So yesterday, I went and joined the gym in town. For most of the day today, not surprisingly, I couldn't move my arms. Hopefully though, I'll use the financial investment to spur me to go as much as I can.
I also had my three month review today with Mary. Everything went really well, and she suggested a bunch of things to work on, so I will. Yup.
Here's the stories for the week:
New Durham Selectmen approve new roof
By Jim Shilander
STAFF WRITER
NEW DURHAM — While the New Durham Selectmen began the process of deciding who would soon join the now two-person board, the July 20 meeting also marked an important day for the New Durham Fire Department.
After receiving a new quote from a Wolfeboro roofing company, Fire Chief John Nicastro asked the board to give their approval to fix the current fire station’s roof. With the current roof not up to code, changes are necessary to avoid potential harm in the winter, Nicastro said. The new quote also covered an additional portion of the roof, which houses the kitchen area and other offices. Nicastro was concerned that if a new "slippery" roof was put on the main building, one should also be put on the additional structure as well.
While the quote went above the original $34,000 warrant article for the repair of the roof, Nicastro said that savings elsewhere in the department would be more than enough to make up the difference, which was less than $4,000. The board, after some debate about whether to include the kitchen structure in the plan, approved the roof for the entire building. Nicastro told the board that repairs would begin in September, according to the roofing company A&B Metals.
Town receives funds
The board accepted more than $10,000 in "assistance funds" related to January weather emergencies. The money, which was given to the town by the New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Management/FEMA was distributed by the board into the highway department, which had incurred much of the financial burden of the event. Of the more than $10,800, nearly 75 percent of the funds would go to the purchase of salt for the upcoming season. Highway Department official Mike Clarke said that with recent increases in salt prices, the money would be put to good use.
Douglas Scruton Scholarship Update
A rather tense exchange between members of the board and a lawyer representing resident Cathy Orlowicz also took place at the meeting. Thomas Bickford, the attorney, said that Orlowicz "had been distraught" over what happened at the previous meeting, when there had been some question to the legalities related to the fundraising for the Douglas S. Scruton Memorial Scholarship (See story, A1). "There was absolutely no intention of wrongdoing," said Bickford. Chairman Ron Gehl said the board "wanted to investigate the ability of the board to accept the funds," only. "I want to make it very clear that we are in full support of Cathy Orlowicz (in her attempts to set up the scholarship)." Selectmen Dwight Jones said that he "had heard from others," about some potential problems, which caused him to seek a legal opinion on the matter. Orlowicz said that she had turned the trust over to the New Durham Police Relief Association.
Rte.11 "junkyard"
An update on legal proceedings with resident Erven Duncan (regarding his alleged junkyard) was provided. Police Chief Shawn Bernier said that Duncan refused his invitation to attend the meeting. Duncan has a large pile-up of objects in his yard. Currently, his lot does not meet the 1,000-foot setback required for a junkyard. Gehl said that the Board may consider an ordinance regulating the issue, if it remains unresolved. Gehl also said that he would be willing to meet with Duncan in early August, to discuss the matter further.
New Candidates
The Board also heard from the four candidates who submitted letters of interest to fill the seat on the Board vacated by the resignation of Dean Stimpson (see story, A2). Gehl said that he hoped to have a new member appointed at the Aug. 10 meeting.
The board made appointments for several site walks related to applications for development in the Copple Crown Village District. The board also acknowledged the contributions of New Durham Police Officer Reginald Meattey to the department, which included a letter from Bernier acknowledging some of Meattey’s important contributions in the past year.
By Adam Drapcho and Jim Shilander
STAFF WRITERS
NEW DURHAM — The Douglas S. Scruton Scholarship may finally have a home after weeks of twists and turns led to a controversy in New Durham. Cathy Orlowicz, who decided in May to work to put the scholarship together, has turned the trust over to the New Durham Police Relief Association, the non-profit arm of the police department.
There had been some controversy surrounding the issue after a newspaper report brought some questions to the minds of some in the community as to whether or not the proper fund-raising channels were being followed.
This came to a head at the July 6 Board of Selectmen meeting, where several attendees were confused about the legality of: whether or not the selectmen could accept the funds, and some questioned the legality of raising money in the name of the town before approval. They also questioned the appropriateness of Orlowicz allowing potential contributions be mailed to her home before the town accepted the scholarship.
The events of the July 6 meeting prompted an investigation into the legality of the issue by Selectman Dwight Jones, who asked Attorney Paul Sanderson, of the New Hampshire Local Government Center, to look into what the selectmen’s role in the process would be.
Orlowicz and her attorney, Thomas Bickford, appeared at the July 20 meeting to defend Orlowicz’s actions and to clear up what they saw as misconceptions.
According to Bickford and Orlowicz, they spoke with Terry Knowles, who is an official at the attorney general’s office and a former colleague of town administrator Bill Herman, about what would be needed to set up the trust before giving it to the town, in May, and then again following the July 6 meeting. Knowles said that their first conversation was essentially to set the ground rules for how to set up the scholarship, "The trustees need something in writing as to how the funds will be distributed," says Knowles. Bickford said that his job "was to draft the trust/scholarship." "My side of the nuts and bolts was to make sure that the language of the scholarship would not cause any problems with the Attorney General’s office."
At the July 20 meeting, Bickford and Orlowicz both expressed their belief that the whole issue had been "a misunderstanding," and Bickford said, "we both have tried to make sure the letter of the law is followed."
Knowles says, "what quite often happens is trustees can accept funds pending the acceptance of the trust by the town," as long as the trustees did nothing with the funds other than collect them. "Its not unusual for a donation to simply come in under the name of the town."
Sanderson’s opinion, which was given to The Baysider by Jones (with Sanderson’s permission), mostly lays out the regulation regarding how the selectmen should find out whether they have the authority to accept the scholarship.
But one section did say "That until the town has accepted the responsibility, the solicitation of funds should not mention the town…if there are checks made out to the Trustees of the Trust Funds, but there is no accepted trust fund at the town, the checks should probably be returned to the donors." Knowles disagreed with Sanderson’s take, however, saying that the funds could be collected "and if it’s [the trust] rejected [by the town] it can be returned to the donors."
Orlowicz and Bickford say that, in order to settle the situation, she has returned all donations which were mailed to her address in the name of the Trustees to the donors. Orlowicz said that she, "explained the situation, and told them I was going to take a different course of action." Orlowicz says that the New Durham Police Relief Association is already a non-profit organization and their mailings have "always been handled in that manner." At the July 20 meeting, Selectman Ron Gehl said that he "strongly encouraged people to contribute," to the scholarship fund.
New Durham Selectmen candidates bring different perspectives
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — After the resignation of Dean Stimpson, the New Durham Board of Selectmen, which must appoint someone to fill the now vacant seat until the election next March, opened the process to the town.
Applicants sent letters of interest to the board stating why they wanted to be the new Selectman, and laying out their qualifications, before the July 18 deadline.
Four candidates appeared at the July 20 board meeting to make their case: Brian Chasse, Linscott "Skip" Fadden, Cathy Orlowicz and Peter Rhoades. The Baysider spoke to each over the last week:
Brian Chasse
Chasse has been a resident of New Durham for four years. He owns his own business. He is also an alternate member of the Planning Board. Last spring, he finished second, behind new chairman, Ron Gehl, for a spot on the BOS. Now, he believes he has a strong case to be appointed.
"I came in a strong second place," says Chasse, who sees his showing in the election as proof that he would be a good fit on the board. At the July 20 meeting, Chasse presented selectmen with a petition signed by more than 100 residents, including Stimpson, the fire chief and the police chief. Chasse says, "(Those who are) on the petition should speak loudly that the people of New Durham want me on the board." Chasse says that he hopes to get more citizens involved if he is appointed. "Citizens don’t get enough information. They are extremely busy. As a town, we need to get more involvement in every board."
Linscott "Skip" Fadden
Fadden has served for five years on the Governor Wentworth Regional School Board, including time on several committees of that board. He is also a member of the Fire Station Committee. Fadden stressed a desire for greater openness at town hall as one of the reasons he applied. "We’ve seen a reluctance to provide materials at Town Hall," says Fadden, whose letter to the board states that he believes "that information that the community is entitled to by law should be easily retrievable, cheerfully rendered and timely provided to the citizen making the request."
Fadden also believes that there should be a return to tradition at meetings. As a former member of the military, Fadden says he believes in "tried and true traditions setting the tone for meetings."
"I would push to increase dignity in town government," says Fadden, who added that he would like to see meetings open with the Pledge of Allegiance. "A meeting that opens with respect has a better chance of ending with it," says Fadden.
Cathy Orlowicz
Orlowicz has served in many positions for the town of New Durham in the last 14 years. Currently, she serves as the town historian associate and as an alternate on the Planning Board. She has also been a member of the Budget Committee, a Cemetery Trustee and a Trustee for the Trust Funds. Orlowicz is also president of the Historical Society, is Chairperson of the Old Home Day Committee, and was race director for the Merrymeeting 5K road race.
"I would like to let people know that I have a lot of knowledge, skill and background, that could be useful to the board," says Orlowicz. "I don’t have an agenda and would like to help with control of the tax rate and the town’s growth." Orlowicz emphasized her oral and written communication skills in her letter and presentation to the board, as well as her willingness to get multiple perspectives within the town as a part of her decisions on issues before the board.
Peter Rhoades
Though a relative newcomer to New Durham politics, Rhoades has lived in New Durham for 15 years. While he has attended past Board meetings, he told the board at the July 20 meeting that he only recently decided to actively seek office, as he was also recently named as a representative to the VNA Board. Rhoades cites his business experience running a Hubbington’s outlet in Barrington, as well as his freshness in the town’s political scene as his best attributes. "A fresh voice could be very positive to New Durham," says Rhoades, "I’ll make unbiased decisions. There’s a lot of feeling in the town that there are decisions made based on who knows whom. The core of the town is changing, but the same people are often involved." While Rhoades readily admits to "not knowing all of "the players" well, he sees this as an asset. "The advantage of not being involved in any clique is that I can focus on the facts in making decisions," says Rhoades.
Dam parties reported rowdy and unsafe
By Jim Shilander
STAFF WRITER
BARNSTEAD —Village Dam Road residents appeared before the Barnstead Board of Selectmen regarding what they see as serious danger.
According to the residents, there are often wild parties going on in the area lasting well into the night, which often include underage drinking, dangerous activities around the dam, and lewd acts being performed.
Several residents said that they often had to pick up beer cases, seen numerous used condoms along area roads and near the dam, and also saw smoldering fires the day after one of these large gatherings, which the residents said were happening more and more in the summer months.
The residents also reported that when they confronted the mostly underage partiers, they had been belligerent toward. One resident, Dottie Sowards, said that she had seen one such partier "stark naked in the road," one night as she returned from work.
The Selectmen agreed to look into the incidents, but, because the area near the dam is a public swimming area, said that they could not limit access entirely.
They agreed to meet with the residents near the site before their next meeting, Aug. 2. Chairman Jack O’Neil went so far as to call the officer on duty to tell him to check in on the area that night, and said that he would inform the department of the problem, and ask that the area be patrolled more frequently until a course of action was decided upon by the selectmen.
The selectmen also approved the expenditure of donated funds for the town’s food pantry. O’Neil, who also oversees the pantry, said that donations had been down this year thus far, but that he hoped that additional donations would help keep the pantry stocked during the holidays.
Town Medical officer Tom Normandin also informed the board that he had been looking into incidents on Parade Road and Tamworth Trail, which might potentially cause a health risk. Normandin said that a Parade Road chicken farm was causing a dispute between neighbors there, and that a septic system on Tamworth Trail had failed, which might potentially cause damage to an area pond. O’Neil said that he had visited the area, and found an obvious odor in the air. The board agreed to draft a letter to the property owner asking him to pump the septic system until it was repaired.
The board also approved an "in-law mobile home" to be placed on the property of Paul Card, contingent on Card putting forth an approved septic design to handle the additional load, and on the removal of the home once Card’s parents no longer need it.
Alton Board makes quick work of July 25 meeting
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
ALTON — The Alton Board of Selectmen made quick work of the July 25 public agenda, going through a dozen issues in just over 45 minutes.
The meeting opened with the board approving the receipt of funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for town expenditures incurred during a January 2005 snowfall. The amount, just over $14,500 would be given to the highway department to reimburse their budget. Town Administrator E. Russell Bailey said he also anticipated receiving more than $4,000 in state funds for the same incident.
False alarms serious
The board also approved revisions to the town’s 70-year-old false alarm ordinance. Under the new rules, security false alarms, answered by police, and false fire alarms would carry different fine structures.
A first incident would not result in fees to the owner of the system. However, fines would be levied for each additional incident. For security false alarms, a second incident would carry a $50 fine, a third, $100, and a fourth, $250. For false fire alarms the second incident would carry a $250 fine, a third $500, and a fourth, $750. The board also adopted rules tying enforcement of these rules to the judicial system.
Board Members Cris Blackstone and Alan Sherwood also cleared up some confusion about recent planning board meetings. Blackstone wanted to remind townspeople that she is Sherwood’s alternate on the planning board, and that they were not both sitting on the board at once. Selectman Pete Shibley also informed the board that activity related to the B&M Railroad Park was proceeding.
Haz waste program progressing
Alan Sherwood also announced that the participation of Alton in a hazardous waste material disposal program was up 60 percent.
Driveway regulations
The board also announced that they would be holding a public hearing at their next meeting regarding proposed new driveway regulations. Several Board members suggested that they anticipated getting a great deal of input on the issue, and that they may well wait to make a decision to consider the input from the meeting. Blackstone urged the board to proceed, "the sooner we can get to this, the more input we can receive (from other boards." Shibley noted, however, that he wanted to see some language in the regulation that would keep landowners from holding the town libel if they construct a long or dangerous driveway and police or fire departments had difficulty responding in an emergency situation. "It needs some really good teeth to it."
Blackstone added that landowners must remember that the "town itself is also the steward of the equipment an those who operate that equipment."
Okays for this and that
In addition, the board authorized the donation of the town’s old rescue vehicle to the Red Cross, as well as granted a Vendors permit to TAP Industries to sell camping and general merchandise near the Pavilion on Aug. 12. The Board also wanted to let people know about the town hall Open House, which will be attended by the various town departments on Aug. 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. Sherwood urged citizens to attend to "learn about town hall, and offer constructive criticism."
The Board also approved a request by the Alton Bay Christian Conference Center to allow parking on the publicly owned land between their sign and the Clam Shell, and also, in case of overflow, in the town parking lot, overnights between Aug. 3 and 8. The Conference Center will be hosting attendees of a Gunstock music festival, and the parking would be allowed between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m. The board stipulated, however that only after the unpaved area was full would people be allowed in the paved area, and that no over night camping or campers should be set up on the town’s property. The board also scheduled a public hearing on the subject of Kent Locke Circle for their next meeting, Aug. 8.
Turner names new daylily for wife
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — New Durham horticulturalist Les Turner has been hybridizing daylilies for years, and now does so for profit at his business on Old Rte. 11, Merrymeeting Daylilies, in New Durham. But some of his newer creations are special, not just because of the beauty of the flowers, but the significance of their names.
Les Turner’s newest creation is "Merrymeeting Mom," a pink and white blend named for his wife, Nathalie. The flower also features gold edging, and a ring around its center called a "halo."
Nathalie, who has worked as an art teacher in various schools since 1959, including in Farmington for 16 years, loves the new flower. "They’re just so beautiful," she says, "even more beautiful than orchids."
Nathalie also says that her teaching played an incredibly important part of her life, especially the area’s children. "They’re such great kids," said Turner.
