Peterman wants to serve Amherst
Pledging to study energy efficiency, revisit trash collection procedures and initiate a review of the town Public Works Department, former longtime Amherst Selectman Marilyn Peterman is seeking to return to the board in this year’s election.
Peterman, 66, who served five terms beginning in 1987, is a 34-year resident of Amherst. She also served on the Planning Board at various times, as well as the Nashua Regional Planning Commission, and was a state Senate candidate in the late 1990s.
“Yes, I did retire after five terms and yes, some might think that I am ‘crazy’ for wanting to do this again,” Peterman wrote in her e-mail announcement on Wednesday, the day the candidates’ filing period opened.
Up for grabs in March are two three-year terms on the board, which are currently held by Brad Galinson and Chairman George Infanti. As of late Friday, Infanti and Amherst School Board member Dwight Brew had filed along with Peterman. Galinson hasn’t indicated whether he’ll seek re-election.
Candidates have until 5 p.m. Jan. 29 to file.
Peterman emphasized her belief that “it takes courage to lead” and that “there are things that I see that I would like discussed and … lend my expertise and leadership.”
As for her proposed review of the Public Works Department, Peterman said the intent would be to decide whether “the services they provide are done efficiently and cost-effectively, and how to make it better,” she wrote.
On the trash issue, she indicated a desire to revisit the so-called “pay as you throw,” or “bag and tag,” collection systems in order to save money by reducing trash and increasing recycling.
– DEAN SHALHOUP
State rep to speak at Hollis Dems’ meeting
Hollis Democrats will hold a public meeting Tuesday at the Lawrence Barn. The guest speaker will be John DeJoie, a New Hampshire state representative serving on the House Finance Committee.
DeJoie is a Concord firefighter who lives in Concord with his family.
The club is asking attendees to bring two friends. There will be a dinner at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. Attendees are also asked to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages if they desire.
To reserve a seat, call Claire Helfman at 465-7587 or Sandy Barnett at 217-4650.
– HATTIE BERNSTEIN
Area towns part of national heritage park
What role did Souhegan Valley towns and Nashua play in the history of America?
Seven local towns and the city of Nashua are now part of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, under the national parks system, formed to celebrate their heritage and interpret it through programs, education centers and exhibits.
Everyone who’s interested in learning more about this heritage area or joining efforts to shape programs and exhibits is invited to a presentation in the Milford Town Hall auditorium at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26.
After a presentation by Alene Reich, executive director of the Freedom’s Way Heritage Area, there will be a question-and-answer session.
The heritage way was designed by Congress last spring, but it isn’t a federally mandated program and is created according to local interests.
The area includes communities in New Hampshire and Massachusetts that share historical, natural and cultural resources, and the program is intended to foster education about the story of America and the American Revolution, and the evolution of the concepts of liberty, freedom, land use, conservation and social justice.
The snow day for the presentation is Jan. 27 if schools are closed or evening activities are canceled.
RSVP to May Balsama, Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce, at 673-4360 or may@souhegan.net.
The New Hampshire towns that are part of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area are Amherst, Brookline, Greenville, Hollis, Mason, Milford and New Ipswich.
– KATHY CLEVELAND
Milford rink flooded, not yet usable
MILFORD – The fire department sprayed at least two coats of water on the parking lot of the Milford Community Athletic Association two weeks ago after the Department of Public Works cleared it of snow and used the snow to form sides of the artificial pond.
As of Monday, however, there was no ice worth skating on at the North River Road fields.
Town Recreation Director Nicole Banks said the ice buckled in several areas during the first freezing, and the fire department has been working on spraying more water to bring the level up.
Banks said some residents are interested in creating a permanent rink for next year, and the MCAA will meet and decide “if their facility is a good fit for the rink.”
“If we decide to keep it there, then the volunteers will work through that group to organize and plan the location,” she said.
Some facility improvements will be necessary at MCAA, Banks said, and a tarp that was purchased this year can be used.
– KATHY CLEVELAND
