Brentwood Joe's Town Hall Podcast

This episode is personal.

Released on the first day of PTSD Awareness Month, this podcast shines a light on White Star Families — the families of veterans and service members lost to suicide. Unlike Gold Star Families, who receive federal recognition and public honor, White Star Families carry their grief largely in silence, without official acknowledgment, and too often without the support they deserve.

Every year in the United States, approximately six thousand veterans die by suicide. That is seventeen families every single day who wake up carrying a loss the world does not always know how to acknowledge.

This episode is dedicated to Army Sergeant First Class Richard David Tarmy — born October 26th, 1969, who served his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the United States Army Signal Corps, and who was lost on March 25th, 2013. This episode is for Richard, for his family, and for every White Star Family carrying a grief America doesn't always see.

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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A full recap of the May 19th Brentwood Select Board meeting — a packed evening that covered routine financial business, the formal welcome of new Town Treasurer Linda Lambert, and a major conservation win as the board approved using the open space bond to fund a 55-acre conservation easement on the Sly property on Middle Road. The board also received updates on the ongoing town administrator and recreation director searches, and heard from auditors on four open items still requiring resolution. But the evening's most talked-about moment came when Police Chief Murch informed the board that he had signed a 287G task force agreement with ICE — a decision rooted in officer safety and twenty years of law enforcement experience that sparked a substantive public discussion about process, transparency, and what it means to keep Brentwood safe. 

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Memorial Day

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A recap of the Brentwood School Board meeting that drew the largest public turnout in years. At the center of the controversy: beloved kindergarten teacher Mrs. Julie Proctor, removed from her classroom for seven weeks following a playground incident. This episode breaks down the emotional public testimony, the board's selective enforcement of its own rules, a stunning revelation about who actually makes personnel decisions, and the deeper questions about transparency and accountability in our local government. The community showed up — did the board?

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Brentwood Joe's Town Hall Podcast returns with major news: After 275 years, Brentwood has held its last traditional town meeting and voted to adopt SB2. In this episode, Joe recaps the March election results—including a school board seat decided by coin toss—explains what the SB2 transition means for local democracy, and shares his balanced perspective on the opportunities and challenges ahead. He spotlights Tzuo Hann Law as an example of informed civic engagement, and announces the first Annual Preserve Brentwood Fall Flea Market on September 20th, a community event raising funds for the rec center. Whether you're concerned about property taxes, curious about SB2, or looking to reconnect with neighbors, this episode has something for you. Town meeting recap coming in the next episode.

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A warm holiday message from Brentwood Joe, wishing the community a Merry Christmas and blessings in the New Year, sharing a brief podcast pause for the holidays, and inviting listeners to enjoy a custom Christmas season song until the show returns in January 2026

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This episode covers the December 2nd Select Board meeting and winter holiday traditions. The main focus is on new Police Chief Murch's first-month progress report, including his recertification process, restoration of mutual aid agreements, and presentation of a budget-cutting proposal that reduces police spending by nearly 10% while maintaining coverage despite staffing challenges. The meeting also addressed routine municipal business, employment contracts, and a pointed public comment session about fiscal priorities, culminating in an emotional plea for community respect toward first responders after an incident involving an ambulance crew. The second half provides an educational tour of global winter celebrations (Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Yule, and others), followed by local announcements about the Wreaths Across America ceremony, Santa's town visit, and the fire department's toy drive.

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This episode is a quick summary of the ERCSD co‑op school board meeting (Oct. 21). Chair Bill Gothier opened with introductions and student reps from Exeter High and Cooperative Middle School reported on activities, safety lessons, and extracurricular successes. Highlights included a first‑place U.S. History project; facilities planning with a proposed RFP for campus renovations and cost‑saving office relocations; approved small grants for water treatment and robotics; and updates on budgeting, policies (parental bill of rights, device and homework policies), and safety programs. State Rep. Melissa Litchfield clarified recent legislation affecting intra‑ vs. inter‑district schools. The board approved a Quebec immersion trip and debated (but did not revoke) a Morocco trip amid safety concerns

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 This episode opens with heartfelt gratitude for Jim and Laura Hajjar, two unsung heroes quietly serving our community. We then recap a pivotal November 4th Select Board meeting featuring the swearing-in of new fire and police chiefs, staffing and public-safety updates, budget decisions, and key policy discussions shaping Brentwood’s year ahead. To close, we step into the season with a brief journey through the history of Thanksgiving—its origins, evolution, and the spirit of gratitude it inspires—along with reminders about burn permits, food-bank donations, and appreciation for our first responders and soldiers. Happy Thanksgiving from Brentwood Joe’s Town Hall Podcast.

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Welcome to this important episode where we take a closer look at the SAU 16 School Board meeting from October 20th, 2025. Attendance at these meetings has been low, yet they have a major impact on our communities—especially since our schools account for nearly three-quarters of our property taxes. This podcast aims to change that by highlighting key discussions and decisions so residents can stay informed and involved.

In this episode, we unpack the night’s major themes:

• Budget transparency: The SAU presented a “zero percent increase” budget, but the real story lies in how costs are shifting between towns.
• Audit corrections: The administration responded quickly to recent compliance issues, but long-term oversight will be key.
• Technology overhaul: After years of frustration with Alma, the board approved a move to Infinite Campus—raising big questions about cost, training, and lessons learned.
• Open enrollment fallout: A new NH Supreme Court ruling could reshape district budgets and student assignments, introducing fiscal risk and governance challenges.
• Governance and engagement: From delayed votes to minimal public turnout, this meeting underscored the need for clearer communication, stronger planning, and better outreach.

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