Les’ hybrids have often included names of other members of his family: Merrymeeting Cathy (for the Turners’ eldest daughter) and Merrymeeting Kara (which Les says is named for two of the couple’s older grandchildren) will be joined soon by Merrymeeting Sophie, which will be a blend of white and pink, according to Turner, who named it after the couple’s newest granddaughter.
Les’ hybridization program includes working in two different states. While in Florida, for the winter, he plants the seeds for the flowers, which take two years to grow, and then transports them to New Hampshire. Les says he also uses his time in Florida to meet with hybridization specialists and perform other duties.
Les Turner will be offering a free daylily for any three-time visitor to his gardens on Old Rte. 11.
Turner also says he will be initiating a donation program for non-profit organizations. Turner says that if a member of an organization wishes to purchase a daylily, he will donate money to their organization.
Mirror Lake faces the future on water quality
By Jim Shilander
STAFF WRITER
MIRROR LAKE — While many of their members were still without power from the severe storms the night before, the July 23 morning meeting of the Mirror Lake Protective Association still dealt with the issues facing the lake, and those who own property around it.
The gathering was welcomed by President Bob Nussbaum, and then discussed how members of the community could help monitor conditions in the lake.
Resident Al McKersie, who had been one of the primary testers of the water, explained how he and other volunteers had gone about testing the lake for such things as clarity and alkalinity.
McKersie also relayed that a report based on the test results had been prepared at UNH (for the testing in 2004) indicated that while there was "high water transparency," a "low algae count," and a "low phosphorous count," Mirror Lake was considered "transitional" – slowly moving from pristine to eutrophic.
Dusty Davies also updated association members on the current status of the property near Libby Park. With the town of Wolfeboro petitioning in court to be withdrawn as a trustee, the beneficiaries of the Libby parcel (including those who bought the property from the original beneficiaries) now must decide what to do with the land, especially since the town of Tuftonboro has begun to levy taxes on it. The beneficiaries were to meet after the meeting to decide on what action to take.
What would Winni speed mean for Mirror Lake
Jared Teupsch, the Environmental Policy Director, addressed his concern, as did several members of the crowd, that a speed limit on Lake Winnipesaukee might well push power boaters to neighboring, non-limited lakes, which might include Mirror Lake.
He also said that several New Hampshire lakes had had exotic plant species found on propellers, and that those on Mirror Lake also needed to be watchful. Teupsch also said that potential runoff from the Wolfeboro water treatment plant was "not an issue" to worry about, according to DES. He also suggested that, in order to prevent future leeching of septic systems into the lake, homes near the lake could form a "water district," where they would hook into a sewer system, as opposed to having separate septic systems. Teupsch also explained some of the various rules involving boat ramps, especially those built before current regulations were put in.
Tuftonboro Selectman Bill Stockman also attended the meeting, and informed the association of some recent run-in’s between the town and the DES, including questions about construction on 19 Mile Bay, as well as answering questions regarding the status of the Libby Trust.
Also discussed…
Association members pointed out that young children might be swimming in the water too close to boat launches at one of the lake’s two ramps. There was also concern about cars and trucks driving in the shallow boat launch area.
The association also voted to increase its annual dues, from $15 to $25 for a yearly membership, and from $25 to $50 for sustaining members. The need, Davies said, came from concerns about the association needing to be proactive in case of future legal questions or milfoil infestation
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Monday, July 25, 2005
Trying...
There are certain days, where frankly, its hard to do anything. Today was one of those days. I just had a very difficult time getting started on stories today, though I eventually was able to get something done. The weird thing is, a year ago, this kind of day might have been a week. At OCC, unless I had a specific task that needed doing, chances are I was just sort of zoned out. And unless I had class, I really had no reason to snap out of it. And in college, even if you're zoned out, there's classes you can still attend, and hell, maybe still learn something in, if you are even kind of paying attention. Now I do need to snap out of these funky feelings, as I get paid to write these articles. Eventually, the feeling left me today, but I guess it's part of growing up to get these sorts of days to a minimum.
Its also funny how doing some things skews your views. Today, I attended an Alton Board of Selectmen meeting. Now, because Adam usually covers these meetings, and because Alton is a bigger town, I have had less experience with this board then the others. But somehow, they managed to finish their meeting tonight, which had a fairly extensive agenda, in about 45 minutes. So I got a very nice break, in terms of having more of an evening than I expected.
I want to say something about the return of the NHL. Because of my upbringing, because my grandfather was a union man, I tend to side with the player's in labor disputes. But they got crushed in this deal. Now, this may turn out to be better for the game in the long run, though. Sidney Crosby is coming into the game, perhaps to save hockey in Pittsburgh. And now, the owners don't have the excuse that they'll be poor. This also might just guarantee that the smaller Canadian teams, Edmonton, Ottawa and Calgary, stay in Canada. It will take a while for hockey to get back to where it was, but frankly, this whole idea of it being irrelevant is more a product of conventional wisdom than fact. If hockey were being played, it would be a factor in people's minds, because it wasn't hockey was mocked. It'll be important again, and now, with NBC getting both the Olympics and the league, there will be lots of great stories to catch the imagination of people.
Its also funny how doing some things skews your views. Today, I attended an Alton Board of Selectmen meeting. Now, because Adam usually covers these meetings, and because Alton is a bigger town, I have had less experience with this board then the others. But somehow, they managed to finish their meeting tonight, which had a fairly extensive agenda, in about 45 minutes. So I got a very nice break, in terms of having more of an evening than I expected.
I want to say something about the return of the NHL. Because of my upbringing, because my grandfather was a union man, I tend to side with the player's in labor disputes. But they got crushed in this deal. Now, this may turn out to be better for the game in the long run, though. Sidney Crosby is coming into the game, perhaps to save hockey in Pittsburgh. And now, the owners don't have the excuse that they'll be poor. This also might just guarantee that the smaller Canadian teams, Edmonton, Ottawa and Calgary, stay in Canada. It will take a while for hockey to get back to where it was, but frankly, this whole idea of it being irrelevant is more a product of conventional wisdom than fact. If hockey were being played, it would be a factor in people's minds, because it wasn't hockey was mocked. It'll be important again, and now, with NBC getting both the Olympics and the league, there will be lots of great stories to catch the imagination of people.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Miracle of Evolution
As a part of my Amazon bounty that I received for my birthday, I received the 30th Anniversary edition of a little film called JAWS. Now, the first time I saw the movie, I couldn't;t have been more than 5 or 6. We bought the movie from a local electronic store that was going out of business and was selling all of their Betamax tapes. Now, as a young child, I really didn't understand a lot of the things that were going on (something I'm sure my parents were counting on when they let me watch the movie). Now, viewing it, with my wealth of experience (cough), I feel better in understanding a bit more about the film.
There are probably a lot of people who might consider Jaws to be fluff, mainly because of the number of sequels and the way the movie has been parodied. I don't. Everytime I see it, I feel like I'm uncovering another layer, or that I have some new thought about what the actions of certain characters. Is also amazing when you realize that so much of what makes the movie great is the fact that the people who designed the shark were idiots and didn't think that they'd be putting it in salt water.
The first thing that changed when I see it as an adult (cough) is the opening title scene. There's not as much as there seemed to be, but the John Williams music still makes things terrifying. Then, of course, when you now understand just Chrissie Watkins and Tom Cassidy are running out to do, or would end up doing, is he didn't pass out, and she didn't, you know, die.
Now that I'm in New England, I understand a bit more about some of Amity's issues. First, since I'm in a summer town, and see how important "summer dollars" are, Mayor Vaughn is a lot more believable. In a lot of ways, Amity and Wolfeboro are exactly alike. Except one is an island, in the ocean, in Massachusetts and has several people killed by a shark. The character that I really hate now is Ben Meadows. He's the editor of the newspaper in the town. One of the things that Mary has emphasized to us is that while we cover the towns we cover, we aren't there to necessarily make friends either. We cover it as news in the stories we cover. We aren't the town's PR agency. In Amity, that's what the paper is. Ben Meadows is essentially the mayor's flunky. He argues with Brody, trying to tell him that a shark couldn't have killed Chrissy, that no such shark had ever been in those waters. Worst of all, in a town of Amity's size, he says that he is going to bury the story about Alex Kitner being eaten by a shark in front of dozens of onlookers which caused a panic on the beach, in the back pages of the paper.
Popular culture history tells us that the first time we see the shark is when Brody is chumming. This isn't true. When the shark goes into the estuary, it attacks the scoutmaster, and the attack puts the Brody's son into shock. When the scoutmaster's rowboat overturns, we see the shark going for his leg, then we see blood, then we see the leg falling to the ground (though my guess is that it's the other leg, that the shark wasn't going for. By the way, the forgotten heroine of the film is the hippie-chick artist who's painting on the other side of the estuary. After the fake shark attack perpetrated by the two teenage boys, all of the shark spotters are busy. She's the one who prevents Michael Brody and his friends from being lunch, by warning everyone where the shark is.
Obviously, of all of the human characters, Quint is the most fascinating (maybe because Robert Shaw was blitzed out of his gourd for most of the shoot). Everyone remembers the nails on the chalkboard, the first time we see him. When we hear that first monologue, we know this is a force of nature. After the estuary attack, you can watch Brody and Hooper basically shrink in his presence. You see that tension between Hooper and Quint, the fisherman and the intellectual, between experience and intelligence.
I've come to believe that what Quint is is essentially a man suffering from survivor's remorse. Everything that he went through, all the friends he saw taken when the Indianapolis went down, and he said he was most frightened when he was waiting for the plane to pick him up. He makes a point of saying that the Indianapolis never made a distress call, then he destroys the radio later on, before Brody can make such a call. If he's not trying to prove his own manhood, I don't know what he's doing.
The performance I enjoy most, though, is Richard Dreyfuss. Roy Scheider is a great everyman. But I find Matt Hooper to be incredibly entertaining and fun. Especially the "I think that you are going to ignore this particular problem, until it swims up behind you and bites you in the ass," scene. For obvious reasons.
This endeth the lesson.
Oh, one more thing, Jude Law, nice work. Very nicely done with the whole pissing off Siena Miller thing
There are probably a lot of people who might consider Jaws to be fluff, mainly because of the number of sequels and the way the movie has been parodied. I don't. Everytime I see it, I feel like I'm uncovering another layer, or that I have some new thought about what the actions of certain characters. Is also amazing when you realize that so much of what makes the movie great is the fact that the people who designed the shark were idiots and didn't think that they'd be putting it in salt water.
The first thing that changed when I see it as an adult (cough) is the opening title scene. There's not as much as there seemed to be, but the John Williams music still makes things terrifying. Then, of course, when you now understand just Chrissie Watkins and Tom Cassidy are running out to do, or would end up doing, is he didn't pass out, and she didn't, you know, die.
Now that I'm in New England, I understand a bit more about some of Amity's issues. First, since I'm in a summer town, and see how important "summer dollars" are, Mayor Vaughn is a lot more believable. In a lot of ways, Amity and Wolfeboro are exactly alike. Except one is an island, in the ocean, in Massachusetts and has several people killed by a shark. The character that I really hate now is Ben Meadows. He's the editor of the newspaper in the town. One of the things that Mary has emphasized to us is that while we cover the towns we cover, we aren't there to necessarily make friends either. We cover it as news in the stories we cover. We aren't the town's PR agency. In Amity, that's what the paper is. Ben Meadows is essentially the mayor's flunky. He argues with Brody, trying to tell him that a shark couldn't have killed Chrissy, that no such shark had ever been in those waters. Worst of all, in a town of Amity's size, he says that he is going to bury the story about Alex Kitner being eaten by a shark in front of dozens of onlookers which caused a panic on the beach, in the back pages of the paper.
Popular culture history tells us that the first time we see the shark is when Brody is chumming. This isn't true. When the shark goes into the estuary, it attacks the scoutmaster, and the attack puts the Brody's son into shock. When the scoutmaster's rowboat overturns, we see the shark going for his leg, then we see blood, then we see the leg falling to the ground (though my guess is that it's the other leg, that the shark wasn't going for. By the way, the forgotten heroine of the film is the hippie-chick artist who's painting on the other side of the estuary. After the fake shark attack perpetrated by the two teenage boys, all of the shark spotters are busy. She's the one who prevents Michael Brody and his friends from being lunch, by warning everyone where the shark is.
Obviously, of all of the human characters, Quint is the most fascinating (maybe because Robert Shaw was blitzed out of his gourd for most of the shoot). Everyone remembers the nails on the chalkboard, the first time we see him. When we hear that first monologue, we know this is a force of nature. After the estuary attack, you can watch Brody and Hooper basically shrink in his presence. You see that tension between Hooper and Quint, the fisherman and the intellectual, between experience and intelligence.
I've come to believe that what Quint is is essentially a man suffering from survivor's remorse. Everything that he went through, all the friends he saw taken when the Indianapolis went down, and he said he was most frightened when he was waiting for the plane to pick him up. He makes a point of saying that the Indianapolis never made a distress call, then he destroys the radio later on, before Brody can make such a call. If he's not trying to prove his own manhood, I don't know what he's doing.
The performance I enjoy most, though, is Richard Dreyfuss. Roy Scheider is a great everyman. But I find Matt Hooper to be incredibly entertaining and fun. Especially the "I think that you are going to ignore this particular problem, until it swims up behind you and bites you in the ass," scene. For obvious reasons.
This endeth the lesson.
Oh, one more thing, Jude Law, nice work. Very nicely done with the whole pissing off Siena Miller thing
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Story time- again
This is what happens when I don't post them on time, but here you go, this week's efforts:
Worst-selling author talks about his book, miserable sales
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
Dr. Daniel Kamen of Buffalo Grove, Ill. has what some might consider an unusual job. He also has what some might consider a pretty unenviable title.
Kamen is the author of four books. Three, (‘The Well Adjusted Horse," "The Well Adjusted Dog," and "The Well Adjusted Cat") are essentially his guides as a practicing animal chiropractor. The fourth, and the one that earned him his rather unenviable title, is called "Sam Donaldson’s Toupee…and other Material Off the Top of My Head." Kamen’s book, which is essentially 340 pages of the Doctor’s thoughts on various subjects and experiences, is the worst selling book in the history of Amazon.com.
Kamen says that his book has sold, one, just one copy on the Internet bookstore. "One day I received a check for $6.30 from Amazon for the sale off the book, but at least I sold one book to qualify." Kamen says that he has sold several of the books while at seminars he conducts on horse chiropractics, but that much of the first printing of the book (250 copies) were given away to friends or sent to members of the media. "I’ve sent books to all the networks including ABC (Donaldson’s former employer), The Late Show with David Letterman, Jay Leno, Imus in the Morning, Howard Stern, just anybody, trying to get some publicity. It’s just a miserable seller right now."
Kamen also said he sent copies to Donaldson (who currently hosts a show on ABC Radio) as well, hoping to get a reaction, any reaction, that might generate some publicity for the book. "I kind of hoped he would sue me," says Kamen.
The title of the book comes from what Kamen sees as an interesting question about Donaldson. "It struck me that a guy with that fame and resources could look like that? Its just such an obvious toupee, why would he hold himself up to ridicule like that?" The Donaldson chapters though, are only a small part of the book, which consists of more than 100 chapters of Kamen simply writing about whatever he wanted to write about, regardless of time or where he was, "Its really just a bunch of random things that happen," says the author.
In addition to sending the book out to media members, Kamen has also tried to find other ways to generate publicity for his tome. His web site is running a "Worst Toupee in the USA Contest." But, Kamen says, some of the rules of the contest are perhaps limiting the number of entries. "It has to be a photo of your own toupee," Kamen says, "and the money (the $2,000 first prize) will go to the person with the toupee." Second prize in the contest is a rug shampooer "a pretty good one," according to Kamen. Third place winners will receive "Mr. Potato Head" dolls. Currently, there are no entrants. "I had one guy who submitted (a photo) and then told me to forget it."
