From the Eagle Tribune;
Atkinson gardeners 'Plant It Pink'
New Hampshire in a Minute
ATKINSON — The Atkinson Garden Club, along with National Garden Clubs Inc., is participating in a program called Plant It Pink to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure's mission to save lives and end breast cancer.
The garden club is creating a gift basket of all pink items associated with gardening to be raffled off Nov. 10. All proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to support breast cancer research.
Raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5.
They can be purchased at the AGC table during the townwide yard sale in the Atkinson Community Center on Sept. 26; the AGC open meeting at the Atkinson Community Center on Oct. 7 at 1 p.m.; the AGC table at the Peddler's Market at the Atkinson Community Center on Nov. 7, or by contacting Janet Snowdon at 362-4779.
Join a community handbell group
ATKINSON — The Community Handbell Ringers are starting again. The first practice was yesterday and the schedule continues every Monday thereafter. Rehearsals run from 7 to 8 p.m.
Practices are at the Atkinson Congregational Church, 101 Main St.
This is a group of teens and adults who love music and enjoying working with others. If you don't know how to ring, they will teach you.
Call Jane Goodwin at 362-5303 for more information.
Atkinson Town Hall
The Norman Rockwellian picture of Atkinson
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Atkinson releases new town administrator's contract
Article Submission:
http://www.eagletribune.com/punewsnh/local_story_253235400.html?keyword=topstory
Atkinson releases new town administrator's contract
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com
ATKINSON — Atkinson's next town administrator will be the highest paid person in that position, according to the contract the Board of Selectmen released yesterday.
Philip Smith Jr., 45, will earn $76,000 in the final year of his three-year contract. In the first year, Smith will earn $72,000 and $74,000 in the second year. He will not receive any retirement or health benefits with his salary, according to the contract.
The last town administrator, Steven Angelo, made $75,000 a year without benefits. Russ McCallister, who left in February 2008, made $63,000 with benefits.
Selectmen released Smith's contract yesterday, but announced he had been hired for the job at Monday night's regularly scheduled meeting.
Previously, selectmen refused to release the contract, citing personnel confidentiality.
Smith will be the first person to occupy the job since Angelo resigned abruptly in late January. He will begin work on Monday night at the selectmen's meeting and will start his first full day Tuesday.
Prior to being hired as town administrator, Smith has been Alton's police chief since 2007.
Smith and selectman said this week they are happy to start working together.
"Obviously, the longer the time frame we can keep a sitting town administrator in place, the more beneficial it is to the town," Selectman Bill Friel said.
Prior to working in Alton, Smith was a lieutenant with the Salem Police Department. He began working in Salem in 1984.
As part of Smith's contract, he will receive three weeks of vacation, five sick days, five personal days and 12 holidays per year.
If selectmen are dissatisfied with Smith, the contract allows them to terminate him for "cause," which is defined as "loss of confidence of the majority of the Board of Selectmen," according to the contract.
September 11, 2009 9:08 AM
http://www.eagletribune.com/punewsnh/local_story_253235400.html?keyword=topstory
Atkinson releases new town administrator's contract
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com
ATKINSON — Atkinson's next town administrator will be the highest paid person in that position, according to the contract the Board of Selectmen released yesterday.
Philip Smith Jr., 45, will earn $76,000 in the final year of his three-year contract. In the first year, Smith will earn $72,000 and $74,000 in the second year. He will not receive any retirement or health benefits with his salary, according to the contract.
The last town administrator, Steven Angelo, made $75,000 a year without benefits. Russ McCallister, who left in February 2008, made $63,000 with benefits.
Selectmen released Smith's contract yesterday, but announced he had been hired for the job at Monday night's regularly scheduled meeting.
Previously, selectmen refused to release the contract, citing personnel confidentiality.
Smith will be the first person to occupy the job since Angelo resigned abruptly in late January. He will begin work on Monday night at the selectmen's meeting and will start his first full day Tuesday.
Prior to being hired as town administrator, Smith has been Alton's police chief since 2007.
Smith and selectman said this week they are happy to start working together.
"Obviously, the longer the time frame we can keep a sitting town administrator in place, the more beneficial it is to the town," Selectman Bill Friel said.
Prior to working in Alton, Smith was a lieutenant with the Salem Police Department. He began working in Salem in 1984.
