Stories and other stuff

I've had some interesting things go on. I saw Episode III last weekend, and to be quite frank, I was rather underwhelmed. The acting, even Hayden's was fine, for you see that anyone given some of the most inane and stupid dialogue ever written can only do so much with it. The other thing I noticed, and this goes through the whole series, is that the badasses of the Star Wars series always seem to die the weakest possible deaths (witness Boba Fett in Episode VI, and Mace Windu, General Grievous and Count Dooku in Episode III).

Here's this weeks stories. Obviously, there's a lot of them, so I've been extraordinarily busy:

Bradley talks about health care, education
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — Jeb Bradley encountered an often-contentious crowd at his Town Meeting in New Durham May 21. Several hard questions were asked of the Congressman with regard to health care costs, education and the possible closing of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Many times, the Congressman had to stop while answering because some of those who asked questions continued to make statements while he tried to answer their questions.
Bradley, who serves on the House Armed Services, Veterans Affairs, Small Business and Budget committees, was asked by Nicholas Kalfas of Alton about health care costs. Kalfas said that he believed that the American health care system was "no longer the best," in part because people "can’t access it." Kalfas, who described himself as a Republican said that the "government has to step in," on this issue, and he asked what Bradley believed would be the best option. Bradley said that he believed that both state issues and federal issues were at play. He said that he was "pretty reluctant to go down that road," in reference to a single-payer health care system similar to what other countries have. He also mentioned a 1994 state law, which guaranteed access to health care forced many insurance carriers to leave the state, causing a lack of competition now. He also mentioned what he believed to be federal issues, referring to doctor’s medical liability costs, health savings accounts and associated health plans (which would allow small businesses to pool together and purchase health insurance, including allowing them to cross state lines to do so). He also stated that he was going to reintroduce a bill to legalize the re-importation of prescription drugs from countries in Europe and Canada, after clarifying some of the safety issues that were raised about his previous bill. Gail Mitchell, of Barrington, asked why these costs were so high in America, especially given the high profits of drug companies. Bradley responded that other countries have price controls, but the U.S. does not. He did mention other ways of delivering health care as well, such as a community health center, which would provide some of the basic care hospitals could. Mitchell and her companion at the meeting, Bob Perry, of Strafford, went on to say that they felt price controls were needed "on some things," and that the deliverers of health care were becoming more and more corporate in control. They went on to ask Bradley, using the president’s statements on Social Security as a template, whether Bradley believed that "health care was in crisis?" Bradley responded by saying that the American system could be characterized as "tremendously innovative, but with cost and access problems." He said that he would not characterize health care as being in crisis.
The discussion then turned to the Medicare prescription drug benefit, which, Bradley explained, would allow partial coverage under Medicare for the cost of senior’s prescription drugs. The present drug discount cards, he says, were only meant as a stopgap measure, to be used until the program is up and running at the beginning of 2006. Perry asked why what he described as a successful Veterans Administration policy of the same type was not adopted instead. Another person in the audience said that they "didn’t think Americans should have that much faith in the private sector," despite some of the protections that Bradley said the benefit carried.
The next large discussion took place on the subject of education. Ellen Phillips, for works as an educator in the Governor Wentworth Regional School District, asked why there were tutoring companies (which she said used high school students as tutors) being given "$200 million a year to work in failing schools." She said that her experience showed that the Department of Education was not allowing "what works in New Hampshire," but were favoring federal guidelines – even though they were not as effective. She said that she believed the federal government didn’t believe teachers to be qualified, and that she was "seeing things go backward in the state." Bradley, who did not have the opportunity to vote on No Child Left Behind, said that there might be areas where they can "tweak" the legislation, once it is found what works and what does not.
Bradley also pledged, following a question by New Durham resident and shipyard employee Stuart Hotchkiss regarding the possible closure, that he, and others in the New Hampshire delegation "will present an excellent case to the commission." He stated to the Granite State News last week that he and delegations from New Hampshire and Maine are prepared to fight to keep the historic shipyard open.
Other topics, such as social issues and immigration policies, were also covered at the meeting.


