Category Archives: Hickory Woods News

News page to include who’s new, births (grandkids) and other recent info that is of interest to all.

Slam the Scam! How to spot common tax scams; How to avoid impostor scams.

Details of Technical Issues relevant to Homeowners, Hickory Woods News

Getting the word out about FTC imposter scams: The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. If you have been targeted by an illegal business practice or scam, report it.

While these developments are encouraging, too many people are still losing money to government imposters. There’s more work to be done and the FTC is on the case. But here’s how you can help, too. Talk about these scams. Help the people you care about know how to slow down, check it out, and stop before they pay a scammer. Read and share How To Avoid Imposter Scams. Help a friend sign up to get Consumer Alerts just like this one. And encourage people to report imposter scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

From Xfinity: LINK Can you spot common tax scams?

From the Social Security Administration:

SlamtheScamDownload

On National Slam the Scam Day – March 6 – and throughout the year, we give you the tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information.  

Help protect your loved ones and people in your community this Slam the Scam Day by:  

  • Learning about the latest scams. Information can empower you to quickly recognize a scam. Signs of a scam include:
    • An unexpected problem or offer of a prize or benefit increase,
    • Pressure to act immediately, and
    • A request for an unusual payment like cryptocurrency, gift cards, gold bars, and wire transfers, even with the promise of keeping your money “safe.”
  • Reporting scams as soon as possible. Victims shouldn’t be embarrassed if they shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. We are all vulnerable. 

LOT AT TAVERN HILL AND ROUTE 102

Association News, Hickory Woods News

To Hickory Woods Residents,

Please read the following update regarding the property located on Route 102 at Tavern Hill Road (308 Nashua Rd)

As you probably already know the owners of the lot at 308 Nashua Road appeared before the Town Planning Board on June 14 to present a “Conceptual Plan” for developing the lot. (A conceptual plan is nonbinding on both the Board and the presenter and has no legal status.)

As part of the presentation the owners showed maps and diagrams which laid out plans for two buildings with a total square footage of more than 50,000 square feet. Also included were 155 parking spaces. One of the buildings was to be a restaurant. However during the presentation one of the owners of the lot stated that they had put plans for the restaurant on hold because they could not obtain a long term lease agreement for the building.

Present Status

  • As of August 14th we know that the lot owners have submitted no formal application with the town and no formal request has been made to be included on the Planning Board agenda. Also, Londonderry town departments have not been asked by the developer to review and comment on any proposed plan. We have ascertained that if any of the above actions are requested by the lot owners, we as abutters are entitled to immediate notification by the Town.
  • We have contacted the Department of Transportation and found the following:
    – An application for a driveway permit was filed on June 8, 2021.
    – The application was for access to the lot, but the plans described to the DOT do not resemble the “Conceptual Plan” presented to the Town Planning Board.
    – Primary access to the lot was to come though Tavern Hill Road, but they also applied for an entrance through the old service road on the other end of the property.
    – To afford access to the lot, modifications to Route 102 needed to be made including building a left hand turn lane and a right hand turn lane both of which would turn into Tavern Hill Road.
  • No action has been taken concerning this application to the Department of Transportation since September of 2022.
  • Until the lot developers obtain an approved permit from the Department of Transportation the Town of Londonderry is unlikely to approve any development plan for the lot.


    • Actions Taken by the Board to date

  • In anticipation of the eventual development of these lots, several years ago the Board requested rezoning of Hickory Woods from C2 (commercial) to AR1 (residential). The Town Council approved the request. This had the practical effect of extending the buffer zone for neighboring development from 50 to 75 feet.
  • The Board obtained and reviewed all of the easements pertaining to these lots and Hickory Woods. We also had these easements reviewed by an attorney to give us a clear understanding of our obligations.
  • One of our Board Members had established an ongoing relationship with Town planning personnel with the aim of keeping us posted regarding ongoing developments with regard to these lots. (Unfortunately, due to a recent upheaval in the Town Planning Department this relationship has been lost.)
  • We have established lines of communication with the DOT to keep us posted on any new developments.
  • After the latest Planning Board meeting, the Board met with another attorney experienced in this area to update our legal advice.



    • Summary

    Given all of the above, we still have no clear idea of the intentions of the owners of the lot or their plans for the future.
    We will continue to monitor developments at Town Hall and the Department of Transportation.

    This issue was on the agenda at our August 16 Board Meeting where it was discussed in detail.

    Any Unit Owner should feel free to direct any remaining questions to the Board at bod-input@hwcommunity.info

    Regards,
    Hickory Woods Board of Directors

    NHPVRTA: 4/18 SB 246 was not recommended for a vote in the legislature

    Association News, Hickory Woods News

    NHPRTA

    4/18/2022 from John Goglia: The Election Law and Municipal Affairs committee voted 10-9 that SB246 is Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).

    4/7/2022 Hearing of SB246 

    John Goglia testified on 4/7 before the NH Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee. Listen to the hearing; Senator Birdsell comes in at about 1:15 and delivers some interesting information and also references our HW community. The audio is faint following Senator Birdsell’s testimony but worth listening (it is corrected at 1:52). John’s testimony is at 2:04 and goes through 2:12.

    Although SB246 applies to NEW private road construction (and would not affect Hickory Woods directly) it is important. Acknowledging that there are issues with private roads is a huge step toward rectifying problems.

    3/29/2022: Please CALL our representatives to support SB246

    The Public Hearing is scheduled for next week April 7.  Time is of the essence, so please call the House Representatives below as soon as possible.  Below is a phone script you may use, but if you want to use your own words, feel free to add or subtract.  Do not mention Tax Credits, this Bill is NOT about Tax Credits and we must keep Tax Credits out of the discussion. 

    SUGGESTED TELEPHONE SCRIPT: Hello – my name is _________. I am a resident and taxpayer from the Town of _______.  I am calling to ask for your support for SB 246, Qualified Private Communities Act.  I live on a private road and when I moved in, I really had no clue of the costs and risks associated with owning and maintaining a road system.  The cities and towns approve these developments, then they walk away with no responsibility.  In many cases, the roads intentionally do not meet town standards.  This is not good public policy and NHPVRTA is trying to effect positive change going forward.

    SB 246 is a BIG step in the right direction towards fairness and equity going forward for private road taxpayers.  It will establish some accountability on the part of private road developers by requiring them to either establish a Capital Reserve Fund or build the road to public road standards. NH needs a private road statute and SB 246 is the answer to that need.   Thank you for your consideration of SB 246.

    END OF SCRIPT

    If you can find out where they stand on the Bill, that would be great.  But not necessary if you are not comfortable with that.

    If they ask questions you cannot answer, please note the question and send it to contact@nhpvrta.com.   We will get back to you with an answer ASAP.

    In the case you get through to the representative, after the phone call, send them a thank you email.

    Make 3 attempts to get a hold of a live person.  On the first attempt, if you don’t get a hold of a live person, leave a voice mail with your name, town and that you are calling to ask for their support of SB 246.  Give it 1-2 days between attempts.

    If after the 3rd attempt you cannot get a live person, read the paragraph highlighted above into the voice mail with your name, town and phone number and follow-up with an email of the same content.

    3/28/2022 Message from NHPVRTA

    BREAKING NEWS ON SENATE BILL 246 (QUALIFIED PRIVATE COMMUNITIES ACT)

    Dear Private Road Taxpayer,

    SB 246 (Qualified Private Communities Act) recently passed the NH Senate.  Now it is headed to the NH House of Representatives.  The first stop for SB 246 is the Municipal and County Government Committee.  They will hold a public hearing on the Bill, and shortly after that, they will make a recommendation to the House on the Bill.

    We need a private road statute in NH, and this is our big chance. SB246 is mandatory legislation that requires municipalities to require that developers of qualified private road communities build those roads to public standards or fund a Capital Reserve Account (or both if they choose) for the benefit of the residents to maintain and ultimately replace those roads. SB 246 will serve as the foundation for new paragraphs that may include tax credits and other items in the future.

    We need your help to get the committee to recommend SB 246.  Please call and / or write the committee members. Phone calls are better than email and keep calling until someone calls you back. For email or letters, ask that your email or letter be made part of the public record. The phone number for the committee is 603-271-3125.  The phone numbers and emails for the most important members on the committee are shown below.  Everyone should call them.

