ELDERLY & DISABLED TAX EXEMPTION
FILING PERIOD NOW OPEN
through April 15, 2020
All applications for Exemptions and Credits must be filed by April 15th, and not afterwards, for the current tax year. The application is permanent as long as you own your home or until your financial circumstances change. The City Assessor may review your application during subsequent tax years to determine continuation of eligibility. You must notify the Assessing Staff if you no longer qualify because of changes in income or assets.
|
|
NOTICE TO VOTERS
Upcoming Elections
State Primary Election is September 8, 2020
General Election is November 3, 2020
If you are a registered voter in Somersworth and wish to change your party affiliation before the State Primary Election, you may do so now, until June 2, 2020 in accordance with RSA 654:34. Go to the City Clerk’s Office with a photo ID to change your party affiliation.
Voters who register to vote subsequent to June 2, 2020 may declare a party when they register.
For more information please call the City Clerk's office at 692-9511.
|
|
The Somersworth Kids Art Walk
The Falls Chamber has teamed up with downtown Somersworth Businesses and Local Elementary Schools to create a walkable (or wheel-able) art gallery designed to highlight our vibrant downtown businesses and available storefronts while showcasing the talented artists in our community.
The Somersworth Art Walk will feature a variety of themed exhibits throughout the year, with colorful and inspiring artwork prominently displayed in the windows of storefronts on High Street, Main Street, and Market Street.
We’re excited to unveil the “Kids Art Path” as the first exhibit in what we hope will become a Somersworth tradition. With the help of art teacher Kayla Tompkins, elementary students from Idlehurst and Maple Wood have created one-of-a-kind artwork utilizing a variety of styles and mediums.
We invite the community and visitors to join us for a stroll through beautiful and historic downtown Somersworth to admire the stunning artwork created by local students.
|
|
Somersworth Veterans
Memorial Bricks
|
On June 4, 2018, Mayor Dana S. Hilliard announced the formation of the Veterans Park Memorial Commission to re-design the Stein Park Veterans Memorial on Main Street so that it would become a living tribute to all the brave men and women who answered the call of defending this great nation.
The Somersworth City Council demonstrated their commitment to the development of this living tribute by adopting a Resolution pledging their support. As part of this campaign, the City, with the support of the Somersworth Veterans Park Memorial Commission, has launched a Brick donation campaign. Bricks can be purchased by anyone wishing to honor a Veteran who has served our Country.
Bricks are 4” x 8” inches and red, which will be engraved with the name, military rank, branch and years of service for individual service members and will be selectively placed throughout the entrance walkway of the Memorial. The cost of a Brick is $50. There are a total of 800 Bricks available. Brick donations may be made online
www.somersworth.com
or by calling the Somersworth City Hall Finance Office at 603-692-9506.
A limited number of 12" x 24" inch granite pavers are also available for purchase and engraving at the cost of $1,500. Please call Somersworth City Hall Finance Office at 603-692-9506 for availability.
Please don’t wait to show your support of our Veterans. A groundbreaking ceremony is being planned for Memorial Day 2020, followed by a grand opening and dedication
ceremony to be held on Veterans Day 2020.
|
|
|
CALLING ALL FELLOW CANINE FRIENDS & FAMILY
Dog Park Fundraising Campaign
Dear Fellow Canines,
I am calling on all my friends to encourage their owners to donate to the City’s Fundraising Campaign to build us an awesome Dog Park where we can run and play without our leashes holding us back. Let’s “bark” it up and chase down some money to make sure this park comes to life. There is only a limited time to hound your owner into letting go of a few dollars or loose change to send to the City.
Whether you’re a big Mutt or a small Pooch there will be room for all of us to play in a safely fenced-in park with water and shade and open space to run and jump! So, wag your tail, lick your owners ‘till their silly and help loosen them up and retrieve some funds!
I hope to see you this summer at our new Park, we’ll have a blast while our owners brag about how cute and fun we are!
