New Town Clerk
Saturday Hours
8:00am to 10:00am
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The Town Clerk's Office is open the second and fourth Saturday of each month.
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All 2019-2020 dog licenses will expire on
April 30, 2020
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Ballot Voting Day*
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Polls will be open 7:00am - 7:00pm
Henniker Community School Gymnasium
51 Western Avenue, Henniker NH
*Ballot voting day for all elected officials
(both schools and town) and planning and zoning amendments.
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Town Meeting**
Saturday, March 14, 2020
1:00pm start
Henniker Community School Cafetorium
51 Western Avenue, Henniker NH
**Town Annual Meeting to vote for Town budgets and warrant articles.
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The Town of Henniker Annual Town Report 2019 is available at the Henniker Town Hall and at the following link:
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TOWN OF HENNIKER, NEW HAMPSHIRE
OFFICE
of the
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
March 6, 2020
Residents of Henniker:
The Town of Henniker is diligently monitoring the Coronavirus and working to prevent it from spreading. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 (formerly referred to as 2019 Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV) is a new respiratory virus that was first identified in Wuhan, China in December of 2019. As of March 5, 2020, there has been two presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in New Hampshire, and none in the Town of Henniker. The CDC is tracking confirmed cases across the United States.
We ask residents to please be responsible when getting information on the virus. Get information only from responsible sources (DHS, HHS, etc.) and avoid rumors on social media. For the latest on case counts, visit the CDC's website on COVID-19 and the State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services web page.
The Town of Henniker is actively engaged with the NH Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and our local regional partners. In the past, we have successfully stood up heightened awareness, monitoring and response approaches for SARS, MERS, and H1N1 flu. We will do the same for COVID-19. We are taking proactive steps to prepare if it comes to our community.
The town has been in contact with New England College as they prepare to return from spring break. They are monitoring information from the State of NH Health and Human Services as well as the CDC. They are receiving additional information from the NH Department of Education and their regional accreditor, NECHE. They have invited residents to check where they are posting information about the virus,
https://www.nec.edu/coronavirus/
.
We have also been in touch with the Superintendent of Schools who is working with the building administrators, nurses and other staff to ensure all CDC, NH Division of Public Health Services, and the NH Department of Education recommendations are followed. The recommendations serve to remind us about best practices in preventing the spread of any virus. To this end, the schools will continue to disseminate information to families and staff, monitor attendance closely, and review sanitary practice protocols.
We are asking that residents be responsible citizens and heed HHS and the CDC recommendations and take specific actions to reduce the risk individuals and families, including:
• Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
• Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
• More hand washing; less face touching. Regular handwashing for at least 20 seconds will decrease risk that the virus is transmitted.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
If you have traveled out of the country, the CDC is recommending the following:
1. Anyone presenting with a mild respiratory illness within 14 days of travel stay home until symptoms resolve, stay away from public places, and if symptoms worsen contact your primary health provider.
2. Asymptomatic travelers from China, Iran, South Korea, Italy or other countries identified with Level 3 Health Advisories:
a. Stay home and avoid public places for 14 days.
b. Self-monitor for symptoms.
c. Contact NH DPHS (603-271-4496) or health care provider with symptom-related questions.
3. Asymptomatic travelers from countries identified with COVID-19 community transmission (i.e. those with travel Level 1 or 2 Health Advisories):
a. Monitor for fever or respiratory symptoms.
b. If symptoms develop, take temperature, and contact healthcare provider or NH DPHS –603-271-4496.
Be prepared at home:
• Have a plan to care for family members should they get sick or schools/offices be closed.
• Know workplace telecommute options and school/daycare policies.
• Stock up on food supplies and prescription medications now to avoid leaving home if you or someone in your household becomes infected.
Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Please use the following websites for information:
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Henniker Health Officer at (603) 428-7552.
Sincerely,
Joseph Devine
Town Administrator
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ROADS POSTED ON MARCH 1, 2020
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Pursuant to RSA 41:11, it shall be unlawful for any person, partnership or corporation to haul, transport or cause to be transported by vehicle with gross weight over six (6) tons any material over Class V roads in Henniker from March 1, 2020, until further notice.
For exceptions or waivers, contact Leo Aucoin, Highway Superintendent at 428-7200
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TAX EXEMPTIONS:
The Town of Henniker, by vote at town meetings, offers exemptions (an amount deducted from the assessed value of the property before taxes are levied) to qualified applicants for the following:
Elderly (over 65)
Disabled
Blind
Improvements to Assist Persons with Disabilities
Solar Energy System
Wind-powered Energy System
Wood Heating Energy System (not a wood stove)
To apply for any of the above exemptions, the landowner must qualify by meeting certain criteria as determined by RSA and town meeting. The landowner must be a permanent resident of Henniker. The elderly and disabled exemptions have income and asset limits that must be met to qualify. The filing period begins after second half tax bill is mailed. The deadline for filing for any exemption is April 15th.
