.htm.
Boy Scout Troop 263 will be holding its
annual Spaghetti Supper from 5-7 p.m. at St.
Mathew’s Parish center. Tickets are available
from the boys. There is a cost for the supper,
and tickets will be available at the door. This
fundraiser is the primary source of funds for
the troop to supply the equipment the troop
needs for a safe and meaningful program.
purpose is to celebrate our strength,
encourage each other toward tness goals,
and to read female authors that inspire us.
All tness levels are welcome. We meet for
eight weeks and work towards competing
in a 5K race. For more information, call
Corinne Chronopoulos, Adult Services
Librarian, at 635-7581, or e-mail her at
cchronopoulos@pelhamweb.com.
10 a.m. These story times will include lots
of wonderful book sharing, songs, crafts, and
special activities. Check for a copy of the
September calendar on the library Website,
you love your job or are job searching, you
should always have an up-to-date, polished
resume ready. The Adult Services librarian
will be on hand to review resumes and offer
helpful tips.
The John H. Hargreaves Memorial VFW
Post #10722, 6 Main Street, Pelham, will
hold a Ladies Auxiliary Meeting at 7 p.m.
The meeting will feature guest speaker,
Department of New Hampshire Ladies
Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars
President Donna Fischer.
The Windham Golden Brook School PTA
will hold a Volunteer Orientation meeting
at 9:30 a.m. Some of the volunteer positions
available at Golden Brook School include
assisting all grades (K-2) in the library, during
computer time, and in the classrooms. We
also have opportunities to work at the help
desk and with Golden Brook’s reading
specialist. If you cannot attend the meeting
or if you have any other questions about
volunteering at Golden Brook School, email
Kari Husson at jkhusson@comcast.net.
The town of Windham is cordially invited
to come celebrate Homecoming Weekend
for a full day of sports, music, food, and fun.
Football, soccer, eld hockey, volleyball,
cross country, and cheerleaders—this
is a great event for everyone. For more
information or to volunteer, contact Lisa
Haswell at jonosk@gmail.com.
evenings for six weeks, beginning on
September 22, from 7-8:30 p.m. Anne
Kelsey of Dare to Write is offering a course
created exclusively for high school students
to write their college essay. Anne will also
share some surprising insights into the
admissions process, as well as tips and tricks
for the admissions interview. There is a fee
for the class. Registration is required and
space is limited. To register, e-mail
recreation@windhamnewhampshire.com or
call Cheryl Haas in the Windham Recreation
Ofce at 965-1208.
9 a.m. in the Hudson Community Center,
Lions Avenue, Hudson, instead of the
usual rst Monday of the month. After the
usual business meeting, our speaker will
be an award-winning quilter who will be
treating us to a Trunk Show of her work. The
Hannah Dustin Quilt Guild is a non-prot
organization dedicated to the art and craft of
quilting and is comprised of members with
a wide range of abilities. Anyone with an
interest in quilting is invited to join us. For
more information, call Elyse at 635-7436 or
visit www.hannahdustinqg.org.
running for 13 consecutive weeks. Each
week includes a video session and group
discussion on topics related to grieving
and loss. GriefShare is a special weekly
seminar and support group for people who
are grieving the death of someone close
to them. GriefShare Support Group will
meet on Mondays, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.,
starting September 20 at Crossroads Baptist
Church, 43 Atwood Road, Pelham. For more
information, contact Lisa LeBel at 635-1556.
returning and new players attending 7th or
8th grade. The Pelham Warriors are holding
sign-ups through September 16. Please send
an e-mail including your son’s name, grade,
and contact information to pelhamwarriors
@myfairpoint.net. Tryouts will be held at a
later date.
