Hampstead Town Newsletter - 2/3/2022
Town of Hampstead
First Session of the Annual Meeting (Deliberative Session) - February 11th, 7pm
This session shall consist of explanation, discussion, and debate of town warrant articles 2 through 17, and to transact all business other than by voting by official ballot. Warrant articles may be amended subject to the following limitations: (a) warrant articles whose wording is prescribed by law shall not be amended, (b) warrant articles that are amended shall be placed on the official ballot for a final vote on the main motion, as amended, and (c) no warrant article shall be amended to eliminate the subject matter of the article. An amendment that changes the dollar amount of an appropriation in a warrant article does not violate this provision.
The Deliberative Session is open to any resident of Hampstead, though you must be a registered voter.
The Session will be held Friday, February 11, 2022 at the Hampstead Middle School at 28 School Street and will start at 7:00pm.
Important Note: The School Deliberative is a separate session held on February 8th, 7pm. Details are in the Hampstead School District section of this newsletter.
Second Session of the Annual Meeting (Voting) - March 8th, 8am - 8pm
The Voting session allows Hampstead registered voters to elect officers of the Town by official ballot, to vote on questions required by law to be inserted on said official ballot, and to vote on all Warrant Articles from the First Session.
Voting will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at the Hampstead Middle School at 28 School Street from 8:00am - 8:00pm.
A copy of the town warrant, the breakdown of the town budget, and any related documentation for articles within the warrant can be found at https://www.hampsteadnh.us/selectmens-office/pages/2022-proposed-budget
A copy of the candidates running for election can be found at https://www.hampsteadnh.us/town-clerk-tax-collector
Dog Licenses
All dogs living in the Town of Hampstead and East Hampstead, including puppies who have received their first rabies shot (usually 12 – 16 weeks old), must be licensed by April 30th, 2022. In order to renew your license online or find more information, please visit https://www.hampsteadnh.us/town-clerk-tax-collector/pages/dog-licenses
Age Friendly Committee
Along with the Rockingham Planning Commission, the Town of Hampstead has agreed to participate in a two year grant study along with five other communities (Portsmouth, Exeter, Stratham, Fremont, and Seabrook) to create a steering committee to conduct local Age Friendly Community assessments. The assessments are looking into what would enable residents to thrive at every age and stage of life in their community. If you would like to become a member of the Age Friendly Committee, please reach out to the Board of Selectmen (https://www.hampsteadnh.us/selectmens-office) for more information.
Low Income Fuel Assistance
National Energy Assistance Day is this week, and we are encouraging customers to take advantage of additional funds available from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help pay energy bills. This includes federal weatherization funds to reduce energy bills by making your home more energy efficient. To apply for energy assistance, please contact your local community action agency. Rockingham Community Action Derry 603-965-3029, Salem 603-458-6392. Visit https://www.snhs.org/services/fuel-assistance for more information.
Hampstead School District
First Session of the Annual Meeting (Deliberative Session) - February 8th, 7pm
This session shall consist of explanation, discussion, and debate of school district warrant articles 2 through 6, and to transact all business other than by voting by official ballot. Warrant articles may be amended subject to the following limitations: (a) warrant articles whose wording is prescribed by law shall not be amended, (b) warrant articles that are amended shall be placed on the official ballot for a final vote on the main motion, as amended, and (c) no warrant article shall be amended to eliminate the subject matter of the article. An amendment that changes the dollar amount of an appropriation in a warrant article does not violate this provision.
The Deliberative Session is open to any resident of Hampstead, though you must be a registered voter.
The Session will be held Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at the Hampstead Middle School at 28 School Street and will start at 7:00pm.
Second Session of the Annual Meeting (Voting) - March 8th, 8am - 8pm
Voting on warrant articles number 1 through 6 will be conducted by official ballot to be held in conjunction with town meeting.
Voting will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at the Hampstead Middle School at 28 School Street from 8:00am - 8:00pm.
