Minutes, and the New Orange Receptionist

You'll find the official minutes here. 

And Sandi Pierson sent this picture of the Town House's friendly receptionist.

Who Can Get DSL?

The state has asked the Orange Select Board to map the town's internet access. The cable part was easy; no one has cable. But some of us have access to DSL.  If you or somone you know has DSL, please let Sandi Pierson know. Just shoot an email to townoforange@gmail.com. Include the physical address and the message "Yes, DSL."

Why is this important? Because the state needs to recognize that we live in an Internet shadow. It's not just about watching YouTube videos or downloading songs.  Increasingly, media - websites, social media, TV, radio, even telephone - assume that everyone has access to broadband.  

What's DSL? A digital service line through telephone wires. In Orange, that means broadband with Fairpoint. Pat White checked with the company and got a list of roads served. But we still need to know who actually has access.

Please let Sandi know!

Minutes and Mowing

We're a little late in posting the approved Select Board Minutes from July 23. You'll find them here. As consolation, here's a picture Dorothy took of Bob Ells mowing the Heinrichs meadow. What a late season, Bob!

Large Trash Day Became Swap Day

Boy, are we good Yankees here in Orange. Some excellent swaps went on as people spotted and grabbed items left out by their neighbors.

Among the items taken for reuse:  electrical units, lawnmower, well pump, carpets (for covering around raised garden beds), planters, trunk, garden stakes, and a white wicker chair.

Which sparks an idea: Anyone interested in a swap discussion board on this site? It could be as simple as individuals listing items they don't want. Or you could just email Jay if you have items you think others might want. We'll post them to this blog, and subscribers will get the automatic emails.

Minutes, Wind Tower, and Foreclosure

You'll find the official, approved Select Board minutes from the July 9 meeting here.

In addition, Sandi Pierson reports a few items:

• Betty brought to the last Selectmen's meeting the dreaded word FORECLOSURE. If you know anyone who is at risk of losing their home to foreclosure, let them know they can find assistance at HomeHelpNH.org or simply by calling 2-1-1. The foreclosure process can happen quickly, and it can also be very confusing for homeowners. HomeHelpNH is a statewide foreclosure counseling initiative that helps at-risk homeowners find and work with free experienced homeownership counselors to explore their options. Brochures are available at the Selectmen's office and in the town house foyer that will introduce them to the most common choices at-risk homeowners have when faced with foreclosure.

• For those that are keeping track of the industrial wind power development in our area (but not in our town), the Alexandria Selectmen's Assistant told me the other day that the state has approved a meteorological data collecting tower in Alexandria near the northeast corner of Orange.

• The great bear cub photo we posted recently was misattributed to Sandi. It was taken by Anson Smith of Grafton.