    Whether you call or write, let them know that you want them to vote YES on SB 246 because NH needs a Private Road Statute to address the complexities and issues associated with Private Roads, which are increasing in number rapidly and becoming a larger part of the NH Property Tax Base. If you are a constituent of the representatives you call, identify yourself as a constituent, and leave your name, town, and phone number.

    3/24/2022 Article from John Goglia:  Private Road Residents Call to Action

     SB 246 as amended and Relative to Qualified Private Communities is legislation that has been passed by the New Hampshire Senate and will be heard by the New Hampshire House of Representatives Municipal and County Government Committee sometime in April. This legislation does not impact current residents living on private roads but through passage the Senate has acknowledged that there is a tax unfairness issue pertaining to many private road property taxpayers. SB 246 is sponsored by Senators Regina Birdsell and Sharon Carson and State Representative Wayne MacDonald. SB 246 would require municipalities to only approve new private roads and related infrastructure which meet public road standards or require developers to fund a capital reserve type of account of at least a 50% estimate of projected cost to replace those private roads and related infrastructure at the time of transition to the ultimate residents based on certain factors.

    The reason that this legislation is important to current private road residents is because we need to ensure that future unknowing residents do not have to endure the same legal and financial hardships that have unfairly existed for decades. The New Hampshire Private Road Taxpayers Alliance (www.nhpvrta.com) which has been lobbying for 3 consecutive years to get tax relief legislation passed through the state system believes this is the first step to future success for all private road residents. The NHPVRTA is planning for additional tax relief legislation for next year but more public support is needed now.

    The NHPVRTA is asking neighborhoods, communities and organizations who pay the same or more property taxes than public road residents without getting any of the same services to write to all the members of the House Municipal and County Government Committee and all their other State Representatives requesting them to support SB 246. The necessary State contact information can be found by Goggling “gencourt.state.nh.us”. Self-motivated individuals should immediately contact the NHPVRTA if they are interested in assisting in this or future efforts to get some long overdue tax relief for private road taxpayers.

    3/11/2022 From John Goglia: For all intents and purposes SB250 (Tax Credit) was recommended for interim study but we have been told that it is dead for this year. The NHPVRTA intends to figure out what legislators didn’t like about the bill and get sponsors to file a more appropriate bill next session (2023). 

    ARTICLE John submitted to newspapers: Private Road Legislation Passes NH Senate

    In February, the New Hampshire Senate passed SB246. SB246 mandates that municipalities and developers who approve and build future private road communities with four or more residential units must either construct those roads to existing public standards or the developers must fund a reserve account for up to 50% of the cost to replace those roads at the time of completion of the project. Those funds would be turned over to the eventual resident’s association to maintain and replace those private roads going forward. This legislation is meant to reduce the increased proliferation of private road developments which places an unfair tax burden on unsuspecting residents. SB246 was sponsored by Senators Regina Birdsell and Sharon Carson. 

    SB250, which would have granted municipalities the authority to offer a tax credit to current residents on private roads did not pass the Senate as amended but recommended for interim study. This was not the expected outcome for SB250 however the NHPVRTA will continue to offer guidance and information to any Senate study of private road issues. Additionally, the NHPVRTA plans to submit further legislation in 2023.

    SB246 will soon be scheduled for hearings before a yet to be determined committee in the House of Representatives. Anyone interested in private road legislation should immediately visit www.nhpvrta.com, sign up and follow through with the recommended course of actions.

    2/16/2022 Email from NHPVRTA The Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee is recommending to the Senate that SB 250 go to “Interim Study”. Interim Studies are designed to investigate the content of a Bill and make a recommendation. NHPVRTA feels that an Interim Study is unnecessary since we have researched the private road issue for over 2 years.  

    We need your help to get these Bills passed.  Please call and / or write your NH Senator NOW because the Senate may vote on these Bills any day now. Phone calls are better than email and keep calling until someone calls you back. Whether email or phone call, identify yourself as a constituent of the Senator, and leave your name, town, and phone number. For email, ask that your email be made part of the public record.

    Whether you call or write, let them know that  you want SB 250 to pass as amended and that the Interim Study will add no value.

    Here is the link to find out who your Senator is and how to contact them:
    The New Hampshire State Senate  NOTE that Londonderry is represented by Senator Carson who is a sponsor of the bill and believes in SB 250.

    2/14/2022: ELMA votes

    Bad news for residents of private roads! The ELMA (Election Law and Municipalities Affairs) Committee voted on SB 250 – it failed, 2-3. Senator Carson is going to try to introduce the bill before the whole Senate. Stay tuned!

    SB 246 passed the ELMA Committee – 3-2.

    2/12/2022: Amendments to Legislation

    SB246 (Capital Reserve Fund) was basically amended to have municipalities require developers to either build private roads to town standards or establish a capital reserve fund of 50% of the cost to to replace roadways estimated at the time of completion of the project.
    SB250 (Tax Credit) was basically amended to require municipalities to offer a tax credit to qualified private road communities based on the community’s prior years costs to maintain roads anBadd some related infrastructure (for communities with public utilities water and sewer) divided by the number of units. The municipality can limit the tax credit to what the municipality reasonably determines it would cost them to provide those same services. The individual residents would still have to apply for the tax credit every year.

    2/8/2022  Hearing before the ELMA Committee on SB 250 VIEW ONLINE

    • Hearing Summary: (approximate minute marks are included, below)
      * Opening to 4:40: Senator Carson (spoke in favor of SB 250)
      * 4:40 to 10:00: John Goglia (Tax inequity that private road residents pay double for services; asked for tax break for owners of private road property; detailed the cost of repairing developers’ shoddy road construction)
      * 10:00 to 15:00: Lou Gargiulo (Questions about comparing private vs. non private tx)
      * 15:30 to 21:50: Dick Swett of Vineyards in Stratham (Talked about road construction standards; compared the tax yield for a community of private road property vs “regular” property; points out that private road owners are actually taxed for the property of the roads themselves.)
      * 22:00 to 25:00: Judy Bastian (Lives in an 18 unit private community in Laconia)
      * 25:00 to 32:00: Max Nicewinder (Representing NHPVTRA but also lives in Barrington; inadequacy of private roads for emergency vehicles; buyers are “blind” to the financial burdens of private roads; SB 250 provides a tool for towns to provide tax relief.)
      * 32:00 t 36:00: Katherine Heck (Representing New Hampshire Municipal Association  in opposition to SB 250; concerns include language of the bill; setting tax rates is problematic; determining the cost; appeals process apportioning taxes in condominiums; what is a not for profit entity)

    1/25/2022 John Goglia testifies for SB 246 at ELMA Committee hearing 

    Thanks to John Goglia for all of his work with the NHPVRTA. View his testimony for SB 246. If you advance the YouTube to about 1:40 you will see John’s testimony – about 15 minutes. NOTE that SB 246 advocates for a capital reserve fund for future  private road communities and would NOT apply to Hickory Woods. The hearing for SB 250 has not yet been set.

    1/15/2022 Time to MAIL the Postcards to the ELMA and Email Legislators

    Hickory Woods residents paid $860 per household in 2021 that other residents of Londonderry did not have to pay. The cost of road maintenance, snow removal, street lights and fire hydrants is paid for by taxes…unless you live on a private road. Residents of a private road pay the same taxes as all residents, but do not receive the same services.
     
    To address this TAX INEQUITIES, the NHPVRTA (New Hampshire Private Road Tax Alliance) has proposed SB250. This bill would allow municipalities the option of allowing residents of private roads a tax credit for snow removal, street lighting, fire hydrants and road repair. 
     .
    By now, each of you should have found an “advocacy communication” in your mailbox. Please MAIL the stamped postcard enclosed! It will let the ELMA (Election Law and Municipalities) Committee know that you support SM 250. Be sure to sign it on the back, print your name(s) and add a brief comment. NOTE: If you did not receive your postcard to mail, please let Ann Perham know annbperham@gmail.com.
     .
    NEXT STEP is to EMAIL (or telephone) our representatives and senator. Legislators care about constituents’ communications! Here are sample emails that you can copy and paste. Or, use your own ideas/words and write your own email. The addresses of our representatives and senator are below.
     .
    SAMPLE EMAILS: 

    1/11/2022  QUICK START FOR ADVOCACY: (Email, telephone contact info)

    It’s TIME TO ADVOCATE!