As part of Smith's contract, he will receive three weeks of vacation, five sick days, five personal days and 12 holidays per year.
If selectmen are dissatisfied with Smith, the contract allows them to terminate him for "cause," which is defined as "loss of confidence of the majority of the Board of Selectmen," according to the contract.
September 11, 2009 9:08 AM
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Atkinson's new town administrator eager to begin
From the Eagle Tribune;
Atkinson's new town administrator eager to begin
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com
ATKINSON — The new town administrator says he has a lot of professional energy and is excited to be working in the community.
The Board of Selectmen announced Monday night that Philip Smith Jr., 45, of Salem had been chosen as the next town administrator, a position that has been vacant for almost eight months.
Smith, Alton's police chief since 2007, said he is ready to begin working next week.
"I'm flattered that I got the appointment," Smith said yesterday.
Selectmen declined to release Smith's three-year contract, citing personnel confidentiality. Selectman Bill Friel said the board is consulting with its attorney, Sumner Kalman, on whether the contract qualifies as confidential information.
Kalman did not return phone calls for comment yesterday.
Smith, a longtime Salem resident, will spend his last day as Alton's police chief on Friday.
Although Smith will be switching roles from a police chief to a town administrator, he said he possesses administrative skills that are transferable to the new job.
"Anything new and that appears to be a challenge attracts me," Smith said.
One of his greatest accomplishments in his current job is Alton's decision to promote his second in command to be his successor, he said.
When Smith arrived in Alton, the former police department administration was mismanaging funds and he helped to lead the department in a new direction, he said.
"I'm very proud of what's transpired here," Smith said.
Prior to working in Alton, Smith was a lieutenant with the Salem Police Department. He began working in Salem in 1984. He was promoted to sergeant in 1997 and lieutenant in 2001.SClBThe town administrator position has been vacant since late January when Steven Angelo resigned abruptly.
In August, the three selectmen met with six former selectmen to review applications and discuss who might be ideal for the job.
A candidate, whose name was not released, was offered the job in April. When that person gave notice to his employer, Atkinson's offer was matched and then turned down.
Prior to Angelo, Atkinson went through two town administrators in a year.
NOTE TO MR. FRIEL...
Every Town employees salary is a matter of public record, and you can not hide it citing confidentiality.
Atkinson's new town administrator eager to begin
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com
ATKINSON — The new town administrator says he has a lot of professional energy and is excited to be working in the community.
The Board of Selectmen announced Monday night that Philip Smith Jr., 45, of Salem had been chosen as the next town administrator, a position that has been vacant for almost eight months.
Smith, Alton's police chief since 2007, said he is ready to begin working next week.
"I'm flattered that I got the appointment," Smith said yesterday.
Selectmen declined to release Smith's three-year contract, citing personnel confidentiality. Selectman Bill Friel said the board is consulting with its attorney, Sumner Kalman, on whether the contract qualifies as confidential information.
Kalman did not return phone calls for comment yesterday.
Smith, a longtime Salem resident, will spend his last day as Alton's police chief on Friday.
Although Smith will be switching roles from a police chief to a town administrator, he said he possesses administrative skills that are transferable to the new job.
"Anything new and that appears to be a challenge attracts me," Smith said.
One of his greatest accomplishments in his current job is Alton's decision to promote his second in command to be his successor, he said.
When Smith arrived in Alton, the former police department administration was mismanaging funds and he helped to lead the department in a new direction, he said.
"I'm very proud of what's transpired here," Smith said.
Prior to working in Alton, Smith was a lieutenant with the Salem Police Department. He began working in Salem in 1984. He was promoted to sergeant in 1997 and lieutenant in 2001.SClBThe town administrator position has been vacant since late January when Steven Angelo resigned abruptly.
In August, the three selectmen met with six former selectmen to review applications and discuss who might be ideal for the job.
A candidate, whose name was not released, was offered the job in April. When that person gave notice to his employer, Atkinson's offer was matched and then turned down.
Prior to Angelo, Atkinson went through two town administrators in a year.
NOTE TO MR. FRIEL...
Every Town employees salary is a matter of public record, and you can not hide it citing confidentiality.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Atkinson chooses town administrator
From the Eagle Tribune;
Atkinson chooses town administrator
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com
ATKINSON — A police chief from Salem has been hired as the next town administrator.
