DerryNews.com, Derry, New Hampshire Opinion

Editorial: Only a handful spend millions for towns

2012-02-08T13:12:23-05:00

It was, frankly, disappointing to see such poor voter turnout at recent deliberative sessions in Derry and Londonderry.
An estimate of 100 residents turned out Saturday to discuss the Derry school district's proposed $79 million budget, a 1.1 percent increase over the current year's spending.

Colum: 1918: The year of war, spy fears and the Spanish Flu.

2012-02-08T13:12:22-05:00

The year 1918 was a worrisome one for most local residents. America was involved in the First World War - its first major conflict since the Civil War. That year, Derry's sons were dying in the no-man's lands of Flanders. The fear of spies was rampart and any questioning of the government was looked upon as being un-American. Sugar was being rationed, and Sunday driving was forbidden in order to conserve gasoline for the war. It was indeed a worrisome year.

Letters to the editor

2012-02-08T13:12:21-05:00

Thanks for supporting donor drives
To the editor:
The Community Service Committee of Saint Jude Parish would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the donors and volunteers who gave their time to make our recent combined American Red Cross blood and Be The Match Registry bone marrow typing drives a great success.

Stand and be heard

2012-02-01T16:38:04-05:00

It was heady business when the nation turned its collective eye to New Hampshire for the first-in-the-nation presidential primary last month. But the votes have been counted and the candidates who swarmed the state have long since left for warmer climates.

Column: Hoping not to 'break a leg' in my stage debut

2012-02-01T16:38:02-05:00

Should I chew the scenery, like Al Pacino in "Scarface," or take the understated path, like Robert De Niro in "The Deer Hunter"?
Later this month, I'll be making my acting debut as President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hampstead Middle School's presentation of "Annie." Get your tickets now before New York's theater critics grab all the front-row seats.

Letters to the editor

2012-02-01T16:37:53-05:00

Thanks for support of holiday giving
To the editor:
The Derry Community Fund once again experienced an active and successful holiday season! This year, over 180 families representing 206 children and 25 seniors received assistance for Thanksgiving or Christmas. This could not have been possible without the generous contributions of our community.

Editorial: Recycling improvements come at hefty price

2012-01-26T13:03:53-05:00

Derry does a great job with recycling, which has proven to be a money maker for the community.
But town leaders should think carefully before going ahead with an expansion of the transfer facility that could cost $3 million. That price tag seems excessive.

Column: Chautauqua was the 'thinking man's vaudeville'

2012-01-26T13:03:50-05:00

In 1874, a training camp for Methodist Sunday school teachers began on the shores of Lake Chautauqua in western New York. Its efforts quickly proved very successful. The camp's founders soon began to develop ways to bring the blessing of their school to a larger audience. With in only a few years there were Chautauqua Circles being organized in towns all over America, including Derry. Most people back then never went to school beyond grade school. The Chautauqua correspondence course allowed those who felt ill-educated a chance to finish their education. After completing a prescribed number of courses, you'd get an impressive diploma suitable for framing.

Letters to the editor

2012-01-26T13:03:46-05:00

Public employees have right to bargain
To the editor:
I'm surprised by state Rep. Andrew Manuse's support of a bill to end collective bargaining for public employees. He is "100 percent opposed to public unions." Leaving out of the equation are all the public employees in Derry who are our most valuable resources. They are talented, hard-working people and a good number of these employees are his constituents.

Heard Around Town: Do you think Derry’s transfer station is adequate?

2012-01-25T15:37:17-05:00

Do you think Derry’s transfer station is adequate?