    ARTICLE by John Goglia 12/17/2021 in Newsbreak (please read and comment) LINK

    UPDATE 12/17/2021 from John Goglia

    This has been a good week for the NHPVRTA. Our State Senator Sharon Carson along with 2 other State  Senators and 4 House Representatives from Londonderry have sponsored and filed SB 2022-250 relative to a tax credit for qualified private road communities. It would enable municipalities to offer a tax credit but it is not mandatory legislation. This legislation could definitely impact HW.

    In addition, State Senator Regina Birdsell, along with Senator Carson and another House Representative from Londonderry have sponsored and filed SB 2022-246 relative to private road communities. This legislation would not impact HW or any existing private road communities. It would make it mandatory for future developers of private road communities to put a certain amount of money into a Capital Reserve Fund to be turned over to the eventual Community Association responsible for maintaining and replacing private roads and related infrastructure. Hearings on both bills will start sometime in early January before the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee.

    I will have much more about the efforts of the NHPVRTA and what HW residents can do to help us draw legislative attention to these bills next week.

    UPDATE 10/27/2021 from John Goglia

    The NHPVRTA is happy to report that LSR’s have been filed for both our bills prior to the deadline of 10/28/21. Senator Carson has filed a confidential LSR for the Tax Credit Legislation which is a new wrinkle that we were unaware of in the legislative process until now. Confidential filing means there is no LSR # assigned thus preventing the public or anyone else from raising questions or issues until a later date. Some Senators always use this method when introducing new legislation. Senator Birdsell has filed LSR 2022-2951 Relating to Private Communities for the Capital Reserve Fund Legislation.
    .
    We believe there will be multiple cosponsors from the Senate and the House for both bills once they work their way through the legislative process. The NHPVRTA continues to encourage our supporters to meet with all 24 Senators and as many of the 400 State Representatives as possible to educate them and get their endorsement for this legislation.
     .
    None of what we have accomplished so far and what we hope to achieve would be possible without the help of those that would benefit from these changes but we need to do much more in the next few months.

    UPDATE 10/13/2021 from John Goglia

    Senator Sharon Carson will be filing a Legislative Service Request (LSR) for the Tax Credit Bill in the next 2 weeks. Senator Regina Birdsell will be filing an LSR for the Capital Reserve Bill in the same time period. The LSR is the preliminary step in getting a bill on the Senate docket . This was the easy part. Getting it passed by whichever committee(s) they are assigned to is tougher. Then the full Senate votes and if passed it goes to the full House of Representatives for another vote. If it makes it passed there it goes to the Governor who can still kill it. If he signs it the individual municipalities must also decide to adopt. We have some momentum now but sustaining it will be our biggest challenge but the NHPVRTA has been relentless so far. We have about 350 supporters from approximately 50 individual cities and towns throughout NH but we need to reach many more. We are always trying to recruit volunteers to assist us.

    UPDATE 10/10/2021 from John Goglia (NHPVRTA Director and Treasurer):

    This Wednesday, 10/13/21 is the first day that a Legislative Service Request (LSR) which is the preliminary process to filing a Senate bill can take place. We think our own Senator Sharon Carson will again sponsor our bills but the NHPVRTA currently has pockets of private road individuals and communities throughout the state trying to meet with their  respective Senators and State Representatives and get them to also sponsor and support our 2 bills.
     .
    The first bill is a tax credit determined by each individual municipality which if enacted into law at the state level would also have to be adopted by each municipality and then individual private road taxpayers would have to file for the tax credit every year. We determined that there is a better chance for success if individual municipalities retain some control of this process rather than make it mandatory. This bill would directly affect us at HW.
     .
    The second bill requires future developers who build a private road community to create a Capital Reserve Fund based on certain factors at the time of completion so that communities would have some initial seed monies for maintenance and replacement. This bill would not affect existing communities like HW but it is  intended to somewhat restrict the proliferation of the development and approval of private road communities.
    TEXT of BILL
     .

    Anyone wanting more information should visit our website at www.nhpvrta.com.

    UPDATE 8/7/2021 from John Goglia

    Bob Mederiros, Matt Niswender of NHPVRTA and I met with Senator Sharon Carson and Senator Regina Birdsell at the HW Clubhouse for almost 2 hours on Friday, 8/6/21. We gave them a tour of the Clubhouse and they took a drive around the community to check out the roads.

    (l-r): Senator Sharon Carson, John Goglia, Senator Regina Birdsell

    (l-r): Senator Sharon Carson, John Goglia, Senator Regina Birdsell

    We told them about two draft bills that the NHPVRTA is seeking sponsors for in the Senate and/or the House for the 2022 Legislative Session. One preliminary bill asks for the state to give municipalities the authority to issue a tax credit for a reasonable amount to be determined by the municipality for services not rendered to private road residents who live in a qualified community. The individual homeowners would be required to file for that tax credit every year.

    The second preliminary draft bill asks for developers to create a Capital Reserve Fund in the amount of 50% of the estimated cost of road and infrastructure replacement at the time of transition to be given to the HOA for road issues. Obviously this bill would not pertain to us.
     
    The Senators took everything under advisement, asked good questions, made some suggestions and said they would get back to us once they have talked with other Senators and their own constituents in other towns that they represent. They requested some additional information from us which we will provide shortly. We are hoping to be able to work with them on legislation that both sides find appropriate.
     
    They did offer that individual homeowners might consider requesting a tax abatement from the town based on land value alone and not including structures for the lack of services not being provided. This idea may have some merit and we will explore.
     .

    We told them about the easement at the beginning of Tavern Hill Road for access to the commercial property because the state will not allow access to that commercial property from Rt.102. We told them it doesn’t seem fair that the developer agreed to the easement on our private road and now we have to live with that possibility. They indicated that is a very difficult issue to resolve as they have been involved in somewhat similar circumstances in other towns without success. The State DOT apparently has the last word since Rt.102 is a state road.

    Email from NHPRTA 8/12/2021:  NHPRTA Meets with NH Senators to Introduce New Bills

    On Friday, August 6, Senator Sharon Sharon Carson (Londonderry) and Senator Regina Birdsell (Hampstead) met for 2 hours with Board members of NHPVRTA at Hickory Woods (Over 55 community) in Londonderry. Also present was a member of the Hickory Woods Board of Directors. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce two (2) draft Bills on private road communities to the Senators.

    In anticipation of the 2022 NH Legislative Session, NHPVRTA is seeking sponsorship and support for these Bills from both these Senators as well as other Senators and State Representatives. One bill will allow cities and towns to adopt a tax credit for property owners on private roads. The second bill would require developers of new private road communities to either create a Capital Reserve Fund OR the proposed roadways must meet the current design requirements of public roads.

    This meeting with the Senators was very cordial and informational for all parties. The Senators agreed to consult with other Senators and their respective constituents in the other towns they represent to get some feedback before providing any commitment to support either of these Bills.

    If you live in Auburn  Londonderry or Hudson Sharon Carson is your Senator.  If you live in Derry or Hampstead or Windham Regina Birdsell is your Senator.  You may contact them to show your support for these Bills.

    3/15/2021 Email from the NHPVRTA

    Dear Private Road Taxpayers,

    During an Executive Session on Tuesday, March 9, the NH Senate Transportation Committee deleted Part IX of SB-131-FN. The committee discussed the concept of revising the Bill to form a Study Committee, but in the end they decided to delete Part IX on Private Roads.

    Those wishing to reach out to the committee may do so by using the information shown below. We especially encourage you to contact the Chair and Vice-Chair with your comments and questions about their decision.

    If any new information develops, we will send out a communication. For the foreseeable future, NHPVRTA leadership will be formulating our strategy for the next legislative session.

