U.S. Rep Bass Calls on Pentagon to Resolve Holiday Mail Delivery Day for Troops Serving Overseas

Hears from constituents expressing concern that servicemembers in Middle East are not receiving packages

WASHINGTON – After hearing from numerous nonprofit organizations, veteran service organizations, and servicemembers and their families, Congressman Charles F. Bass (NH-02) today in a letter called for the Defense Department to examine and fix the developing problems in the delivery of mail to servicemembers serving overseas in Kuwait and Iraq.

With the rapid drawdown of troops currently happening in Iraq, many of them are being sent to Kuwaiti bases, which are unprepared to handle the influx of soldiers and subsequently their mail.  It appears that letters and packages sent to servicemembers in Iraq are being delayed or returned to the sender because soldiers have not been provided with new addresses.  This will significantly impact packages and mail sent during the holiday season.

Bass said:

“I have serious concerns about mail from loved ones not reaching U.S. servicemembers in Iraq and Kuwait in time for the holidays, despite individuals meeting delivery deadlines in early November to ship packages.  With so many servicemen and women still away from their families and friends during the holidays, it’s disappointing that logistical challenges are affecting the prompt delivery of messages from home. 

“The Pentagon must look into this issue immediately and resolve this issue without delay.  My staff and I will continue to monitor the situation and work to get answers for New Hampshire families.”

The text of Bass’ letter to the Secretary of Defense follows:

December 13, 2011

Dear Secretary Panetta:

I am writing to request your attention to a matter of the utmost importance to me and my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District.

It has recently been brought to my attention that as the American military works to withdraw troops from Iraq, problems have developed in the delivery of mail to our soldiers currently serving in the Middle East. My understanding is that in most cases mail currently awaiting delivery in Kuwait and Iraq is going to be returned to the sender because soldiers have not been provided with new mailing addresses from the Department of Defense. While I understand the immense logistical challenges associated with troop reduction and reassignment, I am deeply concerned over this situation and believe it is imperative that our men and women in uniform are able to communicate with their loved ones during the holiday season.

This issue affects our troops, not only from New Hampshire but across the country, and could have a significant effect on morale. I urge you to become personally involved in seeking a prompt resolution to this issue and ensuring that a disruption to mail delivery for the Americans who have already sacrificed so much in service to our nation does not occur. In addition, I respectfully request information that I could pass on to New Hampshire families looking to contact friends and family members currently serving our nation. I look forward to a favorable resolution of this problem.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter and please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Sincerely,

Charles F. Bass

Member of Congress

http://bass.house.gov

Governor Jon Huntsman Statement on Loss of Troops in Afghanistan

ORLANDO - Governor Jon Huntsman has issued the following statement expressing remorse at the death of 31 United States soldiers in Afghanistan:

"Mary Kaye and I want to express our deepest sympathy to the families of the 31 special operation troops who lost their lives in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We are forever indebted to these troops who fought for their country so admirably. I am awed by their bravery and we all must strive to live up to their sacrifice."

US Rep Bass Introduces Legislation to Preserve Dignity at Military Funerals

Says the families of those who have served our country deserve to grieve in peace

CONCORD, NH – Congressman Charles F. Bass (NH-02) recently introduced bipartisan legislation in the House of Representatives that would preserve dignity at military funerals and allow families to grieve in peace.  The legislation would amend existing law to protect military funerals by limiting disruptions and increasing the buffer zone around services.

The Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans (SERVE) Act (H.R. 1591) will limit disruptions by increasing the quiet time before and after military funeral services from 60 minutes to 120 minutes, increasing the buffer around a military funeral service from 150 feet to 300 feet, increasing the buffer around access routes to a funeral service area from 300 feet to 500 feet, and increasing civil penalties on violators.

Speaking at a press conference in Concord with members of New Hampshire veterans organizations on Friday, Bass said:

“The brave men and women who have fought and died for our country deserve the greatest dignity and respect, and their families deserve to be able to grieve in peace.  The SERVE Act will preserve dignity at these solemn events while still protecting the First Amendment rights that our nation’s heroes have fought for.  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to move this legislation forward.”