A copy of the school district warrant, the breakdown of the school budget, and any related documentation for articles within the warrant can be found at https://sites.google.com/hampsteadschools.net/2023-warrant-and-budget/home
Middle School Principal
The process to select the next educational leader of Hampstead Middle School is well underway. The screening committee for the hiring of this role selected and interviewed a total of six candidates out of 13 applicants. Two individuals stood out from the candidate pool and were invited back as finalists.
The first finalist is Erin Milbury who currently serves as the Principal of Seabrook Middle School where she has worked for the past five years. Prior to that, Erin served as an assistant principal in Epping, N.H. The second finalist is Sarah Muncey, who currently serves as the Director of Student Wellness for the Hudson School District where she has worked since July of 2021. Prior to that, Sarah worked as both an assistant and interim principal in Hudson, N.H.
Parents and community members are invited to attend a candidate meet and greet on Monday, February 7th from 4:00pm to 5:15pm in the Hampstead Middle School Library. The meet and greet is an important part of the process in selecting the next Principal of Hampstead Middle School. If you would like to attend the forum, please complete the following form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb4vNF1FAbfE-WUJr0mlKVQSPCTWjE...
Hampstead Central School Renovation Information Sessions
The Hampstead school district administration is hosting multiple information sessions where information will be provided to the community about the facts of the warrant articles. The administration is welcoming conversation to better collaborate with the town of Hampstead to provide transparency and information around the proposed renovations for the Central School.
Here are the upcoming dates and locations:
Thursday, February 3rd, 6pm - Hampstead Central School & Zoom
- Zoom link for February 3rd: https://hampsteadschools-net.zoom.us/j/88623447148?pwd=OFJVdjN1UEdTcTJ6R...
Saturday, February 5th, 12pm - Hampstead Central School
Tuesday, February 22nd, 7pm - Hampstead Central School & Zoom
Monday, March 7th, 7pm - Hampstead Central School & Zoom
For more information about these sessions, including past presentations and documentation, please visit https://sites.google.com/hampsteadschools.net/hcsrenovation/home
Strategic Planning
The Hampstead School District is currently engaged in the strategic planning process. The goal of this work is to develop a strategic plan that provides vision, creates priorities and prepares our students for the future. A critical component of this work is gathering feedback from all community stakeholders. We are asking for parents to take a few minutes to provide input using an online tool known as ThoughtExchange. A link to the Exchange can be found at: https://tejoin.com/scroll/899294941
Reminder: All school board meetings will be livestreamed on the HSD channel on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrHv9UP1RTjFc_6CORYKmQ
Hampstead Civic Club
Crochet Club
Ying Zhang will be teaching in person either one on one or small private groups on Saturdays at the Civic Club Building next to Town Hall. The Civic Club will provide the material needed. Please email Ying to book an appointment or if you have any questions: Yzhanglai@comcast.net
For more information please visit https://hampsteadcivicclub.org/crochet-club
Chess Club
The Chess Club, for players from Hampstead and their friends from nearby towns, is hosted online Sundays from 4pm-5:30pm. There is no cost to play and all skill levels are welcome.
For more information please visit https://hampsteadcivicclub.org/chess-club
Hampstead Library
Winter Reading
The Hampstead Public Library has a fun challenge to kick off 2022. Patrons are invited to join the Winter Reading program that began on January 10th and runs through February 28th. There is a challenge for young children and teens and another for adults & high school students. The more you read, the more chances you have to win great prizes! Learn more: https://hampsteadlibrary.org/adult-elementary-middle-school-teens/events...
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
The Hampstead Public Library has relaunched its “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” program. The objectives are to promote reading to newborns, infants, and toddlers, and to encourage parent and child bonding through reading. Read any book with your child (multiple readings of the same book count each time) with the goal of reading 1,000 before kindergarten. Parents can register their child online and track books via computer or app on a mobile device.
Look for the information on https://www.hampsteadlibrary.org/kids
For every 100 books read, a prize is earned starting with a canvas book bag!