According to Kamen, much of the book was written while traveling to and from the seminars he attends (about 40 to 45 per year). He describes the book as something he had wanted to work on. "Everyone else would like to write a book about the things that have happened to them. I wrote it, really, just the way I thought." He does say, that despite the books poor sales, "I do take pride in it. When people try to overwrite, they’ll lose me immediately. It’s like looking at a very busy oil painting and not knowing what’s going on. I just want to see a picture."
Kamen does say that his kids "are kind of embarrassed by the book," which might be the result of some of the more colorful chapters that might detail Kamen’s bathroom habits or encounters with some "unique" individuals.
Past books have also gotten Kamen into weird situations. His book on cats, which he says has not sold as well as his other to chiropractic books, accidentally featured his home phone number, as a result of a mistake by his Brookline, Mass. publisher. "A woman called me with her cat in her lap, and I heard this blood curdling scream of the cat (as the woman tried to adjust its back), it sounded like she was trying to kill her cat.
Kamen didn’t initially study to be an animal chiropractor, certainly not write books that might cause harm, in the wrong hands, to the domesticated feline.
He became a licensed chiropractor, for humans, in June of 1981. He opened his own practice in September of that year. However, a call he received the next month, from one of his first clients changed his career path. "A human patient of mine wanted me to adjust a thoroughbred race horse she had at Arlington Park Raceway (a racetrack outside of Chicago)." After adjusting the equine, Kamen had a new career.
Tent and teepee raised on Route 28 lead to Locke Farm
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
BARNSTEAD — If you’ve traveled through Barnstead recently, along Rte. 28, you probably have noticed the tent and teepee set up along the road. Many have wondered exactly what these are there for. The answer is surprisingly simple.
Terry Locke and her husband Nathan own Locke farm, which sits on North Barnstead Rd. The Lockes set up the tents as a farm stand along Rte. 28, Terry Locke says, "because it’s incredible how many people don’t know we’re here." The farm, which was purchased by the Locke family in 1921, is in the midst of its 85th growing season this year. The stand is there to help sell the early fruits of this year’s crops, including flowers, tomatoes, summer squash, peas, broccoli, cucumber and peppers, according to Locke, "We’ve been farming for five months already."
Locke says that the intersection of North Barnstead and Rte. 28 is "very dangerous," and because of that, few people realize that the farm is operating, and selling its goods. "We’re exceeding our goal (for sales) just by being down there," Locke says of the stand, which features a teepee and a large tent. "Two of my regular customers are stopping by (per day) to ask, ‘What are you doing?’ but we’re getting eight to ten new customers a day (at the farm.)"
The structures are there for both decorative and practical purposes, according to Locke. The purpose of the tent, she says, "was to cool off the area for the seller," and the teepee structure was placed there for the same purpose, as well as to attract attention to the farm. Locke says that often, while planting or working, she and other members of her family will find farming tools and other implements, which she has had verified as being used by Native Americans. Thus, she planned to use a "Native American theme" to the farm.
While she understands that the display might be a little different from other stands along Rte. 28, Locke says, "People should pay attention to the road, not the stand. The whole idea was for a non-taxable structure (along the road), because it is non-permanent."
Locke also points out that the structure uses no electricity, and in fact uses no nails at all. Putting up the tent and teepee required neither, she said, "I had the trees, and I had the material." She hopes to replace them with a simple sign pointing to Locke Farm, once more people are familiar with the location.
The farm itself is a hub of activity, with a diverse selection of food and flowers being grown.
"We grow things big here," says Locke, "Last year, we had a watermelon which weighed 25 pounds." Several different means of growth are used by the Lockes, including natural stakings and hydroponics, along with close control over the feed the plants receive.
The Locke’s are also trying to find other ways to raise their funds. While digging through a chest, Terry Locke discovered a violin, which she believes to be an original Strativarius. She has had discussions with auction houses and other outlets, and is also looking to authenticate the violin.
For the last few years, Locke has also been growing a flag-like area she calls "Stars and Stripes," composed of a variety of items. "I tried it with flowers, but I never could get enough," says Locke. This year, she is attempting the feat with various lettuces, along with kale, collards, and other greens.
While Locke did say she received a complaint from a member of the Lakota tribe about the Native American figure and teepee she had displayed, she says she is trying to do what she can to save the farm.
No complaints about the structure had been made to Town Hall, according to Selectman Gordon Preston (who also lives on North Barnstead Rd.) and town office personnel.
Recess just got better- Barnstead Elementary has new playground
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
BARNSTEAD — Parents, teachers, students and community volunteers all joined together July 15 and 16 at Barnstead Elementary School for a common goal, to build a new playground at the school.
Parent Lisa Goodwin, who chaired the Playground Committee of the PTA, and helped coordinate the volunteer activities, described the old playground as "old, tired and worn." The PTA had looked at various options to replace the 19-year-old playground and settled on a model featuring mostly steel and plastic offered by Dr. Play of Salem.
While the old playground had been cleared (with the exceptions of a swing set, basketball hoop, jungle gym and slide) prior to the arrival of the new equipment, it took more than one day to totally put together the new playground.
Volunteers spent last Friday unwrapping and doing "pre-assembly work" and prepared for a long day the next day. Speaking on July 15, Goodwin said that volunteers would be at the school the next day "From eight o’clock until whenever we finish.
The group, however, was finished and enjoying lunch by 1 p.m Sunday, hot sun and all.
The assembly of all of the pieces took far less time than she, and many other volunteers, had anticipated.
The playground features new variations on some classic playground staples, such as a slide, which allows three students to ride at once. Modern equipment includes climbing wall stations, at all heights, throughout the playground.
Russ Packard of Dr. Play, who supervised the assembly, said that the Barnstead volunteers were "the best crew we’ve ever had." He also said that the new structure would "last decades," because of its materials. The only thing students had to wait for now, Dr. Play’s Packard said, was for the concrete to dry. (Concrete holds much of the structures in place)
While Goodwin and her volunteers sipped lemonade and gathered for a group picture as they neared the finishing touches on the playground, children ran around the new structures. Goodwin’s goal to replace the old playground with this new one certainly seemed to be realized in the faces of the children. "Everything is brand new," she said.
Area schools get both good and bad news in new funding bill.
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
The recently passed changes to state education funding delivered both good and bad news throughout the area.
Donna Clairmont, the Business Manager of SAU 51, which contains schools in Barnstead and Pittsfield, says that Barnstead managed to both gain and lose from the new bill. While the district had initially feared losing as much as $600,000 in funding, Clairmont says that next year, the district will have an increase in funding of around $200,000. However, this is less than what the increase would have been under the previous system, which the school board used in figuring the budget for the next year.
The district would have received $2,487,337 under the old law; the new law will provide the district $2,298,450, according to Clairmont. "It’s a mistake to say we’ll be receiving more, compared to last year – they are, but less than anticipated. (The district has) suffered a loss." She said this would become a burden on the Barnstead taxpayer.
Other area town received better news. Alton will no longer be a donor town after this year, says Russell Bailey, the Town Administrator. "Alton will send money (to the state) in the fall, but the following year would lose donor status."
Jack Robertson, of the Governor Wentworth Regional School District, said the district "as a whole, does better than under the old plan." Robertson indicated the positive impact would come to $1,961,205. One of the great positives for the district, said Robertson, was that both Wolfeboro and Tuftonboro would be losing their status as donor towns. Of the towns in the district, said Roberton, only two, Brookfield and New Durham, lose funding.
New Durham Town Administrator William Herman says, "There is nothing the town can do," about the decrease in funds, which come to $84,274, according to Robertson, "It’s a school district issue." "The SAU budget is the driver, they’ll just need to shift the budget," says Herman, who says that under the old plan, New Durham’s funding would have increased.
While there are efforts in the state, especially among southern tier cities like Londonderry, to fight the new rules in court, it is unclear at this time whether any of the districts in the area would be joining those towns in the legal battle. Certainly none of the districts benefiting from the new rules will be doing so, and it might be difficult for some of the smaller districts that might be losing money to afford the cost of any additional legal fight.
State Special Ed team gives BES a thumbs up
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
BARNSTEAD — A state team looking at Barnstead’s special education efforts gave the School Board very positive feedback. While Interim Principal Michael Tocci was unable to deliver the report, Anna Williams, director of pupil services, said that the team was pleased overall. She said, however, that there were additional efforts that could be made to aid students. The primary concern of the team was giving pre-kindergarten special education students more opportunity to interact with their peers.
Top of the lot for kindergarten
Williams also told the board that a finalist for the vacant kindergarten teaching position is going to be interviewed by Superintendent Owen Conway shortly. Williams said that she had "never seen so many applications to this district" – 60 were received for this kindergarten spot.
Another position, middle school, language arts, had also received much more response than had typically been found in the past.
Asbestos in the wing
Business manager Donna Clairmont said that while asbestos had been discovered in one of the school wings, an asbestos abatement would be required to fix the problem.
She said that the Space Needs Committee should first look at their goals, and perhaps add asbestos removal to the list, before any abatement.
AC and other equipment
The board authorized $4,800 for a portable air conditioner to meet the special environmental needs of a student currently attending summer school. The board also accepted a bid for additional kitchen equipment, including a new freezer, refrigerator, range and icemaker. The cost of the new equipment, including installation and other costs, still came under the $25,000 warrant article by more than $1,000.
The building’s engineer was authorized to deal directly with the company that recently worked on the school’s boiler, to see what costs might be incurred with the installation of new heating equipment in the C-wing of the school. The boiler was classified by the engineer as "old, undersized, or simply not working." In authorizing this, the board hoped to have potential work on the system be done before the start of "the heating season."
In other news
Williams said that the school would be relocating the alternative program to the video lab, as well as announcing that new staff orientation would be held in August.
She also delivered good financial news, saying that several students were being brought back to the district from out of district placement, or from foster care liabilities. This leaves the district with only three out of district placements, as well as two students attending alternative schools outside the district.
The board approved new language allowing certain support staff to receive dental insurance, as well as a wider range of choices of health plans, and they approved language encouraging students to get daily physical activity.
The board’s next meeting will be taking place Aug. 19. Among the topics will be board goals, information on state standards as well as potential approval of the contracts for new teachers.
Local talent fuels Rochester Opera House’s opening
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
New Durham and Wakefield provide much of the talent in the opening play of the Rochester Opera House’s summer season.
"The Foreigner," by Larry Shue, is directed by New Durham resident Cathy Allyn, stars David Durham, also of New Durham, and Tounger Robbins of Wakefield. Anthony Ejarque, the producer of the play also has area ties, according to Allyn. "He owns a cabin on Merrymeeting Lake. He also got his start at Dot’s Lunch, where the new Johnson’s restaurant is."
Allyn describes the play as "a comedy with something to say about prejudice." The action of the play involves a man staying at a resort who must assume the identity of a foreigner in order to continue his stay. He must invent customs and other affectations in order to keep the ruse up along the way.
Durham has been a true veteran of stages throughout the area, including the Merry Meeting Merrymakers, the Hackmatack Playhouse and the Mill Pond theatre. He also performs in Murder Mysteries at the Governor’s Inn. Robbins, however, is a young actor with big dreams.
Since getting his start as "Rocky" in a seventh grade production of "Damn Yankees" in Wakefield, Robbins has spent much of his time acting, participating in summer theatre productions throughout New England. While he is just about to enter his senior year of high school at Spaulding High in Rochester, Robbins hopes to continue acting on much bigger stages.
"After I graduate next year, I’ll be moving to Los Angeles (to make it as an actor)." He describes his part in "The Foreigner," Ellard Simms, one of younger characters in the play, as "quite the character. A little slow, but he’s fun. A good kid."
The play opens July 20 and runs until July 30. Shows are Wednesdays through Saturdays. The Wednesday show begins at 7 p.m., all other nights begin at 8.pm. Allyn says that she considers the Opera House to be "the least expensive of all summer theatre in the area," adding that newly installed air conditioning makes the experience much more pleasurable.
Worst-selling author talks about his book, miserable sales
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
Dr. Daniel Kamen of Buffalo Grove, Ill. has what some might consider an unusual job. He also has what some might consider a pretty unenviable title.
Kamen is the author of four books. Three, (‘The Well Adjusted Horse," "The Well Adjusted Dog," and "The Well Adjusted Cat") are essentially his guides as a practicing animal chiropractor. The fourth, and the one that earned him his rather unenviable title, is called "Sam Donaldson’s Toupee…and other Material Off the Top of My Head." Kamen’s book, which is essentially 340 pages of the Doctor’s thoughts on various subjects and experiences, is the worst selling book in the history of Amazon.com.
Kamen says that his book has sold, one, just one copy on the Internet bookstore. "One day I received a check for $6.30 from Amazon for the sale off the book, but at least I sold one book to qualify." Kamen says that he has sold several of the books while at seminars he conducts on horse chiropractics, but that much of the first printing of the book (250 copies) were given away to friends or sent to members of the media. "I’ve sent books to all the networks including ABC (Donaldson’s former employer), The Late Show with David Letterman, Jay Leno, Imus in the Morning, Howard Stern, just anybody, trying to get some publicity. It’s just a miserable seller right now."
Kamen also said he sent copies to Donaldson (who currently hosts a show on ABC Radio) as well, hoping to get a reaction, any reaction, that might generate some publicity for the book. "I kind of hoped he would sue me," says Kamen.
The title of the book comes from what Kamen sees as an interesting question about Donaldson. "It struck me that a guy with that fame and resources could look like that? Its just such an obvious toupee, why would he hold himself up to ridicule like that?" The Donaldson chapters though, are only a small part of the book, which consists of more than 100 chapters of Kamen simply writing about whatever he wanted to write about, regardless of time or where he was, "Its really just a bunch of random things that happen," says the author.
In addition to sending the book out to media members, Kamen has also tried to find other ways to generate publicity for his tome. His web site is running a "Worst Toupee in the USA Contest." But, Kamen says, some of the rules of the contest are perhaps limiting the number of entries. "It has to be a photo of your own toupee," Kamen says, "and the money (the $2,000 first prize) will go to the person with the toupee." Second prize in the contest is a rug shampooer "a pretty good one," according to Kamen. Third place winners will receive "Mr. Potato Head" dolls. Currently, there are no entrants. "I had one guy who submitted (a photo) and then told me to forget it."
According to Kamen, much of the book was written while traveling to and from the seminars he attends (about 40 to 45 per year). He describes the book as something he had wanted to work on. "Everyone else would like to write a book about the things that have happened to them. I wrote it, really, just the way I thought." He does say, that despite the books poor sales, "I do take pride in it. When people try to overwrite, they’ll lose me immediately. It’s like looking at a very busy oil painting and not knowing what’s going on. I just want to see a picture."
Kamen does say that his kids "are kind of embarrassed by the book," which might be the result of some of the more colorful chapters that might detail Kamen’s bathroom habits or encounters with some "unique" individuals.
Past books have also gotten Kamen into weird situations. His book on cats, which he says has not sold as well as his other to chiropractic books, accidentally featured his home phone number, as a result of a mistake by his Brookline, Mass. publisher. "A woman called me with her cat in her lap, and I heard this blood curdling scream of the cat (as the woman tried to adjust its back), it sounded like she was trying to kill her cat.
Kamen didn’t initially study to be an animal chiropractor, certainly not write books that might cause harm, in the wrong hands, to the domesticated feline.
He became a licensed chiropractor, for humans, in June of 1981. He opened his own practice in September of that year. However, a call he received the next month, from one of his first clients changed his career path. "A human patient of mine wanted me to adjust a thoroughbred race horse she had at Arlington Park Raceway (a racetrack outside of Chicago)." After adjusting the equine, Kamen had a new career.