In 2007, the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) held a protest at the funeral of Army Captain Jonathan Grassbaugh from Hampstead, who was killed by an IED while bravely serving his country on patrol in Iraq.  Although Grassbaugh was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, his funeral services were held in Hampstead and were protested by members of the WBC. 

In response to this, then-Senator Bob Letourneau (R-Derry) introduced legislation in the New Hampshire State Senate “establishing a New Hampshire Medal of Honor and prohibiting funeral protesters.” When it was signed into law by Governor John Lynch in 2007, the State of New Hampshire joined over 30 other states to create boundaries similar to those established in the SERVE Act.

The military support groups and veterans organizations supporting the SERVE Act include the Gold Star Wives of America, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, the Marine Corps League, the Military Officers Association of America, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Non Commissioned Officers Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Bass’ bill is companion legislation to a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME).  Congressman Jim Matheson (UT-02) is an original cosponsor of Bass’ bill, which has been referred to the House Armed Services Committee, the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and the Judiciary Committee.

http://bass.house.gov

NH Religious News April 14, 2011

Ministry to NH Military Families - Workshop For Religious Leaders  Welcome them home and help them heal!   The NH National Guard currently has the largest deployment to the Middle East in NH NG history. Before and during deployment, community and church help is needed. After deployment, church outreach could save lives and marriages of our citizen soldiers. Our soldiers will return in the next weeks and months.   Be prepared to adjust your ministry and the faith community's life to the "new normal" of constant readiness and periodic deployments.  Come and learn how you and your faith community can help. Learn about the unique challenges military families face during deployment. Learn about military culture so you can better assist military families. Learn about existing support programs that need volunteers.    Tuesday May 3, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Bring your own lunch) Greater Laconia Ministerial Association Laconia Public Library - Rotary Room 695 North Main St. Laconia, NH   Wednesday May 4, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Newfound Area Churches Bristol Location TBA Wednesday May 19, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm The Cathedral of the Pines, Rindge and United Church of Jaffrey Location TBA If you are interested in attending any of these events or hosting a workshop in your area, email us at info@nhchurches.org.   An Opportunity to Learn About The Women's Prison Ministry   The Women's Fellowship of the Congregational Church of North Barnstead, UCC invites you to come spend the evening with Rev. Beth Richeson, prison chaplain for Goffstown prison and Shea Farm Transitional Living House in Concord.  She will speak about the circumstances of these women, her ministry amongst them and the many opportunities for our churches and our denominations to be involved in this important ministry. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 50 Main St. Pittsfield Monday May 2, 2011 7 PM to 8:30 PM If you have any questions please contact Ethel McConaghy at  545-5425 or emc@metrocast.net.   How to do Ecumenical and Interreligious Worship Well - Save the Date  Think MLK Day, Thanksgiving, Holocaust Remembrance Day, local celebrations and public memorials- how do you craft a worship service that includes a diversity of faith traditions in your celebration?  The New Hampshire Council of Churches will be sponsoring the following workshop: Doing Ecumenical & Interreligious Worship Well A workshop on Community Liturgies November 4th, 2011, location TBA This workshop will be led by the world-renowned Rev. Dr. Christopher Duraisingh, Otis Charles Visiting Professor in Applied Theology and Faculty Emeritus of the Episcopal Divinity School.  Rev. Duraisingh has served with the World Council of Churches for many years and has published essays in the Dictionary of Third World Theologies and the International Review of Mission. Public Hearings on HB1 - HB2 Human Services Bills April 21 The Senate Finance Committee will conduct its public hearing on HB 1 and HB 2 (the budget and the budget "trailer" bill) on Thursday, April 21 from 2 PM - 4 PM and 6 PM - 8 PM in Representatives Hall in the State House.  