Hampstead Town Newsletter - 9/17/2021

Hampstead School District

The school year has started with a lot of positivity and enthusiasm. Students are excited to be back and are settling in. The central school renovation project is going well and continues to stay on schedule. Our construction partners are going out of their way to have minimal impact on our students and staff while completing the project. 

Our schools, like many others, are in need of para educators. Openings are posted here https://www.hampsteadschools.net/administration/human_resources If you or someone you know is qualified and interested, please contact the SAU office, HR Administrator Melissa Post melissa.post@sau55.net or 603-329-6744 x3006 

We are also in need of coaches for our sports teams. Some programs were on the brink of being canceled. If you are interested in becoming a coach please contact the SAU or Middle School office for details at 603-329-6743 x2100

Everyone is very excited for a great school year! 

The HSD finished the 2020-2021 fiscal year with a budget surplus of $1.2M representing approximately 3-4% of the budget that was not utilized for expenses. This is a result of planned project deferment, impacts from the pandemic that impacted spending normally incurred, as well as strong fiscal management to reduce expenses. This surplus has been returned to the taxpayers of Hampstead and will be used to offset the town taxes in the future. Any questions should be directed to the HSD Administrative Offices. 

The next school board meeting is scheduled for 9/28 at 7pm at the Hampstead Middle School and will be livestreamed on the HSD channel on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrHv9UP1RTjFc_6CORYKmQ 

Hampstead Code Enforcement Office

SepticSmart Week
"Don't overload the commode: only put things in the drain or toilet that belong there" — just one piece of advice from Hampstead's officials who want residents to be "SepticSmart".  September 20th through the 24th is the US Environmental Protection Agency's ninth annual SepticSmart Week, and according to the EPA, more than one in five households in the United States, or 60 million people, depend on septic systems to treat their wastewater. Here in New Hampshire, the NHDES says approximately two-thirds of all New Hampshire homes are served by individual onsite septic systems, typically septic tanks and absorption fields that serve single-family residences. 

SepticSmart Week is a nationwide initiative through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to raise awareness about the need for proper care and maintenance of septic systems.  Failure to maintain a septic system can lead to backups and overflows, and those can result in costly repairs, polluted waterways and risks to public health and the environment. Proper care and maintenance are critical to septic system function and long-term performance.

Tips for septic maintenance include:  

• Protect It and Inspect It: Homeowners should have their system inspected every three years by a licensed contractor, and have their tank pumped when necessary, typically every three to five years. Many septic system failures occur during the holiday season. Therefore, EPA encourages homeowners to get their septic systems inspected and serviced now, before inspectors' schedules fill up around the holidays.
• Think at the Sink: Avoid pouring fats, grease and solids down the drain. These substances can clog a system's pipes and drain field.
• Don't Overload the Commode: Only put things in the drain or toilet that belong there. Coffee grounds, dental floss, diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts and cat litter can clog and damage septic systems.
• Don't Strain Your Drain: Be water efficient and spread out water use. Fix plumbing leaks and install faucet aerators and water-efficient products. Spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughout the day. Too much water at once can overload a system that hasn't been pumped recently. If you have a sump pump, do not have it discharge to your septic system.
• Shield Your Field: Remind guests not to park or drive on a system's drain field, which could damage buried pipes or disrupt underground flow. 

SepticSmart Week is part of EPA's year-round SepticSmart program. In addition to educating property owners, the program is an online resource for industry practitioners, local governments and community organizations, providing access to tools to educate clients and residents. For more information, visit https://www.epa.gov/septic

Hampstead Library

Garden Path Dedication
The public is invited to a special Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony for the new Storybook Garden Path at the Hampstead Public Library on Saturday, September 18 at 1 pm. The path is dedicated to the memory of Janet Eagleson.  A former Hampstead resident and librarian, Janet Eagleson was an extensive traveler, avid supporter of equal rights, enthusiastic Red Sox and Patriots fan, and a dedicated mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a tremendous addition to the Hampstead Public Library staff for over nine years, and after her retirement she continued to support the Library by volunteering for the Friends of the Library as Secretary and as a Thrift Shop worker. Janet was taken from us too soon in December of 2017. 

Pavilion Project
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. 