Bowwows from your friend,
SPD K-9 Bravo
PS….Sorry about the soggy attachment, I carried this home for my owner from City Hall
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: ___________________________________ Donation Amount: _______________________
Address: _________________________________ Contact Phone: __________________________
________________________________________ Dog’s Name: ____________________________
Please Make Checks Payable to: City of Somersworth
Mail to: City Hall, Attn: Finance Office, One Government Way, Somersworth, NH 03878.
If you prefer to pay by cash please bring your donation to the City Clerk’s office at City Hall. Please call Stephanie at 692-9506 with any questions.
|
|
Department of Public Works & Utilities
|
|
Safety Sight Distance Improvements Made at the Intersection of Old Rochester Road and Blackwater Road
City staff worked with the NHDOT District 6 office and a property abutter on the recent removal of eight (8) very tall pine trees that were affecting sight distance at the intersection of Old Rochester Road and Blackwater Road. This intersection has been the location of several serious vehicle accidents over the recent years and was selected for a Traffic Safety Audit by the NHDOT and FHWA.
The Safety Audit evaluated several aspects of the current intersection and made specific recommendations on how to improve vehicle safety at this location. The removal of the tall pine trees on Old Rochester Road immediately south of this intersection was among the top Tier I recommendations for the City and the State DOT to implement. An agreement between the State, abutting property owner and the City of Somersworth was approved to enable the State to proceed with the tree removal.
|
|
|
Somersworth Fire Announces a New Fire Chief
The City Manager is pleased to announce the selection of George D. Kramlinger as the City’s new Fire Chief, effective March 2, 2020. Chief Kramlinger’s selection comes as current Fire Chief Keith Hoyle prepares to retire after a highly successful eight-year career at the helm of the Somersworth Fire Department.
Chief Kramlinger joins the City of Somersworth’s management team with a wealth of leadership, command, and technical expertise. He served as Fire Chief/AEMT/Emergency Management Director in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, Director of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, and as a Firefighter/Engineer/EMT-I in Dover. Chief Kramlinger is also a Senior Staff Instructor at the New Hampshire Fire Academy where he teaches in a wide variety of courses.
“We are pleased to have Chief George D. Kramlinger join the City of Somersworth management team,” said City Manager Belmore, “Chief Kramlinger’s extensive command experience and technical expertise in a variety of organizations will be a great addition to our management team and our Fire Department. I’m confident that his ability to lead people, prioritize resources, and increase effectiveness will enhance public safety and build upon the Fire Department’s solid reputation for operational excellence.”
|
|
- Permits are required by the state to burn tree branches that have fallen over the winter or to prepare garden areas. These Permits can be obtained free of charge from the Fire Department. They outline safety for burning these materials.
- While snow accumulations are lessening, it still is possible that we could get some storms which may result in fire hydrants outside your property being buried. As always, we solicit your help in keeping fire hydrants clear of snow after storms.
- As the month progresses, increased temperatures will melt ice on ponds and streams. Take care when walking on these surfaces as ice can way with little warning at this time of year.
|
|
F
or questions regarding permits please call the Fire Department at 692-3457
|
|
Somersworth Police & Friends
|
|
|
|
Service Credit Union’s Act of Kindness
:
On Friday 2/26/20, Service Credit Union came with pizzas in hand for a random act of kindness (which we all enjoyed).
We hope kindness like this goes viral …
|
|
Somersworth Police Training at Empire Beauty School
Sergeant Gary O’Brien and Detective Richard Campbell taught teachers and students at Empire Beauty School training in the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events. It was a good size class of 54 people.
If you are interested in this type of training for your business, please contact
Career Day
School Resource Officer Ashley Fuller and Chief David Kretschmar talked to students about being a police officer at Idlehurst Elementary School for Career Day on February 21.
Students at Maplewood Elementary will enjoy Career Day with the Officer Fuller and Chief Kretschmar in March.
|
|
Did you miss Drug Take Back Day?