Tent and teepee raised on Route 28 lead to Locke Farm
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
BARNSTEAD — If you’ve traveled through Barnstead recently, along Rte. 28, you probably have noticed the tent and teepee set up along the road. Many have wondered exactly what these are there for. The answer is surprisingly simple.
Terry Locke and her husband Nathan own Locke farm, which sits on North Barnstead Rd. The Lockes set up the tents as a farm stand along Rte. 28, Terry Locke says, "because it’s incredible how many people don’t know we’re here." The farm, which was purchased by the Locke family in 1921, is in the midst of its 85th growing season this year. The stand is there to help sell the early fruits of this year’s crops, including flowers, tomatoes, summer squash, peas, broccoli, cucumber and peppers, according to Locke, "We’ve been farming for five months already."
Locke says that the intersection of North Barnstead and Rte. 28 is "very dangerous," and because of that, few people realize that the farm is operating, and selling its goods. "We’re exceeding our goal (for sales) just by being down there," Locke says of the stand, which features a teepee and a large tent. "Two of my regular customers are stopping by (per day) to ask, ‘What are you doing?’ but we’re getting eight to ten new customers a day (at the farm.)"
The structures are there for both decorative and practical purposes, according to Locke. The purpose of the tent, she says, "was to cool off the area for the seller," and the teepee structure was placed there for the same purpose, as well as to attract attention to the farm. Locke says that often, while planting or working, she and other members of her family will find farming tools and other implements, which she has had verified as being used by Native Americans. Thus, she planned to use a "Native American theme" to the farm.
While she understands that the display might be a little different from other stands along Rte. 28, Locke says, "People should pay attention to the road, not the stand. The whole idea was for a non-taxable structure (along the road), because it is non-permanent."
Locke also points out that the structure uses no electricity, and in fact uses no nails at all. Putting up the tent and teepee required neither, she said, "I had the trees, and I had the material." She hopes to replace them with a simple sign pointing to Locke Farm, once more people are familiar with the location.
The farm itself is a hub of activity, with a diverse selection of food and flowers being grown.
"We grow things big here," says Locke, "Last year, we had a watermelon which weighed 25 pounds." Several different means of growth are used by the Lockes, including natural stakings and hydroponics, along with close control over the feed the plants receive.
The Locke’s are also trying to find other ways to raise their funds. While digging through a chest, Terry Locke discovered a violin, which she believes to be an original Strativarius. She has had discussions with auction houses and other outlets, and is also looking to authenticate the violin.
For the last few years, Locke has also been growing a flag-like area she calls "Stars and Stripes," composed of a variety of items. "I tried it with flowers, but I never could get enough," says Locke. This year, she is attempting the feat with various lettuces, along with kale, collards, and other greens.
While Locke did say she received a complaint from a member of the Lakota tribe about the Native American figure and teepee she had displayed, she says she is trying to do what she can to save the farm.
No complaints about the structure had been made to Town Hall, according to Selectman Gordon Preston (who also lives on North Barnstead Rd.) and town office personnel.
Recess just got better- Barnstead Elementary has new playground
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
BARNSTEAD — Parents, teachers, students and community volunteers all joined together July 15 and 16 at Barnstead Elementary School for a common goal, to build a new playground at the school.
Parent Lisa Goodwin, who chaired the Playground Committee of the PTA, and helped coordinate the volunteer activities, described the old playground as "old, tired and worn." The PTA had looked at various options to replace the 19-year-old playground and settled on a model featuring mostly steel and plastic offered by Dr. Play of Salem.
While the old playground had been cleared (with the exceptions of a swing set, basketball hoop, jungle gym and slide) prior to the arrival of the new equipment, it took more than one day to totally put together the new playground.
Volunteers spent last Friday unwrapping and doing "pre-assembly work" and prepared for a long day the next day. Speaking on July 15, Goodwin said that volunteers would be at the school the next day "From eight o’clock until whenever we finish.
The group, however, was finished and enjoying lunch by 1 p.m Sunday, hot sun and all.
The assembly of all of the pieces took far less time than she, and many other volunteers, had anticipated.
The playground features new variations on some classic playground staples, such as a slide, which allows three students to ride at once. Modern equipment includes climbing wall stations, at all heights, throughout the playground.
Russ Packard of Dr. Play, who supervised the assembly, said that the Barnstead volunteers were "the best crew we’ve ever had." He also said that the new structure would "last decades," because of its materials. The only thing students had to wait for now, Dr. Play’s Packard said, was for the concrete to dry. (Concrete holds much of the structures in place)
While Goodwin and her volunteers sipped lemonade and gathered for a group picture as they neared the finishing touches on the playground, children ran around the new structures. Goodwin’s goal to replace the old playground with this new one certainly seemed to be realized in the faces of the children. "Everything is brand new," she said.
Area schools get both good and bad news in new funding bill.
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
The recently passed changes to state education funding delivered both good and bad news throughout the area.
Donna Clairmont, the Business Manager of SAU 51, which contains schools in Barnstead and Pittsfield, says that Barnstead managed to both gain and lose from the new bill. While the district had initially feared losing as much as $600,000 in funding, Clairmont says that next year, the district will have an increase in funding of around $200,000. However, this is less than what the increase would have been under the previous system, which the school board used in figuring the budget for the next year.
The district would have received $2,487,337 under the old law; the new law will provide the district $2,298,450, according to Clairmont. "It’s a mistake to say we’ll be receiving more, compared to last year – they are, but less than anticipated. (The district has) suffered a loss." She said this would become a burden on the Barnstead taxpayer.
Other area town received better news. Alton will no longer be a donor town after this year, says Russell Bailey, the Town Administrator. "Alton will send money (to the state) in the fall, but the following year would lose donor status."
Jack Robertson, of the Governor Wentworth Regional School District, said the district "as a whole, does better than under the old plan." Robertson indicated the positive impact would come to $1,961,205. One of the great positives for the district, said Robertson, was that both Wolfeboro and Tuftonboro would be losing their status as donor towns. Of the towns in the district, said Roberton, only two, Brookfield and New Durham, lose funding.
New Durham Town Administrator William Herman says, "There is nothing the town can do," about the decrease in funds, which come to $84,274, according to Robertson, "It’s a school district issue." "The SAU budget is the driver, they’ll just need to shift the budget," says Herman, who says that under the old plan, New Durham’s funding would have increased.
While there are efforts in the state, especially among southern tier cities like Londonderry, to fight the new rules in court, it is unclear at this time whether any of the districts in the area would be joining those towns in the legal battle. Certainly none of the districts benefiting from the new rules will be doing so, and it might be difficult for some of the smaller districts that might be losing money to afford the cost of any additional legal fight.
State Special Ed team gives BES a thumbs up
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
BARNSTEAD — A state team looking at Barnstead’s special education efforts gave the School Board very positive feedback. While Interim Principal Michael Tocci was unable to deliver the report, Anna Williams, director of pupil services, said that the team was pleased overall. She said, however, that there were additional efforts that could be made to aid students. The primary concern of the team was giving pre-kindergarten special education students more opportunity to interact with their peers.
Top of the lot for kindergarten
Williams also told the board that a finalist for the vacant kindergarten teaching position is going to be interviewed by Superintendent Owen Conway shortly. Williams said that she had "never seen so many applications to this district" – 60 were received for this kindergarten spot.
Another position, middle school, language arts, had also received much more response than had typically been found in the past.
Asbestos in the wing
Business manager Donna Clairmont said that while asbestos had been discovered in one of the school wings, an asbestos abatement would be required to fix the problem.
She said that the Space Needs Committee should first look at their goals, and perhaps add asbestos removal to the list, before any abatement.
AC and other equipment
The board authorized $4,800 for a portable air conditioner to meet the special environmental needs of a student currently attending summer school. The board also accepted a bid for additional kitchen equipment, including a new freezer, refrigerator, range and icemaker. The cost of the new equipment, including installation and other costs, still came under the $25,000 warrant article by more than $1,000.
The building’s engineer was authorized to deal directly with the company that recently worked on the school’s boiler, to see what costs might be incurred with the installation of new heating equipment in the C-wing of the school. The boiler was classified by the engineer as "old, undersized, or simply not working." In authorizing this, the board hoped to have potential work on the system be done before the start of "the heating season."
In other news
Williams said that the school would be relocating the alternative program to the video lab, as well as announcing that new staff orientation would be held in August.
She also delivered good financial news, saying that several students were being brought back to the district from out of district placement, or from foster care liabilities. This leaves the district with only three out of district placements, as well as two students attending alternative schools outside the district.
The board approved new language allowing certain support staff to receive dental insurance, as well as a wider range of choices of health plans, and they approved language encouraging students to get daily physical activity.
The board’s next meeting will be taking place Aug. 19. Among the topics will be board goals, information on state standards as well as potential approval of the contracts for new teachers.
Local talent fuels Rochester Opera House’s opening
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
New Durham and Wakefield provide much of the talent in the opening play of the Rochester Opera House’s summer season.
"The Foreigner," by Larry Shue, is directed by New Durham resident Cathy Allyn, stars David Durham, also of New Durham, and Tounger Robbins of Wakefield. Anthony Ejarque, the producer of the play also has area ties, according to Allyn. "He owns a cabin on Merrymeeting Lake. He also got his start at Dot’s Lunch, where the new Johnson’s restaurant is."
Allyn describes the play as "a comedy with something to say about prejudice." The action of the play involves a man staying at a resort who must assume the identity of a foreigner in order to continue his stay. He must invent customs and other affectations in order to keep the ruse up along the way.
Durham has been a true veteran of stages throughout the area, including the Merry Meeting Merrymakers, the Hackmatack Playhouse and the Mill Pond theatre. He also performs in Murder Mysteries at the Governor’s Inn. Robbins, however, is a young actor with big dreams.
Since getting his start as "Rocky" in a seventh grade production of "Damn Yankees" in Wakefield, Robbins has spent much of his time acting, participating in summer theatre productions throughout New England. While he is just about to enter his senior year of high school at Spaulding High in Rochester, Robbins hopes to continue acting on much bigger stages.
"After I graduate next year, I’ll be moving to Los Angeles (to make it as an actor)." He describes his part in "The Foreigner," Ellard Simms, one of younger characters in the play, as "quite the character. A little slow, but he’s fun. A good kid."
The play opens July 20 and runs until July 30. Shows are Wednesdays through Saturdays. The Wednesday show begins at 7 p.m., all other nights begin at 8.pm. Allyn says that she considers the Opera House to be "the least expensive of all summer theatre in the area," adding that newly installed air conditioning makes the experience much more pleasurable.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
It's On
So, we finally have the nominee. To me, John Roberts seems to be much more like Anthony Kennedy than Antonin Scalia. Say what you will about Kennedy, he is more conservative than O'Connor was, but he also is loathe to overturn Supreme Court precedent, like, for example, Roe. Do I think that this is a good nomination, no I do not. But he's not Bork either, he doesn't have that kind of history with regards to insane political views and statements. What we might have is a surprise down the line, but I doubt it. I think that we likely will see a confirmation, but it might get really interesting if we get some incredibly unexpected happening, like, oh yeah, Anita Hill.
Not surprisingly, the AL East is kind of an obsession here. With their win tonight, along with the Yankees losing in Texas, the Red Sox now are atop the division again. Every game from now on, every move, like the ones the Sox made tonight, getting Adam Hydzu, designating Alan Embree and training for Tony Graffanino. Really, it shouldn't be this way, at least until the end of August, after the waiver deadline, because by then we know what needs to be done in the stretch by each team. Both teams will make moves, because this is what they do, and now the Orioles will have to respond with something, just to show that they are trying to be competitive.
I am actually pleased right now with where the Tigers are now, two games under. Considering they haven't had Magglio Ordonez for the majority of the year, along with big chunks without Carlos Guillen, and virtually no production from first base when Carlos Pena was there. With Bonderman pitching very well, and the knowledge Justin Verlander will be up in September, the hope for the future is no very real.
Here would be my picks, right now for the MVP and Cy Young races: Now understand, I tend to take the hockey view of MVP, meaning "Player Most Valuable to His Team" as opposed to simply the best player.
AL MVP:
Under my criteria, I could say Javy Lopez of the Orioles, since they went in the tank for a while after he went out, but I'm going to say Miguel Tejada. He's the best leader in the sport, and along with Vlad Guererro, he's more than capable of single-handedly carrying his team. And he's had too. Lopez was hurt, Sammy Sosa is not Sammy anymore, and Raffy is near the end of his career. By the way, Rafael Palmeiro going for 3,000 and 500 plus HR's is automatic Hall of Fame. I don't care for the argument that people like Skip Bayless make, that he would be in "The Hall of Very Good" and not the Hall of Fame. Is he the flashiest guy in the world, no he isn't , but the numbers have to speak for themselves in this case. And I hate it when writers make the argument that "so and so only finished in the top ___ of the MVP voting this many times," and then not put out the fact its the writers who vote for the MVP, and also put people in the Hall. If a guy, like Palmeiro, flies under the radar, he'll always fly under the radar with them, don't hold that against him. When Palmeiro came out of Mississippi State, he was overshadowed by Will Clark. When he went to Texas and his first contract was up, after being overshadowed by Pudge and Igor Gonzalez and Canseco, the Rangers thought they would upgrade by bringing in, you guessed it, Will Clark. Palmeiro signed with the Orioles, where he was over shadowed by Cal, despite being a better player than Cal for nearly all of their time together on the team. Then it was back to Texas, to be overshadowed by A-Rod, now Baltimore again, and Tejada. Just because he's played with the greats and those who attract media attention, doesn't detract from his own greatness.
AL Cy Young: Mark Beuhrle - No one dictates a game to his pace like Beuhrle, and no one is as efficient. Plus, I'm not totally buying Jon Garland yet.
NL MVP: To me, this is easy, for the reason of the hockey criteria. Derek Lee has carried the Cubs on his back and kept them with in sight of the playoffs. There isn't the kind of production coming from the rest of the lineup they thought they'd get, so whatever they do get is based on Lee. Albert Pujols, as great as he is, plays on a team with an All-Star player at every single position.
NL Cy Young- This is where I make Kaiman happy. Last year, when Randy Johnson pitched brilliantly but didn't win a ton, showed that record is important, so take out Roger Clemens. I sense we're going to get another second-half fade from Dontrelle Willis. As much as I love the Nationals, they only give the Cy Young to closers who are just dominating, and Chad Cordero doesn't have the track record other such closers do. So the award goes to Chris Carpenter, who's been the anchor of the Cardinal staff which needed time to give Mark Mulder his bearings. Carpenter has been absolutely brilliant, while totally flying under the radar.
Not surprisingly, the AL East is kind of an obsession here. With their win tonight, along with the Yankees losing in Texas, the Red Sox now are atop the division again. Every game from now on, every move, like the ones the Sox made tonight, getting Adam Hydzu, designating Alan Embree and training for Tony Graffanino. Really, it shouldn't be this way, at least until the end of August, after the waiver deadline, because by then we know what needs to be done in the stretch by each team. Both teams will make moves, because this is what they do, and now the Orioles will have to respond with something, just to show that they are trying to be competitive.
I am actually pleased right now with where the Tigers are now, two games under. Considering they haven't had Magglio Ordonez for the majority of the year, along with big chunks without Carlos Guillen, and virtually no production from first base when Carlos Pena was there. With Bonderman pitching very well, and the knowledge Justin Verlander will be up in September, the hope for the future is no very real.
Here would be my picks, right now for the MVP and Cy Young races: Now understand, I tend to take the hockey view of MVP, meaning "Player Most Valuable to His Team" as opposed to simply the best player.