We need your help. The Library Pavilion Project will be funded entirely by grants and donations from community members like you. To kick-off this massive fundraising effort, the Hampstead Public Library is asking the public to sponsor a commemorative brick to be incorporated into the finished walkway linking the new pavilion to the parking lot.

Bricks can be purchased to commemorate a loved one, celebrate a birth or special event, publicize a business or highlight your club or organization. Inscribed with your personal message each brick purchased supports our ongoing mission to enrich present lives, encourage lifelong learning, and prepare for our ever-changing future. To order a brick, please go to https://www.fundraisingbrick.com/hampstead/.

Check out the group events that happen at the library!

• The Spinners and Knitters group meets the second Saturday of each month from 10am to 12pm. It is comprised mainly of knitters and spinners, who create their own yarn on spinning wheels. However, all needle-workers are welcome to join.
• Bridge Club has returned to the Library on Mondays, starting at 1 pm. Players of all levels are welcome. Come meet old friends or make new ones. Please note: no instruction is given, and the club does not meet on weeks where there is a Monday holiday.

Stay in touch with the Hampstead Public Library and be notified of upcoming events! 

Click here to sign up for the Library newsletter

Hampstead Recreation Commission

The Hampstead Recreation Commission is happy to announce the appointment of Jaye Dimando as our new Senior Coordinator!

Jaye will be working to bring back senior trips and other activities. Welcome Jaye.

Senior Citizens Social
There will be a Hampstead Senior Citizens Social at the meeting house on Thursday September 23rd from 9:15am - 11am.  No RSVP is required.

Movie Night
Hampstead Recreation Commission is hosting a free movie night Friday, October 1, 2021. Arrive at 6:45pm, movie starts promptly at 7pm. Bring a blanket or chair, wear your PJ’s and enjoy HOCUS POCUS with us.

Please follow cdc guidelines and social distancing.

HASB
We would like to thank HASB for all the hard work and support of the Holiday Lane fields. Thank you for all you do!

Hampstead Conservation Commission

Hampstead Trail System Hunting Advisory
Summary: please be aware that hunting could take place on our trail system between now and mid-December. For safety, please wear blaze orange on yourself and your dog(s) during this period.

Details: The Conservation Commission has established rules for our conservation land that indicate hunting is not allowed on most of our properties. However, the land is not properly posted to prevent hunting, so legally, hunting can occur on our conservation land. Also, large parts of the trail system are on privately owned conservation land, and our rules don't apply there. Having said all this, most hunters will avoid places with a lot of human activity, but you never know.

For deer hunting, archery season is 9/15 - 12/15, muzzleloader season 10/30 - 11/9, and shotgun season 11/10 - 12/5.

For turkey hunting, archery is 9/15 - 12/15 and shotgun is 10/11 - 10/17.

Please be safe out there.

Story Time in the Woods
The Hampstead Conservation Commission with help from the Hampstead Library invites you to join in for a short story, craft and walk in the woods on Sunday, September 26th at 11:00 am. We will meet at the West Road parking lot for the Western Conservation Land. Please bring water, a blanket to sit on, and a snack if you would like. It may also be wise to wear bug spray and/or sunscreen depending on the weather. This is for children ages 3-7 but all ages are welcome to enjoy the morning outdoors! If you have any questions please email Erin O’Neill at erinmurray1511@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you! 

West Road Conservation Area 5k Loop
Thanks to Ethan Charles and Boy Scout Troop 33 Hampstead, the Hampstead Conservation Commission is pleased to introduce the "Hampstead Community 5k Cross Country Route". Ethan implemented this 5k route in the West Road Conservation Area as part of his Eagle Scout project. The route starts/finishes at the West Road parking lot and is marked on the trails with posts with 5k text, directional arrows, and mile markers. It will help users of the trails easily navigate a longer route through the various trails. The downloadable "Western - Complete" map has been updated to include the 5k course and a new map called "Western - 5k" has a zoomed in view and written trail descriptions. Both maps are GPS enabled and compatible with Avenza and can be downloaded here: https://www.hampsteadnh.us/conservation-commission/pages/trail-maps

QR codes and download directions are also available for both maps at the West Road trailhead.

Let's all give a big thank you to Ethan and Boy Scout Troop 33 for this great new addition for the Hampstead community!

Hampstead Water Resource Committee

Water Testing Opportunity for Hampstead Residents with Private Household Wells
Is your drinking water safe?