    Thanks to all who supported the Bill,
    NHPVRTA

    SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE:

    • Senator Regina Birdsell (Chair of Committee)
      District 19: Derry, Windham, and Hampstead
      Phone: 603-271-2609
      Email: Regina.Birdsell@leg.state.nh.us
    • Senator David Watters (Vice Chair of Commmittee)
      District 4: Barrington, Dover, Rollinsford, Somersworth
      Phone: 603-271-2104
      Email: david.watters@leg.state.nh.us
    • Senator Ruth Ward
      District 8: Croydon, Newport, Unity, Acworth, Stoddard, Antrim, Deering, Weare, Bradford, Sutton, Newbury, Springfield, New London, Sunapee, Goshen, Grantham, Lempster, Washington, Marlow, Hillsboro, Langdon, Windsor, Bennington, Francestown
      Phone: 603-271-2609
      Email: ruth.w ard@leg.state.nh.us
    • Senator Denise Ricciardi
      District 9: Bedford, Dublin, Fitzwilliam, Greenfield, Hancock, Jaffrey, Lyndeborough, Mont Vernon, New Boston, Peterborough, Richmond, Sharon, Temple, and Troy
      Phone: 603-271-4151
      Email: Denise.Ricciardi@leg.state.nh.us
    • Senator Tom ShermanDistrict 24: Greenland, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Kensington, New Castle, North Hampton, Newton, Rye, Seabrook, Stratham and
      South Hampton
      Phone: 603-271-7875
      Email: tom.sherman@leg.state.nh.us 

    3/9/2021 Update from John Goglia

    Some unfortunate but not totally unexpected news today. The Senate Transportation Committee held an online Zoom Executive Session this afternoon to discuss the various parts of the above Omnibus Bill.
    As to section IX on private roads they were considering to send it to a study committee due to the strong support and extreme complexity of this legislation. However, they ultimately decided to delete it from passing through to the entire Senate.
    The NHPVRTA has learned a tremendous amount of information about this issue and the legislative process which can only be beneficial going forward. That being said we hope to move forward but we do need some fresh perspectives and new energy. Anyone interested in assisting in pursuing this further should contact the NHPVRTA at www.nhpvrta.com 

    The NHPVRTA will be following up with the  5 Senate Members of the Transportation Committee as to their specific reasons for deletion.

    3/5/2021 Update from NHPVRTA

    The Public Hearing for SB-131-FN in front of the Senate Transportation Committee took place on March 2nd at 1:15 PM. Part IX of this Bill would require NH Municipalities to either maintain private roads in the same way as public roads or provide tax credits to private road taxpayers. If you want to watch the Hearing you can replay the recording at this link.  For Part IX, fast forward to the 2 Hour and 11 minute mark of the recording.

    3/3/2021 Feedback from John Goglia on 3/2 testimony:

    We had to wait over 2 hours for our part of the omnibus bill to be introduced. Several people spoke in support and last one was from the NH Municipal Association who opposed. We thought our points were made but committee members seemed to lose interest due to total length of hearing. Opposition stated if the legislators allowed this to pass there would be utter chaos, it would cost municipalities tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars and claimed it is unconstitutional to use tax funds for private road purposes. We think we can refute those statements but we are trying to figure out best way to handle.
    Short story it appeared to the NHPVRTA that the Committee was looking for a reason to kill our part. It doesn’t look good. The NHMA spokesperson did tell the committee citizens can ask Towns to take over their roads but they have to meet town standards.

    2/27/2021 From the NHPVTRA Board of Directors

    Dear Private Road Taxpayers,

    Senate Bill SB 131-FN is scheduled for a Public Hearing in front of the Senate Transportation Committee on March 2nd at 1:15 PM. Part IX of this Bill would require NH Municipalities to either maintain private roads in the same way as public roads or provide tax credits to private road taxpayers.

    You can make a difference in our effort to get SB 131-FN Part IX approved by the Senate Transportation Committee in two ways:

    1. Testify at the Hearing via Zoom in support of SB 131-FN Part IX. (NOTE: no additional speakers are needed)

    To view/listen to this hearing on YouTube on 3/2 and 1:15 PM, use this link.

    2. Email members of the Transportation Committee urging them to support the Bill using the link directly below. We recommend you email the Entire Committee.

    Together we can begin to rectify the unfair situation faced by NH private road taxpayers. But we need broad support.

    POSSIBLE EMAILS TO SEND (copy and paste; edit as desired): #1 EMAIL    #2 EMAIL

    2/18/2021 from John Goglia:
    HERE     is a copy of the private road bill filed yesterday by our Senator Sharon Carson, Londonderry. Unfortunately it was combined with 8 other bills but that is what we have to work around. To summarize as briefly as possible, SB-131-FN, Part IX basically authorizes municipalities to provide qualified private road communities with the same services that municipalities provide to residents on public roads to include snowplowing, road repair, road replacement and maintenance of certain corresponding infrastructures such as municipal water and sewer systems. In lieu of providing those services the municipalities would have the option to offer individual private road homeowners a property tax credit representing the municipalities estimated costs of providing those services. The credit would not be automatic but rather we would individually have to apply for the credit much like the veterans property tax credit.2/18/2021 From John Goglia – PLEASE ADVOCATE for the new bill:

    So now comes the hard part, trying to convince our legislators in Concord that they must pass this bill. To do that I am asking you to do two things:
    • Visit   www.nhpvrta.com and sign up to get notifications about the progress of the bill. This also allows the NHPVRTA to speak on behalf of as many private road homeowners as possible before the Senate Transportation Online Hearing on Tuesday, 3/2/21 at 1:15pm. Those of you who already signed up will get further information from the NHPVRTA.
    • Use this link to request every member of that committee to support passage of SB-131-FN, Part IX.  Click on “Email all members” to send a message to all on the Transportation Committee.

    2/14/20201 PLEASE SIGN UP on the website http://www.nhpvrta.com to receive regular updates. To date, we have 15 HW units represented. We need 98!

    2/6/2021 John Goglia explains the purpose and goals of the NHPVRTA  http://www.nhpvrta.com in this video. Text, below.

    John’s message:
    If you live on a private road, you are aware of the unfair financial and legal burdens associated with those roads compared to public roads. Generally speaking, private roads are not as safe not as durable as public roads yet property taxes are the same for both types of roads. Private road developments are a huge financial bonanza to the municipalities that approve them and the developers who build them because neither has any financial or legal responsibilities after occupancy. Allowing substandard roads and corresponding infrastructure is not good public policy especially for the residents who ultimately bear the costs.

    There is a state-wide nonprofit organization trying to rectify this injustice. Soon, a bill similar to what has already become law in New Jersey and Maryland will be filed in the NH Senate. Please take the time and sign up for our mailing list on www.nhpvrta.com so that you can be advised of the progress of the bill. Helping to support this common cause could mean substantial long term financial savings for all of us.

    1/31/2021 John Goglia asks us all to, “show support for the forthcoming private road bill by signing up on www.nhpvrta.com asap.”

    12/16/2020 UPDATE from John Goglia:

    • Senator Sharon Carson of Londonderry has filed a Legal Service Request (LSR) this week which is the preliminary step to filing a bill in the NH Senate addressing issues of importance to owners of property on private roads such as in Hickory Woods (HW). Those issues include property tax assessments, road maintenance, snowplowing, water and sewer infrastructure, lighting and road safety. Once the Legal Legislators in Concord complete the exact bill wording the NHPVRTA will be notified of the bill number, probably early January.
    • The NHPVRTA of which I am now a Director and Treasurer is trying to bring attention to the extra expenses incurred by all owners of property on private roads throughout NH. We currently have supporters in over 20 cities and towns represented by over 200 individuals and growing but we need more.
    • I would ask that everyone in HW go to our website at NHPVRTA.com and complete a contact information form so that we can speak on behalf of as many private road residents as possible when a hearing takes place sometime early next year. This is an opportunity for all of us to voice our concerns at a level that has the authority to rectify any injustices that we can document and articulate.
    • I also would encourage anyone that is interested in helping the NHPVRTA on a limited basis to contact me.
    • I will keep HW informed as this legislation hopefully progresses through next year.