AL MVP:
Under my criteria, I could say Javy Lopez of the Orioles, since they went in the tank for a while after he went out, but I'm going to say Miguel Tejada. He's the best leader in the sport, and along with Vlad Guererro, he's more than capable of single-handedly carrying his team. And he's had too. Lopez was hurt, Sammy Sosa is not Sammy anymore, and Raffy is near the end of his career. By the way, Rafael Palmeiro going for 3,000 and 500 plus HR's is automatic Hall of Fame. I don't care for the argument that people like Skip Bayless make, that he would be in "The Hall of Very Good" and not the Hall of Fame. Is he the flashiest guy in the world, no he isn't , but the numbers have to speak for themselves in this case. And I hate it when writers make the argument that "so and so only finished in the top ___ of the MVP voting this many times," and then not put out the fact its the writers who vote for the MVP, and also put people in the Hall. If a guy, like Palmeiro, flies under the radar, he'll always fly under the radar with them, don't hold that against him. When Palmeiro came out of Mississippi State, he was overshadowed by Will Clark. When he went to Texas and his first contract was up, after being overshadowed by Pudge and Igor Gonzalez and Canseco, the Rangers thought they would upgrade by bringing in, you guessed it, Will Clark. Palmeiro signed with the Orioles, where he was over shadowed by Cal, despite being a better player than Cal for nearly all of their time together on the team. Then it was back to Texas, to be overshadowed by A-Rod, now Baltimore again, and Tejada. Just because he's played with the greats and those who attract media attention, doesn't detract from his own greatness.
AL Cy Young: Mark Beuhrle - No one dictates a game to his pace like Beuhrle, and no one is as efficient. Plus, I'm not totally buying Jon Garland yet.
NL MVP: To me, this is easy, for the reason of the hockey criteria. Derek Lee has carried the Cubs on his back and kept them with in sight of the playoffs. There isn't the kind of production coming from the rest of the lineup they thought they'd get, so whatever they do get is based on Lee. Albert Pujols, as great as he is, plays on a team with an All-Star player at every single position.
NL Cy Young- This is where I make Kaiman happy. Last year, when Randy Johnson pitched brilliantly but didn't win a ton, showed that record is important, so take out Roger Clemens. I sense we're going to get another second-half fade from Dontrelle Willis. As much as I love the Nationals, they only give the Cy Young to closers who are just dominating, and Chad Cordero doesn't have the track record other such closers do. So the award goes to Chris Carpenter, who's been the anchor of the Cardinal staff which needed time to give Mark Mulder his bearings. Carpenter has been absolutely brilliant, while totally flying under the radar.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Stories
So today was an interesting one at work. Last week, Mary gave me a story from the AP, about an author in Buffalo Grove (and yes, John, that's Illinois) who had writtn a book which was the worst selling book in the history of Amazon (he has sold one, that's O-N-E copy of said book). Well, I interviewed him today, but I'll save that for when the story comes out to talk about it more. I have some thoughts on baseball and other things, but this is going to be a long post, so I'll save them for tomorrow. The stories from two weeks ago are the final five, the one's before them are from last week (John, you might recognize the events of the first story):
Board begins process of replacing Stimpson
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — While the New Durham Board of Selectmen was down to only two members following the resignation of Chairman Dean Stimpson, the board continued the business that was scheduled for the week as well as clarified the process to replace Stimpson.
Selectman Ron Gehl said at the meeting that he wished to have "an open process, open to every registered voter in the town." Currently the board is looking for letters of intent addressed to the board from candidates, including information to inform the board about their experience. Selectman Dwight Jones said that currently "the law says the selectmen must appoint (a replacement)," and that the position has to be open to all citizens, and not just turned over to the second place finisher in the last election. Those involved in the last election could be a part of the process as well, however. The application process will be closed July 18.
Citing a heavy summer workload, Jones, the longest serving of the current selectmen, said that he would be unable to fulfill the duties of chairman at the present time. Those duties then fell to Gehl, who said, "against my better judgment, I accept." Gehl was given the post for a six-month period ending in December. The board then offered tributes and words about Stimpson, Gehl saying the board "will miss his experience and perspective."
Jones said later that he had talked to Stimpson about his situation earlier. "He had been thinking about it. I asked him to stay on. If he needs the rest, he needs the rest."
Other business
The board agreed to look at the access to the solid waste facility after concerns were raised that the gates might need to be widened to accommodate more traffic. Road Agent Mark Fuller and the board agreed to look at the area and find possible solutions.
Three applications for building permits in the Copple Crown Village District were reviewed; this is an area that has seen a large number of such applications recently. The board conditionally approved one of the applications; the applicant, Peter Cempellin, would be required to make improvements to the drainage in the area. The board also decided to look further at the two other applications, and did not give approval yet.
The board was also presented with a report from Ed Niester, who had solicited bids for roof repairs to the fire station as part of the Fire Station Task Force. Niester reported that the current surface of the roof and the current trust system would need extensive repairs to meet new code requirements.
"The current trust system is in danger of twisting," he said. He did say however, that if significant improvements were made to the roof system, the fire station roof could be brought up to code and be fit for other uses after the department moves into the new station in the coming years.
Niester described the replacement of the roof’s surface as "critical," citing the need for a slick surface, which would keep snow from settling on the roof. Bids had been solicited from roofing firms in the area, and three responded.
Fire Chief John Nicastro said that the roof repair was a part of this year’s budget. The board agreed to look at the bids and act on recommendations quickly, in order to start work this year.
The board also agreed to a new policy regarding the taping of town meetings. The regulation, which was on its fourth draft, required certain town meetings to be taped for broadcast on Wolfeboro Community TV, and also allowed for every posted meeting to be taped for broadcast. A controversial provision allowed for community groups to use the equipment to tape their events as well.
Town resident (and Planning Board alternate) Cathy Orlowicz was concerned that the camera might be damaged at such an event and that the town might need to replace the camera, and also that the town’s equipment might be being used in improper ways. The board adopted the policy, with the provision that it be looked at again, particularly the Community Use section, in six months.
PD ahead of gas prediction
Police Chief Shawn Bernier reported that the town’s officers were currently ahead of projected gas consumption rates. He also reported that the K-9 unit performed well at a competition for dogs across the east coast (see story page A2, photograph, A1), and there had been an attack in the town by a rabid fox on a friend of a town resident (see story page A1).
License dog or forfeit
The chief also encouraged town residents to come to the town offices to have their dogs licensed, as over 100 civil forfeiture notices had been sent out with officers for unlicensed dogs.
Yard junk could cause dam problem
Fuller and Bernier also reported there were serious problems with residents having junk in their yards on Main St. and Rte. 11. Fuller said the problem on Main St. was so bad that in posed problems for service of the towns dam by the Highway Department. Solutions for both areas are currently being looked at by the Police, with varying degrees of cooperation by the homeowners involved, said Bernier.
Rabid fox attacks in New Durham
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — Jean Malay says that her husband Bill’s niece was simply trying to play with her 10-week-old puppy on July 2, when she sat down in the family’s hammock.
Soon after sitting down, however, the young woman’s ankle was attacked by a fox, which had come darting out of the woods. As she yelled in pain, Bill Malay and his son, as well as the woman’s husband, came running out of the house to see what was wrong. "She had the fox by neck," said Malay, "she was trying to get it off." Malay said that the two men were eventually able to get the fox off of the woman, but only after it had left deep lacerations from the bite (the young puppy was unharmed).
As the woman’s husband took her to the hospital, Bill Malay and his son tended to the fox, said Jean Malay. "They put it in a box in the boat house and covered it up," she says. "I called 911 to get someone to get the fox." The New Durham Police responded, said Malay, "and they called animal control."
The fox was placed in one of the kennels next to the New Durham Police station on Saturday night, according to Malay. She said she was told that animal control would be coming soon to pick up the animal and have it tested for rabies.
No one came to pick up the fox until Tuesday, however.
Sgt. Jim Juneau of the Fish and Game Department said that this was the result of closures of offices for the long holiday weekend. When officers arrived to pick up the fox Tuesday, July 5, it had died.
Juneau says that despite the animal’s death, it could be given an "expedited testing process" to check if it was rabid. The testing proved positive for rabies.
Jean Malay says she received the news the fox was rabid on Wednesday, which prompted other members of the family to get their own rabies shots (the niece had her shots given at the hospital right away).
Jean Milay said that "everyone is okay," now. The victim is now back in Maryland and resting. Jean Malay did say, however, that she was keeping a closer eye on her cat.
Malay said that the fox had porcupine quills in its mouth when the attacked occurred, as well as having quills in its face, and had apparently been sprayed by a skunk. Juneau agreed with the Malays that these were signs that the fox might have been rabid. "For wild animals, that’s generally atypical. It (that contact with such other animals) typically would be a sign that this is a rabid animal."
Juneau said that the fox attack marked the seventh confirmed case of rabies in an animal so far this year. At this time last year, there were 10 confirmed cases.
He said, however, that such a number only reflects cases where the animal had been tested after coming into contact with humans or domesticated animals. Juneau said that so far, a skunk, a bat, the fox and several raccoons had tested positive for rabies all around the state.
Juneau recommends that if anyone had reason to believe that their domesticated animal had been in contact with a wild one, they should take precautions, especially to protect their eyes and skin. "People need to protect themselves first," in such situations, Juneau says.
Maple Street, driveway or parkway?
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
BARNSTEAD — Tuesday’s public hearing on a Maple St. parking ordinance drew the most heated discussion of the night at the selectmen’s meeting. Should there be parking allowed on either side of much of Maple Street?
John and Deb Milano, who will soon be opening their Whistle Stop Café near the end of the street, said that the very few spots available near their restaurant might limit their business.
Other residents of Maple St. spoke up both for and against the proposed ordinance. Jean Terry remarked that very often, fire trucks cannot get through the street and that she often has to back up on the road given how narrow it gets. Longtime Maple St. resident Arthur Gross (who said he has been living on the street since the 40’s) asked the selectmen for an explanation as to why the effort to put forth the ordinance was being made now, especially since there were few problems in years past.
Selectman Jack O’Neil said that town residents had brought the issue before the Planning Board and BOS. He also said that there was a general concern about the ability for emergency vehicles to operate in the area. He added that the street as a whole would not be affected, since the area around Barnstead Elementary School and St. Paul’s Church has a wider road area.
O’Neil said that he believed the risk of an accident or fatality was too great to risk the current parking situation, especially with the added business on the street.
After several other proposals were suggested, including making the road a one way street, and having the ordinance only be in effect Mondays through Fridays, the board agreed to a suggestion by member Frank Sullivan. His idea was to study the effect of the Whistle Stop Café on traffic in the area for the next 60 days, and then take another look at what might be needed in the area.
Cruiser news
Police Chief Ken Borgia defended his previous statements regarding the purchase of the town’s new police cruiser. He said that he had told the board and also the town meeting, that the warrant article allowing the department only $26,000 would not totally outfit the vehicle with everything.
He felt that at a previous meeting, the board had not defended his actions enough. "I take offense when there’s a comment made that I promised the town a fully marked cruiser," Borgia said.
Currently, the cruiser still needs paint, decals, a cage, and a light bar to be totally outfitted, and that would take additional money. The selectmen agreed that in future warrant articles; more detailed language was needed to clear up similar confusion. O’Neil said that the last one was subject to more interpretation, which helped to cause the misunderstanding.
Other department heads attended the board meeting as well. O’Neil said that the department meeting was taking place in order to better foster communication between departments and the selectmen. He took special care to point out that the board was not trying to micro-manage the departments by having them meet.
Leaking cistern
Assistant Fire Chief Shawn Mulcahy informed the board that a cistern that had been put in earlier this year had been leaking, and that currently, the installers and contractor were trying to figure out who would have to remove the current one and replace it. "This one wouldn’t last five or 10 years," said Mulcahy, "we want it to last for 50." Mulcahy said that even as the cistern was being put in, many in the department believed it to be a "shoddy job."
Missing milfoil signs
Resident Brian White also informed the selectmen that several signs telling boaters to check for milfoil were missing, and that Milfoil on the Suncook River would be looked at this coming weekend.
New Durham’s K-9 is one of the top dogs in New England
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — New Durham Police Chief Shawn Bernier says that "K-9 Louie," the department’s German Shepherd (and he was actually brought over from Germany), was named for a colleague in the Portsmouth Police Dept. with whom he’s trained dogs for 13 years. It seems that with this dog, however, 13 is not an unlucky number at all.
At a recent regional competition held for police dogs throughout New England at Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, Louie finished third in the novice division, for dogs competing for the first time.
The event, which was sponsored by the United States Police Canine Association, was a judged event. Dogs competed in six categories including Obedience, Agility, Article searches (looking for items such as a shotgun shell in a field, according to Bernier) suspect search (which involves finding a person hidden in one of several boxes), and two separate apprehension categories, one with and one without gunfire involved. Louie won two of the individual categories, placing first in his group in the suspect search, as well as winning the combined search category award after finishing second in the article search.
He also placed second in the agility competition. Louie, it would seem, also plays well with others, as he placed first in the team competition, in which he and dogs from Dover, Barrington and Portsmouth competed as a group. With his high showing, Louie earned a spot at the national competition, which will be held later this year in Indiana.
While Louie has been a part of Bernier’s life for about a year (thanks to a grant from the Working Dog Foundation, which brought this K-9 champ to the US), he’s not the first dog he has trained for work in New Durham.
Previous dogs included two Rottweilers, Tank and Bear. However, with his new duties as chief, Bernier says, "This will be my last dog, some one else in the department will be taking over that role." (See photograph on A-1)
New salon brings spa treatment to New Durham
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — Samantha Cassell has been in the business of cutting and styling hair for several years. Yet for much of that time, Cassell has been commuting to other positions from her New Durham home, her last position was at a salon in Dover.
Recently, Cassell’s husband Mike suggested that she go into business for herself. "If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here today," says Cassell. "Here" is her new salon on Depot Road (off Route 11), Samantha Styles, which features styling (including cuts, coloring, perms, and highlighting), pedicures, waxing, and other services. Cassell is looking into massage services, too, for the future. The salon is one of only a handful in New Durham.
Cassell says that one of the keys to making her new venture a success is the location of the salon. "The key is the traffic in the area," she says, "it’s right near the general store, the town hall and the post office."
She hopes that the area will be open to her new venture, and she says that early returns have been good so far, "We were booked all day Friday (July 8, the opening day of the salon) and Saturday." The salon is open Tuesdays through Sundays. Cassell made special note to remind people about the Sunday hours, emphasizing that while many other businesses in the area are closed Sunday, she remains open.
Cassell has a simple philosophy when it comes to styling a client. In fact, it’s for the shop is literally written on her sign, "A place all about you." She believes that when it comes to an appointment, "My time is dedicated to them when they’re in my chair."
Teens head to the Allagash for a wild adventure
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
WOLFEBORO — This year, the Appalachian Mountain Teen Project in Wolfeboro will return to an old stomping ground for one of their longest events of the year. With the help of two staff members, teens from Laconia, Alton, Wakefield, Gilford and Wolfeboro will be making the nine-hour trip into Northern Maine, to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway area. There, the students will be camping out, and paddling through the area’s lakes, rivers and streams, for the next eight-and-a-half-days.
Jamie Hannon of the AMTP, who will co-lead the trip with Kristen Reilly, said, "The organization "hasn’t gone up (to the area) for several years, but it was once a regular trip." Hannon, who has personally done the trip several times, said that this is "one of the most remote river trips in New England," and is known for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and its lack of crowds.
Still, the focus of the trip is not just for teens to see the sights in area, but to create "a really great opportunity for a group of teenagers to bond, to face challenges and feel success with those challenges," Hannon said.