Did you know that well water should be tested regularly? Some Hampstead residents have their water supplied by Hampstead Area Water Company which is required to test the water frequently and report the results to NHDES, whereas private well owners are responsible for monitoring the safety of their own drinking water. Routine testing for the most common contaminants is highly recommended for all private wells. NHDES suggests yearly testing for bacteria and nitrates, and every 3-5 years for minerals and arsenic. When was the last time you checked yours?

The Hampstead Water Resource Committee, as part of their community outreach program, has arranged an opportunity for Hampstead residents to submit samples for water testing at a discounted rate during the week of October 4-8, 2021. The usual cost for the standard test with arsenic is $85 but, in partnership with Granite State Analytical, it will be offered for only $50. Arsenic is a particular concern in our area so it is important to know if you have high levels in your water. https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/lab/documents/fs-arsenic.pdf

Residents may pick up a water sample kit with instructions from the Hampstead Town Hall and then return the kit to the same location. The samples will be picked up each afternoon by Granite State Analytical. Payment can be made by check or credit card, payable to Granite State Analytical. Copies of the Hampstead Well Water Guide will also be available at the same time.

The basic water test measures: Coliform Bacteria, E. coli Bacteria, pH, Hardness, Nitrate, Nitrite, Chloride, Calcium, Sodium, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Fluoride, and Arsenic. All water test results will be private to the well owner/resident. Testing for other contaminants that you may have heard of, such as Radon and PFAS can be arranged directly through Granite State Analytical or any other accredited lab after you receive your initial results.

If you have any questions about preparing the water sample or if the cost of the testing is a hardship, please contact the Hampstead Water Resource Committee at hwrc.all@gmail.com.

For more information on water contamination, pollution and prevention, check out our fact sheet on our website https://www.hampsteadnh.us/water-resource-committee/pages/fact-sheet-understanding-groundwater-contaminants, and https://www.nhdes.gov

Hampstead Patriotic Committee

Veterans Day ceremonies are tentatively planned for November 11 @ 11am at Hampstead Middle School. As we get closer to the date we will communicate more details.

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.

Hampstead Cable Television Summer Concert Series

Thank you for joining us this summer. As our 2021 concert series comes to a close, we hope you can take the time to answer a quick survey about our concerts. 

Please revisit our website for updates regarding our 2022 concert series:

https://www.hampsteadconcerts.com/concert-series

Hampstead Fire Department

Do you have your burning permit?

A reminder to all that no fire shall be kindled without obtaining a written permit. To obtain a permit, please stop by the fire station. Permit issuance hours are 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.  With the exception of a rainy day, no burning will be allowed before 5:00 p.m.

Click here to print Burning Permit Application.

On the day you wish to burn, you will call the station first to check if it is a “permitted burn day” per NH Forests & Lands, then you will give your permit number.

If you have any further questions regarding permits, please feel free to call (603) 329-6006 or stop by the station. For more information https://www.hampsteadnh.us/fire-department/pages/burning-permits

Hampstead Trash & Recycling

Household Hazardous Waste
Hampstead residents have the opportunity to responsibly dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) twice a year.  Each spring and fall we participate in an event that involves surrounding towns. Upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Collection day for Fall: October 9, 2021-  https://www.chesternh.org/transfer-station/events/189381
Please note that Hampstead residents must show proof of residency. For more details and a list of what is accepted please visit: https://www.hampsteadnh.us/recycling-waste-disposal/pages/household-hazardous-waste 

Have other waste to dispose of? Waste Oil, car batteries and thermostats are collected at the Town Garage on the first and third Saturdays of the month 8 am to 1 pm. 

Have you heard about the Swap Shop? A great place to drop off items in good condition and to pick up a new treasure. Donations are accepted the 2nd Saturday of every month and browse & take home occurs on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Located at the Transfer Station - 311 Kent Farm Rd, Hampstead, NH

For more details and list of what’s accepted please visit https://www.hampsteadnh.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif661/f/news/swap_shop_flyer_2021.pdf

Not sure which holidays delay trash pick-up? Looking for details on bulk item disposal? Need a vehicle sticker for the Transfer station? Get the answers to these questions and more online: https://www.hampsteadnh.us/recycling-waste-disposal

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 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.