The budget that passed the House includes drastic cuts to programs serving people with mental illness, the homeless, people with disabilities, at-risk children, legal services for the poor, consumer protection and the Court system, while cutting existing taxes such as the cigarette tax, thus forcing even deeper cuts to programs and services to make up for lost revenue. There are several ways communities of faith can help make a difference:  Testify at the upcoming Senate Public Hearing -organize carpools and offer rides to members of your church Contact members of the Senate Finance Committee, particularly if your Senator is on that committee.  http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/senate/members/sencom.asp   Contact your own Senator.  http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/ns/whosmyleg/   Raise awareness of the impact of the budget in your own church and community Legislative Advocacy Day at State House Tuesday-April 19, 2011  8:30 AM - 2:30 PM  The Commission for Witness and Action of the NH Conference of the UCC and Economic Justice Ministry Team invites all brothers and sisters of faith to join them in an advocacy day at the State House, for persons of faith to meet their legislators and attend/or speak at hearings on upcoming bills. Meet at South Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 27 Pleasant St. in Concord at 8:30 a.m. For more information click here Advocacy Day at State House An invitation from Interfaith Voices for a Humane Budget    On March 30 a small group of faithful New Hampshire citizens began a prayer vigil at the State House seeking a humane outcome to the state budget process.  At the time, the NH House of Representatives was considering a budget that leaves the State's social service safety net in shreds jeopardizing the very lives of some of our most vulnerable residents, and undermines the collective rights of our first responders and other public servants. Your Invitation:  Because the House has passed its inhumane budget, we need your voice added to this growing chorus.  Whenever possible we will maintain a presence at the chambers where and when the budget is being considered.  Vigil members will, at times, pray and meditate in silence.  We hold only placards that indicate the name of our group, Interfaith Voices for a Humane Budget.  Without being physically disruptive, we wish to make our presence felt while upholding the precepts of nonviolence.   If this witness remains small, it will remain powerful and have an effect beyond its numbers.  But if this witness becomes an outpouring of the faithful that fills the public spaces of the people's house, the State House, we can have a transformative effect.  Help spread this invitation. How to Connect:  For more information regarding these vigils and a a schedule of Senate Finance Committee meetings email interfaithvoices@gmail.com.  Participants are asked to show up 15 minutes before the  scheduled meeting of the Senate Finance Committee in Room 103 at the State House.  You can also connect by friending Interfaith Voices for a Humane Budget on Facebook. Author of Dead Man Walking to Visit the Granite State Wed May 18 - Thurs 19 Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking, to Speak at Saint Anselm College on May 18  On Wednesday, May 18, 2011, Sr. Helen Prejean, C.S.J., will visit New Hampshire for a series of presentations. During her visit, Sr. Prejean will be speaking to local high school students; moderating a panel of New Hampshire religious leaders speaking on the death penalty; and will give the keynote address at the annual NH Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty dinner.Sister Helen Prejean, the author of Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States, has been instrumental in sparking national dialogue on the death penalty and travels around the world giving talks about her ministry. Since its publication, Dead Man Walking has become a movie, an opera, and a play for high schools and colleges. Sr. Helen also is the author of The Death of Innocents: An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions, and is presently at work on another book - River of Fire: My Spiritual Journey The New Hampshire Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (NHCADP) is sponsoring two speaking engagements that are free of charge and open to the public. For High School Students Only Date: May 18, 2011 Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM Place: NH Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College For the General Public Date: May 18, 2011 Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM Place: NH Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, Manchester, NH NHCADP Annual Meeting - General Public Date: Thur. May 19, 2011 7:00 PM Time:  7:00 - 9:00 PM Place: Red River Theater, Main St., Concord NH.  Prejean will be the keynote speaker at the NH Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty dinner. There are 150 seats for this free event.  RSVP by sending email to kcooper@nodeathpenaltynh.org.

