Find out ways to save money on your heating and cooling bills, conserve energy by using energy more efficiently and help our planet. Join us on Tuesday, from 7-8:30 p.m., for a “Button Up NH” virtual workshop and Q&A session on Zoom. Email bcallaway65@gmail.com for the digital ZOOM link or questions.
Home insulation can help save the planet. Improving energy efficiency is the primary means by which the world can reduce greenhouse gas consumption and is among the most cost-effective, aside from switching to renewable energy. These benefits are real. All of us can contribute to make this happen and reap benefits for ourselves, as well.
Button Up NH is the home energy savings workshop conducted by a certified energy auditor. It covers basic building science principles and includes examples of whole-house weatherization measures that will button up your home for the heating and cooling seasons. It also covers details about the energy efficiency programs offered by New Hampshire utilities. Even if you think your house is tight, you might pick up a few ideas. So please join the virtual workshop and ask friends and neighbors to register, too.
The hosts are Sustainable Hanover, the Canaan-Enfield Energy Committee, and the Plainfield and Cornish energy committees. Sponsors include NHSaves and the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative, which is working with groups around the state to bring these workshops to the public. The presenters are Andy Duncan, energy training manager at Lakes Region Community College, and Ted Stiles, Building Performance Institute analyst.
SHIDEKO TERAI
Cornish
The writer is a member of the Cornish Energy Committee.
While everyone is writing letters about the election and who they are voting for, I wanted to take a moment to share an issue that is of real concern to me, regardless of whoever wins any of the elections: having steady access to the prescription drugs that I rely on every day.
I suffer several age-related health issues along with a genetic condition (I refuse to call it a defect) that has resulted in my reliance on prescription medications. Candidates like to talk about making drugs more affordable, which is important, but I want a commitment from everyone that they will make sure they remain available, as well.
We are incredibly lucky in this state to have a strong network of health care distributors that have kept pharmacies well-stocked with life-saving medications and equipment available for those who them. Even during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when items were becoming scarce, the health care distribution network stayed ahead of that curve and had a plan in place to make sure patients like myself got the medications we needed.
No matter who wins the elections this November, I hope those who end up serving in elected office throughout our state will commit to protecting and preserving this vital part of our health care system.
JEN OSTER
West Lebanon
Sincere thanks and hats off to all those who ran or are running for state offices this year; because of their efforts, we have clear choices. In return, we owe candidates a commitment to vote in November. For whom will you vote?
On Nov. 3, I will be voting for Ed Rajsteter for state representative in the Grafton 15 district. I know Rajsteter as a Navy veteran, an elected commissioner, a retired financial professional and a tireless citizen activist who has devoted years to helping others who needed a hand up to self-sufficiency. One example: A few years ago, Tina L. Nadeau, chief justice of the New Hampshire Superior Court, asked him to organize a statewide nonprofit entity, Friends of New Hampshire Drug Courts, to be modeled after a local group affiliated with the Grafton County court in which he was very active. To that end, he dedicated four years mentoring other citizen activists from counties all across the state, all of it volunteer work on his own time, his own nickel.
As a state representative, he will work hard to advance efficiency and fairness in government. He does his homework on issues; he has keen business sense; he asks questions from various perspectives and listens respectfully. He works with others on common issues. He is approachable and he follows through on commitments. He is a good neighbor to all in the broadest sense of the word. He is effective.
Let us remember that voting is a duty, a moral obligation of citizenship in a democracy. It is the means by which we have the best chance of forming a government that will work equitably across sectors, parties and issues, collaboratively, for the common good. We need to vote, all of us. So, for whom will you vote?
I believe a vote for Ed Rajsteter on Nov. 3 will be a vote for common-sense, honest, thoughtful, energetic and compassionate representation. He’s got my vote, and I hope, yours.
PATRICIA A. BRADY
Woodsville
Two of the most telling moments in the debacle that was the first 2020 presidential debate were President Donald Trump’s refusal to disavow white supremacist support and his refusal to wait for a certified election outcome (and ask his supporters to do the same). Trump has declared the Ku Klux Klan a terrorist organization but will not do or say anything against its more modern and active manifestations.
These are truly scary times for our democracy. We have a president who will say anything to hold onto power and may do anything to try to stay in office if he loses the election.
The best thing we can do is to encourage voting in overwhelming numbers.
ALDEN WAYLAND HALL
Hartland