Alton planners pull a two-nighter
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
ALTON — With a very heavy load of cases to hear at their monthly meeting, the Alton Planning Board spread the load of cases over two nights, May 17 and 18, in order to better accommodate the workload and for the convenience of applicants. The meeting on May 17 included hearings on nine applications, though four were by the same property owner. David Livingston was applying for two boundary line adjustments, and then the merger of two lots into one, and the subdivision of that newly merged lot. He did say that if the board did not approve the merger, he would not subdivide the lot, however. The board had some concerns, especially with regard to the merger of the two lots and the sustainability of a subdivision with regards to septic and well issues. The board agreed to continue the discussion at later meetings once some of the issues had been addressed and legal situations cleared up. The other cases on the night were either continued or approved.
The Wednesday meeting focused primarily on commercial issues. The board approved the application of Wainwright Insurance to change the property that currently stands as "Karen’s Kitchen" into an insurance office. The building, Ken Hoyt of Wainwright said, would actually be using less parking than it currently uses as a restaurant, and other issues, including water and sewer use, would be lessened as well.
The next case to be heard was that of William McQuade and Nextel Communications. The site plan calls for a 120-foot monopole to be used as a cellular tower off of Old Wolfeboro Rd. Problems arose because the application, as submitted, did not have the notes of a surveyor. The property had not been surveyed, in fact. This led to a testy exchange between Chairman Thomas Hoopes and board member Thomas Varney. Varney chastised the engineer on the project for not having the land surveyed and not using proper surveying equipment. When Hoopes suggested that the board should not further drag along the process (the application had been continued at the January meeting), Varney shot back, "I don’t have the habit of catering to applicants or developers." He went on to say, "I see a problem right now and I’m pointing it out." There were some questions regarding property lines and wetland use. Varney also expressed concern about an FAA mandated light that would have to be placed on the tower. He was concerned about the light to the proximity of nearby homes, as well as to airports and plane traffic. The board accepted the application, with the caveat that the site would need to be surveyed to answer questions regarding the property lines and other issues.
The next case involved Keith Chamberlain of Chamberlain Self-Storage. Chamberlain’s proposed additional buildings were a concern of the board in terms of screening. The board was hoping for additional screening of the property, using trees, shrubs and other plants by Chamberlain. Chamberlain was initially reluctant to go beyond his current plan, hoping to keep architectural and land design consistency. Eventually, Chamberlain agreed to plant additional trees in a staggered pattern, in order to cover more space.
The final case of the night involved Daryl Hoit, who proposed redeveloping the Alton Bay Pavilion property, potentially into condominiums. Alan Sherwood, the Selectmen’s representative on the board stated that he was not certain condominiums could be placed on the property in terms of zoning laws. Other ideas were tested as well, including using the property as a combination of commercial and residential properties, or for use as a motel.
The board also discussed increased rates of one of the town’s engineering firms. The firm in question, Dufresne-Henry Engineering, raised rates for customers without informing the Planning Board they were doing so. The board discussed whether the firm was also giving them the returns they were looking for, in terms of services and turnaround time. There was also some question as to whether the company was properly having engineering approved.