Death Penalty Films - Family Members and Forgiveness - Jacqui Lofaro Event  April 26th, 7:00 at Dartmouth College Campus Filene Auditorium, Monroe Hall Admission Free...Donations Accepted    Documentary filmmakers Jacqui Lofaro and Victor Teich address the the death penalty and murder victim family members. The Empty Chair, Death Penalty---Yes or No and 70 X 7 The Forgiveness Equation.  Discussions to follow the films with: Director Jacqui Lofaro, Family Members: Renny Cushing & Bess Klaussen-Landis, Moderator Selina Taylor.  For more information email:  mahunt@tds.net. No Labels - Civility in NH Politics You are invited to a moderated discussion on how to approach the politics of problem solving featuring John Avlon, founding leader of the group No Labels, CNN contributor and Senior Political columnist for the Daily Beast.   Join your elected officials,and party leaders for a moderated discussion on   Civility in NH politics   New Hampshire Institute of Politics   Saint Anselm College NHIOP Auditorium 100 St. Anselm Dr., Manchester,   Tuesday, April 19, 7 PM   The conversation will be moderated by Neil Levesque, Executive Director of the Institute.  Sponsors hope a series of forums will create a less contentious atmosphere in the NH Statehouse, eliminate hyper-partisanship,reward constructive efforts by the legislature's members and achieve solutions to problems their constituents sent them to Concord to deal with. RSVP by sending email to Adele Wick: awetwo@comcast.net   Governor's Conference on Volunteerism    "UP, UP AND AWAY" Pursue A Fresh Perspective in Volunteer Excellence! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!  When: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 Where:  NHTI, Concord's Community College 31 College Drive, Concord, NH 03301   Conference Fee  $70.00 View Event Schedule and other links  RSVP Saturday, April 30, 2011 The Annual Governor's Conference on Volunteerism is a service that is critical to the health and vibrancy of New Hampshire's non-profit community. Every year the conference provides relevant training to approximately 300 volunteer managers, nonprofit staff, and volunteers who serve hundreds of communities and thousands of New Hampshire citizens. Seacoast Veterans Conference   Saturday April 30, 2011.  8:8 am - 4:00 PM   Pease Air National Guard Base - Building 149 Portsmouth, NH Clergy and churches please join us in reaching out to older era veterans and their families - especially those who may have fallen through the cracks.  A special welcome is also extended to all agencies and provider groups that provide services and care for NH's older era veterans. Keynote presentations from General William Reddel, Dr. Dan Potenza (Nationally Recognized Expert on PTSD Among Older Veterans) and  Dr. Marc Levenson.  Dr. Levenson will be joined by a panel of VA Experts who will be available for questions and additional information. 3 Round Table Presentations on: Independence, Health and Money.  The afternoon will also include Interactive Stations on:   VA Enrollment, Benefits & Claims Process, Vet Center, NH State Veterans Cemetery, NH Veterans Home, Suicide Prevention, ServiceLink and AARP. The Mobile Vet Center will be on site for both a tour and outreach. Registration and lunch are free.  To register, click here.  Please provide  contact information and veteran status. Any questions, please call Sue at 800-852-3345 x 4301 or 271-4301 (NH Relay) 711  Transportation is available upon request. The Month of the Military Child     April marks the nation's "Month of the Military Child," a month long celebration to honor youth impacted by the deployment of a family member. In celebration, New Hampshire Operation Military Kids will be partnering with multiple groups across the state to hold special events during the months of April, May, and June. Our most widespread event will be "Purple Up! For Military Kids" on April 15th. This will be a day we can publicly recognize military children for their sacrifices as we encourage all to wear purple in order to spread awareness and show support of these amazing youth. Additional programs and events for military youth and families: May 14th, 1-4 pm on the UNH Campus in Durham, join us for fun on the Indoor Climbing Wall.  April 29th, 7-10 pm at the Laconia Middle School, bring the family to a Military Family Dance. Memorial Day Weekend, visit the Children's Museum in Dover and enjoy free admission.  June 21st, 6:30 pm, come to the Beech Hill Farm in Hopkinton for a fun ice-cream social! June 26th-29th is the annual 4-H Teen Conference, located on the UNH Campus in Durham. For more details and registration info, check out nhomk.com or call Operation Military Kids at (603)862-2297.