Selectmen announced at their meeting last night that Phillip Smith, most recently the police chief in Alton, has been given a three-year contract.
Atkinson will have a town administrator for the first time in more than seven months.
"I think he's going to do a good job and people will like him," Chairman Fred Childs said.
Smith has lived in Salem for most of his life, Childs said. He will begin work at the selectmen's next meeting Sept. 14 and his first full day is Sept. 15, the chairman said.
Smith could not be reached for comment last night.
Selectmen refused to reveal Smith's salary or the specifics of his contract until next week.
Smith was interviewed by selectmen several times over the last several months.
Selectmen advertised for the position in late May and received about 30 applications, which they reviewed for several months.
Smith began his law enforcement career with the Salem Police Department in 1984 and was promoted to sergeant in 1997 and lieutenant in 2001. He was hired as Alton's police chief in November 2007, according to the town's Web site.
Smith has a bachelor of arts degree in social science and history and a master's in criminal justice. He is certified in law enforcement physical fitness, the Web site said.
The town administrator job has been vacant since late January when Steven Angelo resigned abruptly.
In August, the three selectmen met with six former selectmen to review applications and discuss who might be ideal for the job.
A candidate, whose name was not released, was offered the job in April. When that person gave notice to his employer, Atkinson's offer was matched and then turned down.
That candidate had remained from the search conducted when Angelo was hired. No specific salary range was stated in the job advertisement.
Prior to Angelo, Atkinson went through two town administrators in a year.
Atkinson chooses town administrator
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com
ATKINSON — A police chief from Salem has been hired as the next town administrator.
Selectmen announced at their meeting last night that Phillip Smith, most recently the police chief in Alton, has been given a three-year contract.
Atkinson will have a town administrator for the first time in more than seven months.
"I think he's going to do a good job and people will like him," Chairman Fred Childs said.
Smith has lived in Salem for most of his life, Childs said. He will begin work at the selectmen's next meeting Sept. 14 and his first full day is Sept. 15, the chairman said.
Smith could not be reached for comment last night.
Selectmen refused to reveal Smith's salary or the specifics of his contract until next week.
Smith was interviewed by selectmen several times over the last several months.
Selectmen advertised for the position in late May and received about 30 applications, which they reviewed for several months.
Smith began his law enforcement career with the Salem Police Department in 1984 and was promoted to sergeant in 1997 and lieutenant in 2001. He was hired as Alton's police chief in November 2007, according to the town's Web site.
Smith has a bachelor of arts degree in social science and history and a master's in criminal justice. He is certified in law enforcement physical fitness, the Web site said.
The town administrator job has been vacant since late January when Steven Angelo resigned abruptly.
In August, the three selectmen met with six former selectmen to review applications and discuss who might be ideal for the job.
A candidate, whose name was not released, was offered the job in April. When that person gave notice to his employer, Atkinson's offer was matched and then turned down.
That candidate had remained from the search conducted when Angelo was hired. No specific salary range was stated in the job advertisement.
Prior to Angelo, Atkinson went through two town administrators in a year.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Atkinson police lose second-in-command for a year
From the Eagle Tribune;
Atkinson police lose second-in-command for a year
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com
ATKINSON — The Police Department will be without its second in command for a year soon with Lt. William Baldwin scheduled to be deployed as a member of the Coast Guard Reserve by the end of the month.
Baldwin's deployment also will leave the Timberlane Regional School Board without a member for the year he will be gone.
This will be Baldwin's second deployment in recent years. But this one will be easier for his wife and two children to take, he said.
"They understand it a little better now," Baldwin said of his two children, Mackenzie, 10, and Brittany, 14. "I want them to be proud of their father."
Baldwin's last deployment brought him to Kuwait from 2003 to 2004. He was a gunner on a ship in the Persian Gulf, patrolling supplies for other troops. He said he doesn't know where he will be deployed this time or what his responsibilities will be.
He said he wanted to thank the residents of Atkinson for supporting him as a police officer and as a member of the Coast Guard Reserve.
"I live my life serving, whether it's my country or Atkinson," Baldwin said.
He said he doesn't plan to leave Atkinson permanently anytime soon. In fact, he said his goal is to become Atkinson's first full-time chief some day.