Sunflower brings light to community, tries to keep deer at bay
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
Alton — Bruce Holmes obviously has a real green thumb. He and his small staff operate Sunflower Gardens off of Route 28 in Alton. With 18 greenhouses on the site, and with plants growing from before the gardens annual April opening, the gardens are in business for much of the year.
Holmes, who has been in the business of retailing and wholesaling plants for more than 10 years, and at the current location since 1996, says that he’s learned over that time that months like this one, with lots of rain and fewer days of sunshine, usually balance out; there might soon be a month that’s very dry, with very little rain and lots of sun. "The weather’s a major player," he says.
Holmes and one of his two full time employees (others are seasonal or part-time), Mary Morris, described the seasons at Sunflower Gardens as following a set pattern. In the spring the spring annuals and perennials come up, around the time that the stand opens in April, summer adds a lot of vegetables, such as sweet corn, peas, sweet peppers and tomatoes. During the fall, the gardens begin to sell their own mums and also sell pumpkins, apples and cider. After closing down in November, the stand reopens before Christmas with trees, wreaths, poinsettias and other holiday related items. The Gardens also sell farm fresh eggs, milk, Pie-Guy pies and other items.
Holmes said that he, like many other business owners, is often at the mercy of oil prices, as well as the weather. "plastic comes from oil resin, so when the price of oil goes up, everything goes up. Prices reflect what happens in oil." Holmes’ greenhouses use plastic as a covering, as well as using home heating oil for heat.
Another of the unusual problems faced by Holmes and his employees is deer. "They eat everything," Morris says. Holmes did say that the deer, which enjoy corn and cut flowers, won’t eat mums "unless they have to."
Holmes, Morris and the garden’s other employees also keep the Gardens involved in the community. The Gardens give donations to community groups, including both the Alton and Barnstead Garden clubs, and have been involved with the Gilman Library’s mum sale for "a number of years." Other philanthropic activity includes relationships with the 4-H clubs of Alton and Barnstead Elementary.
That community involvement also extends to Holmes’ new place on the Alton Planning Board. He finally decided to run, he says, to have input with regards to "what restrictions the town puts on development." He wanted the town to remember too "keep it reasonable in what they zone and where they zone."

Town gathers to remember Chief Scruton
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — Town officials, family members, the police department and other community members gathered May 21 to remember former New Durham Police Chief Douglas Scruton, who died suddenly last year. They were also there to help celebrate his legacy by witnessing the dedication of a tree and bench engraved with Chief Scruton’s name, and to dedicate the new Police Building in his honor. Police Chief Shawn Bernier said at the ceremony that he hopes that "future citizens of New Durham ask who he was, and me and my officers can tell them who he is and what he stood for." Office manager Katie Woods read an emotional letter to Scruton, letting him know that everyone misses him and that, with his pictures still around the office he was "always smiling back" at her and the officers. Woods also read a poem written by Scruton’s widow, Robin, called "Never Forgotten," which expressed all of the emotions about seeing these permanent remembrances to Scruton’s memory. Town Administrator William Herman talked about how Scruton’s dedication, commitment, sense of humor and decency helped to bring the new police offices to fruition. Herman said that the anonymous donors "saw in Doug…the way he treated others in this town and they recognized that," in making their donation.
Cathy Orlowicz, a friend of Scruton’s, also wanted to honor him. She announced that a memorial fund has been established in Scruton’s name, and that a scholarship for New Durham students to continue their educations would be established in Scruton’s name. In order to raise money, Orlowicz will run the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. in October of 2006. Orlowicz, who ran the marathon in 2002, said that she remembered Scruton having "such a passion for children" and believed that the scholarship would be a great way to honor his memory, and as a way to continue that legacy "long after we’re gone." Orlowicz said that anyone seeking to contact her about the scholarship or trust could reach her at 859-4643, or at cathyo@worldpath.net.