The group will head out this Sunday morning, July 17, and will return the July 26. "For all of them (the teen participants), this will be their longest camping trip ever, for several, it will be their first," says Hannon. While up in Maine, the teens will be doing all of their own cooking, cleaning, and will even be chopping their own firewood. They will also be taking in the wildlife of the area, including moose, eagles and lynx, as well as doing their own fishing.
Hannon says that community sponsors have been vital in putting together the trip, "other wise it might not be possible for a group of kids to come."
The Appalachian Mountain Teen Project has also been sponsoring other events in the area, including a fishing and canoe series, hiking days in the Ossipee Mountains, and will be putting together rock climbing trips in August.
New Restaurant opens in New Durham
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — Those traveling down Route 11 might notice the signage for the restaurant located along the highway has changed. But that certainly isn’t everything that’s changed about the restaurant.
The site, formerly occupied by the New Durham Railway Station restaurant, and has been completely redone, according to Johnson’s Seafood and Steak co-owner Ken West.
"We completely gutted the restaurant, everything has been replaced, including the siding and the septic tank. Everything down to the studs," said West.
Town Code Enforcement Officer Dave Lindberg echoed that sentiment, saying that all that was left of the previous set up was "four walls and a floor." Lindberg added that many of the changes were necessary, including the new wiring, to bring the building up to code.
West says that he and his business partner, Jeff Fenerty, have been working in the restaurant business for more than 50 years, combined.
West and his wife, who live in Eliot, Maine, are expecting their first child later this year. West said that the opening of a new restaurant and expecting his first child actually are similar in a lot of ways, "but the child is much more important."
The newly redone dining room features a kind of rustic feel, but also seats 160 patrons, more than the Railway Station. The tables and benches in the dining area are all new as well. West says that the new restaurant has been "busier than expected," since it opened last Monday, with a menu featuring items like steak tips, scallops and lobster rolls, along with Richardson’s ice cream. West says that the dining room is the majority of the business, but there are also outdoor picnic tables and a take-out menu.
West said that he and Fenerty found the construction process as a whole to be the most difficult part of the project. "We’re not developers," he said.
West added that the town of New Durham had been very receptive and helpful as the business got up and ready.
He paid particular compliment to Lindberg, whom West said was very helpful in explaining what needed to be done on the property.
Orlowicz says scholarship is above board
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — At the July 6 Selectmen’s meeting, some confusion regarding the Douglas Scruton Memorial Scholarship was discussed. Planning Board alternate Cathy Orlowicz would like to clear up any confusion regarding this scholarship, specifically that "There are no illegal activities."
There did seem to be some disagreement among board members and residents about the Scruton scholarship’s status. The issue involved whether or not checks had been made out to the town for the scholarship and the scholarship’s status.
Police Chief Shawn Bernier was at the meeting and said he felt that "The perception at the Selectmen’s meeting was that she (Orlowicz) was doing something illegal. Nothing illegal is going on." Bernier added that he had looked at everything Orlowicz had done up to that point, and found nothing illegal going on either.
Orlowicz says that she is "not sure what was said at the meeting," regarding the issue, as she has yet to be able to view the recording of the meeting. She did say, however, that she had gone through an extensive process to set up the scholarship up to this point. "I talked to the attorney general’s office, lawyers, bankers and the IRS," says Orlowicz, who says that none of the checks she knew of were made out to the town.
Selectman Ron Gehl said that there had been a misunderstanding, and that there had been confusion related to an article written in another newspaper that seemed to give the impression that a trust fund had been set up.
Gehl says that "it was certainly not the intent," if the impression was given that illegal things were taking place. "It was just a question about whether we were following proper procedure."
Orlowicz says that if there were not this perception of illegality, she would have been presented the scholarship to the town to hand over to the town trustees to manage. Orlowicz says that this is currently the situation with similar scholarships, including the Richard Bickford scholarship.
Orlowicz says that the situation is different now. "This has to be handled differently now that there is perception of illegal activity."
She added that she was working with lawyers to find the best way to proceed. "Its unfortunate, one phone call would have made a big difference," says Orlowicz.
Orlowicz added that while the funding issues are still being decided, she would be continuing her training for the 2006 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., which was the focus of her fund-raising activities. "People are excited that this is a scholarship that will benefit students of New Durham only," Orlowicz says, adding that Scruton was well known in the community for his commitment to the children of New Durham.
Scruton, New Durham’s former police chief, died suddenly last July, at 56. He was honored earlier this year when the Police Department named its new building for him, as well as dedicating a bench. At this memorial service, Orlowicz announced that she was going to try and put together a scholarship in his honor.
Hannaford breaking ground soon, soon
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
ALTON— While initial, and perhaps optimistic, plans were made for the groundbreaking of the Alton Hannaford’s supermarket last month, it was not to be. A more realistic timetable has been put in place, however, that may allow such a ceremony to take place later this month.
Alton Town Planner Kathy Menici, who inherited the project from her predecessor after much of the work on the plans had been done, said that the developers "are still setting everything."
She added that the project, which will be the largest commercial building project in Alton’s history, has faced some unique challenges, but also has been subject to similar pitfalls that apply to smaller projects as well.
"Coordinating all of that (the pieces needed for the project), to the point where they can begin construction is a huge task." Menici added that in her years in involvement with construction, she has never "seen a project actually start when they hope to."
The June groundbreaking had been the initial goal of developer Bob Bahre’s team, but issues involving turnaround with state agencies and those involving wetlands in the area have been among those delaying the project.
Menici, however, said that she will be having a pre-construction meeting with the developers next week. She expects actual construction to begin three to five weeks after this meeting. Representatives of both the developer and Hannaford’s were contacted for this article, but did not respond by press time.
Menici speculated that designing the project to reduce impact on the wetlands in the area was a challenge for the development team, as was having to deal with state agencies.
She said that for now, until the traffic pattern can be studied, a yellow signal light will be installed when the store opens its location near the traffic circle, and that there might be a "possibility down the road for a signalized intersection."
"With a project of this magnitude, its not unusual for a late start," Menici also said. The development groups put forward their best effort, she explained, but have to rely on state agencies.
Playing and growing in Alton
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
ALTON — While many parents often have a hard time figuring out what to do with their school age children during the summer, those with young children also face the same problems. Older siblings still might not be old enough to keep watch over their brothers and sisters all summer, and those that are may have a summer job. Also, many new parents and those new to the area face additional stresses of having to create a new family dynamic. Fortunately, for those in Alton, there is a program that allows parents to interact with their children and other parents to help alleviate some of those stresses, and begin to build social interaction skills in children.
The Play, Learn and Grow program was begun in Alton last year, according to Laura MacStravic and Tami Carpentiere, who help run the drop-in-program located at the Alton Bay Community Center. The two said that a similar program located in Laconia, "Giggles and Grins," helped to provide the inspiration for the program in Alton, which began in March of 2004.
"The parents who started the Alton playgroup had been members (of the one in Laconia)," according to Carpentiere. MacStravic says that she originally was a part of the program, along with her son Liam, and when the founders’ children became to old for the program, signed on to help lead it.
She says that the program helped to ease her transition into Alton, as she and her family had only recently moved in prior to her involvement. "I know so many more people, because of this program," she says, adding, "It is definitely a good place for parents to talk."
The program is intended for children from infants to age 5. MacStravic says that many of the activities are intended for toddlers and very young children, and that "six year olds kind of get bored with the activities planned for toddlers," especially, she says, once the older children start school.
The program does require that caretakers or parents of the children involved be present to allow them to be part of the playgroup. "We provide the toys and space," says MacStravic, "the parents provide the interaction." Still, the program is free for those who attend the Tuesday and Thursday activities.
The group is sponsored by several county and regional groups, and the Alton Parks and Recreation Department provides the space for free. "The town has been pretty helpful," says MacStravic.
Carpentiere says that the program is in Alton to help "social interaction and to help parents who need help with their parenting skills." With that in mind, parents can help organize events, such as CPR classes, through the group’s online message board (altonsplaygroup.proboards31.com).
Additional information on the program can be obtained at the Alton Parks and Recreation office. The Play, Learn and Grow program runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Fireworks as aah-some as always
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
ALTON — Thousands gathered on the water and on land to watch the annual Alton Fireworks display July 2. Hundreds of boats floated for hours in Alton Bay in anticipation of the fireworks display, which was launched from two barges anchored in the Bay. Thousands sat or stood along the commercial areas of town, and bridges and other areas were filled with people looking to view the show.
The show featured blasts of red, white and blue, along with green and multicolored fireworks. Patriotic songs played from the town’s gazebo, and the mood was set as a celebration of the 229th anniversary of the nation’s independence.
With all of these people in the Bay at once, there were some logistical issues. Nearly every available parking space in the area, and along Route 28A was used, and some "spots" had to be improvised by creative attendees. Also, there was some consternation expressed by the crowds as the fireworks display was delayed for the final setting of the sun and twilight. While scheduled to begin at 9:20 pm, the first fireworks did not start going up for another 25 minutes, and the show did not start in earnest for another five.
Still, most seemed to be very pleased with the display. A large ovation followed both of the climactic displays from each barge, and ten or fifteen minutes later, those who attended were still loudly shouting "fantastic" and "bravo."
Steve Stock, of Barnstead, who attends the Alton fireworks annually, said that the Alton fireworks "are one of the best in the area." Comments from those who attended were that this year’s was no different, and was worth the extra time and traffic.
New Durham Planners continue look at Master Plan sections
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — While the New Durham Planning Board’s discussion of the most recent revisions to sections of the town’s Master Plan dominated much of the July 5 meeting, other business was conducted as well.
The board accepted the application of Paul and Mary George for a three-lot subdivision of their property on Brackett Rd. The board did make their acceptance contingent on the addition of materials to the current plans they had received, including markers for utility poles, test pits and soil data, but received assurances from Paul George and his agent, that those changes would be forthcoming. Vice Chairman Don Voltz said that the lot itself was "comfortably oversized" and was thus likely to fulfill all requirements with regards to setbacks.
George also agreed to allow the town to widen Brackett Rd. along his property, where it currently narrows. A site walk was scheduled for July 18 at 8 a.m. and the public hearing on the application continued to the Aug. 2 meeting of the board.
The planners also were scheduled to meet with local horticulturist Les Turner about the subdivision of his lot on Old Rte. 11, but issues involving the design, as well as the fact that one of the abutters had not received notice of the public hearing, caused the board to continue the application as well.
Much as the Master Plan discussion focused on the cosmetic changes the board had discussed in recent weeks. Issues of grammar and language were the primary concern.
Local resident Jim Taylor suggested a line that would mandate town officials adhere to town rules also suggest ways for citizens to become involved, as well as giving resources to officials charged with enforcing town regulations and statutes. The discussion on the matter will continue at the July 19 Planning Board workshop meeting, where they will also discuss the Open Space Subdivision ordinance.
Planners keep on trucking, applications studied
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
ALTON — While the June 21 Alton Planning Board meeting ended, there was still work to be done. So the board reconvened June 28 to look at some of the outstanding appointments from the week before.
A close look was taken at the application of Midwest Towers LLC, which was proposing the construction of cellular antennae on Prospect Mountain Rd. Gillan Marine, which is proposing to expand a boat sales facility and to build a new 11,600 sq. foot building on the property located on Route 11, was also under the board’s microscope June 28.
The tower application’s acceptance was not granted at this meeting. Board member Tom Varney talked about the current antenna owned by US Cellular, and whether or not there might be a violation with the new towers installed there. Town Planner Kathy Menici said that no site plan had been put in for the newest antennas, though a representative of the company did meet with her to say that they will work with the town to straighten things out.
The non-compliance of the US Cellular tower, however, may affect the acceptance and ultimately, the approval, of the application of Midwest Towers’ project. Menici said at the meeting that the owners of the tower were the ones who informed the town of the violation, not US Cellular.
She also said that the company has not been cooperating with the owners. The board passed a motion to continue the discussion of the Midwest Tower application. This motion also included allowing Menici to contact the tower owner to urge him to contact US Cellular in writing and to let the code enforcement officer know that the site was in violation.
Gillan Marine
There was some discussion about the ability of Gillan Marine’s proposed site to comply with town regulations. Menici reported that areas that were supposed to be used for parking were know display areas, and that areas that were supposed to have grass were paved over.
Ernest Gillan said at the meeting that the code enforcement officer had told him to go ahead with plans to pave the parking lot, and that he did not need a permit for such actions. Menici reported that the code officer disagreed with that version of events.
The board agreed to continue the discussion of acceptance of the application at their July 19 meeting, and that the board as a whole would conduct a compliance inspection of the site July 7.
Board begins process of replacing Stimpson
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — While the New Durham Board of Selectmen was down to only two members following the resignation of Chairman Dean Stimpson, the board continued the business that was scheduled for the week as well as clarified the process to replace Stimpson.
Selectman Ron Gehl said at the meeting that he wished to have "an open process, open to every registered voter in the town." Currently the board is looking for letters of intent addressed to the board from candidates, including information to inform the board about their experience. Selectman Dwight Jones said that currently "the law says the selectmen must appoint (a replacement)," and that the position has to be open to all citizens, and not just turned over to the second place finisher in the last election. Those involved in the last election could be a part of the process as well, however. The application process will be closed July 18.
Citing a heavy summer workload, Jones, the longest serving of the current selectmen, said that he would be unable to fulfill the duties of chairman at the present time. Those duties then fell to Gehl, who said, "against my better judgment, I accept." Gehl was given the post for a six-month period ending in December. The board then offered tributes and words about Stimpson, Gehl saying the board "will miss his experience and perspective."
Jones said later that he had talked to Stimpson about his situation earlier. "He had been thinking about it. I asked him to stay on. If he needs the rest, he needs the rest."
Other business
The board agreed to look at the access to the solid waste facility after concerns were raised that the gates might need to be widened to accommodate more traffic. Road Agent Mark Fuller and the board agreed to look at the area and find possible solutions.
Three applications for building permits in the Copple Crown Village District were reviewed; this is an area that has seen a large number of such applications recently. The board conditionally approved one of the applications; the applicant, Peter Cempellin, would be required to make improvements to the drainage in the area. The board also decided to look further at the two other applications, and did not give approval yet.
The board was also presented with a report from Ed Niester, who had solicited bids for roof repairs to the fire station as part of the Fire Station Task Force. Niester reported that the current surface of the roof and the current trust system would need extensive repairs to meet new code requirements.
"The current trust system is in danger of twisting," he said. He did say however, that if significant improvements were made to the roof system, the fire station roof could be brought up to code and be fit for other uses after the department moves into the new station in the coming years.
Niester described the replacement of the roof’s surface as "critical," citing the need for a slick surface, which would keep snow from settling on the roof. Bids had been solicited from roofing firms in the area, and three responded.
Fire Chief John Nicastro said that the roof repair was a part of this year’s budget. The board agreed to look at the bids and act on recommendations quickly, in order to start work this year.
The board also agreed to a new policy regarding the taping of town meetings. The regulation, which was on its fourth draft, required certain town meetings to be taped for broadcast on Wolfeboro Community TV, and also allowed for every posted meeting to be taped for broadcast. A controversial provision allowed for community groups to use the equipment to tape their events as well.
Town resident (and Planning Board alternate) Cathy Orlowicz was concerned that the camera might be damaged at such an event and that the town might need to replace the camera, and also that the town’s equipment might be being used in improper ways. The board adopted the policy, with the provision that it be looked at again, particularly the Community Use section, in six months.