"Hopefully, the people will support it," he said.
He has been a member of the Coast Guard Reserve since 1995. He's been a member of the Atkinson Police Department since 1997. Prior to working in Atkinson, Baldwin was a Marine for 10 years.
Baldwin's absence means that police Chief Philip Consentino and the other 23 members of the department will have even more responsibilities. There are five full-time officers.
Consentino said he would be taking on most of Baldwin's duties and Detective Phil Farrar would become the second in command.
"It's going to make a little bit more work for all of us," Consentino said.
Baldwin said one piece of the job he'll miss the most over the next year is working with the fifth-grade students, Baldwin said.
Last year, he became the DARE officer at the school. He said he was looking forward to this school year because he has become closer to those students in the last year.
The Plaistow Police Department, which covers dispatch duties in Atkinson on nights and weekends, will cover the DARE responsibilities at the school.
"We're going to try to work it out so it's manageable for both departments," Baldwin said.
Baldwin, who is also in his third term on the Timberlane Regional School Board, said the board has agreed to leave his seat vacant during his absence. That will leave the board with eight members, but Baldwin said he doesn't expect the even number to present too many problems in his absence.
"Hopefully, they won't have any split votes," he said.
Baldwin is in the start of the first year of his third term on the board.
Atkinson police lose second-in-command for a year
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com
ATKINSON — The Police Department will be without its second in command for a year soon with Lt. William Baldwin scheduled to be deployed as a member of the Coast Guard Reserve by the end of the month.
Baldwin's deployment also will leave the Timberlane Regional School Board without a member for the year he will be gone.
This will be Baldwin's second deployment in recent years. But this one will be easier for his wife and two children to take, he said.
"They understand it a little better now," Baldwin said of his two children, Mackenzie, 10, and Brittany, 14. "I want them to be proud of their father."
Baldwin's last deployment brought him to Kuwait from 2003 to 2004. He was a gunner on a ship in the Persian Gulf, patrolling supplies for other troops. He said he doesn't know where he will be deployed this time or what his responsibilities will be.
He said he wanted to thank the residents of Atkinson for supporting him as a police officer and as a member of the Coast Guard Reserve.
"I live my life serving, whether it's my country or Atkinson," Baldwin said.
He said he doesn't plan to leave Atkinson permanently anytime soon. In fact, he said his goal is to become Atkinson's first full-time chief some day.
"Hopefully, the people will support it," he said.
He has been a member of the Coast Guard Reserve since 1995. He's been a member of the Atkinson Police Department since 1997. Prior to working in Atkinson, Baldwin was a Marine for 10 years.
Baldwin's absence means that police Chief Philip Consentino and the other 23 members of the department will have even more responsibilities. There are five full-time officers.
Consentino said he would be taking on most of Baldwin's duties and Detective Phil Farrar would become the second in command.
"It's going to make a little bit more work for all of us," Consentino said.
Baldwin said one piece of the job he'll miss the most over the next year is working with the fifth-grade students, Baldwin said.
Last year, he became the DARE officer at the school. He said he was looking forward to this school year because he has become closer to those students in the last year.
The Plaistow Police Department, which covers dispatch duties in Atkinson on nights and weekends, will cover the DARE responsibilities at the school.
"We're going to try to work it out so it's manageable for both departments," Baldwin said.
Baldwin, who is also in his third term on the Timberlane Regional School Board, said the board has agreed to leave his seat vacant during his absence. That will leave the board with eight members, but Baldwin said he doesn't expect the even number to present too many problems in his absence.
"Hopefully, they won't have any split votes," he said.
Baldwin is in the start of the first year of his third term on the board.
Atkinson may be close to hiring new administrator
From the Eagle Tribune;
Atkinson may be close to hiring new administrator
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com
ATKINSON — The town is close to hiring an administrator after the job has been vacant for more than seven months.
Selectmen Chairman Fred Childs said the board made an offer to a candidate on Aug. 28 and hopes to know by Tuesday whether he will accept the position.
The candidate, who Childs declined to identify, is retiring from another community in the state and would likely start on Sept. 14 if he accepts the town's offer, Childs said.
The candidate has been offered a three-year contract, but Childs declined to reveal the salary until the offer has been accepted.
The candidate interviewed with the board twice and has been in regular communication with the three selectmen over the last several weeks, Childs said.
