Off The Gravel Road

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In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, student interviewer Emelia speaks with Dr. Ian Harmon, a candidate for the Barnstead School Board.

Ian shares his background in education and higher education leadership, including earning a doctorate in education and serving as Dean of Student Success Services at New England College 

Ian Harmon. He discusses his family’s connection to Barnstead, his commitment to civic engagement, and his motivation to run with two young children in the school system.

Throughout the conversation, Ian outlines his understanding of the School Board’s role in budget oversight, superintendent accountability, and community representation. He speaks about balancing educational quality with fiscal responsibility, using data to inform decision-making, and supporting students, teachers, and staff through thoughtful policy. He also reflects on the importance of long-term planning, transparency, and constructive engagement during community disagreements.

As with all candidates featured in this series, Ian was asked the same standardized questions to ensure fairness and neutrality. This interview provides voters an opportunity to hear directly from him about his experience, perspective, and approach to serving Barnstead’s schools and families.

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In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, student interviewer Emelia speaks with Lori Mahar, a candidate for Welfare Officer in Barnstead.

Lori shares her long history of community involvement since moving to town in 2012, including volunteering with Parks and Recreation, serving as a Selectman for three years, founding the local Farmers Market, and supporting families through the 68 Hours of Hunger program for more than eight years 

Lori Mahar. She also reflects on her more than 40 years of experience in the social services field and how that background shapes her approach to helping residents.

Throughout the conversation, Lori discusses her understanding of the Welfare Officer’s role in assisting residents facing financial hardship, connecting individuals to local and county resources, and balancing compassion with responsible stewardship of public funds. She emphasizes confidentiality, accountability, non-judgmental support, and the importance of maintaining dignity while evaluating requests for assistance. She also shares ideas about office hours, improved access to services, and stronger collaboration with community partners.

As with all candidates featured in this series, Lori was asked the same standardized questions to ensure fairness and neutrality. This interview gives voters an opportunity to hear directly from her about her experience, perspective, and approach to serving Barnstead residents in need.

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In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, student interviewer Emelia speaks with Gary Madden, a candidate for Select Board in Barnstead.

Gary shares his experience serving on the Select Board for the past six years and reflects on what motivated him to first run for office after moving to town with his wife 12 years ago 

Gary Madden. He discusses his desire to continue serving for another term in order to see ongoing projects through and maintain continuity in town leadership.

Throughout the conversation, Gary outlines his understanding of the Select Board’s role in working with the Town Administrator, emphasizing teamwork, openness, and accountability. He speaks about budgeting responsibilities, balancing taxpayer concerns with departmental needs, and the importance of oversight without micromanagement. He also highlights his commitment to community involvement, accessibility to residents, and transparency within the limits of state law and personnel confidentiality.

As with all candidates featured in this series, Gary was asked the same standardized questions to ensure fairness and neutrality. This interview gives voters an opportunity to hear directly from him about his experience, perspective, and approach to serving the Barnstead community.

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In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, student interviewer Emelia speaks with Elizabeth “Liz” Madden, a candidate for the Planning Board in Barnstead.

Liz discusses her background in municipal government, which spans approximately 40 years, and her previous experience serving on a planning board while working as an interim town administrator 

Liz Madden. She shares what motivated her to run and outlines her commitment to fairness, consistency, and following established rules and regulations in land use decisions.

Throughout the conversation, Liz reflects on the Planning Board’s role in reviewing subdivisions, development proposals, and zoning matters. She emphasizes balancing development with Barnstead’s agricultural and residential character, the importance of clear interpretation of zoning regulations, and maintaining professionalism and decorum during public hearings.

As with all candidates featured in this series, Liz was asked the same standardized questions to ensure fairness and neutrality. This interview offers voters an opportunity to hear directly from her about her experience, perspective, and approach to serving on the Planning Board.

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In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, student interviewer Amelia speaks with Frank McDonald, a candidate for Select Board in Barnstead.