PD ahead of gas prediction
Police Chief Shawn Bernier reported that the town’s officers were currently ahead of projected gas consumption rates. He also reported that the K-9 unit performed well at a competition for dogs across the east coast (see story page A2, photograph, A1), and there had been an attack in the town by a rabid fox on a friend of a town resident (see story page A1).
License dog or forfeit
The chief also encouraged town residents to come to the town offices to have their dogs licensed, as over 100 civil forfeiture notices had been sent out with officers for unlicensed dogs.
Yard junk could cause dam problem
Fuller and Bernier also reported there were serious problems with residents having junk in their yards on Main St. and Rte. 11. Fuller said the problem on Main St. was so bad that in posed problems for service of the towns dam by the Highway Department. Solutions for both areas are currently being looked at by the Police, with varying degrees of cooperation by the homeowners involved, said Bernier.
Rabid fox attacks in New Durham
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — Jean Malay says that her husband Bill’s niece was simply trying to play with her 10-week-old puppy on July 2, when she sat down in the family’s hammock.
Soon after sitting down, however, the young woman’s ankle was attacked by a fox, which had come darting out of the woods. As she yelled in pain, Bill Malay and his son, as well as the woman’s husband, came running out of the house to see what was wrong. "She had the fox by neck," said Malay, "she was trying to get it off." Malay said that the two men were eventually able to get the fox off of the woman, but only after it had left deep lacerations from the bite (the young puppy was unharmed).
As the woman’s husband took her to the hospital, Bill Malay and his son tended to the fox, said Jean Malay. "They put it in a box in the boat house and covered it up," she says. "I called 911 to get someone to get the fox." The New Durham Police responded, said Malay, "and they called animal control."
The fox was placed in one of the kennels next to the New Durham Police station on Saturday night, according to Malay. She said she was told that animal control would be coming soon to pick up the animal and have it tested for rabies.
No one came to pick up the fox until Tuesday, however.
Sgt. Jim Juneau of the Fish and Game Department said that this was the result of closures of offices for the long holiday weekend. When officers arrived to pick up the fox Tuesday, July 5, it had died.
Juneau says that despite the animal’s death, it could be given an "expedited testing process" to check if it was rabid. The testing proved positive for rabies.
Jean Malay says she received the news the fox was rabid on Wednesday, which prompted other members of the family to get their own rabies shots (the niece had her shots given at the hospital right away).
Jean Milay said that "everyone is okay," now. The victim is now back in Maryland and resting. Jean Malay did say, however, that she was keeping a closer eye on her cat.
Malay said that the fox had porcupine quills in its mouth when the attacked occurred, as well as having quills in its face, and had apparently been sprayed by a skunk. Juneau agreed with the Malays that these were signs that the fox might have been rabid. "For wild animals, that’s generally atypical. It (that contact with such other animals) typically would be a sign that this is a rabid animal."
Juneau said that the fox attack marked the seventh confirmed case of rabies in an animal so far this year. At this time last year, there were 10 confirmed cases.
He said, however, that such a number only reflects cases where the animal had been tested after coming into contact with humans or domesticated animals. Juneau said that so far, a skunk, a bat, the fox and several raccoons had tested positive for rabies all around the state.
Juneau recommends that if anyone had reason to believe that their domesticated animal had been in contact with a wild one, they should take precautions, especially to protect their eyes and skin. "People need to protect themselves first," in such situations, Juneau says.
Maple Street, driveway or parkway?
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
BARNSTEAD — Tuesday’s public hearing on a Maple St. parking ordinance drew the most heated discussion of the night at the selectmen’s meeting. Should there be parking allowed on either side of much of Maple Street?
John and Deb Milano, who will soon be opening their Whistle Stop Café near the end of the street, said that the very few spots available near their restaurant might limit their business.
Other residents of Maple St. spoke up both for and against the proposed ordinance. Jean Terry remarked that very often, fire trucks cannot get through the street and that she often has to back up on the road given how narrow it gets. Longtime Maple St. resident Arthur Gross (who said he has been living on the street since the 40’s) asked the selectmen for an explanation as to why the effort to put forth the ordinance was being made now, especially since there were few problems in years past.
Selectman Jack O’Neil said that town residents had brought the issue before the Planning Board and BOS. He also said that there was a general concern about the ability for emergency vehicles to operate in the area. He added that the street as a whole would not be affected, since the area around Barnstead Elementary School and St. Paul’s Church has a wider road area.
O’Neil said that he believed the risk of an accident or fatality was too great to risk the current parking situation, especially with the added business on the street.
After several other proposals were suggested, including making the road a one way street, and having the ordinance only be in effect Mondays through Fridays, the board agreed to a suggestion by member Frank Sullivan. His idea was to study the effect of the Whistle Stop Café on traffic in the area for the next 60 days, and then take another look at what might be needed in the area.
Cruiser news
Police Chief Ken Borgia defended his previous statements regarding the purchase of the town’s new police cruiser. He said that he had told the board and also the town meeting, that the warrant article allowing the department only $26,000 would not totally outfit the vehicle with everything.
He felt that at a previous meeting, the board had not defended his actions enough. "I take offense when there’s a comment made that I promised the town a fully marked cruiser," Borgia said.
Currently, the cruiser still needs paint, decals, a cage, and a light bar to be totally outfitted, and that would take additional money. The selectmen agreed that in future warrant articles; more detailed language was needed to clear up similar confusion. O’Neil said that the last one was subject to more interpretation, which helped to cause the misunderstanding.
Other department heads attended the board meeting as well. O’Neil said that the department meeting was taking place in order to better foster communication between departments and the selectmen. He took special care to point out that the board was not trying to micro-manage the departments by having them meet.
Leaking cistern
Assistant Fire Chief Shawn Mulcahy informed the board that a cistern that had been put in earlier this year had been leaking, and that currently, the installers and contractor were trying to figure out who would have to remove the current one and replace it. "This one wouldn’t last five or 10 years," said Mulcahy, "we want it to last for 50." Mulcahy said that even as the cistern was being put in, many in the department believed it to be a "shoddy job."
Missing milfoil signs
Resident Brian White also informed the selectmen that several signs telling boaters to check for milfoil were missing, and that Milfoil on the Suncook River would be looked at this coming weekend.
New Durham’s K-9 is one of the top dogs in New England
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — New Durham Police Chief Shawn Bernier says that "K-9 Louie," the department’s German Shepherd (and he was actually brought over from Germany), was named for a colleague in the Portsmouth Police Dept. with whom he’s trained dogs for 13 years. It seems that with this dog, however, 13 is not an unlucky number at all.
At a recent regional competition held for police dogs throughout New England at Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, Louie finished third in the novice division, for dogs competing for the first time.
The event, which was sponsored by the United States Police Canine Association, was a judged event. Dogs competed in six categories including Obedience, Agility, Article searches (looking for items such as a shotgun shell in a field, according to Bernier) suspect search (which involves finding a person hidden in one of several boxes), and two separate apprehension categories, one with and one without gunfire involved. Louie won two of the individual categories, placing first in his group in the suspect search, as well as winning the combined search category award after finishing second in the article search.
He also placed second in the agility competition. Louie, it would seem, also plays well with others, as he placed first in the team competition, in which he and dogs from Dover, Barrington and Portsmouth competed as a group. With his high showing, Louie earned a spot at the national competition, which will be held later this year in Indiana.
While Louie has been a part of Bernier’s life for about a year (thanks to a grant from the Working Dog Foundation, which brought this K-9 champ to the US), he’s not the first dog he has trained for work in New Durham.
Previous dogs included two Rottweilers, Tank and Bear. However, with his new duties as chief, Bernier says, "This will be my last dog, some one else in the department will be taking over that role." (See photograph on A-1)
New salon brings spa treatment to New Durham
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — Samantha Cassell has been in the business of cutting and styling hair for several years. Yet for much of that time, Cassell has been commuting to other positions from her New Durham home, her last position was at a salon in Dover.
Recently, Cassell’s husband Mike suggested that she go into business for herself. "If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here today," says Cassell. "Here" is her new salon on Depot Road (off Route 11), Samantha Styles, which features styling (including cuts, coloring, perms, and highlighting), pedicures, waxing, and other services. Cassell is looking into massage services, too, for the future. The salon is one of only a handful in New Durham.
Cassell says that one of the keys to making her new venture a success is the location of the salon. "The key is the traffic in the area," she says, "it’s right near the general store, the town hall and the post office."
She hopes that the area will be open to her new venture, and she says that early returns have been good so far, "We were booked all day Friday (July 8, the opening day of the salon) and Saturday." The salon is open Tuesdays through Sundays. Cassell made special note to remind people about the Sunday hours, emphasizing that while many other businesses in the area are closed Sunday, she remains open.
Cassell has a simple philosophy when it comes to styling a client. In fact, it’s for the shop is literally written on her sign, "A place all about you." She believes that when it comes to an appointment, "My time is dedicated to them when they’re in my chair."
Teens head to the Allagash for a wild adventure
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
WOLFEBORO — This year, the Appalachian Mountain Teen Project in Wolfeboro will return to an old stomping ground for one of their longest events of the year. With the help of two staff members, teens from Laconia, Alton, Wakefield, Gilford and Wolfeboro will be making the nine-hour trip into Northern Maine, to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway area. There, the students will be camping out, and paddling through the area’s lakes, rivers and streams, for the next eight-and-a-half-days.
Jamie Hannon of the AMTP, who will co-lead the trip with Kristen Reilly, said, "The organization "hasn’t gone up (to the area) for several years, but it was once a regular trip." Hannon, who has personally done the trip several times, said that this is "one of the most remote river trips in New England," and is known for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and its lack of crowds.
Still, the focus of the trip is not just for teens to see the sights in area, but to create "a really great opportunity for a group of teenagers to bond, to face challenges and feel success with those challenges," Hannon said.
The group will head out this Sunday morning, July 17, and will return the July 26. "For all of them (the teen participants), this will be their longest camping trip ever, for several, it will be their first," says Hannon. While up in Maine, the teens will be doing all of their own cooking, cleaning, and will even be chopping their own firewood. They will also be taking in the wildlife of the area, including moose, eagles and lynx, as well as doing their own fishing.
Hannon says that community sponsors have been vital in putting together the trip, "other wise it might not be possible for a group of kids to come."
The Appalachian Mountain Teen Project has also been sponsoring other events in the area, including a fishing and canoe series, hiking days in the Ossipee Mountains, and will be putting together rock climbing trips in August.
New Restaurant opens in New Durham
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — Those traveling down Route 11 might notice the signage for the restaurant located along the highway has changed. But that certainly isn’t everything that’s changed about the restaurant.
The site, formerly occupied by the New Durham Railway Station restaurant, and has been completely redone, according to Johnson’s Seafood and Steak co-owner Ken West.
"We completely gutted the restaurant, everything has been replaced, including the siding and the septic tank. Everything down to the studs," said West.
Town Code Enforcement Officer Dave Lindberg echoed that sentiment, saying that all that was left of the previous set up was "four walls and a floor." Lindberg added that many of the changes were necessary, including the new wiring, to bring the building up to code.
West says that he and his business partner, Jeff Fenerty, have been working in the restaurant business for more than 50 years, combined.
West and his wife, who live in Eliot, Maine, are expecting their first child later this year. West said that the opening of a new restaurant and expecting his first child actually are similar in a lot of ways, "but the child is much more important."
The newly redone dining room features a kind of rustic feel, but also seats 160 patrons, more than the Railway Station. The tables and benches in the dining area are all new as well. West says that the new restaurant has been "busier than expected," since it opened last Monday, with a menu featuring items like steak tips, scallops and lobster rolls, along with Richardson’s ice cream. West says that the dining room is the majority of the business, but there are also outdoor picnic tables and a take-out menu.
West said that he and Fenerty found the construction process as a whole to be the most difficult part of the project. "We’re not developers," he said.
West added that the town of New Durham had been very receptive and helpful as the business got up and ready.
He paid particular compliment to Lindberg, whom West said was very helpful in explaining what needed to be done on the property.
Orlowicz says scholarship is above board
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — At the July 6 Selectmen’s meeting, some confusion regarding the Douglas Scruton Memorial Scholarship was discussed. Planning Board alternate Cathy Orlowicz would like to clear up any confusion regarding this scholarship, specifically that "There are no illegal activities."
There did seem to be some disagreement among board members and residents about the Scruton scholarship’s status. The issue involved whether or not checks had been made out to the town for the scholarship and the scholarship’s status.
Police Chief Shawn Bernier was at the meeting and said he felt that "The perception at the Selectmen’s meeting was that she (Orlowicz) was doing something illegal. Nothing illegal is going on." Bernier added that he had looked at everything Orlowicz had done up to that point, and found nothing illegal going on either.
Orlowicz says that she is "not sure what was said at the meeting," regarding the issue, as she has yet to be able to view the recording of the meeting. She did say, however, that she had gone through an extensive process to set up the scholarship up to this point. "I talked to the attorney general’s office, lawyers, bankers and the IRS," says Orlowicz, who says that none of the checks she knew of were made out to the town.
Selectman Ron Gehl said that there had been a misunderstanding, and that there had been confusion related to an article written in another newspaper that seemed to give the impression that a trust fund had been set up.
Gehl says that "it was certainly not the intent," if the impression was given that illegal things were taking place. "It was just a question about whether we were following proper procedure."
Orlowicz says that if there were not this perception of illegality, she would have been presented the scholarship to the town to hand over to the town trustees to manage. Orlowicz says that this is currently the situation with similar scholarships, including the Richard Bickford scholarship.
Orlowicz says that the situation is different now. "This has to be handled differently now that there is perception of illegal activity."
She added that she was working with lawyers to find the best way to proceed. "Its unfortunate, one phone call would have made a big difference," says Orlowicz.
Orlowicz added that while the funding issues are still being decided, she would be continuing her training for the 2006 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., which was the focus of her fund-raising activities. "People are excited that this is a scholarship that will benefit students of New Durham only," Orlowicz says, adding that Scruton was well known in the community for his commitment to the children of New Durham.
Scruton, New Durham’s former police chief, died suddenly last July, at 56. He was honored earlier this year when the Police Department named its new building for him, as well as dedicating a bench. At this memorial service, Orlowicz announced that she was going to try and put together a scholarship in his honor.
Hannaford breaking ground soon, soon
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
ALTON— While initial, and perhaps optimistic, plans were made for the groundbreaking of the Alton Hannaford’s supermarket last month, it was not to be. A more realistic timetable has been put in place, however, that may allow such a ceremony to take place later this month.
Alton Town Planner Kathy Menici, who inherited the project from her predecessor after much of the work on the plans had been done, said that the developers "are still setting everything."
She added that the project, which will be the largest commercial building project in Alton’s history, has faced some unique challenges, but also has been subject to similar pitfalls that apply to smaller projects as well.
"Coordinating all of that (the pieces needed for the project), to the point where they can begin construction is a huge task." Menici added that in her years in involvement with construction, she has never "seen a project actually start when they hope to."
The June groundbreaking had been the initial goal of developer Bob Bahre’s team, but issues involving turnaround with state agencies and those involving wetlands in the area have been among those delaying the project.
Menici, however, said that she will be having a pre-construction meeting with the developers next week. She expects actual construction to begin three to five weeks after this meeting. Representatives of both the developer and Hannaford’s were contacted for this article, but did not respond by press time.
Menici speculated that designing the project to reduce impact on the wetlands in the area was a challenge for the development team, as was having to deal with state agencies.
She said that for now, until the traffic pattern can be studied, a yellow signal light will be installed when the store opens its location near the traffic circle, and that there might be a "possibility down the road for a signalized intersection."
"With a project of this magnitude, its not unusual for a late start," Menici also said. The development groups put forward their best effort, she explained, but have to rely on state agencies.
