Hampstead Town Newsletter - 3/28/2022
Town of Hampstead
March 8th Town Voting Results
Total Registered Voters: 6,112
Total Ballots Cast: 2,246
Voter Turnout: 36.7% (compared to 31.9% in 2021)
For complete results, please visit the Town Clerk/Tax Collector section of the town website: https://www.hampsteadnh.us/town-clerk-tax-collector
2021 Ballot Update
Selectman Laurie Warnock provided an update on the issue of Board of Selectmen (BOS) recommendations on warrant articles. Her original research from Article 16 on the 2021 ballot noted that the BOS was required to make recommendations, with the tallies noted, on any article with an appropriation. It was not clear that was required or necessary on non-appropriations articles. During the March 14, 2022 BOS meeting, she motioned the BOS not make recommendations unless there was an appropriation. There was a question for the town attorney, so the motion was tabled.
The town attorney informed the BOS that if the town had adopted RSA 40:13 V-a, BOS recommendations, with tallies, were required on non appropriation articles as well. Town records show the town adopted RSA 40:13 V-a in 2008. So in order to remove BOS recommendations on non-appropriation articles, the town would have to rescind that adoption as a warrant article. Something to consider for next March.
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
Town Cleanup Day - May 7th
The Town-wide cleanup is on May 7th and blue waste bags will be available at the Town Offices during normal business hours. Once you have filled up your bag(s) please notify the town where the bags are located and they will be picked up. Feel free to start your cleanup early - you can still contact the town and they will pick up your bags as they get filled before May 7th.
Blue bags will be available at the town Swap Shop on April 16th (located at the Hampstead Transfer Station on Kent Farm Rd - transfer station stickers are NOT required on this day), and bags will also be available on the Town Office front steps from 9am-11am on the morning of May 7th.
All blue bags provided by the town are free of charge.
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.
Vic Geary Senior Drop-In Center
The Vic Geary Senior Center in Plaistow provides a friendly environment for seniors to meet and enjoy each other's company, serving Atkinson, Danville, Hampstead, Kingston, Newton, Newton Junction, Plaistow, and Sandown.
The center is open Monday-Friday from 7:30am-1:30pm, and there are daily activities scheduled. More information can be found at https://www.vicgearyseniordropincenter.org/
Hampstead School District
Middle School Principal
The Hampstead School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Erin Milbury as the next Principal of Hampstead Middle School. On July 1st, Mrs. Milbury will replace Mrs. Maria Di Nola who is retiring at the conclusion of the 2021-2022 school year, following her tenure as HMS school principal since 2014.
The full press release can be found at http://hampsteadschools.ss19.sharpschool.com/news/what_s_new/school_boar...
603 Bright Futures Survey
The New Hampshire Department of Education values your feedback and wants to hear from you! The 603 Bright Futures Survey is an opportunity to hear from community members. A separate survey has been sent to families with children in the school system. The survey will gather actionable feedback around learning models, school climate, family and community engagement, as well as other topics in order to understand the successes and challenges of the recent school year and plan for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. The survey will also gather special education family data in support of NHDOE’s federal reporting requirements for Indicator 8.
The survey, which is available in English and Spanish, will be open from March 14 to April 29. School staff, families, and community members will be able to take the survey online. Panorama Education is providing support with the 603 Bright Futures Survey, and it welcomes any questions pertaining to the survey program. Panorama support can be reached at support+nhdoe@panoramaed.com.
A link to the community survey can be found at:
https://surveys.panoramaed.com/nhdoe/community/surveys?language=en
The Hampstead School District Administration will receive the results of the survey from the Department of Education in late spring and will utilize the data for future school planning. Please feel free to reach out to Panorama if you have any questions or require assistance taking the survey.
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 Fire Department
The fire department was officially notified that it will be receiving $200,000 from Senator Shaheen’s Congressionally Directed Spending (https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/CDS%20Disclosure_HS.pdf).
As presented, these funds will be used to offset the cost of the fire station renovations and addition project.
The fire department would like to thank Selectman Maurie Worthen, the department’s liaison to the Board of Selectmen, Selectwoman Laurie Warnock for her assistance and guidance to Chief Carrier in submitting our application, and also Senator Shaheen.
A message from the Hampstead Fire Department: “We would like to thank the voters again for your support with this project! This will make a huge difference and we are certainly grateful to everyone that helped and supported the fire department!”
Hampstead Recreation Commission
Senior Trips for April and May 2022
For Hampstead residents age 62+. All questions related to Senior Trips may be directed to Jaye Dimando.
Encore Casino - Thursday April 14th - Cost of trip is $45
The first bus trip will be held on April 14th. The bus will leave St Anne’s parking lot at 9am (returns around 6-6:30pm) and go to Encore casino in Everett, MA. On the way home, there will be a stop at Prince Pizzeria in Saugus for a buffet meal. The meal will consist of salad, chicken broccoli Alfredo, their homemade meatballs in marinara sauce, penne, bread, coffee, soft drinks and dessert. Price also includes $20 in tokens for the slot machines at Encore.