"He seems like he's interested," Childs said.
Atkinson has been without a town administrator since January, when Steven Angelo resigned abruptly.
Board members advertised the position in late May and received about 30 applications, which they reviewed over the last several months.
In August, the three selectmen met with six former selectmen to review applications and discuss who might be a good fit for the job.
A candidate, whose name was not released, was offered the job in April. When that person gave notice to his or her employer, Atkinson's offer was matched and they turned down Atkinson's offer. That candidate had remained from the search conducted when Angelo was hired. No salary range was specifically stated in the job advertisement.
Prior to Angelo, Atkinson went through two town administrators in a year.
Atkinson may be close to hiring new administrator
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com
ATKINSON — The town is close to hiring an administrator after the job has been vacant for more than seven months.
Selectmen Chairman Fred Childs said the board made an offer to a candidate on Aug. 28 and hopes to know by Tuesday whether he will accept the position.
The candidate, who Childs declined to identify, is retiring from another community in the state and would likely start on Sept. 14 if he accepts the town's offer, Childs said.
The candidate has been offered a three-year contract, but Childs declined to reveal the salary until the offer has been accepted.
The candidate interviewed with the board twice and has been in regular communication with the three selectmen over the last several weeks, Childs said.
"He seems like he's interested," Childs said.
Atkinson has been without a town administrator since January, when Steven Angelo resigned abruptly.
Board members advertised the position in late May and received about 30 applications, which they reviewed over the last several months.
In August, the three selectmen met with six former selectmen to review applications and discuss who might be a good fit for the job.
A candidate, whose name was not released, was offered the job in April. When that person gave notice to his or her employer, Atkinson's offer was matched and they turned down Atkinson's offer. That candidate had remained from the search conducted when Angelo was hired. No salary range was specifically stated in the job advertisement.
Prior to Angelo, Atkinson went through two town administrators in a year.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
CART fare increase to $6/ride. Elderly Affairs costs $20/ride
From the Eagle Tribune;
CART would be hurt if Salem cut funding
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com
.....CART already suffered the loss of two communities over the last year.
Voters in Sandown didn't approve funding CART at the March Town Meeting and Plaistow officials cut funding for the agency last October. In addition to Salem, CART serves Derry, Londonderry, Windham, Danville, Chester and Hampstead.
Salem's proposal also comes as CART is increasing its fares. Since its inception in 2006, CART cost $2, but recently they announced prices would jump to $6 for some trips. A ride within the same town will cost $3, a ride across town lines cost $4 and a ride outside the seven-town region costs $6.
That's it?
Atkinson's Elderly Affairs dept. has a budget of $37,000 plus $10-15,000 in contributions from donation accounts, plus $5,000 or so "bleed over" from police dept. It gave out 1994 rides last year according to Phil. That it $20-25.00/ride for Atkinson.
Thank God we have a Rich, Socially conscious town, and are not beholden to these pesky value for taxpayer dollar questions.
By the way, there is no possible way that Elderly Affairs gave out 1,994 rides last year on their budget, when last year's budget was only $20,000. No way the math works out. Somebody is probably....fibbing.
CART would be hurt if Salem cut funding
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com
.....CART already suffered the loss of two communities over the last year.
Voters in Sandown didn't approve funding CART at the March Town Meeting and Plaistow officials cut funding for the agency last October. In addition to Salem, CART serves Derry, Londonderry, Windham, Danville, Chester and Hampstead.
Salem's proposal also comes as CART is increasing its fares. Since its inception in 2006, CART cost $2, but recently they announced prices would jump to $6 for some trips. A ride within the same town will cost $3, a ride across town lines cost $4 and a ride outside the seven-town region costs $6.
That's it?
Atkinson's Elderly Affairs dept. has a budget of $37,000 plus $10-15,000 in contributions from donation accounts, plus $5,000 or so "bleed over" from police dept. It gave out 1994 rides last year according to Phil. That it $20-25.00/ride for Atkinson.
Thank God we have a Rich, Socially conscious town, and are not beholden to these pesky value for taxpayer dollar questions.
By the way, there is no possible way that Elderly Affairs gave out 1,994 rides last year on their budget, when last year's budget was only $20,000. No way the math works out. Somebody is probably....fibbing.
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