To the Editor:

The Allenstown Revitalization Association ­ Friends of the Old Allenstown Meeting House ­ wish to thank all those who helped us out with donations and help. Our yard sale was a very good success. Thank you.

Claudette Verville
The Friends of the Old Allenstown Meeting House Committee

To the Editor:

Well, my first council meeting was interesting. It began with my first motion being soundly defeated. I felt that Jason should have been a part of the board officer election, but he was unable to attend. I asked if we could delay the process and got a “second,” but that’s it. As a result, I abstained from voting and was rewarded by having my first choices elected! God is good, all the time. I also learned that attending some meetings can be quite important. Whether he wanted it or not, Jason was elected council secretary. Congratulations to all!

We were in session until about 9:30 p.m. because Mike DiBitetto saved the best for last. He is quite upset with Pat Rueppel and asked her to resign, which Pat declined. The charges laid out against her seemed to be lacking in a number of areas, but I won’t discuss that here. Besides, you will read this after Tuesday’s special meeting, which would make it all old news. I’m hopeful that the blustering and grumbling will cease, so we can get on with the business of Hooksett.

As for the “E-Mail Piracy,” there should be full disclosure by all involved. It is akin to “High School Hijinks” and should be put to rest. That episode, in and of itself, is an embarrassment to the council. Worrying about what people will think, or know, is silly and cowardly. Unless there were laws broken, the culprit should come clean and take the heat, not that there could be much fire. “The truth will set you free.”

Time is valuable and lacking right now, so I’ll leave you with this: Pay attention and attend meetings when you can. At the very least, it is free entertainment. I do intend to get them on the public access TV channel very soon, one way or another, so, stay tuned!

David Ross
Hooksett

To the Editor:

The Friends of Epsom’s Historic Meetinghouse are developing plans for the cost effective relocation of the former Epsom Bible Church, which would preserve the historic landmark for future generations and benefit the town of Epsom.

By moving the main section of the structure and placing it on a foundation with a walkout lower level, the meetinghouse could provide Epsom with new town offices and a community center. The need for new town office space is obvious ­ we could stop spending over $20,000 of our tax dollars each year to rent office space.

So why do we need a community center? The dictionary defines a community center as “the building or grounds used by a community for its social and recreational activities.” The traditional New England town hall was a gathering place for residents to come in contact with each other. Sadly, today’s societies are losing the spirit of community which was once found in such places as community halls. Epsom needs a place where its people can gather and build a sense of community, preventing isolation and fragmentation of our diverse population.

Possible uses for the historic meetinghouse include community groups and clubs (i.e. garden club, TOPS, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts), workshops, craft and art shows, town yard sales, exercise classes, contra-dances and square dances, senior citizen activities, films, speakers, concerts, performing arts, seasonal events and festivals, and family events (i.e. weddings, showers, anniversaries, parties, reunions). It would also provide space for public hearings and other town meetings.

The historic meetinghouse provides visual character, preserving Epsom’s heritage and identity for future generations. A town community center can be a primary asset and a defining element of our town.

If you support the preservation of this historic landmark, please contact the Epsom Board of Selectmen. Time is running out!

Penny Graham
Epsom