    10/31/2020 UPDATE: Our own John Goglia is now a member of the NHPRTA and is its Treasurer. He passes along this information:

    • Check out updated website at www.nhpvrta.com
    • Sometime after the election a new bill will be introduced in the House of Representatives to form a committee to study the fairness and issues of private roads in NH and hopefully make recommendations somewhere between alleviating the unfairness or banning the future construction of more private roads.
    • As to the Londonderry Senior Community Coalition we are attempting to obtain information about what the other Over 55 Communities do to get applicants for their BOD and what the older communities have done in the way of road maintenance. This information could help the newer communities make better strategic decisions to preserve our roads. We intend to explore other common issues to use the experience of other communities to help all of us avoid mistakes.
    7/2/2020 UPDATE:  Unfortunately due to the impact of Covid 19 the NH Legislature has been addressing more priority issues. HB 1490 to form a committee to study the taxation of owners of property on private roads which passed the House of Representatives in January has been “laid down” and will have to be refiled. The NHPVRTA which has been the driving force behind this legislation will file an amended bill either in the House or Senate at the appropriate time. Our own State Senator Sharon Carson has offered to sponsor an amended bill if she wins reelection in September.
    The NHPVRTA is currently using the Covid 19 down time to broaden their state-wide support base and is looking for volunteers to assist in that endeavor. Please contact John Goglia for further information.

    Also the Londonderry Senior Community Coalition (LSCC) comprised of all 11 Over 55 Londonderry communities held a virtual meeting  6/24/20 the first since February, 2020. This group is formulating a mission statement and election of officers to collectively represent the concerns of our communities.

    4/29/2020 UPDATE: 

    The NHPVRTA website is now available: http://NHPVRTA.com
    ~ Promoting fairness and equity for Private Road Taxpayers

    2/21/2020 UPDATE:

    The NH Private Road Taxpayer Alliance (NHPVRTA) recently advised us that on 2/18/20 the House of Representatives, Municipal & County Government Committee (MCGC) in Concord passed HB1490 to establish a committee to study the taxation of owners of property on private roads by a vote of 12 to 6.
    .
    HB1490 will now move on to a vote by the full House of Representatives at some future date. In the meantime anyone wishing to support this bill should contact any or all 7 State Representatives from Londonderry (listed, below).  Contact info for all NH representatives is on the NH House of Representatives website. State Rep Tom Dolan is on the MCGC and is also a member of our Town Council. Dolan supports the bill.
    SAMPLE EMAILS that you could send are listed below
    In addition,  there is another bill, HB1533 limiting property tax increases to 1% per year to all individuals 67 years of age and older and others with disabilities before the MCGC that has been heard but not ruled on yet. Although we were recently made aware of this particular bill by the NHPVRTA, no particular individual is monitoring it for us at present.

    Questions? Contact  John Goglia, 603-203-4888

    RECOMMENDED EMAILS TO SEND TO LEGISLATORS: Modify as you wish

    Short Email 

    Thank you for considering HB 1490, An Act to establish a committee to study the taxation of property owners on private roads.  Taxation of Private Roads needs to be studied. Private Road taxpayers do not have access to the same services as our counterparts that live on Public Roads, and from that stems many issues, including but not limited to unfair taxation and the safety of private roads. This is a statewide problem that needs to be addressed. I ask you to vote in favor of this Bill.

    Thank you for considering my thoughts on HB 1490,

    YOUR NAME HERE
    Your Street and Town

    Longer More Detailed Version

    I am writing to ask for your support of HB 1490 – AN ACT establishing a committee to study the taxation of property owners on private roads. New Hampshire has seen a proliferation of private road residential communities. Residents of these private roads are charged the same tax rate as residents of public roads, but are denied access to the same services offered to public road residents. Specifically those living on private roads must pay for all costs associated with the road including plowing, installation and replacement of drainage culverts, plant control, and repaving the road while the cities and towns provide those services to public road residents. That does not seem to be fair or equitable.

    In addition, there appears to be a trend toward an increase in the approval and building of private road developments. I do not believe that tax payers in these private road residential developments have been fairly represented by the developers, planning boards and town and city councilors. Developers maximize land use by clustering homes in these developments which help maximize the developer’s profit and compromise the quality and safety of the roads in those private communities. The city/town gets increased tax revenue without the responsibility of taking care of the roads and in some cases utility infrastructure. Everyone wins except the private road residents. 

    Finally, some private roads are such that emergency vehicles may not be able to service homes located on them.  There are many issues that need to be addressed, and since the issues vary across the State, the right thing to do is for the State Legislature to form a committee to study the problems associated with private roads in NH, especially the lack of access to services that are provided to public roads.

    Thank you for considering my thoughts on HB 1490,

    YOUR NAME HERE
    Your Street and Town

    Wednesday February 19, 2020

    Neighbors,

    Yesterday at our Board meeting, Bob Medeiros spoke briefly about HB1490.  This bill would create a committee to study the taxation of private roads.  The information below is from NHPRTA and is requesting your support and assistance.

    Sincerely,

    Your Hickory Woods Board of Directors

    Dear NH Private Road Taxpayers,

    Please take a few moments to draft and send an email to the committee that will be deciding HB 1490, the Bill that will create a committee to study Taxation of Private Roads.   Tell them why you want them to support HB 1490.

     NHPVRTA

     The email address for the committee:  HouseMunicipalandCountyGovt@leg.state.nh.us

    If you want to email individual members, their names and email addresses are shown below:
    Marjorie Porter(D)           Marjorie.Porter@leg.state.nh.us
    Susan Treleaven(D)        streleaven@comcast.net
    Julie Gilman(D)               Julie.Gilman@leg.state.nh.us
    David Meader(D)             David.Meader@leg.state.nh.us
    Paul Dargie(D)                Paul.Dargie@leg.state.nh.us
    Jim Maggiore(D)             Jim.Maggiore@leg.state.nh.us
    Donna Mombourquette(D)         Donna.Mombourquette@leg.state.nh.us
    Laurel Stavis(D)              Laurel.Stavis@leg.state.nh.us
    Tom Dolan(R)                 Tom.Dolan@leg.state.nh.us
    Vincent Paul Migliore(R) vpmigliore@leg.state.nh.us
    Mac Kittredge(R)            Mac.Kittredge@leg.state.nh.us
    John MacDonald(R)        John.MacDonald@leg.state.nh.us
    Mona Perreault(R)          Rperre4474@aol.com
    Tony Piemonte(R)           Tony.Piemonte@leg.state.nh.us
    Kevin Pratt(R)                 Kevin.Pratt@leg.state.nh.us
    Tony Lekas(R)                rep.tony.lekas@gmail.com
    Max Abramson(L)           Max.Abramson@leg.state.nh.us

    HW Men & Women Golfers! Fall Scramble: Wednesday September 29th

    Activities Announcements, Hickory Woods News
    9/18/2021 Update from Dick Loschi: Scramble set for September 29. Nice turnout of men and lady golfers. Golf fee can be paid to me anytime. Teams will be announced later this week.
    9/2/2021 from Dick Loschi:golftee2
    Seeking players for the HW fall scramble.
    It is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 29th at Candia Woods Golf Course.
    Men and women are invited.
    If interested please email your interest to Dick Loschi asap. dick.loschi@gmail.com

    Londonderry Senior Community Coalition (LSCC)

    Association News, Hickory Woods News

    From John Goglia 7/16/2021: worktogether2

    Phil Lee and I will be getting this group together sometime in the fall after a long hiatus due to Covid. We have already sent an email to former representatives from 11 Londonderry 55+ Communities to start drumming up interest in their respective communities.

    We think it is a beneficial way to share experiences and information unique to our types of  communities. We also believe it could be a great way to address any local actions that directly affect seniors.

    Basically we are looking for individuals to attend periodic monthly meetings to address the concerns and interests of their communities with approval from their Board of Directors (BOD). It is not necessary to be a BOD member to represent your community.

    Contact John  jgogs@comcast.net or Phil  pwlee2222@gmail.com for more information.

    PANDEMIC INFO: Fully vaccinated? No need to wear masks indoors or outside

    Activities Announcements, Hickory Woods News

    5/13/2021 CDC announces that fully vaccinated individuals do not need masks either inside or outside. Exception is airline travel and health care settings or for those who are immunocompromised. Caution: Guidelines could change again if the pandemic gets worse.