SOLAR SYSTEMS:
Please note that if you already have a solar energy system or have recently installed one, you may qualify for an exemption. Solar energy systems are assessed and taxable and an exemption is not automatically applied. The property owner must apply for the exemption by April 15th in the year for which the exemption is sought. Exemptions are not applied retroactively.
VETERANS TAX CREDIT OR ALL VETERANS TAX CREDIT:
The following credits (an amount deducted from the tax bill) are available to qualified applicants:
- Veteran
- Disabled veteran
- Widow/Widower of veteran
To qualify for a Veteran’s credit the property owner must have served during specific wars or conflicts, have 90 days of active duty and be honorably discharged.
To qualify for the All Veteran's credit the property owner or spouse must have 90 days active duty and be honorably discharged.
The Henniker property must be the veteran's primary residence and the veteran must have resided in New Hampshire for one year preceding April 1st in the year in which the credit is sought.
The veteran must file an application and supply a copy of their discharge papers or DD214. For a document to be acceptable in verifying a veteran's active military service, it must show (in addition to sufficient identification data) at least three key pieces of information:
- a date of entry into active duty
- a date of separation or release from active duty, and
- the character of the discharge (proof of honorable discharge or separation)
Veterans with a service-connected total disability must provide the municipality with a Summary of Benefits Letter from the US Department of Veteran's Affairs stating that the Veteran is totally and permanently disabled.
The deadline for filing is April 15th.
If the property is held in a Trust a PA-33, Statement of Qualification for Property Tax Credit Exemption or Tax Deferral Under RSA 72:33, V, must be submitted with the application and separation/discharge form.
Specific service dates are not required to receive the All-Veteran's Credit.
For additional information, please contact Assessing Technician Helga Winn at assessing@Henniker.org
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Azalea Park
Down to the river in winter!
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C
OMMUNITY CONCERT COMMITTEE NEWS
OFF THE CUFF – SIMPLY GREAT MUSIC
Please mark your calendars: Sunday, March 29, 2020, for the return of Off the Cuff to the Torrington Arms Pub, Simon Center, New England College. This is the last program in the 2020 Only Henniker on Earth’s Acoustic Café Series. Doors open at 5 PM.
Off the Cuff is a semi-acoustic instrumental and vocal quartet interpreting songs from the 1920ss to the 21
st
century. The group has been delighting audiences across southern New Hampshire and surrounding areas for 20 years. Incorporating elements of jazz, swing, blues, bluegrass, rock, folk and world music styles, Off the Cuff infuses its own special blend of vocal and instrumental harmony into every song, reinventing it as something new and personal.
Audiences love this music and the energy the band brings to original tunes or an old standard, a pop tune or a nugget by some little-known songwriter. Their music touches a familiar chord in everyone, whether you grew up dancing to the big bands or to rock bands. It is music each generation has managed to share, a part of the American musical soul. Off the Cuff’s music is upbeat, energetic and fun and the “Cuffers” have a great time playing and interacting with the audience. The variety and diversity of an Off the Cuff performance is incredible. Be a “Cuffer” and welcome this exceptional local group back to Henniker for an evening of simply great music.
In addition to the performance by Off the Cuff, local musicians are invited to prepare 2-4 songs and sign up for Open Mic slots at the Café. The Acoustic Café Series is sponsored by New England College and the Town of Henniker’s Community Concert Committee, with additional funding from the Angela Robinson Music Fund, NH Charitable Foundation . There is no cover charge, but donations for the musicians are graciously accepted. Refreshments and beverages will be available for purchase both in the NEC Pub and the Simon Center Snack Bar beginning at 5 PM. This will conclude the winter series, but be looking for information on the Henniker Summer Concert Series soon. Our preview event is scheduled for Saturday, May 16 and will feature The Freese Brothers Jazz Combo at the Henniker Congregational Church. The Tuesday night summer series begins June 16. For more information, contact hennikerconcerts@henniker.org
hennikerconcerts@henniker.org
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ROTARY CLUB NEWS
GREAT BOWLS OF CHILI
Who doesn’t love a good bowl of chili? Chili cook offs happen all around the world every year and generally support some great causes as well. They are a wonderful way to bring people together, let them show off their chili makin’ skills and bond over good food.
The Henniker Rotary Club has one of the best Chili Fest events in the region, attended each year by close to 2,000 chili lovers and featuring over 40 professional and amateur chilis for tasting. Join us for the 18
th
Annual Henniker Rotary Club
Fire on the Mountain
Chili Fest, Sunday, August 16, 2020 on the beautiful slopes of Pats Peak Ski Area, Flanders Road, Henniker, NH beginning at noon.