Sign-ups for this trip will be at the meeting house on 4/5 and 4/6 at 9am. Payment is due at sign-up. There is an emergency form that will need to be filled out. One form will cover this year’s trips.
Atlantic City Boys - Wednesday April 27th - Cost of trip is $74
This is being held at Castleton in Windham. No bus transportation provided. Cost includes plated luncheon (choice of apple cranberry cornbread stuffed chicken or veggie lasagna, salad, potatoes, veg, bread, dessert , coffee or tea, show ticket and gratuity.
Sign-ups for this trip will be at the meeting house on 4/5 and 4/6 at 9am. Payment is due at sign-up - Checks only, made out to “Best of Times.”
Comedy Hypnosis Show - Thursday May 19th - Cost of trip is $74
This is being held at Castleton in Windham. No bus transportation provided. Cost includes plated luncheon (choice of apple/cranberry cornbread stuffed chicken or vegetable lasagna, salad, potatoes, vegetable, bread, dessert , coffee or tea, show ticket and gratuity.)
Sign-ups for this trip will be at the meeting house on 4/5 and 4/6 at 9am. Payment is due at sign-up - Checks only, made out to “Best of Times.”
For more information please visit https://www.hampsteadnh.us/senior-committee/recreation/pages/2022-senior...
Lifeguards Needed for Town Beach
The Hampstead Rec is looking for Lifeguards this summer. Are you over 16 years old and want an amazing job at the beautiful town beach? The pay is $15.00 per hour. Link to apply: https://sites.google.com/site/recreationhampstead/employment
Please email if you have any questions: hampsteadrec@gmail.com
Depot Field
The gates at Depot Field are now open!
Hampstead Civic Club
Free Kids Fishing Derby - April 23rd
The annual Civic Club Fishing Derby will be held April 23rd from 7am-12pm at Shop Pond (the corner of Mills Shore Dr and Rte 121, Hampstead). The derby is open to kids ages 1-15 and each child will receive a small gift. The pond will be stocked with 500 fish ranging from 8-14 inches. Prizes will be awarded!
More information can be found at https://hampsteadcivicclub.org/fishing-derby-1
Memorial Day Observance - May 30th
The Memorial day observance will be held May 30th at 10am at the bandstand behind Town Hall.
Independence Day Festival and Fireworks - June 25th
The Hampstead Civic Club Independence Day Festival and fireworks will be held on June 25th, with more information to follow in upcoming newsletters.
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
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/reading-programs-and-challenges
For every 100 books read, a prize is earned starting with a canvas book bag!
Thrift Shop Volunteers Needed
The Friends of the Hampstead Public Library are seeking volunteers to work in the Elaine David Thrift Shop at the Library. Help process donations, get an advance peek at store merchandise, and work with a friendly crew. Volunteers are generally scheduled in 2-hour shifts. Whether you can help weekly or monthly, anytime you can give is greatly appreciated. The Shop is open from 9am to 1pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays. For further information, visit the Shop, email HampsteadFriends@gmail.com, or leave a message by calling the Library at 603-329-6411.
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 Trash & Recycling
Derry Transfer Station Changes
The Derry Transfer Station has announced that they are no longer able to accept mattresses, box springs or stuffed chairs or couches over 6 feet.
Those items can still be brought to the Kent Farm Transfer Station with a valid permit. The cost for the mattress or a box spring is $40.00. There is no additional cost for a sofa. You can also have it picked up curbside (subject to change) on the third Saturday of the month at a cost of $26.00 per item, payable in advance through the Town Clerk's office.
Household Hazardous Waste Day - Spring Collection
On April 30th from 9am-12pm at the Plaistow DPW - 144F Main Street, Plaistow, NH - there will be household hazardous waste collection. Proof of residency will be required.
More details, including what is permitted, can be found at https://www.hampsteadnh.us/recycling-waste-disposal/news/household-hazar...
Swap Shop
The town Swap Shop (located at the Hampstead Transfer Station on Kent Farm Rd) will be open on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 8am-4pm for ITEM DROP OFF only - transfer station stickers are required.
The Swap Shop will be open on the 3rd Saturday of each monday from 10am-12pm for BROWSE & TAKE HOME only - transfer station stickers are NOT required.
More information, including details about what is accepted for drop off, can be found at https://www.hampsteadnh.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif661/f/uploads/swap_shop_f...
Household Hazardous Waste
Waste Oil, car batteries and thermostats are collected at the Hampstead Town Garage on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 8am-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/2022
Planning Board: https://www.hampsteadnh.us/node/30/minutes/2022
Recycling and Waste Disposal: https://www.hampsteadnh.us/node/32/minutes/2022
Zoning Board of Adjustment: https://www.hampsteadnh.us/node/35/minutes/2022
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.