We have a locked medication drop box in our station lobby that you can put your unused or expired prescription medications in at any time of the day or night.
|
|
|
|
Somersworth Crime Line:
You can leave anonymous information at 692-9111 - 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
|
|
|
|
|
Somersworth Police Department also uses our Facebook page to give important community information.
|
|
|
What's Happening at Somersworth Library
|
What Somersworth is Reading in March
"
The Stranger in the Woods"
The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit
by Michael Finkel
Many people dream of escaping modern life. Most will never act on it—but in 1986, twenty-year-old Christopher Knight did just that when he left his home in Massachusetts, drove to Maine, and disappeared into the woods. He would not have a conversation with another person for the next twenty-seven years.
Drawing on extensive interviews with Knight himself, journalist Michael Finkel shows how Knight lived in a tent in a secluded encampment, developing ingenious ways to store provisions and stave off frostbite during the winters. A former alarm technician, he stealthily broke into nearby cottages for food, books, and supplies, taking only what he needed but sowing unease in a community plagued by his mysterious burglaries. Since returning to the world, he has faced unique challenges—and compelled us to reexamine our assumptions about what makes a good life. By turns riveting and thought-provoking,
The Stranger in the Woods
gives us a deeply moving portrait of a man determined to live his own way.
|
|
|
Children’s Story Times
We are currently offering Stories and Coloring on Fridays at 10am. We do not have access to our craft supplies, but what’s more fun than coloring?? Once our Children’s Room is re-opened we will have an update on our Story Times so please check our Facebook page, the website or give us a call.
|
|
Bring Back Those Overdue Items on Fine Free Friday!
Next one is Friday March 6
Every month we have "Fine Free Friday" on the first Friday of the Month. Return any overdue items on that day and you won't owe a thing, no matter how long you have had the item.
|
|
|
What's Happening in Recreation
|
E
mployment Opportunity
Summer Camp 2020
Camp Dates: June 22 – August 14
40 Hours a week, Mid-June through Late August includes pre-camp training and post camp clean up
Position Title:
Camp Counselors
Must be 16+ $10.50
Date Posted: February 5, 2020 Closing Date: Open until Filled, Interviews start mid-March
|
Somersworth Recreation
Volunteers needed!
Several volunteers are needed to help facilitate all of our special events. Tasks include (but are not limited to) decorating, set-up/break-down, registration, line attendants, replenishing food at tables, face painters, etc. If you have a special skill or interest please share with us as we’re always looking for new and creative ways to improve our events. High School students are encouraged to sign-up to help with our special events. If you need volunteer hours signed off you must provide the sheet to the Rec Supervisor at the end of the event. Please reach out to Kristen Davenport in the Recreation Office to obtain more information and learn how you can get involved. 603-692-9508 or email
kdavenport@somersworth.com
.
|
Another Sweet Maple Syrup Season at SMS
It’s late winter, so once again Somersworth Middle School students are trekking out in the surrounding woods to tap maple trees for some hyper local maple syrup. For nearly 5 years, 8th grade math teacher Daryl Dunbar has taught the art and science of tapping trees to his Wood Skills students. This year he passes the torch to 6th grade math and science teacher and Somersworth City Councilor, Matt Gerding, so even more of our students learn this age old NH tradition.
|
Somersworth School District
Wellness Fair - March 19
The Somersworth School District is hosting a District-wide Community Wellness Fair on March 19, from 5-7pm in the High School Cafeteria. A variety of organizations and businesses will represent at information tables, including Farm to School, with information, activities, and opportunities to get involved in the numerous wellness-focused opportunities available in our community. A healthy meal will be provided free of charge by our dedicated Cafe Services kitchen staff, as well as opportunities to sample some fun fitness challenges.
|
|
|
|
Quality Service, Quality Schools, Quality Somersworth
Vision 2020
"We Believe in Somersworth"
|
|
|
Proud Past, Bright Future
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