Country Club in Windham. Each year,
Jimmy Fund Golf, the nation’s oldest and
largest grassroots golf program for charity,
brings together hundreds of volunteers and
thousands of golfers who are united in their
love for the game of golf and their desire
to fund cancer research. Now in its 28th
year, Jimmy Fund Golf has raised nearly $75
million for life-saving cancer research and
treatment for adults and children at Dana-
Farber Cancer Institute. Registration time
will be 7:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8
a.m. For information, call 866-521-4653 or
visit www.jimmyfundgolf.org.
program that will be held at the Windham
Senior Center starting at 10 a.m. Wildlife
Encounters/Granite State Zoo will be coming
to Windham once a month for programs
for ages 2.75-5 years old. They will bring
two hands-on animals with them, including
one special animal; then, they will discuss
the animals; and nally, they will send an
activity home with you. They will be in
Windham on September 10, October 8,
November 12, and December 10. Each
month, they bring different animals, so it’s
always a new experience! There is a cost
per child. To register or to nd out more
information, contact the Recreation Ofce at
965-1208 or by e-mail at Recreation@Wind
hamNewHampshire.com. Please note that
you must pre-register.
The Windham Recreation Department will
co-sponsor Pilates Classes on Monday
evenings at the Town Hall. Pilates is
a sensational, total body-conditioning
program. These classes are taught by a
Licensed Physical Therapist and Certied
Pilates Instructor who can modify exercises
to meet your individual needs. Two levels
of classes are offered. Pilates level I will be
held at 5:30 p.m. and is for anyone new to
Pilates. Pilates level II will be held at 6:30
p.m., and is faster-paced for people already
familiar with this popular form of exercise.
Classes begin September 13. There is a cost
for the eight-week session, which should
be made payable to the Town of Windham.
Call Marie Theodhosi at 437-9575 or e-mail
mtheodhosi@aol.com to register for class.
(old town hall) on Main Street. The class
for boys and girls ages 6-12 (beginner) will
be held from 3:30-5 p.m., the class for boys
and girls ages 10-13 (advanced) will be held
from 5-6:30 p.m., and the class for teens
and adults ages 14 and up will be held from
6:30-8 p.m. No experience or equipment
needed. Size of groups is limited; rst-
come, rst-serve. Registration form can be
picked up at 6 Village Green, or online at
online at https://webtrac.pelhamweb.
com. Please sign up by September 8. Call
635-2721 with any questions or e-mail
Recreation@pelhamweb.com.
registrations for the 2010-11 Winter Travel
Season for kids in grades 4-8 . New and
returning players from last season are
required to register for the coming season.
There are two ways to register. First, there
is a new online registration system—visit
www.pelhambasketball.com and access the
“Register Online” link. Second, there will
be a Walk-in Registration Night, which will
be held on Tuesday September 14, from 6-
8 p.m. at St. Pat’s Clubhouse. Registration
does not ensure participation in the program.
Tryouts are typically offered, dependent on
the number of registered players. All players
rostered on a team will be required to pay a
registration fee. For more information, visit
www.pelhambasketball.com.
Errors: e liability of the publisher on account of errors in or omissions from any advertisement will in no way exceed the amount of the charge for the space occupied by the item in error, and then only for the first incorrect insertion. Advertisers should notify management within three (3) business days if any error occurs.
e Area News Group prints “Letters to the Editor” on a space available basis, with preference to non-frequent writers. Requests to withhold a writer’s name will be honored at the discretion of the editor. Letters more than 600 words will be returned to sender.
Any article, “Letter to the Editor,” “umbs,” or advertisement appearing in Area News Group papers are the sole opinion of the writer(s) and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the staff or ownership of the newspaper. We reserve the right to edit or refuse ads, articles, or letters deemed to be in bad taste.
•Fun caring environment
•All records taken in office
•Advance state of the art office
•High tech digital imaging
•Private room for adults
•Invisalign certified
•Clear ceramic braces
•Modern sterilization procedures
•Financing plans tailored
•Bonded
•Insured
•Reliable
Tuesday-Thursday
10am-6pm
Friday & Saturday
9am-4pm
Last week, the Pelham Library held a certied
Red Cross Babysitting Course for students aged
11-15 years old. Each student had to bring
a bagged lunch and have a strong desire to
learn and participate in the various activities.
Fourteen energetic kids came and t the
bill with Jennifer Munroe as their Red Cross
Instructor.
The class ran for a full day of intense
study, with a manual given to each student
that covers everything from performing rst
aid and getting professional medical help
fast; identifying common safety hazards
and preventing injuries; making good and
responsible decisions; supervising infants
through school-age children; choosing safe and
age-appropriate toys and games; performing
basic care like diapering, feeding, and dressing;
preparing simple meals and snacks; handling
bedtime issues; and nding and interviewing
for a potential babysitting job.
