Soon, the town of Newbury will officially create the long-awaited and much anticipated town forest on Tucker Mountain.
By a substantial majority, Newbury voters approved the purchase of some 636 acres for a town forest. Much of the land’s purchase price of $461,000 was committed by the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, private foundations and individuals.
With just $96,000 left to raise privately, and $56,000 already in hand or pledged, the community has just $40,000 to go.
A group of Newbury residents, assisted by the Vermont Land Trust, is raising this shortfall needed to fully fund the purchase and to take the initial implementation steps.
Tucker Mountain is indeed a special place. Many have vivid recollections of their time and experiences there. Generations of residents have climbed the mountain and enjoyed the view. The willingness of the Leach family to open the land to the public has meant that individuals, families, school classes and camp groups have spent time there.
Gifts made in memory of two families who frequented Tucker Mountain in decades past suggest how hallowed the place is.
Barbara and Ludwig Moorehead, are remembered in a gift by their son George Grove, who lives in the family’s West Newbury home. Paul and Gladys Minear fell in love with the area during the summer of 1945, when he was serving as interim Congregational minister in East Corinth. They put down roots in West Newbury in the 1960s and were active in church and community affairs until their deaths.
The Newbury Town Forest committee is asking for individuals and families to become a part of this legacy. It is possible to donate online: vlt.org/donate, or by sending a check to the Vermont Land Trust, 8 Bailey Ave., Montpelier VT 05602
Larry Minear
Newbury, Vt.
The writer is a member of the informal committee that has worked with the Vermont Land Trust and the Newbury Town Forest committee for two years.
The Washington Post editorial regarding the Vatican cancellation of a meeting of American bishops (“Delay and Deny: Church Stalls on Sex Abuse — Again,” Nov. 15) reminded me of an observation attributed to Ralph Nader: If power is to be held accountable, it must be insecure.
I doubt any Catholic bishop, cardinal or pope has ever sensed a feeling of insecurity in his position.
George Sutherland
Grantham
I want to take the time to reach out and thank a few people. First of all, I want to thank Joe Kenney for his years of service to New Hampshire and the citizens of District 1.
Further, I wish to thank the numerous volunteers and staff who made telephone calls, went door to door, posted yard signs, sported bumper stickers, made financial contributions, stood at the polls in the rain on Election Day, as well as many other tasks in my quest to successfully become the executive councilor from District 1.
A special thank-you to the record number of midterm voters who cast a ballot for Executive Council District 1 on Nov. 6.
Now I look forward to Jan. 2, when I will be sworn in and begin serving the 270,000 residents of this vast district of 109 towns and four cities: Berlin, Claremont, Laconia and Lebanon.
Again, thank you.
Michael J. Cryans
Hanover
I would like to invite all blood donors to Tracy Hall in Norwich on Dec. 6, from noon to 6 p.m. The blood drive is part of the 19 Days of Norwich celebration. It is dedicated to Daniel Somerville. Daniel was 14 when he was diagnosed with cancer. He received many blood transfusions, which gave him and our family more time and improved the quality of his life. Dan lost his battle on Dec. 2, 1993 at the age of 15.
Since 1996 this drive has collected more than 4,200 pints of life-saving blood. We truly appreciate all the donors who have participated over the past 21 years. Many of you have given at most of the drives. Donors can make appointments by logging onto redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.
We know there are many organizations worthy of your time and money. Please remember, money cannot buy blood. It can only come from dedicated volunteers willing to give their time to give the gift of life. There is always a need and it can, and does, save lives.
Thank you for your support in honoring the Norwich community and Daniel’s memory at this time. We are thankful that Dan’s life continues to make a difference, even though he is in heaven.
Rose M. Smith
Lebanon