Check Out Our Website    www.nhchurches.org If you have ideas or events to share with us, please send your information to info@nhchurches.org or call Jean at 603-224-1352.  Thanks!   New Hampshire Council of Churches 140 Sheep Davis Rd. Suite 1  Pembroke, NH 03275  603-224-1352  *   603-224-9161 (FAX)    Office hours: Mon-Thurs, 9 to 2 NH Council of Churches Needs You! The New Hampshire Council of Churches as the states ecumenical vehicle for unity and inter-religious actions needs your support: Prayers Sharing our concerns and your concerns with each other. Funds to continue incarnating God's annunciation of the Good News. Donate now by clicking the donation button below or you can mail your tax exempt donation to: New Hampshire Council of Churches PO Box 1087 Concord, NH  03302-1087



E-News from the NH Council of Churches

Council on Foreign Relations Religion and Foreign Policy Conference Call Series

Exploring Religious Conflict between Christians and Muslims

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), invites you to participate in the first session of the 2010-2011 CFR Religion and Foreign Policy Conference Call Series on Tuesday, October 5, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. (ET).  Eliza Griswold will lead the conversation on her new book, "The Tenth Parallel: Dispatches from the Fault Line Between Christianity and Islam."  Ms. Griswold will discuss her travels through Africa and Asia along the tenth parallel, where Christianity and Islam collide. She argues that religious conflict is often the result of history, climate change, demography, and the struggle over natural resources.

Please email outreach@cfr.org or call Elizabeth McCourt at 212.434.9535 if you would like to participate in this interactive exchange, and we will send you the toll-free dial-in number and password. This invitation is transferable, but limited to religious and congregational leaders and scholars; we invite you to forward it to any colleagues who might be interested in participating.

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The CFR Religion and Foreign Policy Conference Call series seeks to engage religious and congregational leaders, scholars, and thinkers from across the country in cross-denominational conversations on global issues. Each call, led by a CFR expert and/or religious community leader, provides a nonpartisan forum for discussion on a broad range of pressing international issues. To access archived audio of calls in this series, along with a wealth of timely CFR content, visit our home on the web at:

http://www.cfr.org/religion.

Theater of War Event - October 6th at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm Brought to you by NAMI - NH Registration is FREE!   Presented throughout the United States and Europe, Theatre of War, a highly acclaimed professional production will be making its first New England appearance in New Hampshire on October 6th. Theatre of War uses readings from Ajax, a 2,500 year old Greek play that timelessly depicts the psychological and physical wounds inflicted by war upon warriors, as a catalyst for engaging the audience in a Town Hall discussion about how combat impacts on today's service members, veterans and their families. The production involves professional actors who read excerpts from Ajax followed by a panel discussion of local service members, veterans, and their family members on how they deal with the emotional and psychological effects of combat and the challenges of homecoming. Questions and comments from the audience will then be encouraged. The goals of this production are to increase awareness of post-deployment psychological health issues, reduce stigma and foster hope and optimism. There will be two performances of Theatre of War on October 6: 1:00 pm at Grace Capitol Church in Pembroke and 6:00 pm at the Concord High School. Click here for more information

NH Scholarship for Young Adult Experience in Ecumenical Formation    The NH Council of Churches announces scholarship support for young adults to gather with fellow disciples doing the work of promoting Christian unity and witness in local and regional settings of the United States this November in New Orleans. The Local and Regional Ecumenism Consultation (November 11-12, 2010) will take place in New Orleans following the Centennial Ecumenical Gathering of the National Council of Churches and Church World Service (November 9-11, 2010).  Young adults (18 - 35) are invited to apply for scholarship assistance to attend the Thursday noon through Friday 3:30 pm Consultation for focused conversation on local and regional ecumenism.  Information about the Celebration and the Consultation are available at www.ncccusa.org/lre.  Information about the Consultation scholarship is available by contacting the NH Council of Churches. To apply for young adult scholarship simply submit a letter outlining why you are interested in attending and how you would follow up in New Hampshire.  Deadline for applying is October 10, 2010. Send your application letter to:  David Lamarre-Vincent, NH Council of Churches, PO Box 1087, Concord, NH 03302-1087, David@NHchurches.org.