    5/8/2021 New Guidelines: Universal Best Practices LINK

    4/16/2021 New Hampshire Governor ends mask mandate READ ARTICLE
    Another article further explains Sununu’s reasoning:

    The mask mandate was the last major statewide restriction Sununu imposed. Sununu said it was logical for it to be the first one lifted once circumstances changed and enough people were vaccinated….But wearing face coverings in public remains the proper practice when people can’t maintain social distancing, Sununu said.

    Additional changes are coming:

    In another major move, Sununu said that on May 7 he will end all industry-specific restrictions, such as seating limits and plastic barrier requirements, and replace them with a universal set of “best practices.”

    4/1/2021 Be aware that your site / appointment may have changed
    A neighbor has shares some important advice: [We] got our first COVID shots on March 5th at Londonderry and at the time, they scheduled our second shot for April 8th. Last night I received an email from the CDC saying that I had not scheduled my second shot. I decided to call the 211 number to confirm our next appointment. When I called them today, they told me that when the location was changed from Londonderry to Salem, and when the new appointment website became active, all the second appointments were cancelled and I needed to make another appointment. We were fortunate because we were able to get an even better appointment for 6:15 today. …[advice for neighbors] that if they had their first vaccine shot in Londonderry, they may want to call that 211 number to reconfirm to make sure their next appointment was not cancelled.

    3/25/2021 Sununu announced that all NH residents ages 16+ will be eligible to be vaccinated.

    3/17/2021 Vaccination site moved from Exit 4 in Londonderry to Rockingham Mall in Salem. You should receive notification; previous appointments are valid.

    3/15/2021 When will you receive your stimulus check? 
    It’s easy to check by using this IRS link. You need to put in your social security number and date of birth to identify yourself. You can find out what you will receive, when it will arrive and to what account it will be deposited (or mailed).

    3/9/2021 The CDC has issued guidelines for how fully-vaccinated people can safely gather. For the fully vaccinated, small groups can safely gather. Also, small groups gathering with non-vaccinated from one household who do not have underlying health issues is OK. Hugs for all!

    idc0321walensky_graphic_01

    2cd4c966-5376-4f05-81d2-62fb695d5ae0_1920x1080

    2/5/2021 New – Those receiving #1 dose of vaccine will be automatically scheduled for #2 READ the article in Union Leader

    2/4/2021  Governor Sununu announced that there are new appointments for #2 vaccines now in the VAMS system. If your appointment is not within the recommended time for the second dose, go into the VAMS system, cancel your appointment and reschedule. (Note – it works! One neighbor went from 4/3 to 2/23.)

    1/30/2021 First week of vaccines for 65+
    So exciting that dose #1 is available for those 65+. Most neighbors had no issues – just a lot ofvaccine waiting in our cars. The National Guard personnel running the program were kind, efficient and personable. For those who signed up for dose #2 and were unable to get an appointment within the recommended window (most got dates around 8 weeks out!) there is hope. On Tuesday 2/1 at 8:00 AM, the VAMS site will allow those looking for earlier dates to schedule appointments. READ the explanation from WMUR.

    1/23/2021 Many neighbors have successfully scheduled their vaccinations – HOORAY! If you have not yet received your EMAIL to schedule, CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER!

    1/14/2021 Beginning January 22, residents age 65+ can register for vaccinations.happy-vaccine-year-2021-corona-virus-shirt-Unisex
    Visit vaccines.nh.gov to check what phase you are (based on age and health).
    Beginning 1/22 schedule your vaccination at nh.gov/covid19

    PHASE 1B: Scheduling Begins on 1/22/2021 at 8:00AM and Vaccinations Start on 1/26/2021

    “When completing registration, please be prepared to answer questions about allergies and medications. Information about health insurance is requested but this information is not required. You will not be charged if you are vaccinated at a state-run site.”

    1/6/2021 NH Department of Health & Human Services: COVID-19 Information on NH vaccine distribution plan

    12/9/2020 PRESS RELEASE: Active Cases of Covid-19 are Rising in Londonderry – Town EMD Urges Residents to Observe Covid-19 Protocols

    12/5/2020 Where are you in line to get a vaccination? Tool from the New York Times, based on your location, age and medical conditions. LINK

    symptoms

    November 20, 2020 Massachusetts restricts travel from NH    Mass.gov    WMUR

    November 19, 2020 Governor Sununu announced a statewide MASK MANDATE

    November 15, 2020 NH Vaccine Distribution Plan – 5 Group Priority List (Union Leader)
    The five groups (quoted from the article):

    Phase 1a: Because more than 80% of New Hampshire’s deaths from COVID-19 have been related to long-term care settings, residents of those facilities will get the first shots, along with health-care workers and first responders.

    Phase 1b: The second group will include older adults in other group living settings, such as senior complexes, and people of all ages who have other conditions that put them at “significantly” higher risk.

    Phase 2: Vaccines will be offered to school teachers and staff, child-care workers, critical workers in other high-risk settings, people with conditions that put them at moderately higher risk, those in homeless shelters or group homes, prisoners and prison staff, and all other seniors.

    Phase 3: This group includes young adults, children and workers in occupations “important to the functioning of society and at increased risk of exposure” who were not included in the earlier phases.

    Phase 4: The final group is everyone else.

    covidsymptoms

    November 13, 2020 Safer at Home NH
    “We all know you are healthier at home, and that continues to be true, but we are also taking steps to reopen our economy in a smart, step-by-step approach that is supported by facts, science and data.” -Governor Chris Sununu

    October 16, 2020
    risk2

    October 8, 2020
    121028473_140057031138188_197258246975916601_o

    September 1, 2020: Your Board of Directors has revisited the rules for use of HW facilities during this Covid period. For the maximum safety of all residents the Club House and outside facilities will remain as originally designated in response to Covid precautions:
    USE OF THE CLUB HOUSE AND ALL OUTSIDE FACILITIES ARE TEMPORARILY OPEN TO RESIDENTS ONLY.

    Follow-up email from the BOD 9/3/2020: In response to comments from some residents we would like to clarify the following. We regret the latest communication about not opening facilities to guests sounded like a demand, our intent was to highlight the latest of the many communications regarding this subject.  After seeking legal guidance, we want to clarify that our objective is to ensure our community remains as safe as possible during the Covid-19 pandemic.  We ask that all members of the community respect our request to limit all guests from using the Clubhouse and all outside facilities.  While we are unable to enforce this request, it is our hope that all residents will consider the community as a whole when deciding if they will comply with this request.  We are aware also that some residents feel that the request is too restrictive while others would prefer more restrictions.
    As evidenced globally, no one knows the right or best way to protect against Covid and neither do we.
    Sincerely,
    The Hickory Woods Board of Directors

    EPA2IS YOUR HAND SANITIZER EPA APPROVED? Great info, shared by Ellen Medeiros: Here is a resource that will confirm if a hand sanitizer or disinfectant is approved by the EPA to be effective against Covid-19. Not all products are. Use this link to the EPA site.  Enter the EPA Reg # of the product, usually found on the back of the container. It will let you know if the product is approved. Not long ago I purchased a hand sanitizer container only to learn it was not approved for Covid-19. Buyer beware!

    IMG-7689
    August 2020: Governor Sununu has mandated masks for groups of 100+ with specific mention of political events.

    8/7/2020 Reminder on wiping down exercise equipment: We have had a few comments regarding cleaning of exercise equipment after use.  For anyone who uses the gym, it is at your own risk, AND the cleaning of equipment after use is considered a courtesy for your neighbors.

    7/12/2020 Use of Clubhouse outdoor amenitites (From the HW BOD) It has come to our attention that the current clubhouse outdoor restrictions are not what we, as a community, want.  Because of this, your Board of Directors has decided to extend the use of clubhouse outside facilities to house guests of Unit Owners.  Please remember that any use of the facilities do not include the use of any inside facilities and per our Bylaws, all guests must always be accompanied by at least one Unit Owner.  Waivers for any guests also need to be signed.