Preschool Story Time
Preschool Story Time is on Mondays at 10am, now through March 14. Meet Miss Jenn in the second floor meeting room where she reads books and provides a take-home craft. Masks are required. The Library has some child-size masks available if you need one.
Teen Game Night
The first Teen Game Night is on February 9 from 4 to 6 pm. The Library has a variety of games available including board games, cards, and Wii. Participants are also welcome to bring their own game from home. Game Night is every other Wednesday. There are also Teen Art sessions scheduled for Wednesday, February 16 and March 16, from 4 to 6 pm. The Library supplies materials, you bring the ideas. Feel free to bring a project you’ve been working on or start something new. These events are suitable for high school and middle school students.
Masks are required to attend these gatherings.
New Hampshire Loons
The Hampstead Public Library presents New Hampshire Loons, a virtual event on Tuesday, February 15 at 7pm. Often seen as a symbol of the northern wilderness, many lake-goers enjoy watching loons swim and raise their young. This presentation focuses on the biology and life history of loons, the threats they face, and the work that the Loon Preservation Committee has performed since 1975 to help recover this threatened population. The presenter is Caroline Hughes from the NH Loon Preservation Committee. Advance registration is required. You can register online at https://www.hampsteadlibrary.org/adult/events/18388/common-loon%E2%80%94... or call 603-329-6411.
Pavilion Project - Buy a Brick
After consulting with building contractors and town officials, the Hampstead Public Library Board of Trustees plans to build a 20 x 40 ft. shingle-roofed, pavilion (similar to Ordway Park) on the front lawn to facilitate outdoor programs and events. The proposed structure will be wheelchair-accessible and equipped with electricity and wireless internet connection.
The Library Pavilion Project will be funded entirely by grants and donations from community members like you. You can sponsor a commemorative brick to be incorporated into the finished walkway linking the new pavilion to the parking lot. To order a brick, please go to https://www.fundraisingbrick.com/online-orders/hampstead/
Curbside Pickup
Curbside Pickup is still available upon request. Reserve books and movies in advance, and you will be notified when your items are ready. Call and let the staff know you would like Curbside Pickup. It’s a good service to take advantage of, especially if there is a sickness in your household.
Stay in touch with the Hampstead Public Library and be notified of upcoming events!
Click here to sign up for the Library newsletter.
Hampstead Police Department
A reminder that although we have some cold weather, it appears that we are still having some ice safety issues. There is a section of unsafe ice on Big Island Pond near Collette’s Drive that is open water (common in this area). However there are also thin ice / open water areas on Sunset Lake and an ATV did go through the ice last week. Please use caution when going out on any frozen body of water.
Hampstead Trash & Recycling
Household Hazardous Waste
Waste Oil, car batteries and thermostats are collected at the Town Garage on the first and third Saturdays of the month 8am to 1pm.
Hampstead Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
If you have served on foreign soil, you may be eligible to join the Hampstead VFW Post. If you are interested, contact the Post Commander Howie Steadman at 603-329-4288.
Minutes from Recent Town Meetings
Board of Selectmen: https://www.hampsteadnh.us/node/22/minutes/2022
Conservation Committee: https://www.hampsteadnh.us/node/26/minutes/2021
Planning Board: https://www.hampsteadnh.us/node/30/minutes/2022
Recycling and Waste Disposal: https://www.hampsteadnh.us/node/32/minutes/2021
Zoning Board of Adjustment: https://www.hampsteadnh.us/node/35/minutes
Upcoming Meetings and Events
You can see any upcoming committee meetings and events on the town calendar at https://www.hampsteadnh.us/calendar
Share your News!
Want to contribute your town committee or department information for publication in the next newsletter? Contact the Communication Committee by visiting: https://www.hampsteadnh.us/communication-committee
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If you would like to sign up for the Town Newsletter, please visit https://www.hampsteadnh.us/subscribe and check off the box next to "Communication Committee" in the "News or Announcement" section.