Cooler heads get down to fire business
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — After the rather heated preliminary May 5 involving filming the meetings, the New Durham Fire Station Task Force got down to business May 19. The task force established two subcommittees to look at various options the town considers important to have. For the record, the town camera, as well as a personal camera brought by Planning Board Chair Bob Craycraft, was there to film this meeting, which Chairman Gullmar Nelson joked about.
Selectmen Ron Gehl and Town Administrator William Herman attended, and provided the committee with an overview of the Right-to-Know laws, which was also the subject of some discussion at the May 5 meeting. Nelson also reiterated his desire that future committees be given a kind of "seminar" on the right-to-know law at their first meetings, to avoid any of the same problems faced by the fire station committee. Gehl also emphasized that e-mail communication between members should probably be kept to a minimum, as e-mails that involve a quorum of members would have to be disclosed at the following meeting. Members of the public encouraged the committee to stay on focus and to make sure that their job gets done.
The committee, which unanimously decided on an April 19 look at the fire station, that it needed replacing, then took up the task of deciding how to raise money, and whether or not to fix the roof of the current building. Currently, the Fire Station’s roof is not up to code, and Chief John Nicastro said that the most important thing was to "fix the roof the right way." He pointed out that roofing companies coming to look at the Library’s roof (see story page A1) could also look at the roof of the fire station. The committee also discussed several options for fund-raising. Some on the committee suggested asking for donations from companies and individuals in the area, especially considering the large gift that was given anonymously to the town to build a new police station. Still, Gehl pointed out that any meeting where members discussed who they might approach would be considered a public meeting, and that those wishing to donate may not like to see their names in print or on Community TV. It was also pointed out that for something such as a fire station, the fire company cannot accept donations, as the new station is considered a citizens’ effort, not a department one. Others mentioned that the group might consider forming a non-profit company, so that donations would be tax-deductible. Currently, anything that comes into the town’s coffers would not be tax deductible, though the town itself is tax exempt.
The committee then considered alternative options to the initial proposal for a $1.7 million dollar fire station that was presented at town meeting. A list that had been prepared at earlier meetings was pared down to two options. One would tear down the fire station and rebuild on one level with reduced features from the original design, and then leave room for possible expansion later on. Another option would put the building in another location, again, with reduced features. Committee member Ed Niester, who had taken time to prepare some comparisons from different companies and comparisons of options, encouraged the group to look at the single floor idea saying that it "was much more cost effective." He said that many of the companies he had spoken with agreed that a metal building would be best for the fire station, and that 16-foot walls, in order to accommodate the trucks and equipment, were best for fire companies. He also said that there might be too few positives to the first option and "too many negatives." Nicastro warned however, that if the department couldn’t put students in a facility, the Fire Department might be forced into using full time crews as opposed to volunteers.
Niester also prepared a "zone map" so that the group might best compare multiple alternative locations at once. He then used a spreadsheet to help organize the potential lots and their various ratings with regards to how effective they might be for response time and other issues. He mentioned that a subcommittee might be able to look at multiple lots and be able to make a recommendation regarding lots soon, using this format.
The committee also discussed potential redesigns for the fire station. Niester said that steel building concept "gets the largest square foot area at the smallest cost." He also mentioned the potential for very quick turnaround, saying that the frame of a station might be up within a few months of approval of the town, and then only interior work would need to be done. The committee seemed excited by this prospect, and agreed to form subcommittees to look at various redesign and alternate location options.


Mold growing in New Durham library
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
New Durham — A leaky roof is causing mold to grow throughout the New Durham Library’s ceilings and beams.
Shay Bennett, library assistant, said the roof had been "leaking for a while." The water, Bennett said, came in mostly during heavy rains, such as what the region has been experiencing this week.
Library directory Duane Shaffer said that the town "is really on top of this" and that two roofers have already come by to assess the damage to the roof and will soon be submitting bids. He says that there are many guesses as to why the roof is leaking, but that the one looking "most credible" is a potential problem with flashing in the valley of the roof.
The leak has caused large brown patches of mold to appear throughout the library ceiling, with a heavy concentration in the children’s section. The mold and water have also damaged the main bean that extends between the main library and the children’s section.
Bennett said that the installer of the roof had come by after the leaking started and said the problem was fixed, only to see the roof leak again. She said that when the roof leaks the water "soaks the floor" and that the staff has to put out buckets in some of the worst areas. She was concerned most that the children’s area, in addition to being the most damaged, is also the most used. She also pointed out that children tended to stay longer in the library than the adults as well.