    7/12/2020 SCAM ALERTS Targeting aging adults, charitable giving, stimulus payments etc

    7/4/2020 RESTRICTIONS ON CLUBHOUSE USE From the HW BOD  It has been a while since the email outlining the use of our Clubhouse and outside amenities was sent, so this is to remind everyone that the use of our Clubhouse and outside amenities continues to be restricted to Unit Owners only.   Use also continues to be at your own risk.  While we are witnessing a gradual opening up of many businesses in New Hampshire, we have a community that is at a higher risk for serious effects of Covid-19. We appreciate your continued understanding.

    7/2/2020 Gov. Sununu drops quarantine requirement for visitors from New England states.

    6/23/2020 Everything you need to know about the status of the Pandemic (including testing) nh.gov/covid19

    6/11/2020 ACTIVITY RISK COMPARISON
    risks

    6/4/2020  hickorystonesHickoryStones

    5/31/2020 Testing is available to anyone who wants one.  Contact your medical provider, visit nh.gov/covid19 or call 603-271-5980. COVID TESTING REGISTRATION FORM

    5/27/2020 From Londonderry Facebook page: Starting on Sunday, May 24, the NH National file-20200330-165666-1on940oGuard has begun to operate a new fixed COVID Testing Clinic in Londonderry. The Drive-through Testing Clinic in Londonderry will run daily from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM at the Exit 4 Park and Ride, 2 Garden Lane. Registration must be done online: http://nh.gov/covid19 or by calling the Coordinating Office: 603-271-5980. Testing is available regardless of insurance status.

    ANTIBODY TESTING ClearChoiceMD is testing for coronavirus antibodies in New Hampshire. To get tested, visit   https://ccmdcenters.com/coronavirus2019. Patients can sign up online and then choose a location to have the testing done. Anyone seeking a test can find out if they previously had an undiagnosed case of COVID-19. Tests are 99.4% specific for the coronavirus.

    Note that antibody testing is NOT FREE. Check first with your insurance for coverage. The cost is $139 plus a separate lab fee.

    5/26/2020
    100509567_10158311550008482_1473154322031181824_o

    bubble

    FROM HICKORY WOODS
    BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
    Text of a    ll emailed announcements
    3/17 to 5/21

    May 21, 2020:     The clubhouse grill and firepit will now be available (social distance please and wipe down furniture using wipes available); still no guests. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK
    April 15, 2020:     Use of  outdoor facilities (Golf and Pickleball, yes; Grill and Firepit, no; NO guests; No personal trash / pet droppings in Clubhouse trash)
    March 31, 2020:  Self-isolation for anyone returning to HW from out of state; Clubhouse use at own risk.
    March 17, 2020: Use of Clubhouse at own risk; reminder to clean exercise equipment.

    1342021246901

    DONATE BLOOD:
    Red Cross Website

    THE WALKERS (Anonymous)walkers2

    I see the walkers walk along
    And pass my house each day.
    Some walk alone, some walk in pairs
    Or groups 6 feet away.

    They walk with stealth and for their health.
    Some walk to just unwind.
    And gather all their thoughts until
    They find some peace of mind.

    Some walk along in wind and rain
    But certainly in sun.
    Some walk so fast and some walk slow
    But seldom do they run.

    As they tread home and pass my house
    Some nod, some wave and smile.
    Some even take the time to stop
    And talk a little while.

    As they go by and look aheadheartbreak2
    Some sigh yet walk until
    They make it up my road that’s known
    As that darn Heartbreak Hill. 

     

    HW Food Drive – Great job! Thanks from Food Pantry

    Activities Announcements, Hickory Woods News

    THANK YOU to Neighbors who answered the appeal:fooddrive2
    WE HELPED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

    HUGE kudos to THE SISTERS:
    Ellen Medeiros & Anne Slaney;
    Joyce Newman & Cherryl Gordon

    FINAL TALLY: With the generosity of our community as well as a sizable donation from a company outside our community we were able to collect 5 car loads of groceries and have enough funds to purchase 51 – $25.00 gift cards from our local grocery stores.  They will be distributed by the food bank to individuals who need assistance.

    fooddrive1From the Sisters: Thank you to the HW Community for your generous contributions to a very successful food drive. We have an amazing community!  Thanks, also to Sterling and Laura Hough, Vern Loschi, George Slaney, Bob Medeiros and Rick Newman for assistance with pick-up, sorting and distribution of the items.
    fooddrive3

    UPDATE 5/9/2020: From Ellen Medeiros  “I received a call from Kay and Dick Doyle of the St. Jude’s Food Pantry,  They called to thank us again for the abundance of food and donations. It was one of the largest donations they ever received and are very grateful.  Dick was impressed as to how well organized and helpful we were and how we worked as a team.  He was also pleased with the quality of the food that was donated.

    He said that at this time of year the Post Office traditionally runs a food drive that benefits their pantry, however, the food drive did not take place this year. He said “As one door closes, another opens”.  That  door led to us, Hickory Woods made a difference.  Our donation was larger than what they ever received from the food drive that did not happen.”

    We will be holding a food drive on Wednesday, May 6,  to help the St. Jude Food Pantry in  Londonderry. The food pantry is a volunteer-run mission at the church that supports individuals and families in need.   fooddrive

    During these challenging times,  there is currently a shortage of the following items and we are hoping our neighbors in Hickory Woods will help us “Make A Difference”. 

    • Small packaged snacks for children
    • Tea
    • Coffee
    • Canned Meat, for ex: Chicken, Spam
    • Crackers
    • Canned Fruit
    • Small juice boxes

    On Wednesday, May 6th  (by 10:00 a.m.), please place your items in a bag or box and leave it on your front porch.  We will be by to collect them that day. 

    If you would like to make a monetary contribution, we will shop for the needed items. Before May 6th, please leave an envelope (include your name) with Joyce Newman, 38 Quarry Rd.  Make checks out to Joyce Newman (they will be purchasing Marketbasket Gift Cards).

    If you have any questions, please contact Ellen Medeiros 617 285-4529

    “TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH”

    Joyce Newman, Ellen Medeiros, Anne Slaney, Cherryl Gordon

    Friday, February 7: Town presentation of Operating Budget @ LHS

    Hickory Woods News
    Neighbors,
    The School Board will be presenting their warrant articles on Friday, February 7 from 7:00-9:00 PM at the Londonderry High School Cafeteria.  The Warrant contains 14 articles with a 2020-2021 Operating Budget of $78,875,263.00.  During the session, articles may be amended under certain conditions.  The final articles will be voted on by the town during the March 10, 2020 election.
    Read article #1 in the Londonderry Times.
    Here is  Another article.
    Your Board of Directors is bringing this to your attention for the following reasons:
    • This was mentioned when John Farrell and Kevin Smith came to speak with Hickory Woods homeowners.  They encouraged our community to become educated regarding the warrant articles and to attend the deliberative session.
    • This impacts our taxes significantly.
    Important information regarding the warrant articles is in the Londonderry Times dated January 30, Volume 21-Issue 5.   We encourage everyone to read this carefully.  We can make an impact on the outcome by having a significant attendance at the Deliberative Session.
    Please make every effort to attend on Friday, February 7 from 7:00-9:00 PM at the Londonderry High School cafeteria.
    Sincerely,
    Your Hickory Woods Board of Directors

    Londonderry Senior Resource Committee

    Hickory Woods News

    On 1/11/17 HW resident John Goglia and Vice-Chair of the Londonderry Senior Resources Committee (SRC), Susan Haussler made a brief presentation at the HW BOD meeting regarding the SRC. The SRC is a group of volunteers who advocate issues of importance on behalf of all Londonderry seniors. The 3 main and continuing issues are transportation, affordable housing and assisted living arrangements. Please visit the Town of Londonderry website for more SRC information. Also, check out the Londonderry Senior Center at 535 Mammoth Rd., the Mayflower Grange Hall, for activities, trips, etc. The SRC is reaching out to all 10 over 55 communities in Londonderry to get feedback about any issue of importance and concern to seniors. HW is the first contact. Please forward any ideas, suggestions, concerns or recommendations relative to current or future senior issues to John at jgogs@comcast.net or 603-203-4888.

    Christmas Tree Disposal

    Hickory Woods News
    What to do with your Christmas tree? 
    One option is to bring them to Mack’s Apples…from their Facebook page:
    “The Boy Scouts will be having the annual Christmas Tree burning this year on Saturday January 7th this day only. It will be 9-4 with the bonfire being at dusk. Please do not bring your tree early.”
    NOTE that the Boy Scouts do ask for a small donation.