Playing and growing in Alton
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
ALTON — While many parents often have a hard time figuring out what to do with their school age children during the summer, those with young children also face the same problems. Older siblings still might not be old enough to keep watch over their brothers and sisters all summer, and those that are may have a summer job. Also, many new parents and those new to the area face additional stresses of having to create a new family dynamic. Fortunately, for those in Alton, there is a program that allows parents to interact with their children and other parents to help alleviate some of those stresses, and begin to build social interaction skills in children.
The Play, Learn and Grow program was begun in Alton last year, according to Laura MacStravic and Tami Carpentiere, who help run the drop-in-program located at the Alton Bay Community Center. The two said that a similar program located in Laconia, "Giggles and Grins," helped to provide the inspiration for the program in Alton, which began in March of 2004.
"The parents who started the Alton playgroup had been members (of the one in Laconia)," according to Carpentiere. MacStravic says that she originally was a part of the program, along with her son Liam, and when the founders’ children became to old for the program, signed on to help lead it.
She says that the program helped to ease her transition into Alton, as she and her family had only recently moved in prior to her involvement. "I know so many more people, because of this program," she says, adding, "It is definitely a good place for parents to talk."
The program is intended for children from infants to age 5. MacStravic says that many of the activities are intended for toddlers and very young children, and that "six year olds kind of get bored with the activities planned for toddlers," especially, she says, once the older children start school.
The program does require that caretakers or parents of the children involved be present to allow them to be part of the playgroup. "We provide the toys and space," says MacStravic, "the parents provide the interaction." Still, the program is free for those who attend the Tuesday and Thursday activities.
The group is sponsored by several county and regional groups, and the Alton Parks and Recreation Department provides the space for free. "The town has been pretty helpful," says MacStravic.
Carpentiere says that the program is in Alton to help "social interaction and to help parents who need help with their parenting skills." With that in mind, parents can help organize events, such as CPR classes, through the group’s online message board (altonsplaygroup.proboards31.com).
Additional information on the program can be obtained at the Alton Parks and Recreation office. The Play, Learn and Grow program runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Fireworks as aah-some as always
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
ALTON — Thousands gathered on the water and on land to watch the annual Alton Fireworks display July 2. Hundreds of boats floated for hours in Alton Bay in anticipation of the fireworks display, which was launched from two barges anchored in the Bay. Thousands sat or stood along the commercial areas of town, and bridges and other areas were filled with people looking to view the show.
The show featured blasts of red, white and blue, along with green and multicolored fireworks. Patriotic songs played from the town’s gazebo, and the mood was set as a celebration of the 229th anniversary of the nation’s independence.
With all of these people in the Bay at once, there were some logistical issues. Nearly every available parking space in the area, and along Route 28A was used, and some "spots" had to be improvised by creative attendees. Also, there was some consternation expressed by the crowds as the fireworks display was delayed for the final setting of the sun and twilight. While scheduled to begin at 9:20 pm, the first fireworks did not start going up for another 25 minutes, and the show did not start in earnest for another five.
Still, most seemed to be very pleased with the display. A large ovation followed both of the climactic displays from each barge, and ten or fifteen minutes later, those who attended were still loudly shouting "fantastic" and "bravo."
Steve Stock, of Barnstead, who attends the Alton fireworks annually, said that the Alton fireworks "are one of the best in the area." Comments from those who attended were that this year’s was no different, and was worth the extra time and traffic.
New Durham Planners continue look at Master Plan sections
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
NEW DURHAM — While the New Durham Planning Board’s discussion of the most recent revisions to sections of the town’s Master Plan dominated much of the July 5 meeting, other business was conducted as well.
The board accepted the application of Paul and Mary George for a three-lot subdivision of their property on Brackett Rd. The board did make their acceptance contingent on the addition of materials to the current plans they had received, including markers for utility poles, test pits and soil data, but received assurances from Paul George and his agent, that those changes would be forthcoming. Vice Chairman Don Voltz said that the lot itself was "comfortably oversized" and was thus likely to fulfill all requirements with regards to setbacks.
George also agreed to allow the town to widen Brackett Rd. along his property, where it currently narrows. A site walk was scheduled for July 18 at 8 a.m. and the public hearing on the application continued to the Aug. 2 meeting of the board.
The planners also were scheduled to meet with local horticulturist Les Turner about the subdivision of his lot on Old Rte. 11, but issues involving the design, as well as the fact that one of the abutters had not received notice of the public hearing, caused the board to continue the application as well.
Much as the Master Plan discussion focused on the cosmetic changes the board had discussed in recent weeks. Issues of grammar and language were the primary concern.
Local resident Jim Taylor suggested a line that would mandate town officials adhere to town rules also suggest ways for citizens to become involved, as well as giving resources to officials charged with enforcing town regulations and statutes. The discussion on the matter will continue at the July 19 Planning Board workshop meeting, where they will also discuss the Open Space Subdivision ordinance.
Planners keep on trucking, applications studied
By Jim Shilander
Staff Writer
ALTON — While the June 21 Alton Planning Board meeting ended, there was still work to be done. So the board reconvened June 28 to look at some of the outstanding appointments from the week before.
A close look was taken at the application of Midwest Towers LLC, which was proposing the construction of cellular antennae on Prospect Mountain Rd. Gillan Marine, which is proposing to expand a boat sales facility and to build a new 11,600 sq. foot building on the property located on Route 11, was also under the board’s microscope June 28.
The tower application’s acceptance was not granted at this meeting. Board member Tom Varney talked about the current antenna owned by US Cellular, and whether or not there might be a violation with the new towers installed there. Town Planner Kathy Menici said that no site plan had been put in for the newest antennas, though a representative of the company did meet with her to say that they will work with the town to straighten things out.
The non-compliance of the US Cellular tower, however, may affect the acceptance and ultimately, the approval, of the application of Midwest Towers’ project. Menici said at the meeting that the owners of the tower were the ones who informed the town of the violation, not US Cellular.
She also said that the company has not been cooperating with the owners. The board passed a motion to continue the discussion of the Midwest Tower application. This motion also included allowing Menici to contact the tower owner to urge him to contact US Cellular in writing and to let the code enforcement officer know that the site was in violation.
Gillan Marine
There was some discussion about the ability of Gillan Marine’s proposed site to comply with town regulations. Menici reported that areas that were supposed to be used for parking were know display areas, and that areas that were supposed to have grass were paved over.
Ernest Gillan said at the meeting that the code enforcement officer had told him to go ahead with plans to pave the parking lot, and that he did not need a permit for such actions. Menici reported that the code officer disagreed with that version of events.
The board agreed to continue the discussion of acceptance of the application at their July 19 meeting, and that the board as a whole would conduct a compliance inspection of the site July 7.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Cacao
Last night, Adam and Shannon invited me to go see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory last night in Meredith. I have yo say, I disagree with something a lot of critics have been saying. Most have been saying that Johnny Depp played Wonka like Michael Jackson, or at least, as some sort of pedophile. If anything, I felt like he hated children, really, which seems very similar to a lot of characters who work in professions involving children in movies. I enjoyed it a lot, I really did, because it was so totally different from the musical version. The use of Deep Roy to play all of the Oompa Loompas, and then the inventive songs he (they?) sang, and then the amazingly colorful set work, it realy was a joy to watch. I usually don't enjoy remakes, but this was more of a reimagining of the book, not the first movie, so it worked for me.
I wanted to add something to my post from Monday. As I go for my nightly walks and I think about thing, one thought keeps creeping into my head: "Wow, I can't believe I'm here." To be quite frank, at this time last year I was still to wrapped up in myself to see straight. My focus was on finding an internship, getting thru classes, trying to find a way to spend the least amount I could on the CTA during the week. A few months later, it was working on my project and trying to work through the two very different jobs at Chicago magazine and TKA. I never thought I'd be someplace like this. Oh, I recognized the possibility that I'd be somewhere new of course, but I think the reality never quite set in. Now, of course it has. That's the funny thing about life, as John Lennon correctly observed in "Beautiful Boy", its "what happens when you're too busy making other plans."
I'll post my stories from the last couple weeks on Monday, and I'll post about more stuff tomorrow, just needed to get a few things off my mind tonight.
I wanted to add something to my post from Monday. As I go for my nightly walks and I think about thing, one thought keeps creeping into my head: "Wow, I can't believe I'm here." To be quite frank, at this time last year I was still to wrapped up in myself to see straight. My focus was on finding an internship, getting thru classes, trying to find a way to spend the least amount I could on the CTA during the week. A few months later, it was working on my project and trying to work through the two very different jobs at Chicago magazine and TKA. I never thought I'd be someplace like this. Oh, I recognized the possibility that I'd be somewhere new of course, but I think the reality never quite set in. Now, of course it has. That's the funny thing about life, as John Lennon correctly observed in "Beautiful Boy", its "what happens when you're too busy making other plans."
I'll post my stories from the last couple weeks on Monday, and I'll post about more stuff tomorrow, just needed to get a few things off my mind tonight.
Monday, July 11, 2005
How do you measure a year?
So, I'm now 24, and the last week or so has really made me go ahead and take a hard look at the past year, and the memories I've made and the fun I've had the last few years.
Last week, I think that John and I were much more like "us" than we've been in a while. Really, for the first time since the dramatic parts of senior year, because by then I was dating Karen, then we both were busy in Chicago, then came the breakup, and again our relationship changed again. I think now, with the distance of time and space, we might actually be able to get back to what we had before, except without seeing each other every day.
Its funny really, but if you look back over this blog, and as I think back to where I was at this point last year, it really is amazing how busy I've been, and the things I've been able to do, especially considering where I was emotionally at this point last year. In the last calendar year, I have lived in 5 states (Illinois, Michigan, Virginia, Maryland, New Hampshire) and the District of Columbia. I have gone from basically doing not much at OCC, to interning or helping out at Chicago Mag and TKA, and now here I am writing stories every week, doing the job I wanted to do, the job I trained to do. Its really a rush. While I still think that last year (2004) as a whole was among the worst ever, I think that looking back on it, there were a lot more positives in the second half of the year than I thought (with the prominent exception of the election).
This past week I also received The Eminem Show from Amazon, which brought back many fine memories of trips to Jackson and Battle Creek with Laura and Susan. There have just been a ton of these memories flooding in this past week. Frankly, I'm glad of it. Sometimes its great to think about everyone you know, and the impact they've all had on your lives. Especially given what happened Thursday and how close I came to losing Karen and Audrey.
Last week, I think that John and I were much more like "us" than we've been in a while. Really, for the first time since the dramatic parts of senior year, because by then I was dating Karen, then we both were busy in Chicago, then came the breakup, and again our relationship changed again. I think now, with the distance of time and space, we might actually be able to get back to what we had before, except without seeing each other every day.
Its funny really, but if you look back over this blog, and as I think back to where I was at this point last year, it really is amazing how busy I've been, and the things I've been able to do, especially considering where I was emotionally at this point last year. In the last calendar year, I have lived in 5 states (Illinois, Michigan, Virginia, Maryland, New Hampshire) and the District of Columbia. I have gone from basically doing not much at OCC, to interning or helping out at Chicago Mag and TKA, and now here I am writing stories every week, doing the job I wanted to do, the job I trained to do. Its really a rush. While I still think that last year (2004) as a whole was among the worst ever, I think that looking back on it, there were a lot more positives in the second half of the year than I thought (with the prominent exception of the election).
This past week I also received The Eminem Show from Amazon, which brought back many fine memories of trips to Jackson and Battle Creek with Laura and Susan. There have just been a ton of these memories flooding in this past week. Frankly, I'm glad of it. Sometimes its great to think about everyone you know, and the impact they've all had on your lives. Especially given what happened Thursday and how close I came to losing Karen and Audrey.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
London Calling
I woke up this morning knowing something was wrong. I didn't know what. I went to my computer, not wanting to wake John up on the futon. John arrived Sunday, and its been great having him here, though I've had to work the last couple of days, now we have time to visit more. But I looked around online, and then saw what happened in London. I woke John up, to tell him that there were explosions in London. Karen and Audrey are in London. As far as I knew, they both take the tube everyday.
I remember what it was like turning the TV on on Tuesday Sept. 11 2001. But it didn't personally affect me as much as what happened today. Paul Rahn was in New York at the time, but he wasn't working in the WTC. I had no clue where Audrey and Karen worked. I had no idea when they traveled, when they were on the tube. And I was afraid for them, I really was. I thought, for a moment that maybe I'd lost them both, without having a chance to see them again. I can't lie and say that it hasn't been weighing on my mind all day. Luckily, when I restarted my IM at around 11 this morning, Karen's name popped up and I confirmed she was ok. It seems that she was on the tube when it happened, but not near the area at the time, though she did see blood at one of the stations. Audrey was at work and unaffected. And I breathed a sigh of relief. John and I had tried to call Karen's flat, I tried to call Audrey's number, Audrey's mother, and finally, tried to call Albion, to see if they had been checked on the two of them. They had not. It turns out, I only got there whereabouts by luck.
Terrorism really never effected me this way before. Not personally like this. When it happened in New York, I only had a tenuous connection to the city. Here, I had very personal connections, even if its been a long time since I've seen Audrey. I'd never had anything hit me like this. Thank God that both of them are safe, and condolences to those who have lost loved ones. To Ms. Coleman and Ms. Green- Thank you for staying safe and for being with us. Expect some very big hugs when I see you both.
I remember what it was like turning the TV on on Tuesday Sept. 11 2001. But it didn't personally affect me as much as what happened today. Paul Rahn was in New York at the time, but he wasn't working in the WTC. I had no clue where Audrey and Karen worked. I had no idea when they traveled, when they were on the tube. And I was afraid for them, I really was. I thought, for a moment that maybe I'd lost them both, without having a chance to see them again. I can't lie and say that it hasn't been weighing on my mind all day. Luckily, when I restarted my IM at around 11 this morning, Karen's name popped up and I confirmed she was ok. It seems that she was on the tube when it happened, but not near the area at the time, though she did see blood at one of the stations. Audrey was at work and unaffected. And I breathed a sigh of relief. John and I had tried to call Karen's flat, I tried to call Audrey's number, Audrey's mother, and finally, tried to call Albion, to see if they had been checked on the two of them. They had not. It turns out, I only got there whereabouts by luck.
Terrorism really never effected me this way before. Not personally like this. When it happened in New York, I only had a tenuous connection to the city. Here, I had very personal connections, even if its been a long time since I've seen Audrey. I'd never had anything hit me like this. Thank God that both of them are safe, and condolences to those who have lost loved ones. To Ms. Coleman and Ms. Green- Thank you for staying safe and for being with us. Expect some very big hugs when I see you both.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
The Office
Just like I did a while ago, when I showed pictures of some of the sights of my life here, here's photos of my co-workers:
This is Adam Drapcho. He's my colleague on The Baysider. He lives in town with his girlfriend Shannon, and they're both really great.
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This is Adam Drapcho. He's my colleague on The Baysider. He lives in town with his girlfriend Shannon, and they're both really great.
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Here's Peter Adam Coughlin. He works mainly on the Granite. He's been in the office for about a month, and he and Drapcho helped give me the nickname "Bones" as a sort of tag team effort.
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Trying to Get Healthy
So, in an attempt to get healthy, I'm trying to change my diet a bit. So in an attempt to find a way to get lots of good things into my diet, I've taken to doing the truly American thing - blending them all together, rather than making the effort to have all of them individually. I start my mornings now with a nice fruity breakfast, which you see here, and then have a much less delicous drink later in the day, one with lots of veggies that really don't lead to a pleasing color, though they are healthy.
Here's the start of the fruit drink. The classic...orange juice. I have yet to work up to egg yolks.
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Here's the start of the fruit drink. The classic...orange juice. I have yet to work up to egg yolks.
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