Frank shares his background, including his long career with the YMCA in New York, Massachusetts, and Long Island, and his decision to move to Barnstead full time after owning a home in town since 2002. He discusses his current involvement as president of his local lake association and his leadership work on watershed protection efforts connected to the Suncook Lakes and River Basin 

Frank.

Throughout the conversation, Frank outlines his understanding of the Select Board’s executive role in a town with a Town Administrator, emphasizing communication, honesty, long-range planning, and collaborative teamwork. He reflects on budgeting, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility, and shares how his community-driven career informs his approach to public service.

As with all candidates featured in this series, Frank was asked the same standardized questions to ensure fairness and neutrality. This interview provides voters an opportunity to hear directly from him about his experience, priorities, and perspective on serving the Barnstead community.

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School Board Candidate Interview: Andrew Harris

In this episode of our Community Candidate Podcast Series, Aurora interviews Andrew Harris, a candidate for School Board.

Andrew shares his background as a Barnstead resident since 2017, a mechanic and former service manager, and a father with children attending local schools. He discusses his motivation for running, which includes a focus on transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility within the school district.

During the conversation, Andrew outlines his understanding of the School Board’s role in budget oversight, long-term planning, and collaboration with school leadership. He speaks about balancing educational quality with responsible spending, increasing public access to school board discussions, and maintaining open communication with families and taxpayers.

As with all candidates in this series, Andrew was asked the same standardized set of questions in the same order to ensure fairness and neutrality. This interview is presented as part of a student-led civic learning project and is not a debate or endorsement.

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 In this student-led episode of Off The Gravel Road, Emilia takes the host chair and interviews Mr. Ellis about his childhood in California, the mentors who shaped him, and how a winding path through law enforcement, HVAC work, Scouting, and community service brought him to TL Storer, Storer Ranch, and the Barnstead Select Board.
Together, they explore soil health, cow camp, school partnerships, OWL adventures, and why youth voices matter in local government. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and honest conversation about learning, failing, asking questions, and being curious. 

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In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, youth hosts Braelynn and Allysyn sit down with 92-year-old John Cotton, a lifelong resident of Barnstead whose family roots run deep through the town’s history. From riding his pony down Route 28 to school, to helping launch Barnstead’s Fourth of July fireworks and skating parties, John’s stories bring to life a time when neighbors knew every name, families farmed together, and the town’s spirit was built on hard work and laughter.

John reflects on how much has changed and what must never be lost as Barnstead grows. With humor, humility, and heart, he reminds us that while we may live faster today, true community still comes from looking out for one another.

Part of our “Through the Eyes of Our Elders” series — preserving Barnstead’s stories, one conversation at a time.

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In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, Robb Ellis and student co-host Jasmine visit Vernon Family Farm in Newfields, New Hampshire — a first-generation regenerative farm where Jeremiah and Nicole Vernon are proving that small farms can still thrive through creativity, resilience, and community.

From rotational grazing and soil health to agritourism and open space preservation, the Vernons share how they’re keeping their 33 conserved acres alive — both economically and ecologically. They discuss the ongoing case that challenges their ability to host community gatherings, and why these events are essential for the survival of local agriculture.

It’s a story about soil and stewardship, neighbors and nature, and the real meaning of “No Days Off.”

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Recorded live at the Lakes Region Technology Center, this episode of Off the Gravel Road brings together Rob Johnson, Policy Director for the New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation, and Jazmine, a Prospect Mountain High School student, FFA member, and first-generation farmer.

Hosted by Robb Ellis, the conversation explores how the Farm Bureau stands up for farmers across the state — from local zoning to the U.S. Farm Bill — and how laws like the Forster v. Henniker decision helped shape New Hampshire’s modern agritourism statutes.

Jazmine brings her own farm experience to the table, asking what it will take for her generation to make a living from the land. Together, they dive into farmland preservation, the economics of small farms, the right-to-repair movement, and how youth programs are shaping the next crop of agricultural leaders.

It’s a thoughtful conversation about what it really means to defend the New Hampshire farm — past, present, and future.