    12/16 Benefit Concert: Songs of Christmas

    Hickory Woods News

    image001Benefit concert – Community Caregivers of Greater Derry.

    @ 7:30 PM –  St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 63 East Broadway in Derry

    Learn about Charlie Zahm: http://www.charliezahm.com/

    Tickets: Call Julie at (603)432-0877 or email her at julie@comcaregivers.org to reserve your tickets today.

    MH McGrath highly recommends this event: “Charlie Zahn has a wonderful clear tenor voice.  He sings many Celtic songs.  Vic and I went to a concert in April and really, really enjoyed listening to him sing.  We play his CD over and over….Community Caregivers provide rides to medical appointments, visitation, and other support to those unable to drive or are homebound.  In addition, they have a loaner closet that provides medical equipment at no charge. (A place to donate walkers, crutches, etc.)”

    Our new Board Members

    Association News, Hickory Woods News

    At 7:50 PM tonight (10-11-16) Doug Kilgore, Harvard Management Representative, announced the winners of the election for the three open positions on our HOA Board of Directors. They are, in order of which they were announced:

    Name Address
    Brad Perham

    Dick Loschi

    Liz Lannigan

    		11 Tavern Hill Road

    19 Black Forest Circle

    34 Black Forest Circle

    Congratulations and Good Luck

    It was also announced that the amendment to the Bylaws that set Board terms to 2 years was unanimously approved.

    Two candidates for BOD withdraw

    Association News, Hickory Woods News

    FROM JOHN KALANTZAKOS:

    To All:

    I would like to let everyone know that Marty Piekos & Sheri Dalbenzio have decided to withdraw their names from consideration for the Hickory Woods board of directors. I would like to thank them for volunteering to serve on the board. They both felt they came to Hickory Woods to enjoy themselves and the community and are interested in people coming back together and not further divisions.

    With this development we are now soliciting again for applications to the board. If you are interested in serving please send your application to Doug Kilgore by September 23rd. We are going to have a resident meeting on the 27th to discuss where we go from here as a community. We would then have our election on October 11th. We need to fill these vacancies as soon as we can since there is a lot of work required and it is not fair to the current board to operate for an extended period shorthanded. We do have a great community so it is too bad we are divided. I think it could be a temporary bump in the road if everyone gives in a little. There have been missteps in many areas. I think from here everyone has a choice to make to move on from this in a positive or negative manner. I personally think it takes a lot of energy to be in a fight with someone and it isn’t that much fun so I hope we can all move forward together.

    If you have specific questions you can send them to me. Thanks.

    John Kalantzakos
    978-390-2907

    Candidates for the Board of Directors

    Association News, Hickory Woods News

    On August 11 it was announced that there would be three vacancies on the Board of Directors and that a special meeting will be held on the evening of 27 September 2016 to vote for the new Board members.

    The announcement included the following instructions for applying:
    “Your application should provide a summary of your qualifications, your goals for the community and the Board, and any other considerations that will encourage people to vote for you. This summary will be provided with the voting materials. Also please provide a summary of your qualifications for the position including past experiences that will contribute to the Board of Directors and to the Hickory Woods community.”

    Three people have applied. Below are exact reproductions of their submissions.

    Sheri Dalbenzio, 31 Black Forest Circle
    I am so glad to be part of the Hickory Woods community. I realize we are still transitioning, getting to know each other, adjusting to condo living, and deciding our chosen level of involvement. I believe in a neighbor helping neighbor community. Sometimes little things can make a big difference. It’s all up to us individually, but fostering this kind of environment is one of my goals.

    I spent my career in health care, working with veterans in need, both in-patient and out-patient at the State run hospital for veterans. I started working as a nurse’s aide and went to school to become a licensed practical nurse. All while raising two children as a single mother. I continued my education while working until I became a Registered Nurse. By the time I retired I was a Nurse Manager. In that position I ran outpatient services, which included 10 different specialty clinics. In that position and previous positions, I learned how to work with different personalities to achieve the best outcome.

    I look forward to contributing to our community. I know the importance of two-way communication, and the value of good listening skills. I’ve always been someone who gets things accomplished. We don’t need over regulation. We are neighbors looking for the right balance, which will allow us to enjoy our pre-retirement or retirement years. I look forward to serving our community as a vital member of the new Hickory Woods, Home Owner’s Association Board

    Brad Perham, 11 Tavern Hill Road

    Career and Leadership Experience:

  • 42 years in Education as Athletic Director, Physical Education teacher and Basketball coach
  • Collaborated with architects and contractors on multiple construction projects of athletic fields and an athletic complex that included a 20,000 square foot gymnasium.
  • Independent School League Council (16 schools in New England – served multiple terms as President, Treasurer and Secretary)
  • United Church in Walpole – served on multiple committees including Prudential
  • Springfield College Alumni Council – served 6 years
  • Springfield College Class of ‘66 Reunion Committee – Class Agent in charge of gifts, raising $123,000+

    Vision for the Hickory Woods Board of Directors and the Community:

  • As a member of the Board of Directors, I would represent the Hickory Woods residents in a fair and equitable way. As a fiscal conservative, I would be careful in the use of funds, getting the “most for the least.”
  • The Board of Directors must strive for transparency in its dealings. This may include open meetings, meeting summaries on our webpage, monthly treasury reports and surveys of households.
  • Our board members must respect the confidentiality of board discussions prior to votes that are subsequently made public.
  • A condominium community is built on the principle that we agree to share in common resources and to abide by the decisions of our governing body, the Board of Directors. The board listens to residents, is guided by the By-Laws and makes decisions for the whole community. Each resident has the responsibility to abide by the board’s decisions and to let the process take place. Reality is that everyone will not always be happy with all decisions, but we need to agree to live with those decisions.

    Martin Piekos, 14 Tavern Hill Road

    I am asking my fellow Hickory Woods residents to cast one of their votes for me to serve on the Board of Directors. My forty plus years of business experience qualifies me for this position. My work experience ranges from managing an automotive repair garage, to a senior business analyst, production planner, and business operational manager. These career skills will be valuable when assisting with decisions on the board.

    I consider myself a liberal conservative. We need to save for a rainy day but not be so frugal that it hinders the overall happiness and enjoyment that a thriving clubhouse environment provides.

    Education
    Lowell Technical School – 1973 AS
    University of Lowell – 1979 BS
    New Hampshire College – 1983 MBA Program (non degree)
    University of Massachusetts Lowell – 1995 Engineering (non degree)

    Work History
    Senior Planner – 1983 – Andrew Wilson Company, Lawrence, Ma.
    Senior Business Analyst – 1987 – Wang Laboratories, Lowell Ma.
    Sales Manager Used Equipment – 1990 Wang Laboratories, Lowell, Ma.
    Senior Planner – 1992 – Bostik, Middleton, Ma.
    Process Manager – 1997 – Bostik, Middleton, Ma.

    I would like to thank the original five members of the board of directors for their dedication and hard work. They have truly blazed a difficult trail that will make for a successful board in the future. I supported the purchase of the AED device and the grill for the club house. These two very different purchases were discussed when the club house opened and were supported by Peggy and me. We continue to be humbled by the generosity and friendship of our Hickory Woods residents. We are a neighborhood of amazing people. If elected, I promise to serve this community to the best of my ability.

    • Automated External Defibrillator

    Association News, Hickory Woods News

    An AED (automated external defibrillator) has been installed in our clubhouse and is fully operational. It is located in the Tavern on the wall between the women’s and men’s rest room.

    THE DOOR TO THE AED IS ALARMED and will trigger an automatic alarm to the Londonderry Fire Station.

    If the door is accidently opened, the fire station will need to be called-the number is on the AED door.

    Hickory Woods News

    Hickory Woods News

    This section of the site is for news pertaining only to Hickory Woods and its residents.
    It is the result of a suggestion made the Brian Wells.
    It will include who’s new, births (grandkids) and other recent info that is of interest to all.
    Ann Perham has generously volunteered to maintain and update this section.
    Please send any items you feel are newsworthy to annbperham@gmail.com.