Better yet, enter your favorite chili recipe and compete for cash prizes and bragging rights. Go to our website, www.chilinewhampshire.org for contest rules and entry forms. See if your chili has what it takes to bring home the prize money. This year, cash awards total $1,300.
In addition to a mountain of chili to sample, the event features a Hot Pepper Eating Contest, Car Cruise In, Live Music, activities for the kids, craft and food vendors and lots more.
It’s a party with a purpose – to raise funds for local and international Rotary projects and youth scholarships. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information contact Mary Krotzer, mskrotzer@yahoo.com.
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Annual Rotary Rabies Clinic to Benefit BITS
Saturday, April 16, 2:00-4:00 pm
at the Henniker Fire Station
Henniker Rotary President Steve Neuhoff is pleased to announce that the club will partner with Back in the Saddle Equine Therapy Center (BITS) at its 31
st
Annual Dog and Cat Rabies Clinic, scheduled for Saturday, April 16, 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the Henniker Fire Station. Proceeds from the Clinic will benefit the BITS scholarship assistance programs for children and seniors.
Drs. Alyssa and Robert Brust and staff of Henniker Veterinary Hospital will administer the vaccine, assisted by members of the Rotary Club. Shots for cats and dogs are $12 each for the first two pets and $6 for each additional pet. There will be a Chili Tasting Comfort Station set up at the Clinic for the humans and lots of giveaways courtesy of Henniker Farm and Country for your pets. Please bring all dogs on leashes and cats in cat boxes to protect them from the large numbers of animals that will be in attendance. All rabies vaccine certificates will be written as one year certificates unless the owner presents a signed, current rabies certificate for the dog or cat. Rabies tags alone will not be proof of a rabies vaccine. New certificates for animals with signed rabies certificates will be written as three year certificates.
All dogs residing with their owners in Henniker must be licensed by April 30
th
every year. The The Henniker Town Clerk will be on hand to issue 2020 licenses. Licensure fees are: Puppy (4-7 months) or dogs that are spayed or neutered……$7.50, Adult dogs NOT spayed or neutered……$10.00, Senior Citizen dog owners ……$3.00 (for the 1st dog only). Cats do not require licensure but should receive the Rabies vaccine.
Since 2003, Pauline Meridien, with the help of her husband Walter England, MD and the inspiration of her daughter, has operated BITS, treating children and adults (ages 2 – 92) with disabilities by providing quality time shared with horses. The Center currently has seven therapeutic horses and, following the guidelines of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, encompasses several programs with three instructors, specializing in therapeutic riding, SpiritHorse autism intervention, and Equine Facilitated Educational opportunities. BITS is the first facility in the North East to be licensed by SpiritHorse International to offer their unique intervention for autism.
As a 501(c)3 non-profit, BITS prides itself on focusing all funds on advancing its program of horse interaction. The only paid position is that of certified Instructor, providing hands-on teaching to clients. Our Board of Directors, as well as all support personnel during lessons, and the Executive Director position are all voluntary. Funds donated go directly to support our equine partners or to fund scholarships for the riding or vocational education program directly. BITS provides a Senior Ride scholarship for those over 55 who wish to ride, but cannot afford the regular fees.
The Henniker Rotary Club is grateful to its community sponsors for helping to make the Annual Rabies Clinic possible: A Precious Pet Resort, Ayer & Goss Fuels, Daniels Restaurant & Pub, Henniker Farm & Country Store, HollyHock Flowers and Gifts, Jean Hooker & Associates Real Estate, Paws on Pine, LLC, The Mutt Hut and Media Partner, Granite Quill Publishers, The Messenger. For more information about Henniker’s Clinic contact rbzax@comcast.net.
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10
th
Edition of the Outdoor Guide Being Prepared for Publication
Every three years the Rotary Club updates and publishes a new edition of its popular
Outdoor Guide to Henniker and Hillsborough
which is then distributed for free to community members, new residents and businesses. The Guide highlights all the incredible outdoor activities in our communities: hiking, biking, boating, skiing and provides visitors with a wealth of information about all our area has to offer, as well as listing the available services and businesses that visitors and new residents should know about. ute. The editorial and sales teams are busy readying the 2020 edition for publication. If you would like your business to be highlighted or if you have any corrections to activity descriptions or suggestions for additions to the guide, contact rbzax@comcast.net. Rotary will print and distribute 10,000 copies of the Outdoor Guide over the coming three years.
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If you are in need of help and short on food, please do not hesitate to visit the food pantry. We are here for you. No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome!
The food pantry is located at 21 Western Ave in the back of the Grange building, which is to the left of the Tucker Free Library. There is plenty of parking in the back. We are "choice" (shopping) pantry.