Understanding Military Culture:  Training Designed for Faith Communities   Families of New Hampshire Service Members face very difficult adjustments when their loved ones are away on duty. Faith Communities can provide vital support to these families during this time.  Come learn how you and your Faith Community can help.   · Learn about the unique challenges military families face during deployment. · Learn about military culture so you can better assist military families. · Learn about existing support programs that need volunteers. There is no cost to attend but you must register. Call Heather at 1-800-852-3345 x 8560. Or click HERE to register by email. (Please give your name, title, organizational affiliation [if any], contact information and which training you plan on attending.  Also, please let us know if you require any special accommodations.) This training will be offered on the following dates at these locations. Thursday, October 14 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Durham Evangelical Church 114 Dover Road Durham, NH   Thursday, October 28  8:30 am - 12:30 pm  Gorham Congregational Church 143 Main Street Gorham, NH This training is being offered by the Cecil B. Day Foundation New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services New Hampshire National Guard

John Dominic Crossan 2010 Wakefield Lectures Theologian in Residence to speak in New Hampshire November 5th, 6th and 7th.  God & Violence: The Normalcy of Empire & the Ambiguity of the Bible World-renowned theologian and biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan will be coming to New Hampshire to speak at Plymouth, NH in an event co-sponsored by the New Hampshire Bible Society and the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ. All events are at The Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ 4 Post Office Square Plymouth, NH *********Reservations are required for all events****** Friday, 7:30-9:00pm           Lecture #1: Civilization & Empire Saturday, 9-10:30am          Lecture #2:  Bible & Power Saturday, 11-12:30pm        Lecture #3:  Jesus & God Saturday, 1:30-3:00pm       Lecture #4:  Apocalypse & Violence Sunday, 9:30am                 Preaching Sunday's Service Sunday 1:30pm                  Lecture #5:  And so...  ******Reservations are required*************** ($10/lecture, $35/series *Registration required - click here  to print registration)   If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Rev. Judith Gooch at pastor@uccplymouth.org or call the church office at 536-2626. This event is sponsored by the New Hampshire Bible Society and the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ.

You Are Invited to A Spectacular National Conference Exploring Faith and the Death Penalty November 16 - 17, 2010, Atlanta   Now is a kairos moment on the death penalty.  It's a new day--a special moment--to which more and more religious communities are awakening. Join conference chair and Dead Man Walking author Sr. Helen Prejean, C.S.J., leaders and members of national, state and local faith communities and world-renown speakers for an inspirational and educational experience. This conference is sponsored by People of Faith Against the Death Penalty. For more information, please visit www.pfadp.org or call 919-933-7567 or email at:  kairos@pfadp.org .

2010 Death Penalty Study Commission Hearings   
 

The NH Legislature created a Study Commission to evaluate the death penalty and determine whether it is a good policy for New Hampshire.  This is the first time there has been a comprehensive study of the death penalty in New Hampshire.  NHCADP has been working to find qualified experts and those with experience with the death penalty to testify before the study commission.  New Hampshire has not completed an execution since 1939, so there is not a great deal of experience within the state about how the death penalty affects victim family members, corrections workers, the public and family members of those who are executed.  

* Study Commission meetings have taken place monthly beginning at 10 a.m. at LOB 305, with the exception of the public hearings in September. The public hearings will take place in Plymouth, Keene, and Durham, respectively, and will be in the evening.  Remaining dates and topics are as follows:

Remaining hearing dates:
 

November 5 -- Final meeting

December 2010 -- Commission report is due 

         Please Attend the Hearings!  Consider Testifying

The Study Commission needs to hear from the public in order to fully evaluate this public policy issue.  Please attend the hearings and wear a shirt or button to show your support for abolition. 

If you would like to testify before the Study Commission, please plan your testimony beforehand.  Your testimony should not be longer than 5 minutes, and should include the following information: "Hi my name is xyz and I am a resident of Town, NH. I am asking the Commission to support repeal of the death penalty because *include 1 - 2 reasons why you think the DP should be repealed*" 

After the hearings, please read your local paper and respond to articles or opinion pieces with a letter to the editor. Submit a letter to the editor via your hometown paper's website or send a hard copy in the mail.  Be sure to include your phone number because the paper will usually call to verify your letter before they go to print.  

If you are willing to attend the hearing, testify and/or write a letter to the editor, please contact Barbara Keshen bkeshen@nodeathpenaltynh.org or Katherine Cooper kcooper@nodeathpenaltynh.org  They are available to assist with testimony or help in drafting a letter to the editor.

* For more information on the Study Commission, click HERE.