“Noise proves nothing. Often a hen who has merely laid an egg cackles as if she laid an asteroid.”
Mark Twain, American writer.

On the 25th of October the Windham town councilors should have an agenda item to discuss and possibly vote on to establish an ordinance about fireworks in the town. Unfortunately, at this time it is impossible for me to determine as to how such an ordinance would affect the use of fireworks in Windham. I have a sneaky feeling that the town councilors will probably try to appease both sides of the fireworks issue in Windham. In other words, it probably will not fix the perceived or existing fireworks problem in town. I think fireworks is a contentious issue that no ordinance will ever solve unless it contains strong enough measures to ensure the problems really cease.

If I remember their preliminary discussion about having a fireworks ordinance, there were rules that would allow the use of fireworks around July 4th and January 1st holidays as well as every Saturday. It was also stated that those who wanted to use fireworks would have to obtain a permit from Windham Fire/Rescue prior to using them. It must be stated that two town councilors were absent during that meeting, but it seemed like three of four councilors wanted to omit the use of fireworks every Saturday. I have only one suggestion before I give my viewpoint on this issue, and that is for anyone who has feelings either way attend the Oct. 25 town council meeting and give their opinions during this meeting. If you are not heard, you are invisible.

I can give only a one-sided opinion on fireworks, and that’s because of the fact that I am a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. One of my biggest problems was that many of soldiers I trained with were from Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, and we were stationed pretty much in the same area of South Vietnam. Many, like me, were stationed with infantry units. Even in those days news of someone’s tragedy traveled fast. So to be fair, I must explain that any loud, especially unexpected, noises like gunfire or explosions really bother me. I know that Maine has a high percentage of veterans so I expect many of them are also bothered by the noise of fireworks. I state this because if I expect explosions from fireworks like that from a community celebrating the Fourth of July, I experience a lot less apprehension because I know of it and expect it.

Unfortunately, noise pollution will only increase as Windham, as well as surrounding towns, continues to grow in population and allow for denser growth in housing. Vehicle noise pollution has grown tremendously in Windham since my wife and I moved here in 1999. It is sad to say that only a couple of bad apples can throw such a cloud over those who respect others right to peace and quiet. Even though Windham has an ordinance to stop excessive barking by dogs, it is difficult to enforce, although dogs that are constantly barking can be heard all over Windham day and night. We have had two dogs since living here and didn’t find it difficult at all to keep their barking to an absolute minimum.

I guess one thing I was surprised at is the number of vehicles containing those enhanced sound systems – you know, the ones you can hear a mile away – seem to be on the decline. The sad part is that the idiots doing this are ruining their hearing far worse than ours. I know what it is like to have not only tone loss but also severe ringing in the ears. Sometimes people look at me like I am deaf and dumb ( I know which reader agrees with that statement) because I just cannot put enough syllables together to make a comprehendible conversation. I guess some are learning after all.

Again, the fireworks discussion by the Windham councilors is scheduled for Oct. 25.

Lane Hiltunen of Windham would love to see a Windham transfer station.

“Noise proves nothing. Often a hen who has merely laid an egg cackles as if she laid an asteroid.”
Mark Twain, American writer.

On the 25th of October the Windham town councilors should have an agenda item to discuss and possibly vote on to establish an ordinance about fireworks in the town. Unfortunately, at this time it is impossible for me to determine as to how such an ordinance would affect the use of fireworks in Windham. I have a sneaky feeling that the town councilors will probably try to appease both sides of the fireworks issue in Windham. In other words, it probably will not fix the perceived or existing fireworks problem in town. I think fireworks is a contentious issue that no ordinance will ever solve unless it contains strong enough measures to ensure the problems really cease.

If I remember their preliminary discussion about having a fireworks ordinance, there were rules that would allow the use of fireworks around July 4th and January 1st holidays as well as every Saturday. It was also stated that those who wanted to use fireworks would have to obtain a permit from Windham Fire/Rescue prior to using them. It must be stated that two town councilors were absent during that meeting, but it seemed like three of four councilors wanted to omit the use of fireworks every Saturday. I have only one suggestion before I give my viewpoint on this issue, and that is for anyone who has feelings either way attend the Oct. 25 town council meeting and give their opinions during this meeting. If you are not heard, you are invisible.

I can give only a one-sided opinion on fireworks, and that’s because of the fact that I am a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. One of my biggest problems was that many of soldiers I trained with were from Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, and we were stationed pretty much in the same area of South Vietnam. Many, like me, were stationed with infantry units. Even in those days news of someone’s tragedy traveled fast. So to be fair, I must explain that any loud, especially unexpected, noises like gunfire or explosions really bother me. I know that Maine has a high percentage of veterans so I expect many of them are also bothered by the noise of fireworks. I state this because if I expect explosions from fireworks like that from a community celebrating the Fourth of July, I experience a lot less apprehension because I know of it and expect it.

Unfortunately, noise pollution will only increase as Windham, as well as surrounding towns, continues to grow in population and allow for denser growth in housing. Vehicle noise pollution has grown tremendously in Windham since my wife and I moved here in 1999. It is sad to say that only a couple of bad apples can throw such a cloud over those who respect others right to peace and quiet. Even though Windham has an ordinance to stop excessive barking by dogs, it is difficult to enforce, although dogs that are constantly barking can be heard all over Windham day and night. We have had two dogs since living here and didn’t find it difficult at all to keep their barking to an absolute minimum.

I guess one thing I was surprised at is the number of vehicles containing those enhanced sound systems – you know, the ones you can hear a mile away – seem to be on the decline. The sad part is that the idiots doing this are ruining their hearing far worse than ours. I know what it is like to have not only tone loss but also severe ringing in the ears. Sometimes people look at me like I am deaf and dumb ( I know which reader agrees with that statement) because I just cannot put enough syllables together to make a comprehendible conversation. I guess some are learning after all.

Again, the fireworks discussion by the Windham councilors is scheduled for Oct. 25.

Lane Hiltunen of Windham would love to see a Windham transfer station.