Backroom leadership changes
WEST NEWBURY—After nearly 15 years, John and Patsy Cole are stepping away from the leadership of the Backroom.
On May 3, at the West Newbury Town Hall, Carolyn Keck was elected as the new Chair of the Backroom.
In Times Past: We remember their sacrifice
Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was first known, emerged after the Civil War so that “the memory of the brave deeds and noble sacrifices of our deceased soldiers be kept fresh in the minds of the people.” Some states annually held ceremonies on May 30. It was not until 1971 when the observance became a national holiday and moved to the last Monday of May. This column examines the courage and dedication of 12 local residents who served their country between the Civil War and Iraq.They are just a sample of locals who gave their lives while serving in the nation’s armed services.
Oxbow voters approve budget
BRADFORD—Bradford and Newbury residents approved the $18.4 million Oxbow Unified Union School District budget for 2023-2024 with nary a peep during the annual district meeting on May 9 at Oxbow High School.
Flag kerfuffle ruffles village
EAST CORINTH—A proposal to spruce up Main Street with flags did not fly well with all Corinthians.
In an effort to improve the village’s appearance, Jon Ruggles and Wade Pierson formed the East Corinth Beautification Corporation, a nonprofit.
Exploring local family connection to Helen Keller
Emerson, an artist and former grant writer, didn’t grow up in Newbury, but her family’s connection to the community spans across generations to 1762 when her ancestors were among the town’s founding families. Growing up in Cleveland, her interest in her Vermont roots led to an unpredictable journey. About 25 years ago, Emerson innocently asked her father about family lore related to Helen Keller and her great-great-grandfather, Joseph Edgar Chamberlin. Her curiosity was piqued when her father confirmed that the stories were, indeed, true.
Baker’s reopens under new ownership
POST MILLS—Ankit Patel and family have purchased and reopened Baker’s General Store on Route 113 in Post Mills. The store officially opened for business on May 3.
Baker’s General Store, previously owned by Cameron and Kathleen Gregory, closed its doors in the fall of 2022.
Pitch made for SR Officer in Haverhill School District
HAVERHILL—Haverhill Cooperative School Board members will mull over whether to ask voters to install a school resource officer in the district’s schools.
Newbury calls on Governor to switch gears
NEWBURY—Ahead of a Vermont Supreme Court hearing later this month, the Newbury Selectboard has reiterated its plea to state officials asking them to reconsider their plans for a juvenile detention center in a rural part of the town.
The Vermont Supreme Court has set oral arguments for May 23 at 11 a.m. On May 5, state Sen. Jane Kitchel wrote to Gov. Phil Scott last week urging his administration to explore other options for the facility.
Microschool concept expands in New Hampshire
NORTH HAVERHILL—Pam Aldrich has nine students that attend her Blackmount Micro School in North Haverhill. They range from kindergarten through the sixth grade. It’s like a contemporary one-room schoolhouse. Blackmount is affiliated with Prenda, a national program which employs a four-day school week and a six-hour school day.
2023 Pet Parade
Pick up your copy of the JO this week for the 2023 Pet Parade pages in the B Sections (on B2, B3, B4, B5, and B6) Thank you to all our readers who shared their pets and to our local businesses that sponsored the pages and donated prizes. Winners will be announced in the May 31 issue.