Board approves new playground
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
BARNSTEAD — The Barnstead school board unanimously approved the expenditure of $30,000 for the Barnstead Elementary school playground. The new playground, which will be metallic, will be put in over the summer. The playground will include a picnic table, which was just donated by a local business, as well as a park bench with a plaque remembering former special education paraprofessional and morning crossing guard Linda Jeziorkowski or "Mrs. J." Known as the "smiling crossing guard," Mrs. J died April 18.
The playground committee was actually able to raise more money, in concert with the budgeted monies and a town warrant article, than the cost of the playground. The additional money would be used for mulch and other maintenance, according to Lisa Goodwin of the Playground Committee. The committee, which interviewed five companies in Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine and in New Hampshire, saved nearly $9,000 in choosing the company they did.
The board also unanimously approved a facilities use request by the Locke Lake Colony Association to hold their annual meeting in the gym.
Interim Principal Michael Tocci also reported that enrollment in grades one and six would lead to a reduction in the number of sections offered next year. The current second and seventh grades have three sections, and next year would be reduced to two, because of smaller classes in those particular grades. Tocci added that an increase in enrollment might also lead to a reassessing of the situation.
Tocci also mentioned that the school had been having issues with the fire alarms in recent days. He said that the alarm had gone off twice in a row last week, and a look at the detectors in the area revealed them to be dirty. After cleaning them off, the problem was seemingly fixed…until the fire alarm went off again. Tocci said the problem might well be a bare wire, which wouldn’t trip a single detector, but would set off the system. Tocci said that the system would be silenced in the area with the problem while someone looked at the wiring to determine the problem.
Tocci also mentioned that the staffing at the middle school will be shifting slightly. Sixth graders will now be taught health classes, joining the seventh and eighth grades, and there will be a section of eighth grade algebra. He went on to explain that all eighth graders will be taught algebraic concepts to prepare them for freshmen math courses, in consultation with Prospect Mountain High School, but that some students, through a testing program, would be placed in an algebra class that may end up giving them high school credit. Tocci added that the school will be holding a Memorial Day assembly on May 27 at 8:30 a.m.
District Business Administrator Donna Clairmont informed the board that new tables and benches for the cafeteria would be ordered. While not replacing all of the current equipment at once, the district will be replacing the rest in a rolling cycle.
The board will hold a goal-setting meeting, which may include updating current goals and policies, on May 31, and hold a regular meeting June 14.


Local Author Goes through Heaven and Hell
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
WOLFEBORO — Tuftonboro author, and former teacher, Duke Southard got serious he says, about writing after retiring from teaching at Kingswood Regional High School. He’s published three books, including one set primarily in the Lakes region. But his latest book, frankly, is one he never wanted to write.
"The Week from Heaven and Hell" is a tribute by Southard to his son, Captain Gary Southard, who died thirteen years ago this month. The title refers to the week that brought Capt. Southard, who was 29 at the time, home from service in the Army (he was a West Point graduate), to attend the wedding of his sister (also a West Point graduate). Southard describes those first few days as "a long family reunion."
That Thursday afternoon, however, brought tragedy. Capt. Southard’s heart gave out, and he passed away, only two days before his sister’s wedding. The elder Southard describes his son as being in "great physical condition," making his sudden death all the more tragic.
That Saturday, Duke Southard faced one of the most tragic emotional dichotomies any father would ever, and likely will ever, have to face. He describes by asking "How many people pick out a casket for their son Saturday morning, and walk their daughter down the aisle Saturday Afternoon?"
"The Week from Heaven and Hell" is not merely a tribute to a son lost before his time, however. Southard says he also wrote the book as a tribute to the community of Tuftonboro, which rallied around Southard and his family.
"Tuftonboro was incredible," he says. "I wanted to write this book because it says special things about the community."
He also credits the Melvin Village Community Church with helping his family through the difficult times, saying he "wouldn’t know what to do without them."
Not surprisingly, Southard found the book difficult to write. He says that while working on his other books ("A Favor Returned" and "Agent for Justice") he did do some work on the book that would become "The Week from Heaven and Hell." He added, "writing this book makes you pretty vulnerable. It’s a very personal book." In the aftermath of his son’s death, Southard said that he felt a "numbness" and credited "drawing strength from my daughters and wife" for his getting through the situation.
The book, which uses several different writing styles, some parts are set up almost like a diary, some are more "straight" prose, was published on an "on-demand" basis. Southard explained that because some of those who helped his family through the death of his son are facing medical problems, he "wanted to get the book out" in order to give them their proper due.
While his son did not serve in the Gulf, Southard does say that he has an appreciation for the military, heightened by his children’s experience at West Point.
"(My children) were more compassionate people when they both left West point," he says, adding that "the West Point experience was powerful" for his son. Southard’s daughter graduated in one of the first cadet classes to include women at the service academy.
Still, Southard hopes that by putting this tribute to his son and community on paper, that he will truly be able to thank everyone for helping he and his family through unspeakable tragedy.


