Madison Town Column: Before- and after-school programs keep kids active

Fall cleanup around my house has begun in a less than ceremonious fashion. In all fairness, it was summer mess that remained idle and drying in the front yard over the last few months, patiently awaiting both cooler air and my motivation to return. The mess consisted of debris from trees I took down this spring in a hopeful attempt to assist my windows in harnessing some of the sun during the winter months.

Living on the outskirts of the Ossipee pine barrens, you can be assured that my pile consisted of just that; pine tree branches and needles. Instead of undergoing the grueling task of hauling it all to the transfer station in multiple trips, I instead obtained a fire permit from our local deputy wardens. Armed with a Bic lighter and a garden hose, what happened next was a lesson in how not to meet your neighbors.