The Pantry is run by volunteers from Henniker.
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For more information
please call 428-7474
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Food Pantry Hours
Monday 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesday 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
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The goal of the library is to provide the residents of Henniker with a center of information that stimulates the knowledge, culture, and pure enjoyment
of reading and learning.
Your tax-deductible donation helps the Friends … and benefits you! Becoming a Friend is easy AND the FTFL is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization so your yearly membership donation is tax deductible!
You can become a Friend of TFL with a minimum donation of $20.00.
How?
1. By sending a check payable to Friends of Tucker Free Library (Tucker Free Library, PO Box 688, Henniker NH 03242, attn: FTFL).
2. By dropping your donation off at the Tucker Free Library. Cash or checks accepted.
4. And don’t forget, we can also accept corporate matching gifts. Ask your HR professional how this works!
Thank you for helping to support you’re the FRIENDS!
Lynn M. Piotrowicz, M.A., M.L.S
Director
2018 NHLTA LIBRARY OF THE YEAR
Tucker Free Library
31 Western Avenue
PO BOX 688
Henniker, NH 03242
603-428-3471
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March Events at the Tucker Free Library!
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Story Time with Miss Erin! Join us for stories, songs & crafts. A new theme each week!
Wednesdays at 10:30 AM
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Mar. 11 - Bit o’Luck
Mar. 18 - Has Spring Sprung
Mar. 25 - Have a Hat
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March 8 @ 2 PM
Garden for Wildlife.
Anyone with a backyard, garden, or landscaped area can help wildlife by altering their landscaping and gardening practices! Presented by Carolyn Stiles.
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March 10 @ 11 AM
Page-Turners Community Book Discussion
. Celebrate Women’s History month by reading about Harriet Tubman in a novel based on a thrilling chapter of Civil War history and African American history, how Harriet Tubman lead a Union raid to free 750 slaves. All are welcome!
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John Stark Regional School District
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HENNIKER COMMUNITY SCHOOL CALENDAR
March 4
: Henniker School District Board Meeting, 6:15 PM in the school library
March 6:
Henniker & John Stark School Board members at Abby’s Café in Henniker 7-9 AM to answer any questions
March 9:
PTA meeting, 6:30 PM in the school library.
March 10
: Voting Day. Town of Henniker & Henniker/John Stark District Elections. Voting takes place from 7 am to 7 pm in the school gym. Please access voting directly into the gym from Western Ave.
March 13:
End of Trimester 2.
March 20
: Grades 1-5 Carnival, 4-7 PM
March 26
: Early Release Day
April 1:
Henniker School District Board Meeting, 6:15 PM in the school library
JOHN STARK REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CALENDAR
March 11:
John Stark School District Board Meeting, 6:30 PM in the school library
March 18:
Paying for College program, 6:30 PM in the Café
March 19-22:
John Stark Main Stage Theatre Company presents
Legally Blond.
Please note, this production is rated PG-13
Shows at
6:30 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 19-21, and at 1 PM on Sunday, March 22. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors and $7 for adults. To reserve tickets ahead of time please call (603) 529-1601. Tickets must be picked up 15 minutes before show.
March 24:
Parent/Community Advisory. Open to all parents and community members, 6 PM with Principal Gary Dempsey
March 25:
Sports Awards, 6 PM – 8 PM
March 26
: Early Release Day
April 2
: Spring Athlete/Parent meeting, 7 PM – 8 PM
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Henniker Community School
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All Students in 7th and 8th grade at the Henniker Community School all take a 6-week intro to robotics class taught by Aaron Boucher as part of their STEM learning during the school year. During the six-week session, students become familiar with the basics of programming a robot and can complete individual challenge programming tasks. They also work in teams to complete their tasks as a group and build upon on one another’s challenge successes so it takes less time to complete all of the group’s assigned challenges in the least amount of time.
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Jacob Winn and Peyton Sterling test their robot
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John Stark Regional High School
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Eight John Stark Regional High School art students have been invited to participate in the New Hampshire Art Educator’s Annual Youth Art Month (YAM) Exhibit at the NH State Library in Concord through March 22. Students in this exhibition include Lauren Zervos, who has been selected to receive the YAM 2020 Commissioners’ Award for her
Looking into the Distance
(Charcoal), Eli Bryant,
Love in Ruins
(Charcoal), Summer Clement,
Saddie
(Oil Pastel), Stephanie Rodonis,
Visible
(Digital Photography), Maddie Dionne,
Great Bay
(Printmaking with Watercolor), Lydia Piscina,
Jungle
(Acrylic & Resin), Sheridan O’Brien,
Roaring 20s
(Scanography Photograph), and Gracie Bolduc,
Sassy
Pants
(Watercolor).
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Great Bay
by Maddie Dionne
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