Phillip tells it like it is, and like it was (more or less)
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
Wolfeboro — Deane Phillips is a storyteller. Not just figuratively, he really is a storyteller. Groups from around the state and New England have been entertained and enlightened by his stories of his experiences in World War II. He has also done the same for seniors in the area, with a series of stories about growing up in the 30s and 40s. But through his work at the Wright Museum, and on his own as a professional storyteller, Deane Phillips tries to bring the war to a younger generation.
Phillips’ book, "The Saga of Snooty Seven" is the retelling of his experiences (some fictionalized) in the Pacific Theatre. The book itself is organized around a central story, the slow breakdown of the "LST" boat captain who commanded Phillips’ ship. Phillips described how the captain, after getting caught in the surf while landing at Okinawa, began to drink grain alcohol, set his own mattress on fire and later chased the Chief Engineer around the boat with a monkey wrench. This "crack up," as Phillips describes it, eventually led to the captain being relieved of command.
Many of the stories are also taken from a column written by Phillips while a student at Amherst College. His "Letters to June" column brought home what was happening to the students, and eventually gave Phillips the material necessary for a book.
Phillips spoke to more than 20 school groups last year at the Wright Museum and at school functions. Phillips got into storytelling almost by chance.
"I was a lay minister in the Methodist church, he explains, "and one day the minister at our church had a heart attack. I substituted and began telling stories."
Phillips has been a professional storyteller for 10 years, and a part of the Wright museum for four.
One of the interesting aspects of Phillips’ book is the language. While some authors might be tempted to sanitize the language used by soldiers during wartime, Phillips says that he had tried to be as authentic as possible.
"We didn’t say ‘Good gracious, here comes a kamikaze’, that’s not the way we talked."
Perhaps because of this, Phillips says his book is "possibly more adult, but high school students also enjoy the stories as well."
Phillips also admitted to carrying a little more with him after the war than just his stories. Like many other veterans of the Pacific Theatre, he said he brought home with him certain racial ill will at the end of the war. He explains that the commanders believed that it "helps to kill if you think they’re (the Japanese) rotten." Phillips said that an enjoyable encounter with a Japanese visitor many years ago changed he mind, he even offered up a thank you to his former enemy for showing him that he had been in error.
Phillips’ stories, from the humorous stories about shore leave misadventures to stories of the invasions he took part in, have been sold to short story anthologies as well as serving as chapters in his book.
Memorial Day brings special significance to Phillips. One of his first speaking engagements was at a Memorial Day parade in 1946, where he told the story of his friendship with Obed "Obie" Slingerlands, a good friend who was lost in combat, and to whom "The Sage of Snooty Seven" is dedicated.
Copies of the book can be purchased at the Country Book Seller, the Wright Museum and from the author.