The Rain Gutter Regatta is Cub Scouts’ version
of the infamous Pinewood Derby on water.
After a last-minute shufe in days due to nasty
weather, Windham’s Pack 266 held their Annual
Rain Gutter Regatta at Cobbett’s Town Beach on
Thursday, August 26, from 5-7 p.m. The sun was
shining bright, but the breeze from the west made
the navigating tough for the young sailors. The
boys were able to decorate
their ships, sails, and masts.
Then, they got to assemble
their boats and determine if
their ships were seaworthy.
Once that was completed,
the races were on! With
some hot air and dedication,
Scouts made their way
down the rain gutter course
to the nish line. Several
current Cub Scouts and a
few potential new Scouts
came by on this beautiful
late afternoon to try out our
If anyone missed us due to the date changes,
but would like more information about the
Cub Scout program in Windham, contact Kevin
Rochford, Cub Master for Pack 266, at 578-2661
or KevinR@KGRTech.com; or Kimber Leuteritz,
Committee Chair for Pack 266, at 893-2526 or
ekleuteritz@comcast.net.
Hebert, and M.
Redard at the
Rain Gutter
Regatta
Thanks to the generosity and thoughtfulness of Windham
resident George Dinsmore, there will be a new sign gracing
the approach to the town’s historic Searles School and Chapel.
The town-owned building, located off of Range Road, has seen
many uses during its rst century, but is presently used primarily
for special functions and events, such as weddings, private and
corporate parties, and receptions.
Selectmen accepted Dinsmore’s donation during their meeting
on August 23. Voting in favor of acceptance were: Chairman
Charles McMahon, Vice Chairman Bruce Breton, Ross McLeod,
and Roger Hohenberger. Selectman Galen Stearns was not in
attendance when the vote was taken.
The new sign is being donated in honor of George Dinsmore’s brother, John Dinsmore, and his nephew, Sidney Walters. It will replace the existing sign, which has outlived its usefulness and is in need of replacement. The value of the new sign is said to be $7,235.
Dinsmore said the new sign will be electried, but uses “a
very gentle lighting” to provide illumination. It will be a little
closer to the road in front of the facility than the existing sign,
but is not expected to cause any visibility problems for motorists
using Searles Road. The color scheme of the new sign will match
that of the building—muted tans and browns. The style of the
sign will reect the English Tudor construction of the building.
According to Dinsmore, the new sign is 117 inches (nine feet,
nine inches) in height. It will be set on a granite base. The
sign itself is made of synthetic materials, which are expected to
survive the harsh elements of New England’s weather for many
years.
Selectmen expressed their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dinsmore for his generous donation. It is anticipated that the new sign will be erected sometime this coming fall.
Before hiring a contractor to do work at your home or business,
you should do a little bit of research. This small-time investment
may save you hassle and headache—perhaps even time and
money.
When researching the reputation of a contractor, rst check with
the Secretary of State to see if the contractor you are considering
hiring has a registered business. This can be done online at the
following link: www.sos.nh.gov. If the contractor’s business
resides in New Hampshire and is not registered with the state, then
the contractor is not legally operating that business.
Next, you will want to contact the Better Business Bureau
to check the reputation of the contractor. You can look this
information up online at the following link: http://concord.
bbb.org. By entering in the name of the contractor’s business
and business location, you will be able to pull up a report on
the business. The report will include any complaints that were
submitted by past clients and display as to whether or not those
complaints were addressed by the business. The report also
includes a letter “grade” rating the business.
A good contractor should be able to give you an estimate of
costs and a timeline for completing a scope of work, and
then adhere to those promises. Good contractors should
also be current in their knowledge of current State and
Town regulations and relevant building codes, and
possess the required licensing to do the work they have
committed to do.
Taking the time to do this research may protect
you because if the contractor you hire does not get
the proper permits or does not follow town and state
regulations, you may be left liable in dealing with any
problems as a result.
Pelham~Windham News 9-03-2010
